Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: E46 automatic anyone?

  1. #1
    BMWHaus Contributor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    619

    E46 automatic anyone?

    Lads I'm thinking of picking up an e46 with the m54 2.2 I think and it's an auto with 150k miles, are these reliable at this mileage and what should I be looking out for on a test drive? Thanks, Nigel

  2. #2
    BMWHaus Guru
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Dublin
    Posts
    5,015

    RE: E46 automatic anyone?

    I think e46s autos have a not-so-good GM gearbox rather than the ZFs in e92s, maybe certain years had better gearboxes than others, so will let someone more knowledgeable chime in.

  3. #3
    BMWHaus Contributor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    619

    RE: E46 automatic anyone?

    Cheers peter It's a 2003 if that matters

  4. #4
    BMWHaus Site Sponsor
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    2,360

    RE: E46 automatic anyone?

    i would worry more about engine and car in general ,gearboxes from 200e could be found , so smallest thing to worry

  5. #5
    BMWHaus Guru
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    3,909

    E46 automatic anyone?

    The cooling system will probably need a refresh, check for oil leaks from the oil filter housing, rocker cover, the ccv. Also check the level of oil consumption as it can be high....

  6. #6
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    22

    RE: E46 automatic anyone?

    I am not a BMW specialist but from what I know the 2.2 engines aren't the best choice. Not enough power and high fuel consumption. I haven't heard anything bad about the automatic transmissions though

  7. #7
    BMWHaus Contributor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    831

    E46 automatic anyone?

    I had a e39 2.2 manual for 6 months and it never missed a beat.was ok on power too.sold it to someone and 2 days later he had it on adverts wi h a bust radiator and it looked well thrashed,I reckon it's how they are treated.thrash anything and it will break eventually..


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  8. #8
    BMWHaus Contributor
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    581

    RE: E46 automatic anyone?

    I'd worry about every car at 150k miles - unless its got a seriously epic maintanence record

  9. #9
    BMWHaus Contributor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    619

    RE: E46 automatic anyone?

    Cheers lads yeah preference is a manual 2.5 but there is literally none for sale for my meagre budget. I havnt spoke to the seller but there is no mention of service history in the ad, I will hopefully go take a look at it next week if it's still available and see what it's like

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •