What to look out for when buying a used e46?

[Jamie]

Hi,

I am going to look at a 2002 51 reg 318ci on saturday. In fact im having a used car check done on the car this friday since im pretty sure im gonna buy it (its a bargain, but have a guess at the price if you like :D :D ) Its standard apart from 17" star style wheels and 6 disc autochanger.

Its on 89k with full BMW SH, all documented. Its an ex company car, so all m-way miles.

I will haggle on price depending on what the report comes out with, but wanted to ask you lot on what you have found go wrong with ur cars at this mileage (if anything) and also anything I can look out for, pull at etc, or what shouldnt be rattling etc

All comments appriciated

thanks alot

Jamie

[Stock323iSaloon]

sub frame damage, heating issues (thermostat, air con), control arms...

[Jamie]

sub frame damage, heating issues (thermostat, air con), control arms...


Heating issues - hummm, as in erratic climate control? Im currently driving my dads 2001 320d and its climate control sometimes just blasts out full power, when the power guage is low, just does it as and when it pleases..is this what you mean? if so, could this be thermostat related?

[Stock323iSaloon]

what I meant was E46s are prone to thermostat, waterpump and final stage resistor failure. they are relatively cheap and easy to replace so no bother, but if u can make sure they are working then that's better:) faulty thermostat will either be open or closed at all times. when mine failed, the temp wouldn't reach the normal temp (12 o clock position) when I was driving. it only reached 12 o clock position when I was stationary or driving v slowly. as for the final stage resistor, i think this controls the blower so any problems with the blower, this may be the culprit. more seriously, u should be careful of subframe damage as replacement is v expensive and because it's quite common, some companies are even selling reinforcement kits! there's so much more to look out for but i'm only speaking based on my own experience

[h4pry]

It is a nice car but before you buy make sure the lack of power wont bother you 3 months down the line.

IMO its better to try squeeze a 6 pot into your budget :)

[Jamie]

It is a nice car but before you buy make sure the lack of power wont bother you 3 months down the line.

IMO its better to try squeeze a 6 pot into your budget :)

Thanks, but trust me, going from a 90 bhp 318tds to a 150bhp 2.0L is gonna be more than enough.....

[Stock323iSaloon]

Jamie I forgot to tell u that I had a problem with my accerelator pedal on my car. just became v stiff and had to get that replaced. I think 2001+ cars have a improved/different set up for the pedal mechanism but just letting u know...

As for the bigger engine, i guess anyone will get used to any car quickly so i hope u don't get bored after a few months. the straight 6 engine is v smooth and has lots of low end torque for motorway driving it's great:) speaking of torque, i drove my friend's E36 325tds recently and I was v surprised how good it was on the m/way!

[Afif]

dont let them win you over man. 4 pots forever [jam.