318 or 320

[fredphua]

I'm new to BMW. In fact looking for an E46 318i or 320. I think this is the way for me to find my soul during the ride rather than currently driving a Nissan dinosaur (distinct version some more). I strongly believe this is a home ground where I can get a lot of guidance for fellow BMW champion here. I've some confusion that seek some advice here about the BMW model that I'm looking for. I've been gathered a lot of information especially from E46 thread. Experts here advice to get 6 plot model and some 2nd hand dealer mentioned that 6 plot model E46 320 only available for Japan or UK spec, which is fully import version. This tend to have higher maintenance cost cause parts hard to find and need to import sometimes. Wondering how true is it. I'm also worry after reading so much 318i driver who face engine problem. 6 plot engine also have higher FC am I right?

 

[perryyip73]

This car already almost 10 years bro, no need to wait the part import. Can find any parts in any workshop now. I will rather go for 6 potter cost slightly higher maintenance rather than keep sending car to workshop. Which do u choose ? Not really 6 potter must be higher FC, depends how heavy ur wheel is, ur attitude of driving (each driver have different driving style).

 

[Alex5522]

Now days u can get the parts easily from the spare shop which dealing the bmw parts, not need to import the parts from over sea.:listen::listen:

 

[fredphua]

Thanks Perry & Alex. In this case I'll focus on searching 320 instead.

Correct me if I'm wrong, is it true that E46 320 in Malaysia only has UK or Japan or M-Spot spec? So far I didn't come across any Auto Bavaria Local E46 320 model.

 

[Lionel_Koh]

Go for 325 instead.............

U will not regret ..........

 

[hafeez]

yeahh go for 325...

yes 320 its a 2.2 6 pot double vanos engine. only available in jap or uk spec either lifestyle or msport.
dont buy 318i... its a low FC engine with lots of issue...

 

[Alex5522]

Nope there was not all 320i 6 potter 2.2L engine. Pls read through the web as below :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E46)

 

[perryyip73]

Yes, there is 320 UK or Japan Spec, even 320 m-sport are rare. Please check detail 1st cause alot people cheat on msport model. Like my car is 320i 2.0 6 pot. U can check my car tro this link http://www.mudah.my/BMW+E46+320i+Msport-6975838.htm

 

[Alex5522]

Yes, there is 320 UK or Japan Spec, even 320 m-sport are rare. Please check detail 1st cause alot people cheat on msport model. Like my car is 320i 2.0 6 pot. U can check my car tro this link http://www.mudah.my/BMW+E46+320i+Msport-6975838.htm

YES.. THIS CAR MUST VIEW THE RARE 320i 6 cylinder With a lot of good stuff being put in too
JUST pump in petrol and drive will do.

 

[fredphua]

What is the best way to determine which model it is? One I can think of is check engine VIN number. Any other easier way to spot the differences?

 

[hafeez]

Nope there was not all 320i 6 potter 2.2L engine. Pls read through the web as below :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E46)

i mean facelift (lifestyle) version.. 320 come with 2.2 engine.
yes it rare and mostly found in jap spec

 

[alxy]

Between 318 and 320...... get the 325!

 

[johntelu]

Currently am driving 320i 2.2 6 cylinder manufacture 2003 in jpn. This baby gave me no problem at all since I bought and registered in Msia in 2008 jpn specs, except normal maintenance like brake pads, air filter,front bushing, aircon resistor, belt tensioner, belting and of course transmission fluid and engine oil. Roadtax is only RM551 compare to 325 which is ard 800 something. Basically 6 cylinder 320i is more than enough interms of power but you maintaining it without much hassle.

However due to increase in the number of family am planning to sell and buying mpv. Anyone interested to see my bimmer you can tag me at 012 3151960

 

[Alex5522]

i mean facelift (lifestyle) version.. 320 come with 2.2 engine.
yes it rare and mostly found in jap spec

Was this lifestyle version 2.2L engine come with 6 cylinder ?

 

[cloudbuster]

I'm driving an E46 325 and my wife's driving an E46 318 (2.0L engine) for several years now, and I don't really find too much difference in maintenance cost between the 2.

The 318 has some oil leaks via the o-rings initially when we were using 5w-40 engine oils, but after changing to 10w-50 Total, there has not been a single incident of oil leaks for the past few years. (touch wood).

Most of the maintenance are similar such as wear and tear items like brake rotors & pads, expansion tanks, power windows, transmission fluid, fuel filter, ...etc. Maybe we are lucky, but we have never been stranded by either cars.

However, in terms of smoother & better initial pickup & response, I find the 318 edging out the 325. When it comes to better handling and power on the highway, the 325 nevertheless wins hands down.

 

[johntelu]

Was this lifestyle version 2.2L engine come with 6 cylinder ?

Dear Alex

Nope it is not...but it is 2.2L engine manufacture in germany but imported by jpn

 

[alxy]

Well, to be honest, my 325 is mainly used for school runs and grocery shopping, etc... i.e. daily workhorse kind of use. So 90% of the time, I don't really need the power. But the 10% that I do..... that makes it worth the while and makes me glad I have the 325

So depends what you want to use it for. If for your normal daily drive, then I guess the 318 is sufficient. Though might be those rare times when you want to climb up that slope quicker or wish to overtake that pesky modded wira that you wish you had more power.

Normal maintenance is lower for 318, having only 4 cylinders (less engine oil needed). Though most of the other wear and tear parts cost about the same.

Whichever you choose, it's a bimmer, and really, that's the whole point of the matter.

Good luck bro!

 

[mizhan]

for the E46, minimum should be 325i. don't bother with anything smaller.

 

[2wenty6]

^ Go big or go home :top:
The price difference between the 318/320 and the 325 isn't so big that its not financially feasible nowadays. Maintenance wise, its a BMW - there's not gonna be much difference between the two models.

 

[fredphua]

Thanks for all the input.

Went to view one so called "320" by dealer this morning. Thanks to all the information found in this forum, I managed to spot the engine VIN number and the engine model is N42B. The dealer still continue bluffing 6 plots, 2.0cc...He instantly shut up when i point the logo "318" at the back of the car. Hahaha. Anyway the bimmer I view is a 318i 2.0cc model year 2003/2003. Mileage around 98K with full service record from Auto Bavaria. One owner. Original asking for RM94K.

Too bad I'm looking for 320. I might consider that car if I can't find a 320.

Johntelu, mind to share more information about the 320 you are thinking to let go?