Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

3 Pages  1 2 3 >Bottom

Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+

 BMW E46

views
     
TSHalseyFrangipane
post Jan 14 2020, 12:21 PM, updated 3y ago

On my way
****
Junior Member
500 posts

Joined: Apr 2016
Latest Edit/Post:

Is it worth tuning the ECU/remap for E46 325i M54B25, ZF automatic gearbox? Feels like the throttle response in first gear is quite sluggish or slow unless I put it in steptronic/sport mode.

1st Update:
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «



Original Post:
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


This post has been edited by HalseyFrangipane: Oct 5 2020, 01:25 PM
digilife
post Jan 14 2020, 12:31 PM

The MNP guy, its me yeah.
*******
Senior Member
8,024 posts

Joined: Feb 2005
From: Planet Boleland


Go for E46, its body is 70% more rigid compared to the E36.

Maintenance wise, if you have a non cut throat foreman , then its okay.

Parts wise. most critical parts can be sourced from Bavaria Auto or Stuggard Parts while body parts can source from half-cut yards.

As for daily drive vehicle, if your daily mileage is below 100km/day, it should be okay provided you keep tab of your vehicle wear & tear lifespan.

The 2 most costly issue that you might encounter maybe the engine or gearbox problem but if taken care of well enough, they seldom fail.
TSHalseyFrangipane
post Jan 14 2020, 01:41 PM

On my way
****
Junior Member
500 posts

Joined: Apr 2016
QUOTE(digilife @ Jan 14 2020, 12:31 PM)
Go for E46, its body is 70% more rigid compared to the E36.

Maintenance wise, if you have a non cut throat foreman , then its okay.

Parts wise. most critical parts can be sourced from Bavaria Auto or Stuggard Parts while body parts can source from half-cut yards.

As for daily drive vehicle, if your daily mileage is below 100km/day, it should be okay provided you keep tab of your vehicle wear & tear lifespan.

The 2 most costly issue that you might encounter maybe the engine or gearbox problem but if taken care of well enough, they seldom fail.
*
These are not factual or credible sources but I've heard that the E46 is less reliable compared to E36 due to having more electronic compartments(?).

As for foreman, plan to send it to Autobahn Specialist at Sunway.
digilife
post Jan 14 2020, 02:03 PM

The MNP guy, its me yeah.
*******
Senior Member
8,024 posts

Joined: Feb 2005
From: Planet Boleland


QUOTE(HalseyFrangipane @ Jan 14 2020, 01:41 PM)
These are not factual or credible sources but I've heard that the E46 is less reliable compared to E36 due to having more electronic compartments(?).

As for foreman, plan to send it to Autobahn Specialist at Sunway.
*
I am a E46 owner & have been driving this car for abt 4 years and the above were my personal experiences.

Abt Autobahn Specialist . I have been to them before and found that Mr Tan is not really that well verse in E46 and his workers made silly mistakes that almost grounded my car once I drove out of KL but luckily I have foreman frens in that area that helped me solved my problem.

E36 & E46 have less electronics issues compared to newer models. E90 or F30 , but if really like BMW's , go for E30 which have less electronics.

You need to understand BMWs & why they have more issues compared to Japs or Protons/P2, but you will learn a lot abt contis once you driven & own 1. I can say among contis E46 is an easier 1 among its peers.


TSHalseyFrangipane
post Jan 14 2020, 03:09 PM

On my way
****
Junior Member
500 posts

Joined: Apr 2016
QUOTE(digilife @ Jan 14 2020, 02:03 PM)
I am a E46 owner & have been driving this car for abt 4 years and the above were my personal experiences.

Abt Autobahn Specialist . I have been to them before and found that Mr Tan is not really that well verse in E46 and his workers made silly mistakes that almost grounded my car once I drove out of KL but luckily I have foreman frens in that area that helped me solved my problem.

E36 & E46 have less electronics issues compared to newer models. E90 or F30 , but if really like BMW's , go for E30 which have less electronics.

You need to understand BMWs & why they have more issues compared to Japs or Protons/P2, but you will learn a lot abt contis once you driven & own 1. I can say among contis E46 is an easier 1 among its peers.
*
May I know which foreman shop you frequent for your E46?

I have only driven the F10 for Contis which was borrowed from a friend. Been craving to drive a beemer ever since. And I presume that older variants like the E36, E46 and E30s will give me more driving pleasure than F10 as it has a lot of assists from electronics.

Yes agreed, albeit challenging, getting to know how to maintain a conti may be a good learning experience. Have only maintained Japs so far and they are just reliable most of the time.

E46 is easier to maintain than E36?

Thank you for all the feedback so far.
digilife
post Jan 14 2020, 03:58 PM

The MNP guy, its me yeah.
*******
Senior Member
8,024 posts

Joined: Feb 2005
From: Planet Boleland


QUOTE(HalseyFrangipane @ Jan 14 2020, 03:09 PM)
May I know which foreman shop you frequent for your E46?

I have only driven the F10 for Contis which was borrowed from a friend. Been craving to drive a beemer ever since. And I presume that older variants like the E36, E46 and E30s will give me more driving pleasure than F10 as it has a lot of assists from electronics.

Yes agreed, albeit challenging, getting to know how to maintain a conti may be a good learning experience. Have only maintained Japs so far and they are just reliable most of the time.

E46 is easier to maintain than E36?

Thank you for all the feedback so far.
*
If you have driven those newer ones like F10 or F30 [ sheer driving pleasure tagline ] , those older ones like E36/46 [ ultimate driving machine tag line] is nothing .......
I heard that the new G20 [ latest 3 series ] is even more awesome............ like how Maverick handling a jet fighter in the movie Topgun.

Abt workshop, you can refer to the list provided by members in the BMWClub MY.

But remember to own a older BMW, you must have a backup car just incase your beemer Banyak Masok Workshop . LOL



genericsoul
post Jan 14 2020, 04:09 PM

New Member
*
Newbie
33 posts

Joined: Apr 2013
QUOTE(HalseyFrangipane @ Jan 14 2020, 12:21 PM)
Hello,

I have searched for these infos, but most results are from at least 2015 and older. The bmw club subforum has no replies as well.

Would like to know current or modern info regarding ease of maintenance and spare parts availability, etc, of the E36 328i.

Is it reliable enough to daily drive it? I have several other cars as backup, but would like something fun to drive on a daily basis.

Thanks!
*
Hi there, am an E46 owner myself.

Got my ride nearly 2 yrs back from a private seller. So far i've spent around 10K in all since buying this car, changed wear and tear stuff, like seals/bushes/lower arm/oils/ignition coils/radiator tank etc. I would say this car is pretty reliable and fun to drive. Hoping that i can continue with just scheduled services for a while from now. Only gripe is the 2.5 consumption in town, if you're doing long distance i feel it's pretty alright. On highway runs, it is quite a breeze to hit speeds at around 200kmh. For a 2004 model to be able to do this, it's quite a feat when compared to most cars we see on the road these days.

As for spares, i normally approach Bavarian Auto in SS18 to get what i need. Their pricing is reasonable, and i have found a pretty good workshop in USJ7. The mechanics in USJ7 are very professional, do a clean job and so far have not had any probs after their work. I used to send my car to a so-called specialist in Chan Sow Lin, his work is also good but found the pricing to be a bit steep, and besides i live in USJ so i prefer some place close and convenient. I would strongly suggest an E46, the electronics aren't that complicated according to the guys who have worked on my car, and their one comment that gave me confidence is that 'these cars will just continue to run as long as u jaga them baik2'.

This is my only ride for now, so i do take care of this car and ensure it's in tip top condition all the time. Am considering getting a second car as back up, but still thinking hard which one to go for...T or H tongue.gif

This post has been edited by genericsoul: Jan 14 2020, 04:18 PM
genericsoul
post Jan 14 2020, 04:20 PM

New Member
*
Newbie
33 posts

Joined: Apr 2013
QUOTE(digilife @ Jan 14 2020, 03:58 PM)
If you have driven those newer ones like F10 or F30 [ sheer driving pleasure tagline ] , those older ones like E36/46  [ ultimate driving machine tag line] is  nothing .......
I heard that the new G20 [ latest 3 series ] is even more awesome............ like how Maverick handling a jet fighter in the movie Topgun.

Abt workshop, you can refer to the list provided by members in the BMWClub MY.

But remember to own a older BMW, you must have a backup car just incase your beemer Banyak Masok Workshop . LOL
*
2 years driving E46 and still no backup car wei. haha
digilife
post Jan 14 2020, 05:26 PM

The MNP guy, its me yeah.
*******
Senior Member
8,024 posts

Joined: Feb 2005
From: Planet Boleland


QUOTE(genericsoul @ Jan 14 2020, 04:20 PM)
2 years driving E46 and still no backup car wei. haha
*
Since its a backup car, anything between rm2000 ~ rm5000 should suffice and having said that go for those that is easy to maintain or one that do not need any maintenance at all , mine is a Wira sedan 1.5MT , maintenance is so easy on my wallet & parts cheap & easy to find , but bewarned if its too good looking, thieves will target you , so look for one that is not so nice looking and install sufficient anti theft.

laugh.gif


genericsoul
post Jan 14 2020, 10:08 PM

New Member
*
Newbie
33 posts

Joined: Apr 2013
QUOTE(digilife @ Jan 14 2020, 05:26 PM)
Since its a backup car, anything between rm2000 ~ rm5000 should suffice and having said that go for those that is easy to maintain or one that do not need any maintenance at all , mine is a Wira sedan 1.5MT , maintenance is so easy on my wallet & parts cheap & easy to find , but bewarned if its too good looking, thieves will target you , so look for one that is not so nice looking and install sufficient anti theft. 

laugh.gif
*
I am actually considering the new Vios for long term use, need something for long term and which is efficient for town use. Just waiting to see if the rebates get any better.
digilife
post Jan 15 2020, 09:27 AM

The MNP guy, its me yeah.
*******
Senior Member
8,024 posts

Joined: Feb 2005
From: Planet Boleland


QUOTE(genericsoul @ Jan 14 2020, 10:08 PM)
I am actually considering the new Vios for long term use, need something for long term and which is efficient for town use. Just waiting to see if the rebates get any better.
*
The new Vios is good in every aspect [ almost la ] but do you get the " heaviness & security " of the good weight distribution of the 46-ers !!! once it touches 150kmh ? maybe can launch the flying mode


littlefire
post Jan 15 2020, 11:45 AM

Look at all my stars!!
*******
Senior Member
2,147 posts

Joined: Jun 2009
From: Penang


Try to go beyond E46 above, parts are getting less for E36 base on market parts now.
E90 seems to be on the sweet spot now with a lot of half-cut nowadays.
E90 is also the last generation with hydraulic power steering for certain model, after that most of it already revert to electronic type.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Jan 15 2020, 11:46 AM
empire
post Jan 15 2020, 01:18 PM

Look at all my stars!!
*******
Senior Member
2,502 posts

Joined: Apr 2008
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=e46+dont+buy+

You have been warned. Dont buy the E46!
empire
post Jan 15 2020, 01:19 PM

Look at all my stars!!
*******
Senior Member
2,502 posts

Joined: Apr 2008
E36 is way better and less headache than E46.
leon898
post Jan 15 2020, 01:45 PM

Enthusiast
*****
Junior Member
733 posts

Joined: Jul 2009


if compared to W210 from Merc, which one is more reliable?
littlefire
post Jan 15 2020, 02:59 PM

Look at all my stars!!
*******
Senior Member
2,147 posts

Joined: Jun 2009
From: Penang


QUOTE(empire @ Jan 15 2020, 02:18 PM)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=e46+dont+buy+

You have been warned. Dont buy the E46!
*
Each generation also got their pro & con, but if you done your research and get a car which is being care well in the past usually the issue is less. If possible try to get LCI or facelift model of each generation, a lot of the issues already minimize or fixed. icon_idea.gif

Anyway E46 generation still got the most reliable in-line 6 M54 engine with double vanos set up, if taken care it can last a long time. I nearly fall in love with E46 320i (2.2L) & 325i with the M54 engine, but were even addicted with the E90 320D turbo diesel engine torque.. brows.gif
woodentiger86
post Jan 15 2020, 03:46 PM

Budding DIY Detailer & Avid Gamer
*******
Senior Member
2,414 posts

Joined: Mar 2016


Both E36 andE46 has their merits and downsides. If TS ok with the age of these cars and the associated wear & tear and maintenance for these rides, go for it.

E46 slightly nicks it as it's newer and more polished. Not many E36s around either but I don't think spare parts availability for either E36/E46 should be an issue. Can go thru OEM route via Bavarian Auto or even online or half-cut shops...
mengsuan
post Jan 16 2020, 04:44 PM

9W2NNS
Group Icon
Staff
10,459 posts

Joined: Sep 2005
From: Puchong

I have an E36 for fun drive and casual track day purpose. The reliability is so good, that I can use it as a daily car. E46 has more electronics/safety stuff, but is nothing overwhelming when compared to today's car. You choose E36/E46 based on what you like, and what's available in second hand market. Either car can be bad if the previous owner(s) did not keep the car in good condition.

Lookout for rust. Better body, weatherstrip and interior is more important than engine/gearbox. Drivetrain stuff are easily available.
Quazacolt
post Jan 17 2020, 08:38 AM

Riding couple
*******
Senior Member
5,216 posts

Joined: Jan 2007
From: KL Malaysia


QUOTE(mengsuan @ Jan 16 2020, 04:44 PM)
I have an E36 for fun drive and casual track day purpose. The reliability is so good, that I can use it as a daily car. E46 has more electronics/safety stuff, but is nothing overwhelming when compared to today's car. You choose E36/E46 based on what you like, and what's available in second hand market. Either car can be bad if the previous owner(s) did not keep the car in good condition.

Lookout for rust. Better body, weatherstrip and interior is more important than engine/gearbox. Drivetrain stuff are easily available.
*
hey long time no see! i never knew you''re into track as well! wub.gif
theanswer
post Jan 17 2020, 09:42 AM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,024 posts

Joined: Jan 2007
From: Kajang


QUOTE(genericsoul @ Jan 14 2020, 04:20 PM)
2 years driving E46 and still no backup car wei. haha
*
badass wei..

3 Pages  1 2 3 >Top
 

Change to:
| Lo-Fi Version
0.0190sec    0.25    5 queries    GZIP Disabled
Time is now: 29th March 2024 - 07:20 PM