Bmw E46 1999- 2003

Jaliya48 · September 10, 2013

Any particular reason for choosing a pre-facelist?

As I said, my choice was purely cosmetic. I am fond of cars with amber lenses (which is a thing of the past, sadly) and the pre facelift has them. Cosmetics aside, you should go for one that has been maintained well. A nice car won't look quite so nice when it's spending time at a mechanic's!

Crosswind · September 10, 2013

.... and yet another fuel efficiency thread :-D

DMendis · September 10, 2013

May be following threads which has been discussed in this forum might give you some more details

Devinda_Z · September 10, 2013

So since the expert consensus is more in favour of the petrols, what's the going rate like?

Rukster · September 11, 2013

2.8 to 3mn depending on the options, mileage, condition, etc for a petrol pre facelift. Facelifts still go between 3 - 3.5mn.

SpeedyAsA · September 11, 2013

I'm in the minority here and my decision is purely cosmetic, but I would go for a pre facelift.

True Jaliya. Pre facelift is much better looking than the facelift. My choice also the same unless they haven't done any modifications/enhancements on the technologywise on the facelift.

john cooper · September 11, 2013

Had few E46 in here, and lot of good and bad experience, but Lucky the Best Bmer and Merc tech in NZ is one of our Sri Lankan guy who owns a work shop here, he saved me most of the time

DO NOT BUY FASTLIFT MODEL WITH N42 ENGINE, its a crap, go for M43 engine, check all the water lines properly before buy or replace them after and if it manual gear, please check the Clutch is in mint, as you need to replace whole kit (Clutch plate, pre plate and Flywheel that cost me $1000+

- Always use BMW coolent (From Dealer) this will lubricate the system cooling system and you good to go

Knight Wit A K · September 11, 2013

DO NOT BUY FASTLIFT MODEL WITH N42 ENGINE, its a crap, go for M43 engine, check all the water lines properly before buy or replace them after and if it manual gear, please check the Clutch is in mint, as you need to replace whole kit (Clutch plate, pre plate and Flywheel that cost me $1000+
- Always use BMW coolent (From Dealer) this will lubricate the system cooling system and you good to go

Hey John,

can u pls explain the differnce between two engines pls?

john cooper · September 11, 2013

M43 Engine:-

SOCH engine and you can see on 1.6 1.8 and 2.0 as the CC ratings and and M42 is the high output model with dual cams but my experience is not good with M42 as its not that eco like M43 but pulled a lot better

- N42 engine:-

DOHC engine and not available on 1.6 bit 1.8 and 2.0, Covered with black cover not like M43 silver cover, looks really nice and featured with valvetronic technology

Blitz · September 11, 2013

2.8 to 3mn depending on the options, mileage, condition, etc for a petrol pre facelift. Facelifts still go between 3 - 3.5mn.

sold my E46 Facelift for 2.9..

Pericles · September 11, 2013

any comments from BMW experts.

PM Madmax. He owned both a pre facelift and post facelift model while he was here.

Rukster · September 11, 2013

Pre facelift (1998-2002): The only options available in SL were the petrol 1.9 four pot, 2.0 ltr 6 pot and diesel 2 ltr 4 pot. The best pick would be a 6 pot if a good one can be found... 1.9 is good if you are worried about fuel consumption, but no considerable difference. The Diesels engines were made with another partner (either Rover or Peugeot) not sure. The more loaded the cars were, given their age now, there are things that can go wrong with the electronics.

Petrol engines:

bullet proof as long as servicing and maintenance is done on time.
a bit expensive to run in terms of fuel, but no headaches in terms of maintenance, repairs.

Diesels:

Cheaper to run on a daily basis
Lots of repairs related to the engine, turbo, gearbox, diesel pump, etc and is expensive.

Facelift (2002-2005): Again same options lists, but updated engines for petrols and diesels. Petrol engines are available in 2 ltr 4 pots and 2.2 ltr 6 pots, diesels were 2ltr 4 pots, in SL. Cosmetic updates were done to the lights, front fenders, bonnet and kidney grill.

Petrol engines:

Better pulling power than the pre-facelift 1.9. However, expensive on maintenance due to a mechnical problem with the engine that results in a repair costing more 150k. Its common in all 318i facelift models.
2.2 ltr petrol is very rare in SL.

Diesels:

Had a diesel commonrail engine thats better than the prefacelift engine. Lesser engine repairs from what I have heard.
Better grunt and more power.

Knight Wit A K · September 11, 2013

Thanx John & Rukster

GTAm · September 11, 2013

The number number of Diesel E46's at Milroy's should tell you to stay away. The same will probably be witnessed with all these 520d's as well. Sad but true. Seems to be a Sri Lanka specific problem, possibly owing to the standards of Diesel we get here.
Get a petrol and be safe(er)

Actually the diesel engine problem is not SL specific, just google BBC watchdog BMW diesel engines......

GTAm · September 11, 2013

Parts are quite expensive by other Euro brand standards so give priority to condition over everything else. Service history is imperative.

The Don · September 11, 2013

Are the diesel engine problems related to age or to manufacturing defects?

The BMW diesels particularly common rails do have an issue with the swirl flaps, which has now been abandoned by BMW. There are after market blanking kits available which can be installed to remove the swirl flaps. The issue was that the flaps would break and fall into the engine causing internal damage requiring an engine rebuild. They were meant to increase fuel economy by creating a vortex which aided better burn.

BAnuradha · September 17, 2013

What are the defferences between e46 and e90

Supra_Natural · September 17, 2013

What are the defferences between e46 and e90

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=BMW+E46

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=BMW+E90

BAnuradha · September 17, 2013

I would like to know the difference between e46 and e90

Engine and other options.

Heard there there some issues in diesel pump and turbo in e46. Is that still remain in e90

Watchman · September 17, 2013

What are the defferences between e46 and e90

Would you like the forum members to come brush your teeth and wash your a$$ in the morning while they read out the report they prepared for you regarding the E46/E90 differences?

Edited September 17, 2013 by Watchman

Supra_Natural · September 17, 2013

I would like to know the difference between e46 and e90
Engine and other options.

Heard there there some issues in diesel pump and turbo in e46. Is that still remain in e90

Google that exact phrase, it should give you everything you need to know. This thing called the internet is a wonderful thing if you use it properly..

Knight Wit A K · September 18, 2013

Hey guys .. any advise for a E90 M3 buyer ??

MrCat · September 18, 2013

Yes. Any buyer who wants to buy an E90 M3 should buy an E90 M3. Period.

Knight Wit A K · September 18, 2013

Yes. Any buyer who wants to buy an E90 M3 should buy an E90 M3. Period.

WOW Mrcat.. U made my day.. thanx..

Watchman · September 18, 2013

Yes. Any buyer who wants to buy an E90 M3 should buy an E90 M3. Period.

I would normally agree with you. But if this guy actually knew what he was doing he'd know that there arent any E90 M3s in Sri Lanka. So he should't expect any actual advice, unless his intention was to tell us about the little German snake that slid into his house.