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