Anything to look out for on E46...?

[Paul_B]

Hi guys,

Going to look at a 328 at the weekend for the missus. Anything major to look out for on these?

Sorry if this has been posted before, couldn't find anything.

Cheers,

Paul

[LC23]

Rear subframe coming away. My brother had this on his 328Ci and BMW covered the cost (around £2.5k).

Windows and central locking system can be a weak point. Rear springs and front wishbone bushes.

[Paul_B]

LC23 said:

Rear subframe coming away. My brother had this on his 328Ci and BMW covered the cost (around £2.5k).

Sounds severe! Was this a common problem?

[007singh]

Check out e46zone.com

Great UK forum for e46 motors. (Though being a member, I would say that!)

There is buying guide here: http://www.e46zone.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=1...

Check it out, hope it helps. If you get one, do sign up to the Zone!

[5678]

Was it just the coupe that suffered from the rear subframe issues? I'm looking at a Touring tomorrow.

[chrisx666]

From memory:

Rear subframe on early 6-cylinder cars
Front wishbone bushes and balljoints
Broken springs (normally rear)
Corroded rear brake pipes
Thermostat housing leaks
Key fob (check both keys work, and alternate them to keep the battery charged)
ECU for central locking and windows (goes nuts, impossible to open passenger door by any method!!)
Fan always on full (resistor failure)
Oil level sensor failure
Steering column bush rattles

Some of these points are so common that they may have already occured a number of times in the cars life - and are not particularly expensive (springs for example).

Other 'faults' are more subjective, like the SE seats that almost crippled me and the pathetic standard stereo system.

[LC23]

Paul_B said:

LC23 said:

Rear subframe coming away. My brother had this on his 328Ci and BMW covered the cost (around £2.5k).

Sounds severe! Was this a common problem?

I don't think you'd go so far as to say common, but known issue.

[TonyRPH]

This has been covered a few times in recent months.

See this thread

My contribution was:

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.

[4rephill]

LC23 said:

Rear subframe coming away.

Paul_B said:

Sounds severe! Was this a common problem?

LC23 said:

I don't think you'd go so far as to say common, but known issue.

TonyRPH said:

7. Rear floor subframe mounting tear (mostly pre '99 models and doesn't seem to affect 330's though)

If I recall correctly, BMW deal with this issue on a case by case basis and it may well be getting difficult to get them to rectify the problem now.

There were two repair methods used depending on if the cracks were above 20mm in length or over 20mm in length. If they were under 20mm then the cracks were repaired. If the cracks were over 20mm then the entire boot floor was replaced with a later reinforced floor.(see post #318 here: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=1058... )
(Not sure if BMW UK did the structural epoxy repair as mentioned or welded strengthening plates to the area).

Be aware that the cost of repair for this issue can be as much as £4K~£5K at BMW due to the amount of labour involved and can take a couple of weeks to complete.

As has been said, it does not affect every single car but if you're contemplating buying an E46 328i, check it out carefully!.

[Paul_B]

Thanks again guys, some useful info. We've been to look at one, a 328ci funnily enough. Was absolutely mint, but she has decided she doesn't like grey leather!

I'll check out e46zone, was looking for something like that but couldn't find it.