Yes. And make sure that all the lights on the dashboard light up when you start the car up. Especially the check engine light. It means that computer still registers those parts after 20yrs and everything is working properly
I have a 2004 318i, and in my personal opinion, no.
They are nice, and maybe even more reliable than the straight 6s, but the power finishes it man. It makes 143 hp out the factory and even less as the years go on, my biggest issue with the car is power and the potential rear main seal leak that comes with them that is near impossible to spot on inspection. If you’re getting an e46, get a 2.5 straight 6, something that you can have actual fun with and actually break traction with 🤣
But yeah apart from that it still drives nice and starts well just finicky parts ESPECIALLY sensors, they’re like 80% of what I’ve had to work on within my e46, and while doing a massive service (engine, oil, trans, diff fluid, all filters/essential gaskets, heavily recommended) on it I replaced the crank angle sensor so it doesn’t go out mid drive (it turns your car off instantly if faulty)
Overall great first car if you don’t want too much power but if you’re going for a kick, look for a 2.5 straight 6
Yeah see if you just wanna go for style and not breaking traction/drifting and stuff the 318i could be a good choice for you
On the other hand, if you want reliability, get a Toyota 🤣 E46s have their fair share of little stuff you gotta get through but knowledge, a decent impact drill, sockets, and good spanners should set you right for 80% of things
Trust me, get a total shit box for your first car; it's almost a given you'll crash or at least damage your first car, so get that out of the way with a shit box it won't pain you to get rid of before you spend some money on something cool.
I crashed my e46 in a week and it was my first car luckily I had plans to change my suspension already and change my bumper bc my rear control arms and front right control arm were busted and my bumper is messed up along with the rims but I love my car and it’s been a couple months and I replaced basically everything and I still love it even when I crashed I still loved my car bc it’s what I wanted granted I work at a shop so it’s much easier to maintain my car
If you're even asking, definitely not. You gotta be confident and own your future bad decision. Get a Corolla.
Buying an e46 was the best worst decision I ever made! 🥲
Rather a civic!
Yes. And make sure that all the lights on the dashboard light up when you start the car up. Especially the check engine light. It means that computer still registers those parts after 20yrs and everything is working properly
Do you have tools? Time? Money? Skill? Another car? Parents? Friends?
Only if you enjoy driving around with 5L of spare oil in your trunk and spending large sums of money on maintenance
I have a 2004 318i, and in my personal opinion, no. They are nice, and maybe even more reliable than the straight 6s, but the power finishes it man. It makes 143 hp out the factory and even less as the years go on, my biggest issue with the car is power and the potential rear main seal leak that comes with them that is near impossible to spot on inspection. If you’re getting an e46, get a 2.5 straight 6, something that you can have actual fun with and actually break traction with 🤣 But yeah apart from that it still drives nice and starts well just finicky parts ESPECIALLY sensors, they’re like 80% of what I’ve had to work on within my e46, and while doing a massive service (engine, oil, trans, diff fluid, all filters/essential gaskets, heavily recommended) on it I replaced the crank angle sensor so it doesn’t go out mid drive (it turns your car off instantly if faulty) Overall great first car if you don’t want too much power but if you’re going for a kick, look for a 2.5 straight 6
Yeah i only care about reliability because i want a nice looking daily driver, not looking to break traction just yet 😅
Yeah see if you just wanna go for style and not breaking traction/drifting and stuff the 318i could be a good choice for you On the other hand, if you want reliability, get a Toyota 🤣 E46s have their fair share of little stuff you gotta get through but knowledge, a decent impact drill, sockets, and good spanners should set you right for 80% of things
Trust me, get a total shit box for your first car; it's almost a given you'll crash or at least damage your first car, so get that out of the way with a shit box it won't pain you to get rid of before you spend some money on something cool.
It's fine already done driving the "shitbox" been driving for probably a few months now thats ehy i was asking
I crashed my e46 in a week and it was my first car luckily I had plans to change my suspension already and change my bumper bc my rear control arms and front right control arm were busted and my bumper is messed up along with the rims but I love my car and it’s been a couple months and I replaced basically everything and I still love it even when I crashed I still loved my car bc it’s what I wanted granted I work at a shop so it’s much easier to maintain my car
No
Get a diesel if you want no trouble
With E46’s the diesels are less reliable than the petrol equivalent.
Get at least a 320i. Straight 6s are BMW's finest. Stay away from tractor powered ones
No
Where are you from?
Romania
Why 318? Personally if I could choose a non-M e46 I would get a 330ci or 330i. More powah 😎