318ti E46

[nickc4]

Hi there

Hope you are well

Recently purchased a 318ti E46 2002 with 71k miles.

A few concerns and worry now if a mistake. Probably a confidence thing to ensure safe for wife and kids

There was evidence of an oil leak so was told O rings on the solenoids of which I did myself with the help of you tube. Did a good job and cleaned all around there.

At times, not always, still smell the odd oil smell in the car but not for long. Worry if anything else serious.

Car has MOT until Sep 17 and took the car to an MOT stations to check vehicle and no issues on suspension, even though hence signs of wobble/tram lining. MOT station suggested tyres and tracking as front tyre little bald and no signs of bearings. A recent receipt back in Jan 16 from main dealer had a lot of suspension work but mentioned oil leak and steam cleaning engine. Also issues with rear parking sensors.

Worry if CVV or any other leak? Seen tonight some dampness in the dark (so not sure) right below belts. The most lowest hose potentially?

Really worry.

Apologies in advance for being an idiot or asking silly questions

Regards
Nick

[helix402]

These engines are renowned for oil leaks. They were made in Birmingham. Common sources of leaks are: vacuum pumps, cam cover gaskets, oil filter housing gaskets, sump gaskets, Vanos solenoid o-rings. Also worth changing the timing chain tensioner to try and prolong chain life. Valvetronic Motors pack up too.

[nickc4]

Cheers

Was better off getting 325 then? Or also suffer from oil leaks?

Cant seem to download pic

[s m]

nickc4 said:

Cheers

Was better off getting 325 then? Or also suffer from oil leaks?

Cant seem to download pic

325 can suffer from leaking cam cover gaskets as they age......or from the oil filter housing if someone has whanged the oil filter housing cap up too tight after an oil change

[Mr Tidy]

s m said:

325 can suffer from leaking cam cover gaskets as they age......or from the oil filter housing if someone has whanged the oil filter housing cap up too tight after an oil change

And the CCV can be a potential problem - but a straight 6 has to be a better idea!

[nickc4]

Hi there

How can I tell if CVV an issue?

[Vince70]

You can tell when the CCV is blocked as the car will idle too high (it's also worth removing the idle control valve and giving it a spray with some carb cleaner if the car doesn't get much use..

I take the idle control valve of my BMWs once a year when I service the cars as its only a 5 minute job to clean it out with some poundland carb cleaner.

[nickc4]

Hi there

Thank you for the reply.

Idle is ok. Just over the 500 rpm line when warm and stable.

Any pics of the idle control valve?

Just want to ensure no leaks.

Sump gasket a big job? Need to check if it is.

Power Steering heavy on these?

[Vince70]

I'm not sure on those later 318 engines but on the 1.8 M43 and M44 it's right in front of you I think it's on the throttle body or inlet manifold if I can remember correctly and its held on with two Allen key bolts..
I've always changed the bolts to stainless steel and use a bit of copper slip on the threads plus it has a paper gasket which you have to be careful of when you remove it.

[helix402]

Afraid that engine in your pics has no similarities to the ops.