Need to know bout E46, 318 2.0

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If you plan to keep the car for only few years; you can consider the facelift. If you going to keep the car for at least 5-7 years then it doesn't matter whether it is facelift or not. Oh also please be prepare to have some extra cash on the side for wear and tear replacement. As you know BMW's of that age will have its wear and tear due.
 
Hey guys, just adding to mwtang's dilemma, I recently spotted an E46 318i, comes almost completely modified.. ACS Type 4 18 inch, the bodykit, dual ACS exhaust and this and that lar..

My main concern is, whom and where should I send the car to have it checked? I just wanna have total peace of mind before picking up this one.

So, the 02 to 05 cars are N42 while 05 onwards to the new e90 are N46...same engine..tuned to 150hp..7hp more than the N42, what about the 99 to 01 cars?

Sorry for dumb questions, I'm really just a Beemer-Dummy.. but a BIG fan, no doubt. And what's with that eddiefiola guy? Don't buy an E46? This guy must be riding around on his kap-chai just feeling envious about everyone else around him.

Cheers,
JaY
 
strat, welcome to the dilemma club hehehehe. The E46 u saw is it a 318 2.0? or 318 1.9?
 
StRat said:
Hey guys, just adding to mwtang's dilemma, I recently spotted an E46 318i, comes almost completely modified.. ACS Type 4 18 inch, the bodykit, dual ACS exhaust and this and that lar..

My main concern is, whom and where should I send the car to have it checked? I just wanna have total peace of mind before picking up this one.

So, the 02 to 05 cars are N42 while 05 onwards to the new e90 are N46...same engine..tuned to 150hp..7hp more than the N42, what about the 99 to 01 cars?

Sorry for dumb questions, I'm really just a Beemer-Dummy.. but a BIG fan, no doubt. And what's with that eddiefiola guy? Don't buy an E46? This guy must be riding around on his kap-chai just feeling envious about everyone else around him.

Cheers,
JaY

Just PMed u bro!
 
MWTANG,
would recommend going for the 2.5 engine as the engine is smoother than the 2.8l though the 2.8l has alot more torque...the facelift 2.5l model would be a better bet as the shape is more current - only ended in 04 compared to 01 for the pre facelift.

In terms of price, you may want to wait for a few months (till after CNY) or so till the facelift models drop into the 125k bracket as they still are around 135k now....

Eddiefiola,
what exactly do you mean that the 'E46 sucks?' Both engine and transmissions in the E46 are the same as the E36 and E39 so any issues would be similar to the E36/E39. Yes, the E36 is still a more focused drivers car as the E46 was catered to more comfort orientated market - basically the C class market in order to steal sales from the 3 pointed star.

As this is meant to be a community forum, would appreciate if you would exercise some etiquette as its extremely impolite to slag other members cars off, - if you want to highlight any issues on a particular model, then would suggest that you:
1) explain the rationale behing it
2) be more diplomatic about it.
This will ensure that all car members feel welcome.
 
bmwcar said:
In terms of price, you may want to wait for a few months (till after CNY) or so till the facelift models drop into the 125k bracket as they still are around 135k now....

Is this price drop expected on a yearly basis? Up to a 10k drop in price?
 
Hi Riezal,

the biggest price drop is normally in the first 3 months of the year as
1) its a buyers market as there would be alot of cars for sale due to the year end bonuses and festive seasons as buyers trade up
2) its now 07 so a 02 car would now be classified as a 5 year old car instead of a 4 year old car 2 months ago.....
 
bmwcar said:
the biggest price drop is normally in the first 3 months of the year as
1) its a buyers market as there would be alot of cars for sale due to the year end bonuses and festive seasons as buyers trade up

Totally agree with this. However, I wasn't sure how bad it will be for continental cars. Im more familiar with Japanese cars.

So if I were to purchase a 2001 E46 325i for 115-120k, I can expect to see the same car selling below 110k come March/Apr 07?
 
mwtang,

Been using E46, 320 6-pot jap spec for sometimes and slighty more punch than 318 but a lot less punch than 325 of course. Comfort wise almost the same. I'm happy with my machine and so far quite friendly with my pocket too considering the age. Strongly recommended 6 cylinder instead of 4. Then thats the 6-pot sound to consider... and the feel driving in a Bimmer. Best is have a test drive at any car dealer. compare yourself mate. Now you can demand with car dealer to test drive any darn car u want bro. pm me if u want contact number of reasonable dealer...
 
hmmm.... i was quoted 128k for a 2001 320i, if thats the case i will wait for a couple of months.
 
mwtang said:
hmmm.... i was quoted 128k for a 2001 320i, if thats the case i will wait for a couple of months.

That sounds like the price of an unregistered car at a used car dealer?
 
NKTOB said:
Just PMed u bro!

NKOTB.. Thanks, already sent the car for inspection from head to toe. All is well except for the 'Cam Shaft Sensor' which apprently cost RM350 to change. Any idea what it does? Its a little black adaptor attached to the engine near the engine oil cap. Hmmm..

Bros, car prices drop without a doubt. Its inevitable. Of course, this is just my 2 cents.. but the best car in town is the one that makes you happy and puts you to sleep soundly at night. So why wait too long? Unless of course financially it makes a big difference to you, then that's another story altogether.

mwtang, pick the car up lar.. ands lets roll together :D

Cheers,
J
 
Sorry guys, im new here, just checking is it a common prob for an e46 reserve tank to spoil at 60,000km onwards..

it really worries me... thks thks.

what should i do if that the case...
 
StRat said:
NKOTB.. Thanks, already sent the car for inspection from head to toe. All is well except for the 'Cam Shaft Sensor' which apprently cost RM350 to change. Any idea what it does? Its a little black adaptor attached to the engine near the engine oil cap. Hmmm..

Cheers,
J

Cam Shaft Sensor, if faulty will make ur ride feel sluggish, eratic idlying and ride power delivery is delayed...
 
ericho said:
Sorry guys, im new here, just checking is it a common prob for an e46 reserve tank to spoil at 60,000km onwards..

it really worries me... thks thks.

what should i do if that the case...

Yup, common wear & tear...suggest to get it replaced before it's faulty! Normally, one can see a visible hairline crack or a leak to confirm.

Cost approx RM300 for a change to include labor!
 
Anyway, happy to see the 318 2.0L year 02 facelifted model have got a higher resale value. Will drive mine for another 2 years before changing. I must say I am very lucky to have this forum to find out more service and maintances tips and also very lucky that my car is giving me very little problem. Anyway since mine is in original condition, don't really matter to me if its 143hp or 150hp. Think mine is the double Vanos version.

At least I can say it's more responsive then the other 525 J-Spec that I am driving. Not much to ask from a 4 potter but ultra fuel economical when on long distance, gives me a minimum 750KM for 45L of petrol . Yap, JB all the way to Penang still got 1/4 tank left.

Anyway, 1 thing you must check is oil leak, turn on engine let it run for at least 10min and see got burning black oil smell . BM are very prone to this.
 
Sangkuriang,

Great to hear u hv a Jap spec. Where was the purchase made and please give some good dealers for me to get my 318i. Hv been hunting for a few months and Naza was the most ridiculously priced recond Beemeer.

Am planning for a Jap spec but also need to know where to send when it gets moody.

cheers
 
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