Planning for second hand E46 318i

[cuorekid]

i planning to get E46 but i heard the gearbox given problem my friend bought after 6 months kaput already repair cost RM 7k i need some advice from sifu how to check the gearbox. Better get local ? or AP thanks

 

[anaksarawak]

Gearbox is depending on the car previous owner. Most pre own by female (auntie age) will give you good gearbox but you may end up with oil sludge in engine due to over extended interval of oil change (25,000km) as auntie will follow the service interval diligently. I do know a friend of mine who own her E46 for 4 years but only change the engine one twice, First is at 2000km and next is 27000km at AutoBavaria Hahahaha.

If you are up for Original M Sport this beautiful and lots of sayang E46 318 is for sale http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?48325-Say-hello-to-Karl....-) . I will pukuk / racun him to sell and ask him to give you 50,000km free service means, 5 free oil and filter change. Also to show you how to use the BMW Scanner 1.4 diagnostic tool.

 

[madnet]

My 318i 1.9 has clocked over 260000 KM and still running without Gear Box issues. It all depends on how you maintain the car... Take your time and search for a good unit. Our sifus here can give some great advice.

 

[Iceduke]

lol...so fast adi bro? haha...c la am just exploring la...provided the 325 msport is still available when he wanna buy...

 

[anaksarawak]

lol...so fast adi bro? haha...c la am just exploring la...provided the 325 msport is still available when he wanna buy...

iceduke... Once sold your E46 you still have your 5 series to drive la...till you found your 325 M Sport CI Hahaha.

 

[kby88]

i m with 318i n42 as well...4 years of ownership with mileage now 260 000 km
so far gearbox never fail to serve me. maintained it well, it should be OK.
however, we still need to be prepared for the worst...

 

[Iceduke]

i m with 318i n42 as well...4 years of ownership with mileage now 260 000 km
so far gearbox never fail to serve me. maintained it well, it should be OK.
however, we still need to be prepared for the worst...

dont scare me bro... lol

 

[gendong]

Im also with 318i n42 with mileage at 170 000 km. No gearbox issue so far. Regular maintenance, preventive of course.

 

[kby88]

dont scare me bro... lol

just to make sure dont kena heart attack in case anything happen la bro...hehe
and to prevent from "selimut" our car and left it under the garage for sometime.....

 

[anaksarawak]

Many are selling their autobox as they kena racun to convert to manual, price is around RM1500-RM2500 jangan takut la

 

[kby88]

Many are selling their autobox as they kena racun to convert to manual, price is around RM1500-RM2500 jangan takut la

hahahaha...ya2...there is one in very good condition up for sale. can still test it out...who wat to book it first? hhehhe

 

[aidilj]

Hello, not sure if you can really tell if the gearbox going to last during purchase. It might work well during purchase, but then after using it, depending on driving style the gearbox can give up.

For me the tranny survived a little more than a year before giving up, prior to that I've already changed the ATF which is about the only thing you can do to maintain the autobox.

Good luck on the search and save some money for the unexpected/surprises and you'll be good. Stick around for tips and info.. Cheers

 

[anaksarawak]

Hello, not sure if you can really tell if the gearbox going to last during purchase. It might work well during purchase, but then after using it, depending on driving style the gearbox can give up.

For me the tranny survived a little more than a year before giving up, prior to that I've already changed the ATF which is about the only thing you can do to maintain the autobox.

Good luck on the search and save some money for the unexpected/surprises and you'll be good. Stick around for tips and info.. Cheers

I hear a lot that many complaints their GB given up after ATF change, can it because of wrong spec of ATF used?

 

[Iceduke]

dont scare us la aidij...heheh or else we may have to go ur route di...(M)

 

[ICEMAN 68]

if gearbox is gonna be an obstacle on your purchase, then better just stay away from BMW and just get a another brand marque or even better a japanese engine ...

well no gearboxes are perfect ...and some die due to abuse and some stay a long long long time without any single hic-cup ...

many theories over this matter, but end of the day it's your hard cash at stake ..

so buy with care ya ..

 

[gendong]

when its a second hand car, you are actually at the mercy of the previous owner. and with some luck, you'll get a gem. if you are buying from direct owner, get hold of the car's maintenance records (receipts etc..) so at least you know what has been changed. otherwise get the car checked by a mech who knows bmws. for piece of mind

 

[Iceduke]

yeap knowing full well that most if not all beemer owners do run their cars to the limit just to hear that fantastic 6potter sound.....

 

[kevinpatel]

bro, a superb car for starters i'd say, i'm using the same one yr 2003... awesome car so far... just a lil maintenance at the beginning and you're well off to a pleasant UDM experience...
all the best and enjoy your ride... do update if you've purchased it...

 

[ezmeer94]

haha mine isa 318i n42 at 170k km gearbox never fail

 

[wingzee]

hi all,

just saw this thread and feel the situation relates to me as well. i'm currently planning for a 2nd hand BMW E46 and very novice about this beast.

trying to make my first move visiting the 2nd hand car shop but not sure how to buy? where to get a reliable mechanic to check on the condition either accident or service center (3rd party) to help me.

i'm currently staying in KL owning a proton. may all experts here able share you experience on how you guys first experience with your BMW?

I think the first advice that many would provide is read, read and read. Google "E46" and plenty of information around. Even for the E46 section of our club.