What To Look For When Buying A Bwm E46

[FredC]

Hi,

1. Can someone tell me what to look for from an E46 (common problems etc)

2. 1999 / 2000 comes with common rail motor?

3. how is service at Mroys?.

[MadMMX]

Actually - The N42 shouldn't burn oil - common problem with the rubber valve seats getting hard and cracking and leaking. The repair itself is not a difficult one but have to take the engine top off to replace. Ran an n42 for over 8 years - had to do the repair once at about 50-60 k kms or 6 years down the line. You also need to change the timing chain tensioner to the newer uprated model to prevent rattle of the chain as it gets older. Overall solid engine though. Also make sure all your water hoses and water pump are in good nick. !

Cheers,

[c1nder]

The 320i 2.2L automatic gets around 5-6 in heavy traffic & around 8-9 out station (not a light foot)

[Hoonigan]

Actually - The N42 shouldn't burn oil - common problem with the rubber valve seats getting hard and cracking and leaking. The repair itself is not a difficult one but have to take the engine top off to replace. Ran an n42 for over 8 years - had to do the repair once at about 50-60 k kms or 6 years down the line. You also need to change the timing chain tensioner to the newer uprated model to prevent rattle of the chain as it gets older. Overall solid engine though. Also make sure all your water hoses and water pump are in good nick. !

Cheers,

Thanks MadMax, Did some reading on BMW forums and was lead to believe it's sort of a given. Will be sure to look into it a bit more and get it sorted. I had the cooling system pressure tested and replaced several O-rings, Thermostat housing and the infamous expansion bottle within the first couple of months after buying the car.

[Watchman]

Thanks MadMax, Did some reading on BMW forums and was lead to believe it's sort of a given. Will be sure to look into it a bit more and get it sorted. I had the cooling system pressure tested and replaced several O-rings, Thermostat housing and the infamous expansion bottle within the first couple of months after buying the car.

Note; MadMax and MadMMX are 2 different people btw

[Hoonigan]

Note; MadMax and MadMMX are 2 different people btw

Well I'll be damned! Did not see that until you pointed it out