wtf green grass...

but grass is supposed to be green

Hey guys,

I'm into buying a bmw 320i e46 (1998-2000) for my girlfriend. I have no idea on what to inspect on the car, common issues and all. Can anyone enlighten me more about this specific model?

I have a e90 bmw which she is used to, and she wanted something similliar and the only car that I can think of is a e46.

KM is around the 180k-190k km on the odometer.

i know cooling system is a biggie after 70k miles....make sure there is no rust underneath, oil leaks (basically a normal inspection for a car after the cooling system)

in pre 2001 cars i know the rear subrame bushing can separate causing issues (may just be m3's though)

Quote from Takumi_lfs :

Hey guys,

I'm into buying a bmw 320i e46 (1998-2000) for my girlfriend. I have no idea on what to inspect on the car, common issues and all. Can anyone enlighten me more about this specific model?

I have a e90 bmw which she is used to, and she wanted something similliar and the only car that I can think of is a e46.

KM is around the 180k-190k km on the odometer.

Big things will be Subframe cracks & general rust. Suspension can get a bit tired with age, specifically stuff like the front arm bushes. Auto-boxes aren't known for their reliability.

Yep, still the S50B32 engine. Maybe after next year something different. Been playing with the idea of a road car for occasional track/drift use. Ford Escort MK1 with a Zetec 2L engine, seems fun.

No nitrous yet. Trying to decide to wether do that or the usual camshaft etc.. upgrades. I'm just scared to blow my intake and more engine stuff up if I forget to clear the lines after driving orso...
We'll see.

Still have the ZF box yes, but it's allready my third. Not sure if it's my driving or the boxes i've had are just not that good anymore. It gets abused though...

Quote from Scrabby :

Ford Escort MK1 with a Zetec 2L engine, seems fun.

I approve this message.

Quote from BigPeBe :

I approve this message.

I don't. Go German or stay at home with a broken car.

VAG is Wack.

Quote from BlueFlame :

I don't. Go German or stay at home with a broken car.

I don't want to argue about this, because I find that trying to diss another make of a car would be quite hypocritical for a car enthusiast. Even if I find most VW's blatantly boring.

Quote from Scrabby :

. Ford Escort MK1 with a Zetec 2L engine, seems fun.

Not with a 24v cosworth or a duratec then?

http://www.turbosport.co.uk/sh ... hp?t=96477&highlight=

Quote from BigPeBe :

I don't want to argue about this, because I find that trying to diss another make of a car would be quite hypocritical for a car enthusiast. Even if I find most VW's blatantly boring.

Regardless of Ford's capability to excite one thing it most certainly will not be is reliable.

The make of the car doesn't matter if you are building it for proper fun. It is as reliable as you make it and when you use it properly it is going to crap something at some point. Even if it's VW which I guess have a reputation for being reliable then.

Quote from BigPeBe :

Even if it's VW which I guess have a reputation for being reliable then.

Well the tides have turned the past 5 years or so. Modern Fords are solid, almost unbreakable but back then it was another story.

Well I don't much know about that since I'm into old cars.
My old Ford's have been taking the abuse I give them quite well tho.

What reliability?

@370tkm

i had the same on my m3 beaten da fakk out of it every day,still was like new

cant say the same! because v8 bmw

Quote from Torolol :

What reliability?

@370tkm

You'd expect that from a VW. I've got 190k miles (305,775.36 kilometres) on the clock.

I'm not keen on VAG products in general, but my girlfriend has a MK4 Golf GTi (2.0 aka the slow one), it's done 160,000 miles (~260k), and it's hard a *hard* life. Interior is all scuffed up, every panel is marked in some way - it's never been loved. But despite that, it drives very well - and so far it certainly seems more reliable than my car (145k on the clock)

If to talk about reliability... my mercedes was the winner of that

m102 2.0 8v @200tkm

Cam a "little" worn on exhaust side...


resulting this.

Quote from Torolol :

If to talk about reliability... my mercedes was the winner of that

m102 2.0 8v @200tkm

Talk about those old MB tractorlike diesels. Those things collect millions without problems.

I know it's not a car, but if you want to talk reliability then this has to take the cake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJD8cR1MXbg

Actually no. I doubt this thing could go over 5000km.

But to shit there for 60+ years and still work? Impressive.