Going to look at an early model e46 tomorrow

[Joseph.]

Hey guys, tomorrow morning I will be checking out a 1999 e46 sedan. The car is white and in overall good condition. Clean paint, no rust, no dents or scratches. Looks like it's been cared for in the pictures. Interior is also very clean. The car is a 323i and will be a DD for my mom. The car has 114k on it. Just looking for some advice on what to watch out for on these cars. I heard that the rear subframe was an issue on early e46's. Can anyone shed some light on this? What should I be on the lookout for with this particular car besides the obvious and basic stuff?

Thank you

[der affe]

Entire cooling system as well as the front suspension needs to be done at around 60k, check for maintenance records on that. If it has not been done, you will at least need to do the cooling system right away to avoid possible problems. Fuel filter has a really long change interval so you will want to do that soon also. It is kind of expensive for the filter as it also has the fuel pressure regulator built into it. The vacuume line for it is usually either disconnected or has rotted away so you will need to replace that with a small section of rubber line.

[amcink]

I will avoid early e46 2004 and beyond ok
The major issue is that the rear subframe goes thru the floor board therefore where the rear subframe attaches to the body is where is cracked and the recalled for this issue already expired. The repair itself is 5k

[slammin.e28]

2003 and up are the good ones, facelift.

2002 and back, pre-facelift cars are garbage.

That's just for sedans, coupes/verts got facelift in 2004/5 IIRC.

Here is a list:

cooling system, in order of importance: waterpump, t-stat, expansion tank, radiator, hoses.
oil leaks: oil filter stand gasket, valve cover gasket.
window regulators
water leaks in the cabin...particularly if a window regulator was replaced and someone didn't re-install the vapor barrier.
blower motor resistor (porcupine) - pulsing/not working HVAC system.
rear subframe issues, loud clunk in the rear on accelerations. VERY BAD
PCV system: valve, hoses. Seen these get clogged and blow the dipstick out, and oil, then lost compression.
Auto transmissions are crap, make sure to check reverse and get records of the fluid/filter being changed/flushed. They are really fragile and "lifetime fill" is lifetime of the 50k warranty, not of the car/trans/owner/universe.
tail lamp recall
....and of course maintenance. Fuel filter and spark plugs are a 100k thing, but do them about every 60k. Plugs will start to eat coils if you wait until 100k.
also check oil change intervals. If they did the 15k as per BMW, walk away. It's going to be sludged up. 5-7k is good, I do mine every 10k, never had a problem (155k on the car now.)

[KIRIEIW]

Sold my e46 for a e30. Best decision of my life so far

[Poorboyz]

I see everyone claiming certain years are garbage...blah blah blah...every model year have their problems. I have a 2001 330ci...no rear subframe damage (but its a known problem with ALL E46s), my lower front balljoints were bad at 80k, cooling system held up till 176k.

I haven't had to do anything major.

E46 problems:

-rear subframe
-front lower balljoints
-cooling system
-final stage resister
-airbag seat belt switch
-DISA valve
-front wheel bearings

[jhaurimn]

I've owned two e46s. You really should avoid the 1999-00 years due to the extremely weak subframe. People have posted pictures from that first year of subframes being absolutely ripped up, so definitely inspect that. Other than that 01 and after is better. The prefer the looks of the preface lift coupe. Other things to inspect/replace: cooling system, control arms, crank case valve system

[Julien]

I will avoid early e46 2004 and beyond ok
The major issue is that the rear subframe goes thru the floor board therefore where the rear subframe attaches to the body is where is cracked and the recalled for this issue already expired. The repair itself is 5k

we put reinforcement plates in for $800 labors and $200 for the plates urr day long.


e46s are maintenance queens. almost worth looking a higher mileage e90 instead.

Auto transmissions are crap, make sure to check reverse and get records of the fluid/filter being changed/flushed. They are really fragile and "lifetime fill" is lifetime of the 50k warranty, not of the car/trans/owner/universe.

even though I agree that early ZF boxes had the reverse drum issue and that lifetime fluid is a terrible idea I rarely see issues out of e46 auto trans that can't be fixed with a software flash (coasting jolt fix). heck I had mine holding 300hp *shrug*


edit: funny thing, my 99 323i was by far the most reliable e46 i've owned. lol. new owner has over 200k on it meow

[bighitbiker3]

I had my 2003 E46 for about 40K miles over 4 years. Spent about $2,500 in maintenance during that time. Very DIY friendly car and tons of info on it.

Cooling system needs to be replaced entirely around 90K
CCV needs to be replaced around 100K
VCG (whenever it starts leaking)
I think like March 2003 build date and above were the ones you didn't have to worry about the subframe so much...double check that though

Freaking loved that car

[redsubdivisions]

I love my E46. It's the perfect balance of newer technology and still easy enough to DIY if anything arises.

[nomansland92]

I just bought a 03' 330xi two weeks ago with 114k miles. So far so good, full cooling system was just done and pcv system was also done. I mean its fun driving a lowed coil over e30 and all but some days its just nice to drive a stock comfortable car

[TobyB]

Auto transmissions are crap,

if they're driven hard and not maintained.

I like ours. It's an improvement over the E36, with
the same great rear suspension, incremental power
gains, and yet it still drives like you tell it to. Mostly.

t

[Todd Black 88]

I just bought a 03' 330xi two weeks ago with 114k miles. So far so good, full cooling system was just done and pcv system was also done. I mean its fun driving a lowed coil over e30 and all but some days its just nice to drive a stock comfortable car

Every 3 months get under the car and check the cv boots for cracks. They split with alarming regularity and if shit gets in, say good bye to your axles.

I had a 2002 325xit for 10 years, and in that time I replaced both front axles twice and the boots at least 3 other times. If its an auto, it will consume brakes.....alot.

It was a great car though, and a good drive.

[N2MYE30]

I had an 99 328i auto for a minute. Tranny started acting weird and window regulators joined the act. Water pump wanted to be part of that crew and then the rear wheel bearings and tail light housing got wind of what fun was going on up front. I was done with this. Aside from its issues, what a great feeling car. It always felt stable at any speed, solid cabin, and comfortable. If I were to do it again, like most said, a later year e46 would be my choice.

[Beau B]

I had an 03 ZHP for a year or so, and it was a great car. I was just really wanted to get back into an E30. As long as you have a good maintenance history you should be good, some things I had to do to mine when I purchased it was:

Cooling System Overhaul
Oil Filter Housing gasket
A and C piler fabric recovering
Moonroof Sun Shade was off the track
Valve Cover Gasket
New MAF

Other then that it was a great car, and will probably buy a touring here in the next few years as my daily.