Advice Needed on E46

[trax]

Dear all,I just placed a deposit for my first ever UDM (E46 318 '02 facelift), when i brought the car for a thorough checking, i realised that there are signs of leakages ( engine and transmission fluid). I was told that these are the "common problems" for a 5-year UDM, the good thing is that car dealer offered to fix it before handing over the car to me.But my question is : 1. How offten do these problems occur? 2. What are the things to be done to prevent leakages in future? 3. What is the cost of reparing the leakages?4. How often shall we have the tranmission fluid change? (every 25k?)5. How much does it cost for normal service? (Oil change and filter...)I've been driving conti cars all these years but this is my first try on a BMW, any advise for a newbies is greatly appreciated.thanks with regards

 

[Mouse]

Dear all,

I just placed a deposit for my first ever UDM (E46 318 '02 facelift), when i brought the car for a thorough checking, i realised that there are signs of leakages ( engine and transmission fluid). I was told that these are the "common problems" for a 5-year UDM, the good thing is that car dealer offered to fix it before handing over the car to me.

But my question is :
1. How offten do these problems occur?
2. What are the things to be done to prevent leakages in future?
3. What is the cost of reparing the leakages?
4. How often shall we have the tranmission fluid change? (every 25k?)
5. How much does it cost for normal service? (Oil change and filter...)

I've been driving conti cars all these years but this is my first try on a BMW, any advise for a newbies is greatly appreciated.

thanks with regards

1) difficult to tell coz some may face leaking only a few month but some 80K also no leak
2) if u have budget, change all the gasket (gear box gasket, oil sump gasket, valve cover gasket, etc etccccc
3) depends on which part
4) i think 30-40K should be good, if u have budget, then go ahead at 25K, even better
5) fully synthetic usually cost anywhere around RM 160-200

 

[safri]

perhaps you should ask the owner to share the cost before plunging yourself even further..

 

[tongsatriani]

What I'm worry is the engine oil & ATF leak....not a good sign...

 

[StRat]

Dude, the problems you mentioned are indeed quite common.. but no reason whatsoever to take such risk. Besides, repair cost varies from place to place. Best is to get a second opinion from another specialist, take note of whatever he's telling you, jot it down and then present it back to your dealer. If he agrees to change em all, then ok lor.. Point is, don't rush into your purchase and pay through your nose later. Plenty of Beemers out there man.. Peace of mind is priority All da best..

 

[bmwcar]

I would get a bmw specialist mechanic to check it out.... it is very unusual for a 4 year old car to have engine and transmission fluid leaks.

My car e46 manufactured in April 00 and 90,000 km on the clock has never had any fluid issues in the 4 years of ownership.

The engine should not leak any oil. The gearbox weak point is the heat exchanger which resides under the front radiator (to cool down the auto trans fluid) and that may occassionally leak but its known to be a maintanance item at about 90,000 kms......cost about RM800.....

I would get a second opinion on the car as there are alot around and you should choose the best possible.

Alternatively, check what the dealer intends to change and make sure that that is addressing the root cause and not a quick fix.

 

[Gunner]

yup, the thing that Bmwcar was saying is also known as Oil Cooler... Mspeed fixed it for i think RM600.... Another things that need to take precaution are the camshaft and timing sensors.. and the ZKE....

 

[Gunner]

Some specialists also do advice me not to change the audio system as it is quite sensitive... emmm... I miss my JBL in car system...

 

[SBB]

Hi All,

My 318i 2.0 UDM was diagnose of having leak at valve cover and break vacuum pump.
Anyone knows estimated cost to repair. I was told that Brake vacuum pun can cost RM1K+ .

BTW, I just got the car 3 weeks ago.....dream come through to own one...

Pls assist
SBB

 

[chong82]

I just had my e46 gearbox leakage fixed 2-3 months back.
Cost me around 2k to change all the seals and 7 bottle of GB fluid.

 

[perryyip73]

Valvetronic engine as usual problem always arise. I've been told that 6 cyclinder are much better. Well, it also depends on how u drive or how good u take care. I will suggest u get urself a good mechanic to rectify all the problems, and get replacement or fix those broken parts. It is important for the 1st time after u collect ur car. For the time being, u need to take care abit, it is not proton or some other car. Get to know the car well (knowledge), more knowledge of the car = less headact.