E46 Coupes, nightmare or still worth looking at?

I've had my 2003 330ci for two years and done 18k on it (it's now at 106k). I've spent a fair amount on it and it has quite a few problems left over.

Fixed:
Clutch
Master and Slave cylinder
Starter motor
Handbrake (it seems to eat handbrakes)
Ignition coils / spark plugs on two occasions (it would misfire from cold)
Air leak (was an obscure valve the size of my thumb = £200 part).
water pump
Plus tyres, service 2, etc

A lot of this could and probably will go wrong on a £4k 6 year old focus of course, but it probably wouldn't be as expensive to fix!

not fixed
Burns 1l of oil every 600 miles
Central locking gone on passenger side
Cd player slightly iffy
Lumpy idle (probably spark plugs again; suggesting maybe an underlying problem as it seems to be eating them)
Rusty front wings

But then I sit on the motorway looking at everyone in their super bling looking but basic spec A3, golf, A class diesels, who drive like spanners, and feel superior in every way! And love the gentle transmission whine and smooth 6 cylinder power when I go from 40 to 70 in third. And I still look back sometimes (and not only to check the bloody locks). So it isn't just a pain in the arse, it does make you feel special, although it was my second car and I was coming from a 90s jap hatchback...

IMG_1740%20%28Custom%29.JPG


I think it's time is now coming to an end (with me) but it hasn't put me off my next misadventure, which is to get an 8 series ;)

Edit:

wedrum said:
the beauty of the m54 is its so easy to work on.
Click to expand...

Atari said:
So yeah, if you enjoy DIY or want to learn, the E46 is great to work on. If not, I'd probably avoid one.
Click to expand...

I should probably do this...
 
Last edited:
almoststew1990 said:
The invoice says Its a DISA valve. Its also listed as "Parts 111" although this could be a generic thing the shop used rather than a BMw part number!
Click to expand...

DISA valve is on the side of the intake, they normally rattle before sucking the pin into the cylinder :eek:

8 series would be epic - would be interested in reading more if you go ahead :)
 
Yes that is right. Mine didn't rattle it just failed and my revs were all over the place at idle or any throttle. Luckily it didn't quite fully disintegrate and get sucked into the cylinder, but it was very close the garage said!

Lol im not going ahead with an 8 series any time soon! It would be an 'interesting second car' only and I'd Need the money for it too!
 
I now see what people mean by complicated/fussy engines!

At least the disa is something that can be pulled out easily and checked beforehand, for peace of mind.
 
Last edited:
sigma said:
I now see what people mean by complicated/fussy engines!

At least the disa is something that can be pulled out easily and checked beforehand, for peace of mind.
Click to expand...

It's all easy to work on, and a lot of the issues are due to age really - probably won't need to be done but it always worth looking out for.

Generally, they're reliable other than the common bits.
 
I think perhaps I've made the right choice keeping my Civic this time but they're still a sleek looking motor... if I could find one with sensible miles and loads of common issues recently done I'd still have one, good to know a lot more about them now.
 
almoststew1990 said:
I've had my 2003 330ci for two years and done 18k on it (it's now at 106k). I've spent a fair amount on it and it has quite a few problems left over.

Fixed:
Clutch
Master and Slave cylinder
Starter motor
Handbrake (it seems to eat handbrakes)
Ignition coils / spark plugs on two occasions (it would misfire from cold)
Air leak (was an obscure valve the size of my thumb = £200 part).
water pump
Plus tyres, service 2, etc

A lot of this could and probably will go wrong on a £4k 6 year old focus of course, but it probably wouldn't be as expensive to fix!

not fixed
Burns 1l of oil every 600 miles
Central locking gone on passenger side
Cd player slightly iffy
Lumpy idle (probably spark plugs again; suggesting maybe an underlying problem as it seems to be eating them)
Rusty front wings
Click to expand...

Surely that's a sign of not to bother or you bought a Lemon? Ironically I have also owned a Saab 9-5 Aero for 18 months and done 20k (Including a 4k stint through europe). Now on 130k which is a car from the same generation. All I have spent on it other than routine servicing were two sensors at a cost of £30 each. Plus a £80 remap to give 270BHP and 400nm. Only outstanding issues is one of the demister lines on the rear window doesn't work and a 5 pence rust bubble on the lower rear arch but i put that down to living most of its life in Scotland.
 
I will post this here... *dons flame suit*

So, I've seen an advert for a seemingly genuinely lovely condition 2004, 96000 mile 320Ci, topaz blue (maybe! dark blue), full leather also in lovely condition, no previous owners, FBMWSH, a good price...

I appreciate the "running costs" aspect and truth be told have only done about 2500 miles in 3 months so ignoring that can anyone tell me more about this model specifically, 2.2 6 cyl? Are these chain driven, any common issues etc? Any obvious model specific things to look at bar the usual stuff, rust and so on? Could have a more than fair PX figure for my Astra included making the change very cheap, if I know what I am looking for, should I view this weekend.

Sorry :D And cheers!
 
They are chain driven but are pointless engines as they cost exactly the same as a 330Ci to run, fuel, repair and maintain yet offer nothing like the performance.
 
nothing wrong with the 2.2 M54 are a solid engine, a little under powered but fine.
the 330 obviously is the one to go for but as they are getting a a bit now finding a good one will be hard.


show us a link for the car
 
Hmmm, 2.2 litre engine aside that does look like a nice example. Particularly like the wood trim :D

These are a labour of love to keep going though especially at 12+ years old..
 
My missus thinks I am nuts but I am in agreement with the wood trim, I really like it :D Getting old! It just looks far tidier than anything else within 60ish miles of me hence I keep looking at it, but can do without any headaches at the mo despite it looking (and no doubt feeling) like a nicer place to be whilst I'm "on the cheap".
 
Seems about right to me given the condition and the history/owners.

I also think that it looks superb, but I think if you (or I) bought it, there would be that niggling in the back of your mind all the time, wishing you'd waited for a nice 330.
 
Spec seems sparse to say the least, no Xenons, Harman Kardon, no heated or electric seats and no folding mirrors.

Hold out for a 330Ci with decent spec.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom