2004 2.0 318i ES Touring

[Nick England]

Looking to pull the plug on one of these if the inspection is ok.

Mileage just under 100k, full service history, and 3 owners. Seems in good nick from the web. Price in shed territory though.

Anything to watch out on on these? From what I read they're pretty reliable.

Thanks,

Nick

Edited by Nick England on Saturday 29th February 20:47

[Touring442]

They can leak oil, the odd timing chain issue etc. Treat it as a shed, and when it chucks up a big bill, bin it off. They are lively and decent on fuel and pleasant enough to drive. Lots you can do to prevent problems - WD40 the tailgate glass hinges and exercise, plus plenty in the window channels to prevent the regulators from straining (the glass gets tight in the felt runners).

The engine is regarded as a bit of a lemon but they're so much better than the crap that followed. A six pot 320i/325i is nicer but they are all old enough to be aggro now.

[Nick England]

Hmm. Have read so many mixed, and mostly negative reviews, that I don't think I would like to go ahwad with it.

Am now looking at a similar era 320i 2.2 E46 auto tourer. Better bet?

[Touring442]

Six or two threes. They are all old cars now.

They are both a 15+ year old car - if it starts runs and drives without overheating or pissing oil out, go ahead. The best bet is the one that won't go wrong which of course is impossible to ascertain.

[helix402]

Nick England said:

Hmm. Have read so many mixed, and mostly negative reviews, that I don't think I would like to go ahwad with it.

Am now looking at a similar era 320i 2.2 E46 auto tourer. Better bet?

Why not a larger engine? If you want petrol all the sixes use the same amount of fuel.

[d_a_n1979]

helix402 said:

Why not a larger engine? If you want petrol all the sixes use the same amount of fuel.

Fully agree; this is what I've said over on the OP's 728i thread...