330i Sport Touring
Discussion
I'm off to look at what seems to be in the high res pics a rather lovely 90k mile 2002 E46 on Sunday. 3 owners, FBMW I think. Not a huge amount in the way of extra but hey, ho.
Anyway, to put it bluntly I've got no idea about them. No idea about service intervals,if they have timing belts or chains. Simply not a clue.
So, if anyone has any pointer, links or wordly wise tips, I'm all ears. Thanks in advance.
Anyway, to put it bluntly I've got no idea about them. No idea about service intervals,if they have timing belts or chains. Simply not a clue.
So, if anyone has any pointer, links or wordly wise tips, I'm all ears. Thanks in advance.
It will be a timing chain rather than a belt, these last huge mileages & often outlive the engine apparently so nothing to worry about.
Watch out for snapped springs, a common problem that often goes unoticed.
The cooling system can be quite weak too at that mileage so take a good look at it all, especially the radiator to see if it has bowed.
Good that its just had Inspection 1, this means the next service will be the cheaper oil service.
Best of luck with the car search!
Watch out for snapped springs, a common problem that often goes unoticed.
The cooling system can be quite weak too at that mileage so take a good look at it all, especially the radiator to see if it has bowed.
Good that its just had Inspection 1, this means the next service will be the cheaper oil service.
Best of luck with the car search!
Edited by Mark_J_W on Friday 7th January 18:01
Echoing what everyone else has said and adding:
Cam position sensors (As I mentioned on my thread you responded to)
Check the rear diff - they can leak, but it tends to be at higher miles
Same with shocks - careful on the tourer it's a harder job to replace the rears (You have to take all the trim out)
Coolant system - rad/plastic expansion-y (Son't know the proper name, sorry) bit is prone to cracking/leaking
Nothing too serious, just a couple of things to look out for based on my ownership experiences with 4x E46's!
PS - You will love the test drive, so have fun!
Cam position sensors (As I mentioned on my thread you responded to)
Check the rear diff - they can leak, but it tends to be at higher miles
Same with shocks - careful on the tourer it's a harder job to replace the rears (You have to take all the trim out)
Coolant system - rad/plastic expansion-y (Son't know the proper name, sorry) bit is prone to cracking/leaking
Nothing too serious, just a couple of things to look out for based on my ownership experiences with 4x E46's!
PS - You will love the test drive, so have fun!
Luke. said:
Went for a Subaru Outback 3.0Rn in the end. The BMW just left me a little cold. 
Fair enough, each to their own! (I like the Outback's, so make sure you post some pics and let us know how you get on with it!)What was it about the 330i you didn't get on with, I know (think) you posted in another forum it felt 'slow' or words to that effect?
j44esd said:
Luke. said:
Went for a Subaru Outback 3.0Rn in the end. The BMW just left me a little cold.
Fair enough, each to their own! (I like the Outback's, so make sure you post some pics and let us know how you get on with it!)What was it about the 330i you didn't get on with, I know (think) you posted in another forum it felt 'slow' or words to that effect?
.You know when you see a car and you know it's feels right, well the 330i just didn't.
Saw the Outback the following week and it just seemed to have more character, not to mention buckets of toys including full length sunroof, heated seats, bit more power, touchscreen sat nave etc and 4 wheel drive which is something I'm going to need shortly as Im moving out of London and into the country.
Jobbo said:
Hmm, so the fantastic prep expected of that particular seller didn't transpire? Shame.
It was slightly disappointing. I also noticed a rattle in the exhaust, which was put down to a loose heat shield and would be sorted before selling. Nothing major though, just didnt click with it. Also the Subaru a good 3 years newer too.Luke. said:
Jobbo said:
Hmm, so the fantastic prep expected of that particular seller didn't transpire? Shame.
It was slightly disappointing. I also noticed a rattle in the exhaust, which was put down to a loose heat shield and would be sorted before selling. Nothing major though, just didnt click with it. Also the Subaru a good 3 years newer too.
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