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MercuryE46
05-15-2012, 07:25 PM
hello,
I am new to this site and was looking for some good advice, now that i graduated from school i have more time and money. i have always been interested in BMWs, especially the E46 generation.

Im planning on buying used for my first BMW and have been looking at 328i and M3, with my current budget i can only afford BMWs with higher milage usually around the 100,000 mile mark.

the question is; is there common malfunctions with these higher milage E46s that i should look out for? besides the obvious like checking for leaks in gaskets, brakes functional, body damage and etc.

thanks for the advice.

ezbmr
05-15-2012, 10:03 PM
The cars are quite reliable, I would suggest a manual transmission, the automatics, don't usually last past 250k. I would also get one that is newer, with the shark fin, that way you don't get the tinted window interference. Try to get one with Tinted windows, have it checked by a mechanic, things that you will want to replace are the vanos seals, which can be as low at 125 if you do them yourself, about 500 if you have it done. If you are getting the valve cover gasket replaced, get the vanos seals at the same time. After 150k, you will want to replace your cooling system, radiator, water pump, hoses, expansion tank, maybe even the thermostat. The o2 sensors will probably need to be replaced after 150k as well. Esp with the manuals, you need to look out for subframe damage, turner motor sports has a reinforcement part for the subframe. Try to get one that has new shocks, bilstein or koni.

MercuryE46
05-16-2012, 10:47 AM
thank you! this information was very helpful. I only have one question, what years are the shark fins?

bimmerjph
05-16-2012, 12:03 PM
Cooling system is weak. Usually needs to be replaced around 100k miles.

Earlier models 99-midyear 01 are known to tear their rear subframes. The more the torque the car has the more likely there is for a tear.

Autos can be okay if you take care of them, but they are known to have the no reverse issue.

Those are really the only critical flaws the E46 has that I can think of.