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100k+ miles E46 320D; Worth a punt?

  • 01-08-2011 5:50pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,248 ✭✭✭


    Currently driving a small engined petrol car and looking to change to a diesel as I'm doing the Cork-Dublin run twice a week and commuting to work in Dublin during the week aswell.

    Not looking to spend big money but would like something reasonably interesting and nice to drive. No interest in Golfs or Passats. I've a few 00/01 E46 320D's on my radar coming in or around €2500. They all have over 100,000 miles done. I had a read back over some threads and the issue with swirl flaps would appear to be the big risk along with turbo failure.

    Has anyone here bought or own something similar? Any and all advice is welcome.

    This is the kind of thing I'm looking at. Mileage, to my mind, is pretty high but if it has been looked after well I'd imagine it would be ok.

    Cheers.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,279 ✭✭✭PaulKK


    Currently driving a small engined petrol car and looking to change to a diesel as I'm doing the Cork-Dublin run twice a week and commuting to work in Dublin during the week aswell.

    Not looking to spend big money but would like something reasonably interesting and nice to drive. No interest in Golfs or Passats. I've a few 00/01 E46 320D's on my radar coming in or around €2500. They all have over 100,000 miles done. I had a read back over some threads and the issue with swirl flaps would appear to be the big risk along with turbo failure.

    Has anyone here bought or own something similar? Any and all advice is welcome.

    This is the kind of thing I'm looking at. Mileage, to my mind, is pretty high but if it has been looked after well I'd imagine it would be ok.

    Cheers.

    The ones you refer to should be quite reliable, the pre-facelift 320d did not have swirl flaps and are less prone to turbo failure (once the crankcase breather is changed).

    The 02/03 ones were the ones that were slightly problematic.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    I'd say people on here will be afraid to give their honest opinion of those cars lest they get set upon as usual:rolleyes:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,096 ✭✭✭johnos1984


    OP AFAIK they become expensive to maintain as the age/mileage climbs.

    All cars do but the issue with BMW is the parts are expensive.

    Not for me and I drive a high mileage Passat but then again I'm not a fan of them as I associate them with twats who got money and skangerised them.

    Whats your budget and needs?

    @NissanDoc.......do you want to talk about earlier :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,124 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    On a diesel BMW with 100k+ (miles) I'd wanna be seeing lots of receipts for maintenance and servicing. Maintenance gets very expensive, very quickly at the turn of the century on these. I've seen two 320d's parked up for good with 113,000 and 100,000 miles respectively. They probably weren't looked after to be fair but from what I've seen they don't take abuse at all well.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    johnos1984 wrote: »
    @NissanDoc.......do you want to talk about earlier :pac:

    :P

    No I'll just keep repairing them, sure if it wasn't for cars from a certain country, vhich I vill not mention, I'd be out of a job!:D


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,279 ✭✭✭PaulKK


    coolbeans wrote: »
    I've seen two 320d's parked up for good with 113,000 and 100,000 miles respectively. They probably weren't looked after to be fair but from what I've seen they don't take abuse at all well.

    Yet the one the OP linked has 165k miles on it..
    There are plenty on donedeal with those kind of miles on them too.

    As with anything, if you look after it properly, it will serve you well.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,456 ✭✭✭✭Mr Benevolent


    :P

    No I'll just keep repairing them, sure if it wasn't for cars from a certain country, vhich I vill not mention, I'd be out of a job!:D

    And your most reliable countries? ;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    Confab wrote: »
    And your most reliable countries? ;)


    Cars built in Japan are still the most reliable. But unfortunatly almost none of the 'japanese' cars we get here are actually made there anymore:(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,248 ✭✭✭Rowley Birkin QC


    I'd say people on here will be afraid to give their honest opinion of those cars lest they get set upon as usual:rolleyes:
    :confused::confused:
    johnos1984 wrote: »

    Not for me and I drive a high mileage Passat but then again I'm not a fan of them as I associate them with twats who got money and skangerised them.

    Whats your budget and needs?

    Granted a lot of E46's have been brought down the Halfords route but a lot have been used as motorway machines and well looked after too.

    Budget is minuscule tbh, €2400 max. There will be no standing rainy day fund either which is making me wonder if I should change at all. At the moment I'm running a 1.3 petrol Toyota that I maintain myself but is pretty terrible for motorway cruising, absolutely bulletproof reliability wise but getting a bit old now and I've found a buyer that will purchase at a decent price. :o

    Needs are not complicated either. I'm working in Dublin but home-place is in Cork. Like to get home as many weekends as possible meaning an average 10 day period is about 400+ miles. Play a bit of golf and would value something with a bit of :cool: over something that's eminently sensible.
    coolbeans wrote: »
    On a diesel BMW with 100k+ (miles) I'd wanna be seeing lots of receipts for maintenance and servicing. Maintenance gets very expensive, very quickly at the turn of the century on these. I've seen two 320d's parked up for good with 113,000 and 100,000 miles respectively. They probably weren't looked after to be fair but from what I've seen they don't take abuse at all well.

    That's what's drawing me to the ad I quoted above tbh. It's high mileage but one type of logic means that a lot of the major work between the 100-150k mark will already have been carried out on it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,924 ✭✭✭Nforce


    I bought my '01 320d when it was 3 years old with 115k miles on the clock. To date I've replaced the complete suspension/wishbones/bushings,brake discs and pads,solid brake lines, cat convertor, aircon "hedgehog" resistor, drivers electric window regulator,main ignition key,sump,oil level sensor,a couple of parking sensors,MAF,the turbo was rebuilt 2k ago (at 168k miles) after it disintegrated...ohh..and a few set's of tyres!

    Car was/is well cared for and receives an oil and filter change every 6k miles (Castrol Edge), with air filter,pollen filter,diesel filter and crankcase breather every second service.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,096 ✭✭✭johnos1984


    OP at that budget I'd go for a petrol E46 tbh, your mileage isn't massive......and I hate to say this but maybe something more sensible if you have no rainy day fund would be advisable until such time as you can afford to run and repair a good car.

    If you go petrol your money can go further and the cars are generally simpler and easier to maintain.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    If you have no money aside for a rainy day as you you say then I would seriously consider other options as with that mileage, if anything major fails it will likely be expensive to sort.

    What about a VAG with the older 1.9tdi engine, passat, octavia etc? They are a good engine for high mileage and good economy.




    (see I can compliment when its due):P


  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Better chance of landing a decent Rover 75 or Peugeot 406 HDi to be honest with your budget, that 320 you linked to seems to be rough enough, most at that price will be, ones that aren't will have even more miles. Mightn't satisfy your ideas of what you want though, in saying that if you consider an early e46 320 diesel as a nice drive, who knows :pac:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,096 ✭✭✭johnos1984


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Better chance of landing a decent Rover 75 or Peugeot 406 HDi to be honest with your budget
    +1

    Far better choices.........or an Avensis D4D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,248 ✭✭✭Rowley Birkin QC


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Better chance of landing a decent Rover 75 or Peugeot 406 HDi to be honest with your budget, that 320 you linked to seems to be rough enough, most at that price will be, ones that aren't will have even more miles. Mightn't satisfy your ideas of what you want though, in saying that if you consider an early e46 320 diesel as a nice drive, who knows :pac:

    Not really but have to start somewhere! TBH I've just started my first "proper" job and I'm proabably a bit too eager to jack in the car I had in college for something else. Will bide my time and buy something in a few months when the car fund has been added to a bit!
    If you have no money aside for a rainy day as you you say then I would seriously consider other options as with that mileage, if anything major fails it will likely be expensive to sort.

    What about a VAG with the older 1.9tdi engine, passat, octavia etc? They are a good engine for high mileage and good economy.
    No interest tbh
    johnos1984 wrote: »
    OP at that budget I'd go for a petrol E46 tbh, your mileage isn't massive......and I hate to say this but maybe something more sensible if you have no rainy day fund would be advisable until such time as you can afford to run and repair a good car.

    If you go petrol your money can go further and the cars are generally simpler and easier to maintain.
    Nforce wrote: »
    I bought my '01 320d when it was 3 years old with 115k miles on the clock. To date I've replaced the complete suspension/wishbones/bushings,brake discs and pads,solid brake lines, cat convertor, aircon "hedgehog" resistor, drivers electric window regulator,main ignition key,sump,oil level sensor,a couple of parking sensors,MAF,the turbo was rebuilt 2k ago (at 168k miles) after it disintegrated...ohh..and a few set's of tyres!
    :eek::eek::eek:

    Ok I think these responses have cemented the idea that was in the back of my mind anyway; I'd be taking a pretty big gamble and walking away from a car that has been utterly reliable and I know inside out at this stage. Will do the few small jobs that are calling on the car that I have now and wait until I have a bit more disposable income put aside before changing.

    Cheers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,924 ✭✭✭Nforce


    I forgot to mention that I had carried many of these repairs myself in the past which meant that the costs were kept well down,although lately,due to health reasons I can no longer carry out work on the vehicle myself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,124 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    Wow, when I saw Nforce's itemised replacement list I let out a big gasp! My sister's BF had one and did much of what you did to it but to see everything written down puts a new perspective on it.
    To the OP, as you say, a lot of the necessary work has doubtless been done on the motor you linked to so it'd be a safer bet than one with just over the 100k on it but, as Nissan Doc said, it'll not be a risk free investment.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,791 ✭✭✭JJJJNR


    IMO The whole point of going for a higher mileage car would be, if you looked hard enough and picked one up which already has the majority of work done on it like nforce's, its going to last another 150k easy.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,309 ✭✭✭VolvoMan


    Play a bit of golf and would value something with a bit of :cool: over something that's eminently sensible.

    A 320d would appear 'eminently sensible' to me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 485 ✭✭guyfo


    i drive a 03 bm 320d m-sport with 140k miles on it and i have to say its a truly fantastic car. All these lads saying toyota's etc obviously don't like driving. A German quality car will always be head and shoulders above the rest. The quality of the interior is fantastic (no jap-crap generally flimsy plastics) and that is where you will spend your time. They look great and they handle fantastic. I get 48mpg (despite living in the middle of nowhere on twisty roads) average out of mine i would say 55 is possible as they really come into there own on the motorway. I have never had to replace one thing on it (a friend of mine has one from new 01 with 350k miles and not a thing went wrong but he did look after it) I wouldnt bat an eye at any other cars as generally if its not a bm, audi, merc, volvo, vw or even lexus i generally see it as someone who doesn like cars. Once you drive a premium car no matter what it cost you or what age it is you cant really go back


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    guyfo wrote: »
    i drive a 03 bm 320d m-sport with 140k miles on it and i have to say its a truly fantastic car. All these lads saying toyota's etc obviously don't like driving. A German quality car will always be head and shoulders above the rest. The quality of the interior is fantastic (no jap-crap generally flimsy plastics) and that is where you will spend your time. They look great and they handle fantastic. I get 48mpg (despite living in the middle of nowhere on twisty roads) average out of mine i would say 55 is possible as they really come into there own on the motorway. I have never had to replace one thing on it (a friend of mine has one from new 01 with 350k miles and not a thing went wrong but he did look after it) I wouldnt bat an eye at any other cars as generally if its not a bm, audi, merc, volvo, vw or even lexus i generally see it as someone who doesn like cars. Once you drive a premium car no matter what it cost you or what age it is you cant really go back


    I rest my case.


  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    guyfo wrote: »
    ............... i generally see it as someone who doesn like cars................

    If you like cars so much why buy a 320d?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 485 ✭✭guyfo


    Well firstly it's an m-sport so it had a great 6 speed box, sports seats, lowered m-sport sports suspension and in my opinion a really aggressive look to it. It handles fantastically and the e46 was widely regarded as one of the best handling cars of it's time especially in sports trim. It's rwd like all good driving cars should be. I got the 320 because I need a car that is reliable and fuel efficient at the same time. I know I could get more performance for the money but also more problems. It's got decent performance, sheadloads of torque so it's brilliant at towing its not to hard to insure and it easily gets 50mpg so that is why I got an older 320d instead of some newer plain boring to look at as well as drive jap scrap. I hate how as soon as anyone mentions bm on these forums that everyone jumps to ridicule them as they are brilliant well built cars


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    From my point of view, its not that they aren't decent cars or that they don't look good, because they do IMO, or even the reliability issue, as the BM is no less reliable then most other new common rail diesels.

    Its the head up their own arse air of superiority that some owners have.

    You are driving near enought the basic engined version of a car that is as common as muck and is it better then some cars?...of course it is, is it better then everything else on the road....rubbish.


    Oh and I call bullsh1t on your mate doing 350k on a 320d without any issue. Even the best looked after ones are struggling past 150k without major trouble.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,676 ✭✭✭mondeo


    If you decide to go the petrol route, I know a lad selling a 00' petrol e46 with 94k on clock. Well looked after with Main dealer history. 2k would buy it.


  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    guyfo wrote: »
    ........... as drive jap scrap. I hate how as soon as anyone mentions bm on these forums that everyone jumps to ridicule them as they are brilliant well built cars

    yet you go on about jap scrap etc :rolleyes:
    An e46 320d was in it's prime a rep mobile, it's now the muck savage car to have. I'm surprised you didn't get a 330d seems as your so much of a car enthusiast to he honest.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,248 ✭✭✭Rowley Birkin QC


    mondeo wrote: »
    If you decide to go the petrol route, I know a lad selling a 00' petrol e46 with 94k on clock. Well looked after with Main dealer history. 2k would buy it.

    Any link to an ad?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,124 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    Oh and I call bullsh1t on your mate doing 350k on a 320d without any issue. Even the best looked after ones are struggling past 150k without major trouble.

    I second that. In no way did it reach that mileage without major work.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 485 ✭✭guyfo


    RoverJames wrote: »
    yet you go on about jap scrap etc :rolleyes:
    An e46 320d was in it's prime a rep mobile, it's now the muck savage car to have. I'm surprised you didn't get a 330d seems as your so much of a car enthusiast to he honest.

    Im 20 there is no hope in hell i could afford to keep diesel in a 330d. Insurance would b 1k more so thats why i don't have one. I go on about jap scrap because everyone on here seems to push them or vws. like u said to get a rover 75 ffs. It seems the mentality here is that its ok to ridicule a bm but god forbid someone should stand up for one.

    Yes they are very common but to me that would show they are a decent car especially seeing theres so many about and they weren't exactly cheap when they were new.

    On second thought i think my friends car is a 320i. my bad. But i havnt had any problems in the last 15 months and mines got 143k on it

    And yes I would class myself as a car enthusiast. Im 20 and so far ive drove, caterham, westfield and striker sports cars, escort, mini, bmw and subaru rally cars, celica gt4, mini autotest cars, a formula sheane and most recently an sls amg on the a1 ring. And i can say that handling wise the e46 is right up there.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,975 ✭✭✭W.Shakes-Beer


    guyfo wrote: »
    i drive a 03 bm 320d m-sport with 140k miles on it and i have to say its a truly fantastic car. All these lads saying toyota's etc obviously don't like driving. A German quality car will always be head and shoulders above the rest. The quality of the interior is fantastic (no jap-crap generally flimsy plastics) and that is where you will spend your time. They look great and they handle fantastic. I get 48mpg (despite living in the middle of nowhere on twisty roads) average out of mine i would say 55 is possible as they really come into there own on the motorway. I have never had to replace one thing on it (a friend of mine has one from new 01 with 350k miles and not a thing went wrong but he did look after it) I wouldnt bat an eye at any other cars as generally if its not a bm, audi, merc, volvo, vw or even lexus i generally see it as someone who doesn like cars. Once you drive a premium car no matter what it cost you or what age it is you cant really go back

    Reinforces my dislike for BM's.

    :pac:

    not%2Bsure%2Bif%2Btroll%2Bfry%2Bsquint%2Bface%2Breaction%2Bmacro.jpg


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    guyfo wrote: »
    Im 20 there is no hope in hell i could afford to keep diesel in a 330d. Insurance would b 1k more so thats why i don't have one. I go on about jap scrap because everyone on here seems to push them or vws. like u said to get a rover 75 ffs. It seems the mentality here is that its ok to ridicule a bm but god forbid someone should stand up for one.

    Yes they are very common but to me that would show they are a decent car especially seeing theres so many about and they weren't exactly cheap when they were new.

    On second thought i think my friends car is a 320i. my bad. But i havnt had any problems in the last 15 months and mines got 143k on it

    And yes I would class myself as a car enthusiast. Im 20 and so far ive drove, caterham, westfield and striker sports cars, escort, mini, bmw and subaru rally cars, celica gt4, mini autotest cars, a formula sheane and most recently an sls amg on the a1 ring. And i can say that handling wise the e46 is right up there.

    You realise that Gran tourismo is not a good indication of real life handling don't you?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 485 ✭✭guyfo


    You realise that Gran tourismo is not a good indication of real life handling don't you?

    Haha you have no idea how ironic that statement is!

    http://reporter.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg-sony-playstations-gt5-reality-vs-virtuality-2621/

    look at the second paragrah from the end to see why.

    and what? because im young i couldn't possibly have drove nice cars?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    guyfo wrote: »
    and what? because im young i couldn't possibly have drove nice cars?



    You pulled up that link strangly fast didn't you...

    And its nothing to do with your age, its to do with you comparing the handling of your worn out(140+miles with no work done as you say) rep mobile to track cars, rally cars and gt cars!:rolleyes:


  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    guyfo wrote: »
    ...........I wouldnt bat an eye at any other cars as generally if its not a bm, audi, merc, volvo, vw or even lexus i generally see it as someone who doesn like cars. ..........
    guyfo wrote: »
    Im 20 there is no hope in hell i could afford to keep diesel in a 330d. Insurance would b 1k more so thats why i don't have one. I go on about jap scrap because everyone on here seems to push them or vws. like u said to get a rover 75 ffs.........................
    On second thought i think my friends car is a 320i. .................. Im 20 and so far ive drove, caterham, westfield and striker sports cars, escort, mini, bmw and subaru rally cars, celica gt4, mini autotest cars, a formula sheane and most recently an sls amg on the a1 ring. And i can say that handling wise the e46 is right up there.

    lol, you were on about VWs yourself a few posts ago :p
    A diesel 75 has the same engine as your 320d without the sh1tty turbo ;)
    Also for the OPs budget he'd get a much better diesel 75 than a 320d, I didn't say a 75 would be better or worse as a car.
    A car enthusiast who gets a 320d and a 320i mixed up, chuckle chuckle :pac:

    Re the handling, what exactly are you saying the e46 in 320d M spec guise is right up there with ?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,822 ✭✭✭✭EPM


    Right all, this is edging slowly towards a personal rampage so try keep it on topic;)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,676 ✭✭✭mondeo


    Any link to an ad?

    Heres the link, Nice clean car.

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2378048


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,031 ✭✭✭nogoodnamesleft


    guyfo wrote: »
    i drive a 03 bm 320d m-sport with 140k miles on it and i have to say its a truly fantastic car. All these lads saying toyota's etc obviously don't like driving. A German quality car will always be head and shoulders above the rest. The quality of the interior is fantastic (no jap-crap generally flimsy plastics) and that is where you will spend your time. They look great and they handle fantastic. I get 48mpg (despite living in the middle of nowhere on twisty roads) average out of mine i would say 55 is possible as they really come into there own on the motorway. I have never had to replace one thing on it (a friend of mine has one from new 01 with 350k miles and not a thing went wrong but he did look after it) I wouldnt bat an eye at any other cars as generally if its not a bm, audi, merc, volvo, vw or even lexus i generally see it as someone who doesn like cars. Once you drive a premium car no matter what it cost you or what age it is you cant really go back

    A BMW 320d one with 350k and the other with 140k never had to replace a thing on it you say:rolleyes:....all ill say is "swirl flaps"


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,924 ✭✭✭Nforce


    A BMW 320d one with 350k and the other with 140k never had to replace a thing on it you say:rolleyes:....all ill say is "swirl flaps"


    A '01 model 320d doesn't have swirl flaps ;)...not to say that the turbo doesn't need reconditioning! Broken springs and worn out shocks will most likely have occurred in 350k of motoring.
    Another problem with the early E46's that I failed to mention is that the general body module (GMV) will give trouble leading to central locking issues (car will lock with the remote,but won't open!) and the wipers will fail to operate. This is due to the soldered on relays burning out over time. It's a €400 repair from the stealers ,or you can get new relays soldered into your own module for about €100 by a local car sparks.


  • Registered Users Posts: 812 ✭✭✭friendface


    Nforce wrote: »
    I bought my '01 320d when it was 3 years old with 115k miles on the clock. To date I've replaced the complete suspension/wishbones/bushings,brake discs and pads,solid brake lines, cat convertor, aircon "hedgehog" resistor, drivers electric window regulator,main ignition key,sump,oil level sensor,a couple of parking sensors,MAF,the turbo was rebuilt 2k ago (at 168k miles) after it disintegrated...ohh..and a few set's of tyres!

    Car was/is well cared for and receives an oil and filter change every 6k miles (Castrol Edge), with air filter,pollen filter,diesel filter and crankcase breather every second service.

    Also have an '01 E46 320D. Bought it 3 years ago with a full BMW service history at around 86k miles. So far I've replced
    • Front Suspension Coils - Driver side rusted and cracked
    • Rear Suspension Coils - Driver side rusted and cracked
    • Wishbones
    • Bushings
    • Full Brake Disc & Pad Set
    • Rear Brake Callipers - Seized piston and seized bleed nipple
    • Rear Parking Brake Shoes & Springs - my fault :o , bit of heavy-handed brake repair
    • Drivers electric window regulator - rusted and snapped
    • Rear Wheel Speed sensor
    • Tyres :)

    Looks like there are a few common problems with the e46 and OEM parts are expensive. Was surprised at the common problems I saw with Nforces post above. Cat converter was also replaced before I bought the car.

    To begin with, I got the car serviced at the BMW dealer, then moved to an indy garage and now I just try to get parts and do everything I can myself.

    I absolutely love the car to drive and it looks well for its age. Plenty optional extras on the older models which can be picked up cheap now, makes for comfortable long journeys.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,309 ✭✭✭VolvoMan


    I actually think I'd rather have an MG ZT with the same engine as the 320d (slightly de-tuned I believe, but more reliable) and better spec for probably less cash.


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  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    VolvoMan wrote: »
    ......... MG ZT with the same engine as the 320d (slightly de-tuned I believe, but more reliable) and better spec for probably less cash.

    116bhp or 131bhp they come in, with a different turbo :)
    I'd prefer one over an E46 320d too, €5000 would land a minty 2005 one from the UK.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,921 ✭✭✭Gophur


    [QUOTE=RoverJames;73602574........
    A diesel 75 has the same engine as your 320d without the sh1tty turbo ;)
    .........[/QUOTE]

    It hasn't.

    You should get your facts right before making your customary R 75 recommendation?

    The Rover used the same power plant as installed in the BMW 318d, a very much de-tuned version of what was in the 320d. They are significantly different.


  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Gophur wrote: »
    It hasn't.

    You should get your facts right before making your customary R 75 recommendation?

    The Rover used the same power plant as installed in the BMW 318d, a very much de-tuned version of what was in the 320d. They are significantly different.


    eh, it's mildly detuned, as I said it's 116 or 131bhp in the 75s/ZTs.
    If you think it's not the same core engine as what was in the e46 320ds than it is you oh wise one that needs to get their facts right ;)

    I suppose you reckon the 90bhp and 110bhp VAG 1.9 diesels are not the same engine either so?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,822 ✭✭✭✭EPM


    Gophur wrote: »
    It hasn't.

    You should get your facts right before making your customary R 75 recommendation?

    The Rover used the same power plant as installed in the BMW 318d, a very much de-tuned version of what was in the 320d. They are significantly different.

    What were the significant differences? They original 318d and 320d in the pre-facelift E46 both used the M47D20 engine. AFAIK it was bored out after this and the power was upped in both.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,921 ✭✭✭Gophur


    RoverJames wrote: »
    eh, it's mildly detuned, as I said it's 116 or 131bhp in the 75s/ZTs.
    If you think it's not the same core engine as what was in the e46 320ds than it is you oh wise one that needs to get their facts right ;)

    .....

    Ah, right, so now it's the same "core engine" ? You are back-pedalling now.
    Look at my post. I stated, clearly, the engine is not the same as fitted to the 320d. The differences are significant enough for your post, referenced, to be wrong.

    Any chance of you contributing to any topic without suggesting the Rover?

    RoverJames wrote: »
    .............

    I suppose you reckon the 90bhp and 110bhp VAG 1.9 diesels are not the same engine either so?


    And what's this supposed to be? What relevance has it to the topic of BMW diesel engines? None whatsoever.


  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I'm not backtracking at all, I already posted that they had a different turbo and that they were 116 or 131 bhp before you posted your most helpful comment.
    Aside from the turbo what makes them different?

    And the VAG 90 and 110bhp comment was a question asking would you regard them as significantly different too? Quite apt really imo.

    I also recommended a 406HDi in my first post in this topic but you don't seem to have absorbed that piece of info for whatever reason :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,822 ✭✭✭✭EPM


    Gophur and RJ,

    Your discussion on the differences is fine (and interesting) but can we make it less personal and OT please. Taking it to PM would be a better option should you need to clarify any past items;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,248 ✭✭✭Rowley Birkin QC


    Wow, I've created a monster.

    I've decided I'm going to bide my time for a few months and then look into a 318/320ci. Hadn't realised how much the price of these had dropped. Will be moving office soon anyway so mileage will drop.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,309 ✭✭✭VolvoMan


    EPM wrote: »
    They original 318d and 320d in the pre-facelift E46 both used the M47D20 engine. AFAIK it was bored out after this and the power was upped in both.

    I don't even think the 318D arrived until around 2004, towards the end of the E46's production life.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,822 ✭✭✭✭EPM


    VolvoMan wrote: »
    I don't even think the 318D arrived until around 2004, towards the end of the E46's production life.

    Here you're correct, but it was offered in other markets. Think it was introduced in RHD with the facelift when it the capacity of the engine was increased a little.


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