hi guys, always been a big fan of the E46 since i was a teen. been working for few years now and saved enough cash to own one. am looking at the 1.9 318i which are currently selling for around RM62-75k for year 2000 to 2004.

this will be my first bimmer and got plenty of experience with japanese rides but not continentals. none of my friends own one currently hence would need advice on what to check and so forth. any common issues with the 318i?

it's almost a 10 years old car. would it be wise to get one? or should i look for the 2.0 facelifted version? budget is only limited to 80k.

thanks in advance!

This post has been edited by teikwing: Jan 26 2011, 11:52 PM

just test driven a 330Ci earlier today. will be submitting my docs for loan approval coming Monday. fingers-crossed this gonna be my first German marque. it was love at first sight when i saw the ad while hunting for a second car. was torn between the pre-2005 Volvo S60, C200K and the 325i earlier. but it was a clear decision once i feel the car after the teat drive. awesome piece of German engineering even for a 10 year old car.

Yeap the M54B30. The current owner did added some variable piggyback though. IIRC, it's 230whp.

just took delivery of my ride. the earlier 330Ci deal didn't go through as couldn't obtain a loan for the ride. bump into the current E46 325i at a used car dealer last week.

took the E46 for checks and diagnostic at Optimum Autoworks earlier this week and all is good with no error codes apart from some leaking at steering rack which was going to be rectified by replacing the whole rack.

car is comestically well maintained and comes with ACS boot lid and exhaust tip.

submitted for loan on that day itself and with some help able to push for delivery today.

anyway, here are some photos which I took earlier. it's a 2004 325i Exclusive edition. my first UDM.

took before the car was cleaned.

List of mods/things-to-add:
1. Major Service - RM2500
2. Huper Optik tint - RM1600
3. Double Din DVD player - RM2350
4. SMG steering wheel /w Paddle Shifts - RM3200
5. Sprint booster - RM600
6. M3 LED Rear Lamp - RM1000
7. M3 Style Side Mirrors

with all these coming, gottaa start saving more monthly!

You may try to top up the gas first and monitor whether does the level drops in short time frame. If yes, somewhere is leaking.

Not sure in Penang but known a few reputable aircond shops around PJ. Do let me know if you need contacts of these shops.

My E46 had almost similar problem too but mech advised to leave it as it is first until things got worse, ie. no longer cooling anymore.

UGPM bro. Thought you're still in Penang. Still saving up $ to get your style 71 rims after the big hole last month.

I had a compressor failure in my another Jap ride previously and normally the symptoms are cooling only when car is moving or revved. Once car is stopped ie. left idle, the pistons in the compressor will stop moving hence no more gas are being circulated into the system.

A brand new E46 compressor costs around RM1.5k inclusive of workmanship I was told.

Leaking of gas may be contributed by leak in one of the hoses or cooling coil.

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Added on June 14, 2012, 11:51 pmNo problemo bro. Sharing is caring!

Ohh ya nice BBK you have there man. Suits your E60 very well! Keep the stock 530i emblem. Getting rare these days.

This post has been edited by teikwing: Jun 14 2012, 11:51 PM

Am planning to upgrade to B8 on my E46. Recently sat in a E46 with B8 & Eibach Pro-Kit & it was awesome! Firm but still comfy & not harsh at all. While those who are on H&R springs complained about bottoming & slightly harder.

Best combi would be B8 & M-Sports springs.

I am currently on stock Boge absorbers and stock springs and would say comfort level not affected at all but feel more planted and firm on the B8 and Eibach.