hello every1. i not really sure what engine is fitted into E46 318i so i make some research and found this page:http://www.bmwinfo.com/23480.htmli'm planning to get my first e46 318i. did some research and some say the 1.9L model is more durable and reliable compare to 2.0 model. izzit true? any1 would like to share their knowledge?
M44 vs N42
- Thread starter hafez
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cloudbuster
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2.0 is definitely better than 1.9. If you have the chance, drive both and compare, and you will know what I mean.
A car is only as reliable as how the owner takes care of it. Cheers
A car is only as reliable as how the owner takes care of it. Cheers
flash
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I wud rather go with the older motor... less of a headache. Have seen one too many N42 with problems at the workshop I usually go to. But then again, such engine were new then and now I guess the mechs are more well versed with such engines and can easily repair them.
fabianyee
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The M43TUB19 in the prefacelift 318i is an easy engine to diagnose and repair.. The N42B20 has more electronics which made it more powerful and fuel efficient.. However, having more electronics oso mean more headaches when there's a problem..
alxy
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Not sure about reliability for M44 and N42 (I have the M54), but you would definitely feel the power difference. Drive both and see. Heck even the 2l was not enough for me. Try the 325 and see. I dare say you won't regret the extra $$$$ spent!
alxy
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hafez;365310 said:
What hassle with 325? Maintenance is about the same (OK, certain things will be more expensive, but if you get a good car, it won't be a biggy). Believe me, it's going to more hassle later when you try to sell off the 318 to get the 325. Even one lady colleague in my office went against our advise and took a 2004 318 (the 2l one). Now she regrets saying lack of power! So imagine a full blooded man.......
alxy
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Before I get slammed by 318 owners....let me just say it all boils down to personal choice and driving style. If you drive mostly around town then 90% of the time the car will be enough. But it's those 10% of the times (e.g. when you're trying to overtake that pesky Kancil with a short road stretch opportunity, or putting those Ah Beng wiras in place, etc....) that you will wish you had more power. I have driven the 318 before. Normal conditions perfect, but when I needed that extra oomph.... stepped on accelerator and..... nothing! Very frustrating......
tq alxy. that was a very convincing comment for me to get a 325. will test drive 325 later n i'm sure its going to be awful. btw do u know any good mechanic to evaluate a car around old klang road. any oppinion on how to check either the car accident before?
alxy
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Actually BECAUSE it is a BMW is what makes it so frustrating. The handling is damn good, which is why you feel more frustrated if the engine cannot keep up. No names mentioned, but I have driven other makes before and I did not feel the lack of power so much, because the handling wasn't as good. So you naturally tend to step back a bit anyway.
zeedo
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Really boils down to 90:10 ratio like alxy mentioned, I'm driving 318 N42, does not give me much headache if you keep doing the preventive maintenance instead of breakdown maintenance. It's just that 10% of the time when you need to keep up with A4 B7 1.8T or C200K at straight lines that will take you back from N42. I just tested my buddy's E90 325, damn it sure reach 200km/h fast (only 5% of the time I wanna do that). But with 318, u only need 4 plugs, 4 ignition coils, only 4.5 litre engine oil, 6 litre gearbox oil and cheaper on fuel too. It's still stylish with less power but a lot better than camries or accords. One thing I notice by the way, my friends who owns those cars (bought it more expensive than my E46) still will go "Whoaaa....drive bimmer ka"
last few years, my auntie lend me her 318i for about a week. the comfort, handling and power keep on haunted me all these years. for me 318i is already awesome but from all the comments i'm sure 325i is flawless. i'm still considering these two. i know 325i have more power but it price higher as well. from my survey, there is a dealer offer me 318i year 2000 ckd for 79k while the cheapest for 325i year 2000 ckd i could find is 89k. i'm still not sure how much installment for these two cars for 7 years. still need to save to buy house n get married. hahaha...
