Trying to think of cars for my brother and my mechanic recommended one. Provided it's been looked after and the brake pipes have been waxoyled it should be bombproof. They can be had for tidy money now too. Only thing that worries me is him having RWD and in the snow too. It would be his first RWD. Anyone know much about them? Thinking of going for the 2.2/2.5 6cyl but depends a bit on insurance

Had most of the E46's, petrol and diesel, favourite was the 330D M Tech Sports Touring, loads of power and economical, 320D very economical and now pretty cheap, but normally high milers.

Petrol, 318i is quick enough if pushed, but 328i was alot better and again surprisingly economical with over 40mpg on a run down to spain. TBH as long it has a good service history and not millions of owners, I can't say theres a bad E46.

Good luck!

Oh forgot to say parts are readily available and not that expensive either

E46 plenty of known faults, petrol engines seem to be very long living, look at all the 318, 320 on early plates you see about.

Suspension is prone to needing parts regularly, especially wishbones.

Diesels have some well known issues with swirlflaps, manifolds, and turbos on pre 02 320d.

Honest John has a lot of info.

Sweet handling but tbh I thought the E36 actually drove better.

Feckin useless in the snow. No actually they're worse than that. Unless he gets winter tyres get the bus when it snows.

RWD isn't an issue if your bro can have his sensible hat on. I drove my old man's 318 when I was 18 and despite ham fisted attempts at drifting it never bit me. Bigger engines I assume will need more respect.

Diesels have some well known issues with swirlflaps, manifolds, and turbos on pre 02 320d.

I can second that as I experienced that very same problem on my 2002 (52) 320d SE!

Loose swirl flap sucked through the engine. Game over. BMW wanted £7K.

A very unpleaseant experience from start to finish and left a very bitter taste in my mouth with me vowing never to grace BMW with another pound of my hard earned. I now drive a Skoda.

As you are looking at petrol though I'm fairly sure these engines are well proven, however the engine failure wasn't my only E46 bone of contention as there were a fair few other niggles.

Despite this I did like it, it was a great car to drive. I spent a long time on www.bimmerfest.com before moving over to Briskoda! Some of the other little niggles...

Rear lights - poor earth

Auto box, life long oil, yeah right, clunky and reluctant. BMW refused to change it so I had a local indy do it.

Rear springs, snapped pig tails every 10K. BMW not interested.

Front wishbone bushes, worn, very expensive. After 60,000 miles. BMW not interested.

Electric window actuators - I can only assume are made out of balsa wood.

Mine was actually pretty good in the snow, even with 18's on.

Got rid in the end as I couldn't swallow the £300 a month it was costing me in reapirs and servicing. It ended up getting shipped to Australia with it's new owner.

Good looking cars though, especially with the M kit...

Edited 2 December, 201114 yr by silver1011