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Message: <blockquote data-quote="E46Fanatic" data-source="post: 165803" data-attributes="member: 81">The M54 is a aluminium block btw, and while the M54 is rock solid, the gearbox, cooling system, powersteering, power windows, A/C compressor, alternator and suspension bushes are the weak links. While the E46 is a good car, I'll take the Merc.  I test drove it with some of the BCM guys and it was sweet.  Much nicer interior and has a lot of class compared to the E46 IMHO. Only thing is that the tranny takes longer to shift on manual mode and brakes (despite the pretty cross drilled rotors) are worse compared to the E46 325i.  Engine note and smoothness is great for a 4 banger. One thing I have noticed, is a lot of carbonization on the tailpipes of the 230K (1.8 ltr).  Not sure if the engine is tuned to run rich from the factory or there is significant oil burn.  Also early batches of the 203 have issues of melting electrical wiring throughout the car, which needs changing every 3-4 years or so in Malaysia.  Cost is ~Rm5k each time</blockquote>