E46 328 - high mileage/longevity etc.

[hugh_]

I'm considering an E46 328 and there's a leggy one (130k) for sale locally. I'd have thought it's a fairly under-stressed engine so the mileage shouldnt be a problem beyond the usual things you'd expect to wear out with that sort of mileage?

[LordGrover]

My E46 330 has 120k on it but you wouldn't believe it to see it or drive it. I think it's good for as much again.

[Fox-]

Age is what causes problems on something like a 328 - it'll be over a decade old - rather than mileage.

[hugh_]

Fox- said:

Age is what causes problems on something like a 328 - it'll be over a decade old - rather than mileage.

It's a 2000W with an April build so basically a decade old. What are the age related problems of which you speak? I'm aware of the radiators/fans, bushes generally and rear sub-frame issues.

Thanks for the replies.

[phelix]

An autobox at that age could be problematic but otherwise no major issues beyond those you've mentioned. We have a 145K mile T reg E46 328i that's been pretty good.

[hugh_]

I should have mentioned that it's a manual, the gear linkage seems a bit sloopy between neutral and the right hand side of the gate but other than that no nasty noises from the transmission.

[phelix]

hugh_ said:

I should have mentioned that it's a manual, the gear linkage seems a bit sloopy between neutral and the right hand side of the gate but other than that no nasty noises from the transmission.

That's very typical and caused by the spring loaded plungers that provide the left/right centring force binding in their bores. The pukka fix is to replace them but I had good results by changing the gearbox lube to Redline MTL and that solved the problem as well.

[Mave]

Mine sometimes sticks going from 5th down to 4th, ie it sticks a bit going across the gate to the 3rd / 4th plane - is that the same issue?

[phelix]

Mave said:

Mine sometimes sticks going from 5th down to 4th, ie it sticks a bit going across the gate to the 3rd / 4th plane - is that the same issue?

[boobles]

My 328 only has 62k on the clock & is immaculate. Whats your budget?

[Mave]

phelix said:

Mave said:

Mine sometimes sticks going from 5th down to 4th, ie it sticks a bit going across the gate to the 3rd / 4th plane - is that the same issue?

Ta. I'll see how I get on after the gearbox oil change in the spring then

[Jazzerd]

Can't say for a 328i but Ive owned a 2001 330d for going on 7 years, it's now at 176k and besides tyres and servicing all I can think it has needed is a propshaft bush(1), fuel pump(2), MAF(2), brakes(#) and balljoints(2?).

The exhaust, clutch battery etc are all original and (touches wood) still going strong.

It has been just as reliable over the last 40k miles as it was when we bought it.On top of that it doesn't rattle or squeak at all.

[Welshbeef]

A mate has a v reg 328i se auto saloon leather. Frankly really nice car still pulls strongly looks good however his brake pipes are shot and he had a quote no garage wants to do the work so main dealer only so he is getting rid before the mot is due as it will fail.
It has been main dealer seeviced from new his dad bought it new then he sold it to his son my mate.

Think it has 140k ish and he's happy to let her go for £2k To 3k