How to tell if its an e46 facelift model?

[sub8sec]

Hello to all forummers,I need your advice regarding the above question. Maybe first some background : I'm interested in a UK spec. 325i, the AP company claimed that it is a 2003 facelift, but when they import it, they register as 2001 model - to save on taxes(they said its a common practice ).The only thing I can see is the front signal light is curved up.

- are there any other design changes which I can tell for the post facelift models?I'm also in the process of getting some details from the dealer (eg. VIN, AP doc etc.) to confirm its year of manufacturing, but I wonder what else can I do to be sure?

 

[fabianyee]

The pic u showed is for the facelifted E46...
Headlight, fender signal indicator and bonnet are different.. So is the rear lamp cluster.
The bumper shown here is also for the facelifted E46

 

[guru]

my car same story from the naza oso.. yes it's face lifted(gee, sounds like plastic surgery).. good luck on your buy!! hope it costs you less than 140k

 

[tombstone]

run the vin through one of the independent websites to find out what is the actual manufactured date so on and so forth...

if not mistaken, below nearby the seat belt also can see year of manufacture..

plz correct me if i m wrong.thanks

 

[KL2DC]

Yep run the vin to make sure....facelift retrofit packages abound, its hard to ascertain MY solely on visuals.

 

[jsen]

well, if based on cosmectics, u cant really tell if its the real facelifted version... it may be tampered from the previous non facelifted ( y not, if can fetch an additional 20k)...

apparently, the E46 underwent a facelift in 2002, which included redesigned headlights, new bumpers and a stiffer chassis--> pls refer to fabian's post on the specific outlooks...

dude, better if u can go thru the docs and the VIN to clarify.

if i've not mistaken, prefacelifted version 325/328 comes with a back aircond vent.. whereas the facelifted 325 doesnt..!!correct me if im wrong.!

 

[Lionel_Koh]

Better check the VIN and engine spec.....Lot of conversion from pre facelifted to facelifted......

 

[sub8sec]

thanks to all your advice... looks like definitely have to run through the VIN to confirm. Will keep u guys posted once I got that done.

my car same story from the naza oso.. yes it's face lifted(gee, sounds like plastic surgery).. good luck on your buy!! hope it costs you less than 140k

Guru, which year was your naza bm? my dealer quoted me 167K for 2003(to be confirmed), mileage~43K. He'll will change new leather seats & new std 16" rims & send for workshop checkup. I'm trying to get him to send it to Calvin's workshop for the checkup.
U think the price is on the high side?

 

[guru]

naza bmw

thanks to all your advice... looks like definitely have to run through the VIN to confirm. Will keep u guys posted once I got that done.




Guru, which year was your naza bm? my dealer quoted me 167K for 2003(to be confirmed), mileage~43K. He'll will change new leather seats & new std 16" rims & send for workshop checkup. I'm trying to get him to send it to Calvin's workshop for the checkup.
U think the price is on the high side?

dude, mine naza bm 2002 sports pack(i got sports seats,3 spoke steering 17'' wheels..bla..bla..) but for tax they put as 01.. check your numbers at realoem.com (VIN) I think you can knock it down to about 155k or 160k and ask for 17-18'' wheels upgrade. your 43k mileage sounds good.. take it to some of the sifus around here to get their opinion. if the dealer got nothing to hide then it should not be a problem!... ask the boys in here to help out, then take everyone for a round of TT..good luck dude!

 

[sub8sec]

thanks bro,

haven't got the VIN yet, the dealer still having Raya holiday.

hopefully this will be the ONE for me, have been hunting around for 2 months now, getting anxious to own my very first UDM...

after I've got my ride, I'll definitely show off to all you sifus at the TT, and drinks on me !

 

[wglee]

well, if based on cosmectics, u cant really tell if its the real facelifted version... it may be tampered from the previous non facelifted ( y not, if can fetch an additional 20k)...

apparently, the E46 underwent a facelift in 2002, which included redesigned headlights, new bumpers and a stiffer chassis--> pls refer to fabian's post on the specific outlooks...

dude, better if u can go thru the docs and the VIN to clarify.

if i've not mistaken, prefacelifted version 325/328 comes with a back aircond vent.. whereas the facelifted 325 doesnt..!!correct me if im wrong.!

All E46s do not have rear aircon vents.

Facelifted (FL) cars have different front and rear bumpers, headlights, front fog lights, grille, bonnet, front fender turn indicators and tail-lamps.

FL E46s have stiffer suspension (stiffer springs and shocks).

FL E46s also have quickened steering ratio (3 turns lock to lock instead of 3.3 or 3.5 turns for the pre-FL).

In the case of the 318i, the FL model has the Valvetronic 2.0 engine, 5 speed automatic and +/- feature for the autobox, whereas the pre-FL has the older 1.9 lump, 4 speed automatic and no +/- feature for the autobox.

Most 4 cylinder FL E46s have DSC (as opposed to the more rudimentary ASC+T). All 6 cylinder FL E46s have DSC.

Interior-wise, the front seats of FL E46s no longer suffer from the "creaky leather seat" syndrome. The storage compartment on the console next to the handbrake has a sliding lid for FL E46s.

 

[tombstone]

take ur time mate, never rush ESPECIALLY WHEN BUYING A CAR, furthermore being a udm...

 

[aermyn]

sub8sec,

the easiest way for you to check is the shiftronic gear, when you engage to manual the + sign shall be at bottom and - sign shall be on top (facelifted version) c/w 5 speed, the old version ( + sign on top and - sign on bottom ) with 4 speed.
The other difference are those have been mention by our sifus forumner. Do inspect before you pen it at dotted line. Cheers!!!

 

[sub8sec]

Thanks for the additional input, pls keep them coming

The checklist to identify a FL model I've gathered so far :
1. Front, rear bumpers
2. Headlights
3. Front fog lights
4. Grill
5. Bonnet
6. Front fender turn indicators
7. Tail lamps
8. Stiffer suspension - more bumpy ride?
9. Quickened steering ratio
10. For 318i - newer Valvetronic engine, +/- feature on autobox
11. Front seat not creaky - although I think this is quite subjective
12. Sliding storage console
13. Manual auto transmission : + at bottom, - on top with 5 speed.

This will definitely come in handy when I checkout the car again next time.

 

[wglee]

Oh yeah, 1 more thing: the FL E46 has heavier steering.

 

[sub8sec]

The checklist to identify a FL model I've gathered so far :
1. Front, rear bumpers
2. Headlights
3. Front fog lights
4. Grill
5. Bonnet
6. Front fender turn indicators
7. Tail lamps
8. Stiffer suspension - more bumpy ride?
9. Quickened steering ratio
10. For 318i - newer Valvetronic engine, +/- feature on autobox
11. Front seat not creaky - although I think this is quite subjective
12. Sliding storage console
13. Manual auto transmission : + at bottom, - on top with 5 speed.
14. Heavier steering
15.
16.

 

[sub8sec]

VIN verification

I got the VIN from my dealer today and I ran a check, it turns out that this car was manufactured in 09/2001, and not 2003 as claimed

so this means they have retrofitted the body parts etc. and sell it as a FL model.

In this case, it would be crazy to pay >160K for a 2001 model Luckily I've not signed anything yet

well, looks like the search for my UDM continues...

 

[aermyn]

sub8sec,

May be u can look for Japan Spec. Happy hunting!!! He he he

 

[astroboy]

Hi all UDM fans..

Am newbee just registered today and am also hunting for e46. How come this thread ends with last posting 1-Nov? Our friend missing one month lio. I wonder he has secured a unit..

 

[sub8sec]

astroboy,

yes I've got myself an e46, early Nov.

welcome to the club