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Thread: e46 Daily Driver Reliability

  1. #1
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    e46 Daily Driver Reliability

    Hey there, I was wondering if anyone can tell me if e46's are really as unreliable as people say. I'm thinking of buying a 2001 325i sedan as a daily driver for commuting to school and such, the price is right, and everything seems fine with the vehicle, but since this is going to be my first bimmer, and german car at that, I'm a bit worried about reliability. I would only be commuting about 3-5K miles a year (very little i know) since I live smack center of the city and would only drive to go to school which is only a couple miles away and home, occasionally to a friends house... anyone with an e46 sedan have any thoughts on the reliability of this vehicle?

  2. #2
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    they are very reliable in the sense that they will rarely leave you stranded.

    Other then that results vary greatly depending on the particular car. Mileage, maintaince history, owner habits, and climate all factor in to how reliable a car is.

    FWIW. ive put about 24,000 miles on mine, replaced the expansion tank as preventative maintenance. Replaced the front control arm bushings because they felt a little sloppy, and did the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket. Thats it. But as you will find on here there are vastly different experiences. Best advice is to take the car to a mechanic who is familiar with these models for a PPI, he will be able to give you a pretty good idea if its a 'good' car or not.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  3. #3
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    OP, does the car have maintenance records? How many miles on the car? Has the cooling system been overhauled? Find a reputable independent shop that specializes in BMWs and have the shop perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI). The PPI will cost between $100 and $200 but could determine that the car is a black hole for $.

  4. #4
    nathancarter is offline Stretch Haters Club #1 BMW CCA Member
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    It's reliable if you take care of it and do the scheduled and preventive maintenance. If you neglect it, it'll likely die. It won't run forever on just gas and oil like, say, an old Toyota.

    If you can't or won't do maintenance and minor repairs yourself, it'll turn into a money pit, paying someone else's labor rates and parts markup.

    I got my 330i when it had 65k miles, it's my daily driver and road-tripper, and it's just about to hit 210k. It has "stranded" me exactly once, and that was a dead battery. Got a jump and drove to the parts store to replace the battery, and everything was fine.
    Last edited by nathancarter; 10-30-2015 at 09:20 AM.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by nathancarter View Post
    It's reliable if you take care of it and do the scheduled and preventive maintenance. If you neglect it, it'll likely die. It won't run forever on just gas and oil like, say, an old Toyota.

    If you can't or won't do maintenance and minor repairs yourself, it'll turn into a money pit, paying someone else's labor rates and parts markup.
    EXACTLY correct.

    I'd also add that they seem to be extremely safe - I was in a head-on collision with a new Dodge Challenger (she was trying to beat a yellow light and make a left turn in front of me) at probably 70-80 MPH total speed and my son and I were able to open the doors and walk away (thank god for seat belts, air bags, and solid design and construction).

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    Thanks for all the help, the car has about 130,000 miles, which is pretty low for a family sedan of this age I would say. If it was taken care of it should be fine, I'll take all the advice and try to find a specialist to do a PPI to see if its a good deal.

  7. #7
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    I don't agree with most of you. Apart from the consequences of overheating, which can be catastrophic, these cars will carry on going even when neglected. I've seen an e36 that didn't have an oil change in 50000 miles, no real maintenance done and the engine still ran fine and pulled well.

    I think a lot of people are on these forums because they are enthusiasts, want the ultimate driving machine and are willing to research and repair the car until they reach that. I also think that if someone who didn't have any idea about cars were to daily drive an e46 without refreshing the suspension, changing vanos seals, etc etc they would not have an 'ultimate driving machine' but they wouldn't get stranded anywhere any time soon.

    I've had 3 BMWs and the only time I was ever left stranded was after a crash!

    Penis,
    Rob.

  8. #8
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    This is my 3rd bmw e46. 330ci 2001.
    It is a very reliable car and I can say the less expensive I ever run.
    Had more problem with brand new cars than driving the e46.
    They don't need that much attention.

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    I've owned two E46s in the last 3 or 4 years. Both were disappointing to me from the standpoint that I couldn't put together more than a few months without something having to be repaired. I invested a good bit of maintenance in the first one and thought it would prevent repairs but it didn't.

    I was also disappointed that things that never break on say, a Toyota, routinely seem to fail on these cars: glovebox latch, window regulator motors, etc. I don't know why they can't get those things right, and why they put in a cooling system that has to be replaced every 5 years or whatever. I also had to replace bulbs at an unusual rate--not a high cost (well, except for HIDs), but what the??

    Loved driving the cars, hated the fact I didn't feel confident to drive 200 miles away for fear I could be left stranded. Both failed me once for the same thing, broken drive belt. Never had that happen on any other car I've ever owned, and I've driven cars to 250k.

    I've finally moved on permanently from the E46. For those of you who can work on them and enjoy that, it's a great car that is definitely a pleasure to drive. I don't know how to work on cars and don't want to spend my time doing that--I'd rather drive them than work on them.

    Not blasting BMW, again, I loved driving these cars. Just my relaying my experience, and with the maintenance / repairs, it wasn't that positive. Others have maybe had better luck.
    Last edited by Colo Springs E; 11-04-2015 at 07:39 AM.

  10. #10
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    5 years and 45k miles and mine has never left me stranded. Fix issues before they become problems. Notice a leak or noise, get it checked out asap. As with any car preventative maintenance is key.

  11. #11
    Join Date
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    Hmmm thats the same thought I had in my head. I have a co-worker who is a BMW enthusiast and wants to sell me his 03 325I. Has 192k on it, yet all the things that go wrong on it have been fixed. Cooling systems, window regulators, all work done at the dealership with receipts to go with them. I am just looking to see if it would be a good buy. Do these cars last over 200k?

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by KingHippo407 View Post
    Do these cars last over 200k?
    On another forum, an owner has an E46 with over 500k miles.

  13. #13
    Join Date
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    2001 ci e46. 245k running strong!

  14. #14
    Join Date
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    Got a 2002 325xi manual with now 240k miles on it. I owned it since 203k since February 2018. I had to change out the suspension from what the previous owner put in it ($200 eBay coilovers) and a water pump when I first bought it, but I knew that going into it and I've loved it since. I've had to do a number of things since then of course (minor cooling system refresh, rear diff replaced, driveshaft replaced, and most recently my steering rack).

    Since this is my very first BMW I've ever owned, I'd say my overall experience is pretty short-sighted, but I've loved how easy it's been to work on it so far and I have some more basic maintenance planned so it can make it to 300k

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by KingHippo407 View Post
    Hmmm thats the same thought I had in my head. I have a co-worker who is a BMW enthusiast and wants to sell me his 03 325I. Has 192k on it, yet all the things that go wrong on it have been fixed. Cooling systems, window regulators, all work done at the dealership with receipts to go with them. I am just looking to see if it would be a good buy. Do these cars last over 200k?
    Bought my 05 in 09 with 38k. Been driving it every day since then. Currently has over 270k on it. It left me stranded exactly twice. Once when the waterpump shat out its bearings at 120k miles (I knew better, and should have replaced it at 100k, but at least it failed when I started it in my garage), and again at 160k when the fuel pump died. That time was a few miles from home, but I just had the wife buy one at Autozone and bring me a couple tools and I swapped it out in the Kroger parking lot.

    I probably do more repairs than the average BMW owner, but then again, maybe that's just because I've had the car so long. She's on her 2nd set of struts and shocks (don't at about 150k), 3rd set of control arms (110k and 220k-ish), probably her 6th set of front CV axles (although this last set has lasted 3 or 4 years now), waterpump/ tstat/ expansion tanks at 120k and 220k. Oddly enough, the original radiator made it to almost 250k before I started noticing some seepage at the tank seals. Crankcase vent valve and hoses done around 175k. Car was completely repainted about 3 years ago (under warranty, lol) due to some rust in the quarter panels, a door, the tail panel, and the forward section of the rocker panels (I paid them to also do the hood while they were painting the sides for the rust issues). Oh, and trans fluid and filter at 100k and 200k. I really haven't done any major engine, trans, or transfer case work to it.
    Quote Originally Posted by B4SH View Post
    If anyone knows, it's this guy who knows literally nothing about everything.
    Quote Originally Posted by fcvapor05 View Post
    Do you even OT? The mean 401k around here is probably about $6, what with all the shiny cars and $1,000 watches and donations to get other members' Volvos running.


  16. #16
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    That sounds terrible. Glad you both were ok and are still with us. Hopefully her insurance was able to provide a replacment e46 for your loss.

  17. #17
    Join Date
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    E46 are very reliable cars that will rarely leave someone stranded, but I agree they require some maintenance and upgrading of some parts to get rid of potential problems.

    The first one, the expansion tank. I wonder why hasn’t anyone come with an aluminum or steel version to get rid of cracking failure, the second, FCABs which can be easily solved upgrading to powerflex, third, regular oil changes, which are mandatory for this engine.

    But the core of the cars reliability: the engine and transmission are almost bulletproof and in mi case, my car is nearing 400,000 Kms. (248,548 mi) and it still drives and looks the same like when it was new. I had to fix several things on the engine like valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, replaced a coil, the expansion tank, belts, an alternator but after nearly 20 years and all those miles I think is worth it. No part lasts forever but the engine with regular oil changes has never failed and same thing for the transmission.

    Some here compare Bmw to a Toyota. Those cars have horrible interiors, lack performance and stability on the road, have very few features and the paint and metal gets corroded after a few years besides the fact that any used Toyota you can buy usually have lots of commuting miles driven by people who don’t take care of cars.

  18. #18
    Join Date
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    2005 E46 at about 275,000 miles …

    2005 E46-1.jpg


    2005 E46-2.jpg




    I was fortunate to get this at about 35,000 miles and have had it for over 10 years now.
    Last edited by Critter7r; 07-29-2019 at 09:46 AM.
    Quote Originally Posted by B4SH View Post
    If anyone knows, it's this guy who knows literally nothing about everything.
    Quote Originally Posted by fcvapor05 View Post
    Do you even OT? The mean 401k around here is probably about $6, what with all the shiny cars and $1,000 watches and donations to get other members' Volvos running.


  19. #19
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    Change the battery if the car is acting wonky in any way. There is a ton of bullshit electronic switches that will act up and cause problems. Common are false alarm alerts, window switch malfunctions, power lock switch breaking, light control module, etc.

    The single most frustrating item about the whole damn car, is the cheap, bullshit switch construction. BMW really should really be embarrassed regarding every switch and sensor mentioned above.

    That said, the car runs great, and has never left me anywhere.
    Last edited by wjb21ndtown; 07-29-2019 at 10:39 AM. Reason: Add info

  20. #20
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    For the record, I have replaced exactly one interior switch component, and that was the passenger window switch because one of the kids pulled up too hard and broke it at the pivot point.

    The turn signal and wiper stalks, steering wheel buttons, overhead lights, HVAC, radio, and all the other window switches are original.
    Quote Originally Posted by B4SH View Post
    If anyone knows, it's this guy who knows literally nothing about everything.
    Quote Originally Posted by fcvapor05 View Post
    Do you even OT? The mean 401k around here is probably about $6, what with all the shiny cars and $1,000 watches and donations to get other members' Volvos running.


  21. #21
    Join Date
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    2002 325xi @ 244k miles and still going strong. I just did the valve cover gasket, one coil, and spark plugs most recently, by myself. I bought it at about 203k miles Feb of 2018 and so I put on over 40k miles in the past year and a half.

    I routinely drive ~500 miles a week for my job. It still needs some TLC to the body (to address some rust and paint chipping), but I believe I've gotten it to a mechanically reliable state. It needed a bunch of mechanical work done to it when I bought it but I got a decent price on it and I knew what I was getting into despite it being my first BMW (and German for that matter). I'm loving every bit of it except when I had to replace the rear differential lol. That took me an entire day to replace.

    I can personally attest to the fact that the window regulators are pretty shoddy at best because I've now had to replace 3 of the 4 in the past year alone.

    Also fun fact, I only JUST had to replace ithe battery the other day. It was stickered from March 2011 which is over 2x longer than a battery should last normally. I attribute that to all the long distance driving I do, so the alternator was always keeping my battery at full charge.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by Critter7r View Post
    For the record, I have replaced exactly one interior switch component, and that was the passenger window switch because one of the kids pulled up too hard and broke it at the pivot point.

    The turn signal and wiper stalks, steering wheel buttons, overhead lights, HVAC, radio, and all the other window switches are original.
    Not sure what model year you have, but consider yourself lucky. The power door lock switch is absolute trash. The bottom of the switch is super flimsy, and is prone to cracking, getting stuck, and failing.

    I've replaced or have to replace: driver's side power window switch, power door lock switch, LMC/head light module, and blower fan relay. On top of that I have at least one or multiple failing factory alarm sensors. For a car that stickered at around $45k new, BMW should be embarrassed at the quality of their switches and sensors. I've never had a failure, let alone multiple failures, of any switch on a domestic vehicle.

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by wjb21ndtown View Post
    Not sure what model year you have, but consider yourself lucky. The power door lock switch is absolute trash. The bottom of the switch is super flimsy, and is prone to cracking, getting stuck, and failing.

    I've replaced or have to replace: driver's side power window switch, power door lock switch, LMC/head light module, and blower fan relay. On top of that I have at least one or multiple failing factory alarm sensors. For a car that stickered at around $45k new, BMW should be embarrassed at the quality of their switches and sensors. I've never had a failure, let alone multiple failures, of any switch on a domestic vehicle.

    Ah, you got me … I DID replace the hazard switch. But no headlight switch or blower controls or anything. And my car doesn't have an alarm, so nothing to fail there. Although, I do currently need a new oil level sensor, but other than that, nothing really stands out.
    Last edited by Critter7r; 07-30-2019 at 01:26 PM.
    Quote Originally Posted by B4SH View Post
    If anyone knows, it's this guy who knows literally nothing about everything.
    Quote Originally Posted by fcvapor05 View Post
    Do you even OT? The mean 401k around here is probably about $6, what with all the shiny cars and $1,000 watches and donations to get other members' Volvos running.


  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by Critter7r View Post
    Ah, you got me … I DID replace the hazard switch. But no headlight switch or blower controls or anything. And my car doesn't have an alarm, so nothing to fail there. Although, I do currently need a new oil level sensor, but other than that, nothing really stands out.
    Ha, I just posted about the oil level sensor not more than 10 minutes ago. I need a new sensor as well. It's the little issues with the car that drive me nuts.

    We also have a 2014 328D X-Drive. It's better, but still finicky. The dealer-only maintenance items really piss me off. There is a 60k service light that comes on that needs a dealer type code reader to re-set. It includes a brake system check, and now I have a brake light on, even though I just did put new pads and rotors and sensors on it 5k miles ago. The brake light through the car's computer just says to go in for a checkup. There are no faults, and the pad life and sensors both read fine, through the same computer. It's maddening.

    Window switches, etc. are improved in the newer models, but the switches on my E46 remind me of the quality on my Mother's former 1986 Chevy Blazer/my father's 1985 Z-28, nearly a decade prior to the technology/quality standard that existed in 2002 for domestic auto manufacturers. I honestly believe that the driver's door switch on my car is fine, but the "all down" middle button on the convertible is busted off, as is the drivers window, so I can't get the damn windows down. Looks funny with the convertible top. The buttons are a crappy design, with a tiny fulcrum point, and a hard plastic that dryrots in the sun. I can get a new button cover for the drivers window, but they don't make a replacement "all down" button cover, to the best of my knowledge. It's a convertible-only button. I'm guessing there isn't enough demand for production.

  25. #25
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    lol, I posted in your thread for the oil level sensor.
    Quote Originally Posted by B4SH View Post
    If anyone knows, it's this guy who knows literally nothing about everything.
    Quote Originally Posted by fcvapor05 View Post
    Do you even OT? The mean 401k around here is probably about $6, what with all the shiny cars and $1,000 watches and donations to get other members' Volvos running.


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