BMW 318ci

canonball5

Folks, I don't know too much about these but always liked the look of them. What are peoples opinions on this, I was thinking of taking a look at it.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/b-m-w-2001/5365407

adocholiday

Driving the e46 m-sport version myself since April. Lovely car although a little underpowered considering the engine size. There are some issues to look for when buying one: the main thing being rattles/knocks from the timing chain and cracks in the subframe; followed by minor oil leaks and cracks in the coolant tank. Also the airbag light is known to come on. There are other things to look for but they are the main culprits.

Check for a service history with regular oil changes. With this being a chain driven car, regular oil changes are essential maintenance.

arleitiss

Leave it running for some time and have a good drive around, E46's are also known for cooling issues (a lot of them)

BillJ

As said already check the expansion tank for any hairline cracks, before and after a test drive as it may not be evident until it actually expands.

Check under the oil cap for any white gunk as these do suffer from HG problems.

On the test drive check for any veering to the side under hard braking (do this safely obviously). Veering could indicate some kind of suspension wear, at that mileage it could be some parts but they could already have been replaced.

Check the windows, if you hear a pop when it goes up or down then the window regulator is on the way out. 120e fix.

Check for timing chain rattle. Youtube it and you'll know what to listen for.

All these things are not to put you off, just to make you aware. I have my 318ci now for a out 6 months and i'm loving it.


If I were you, I would save up for another few weeks/months and buy a better specced version. One with digital climate control, 6CD changer, Multifunction steering wheel, leather/alcantara seats, parking sensors. Another couple of hundred and you could have a lot of these!

Good luck hope it works out

canonball5

This is great info lads. I'm not looking to hang on to it for too long. I thought it was a good price for a lot of car (any opinions on this) ??

I would probably only keep it for a couple of months and try and sell it on then.

BillJ

In that case then ya it's worth a look! you going to bring a mechanic to look at it or chance it yourself?

Rowley Birkin QC

I spent the bones of a year looking for a clean one, there is a LOT of scrap out there. If you get an inkling of something wrong, walk away.

Also, go for an M-Sport if you can afford it. Finally, I know this is almost a stock response at this stage but if you can get the beans together go for a 6 cylinder engine, it's my only real regret.

bobin fudge

I spent 2 months looking for one at the start of the year, saw a few heaps from dealers and almost bought one which was in retrospect far too dear for what it was, wasn't even an M sport, unflattering alloys and needed a few things done to it. Wasn't a bad car by any means just glad I didn't purchase it in the end

From speaking to numerous mechanics, the engines are prone for leaking oil apparently and also the coils can go fairly easy. having said all that if you find a nice one and it checks out -go for it!!

canonball5

I folks just to update anyone if they're interested. I went to view this the other night and lets just say hopefully things can only get better. The engine had just been replaced, the interior was a mess and the clutch was about to go. The gear stick even came off in my hand when I changed gear.

Surely things can only get better!!

BillJ

Plenty of fish in the sea!

This looks like a good one if you could stomach the tax! plenty extras and 6cyl engine http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-320ci-new-nct-3-months-war/5374300