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Thread: E46 318i, what to watch out for?

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  1. #1
    BMWHaus Contributor
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    E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    I'm going to view a cheap 02 318i tomorrow, 2.0 petrol and I'm told to steer clear. Why, what's the issue? My sister has an 05 and it's a great motor.

  2. #2
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    E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    It all gives trouble on those engines, from rings to vanos units to valve stem oil seals to coolant leaks to timing chains to valvetronic motors to head gaskets. Get the drift

  3. #3
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    Re: E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    Its hit and miss for example i have one and nigel on here got his a bit after me

    Parts that failed
    Mine - new timing chain and guide rails plus all seals on the engine , new fuel pump , new vanos units

    Nigels- new oil level sensor, airbag light

    They are imo a weak lump and you will hit trouble sooner or later definitely nowhere near as reliable as the i6 found in the e46

  4. #4
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    RE: E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    Shiiiiiit. That's not at all what I needed to hear.

  5. #5
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    RE: E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    Yep, our 318ti (with the later N46 engine but same issues afaik) needed a new timing chain a while back.
    Big old expense if you're looking to keep costs down

  6. #6
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    RE: E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    Ok, thanks for the advice lads. I'm gonna have to reassess the risk factor which is a pity. Maybe time to organise a plan b

  7. #7
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    RE: E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    Your handy with a spanner iirc , if its really cheap just buy it and fit a new chain

  8. #8
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    RE: E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    No power, mine had the older engine n43 I think, 4 cylender bms are trouble around that era,
    They wouldn't pull ye out of the bed either.

  9. #9
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    E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    Quote Originally Posted by MICK FORAN
    No power, mine had the older engine n43 I think, 4 cylender bms are trouble around that era,
    They wouldn't pull ye out of the bed either.
    I think your a little confused Mick, there's an M43 and an N42. The earlier engine (M43) didn't give much trouble it's the N42 that causes the ballaches

  10. #10
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    RE: E46 318i, what to watch out for?

    Quote Originally Posted by John_D
    Quote Originally Posted by MICK FORAN
    No power, mine had the older engine n43 I think, 4 cylender bms are trouble around that era,
    They wouldn't pull ye out of the bed either.
    I think your a little confused Mick, there's an M43 and an N42. The earlier engine (M43) didn't give much trouble it's the N42 that causes the ballaches
    M43 is one of the best engines they ever made, if you looked after them, they looked after you.

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