High mileage E46 - things to watch for?

[edc]

I am on the look out for an E46 318Ci, might get one of the 6-cyl if the budget allows.

I am looking at sub £4k and most in this range are 99 to 2001 models with mileage from 75k to 120k.

Apart from the usual cosmetic damage is there anything I need to look out for?

I hear window regulators can go as can window/door seals.

How long is the clutch good for?

Wheel bearings, rear diff? Anything engine related to look out for? Cambelt/waterpump - when are they due replacement? How long is the original suspension good for?

Sorry for all the questions but I'd rather be prepared than come back asking how to fix things!

[the_g_ster]

At that age you may need to watch out for rear subframe mounts, though low power engines mean little torque on them so could be okay.

Then usual service history, avoid a car that has a chav as an owner who's got a coke can sized exhaust extension on there.

Then suspension bushes, all of them, rear springs can crack too, so check for them. Cooling system is a pain on older ones too, so expect to check well. Then windows as noted, and usually most of the rest is okay. You should check the car for even tyre wear, that at least suggests that it has been looked after, though doesn't mean the bushes are okay.

I would save for a few more months, 330 is a joy, and long as looked after there are not many cars out there of that age that are so nice.

[edc]

the_g_ster said:

At that age you may need to watch out for rear subframe mounts, though low power engines mean little torque on them so could be okay.

Then usual service history, avoid a car that has a chav as an owner who's got a coke can sized exhaust extension on there.

Then suspension bushes, all of them, rear springs can crack too, so check for them. Cooling system is a pain on older ones too, so expect to check well. Then windows as noted, and usually most of the rest is okay. You should check the car for even tyre wear, that at least suggests that it has been looked after, though doesn't mean the bushes are okay.

I would save for a few more months, 330 is a joy, and long as looked after there are not many cars out there of that age that are so nice.

Thanks - unfortuately can't wait months - probably need to deal next weekend!

What are the give-aways for rear subframe mounts/rear bushes.

Do these come with a water pump with a plastic or metal impellor?

What is the recommended cambelt interval?

[Matt UK]

I believe the sic-cyl engines are chain driven so no belts.

Get a 330i if you can. You won't regret it.

[Tminus2mins]

Check ALL the electrics, and especially the fan/blower/heater unit. oh and the air-con!

Also some of the trim i've noticed is easily broken so check for that, and if it has a light coloured cloth interior can mark easy.

[TonyRPH]

Read this thread

Below was my contribution to that thread.

TonyRPH said:

Common E46 problems:

1. Control Arms (ball joints)
2. Final stage resistor (heater / blower)
3. Rear shock mounts
4. Coupe door seals falling down
5. Water pump and Thermostat
6. Vanos replacement at 90-120k (seems to affect some models only)
7. Rear floor subframe mounting tear (mostly pre '99 models and doesn't seem to affect 330's though)

Also heard of discs needing regular replacement.

[Jazzerd]

TonyRPH said:

Read this thread

Below was my contribution to that thread.

TonyRPH said:

Common E46 problems:

1. Control Arms (ball joints)
2. Final stage resistor (heater / blower)
3. Rear shock mounts
4. Coupe door seals falling down
5. Water pump and Thermostat
6. Vanos replacement at 90-120k (seems to affect some models only)
7. Rear floor subframe mounting tear (mostly pre '99 models and doesn't seem to affect 330's though)

Also heard of discs needing regular replacement.

Trading in a 330d SE saloon next week with 182k on the clock, owned since it was 2.5 years old and I can vouch for points 1,2,3&5. Also be aware that the windscreen wiper motor can start to act up due to lube from the motor leaking onto the position sensors meaning the wipers will sporadically freeze when used on any speed other than max.

[TonyRPH]

Jazzerd said:

Also be aware that the windscreen wiper motor can start to act up due to lube from the motor leaking onto the position sensors meaning the wipers will sporadically freeze when used on any speed other than max.

That's interesting, as just before I sold mine, one day the wipers mysteriously stopped working, but a couple of hours later they were fine.

So I guess that's another to add to the list.

[S800VXR]

190k on my old 330 sport and front bushes go every 20k but you wont notice it untill you wonder why it wanders at speed around 20k later. apart from that I had a clutch and that was it. Great cars so ignore the miles and get the 6 cylinder engined one.

[Zooks]

I paid just over £4k for a 330ci with 95k fsh back in april.
Have good look around before you deal because there are affordable cars around privately. The 330 doesnt cost a fortune to run and makes you smile every time you turn the key.

Sub frame mounts mainly affected the earlier 325/328 e46 models.

[Acheron]

I've got a 318i Touring in silver, 139k on the clock. Slight missfire which i *think* is one of the ignition coils.

Just had new plugs and airfilter and no massive issues to be honest. My uncle owns a garage and had a look and said he would buy it from me if it were a diesel.

Im thinking of selling it anyway, just not quick enough and would love a Disco3.

[edc]

Cheers for all the tips seen one wreck of a 318 and a decent 323 which I missed out on.

[TonyRPH]

edc said:

Cheers for all the tips seen one wreck of a 318 and a decent 323 which I missed out on.

Avoid the 323 if you can - they were choked at the factory to meet German power laws (something to do with income tax).

325/330 best option.

[edc]

Thanks for all the tips. I ended up with a 2000 318Ci with a year's MOT and 6 month's tax for what I think was a keen price

[Goughie]

Jazzerd said:

TonyRPH said:

Read this thread

Below was my contribution to that thread.

TonyRPH said:

Common E46 problems:

1. Control Arms (ball joints)
2. Final stage resistor (heater / blower)
3. Rear shock mounts
4. Coupe door seals falling down
5. Water pump and Thermostat
6. Vanos replacement at 90-120k (seems to affect some models only)
7. Rear floor subframe mounting tear (mostly pre '99 models and doesn't seem to affect 330's though)

Also heard of discs needing regular replacement.

Trading in a 330d SE saloon next week with 182k on the clock, owned since it was 2.5 years old and I can vouch for points 1,2,3&5. Also be aware that the windscreen wiper motor can start to act up due to lube from the motor leaking onto the position sensors meaning the wipers will sporadically freeze when used on any speed other than max.

Looking to sell my 188K FBMWSH 330d sport myself. What have you been offered as a trade in if you don't mind me asking? PM if you prefer. TIA.

[Luca Brasi]

One more thing: the electric sunroof shade tends to jam after a while. My car is already using its 3rd set.
Other than that, it is an absolutely wonderful car to drive. Much better than a lot of modern FWD cars. Mine is 8 years old now (325 though) and it has never, ever let me down. Just replaced the front suspension bushings, water pump, viscous clutch, pulleys and belts so she should be good for another few years of 'Freude am Fahren'.

[dave144]

Keep an eye out for the airbag light been on. I had one and it turned out to be the seat occupancy sensor in the passenger seat, a total pain to replace and costly too!