View Full Version : Okay guys, remind me of the problem areas on '99 E46s
I have a friend who is seriously considering a '99 328i 5-spd. He called me to ask for some advice and what to look for and I honestly could not remember what all were the problem areas for this car. I could recall the brake-induced-vibration issues but that was it.
What else do I need to tell him to look out for?
Thanks in advance.
The HACK
03-17-2003, 07:01 PM
Um, that was IT.
All E46es up to MY 2001 were plagued with a faulty radiator thermostat. If that car is serviced regularly that should have been replaced. There's also a problem with the crankcase ventilation hose. Also the normal stuff, window regulator, clunky rearend, but none of these affect drivability.
Lastly some have reported problems with VANOS unit but those are far and few in between. Email me the VIN and I can look up if any specific TIS should have been performed, and you can compare that to the list of work actually done.
The HACK
03-17-2003, 07:03 PM
Oh, and tell him to avoid any jet black E36 M3/2 5 speed that may have originated in California. :D
Originally posted by The HACK
Um, that was IT.
All E46es up to MY 2001 were plagued with a faulty radiator thermostat. If that car is serviced regularly that should have been replaced. There's also a problem with the crankcase ventilation hose. Also the normal stuff, window regulator, clunky rearend, but none of these affect drivability.
Lastly some have reported problems with VANOS unit but those are far and few in between. Email me the VIN and I can look up if any specific TIS should have been performed, and you can compare that to the list of work actually done.
No, remember the electronic throttle malfunction? The part-electronic throttle would go haywire, car would lose power and have to be towed. I have got to think that all of these issues have been addressed by now, though.
Cam/crank sensors.
CD players swallowing CDs.
pps-325xit
03-17-2003, 08:01 PM
Window regulators...
Sunroof module and control arms.
bmw325
03-17-2003, 09:21 PM
Originally posted by JST
No, remember the electronic throttle malfunction? The part-electronic throttle would go haywire, car would lose power and have to be towed. I have got to think that all of these issues have been addressed by now, though.
Cam/crank sensors.
CD players swallowing CDs.
Yep, I remember that. I think the mechanical/electronic throttle was known as the "MDK", and they did seem to fail fairly oftne in the 323/28 days.
Jon Shafer
03-17-2003, 10:40 PM
Originally posted by TD
I have a friend who is seriously considering a '99 328i 5-spd. He called me to ask for some advice and what to look for and I honestly could not remember what all were the problem areas for this car. I could recall the brake-induced-vibration issues but that was it.
What else do I need to tell him to look out for?
Thanks in advance.
:google:
RTFA dammit! Sheeeeeeeeeeesh........
:rofl:
:p
(i've been waiting to use that smilie for a while now)
:angel:
Originally posted by The HACK
Oh, and tell him to avoid any jet black E36 M3/2 5 speed that may have originated in California. :D
:lmao:
The previous Butthead-mobile?
Fripp64
03-18-2003, 06:49 AM
*Front end bushings if it's over 50,000 miles
*Output flange- if you hear a clunk in the rear
*small case of sunroof tracks causing problems
*window regulators
It may sound troublesome but mine just hit 75,000 miles and I've experienced most of the issues listed here and I still wouldn't drive anything else.
Everything was done under warranty except for the front end bushings ($300.00)
It still makes me smile everytime I see my car in the parking lot at work or sitting in the driveway !
BMW---"It smells like...Victory!"
Jon
:thumbup:
apar330i
03-18-2003, 02:28 PM
On my '99 328i the only issues I have encountered were the front end TSB, window regulators and rear shock mounts. Now that the warrantee has expired I'm sure all the other sh!t will start happening. For the most part it's been a great car.
jpgurl
03-18-2003, 02:33 PM
seat belt pre-tensioners
sunroof track clip broke (they replaced whole unit)
thermostat
never had CD player problems or window regulator problems.
Alex Baumann
03-18-2003, 02:43 PM
OK, my turn :D
Control arms and bushings x 3
Windows regulators x 2
Door Seals x 1
Thermostat x 1
Sunroof ( moonroof :eeps: )
The HACK
03-19-2003, 09:17 AM
Originally posted by Plaz
:lmao:
The previous Butthead-mobile?
Yeah, it was T-BONED before it was replaced by something with a touch more HP...Like a CB E46 M3. :thumbup:
RKT BMR
03-19-2003, 09:23 AM
Originally posted by The HACK
There's also a problem with the crankcase ventilation hose. Do tell... I have a special interest in this since I had to reroute it as part of my Supercharger install. The stock "hose" (really an inflexible plastic flextube) is a piece of crap, and has given me no end of grief during the install process, now repeated as a result of my oil filter housing problems.
HiMiles
03-19-2003, 03:07 PM
I changed all of the above except the Vanos because really I can't afford the damn thing.
1- Control Arms Front and Back
2- Front Bushings
3- Window Regulator
4- Sunroof clips 3 times ( I gave up)
5- Thermostat & CVR were recalls (Thank God)
and I still have vibration in the steering wheel. I am sick and tired of dropping money with no results:mad:
It does look sweet though, specially the first 15 seconds when you turn your headlights at night :)
jk330i
03-19-2003, 03:14 PM
Sheesh, with those problems I have to ask, is it really worth it?
HiMiles
03-19-2003, 03:26 PM
To tell you the truth, I don't even know anymore. It's like if it's not under warranty, you have to think twice. Some stuff is easy to change, but the question is, was that the problem or was it something else?
:dunno:
jk330i
03-19-2003, 03:30 PM
Originally posted by HiMiles
To tell you the truth, I don't even know anymore. :dunno:
:eek:
hehe I found your reply funny :rofl: and also felt pity :(
HiMiles
03-19-2003, 03:36 PM
Me when I feel there is a problem = :tsk:
Me when I discover there is a problem= :mad:
Me when I bust my @$$ to save the $$= :behead:
Me when I just finish fixing the problem = :rofl:
Me when I feel the problem is slightly still there= :confused:
Me when I find out that I just wasted all the hard work = :violent:
jk330i
03-19-2003, 03:43 PM
Originally posted by HiMiles
Me when I feel there is a problem = :tsk:
Me when I discover there is a problem= :mad:
Me when I bust my @$$ to save the $$= :behead:
Me when I just finish fixing the problem = :rofl:
Me when I feel the problem is slightly still there= :confused:
Me when I find out that I just wasted all the hard work = :violent:
So basically, this can sum up you and your vehicle...
fins1972
09-26-2003, 02:23 AM
...and furthermore:
1. a.c problems galore
2. window/door leaks
3. brake rotor shimmy
4. and of course window regulators.
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