Can I do my own servicing on a 320d E46?

mattyprice4004

mattyprice4004

mattyprice4004

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Snooping around used cars as usual, and was after picking up an older 320d or 330d, so long as I can still fiddle/fix/service the car myself.

Anyone do their own servicing?
 
It's not a car you run on a budget. Replacing turbochargers and high pressure injectors is not the sort of thing best done by somebody who once had an old Rover and a copy of a Haynes manual. The BMW Commonrail turbodiesels are very complicated cars.
 
A friend of mine is a farmer and has had a X reg 330d from new. He's changed the oil every 5k using the same stuff he puts in his tractors. It's now done over 120K on the original turbo and injection system, and has never been to a BMW dealer.

Replacing a turbo is a simple bolt off bolt on job, access might be tricky but no more so than some parts on older cars.
 
Mr Paul said:
Depends if you need to access the onboard diag system.
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Yep you can get hold of Carsoft and a cable for about £40 for that.

I've done a few bits on my 320i, done the oil, both camshaft sensors (Exhaust and Intake) and the usual servicing items (filters etc)

Albeit the 320d is a different car but I see no reason why you couldn't service a lot of the stuff yourself if you really wanted :)

Things like injectors are probably left best to the pros but if you really wanted to you could probably do them by yourself.
 
Looking at your previous posts, car tastes, modifcation tastes and the fact you've now decided you need a 'cheap' diesel BMW, I think its safe to conclude you are budget concious. Which is cool, but old E46's are not cars for the budget concious because they represent absolutely crap bargain motoring and far from bulletproof in terms of reliability.
 
[TW]Fox;13281873 said:
Looking at your previous posts, car tastes, modifcation tastes and the fact you've now decided you need a 'cheap' diesel BMW, I think its safe to conclude you are budget concious. Which is cool, but old E46's are not cars for the budget concious because they represent absolutely crap bargain motoring and far from bulletproof in terms of reliability.
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You seem to know me too well :p

I am after a reliable, bulletproof motor, and thought a derv E46 would be one. I shall continue on my search, worth a try :)
 
OP: Try and get a derv that isn't common rail... They tend to be simpler, even if they aren't as quick. Think pre-1995
blueboy2001 said:
A friend of mine is a farmer and has had a X reg 330d from new. He's changed the oil every 5k using the same stuff he puts in his tractors. It's now done over 120K on the original turbo and injection system, and has never been to a BMW dealer.

Replacing a turbo is a simple bolt off bolt on job, access might be tricky but no more so than some parts on older cars.
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Nice :D
 
I don't see there being an issue if you do the basic stuff like oil, filters and bits and bobs. :) Just take your time when it comes to viewing cars as the condition of the car will influence your maint. budget.
 
triggerthat said:
I don't see there being an issue if you do the basic stuff like oil, filters and bits and bobs. :) Just take your time when it comes to viewing cars as the condition of the car will influence your maint. budget.
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Give me step by step instructions or a Haynes and I can do pretty much anything on a car. I'd have to invest in a fault code reader of course :p

I think I'll wait till I'm a bit older and I don't trash my cars before I get something nice. :o
 
triggerthat said:
Is there any reason to why you want to go for a BMW diesel?
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BMW > *

Diesel > Petrol

:p

Kidding...I dislike diesel. :D

All seriousness, I'd like to know what makes the BMW diesel such a good one to go for as well, as it being a diesel and from my understanding you don't do a huge number of miles, surely a petrol would be fine? :)
 
I do about 30k a year, I tend to go travelling around the UK to explore and go walking, and so need a nice cruiser. Also like something thats a bit fun on the twisties :)

Basically, as I commute 10 miles and sit in traffic for that, I figured something nice and comfy like a relatively high-spec 320d would be a move forward, especially with my UK-wide driving and high miles.

Just need to know that basic servicing and bits and bobs can be un-broken by me if needs be, and that it'd be reliable enough for my commute as public transport here is totally appaling :(

Edit: Cupholders are what's missing from my life. :(
 
You'll want an old diesel then, new ones have many little parts that will cost a lot if you break them. Problem is, commuting, it'll be horrible, rattly and noisy, and not all that fun on the twisties (and old diesel).

Can't say I'd want any diesel for commuting and twisty fun though to be honest, I'd rather buy a small petrol for commuting if it's that short a distance, and then have a fun and comfy car for twisties and long journeys.
 
InvaderGIR said:
You'll want an old diesel then, new ones have many little parts that will cost a lot if you break them. Problem is, commuting, it'll be horrible, rattly and noisy, and not all that fun on the twisties.

Can't say I'd want any diesel for commuting and twisty fun though to be honest, I'd rather buy a small petrol for commuting if it's that short a distance, and then have a fun and comfy car for twisties and long journeys.
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OK well in comparative terms, I'm sure it'd be better in most repects than my 420 :p

I do have the money to maintain, so if I did get one it wouldn't be a problem getting it sorted out when needsbe, just don't want it blowing a turbo or fuel pump every week or whatever. :)
 
i cant see why you cant do the basic servicing yourself
if you know what your doing.
there isn't anything special about the BMW engine your on about
 
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