E30,E36,E46,E90 common issues ,info etc

[Gar]

E46


ENGINES

I4 petrols N42 found in facelift 318 316 comes in b18 and b20
16 valve dohc http://www.bmwheaven.com/database/engine.php?type=N42

Timing chain failure as low as 50k miles guide rails break
Vanos units fail on 03/04 models loud rattle heard from the engine
Coil packs very common to fail last around 80k
Vanos solenoids can become clogged
When running right this is a great lump very nippy unfortunately there is just so much to go wrong on it

I4 M43 316,318
8 valve sohc a little underpowered not uncommon for headgasket failure although if maintained correctly throughout its life a strong little lump

M43TU plastic coolant pipes crumbling and needing a refresh( say about 80/100k??)

The torque rating on the b19 is suprisingly good at 180nm http://www.bmwheaven.com/database/engine.php?type=M43#/88

I6 M52/54
(Link to 5 series)

I6 S54 M3




BODY
Front archs should be checked often very prone to rust
Rear subframe cracks/tears can happen on any model but mainly diesels and M3's
Late models had 10yr corrosion warranty instead of 6

SUSPENSION
Front wishbone common failure exspensive to replace
Rear top mounts common failure
Rear springs snap/break

GEARBOX
Manual
Auto
Smg


BRAKES


ELECTRONICS
Airbag light usually set off by passenger seat mat fault
Airbag recall 2014
Fuel pump failure (100k)


WHEELS
Bore size 72.6mm
Can run wheels up to 19" in stock fitment
wide selection of oem and aftermarket wheels available


NCAP RATING 4*

E36

ENGINES
I4 M42/43/44
http://www.bmwheaven.com/database/engine.php?type=M44

Bulletproof lump was a joy in my 3 years of ownership (m44) whilst not the fastest (0-60 in 10 seconds) it was just such a hardy lump loved to be revved and was nippy enough for day to day no wonder its universally loved

I6 M52

I6 S50 M3


BODY
Rust around front and rear archs
Bootlid ,nosecone ,sill jacking points ,top of windscreen

SUSPENSION


GEARBOX
Very sturdy nice shifts a fluid change and should go forever

BRAKES


ELECTRONICS
Very reliable in this area little to go wrong other then odd sensor


WHEELS
72.6mm wide selection available in oem and aftermarket fitment
Most commonly ran on 17's

NCAP RATING 1.5*

E30


ENGINES


BODY
Rusts - everywhere

GEARBOX


BRAKES


SUSPENSION


ELECTRONICS


WHEELS


NCAP RATING N/A


E9X



ENGINES


BODY


GEARBOX


SUSPENSION


BRAKES


ELECTRONICS
Easily stolen using obd port

WHEELS
Runflat tyres = harsh ride
No jack or spare wheel
19" 225m very prone to cracking

NCAP RATING 5*



Feel free to give me info to pop in as its a work in progress and wont be finished for at least a few weeks

[John_D]

good work Gar,

A few things for E46.
Rear springs snapping would be all models not just coupe.
No harm adding to M43TU about plastic coolant pipes crumbling and needing a refresh(I dunno say 80/100k??)
Also steering wheel was not changed with the facelift but instead with the 2000 mid year update.