Looking at a 99 328 with 200k

paulymu · 12-04-2022, 08:31 PM

E46 328 common issues, ownership experience.

Thanks

phat_joe · 12-09-2022, 10:08 PM

expansion tank (cooling system)
VANOS (engine)
rear subframe (chassis)

Ownership: I've had my E46 for over 10 years and have driven it just over 60k miles. It's a rewarding car to drive. Very good road feel, smooth engine, classic looks. If you can learn to do some of the work yourself the cost benefit is even better. Maintenance on any car is expensive and I don't think the E46 is that much different, but it depends where its been and how the previous owners treated and maintained it.

tturedraider · 12-10-2022, 01:23 AM

Rear sub-frame issue is large. There was actually a class action lawsuit regarding it. Try to find out if it has been repaired. If not there’s a high likelihood there are tears in the sub-frame structure.

Personally, I’d choose a 2000 model over a 1999. I realize beggars can’t be choosers. The 2000 got the upgraded steptronic five speed transmission. Assuming you’re looking at an automatic. It also got a new and improved Dynamic Stability Control system.

One additional item that comes to mind is power window regulators. The E46 is known for failing regulators.

Be sure to check out www.e46fanatics.com. There’s more information there than you’ll be able to absorb.
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...guide.1007722/

Good luck.

paulymu · 12-12-2022, 10:46 PM

Thanks, ended up passing on it. Looked to be too much work.

12-04-2022, 08:31 PM	#1
paulymu First Lieutenant 72 Rep 334 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 340i Xdrive Msport Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Essex County, New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Looking at a 99 328 with 200k E46 328 common issues, ownership experience. Thanks
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12-09-2022, 10:08 PM	#2
phat_joe Enlisted Member 34 Rep 30 Posts Drives: BMW 328i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	expansion tank (cooling system) VANOS (engine) rear subframe (chassis) Ownership: I've had my E46 for over 10 years and have driven it just over 60k miles. It's a rewarding car to drive. Very good road feel, smooth engine, classic looks. If you can learn to do some of the work yourself the cost benefit is even better. Maintenance on any car is expensive and I don't think the E46 is that much different, but it depends where its been and how the previous owners treated and maintained it. __________________ 2000 323ci \| 2015 328i xDrive Last edited by phat_joe; 12-09-2022 at 10:13 PM..
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12-10-2022, 01:23 AM	#3
tturedraider Major General 5664 Rep 6,599 Posts Drives: 2018 340i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.78] 2020 BMW M340i xDrive [9.00] 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [7.38] 2006 BMW 330i Sport [5.83] 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [7.13] 2000 BMW 328i [6.17]	Rear sub-frame issue is large. There was actually a class action lawsuit regarding it. Try to find out if it has been repaired. If not there’s a high likelihood there are tears in the sub-frame structure. Personally, I’d choose a 2000 model over a 1999. I realize beggars can’t be choosers. The 2000 got the upgraded steptronic five speed transmission. Assuming you’re looking at an automatic. It also got a new and improved Dynamic Stability Control system. One additional item that comes to mind is power window regulators. The E46 is known for failing regulators. Be sure to check out www.e46fanatics.com. There’s more information there than you’ll be able to absorb. https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...guide.1007722/ Good luck. __________________ www.bmwcca.org member #388003 - Use me as a referral & you could win a one day ///M Driving School!! ___________________________________________ Last edited by tturedraider; 12-10-2022 at 01:30 AM..
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12-12-2022, 10:46 PM	#4
paulymu First Lieutenant 72 Rep 334 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 340i Xdrive Msport Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Essex County, New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Thanks, ended up passing on it. Looked to be too much work.
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