School Me on E46 IX Tourings

[kung fu jesus]

Be cautious of the automatic transmissions. Read up on the issue(s). A few techs told me they are notoriously problematic. The ZF ones in the early models suffer a few more failures than the GM-made units. Primarily is the reverse solenoid and a few other items. Although they share the same transmission as the e39, one tech suspected the issues stem from the lack the large heat exchanger the 5s have.

This is an interesting thread about that: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=713780

I looked into getting one for my wife, decided to look into the IS300 Sportcross for the reliability alone. It's a shame.

[nrubenstein]

I've always been told that the e46 awd is just a series of open diffs with traction control attempting to control wheel slip, which if it is true, sounds pretty shitty to me.

On the plus side, there's nothing to break or wear out. It's shitty in performance situations, but it actually works great in the snow. For your average non-enthusiast, it's better.

[mikeedler]

transfer cases are a bit on the weak side, I have done a few in the last few years. Cooling system stuff, and CV boots like stated. Not bad cars at all.

[TobyB]

The xi cars EAT cv joint boots with unbelievable regularity. Like every three years.

Yeah, they do. And the torque vectoring is kind of wierd at slow speeds and high
turn rates.

The later cars have the ability to control the diffs beyond brakes-
Jenn's can lock fronts to rears, at least, as I've been able to change
brake pads (yes, they DO use these at a prodigous rate too, even the manuals)
without having to lower the wheel to torque the bolts.

They have very good AWD ability- better than the old truck with no center diff
and a LSD in back. And enough power.

But it's an E46 with even more parts that need attention, so they do need to
be maintained periodically.

Ours, for some reason, is on its 4th thermostat. For example...

It's her car, but I'm more than a bit envious...

t

[Swanny]

15k is e91 money.. I would be looking at an 2003 e39 wagon if I were in your friends shoes.

This. The two are only a few hundred pounds different in weight and the m54 will feel more powerful in the rwd vs awd. The e39 is also much roomier in comparison. My touring did AMAZING in the snow. Not sure what your friend will be doing or going for the need of awd.



My car is lowered and handled snow over 6 inches deep without even blinking last winter.

Just food for thought!

[naplesE30]

bmw certified? I thought they only certified up to 5yr 100k? meaning your paying a lot for certification for only another 22k miles.

[Polaris15]

Found a 2003 325ixt for him with 78k for 12k certified per owned 1 owner. Looks like it would be a good fit.

[naplesE30]

15k is e91 money.. I would be looking at an 2003 e39 wagon if I were in your friends shoes.

[totheredline]

i just sold my 325xit 5 speed. theyre great cars.

Suspension components are probably a third more expensive than the RWD models. the rear end suspension is exactly the same. Xis dont have rear subframe issues because of the torque split between front and rear.

[Polaris15]

Heh he wants a wagon, not an M3. I just said he has up to 15k.

[Todd Black 88]

I traded mine in with 190,000 kilometers, for $5500.
15k would get you in an M3

[Polaris15]

Good info guys. He wants a touring with low miles so he's thinking 15k at the high number.

[nando]

I've always been told that the e46 awd is just a series of open diffs with traction control attempting to control wheel slip, which if it is true, sounds pretty shitty to me.

this is true. for pedestrian use it's OK, but it's definitely not the best system ever conceived. but it was inexpensive to build..

are E46 xi's really $15k? that seems like way too much money to me..

[Northern]

I've always been told that the e46 awd is just a series of open diffs with traction control attempting to control wheel slip, which if it is true, sounds pretty shitty to me.

[bighitbiker3]

Cooling system should be replaced around 90K miles on the E46s. I replaced the entire thing on mine, paid about $4-500 for the parts and just did it myself. It's not a hard job and there are a ton of DIYs.

As the above said, the majority of subframe issues occurred on cars built before like April of '03 i'm pretty sure