E46 Average Maintenance per year

[Dodgy]

I'm seriously considering an E46 which is my dream ride. One of the things i read about a bimmer or an E46 that a lot of maintenance $$$ is required. Just want to check with fellow E46 owners on what's the average maintenance that you spend on a per year basis (does not include interior or exterior modifications) ? Eg. Avg. rm8000 or rm10,000 ?

 

[guru]

can be 500 to 5000? depands on how you drive and how lucky you are also lah..

 

[Mouse]

depending if u r the preventive maintenance type, or u generally wait until got problem only u fix it. if u r the preventive maintenance type, u should be spending alot more for the 1st year and save alot more for years to come

 

[meetoo]

can be 500 to 5000? depands on how you drive and how lucky you are also lah..

I'm not sure I agreed it can be as low as RM500 pa. Even with 2 oil changes and normal consumables like sparkplugs, coolant, belts, brake pads and tyres, you're looking at minimum RM2k pa unless you want to use really cheapo products.

Doesn't mean that just because you don't need to change consumable evey year, that you don't need to count the yearly cost. Eg, even if you change your tyres every two year, you can count the cost on a yearly basis. a good set will cost RM2k, so annual cost is RM1k.

Add in the odd repairs and the average should be RM3k-4k because BMW spares are expensive. Throw in a major repair and can go up to RM10k easily.

 

[guru]

if you want to think abt 'costs'..don't buy lar.. but then again, cheap only what.. like perdana cost only

 

[meetoo]

Dodgy is only asking for advice on average annual maintenance cost for E46 before deciding. We should give him the right advice mah...

Yes dodgy, maintaining a E46 expected to be more costly than a Jap or national car.

 

[guru]

i think last year spend 4k+ ..no major repairs.. brake pads /discs, window thing, ignition coil, service.... ok what..

 

[meetoo]

4K+ is quite good and normal for a well kept car....

 

[tank34]

yes, i was just about to suggest a sum of say RM3k per year. To put things into context, this figure will generally apply to cars in their 4th year or 60k mileage. The list below is taken from my experience on the E46 325i (parts and labour described).

Things to look out for:-

1) Brake Pads ($190 per front pair)
2) Brake discs (after 3 years); ($336 per piece)
3) Expansion tank ($350)
4) Control arms (left right)
5) twice yearly oil service approx ($450)
6) gear box/engine mounts ($150 each)
7) Fan belts
8) Thermostat and coolant housing

I think if you put aside RM$3k yearly and ensure regular preventive checks and maintenance, the car will respond better.

 

[meetoo]

That's a very helpful analysis, tank34! So RM4k pa is about right if you thrown in tyres at RM1k amortized cost pa.

For me, it would be RM5k because I change my tyres once a year irregardless, at RM2k per set of Michellin. I believe that tyre rubber on tropical roads are past their best after 1 year. Preventive maintenance mah....

 

[rexmail]

Bought my E46 328i 2 yrs back. Spent RM5K to do everything up even before trying the car out at all. No regrets though.....car is a dream. Spent about RM1.8K for a set of dragons a month after.
Since then I would say I have spent about 2K the 2nd year of maintenance.......
this is of course besides all the other accessories.......ice was another 5K......
I would say if u can afford the car in the first place........don't worry about the repairs.......yr baby will go easy on u if you take good care of her........
There's nothing like driving the UDM........Enjoy man......

 

[dpnikon]

Rex........ just joined this forum. I was planning to get a 2000 328i. Is yours from that year? I was wondering what I would have to change or repair if I get one. What to look out for? I am in KL.

 

[meetoo]

dpnikon, you're going to get flamed very soon for
1. not introducing yourself in the newbies section
2. hijacking 2 threads with your first 2 post
No offense but better read the posting rules quickly bro!

 

[dpnikon]

Where is the newbies section?

Sorry for the hijack. Thanks.

 

[betty boop]

Dear dpnikon,

If you care to read a lil bit more of this nice forum, i am sure you will have no difficulty finding a entire section dedicated to the welcoming of newbies such as yourself and others. Its good to read and understand before posting, like other good internet manners.

If you are still experiencing navigational difficulties, you can jump there directly:
http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30

Have a great day ahead.

 

[dpnikon]

Thanks for the advice betty.

 

[guru]

ahaahahahaa.. kene taruh frm policewoman!!!..

here you don't play play one.. big brother watching!!

kidding ah fellas..

 

[arifz]

maintenance cost? can be very very irritating at times. it irritates so much that you feel like going to sell off and get something else. Like VW GTi.
But that's the thing. Nothing beats UDM. Syok oo...memang syok. Although your wallet will always be empty.

 

[alxy]

I think the key thing is the condition of the car when you first get it, and then how much you're willing to spend to get it up to speed. If you skimp at this stage, be prepared to pay the price later on. For me, it was all "OK" to whatever the mechanic said to do, which meant I paid about RM5K initially. After that it was nothing major until the regular 10,000km service (you can also go for higher mileage regular services, but I am a relatively low mileage user: 10,000km took me 8 months). That service cost me RM330 only. Along the way, expect some odd wear and tear parts to fail (e.g. I had to change a door stopper for around RM150 and some air intake thingy for RM900).

It's like they say in the ads..... Service RM330, Air intake thingy RM900, Door Stopper RM150...... feeling when you drive the car max out? Priceless!