Tips to buy a second-hand E46 (318i)

[Mimi]

Hi all sifu and forumers,

I am newbie here and just intro my self today. Ekceli..i wants some opinion and tots about having/ owning the BMW. I am currently using japan car and i am planning to move. I have been arround this forum (as visitor) quite sometimes...just to learn, see, and study about E46 and i would prefer to buy a 318i sooner (second hand). I just curious to know the tips how to buy a good/ fair condition of E46 in the market...anyone can advise is highly appreciate

My questions:

1. I would like to know what mileage can consider OK for second hand E46? how about the years of manufacturer? which one is come first to look at in buying those car. I notice some of them clocked at below 50km for 2003 car...is that too good to be truth?

2. Direct owner vs Kedai kereta...which one is better to buy the E46 with cash? i mean in terms of the car history. And also what things to look at when buying this car? (i.e check the engine, gearbox..or even send to inspection first to diognose?? )

3. How much minimum cash i have to spend on the E46 once i bought it from used car or owner? some say might not less than 5k? To refurbish back the car to a OK condition.

4. I have'nt drve a BMW before...is it worth to own? but for sure i am hunger for its comfort..i have no problem to maintain it..Rm1k per month will spares for it

Thats all...hope forumers can share their opinion and experience..cheers!

 

[slyder]

Hi Mimi,

question 1)
mileage is something subjective. But a good gauge is if the car is 2003 which means 10 years old. Does 5000 km makes sense to you? that means if the previous owner followed the actual service interval, they only service the once in 2 years??? does that make sense? You can ask them for service record else better to walk away.
Another possible sign to look at are the condition of the interior. especially the driver seat and carpet. if there are very worn, then definitely the mileage have been tempered with.

2) sometimes direct owner might be better but more hassle as you need to do a few things on your own. Better to bring to a mechanic you trust and is good with bmw

3) how much to spend depends on the condition of the car and subjective to your tolerance level.

4) BMW is not really comfort focused. it is more of a spirited driving machine which means more firm suspension compared to others like Mercedes. if you want comfort for that era of car, my honest advice is go for the Mercedes if you are looking for continental cars.



p/s why not consider the e46 325 or the 320. BMW will only come alive and you truly know and feel its engineering with their inline 6 engines.

Also do come join any of our TT sessions.

Depending on which area you are from join one of the nearby ones to you.

look it up under members meet up section.

 

[Yeow]

Just to add on to what slyder had mentioned.

If possible, bring the car to a BMW specialist workshop for inspection. While eye-balling the car can reveal things, a proper workshop would reveal much more. Most private seller would allow and many used car dealer will say no with lame-ass excuse like no insurance, no road tax. Those are bullshit. All the dealer will have trade plate (aka blue plate) for test drives.

Walk away if no service record or no workshop visit. These car may seems affordable now but parts are killer when it breaks.

 

[Mimi]

Hi Slyder & Yeow,

Noted! Thanks for sharing the advise..yeah most probably mileage below 50k for 2003 is day dreaming..maybe its recon car. Will bring the car to the BMW specialist for inspection..as i am a cash buyer rite? So i have more power in words

Ok, i will keep the rest in my mind..and yes i would like to meet up TT rider soon..to have closer look at their machines..

P/s : Slyder, mercedes tak mau lah nanti my dad nak pinjam pakai jalan2..

 

[anaksarawak]

Dear Mimi,

I owned two 318 and my current N42 is an 10 years old but just clocked 89K today, it was 62K when I bought the car few years back. It is possible to find such low mileage if the owner is a Pilot, Stewardess/Steward, Seaman, or Oil & Gas specialist and etcs.

Everyone will advice you to take it to a trusted BMW specialist to check the car, I suggest you pay them a fee to check the followings

1. Cooling system - pumps, hose, tanks, heat exchangers, radiator, valves, thermostat and etcs
2. Engine compression test - for leaking gaskets, worn valves or pistons
3. Powersteering system - pump is expensive, rack is worse
4. ABS, DSC system especially the pump
5. Gearbox
6. All rubber mounts, engine, gearbox, suspensions, lower/control arms etcs
7. CD changer - always rosak a used one will set you back RM300
8. suspension system, a new one is a must if they have not change since new
9. Valvetronic motor - check if it give any hash sound as that is a sign of failure.
10. There are tons of sensors in this engine as it's the grandfather of the new engine. Started with E46 then E90 then F30 which they finally added turbo. All those sensors has a life and 10 years is about its lifetime. Total change will set you back RM2000
11. Good to own a PC with INPA installed - I have a spare set for sales at RM390 including Laptop, software and INPA Cable. you can google/youtube INPA for more details
12 Wheels bearing is at it's end of life after 10 years so do check out for humming sound.
13. Condition of it's interior must be at near par to new car especially no sound from window, no scratches on plastics, steering is new, seat is new, overall it must be near 95% new. It is possible as I have seen many 10 or 15 years old bimmers in that condition.
14. You may post the pic of the car here as we may know the previous owner.

Good luck on your search bro

 

[crusher]

Hi,

I'm also looking for E46. From my research, 2002 and onwards using N42 engine. Before that will be M43 (I think). Some people say M43 is easier to maintain but my POV is newer engine better rite? So I am looking for a 2002 car.

I have seen few cars at car dealers but very wary of buying from them. Better to look for private owners but there are not many sellers.

 

[tweiboon]

N42 no more double, single vanos that's it.
N42 always oil leakage that's it
N42 valvetronic motor die RM700++ that's it.
Buy or not buy you think it
If you ok with it just buy it.

 

[crusher]

This seems universally accepted. Why N42 always leak oil? Even with fixing it still will leak?

 

[gendong]

Would love to invite bro mimi n crusher to this month's OTT this Friday 13th June at A&W PJ. Lets talk abt the n42, and u guys can 'browse' my ride on n42 of course ......which does not leak btw.....my mileage is 19x,xxx k km

 

[Shahrezan]

i concur that!!

 

[Mimi]

anaksarawak,
Bro, such a massive infos from u! Thanks a lot. For those who reply on my thread really appreciate it..so..hehe i kuatkan kaki push the paddle to the used car i admire of one UDM last week spotted..everyone, please have a look at the picture whos the previous owner??? WQA 606!!

Bro tweiboon,
Agreed with u..once i fall in love with this machine..forever will lah i dont have any doubt in mind rite now as i admire this car 2 years before..and plus now get some extra money for cash buy heheee

Bro gendong,
I used to go PJ at taman dato harun as my beloved wife staying there if u dont mind PM me ur contact number..i am looking for any TT in future..

Ok get back to the car i spotted to buy here..sales man claimed it was 2nd owner oledi..original M3 though..(from my homework maybe yes it is). Engine sounds good silent and no vibration obvious..but below things that scray me told by the sales guy:
1. The gearbox has been change recently (new half cut)
2. Mileage clocked at 198,000km

 

[Mimi]

318i M Sport, Mfg 2003/ Reg 2007

 

[crusher]

How much is the car?

 

[Mimi]

The car price OTR is RM45,800. Since i prefer cash and with some nego talks..the sales guy can discount to RM39,800.

 

[anaksarawak]

Dear Mimi,

My suggestion is to skip this one, from my personal judgement the car is poorly maintained and gearbox is not not repaired when he/she sold it to the used car dealer means he/she do not have the financial capability to sayang the car. At 195,000km so many things require your attention should you wish your car to perform near to new or how a BMW should be. I will only go for it should it be RM30,000 top since you need 10-15K to fix the car with original or branded OEM parts.

Our previous discussion on N42B20 engine
http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/forum/the-bmw-range/-3-series/e46/50210-bmw-n42b20-engine

It is normal for N engine to leaks as the gasket, o-rings has a temperature threshold and it's lifetime is shorter in our hot climate. Fix are easy and not very expensive hence I suggest valves seals, head gasket, flywheel gasket, engine cover gasket, vacuum pump o-ring, solenoid and sensors o-rings, spark plugs tube o-ring, gearbox filter and gasket, both engine and gearbox heat exchanges to be replace upon collecting your car.

 

[Veera]

huhuhu...guys,

I just got my E46 N42 gearbox seals & oil all changed and cost me RM2600.00 (including usual service at 7k mileage + fan belt and bushings)....

changed all the seals, gear box oil - 9 litre's and etc.

 

[Mimi]

Bro anaksarawak,

Thanks for your input! I also thinking to let this item go as i would much prefer to be only 2nd owner instead of 3rd. The gearbox change by 2nd owner just rite before selling this car..

Will always take note on your suggestions and tips!

So..i kena jalan2 cari lagi laaa..

 

[Mimi]

Hey guys,

By the way just wanna ask..is anyone here from northern region?? Would like to know any local specialist workshop for BMW owner..not chop chop one la..

I have my mechanic at my hometown taiping (specialist on Merc,Bmw and conti cars) but it is good to know more than one shop surround as we dont know if any future failure on the road..i am now marry go round Penang-Sg petani

 

[gendong]

Take ur time in getting the right car bro. Do take note on the items that Anaksarawak has pointed out.

In Penang, look for bro aidilj, who drives a sweet n42 manual. Lookout for their meetups in the member meet up section.

already pm u my contact number, in case u drop by KL....

 

[anaksarawak]

Bro kby88 with N42 manual is also from Penang