E46 BMW Auto Boxes Good or Bad?

MrMagoo

MrMagoo

MrMagoo

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Joined
5 Oct 2004
Posts
517
Hi,

I need to get a car quite quickly as previous company car lease has expired and work have decided they will now provide a car allowance instead of an actual car, since I currently have no car I am hoping to get one rather quickly.

I have been looking around at the E46 BMW 3 Series and seen a couple I am reasonably interested in, after some feedback on what the auto boxes are like on these?

I have only had 1 auto before and that was a Merc C200 Coupe, the auto box on that seemed rather slugish and not the best for pulling away at junctions.

Feedback/comments/suggestions all appreciated :)
 
I like them, but it depends what you are used to. They are a bit oldschool in their approach, and can feel a bit dated next to the newer auto/dsg boxes.

What engine will be in the car?

I think they suit the 330i perfectly. They will kick down without to much fuss and are generally smooth in their gear change. Will probably be very similar to the Merc, possibly even the same box? (dont quote me on that...)
 
Quick response!

Anything to look out for that is likely to go wrong with them? have been looking for reviews and using the search function to see what other opinions people have so that's saved me posting some other question.

I have noticed the 325i has been mentioned as one to ignore in favour of the 330i due to similar costs/insurance but lacking the performance.

I am not ignoring any models at the moment due to needing one reasonably quickly and then if things need changing down the line thats a possibility as the urgency to have one wouldn't be such a problem (also a reason why I am not too fussed if it's auto or manual unless there are issues with the automatic).

Thanks in advance for any feedback :)
 
Suspension needs looking at, cooling system is made of cheese, rear coil springs snap and the autobox can give trouble at 6 figure mileage if the oil isnt changed.
 
The 325 tends to be ignored simply due to the fact that they dont really offer any advantage over the more powefull 3.0. They are no less expensive to run, and yet are down on power.

Fox summed it up pretty well. Front arms and bushes are very very common. Build quality is good overall, but I have seen some rusty E46's...beware!!!
 
Thanks for the info, some things to look out for :) was just wondering about the 325i as there are a few 325i sports nearby, but also a 330d sport and a 330ci sport amongst others with varying prices/mileage/years.

What would the going rate be for decent examples? I plan on going to look at a few tomorrow and nice ot know if they are above/below average.
 
Kick down is good, but full kick down i.e. kick down button is pointless as It shoots the revs to the limit by changing down 2 hears and then changes up again immediately!
 
MrMagoo said:
:) What sort of running costs are there? (tyres/service - not that fussed about mpg as tend to just drive and fill up when it gets low :))
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If you are not fussed about mpg dont bother with the 330d, might as well get the less mechanical complex, better sounding, cheaper and quicker 330i.
 
I get about 28mpg from my 330 sport auto on a 400 mile weekly commute. If i stuck to a steady 60-70 mph that figure climbs to about 32mpg. That figure drops a lot around town and in traffic. As Fox said,if you make sure the oil is changed in the box once the miles climb,they are fine.
 
I've heard a lot of horror stories on e46fanatics of the boxes failing soon after an oil change. Personally I'm not going to touch the oil in mine.
 
[TW]Fox;15319302 said:
If you are not fussed about mpg dont bother with the 330d, might as well get the less mechanical complex, better sounding, cheaper and quicker 330i.
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fully agree. If you want economy then a 330d is not what you want. If economy is not an issus then a 330d is not what you want.
Go for the better 330i :)
 
Not sure how filling up when the tank's empty means you're not bothered about economy ;)

But if you're not bothered then fair enough - get the 330i. Although if its a 330d saloon against a 330ci, all else being equal is the 330ci not going to be more expensive due to it being a ci?
 
[TW]Fox;15320043 said:
yea E39s dont :p
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My mum had terrible problems with rusting on the arches on her E36... although I would not be surprised if the paint and finish on the 5 was better engineered than the 3 series (I have noticed the same on, for example, the E vs. C class)
 
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what e46

go for the later facelift 330d
remap the ecu
and laugh at all the other 330,s
trying to keep up with you
also mpg is fantastic
no brainer m8
 
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