Read also:
sauber excellence se400 vacuum cleaner racv emergency home assist review polocool pc-53ap/c best steam irons 2017 australia fisher and paykel washing machine gw712 stirling reverse cycle inverter split system air conditioner
BMW 3 Series E46 (1998-2005)
ghostwhowalks
- 2 reviews
Put off BMW for life
I bought my 2002 BMW 318i with low km in 2017 because another driver at work liked BMWs. I saw this one on eBay at auction about $2k and went to see it. Having seen it I got soft for maybe the first time in my life and offered the guy what he wanted for the car, $5000. Roof liner drooped, radio wouldn’t turn off. And ‘ohh no, we don’t have service record books’.. dead ringer for a problem.
Never have I made such a soft hearted and soft headed mistake but at the time all I wanted to do was stop my wife from having to drive me 1/2 hour to work ...Read more
Purchased in February 2021 for $5,000.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
BmwfanWide Bay-Burnett, QLD
Great car if properly maintained, not suggested for winter
I've had an 03 325i for 4 years with 148km, now with 212km and I can say they are a beauty to drive and fairly easy to work on compared to newer cars in general. Just get a scanner and it'll tell you everything you need to know. There are things that break such as the fuel pump, expansion tank, water pump, wheel bearings, a/c, window regulators and oil filter housing gasket. These are all the things I've replaced, all on my own. And this car has never broken down while I was on the road. I find these car to be under powered for an inline six wi...Read more
th only 184 HP but then you look at the 330i with 240. This car still gets up to speed faster than some 2022 cars. If you live where it's cold, this car will cause you a lot of sensor problems as it ages and rust will form, that is what I'm dealing with now and it will eventually die or just be too problematic to deal with. I wouldn't suggest this car for an average joe . These are classic cars especially the m3 which can cost 10,000 CAD and up, so parts are pricey along with labour which is why seomeome who is capable of working on these cars would love it.Purchased in September 2021 at Family.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
laalaa14Australia
- 12 reviews
- 3 likes
Where do i start?
Where do i start with this car? A lemon from the get go.. we had to replace two lots of electric windows and put the proper sized battery in. We had a BMW 318I.
Car kept just randomly dying after driving it to go out then get back in it to leave and nothing. :/ it did this to me on the bypass on my way to work. Lucky i had enough time to pull over. I lost many shifts and my son and i were constantly stuck at home because of this car. Was also stranded out with my son several times. Not happy. Took it to MANY mechanics who couldn't find the pr...Read more
oblem. Got sick of wasting money and still not fixed. This car had many electrical issues the back windows never worked plus we had to get the air bag replaced. This car cost us an extra $5000 ontop of our loan and interest AND nearly split my husband and I up. And we bought this car because we thought it would be safe for our family. Its been on the back of a tow truck more times than i can count. Finally got rid of it and I've never been happier with my new car. Will never be buying ANYTHING BMW again.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how BMW 3 Series E46 compares to other Sedans
Know better, choose better.
WillPerth, WA
- 9 reviews
- 8 likes
e46 325i Sedan - Understated beast which i love to drive.
I have a 2001 325i sedan, 3rd owner, currently has approx 130k kms on the clock.
I got it at a steal and luckily it has not been thrashed. Engine clean as a whistle. No oil leaks. Slight transmission leak.
This thing has enough power to feel safe and confident overtaking on the open road, it jumps off the line like an eager sprinter. I cant imagine, despite being 17 years old it has lost much power.
The steering is slightly heaver than some might be used to, especially small hatch owners, but i like like this. A much higher feel of security...Read more
1 comment
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Nick HassMelbourne
- 3 reviews
- 1 like
Best Car Used
Amazing car to drive even when they are 15 years old now !!
It is best to buy 320i and above due to the 318i being a bit basic compared to the straight six versions, look for the 320i and upwards
They have amazing performance in the real world compared to the data sheet
They are amazing daily drivers and I can’t fault the reliability, but please make sure that when you buy useful you get a PPI and a HPI check as most of these cars were purchased on finance
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Ahmet SSydney Surrounds, NSW
- 13 reviews
- 8 likes
Great Car
Great car to own pleasure to drive. Parts are easy to obtain I deal with Clickable Auto in Melbourne for my parts. Just the common issues and are easy to fix once you understand the design. Running costs are normal parts and repair are easy to obtain, but always check with guys at ClickableAuto.
July 24th 2017 Update: Great after care
Great customer care, I believe I am the 3 rd owner and I was impressed they found me through the car registration to replace airbags after TANAKA recall. Its great to see they care about a driver who is in one of their cars even after 13 years of purchase.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
naturalAU
- 19 reviews
- 1 like
Probably the best car I've ever owned
I bought this car with 186,000 kms on, much more than I would have liked but the car was in such immaculate condition I could not resist it for the price I negotiated. I love this car, the performance, the smoothness of the the transmission, the fantastic roadholding and handling and the huge brakes and did I mention the looks - best BMW body design ever and with big CSL replica mag wheels, it just grabs me every time I look at it. Down side is that I did have to have the air con evaporator replaced but my usual workshop did it for almost half ...Read more
what the dealer quoted. The door lock actuator failed and the engine still has a slight oil leak despite two attempts to correct it. In the first 12 months of ownership it has cost me about $3000 in repairs and maintenance but the pleasure this car gives me every time I drive it can't be exaggerated and I've owned some very nice performance cars in the past.1 comment
P.S. The oil leak proved to be coming from the oil filter housing on the side of the engine block. The rubber gaskets go hard and start to fail. Makes me feel great again owning it now that there are ... Read more
no problems (even though I know there may be more in the future!)Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
nregu57Northeast, VIC
- 4 reviews
- 6 likes
Don't want to let this car go
Bought this car brand new; drives beautifully; great road holding and handling. About to update to a newer model, but hesitant at letting this one go (I'm very attached to it). Never had a breakdown or needed major repairs, so repair and running costs have been minimal. Found a local BMW specialist mechanic who keeps my car in tip-top condition (anything that he doesn't know about BMW's isn't worth knowing) and charges a fraction of what the local dealership does to service the car.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
You gotta do your homework
Having owned 4 beamers, you get to know their issues.
I currently own a 3 series E46 Touring 320i 2003.
Key issues
Know where to get cheap after market parts- google and Melb/Sydney
Buy a Haynes manual from book depository uk! $34 free postage
Take for service and do what you can!
Preventative maintenance: filters, belts, water pump, cooling system.
For example my regulator went, and bmw wanted $1200 to sort! Hahaha I got part from Sydney and done it for $130 and I am not a mechanic
Brakes soft and don't last, performance brakes onlin...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how BMW 3 Series E46 compares to other Sedans
Know better, choose better.
StickShiftNZAuckland, NZ
- 9 reviews
- 4 likes
Of all the used cars I've owned, the one I like the most
2001 model 316ti, 1.8L, 115bhp, manual. Bought it four years ago with 65K km, now 13 years old done 124K km. Before buying, I was worried about whether or not the engine was up to NZ's mountainous roads, since my previous cars all had more powerful engines. Worries dissipated - the manual gearbox's top 3 gears are perfectly spaced for overtaking. Unusually frugal car - all my other cars, mostly automatics, averaged 8-8.5 km/L consisting of a mix of urban and motorway driving, usually without aircon. This car averages 11.5 km/L - for a car that ...Read more
weighs nearly 1300 kg, it is more frugal than the '81 Mirage 1.2 I used to have years ago. And on any long drive outside Auckland, I can average up to 16 km/L, which is really in diesel territory. The seats are perfect - the back support is right and I can drive five hours straight without a backache, and that's with no lumbar support adjustment. The body is solid, the doors thunk reassuringly. Having owned and driven front-wheel drive cars all the time, a trip to a friend's wedding in Napier five hours away through hills, gorges, and winding mountain roads mostly at 100 km/h and driving back at night in heavy rain, I realised that I made the right decision buying this car. Yes, there is a difference between FWD and RWD cars, and although this car doesn't manifest it as incisively as a Mazda MX-5, a tug of the wheel makes it very clear that the chassis and related components including the steering are there to see me through. I don't have to second-guess what the car is going to do when I suddenly get to a blind corner at speed. Third to fifth gear ratios are spaced perfectly - though at some expense of the 2nd-to-3rd gear gap which could be better-spaced for city driving. Its handling is sure-footed and confident - despite having 195/65-15 tyres, and a rear suspension taken from the previous 3-series cars to save cost. Problems? Three instances the car was not driveable: 4 years ago, after owning the car at 9 years old, one of the coils went. Last March (2014) the original 2001 BMW battery finally packed up without warning. And three weeks ago, a second coil failed. All my cars have been proactively maintained for wear and tear parts, so rollers and a tensioner for the alternator belt have been done (I thought it was the water pump and got worried), two front suspension control arms, front and rear brakes done about two years apart, minor oil leak near a vacuum pump fixed with an inexpensive gasket. Strangely the thermostat, water pump and expansion tank haven't failed yet. The clutch has a shudder taking off in 1st gear at times, I thought it was just me not having driven a manual in 10 years, but it hasn't gotten any worse over the last 4 years at all. Will get it done one of these days, mechanic isn't too worried. The timing chain has a stretch though, a common problem for a car of this engine and vintage. Fortunately the chain is up front, will get that done and replace the two remaining original coils while at it. Parts prices? Fair. Maintenance cost of this car is similar to my 2001 Mitsubishi Galant I had before this. None of the parts replaced had prices that took me aback, the coils for example were NZ$86 each (vs. $300 for a Mitsubishi Cedia). And I always use an independent mechanic.3 comments
Ten months since my last review, the car's now 14 years old, just done 138K (got it at 65K nearly 5 years ago) and had a service last week. As per my last review, the timing chain and tensioner were u... Read more
pgraded in October 2014, the two remaining original coils were replaced as a precaution, oh - and I also had the heater fan resistor (called a "hedgehog" in BMW forums) was replaced while they were at it. Hedgehog bought via eBay UK for NZ$55. While not particularly cheap, the total bill was very similar to replacing my old Mitsi Galant V6's timing belt and tensioner with the original parts (not OEM). The month after, replaced all four tyres with Yokohama BlueEarths...after finding the build date of the Bridgestones was 05/01 - the original tyre from the factory. Still had 3mm tread by 127K km. For last week's service, added work was the bi-annual brake fluid flush, and a leaking seal for the oil filter housing, plus the parking brake rotors were cleaned. And the water pump, thermostat and expansion tank were still OK. One day I'll get to that clutch. Five years and about 73K km later, I feel exactly the same about the car. I'm not bored with or tired of it, and I'm not just putting up with it. Every single day (my only car), come sun, rain, frost, I get into the car and enjoy driving it, to work, the supermarket, heavy traffic, open winding roads, doesn't matter. The problem with cars is even if you test drive them, you only really get to find out their flaws sometime after you own them - poor long-distance seat support, handling in an emergency, ill-selected gear ratios, automatic climate controls that seem possessed, road noise intrusion on coarse-chip pavements, etc. This car has been thought out, even for a base-level car, and it doesn't feel like I'm driving a dishwasher. I'm afraid to get rid of this car, the next one may not be anywhere near as dependable and may have more compromises.12th October 2016 - car now 15 years old, just short of 160K km. Got both the radiator and expansion tank replaced two months ago at about 156K km. The expansion tank is a common problem with BMWs and... Read more
I've been waiting for this to happen since 5 years ago. Perhaps being a manual, no added heat stress from cooling auto trans fluid has helped it last longer. Also had the front brake pads and rotors changed a week after that. Previous front brakes were changed at 89K km. My love for this car has not diminished one bit. I'll get the clutch flywheel changed once I'm able (and it hasn't gotten any worse for the last 6 years either). Having owned it for 6 years and now 15 years old, certainly of all the cars I've owned, the one I love the most.5th October 2017 - car now 16 years old. Mileage is about 181K km. She just passed another Warrant of Fitness (WOF) again without any problems. The tyres are down to 3mm rears and 4mm fronts. Guy said... Read more
for next service, get the left parking brake adjusted as it's slightly weaker. Serviced about three months ago, nothing unusual; we'll change some suspension bushings next service. Still on the original water pump, thermostat and coolant hoses. Trans and diff oil levels and quality still fine. One of the oil seals must have a leak - smelled burnt oil when I braked strongly once. That's just a cheap seal that will get done next service. Took it in for a free AA battery check (original BMW battery was changed in 2013), was told the battery's still fine, but must take the car for longer runs to fully charge as I'm now working close to home. I'm scratching my head while grinning ear to ear - I did not expect the car to be THIS dependable, considering I bought it at 9 years old. My sole car, parked out in the elements during work hours on the street, now parked on a driveway at home as I've moved and no garage or carport. I know some people who've had mixed experiences on BMWs (so I would never dismiss anyone's opinion of the brand if they've had problems), and cannot figure out exactly why I've been very fortunate. Even the bulb integrity display is NOT showing the false brake light failure which is so common on BMWs. If something shows as blown, it is blown. Maybe because mine's a manual (without the sensors or computers needed by an automatic), maybe it's because it's NZ-new and not a used Japanese import. Whatever. I love this car, don't know what to replace it with when the time comes. I often start thinking of what to replace a car with after 1.5-2 years (bought used), with this car it's been 7 years now and I'm still perfectly content. If money wasn't an object, I'd just spend on new bushings, maybe shocks, the flywheel (shuddering since 65K, never got worse), water pump, thermostat, hoses, and all should still be fine.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
robinitdee why
- 8 reviews
- 8 likes
The love of my life sent me broke!
My deceased father purchased a brand new 325Ci auto coupe in 2002. In 2010, a year after my father passed away, my mother didn't want to keep it. I decided to swap my Ford Fiesta which I purchased new in 2009 with the bimmer. As it had been in the family, I knew the car's history. No accidents, serviced by BMW, always garaged and regularly washed. Basically showroom condition. Car had done 125000km. The first 2 years no problems at all. I was loving the luxury, the style, the power, the handling, the steering! Yes I was hooked! Then the cracks...Read more
began to appear! Things were starting to wear out or break! One rear parking sensor - $500. Drive belt snapped (replaced with air con belt) - $800. Air con resistor packed it in - $600. Servicing costs between 1200-1500 dollars each time. Suspension bushes - $600. Father had replaced them 4 years earlier too. Rubber door seal on passenger side came apart. Quoted a $1000 to replace. Father replaced drivers side previously. Recently went for wheel alignment thinking the car needed it. Turns out one of the struts have bent thus the shocks need replacement. Quoted between $1700-2000. Recent service $1500. They also told me the diff is cracked. Leaking some oil, may require replacement. 4 new tyres needed soon. If they are the same "continentals" looking at about 3k to replace the four. Rear brakes due - $700. Reversing passenger side mirror packed it in last week. The love affair had to end along with my credit! Traded it in on a brand new Hyundai! Oh the shame! Moral of the story... if you can't afford to buy a new or near new BMW and maintain it... Forget it! Styling, handling, steering, luxury leather and wood trimmed interior. The power and the fact it made me feel good! Too expensive to maintain. If anythings breaks or wears out you are up for a fortune.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
RadSouthwest, VIC
- 33 reviews
Very good
2001, 330i, bought in NZ. Sold before moving to Australia. Stunning car to drive. A nice example and fairly well looked after. Solid feel, brilliant handling, seamless power to blow off standard Commodore & Falcon V8's. Had a couple of repairs under warranty that when I compare with the cost of the old Honda I have now, makes the back up service and cost of running these far better than most people realise. Euro cars have a bad rap because people buy older ones that people have not looked after and passed on before they have to pay repair bills...Read more
. Four days for a light control module to come from Germany and fitted to a small NZ town!! Typical German service. Japs couldn't do that... Solid feel, awesome handling, smooth, powerful, brilliant parts service from factory. Light control module went under warranty, poor rear seat room for big people, back seat not comfortable on long trips.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
jinpattQLD, 4214
- 88 reviews
- 17 likes
Good
My boyfriend bought this car when it has done 60,000 kilometers. It was a 4 door 1998 sedan. We really loved the car and wouldn't want to sell it if it wasn't too expensive to maintain. It was a wonderful car to drive around. However, when we had to fix anything it was so dear so we went back to purchase a Toyota.
Great German luxury. Great to drive. Excellent handling. Very easy and fun to drive.
Expensive to maintain which was the main reason we sold the car. The parts are very dear. Not very good value for money.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
macca535i
- 3 reviews
OK
I was stupid enough to buy one that had not been looked after at all, but it was cheap, and to get it back close to how it should have been to start with has cost me around $4000. I hated the car immediately after buying it, disappointed in just how much worse it was than my E39 (best car I'v ever owned), but it's grown on me now and I would recommend looking at a mid size euro take a serious look at an E46, just make sure it's been looked after, garaging essential!
1998 328i, feels well built & handles very well, good fuel economy everywhere &...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
OK
Overall a bit disappointed with the little things that have gone wrong but I guess I have a high expectation for a vehicle that cost over 100k to drive out the showroom (should last indefinitely ;-)!!! Looks and goes great when its in the mood.
2001 330i with m3 front spoiler, looks awesome, handles great, performs well, great fuel economy for a powerful motor....8.6l/100k combined town/highway.... amazing brakes
interior quality not up to BMW standards, window regulator on passenger front door has failed (common problem), brake dust on the wheels, small boot, small hard to use controls unless you are very familliar with them, no lumbar support on front seats????, has engine management hiccups (due to camshaft position sensor failure)
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how BMW 3 Series E46 compares to other Sedans
Know better, choose better.
jackfrost
- 2 reviews
Excellent
This is an older but still beautiful car 1998 328i, and goes well, 2 door windows tension wiring broke twice but on different windows, and cost a lot to fix but I guess thats to be expected. Tried getting it serviced at the local garage a few years ago, but it wasn't happy so back to the BMW dealer again and it purrs every time it comes out of servicing, Hope it will last me forever. I think it is the best classic looking BMW series car around.
Cost of servicing
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
lilgenasked
how do see if its a real e46?
Mark Basked
What did the 2004 318i executive cost in AUD IN 2004?
1 answer
$56 500, can find all car valuations on redbook.
https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/details/2004-bmw-318i-executive-e46-auto-my04/SPOT-ITM-209213/
sueasked
BMW 320I 6cyl is the cam gear belt driven or chain driven or gear driven?
Other Sedans
Toyota Camry
4.2(369)Subaru Liberty
4.3(80)Lexus IS
4.4(55)Honda Accord
4.3(63)Volkswagen Passat
4.1(78)Chrysler 300
3.8(55)Lexus GS
4.8(17)Hyundai Sonata
4.1(25)Kia Optima
4.0(27)BMW M3
4.7(15)Subaru WRX
3.8(26)Honda City GM
4.0(21)ieatwords.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ieatwords.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
Will
12 Months Update:
or, hoses, expansion tank, thermostat etc approx $1300. Expected for these models, would recommend doing it as preventative maintenance. Apart from that all seems to be going well.So far i have had the following issues - drive belt snapped (probably should have checked it before), cheap fix approx $200, DIY.
Cooling system - had to redo entire system, radiat... Read more