e46 320ci

Hurley6969

Hi, I was looking at getting an e46 320ci. Budget of 5k because of insurance. Looks like it’s the 01/02 models going for that amount. Does anyone here own one or know of any problems they have? I have come across some problems on the web but they could be down to poor owner care.
I don't know anything about Beemer’s so any advise on
issues these cars have/what to check apart from the usual would be appreciated.
Cheers

Mr Benevolent

Hurley6969 wrote: »

Hi, I was looking at getting an e46 320ci. Budget of 5k because of insurance. Looks like it’s the 01/02 models going for that amount. Does anyone here own one or know of any problems they have? I have come across some problems on the web but they could be down to poor owner care.
I don't know anything about Beemer’s so any advise on
issues these cars have/what to check apart from the usual would be appreciated.
Cheers

Cooling system will probably need to be replaced if it's over 100k miles, likewise suspension bushings etc.

carrick76

I have one for the last 4 years, great car but had to replace wishbone bushings (I think) after about 75k.....bumpy ride on some roads, 25-30mpg but engine sounds great.

on 92k, how will i know when cooling system needs replacing?

Sheeps

Google e46 sub frame. A recall was issued because of a fault with the rear sub frame that had a tendency to crack. They are great cars by all accounts, however when it comes to servicing and parts it's where it really gets expensive. you might be better off going with a 316 or a 318 if you want better fuel economy also.

Stevie Dakota

carrick76 wrote: »

on 92k, how will i know when cooling system needs replacing?

Watch the temp gauge like a hawk. First sign of anything irregular I'd change the T-stat and water pump and check all the hoses. Early intervention is not expensive.

I would look at getting them changed now if you plan to keep the car.

Hurley6969

Cheers for the replies

Confab wrote: »

Cooling system will probably need to be replaced if it's over 100k miles, likewise suspension bushings etc.

Is there anyway to tell if the cooling system was replaced or is it a given that any ones that are driving with over 100-115k have been done?

Sheeps wrote: »

Google e46 sub frame. A recall was issued because of a fault with the rear sub frame that had a tendency to crack. They are great cars by all accounts, however when it comes to servicing and parts it's where it really gets expensive. you might be better off going with a 316 or a 318 if you want better fuel economy also.

Had a look at the sub frame problem. BMW says its only looking at them for the USA and is not classified as a recall? So if buying one here do you literally just have to listen out for clunking or what?
Also the MPG isn't a massive problem as I don't do many miles.

Idbatterim

Op, why do you want 320ci is it for 6 cylinder engine? I currently have a 318ci, its a 00, AC told me the subframe needed repairing and I can hear a creak from back of car, now this issue allegedly doesn't effect cars produced after February 2000. The only thing about these cars that isnt the usual that you would expect is this subframe issue, everything else will be wear and tear or mileage related (like cooling etc).

Hurley6969

Idbatterim wrote: »

Op, why do you want 320ci is it for 6 cylinder engine? I currently have a 318ci, its a 00, AC told me the subframe needed repairing and I can hear a creak from back of car, now this issue allegedly doesn't effect cars produced after February 2000. The only thing about these cars that isnt the usual that you would expect is this subframe issue, everything else will be wear and tear or mileage related (like cooling etc).

Yeah I just like the engine and for me its what I can do tax and ins wise. Good to hear most probs are wear and tear.

Seth Brundle

Bear in mind that a BMW (like any car that size) can be expensive to maintain. Tyres will most likely be 18" so expect >€200 per corner for anything half decent. I'd get about two years out of a tyre at most (with limited rear end fun*).
Servicing isn't too bad, a lot of it can be DIY but some parts can be quite expensive. Use GSF or Euro Car Parts but unless its an unusual or critical part, I'd avoid BMW.
Plenty of BMW specialists and indys around who can sort out bigger problems without having to go to BMW with a tub of vaseline.


* no, not that kind!

carrick76

Sorry to hijack the thread but do any of you know a good independent garage to service my E46 320Ci in Galway city?

PaulKK

kbannon wrote: »

Bear in mind that a BMW (like any car that size) can be expensive to maintain. Tyres will most likely be 18" so expect >€200 per corner for anything half decent. I'd get about two years out of a tyre at most (with limited rear end fun*).

Rubbish. I get Falken FK452 which are well regarded, in 255/35/18s for 150 a corner delivered and fitted ordering from camskill, the front ones are a nice bit cheaper too because they are narrower.


OP if you are getting it purely for the 6 cyl engine fair enough, but the 320d is actually faster than the 320i, especially from 40-70mph, so don't expect it to win any drag races.

I do 25k miles a year and the rears last me about 10 months.

L-M

My sister is currently selling her 01 320ci.

She had to replace a balljoint which meant a whole wishbone for the nct. Also two abs sensors and the airbag had to be rewired under the seat. She also replaced the coolant system with a genuine BMW part (apparently the spurious ones aren't up to scratch).

Sweet cars other than that though, lovely sound off the 6 cylinder!

comanche_cor

Hurley6969 wrote: »

Cheers for the replies

Is there anyway to tell if the cooling system was replaced or is it a given that any ones that are driving with over 100-115k have been done?



Had a look at the sub frame problem. BMW says its only looking at them for the USA and is not classified as a recall? So if buying one here do you literally just have to listen out for clunking or what?
Also the MPG isn't a massive problem as I don't do many miles.

so the things to look at for are
- cooling system, if anything has gone wrong, you could easily have had a blown head gasket. The straight engines generate a lot of heat and crack very quickly. Check for signs of repairs

- if car approaching 100K mark you may need to replace the waterpump & thermostat - this is a preventative measure. When doing this work may as well get serpentine belt done

- subframe as mentioned can give issues. Too expensive to repair at that age.

- check windows working correctly

- check handbrake, are know to be soft

If you do buy the one thing to keep an eye on is the engine temp as mentioned by a previous poster. If this ever starts to rise above half way pull over and call a tow truck. Will be alot cheaper in the long run.

They can burn a little oil but nothing to worry about.

These are all small things in the scheme of thing - as with all cars don't buy the first you see. Some of these will have had the arse driven out of them as they are now in affordable range for most people.

But most of all if you do buy enjoy - are a nice car.

Idbatterim

op im picking up a 325ci on saturday, the tax is only marginally more, same with fuel use, so if you see a nice 325ci, id consider it... considering the tax and fuel are the same, I dont even see point in 320ci... Op i dont know if your looking for auto or manual, but see below...

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26420

full spec except sunroof, but you have leather sport seats, mfsw and climate control... its an msport also. I would not buy a non m sport if i were you...

below is also nice...

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2103724

ShadowHearth

Whatever you do, don't touch 318 m8. Bemmer has to have 6 pots inside, even if they are not biggest ones .


Most of stuff already mentioned here, but I suggest you to look in to your budget for maintaince. It's easy to buy one of these cars, but maintenance is can break you.

Idbatterim

the 143bhp 318's from 02 on are quite good, the mpg is very good, i mean yeah wouldnt we all prefer a 6 cylinder, but there are far more 318's meaning far more choice, they are easier to sell and will cost quite a bit less to tax, insure (depending on age) and fuel... The 6 cylinder 320ci only has 25bhp more than the 318, check out the difference in fuel consumption though!

Seth Brundle

PaulKK wrote: »

Rubbish. I get Falken FK452 which are well regarded, in 255/35/18s for 150 a corner delivered and fitted ordering from camskill, the front ones are a nice bit cheaper too because they are narrower.

Fair enough.
I tend to get my prices on eiretyres. I've 17" and the last time that I was looking (~2years) I recall seeing the Good Year F1s and other brands in 18" being about €100 more than the 17".
Anyhow, F1s, P-Zeros, Potenzas, etc are coming in over €200 on eiretyres. Mind you they are looking for €165.80 for the FK452 so are possibly overpriced for the others.

Hurley6969

Idbatterim wrote: »

op im picking up a 325ci on saturday, the tax is only marginally more, same with fuel use, so if you see a nice 325ci, id consider it... considering the tax and fuel are the same, I dont even see point in 320ci... Op i dont know if your looking for auto or manual, but see below...

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26420

full spec except sunroof, but you have leather sport seats, mfsw and climate control... its an msport also. I would not buy a non m sport if i were you...

below is also nice...

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2103724

Was lookin up tax for 320 v 325. It's 100 more but my insurance is 150 cheaper?? Don know how that works. So might keep an eye out and go for a 325ci. Haven't looked any up are there many for around 5k?
I'd assume any info on 320ci probs still stands for the 325ci's?

PaulKK

kbannon wrote: »

Fair enough.
I tend to get my prices on eiretyres. I've 17" and the last time that I was looking (~2years) I recall seeing the Good Year F1s and other brands in 18" being about €100 more than the 17".
Anyhow, F1s, P-Zeros, Potenzas, etc are coming in over €200 on eiretyres. Mind you they are looking for €165.80 for the FK452 so are possibly overpriced for the others.

Ah fair enough you are talking about premium brands. I think most these days are going with falkens and vreds on bmw driver though. You should check out camskill, i always find them way cheaper than eiretyres for the last couple of years, and i've ordered from both a few times.

kdevitt

Sheeps wrote: »

Google e46 sub frame. A recall was issued because of a fault with the rear sub frame that had a tendency to crack.

That shouldn't impact the 320ci - its the 323ci and 328ci which were affected. The issue was resolved by the time the 320ci was released.