This is an extremely common failure and aclear weakspot of the E46. The windows will then either make clicking noises as they go up/down (sign of a failing regulator) or not operate at all possibly leaving your window partially or fully open. Any dealer should be able to provide the service history with just the last seven digits of the VIN.īelow are some frequently occuring and well known issues: Luckily, the E46 had free maintenance until 36,000 or 50,000 miles (depending on year), so most early maintenance was performed by BMW dealers. If you are going to buy a used E46, avoid cars without a good maintenance and repair history. The E46 doesn't have many significant problem areas however these cars are VERY sensitive to maintenance. 5 & 6 are routine items on any used vehicle of this age. If you get the car for the right price, and get all this stuff done (or can guarantee that this stuff HAS been done), then you should be golden for another 60-80k miles. (Regulator repairs often don't include proper resealing of the door's interior vapor barriers, allowing leakage into the car.)ĥ) Tierods, control arms/balljoints, and control arm bushings are probably all worth a close inspection.Ħ) Brakes are probably ready for routine maintenance, i.e. If so, be very wary of warped major engine components.ģ) Window regulators: Do any of the windows work very slowly or make noises? If so, the regulators are on their last legs.Ĥ) If the regulators have already been replaced (and trust me, it either needs new ones or has them already), then you want to be sure the car doesn't take water into the floorboards in a moderate to heavy rain. 1) Has the cooling system been overhauled? Regardless of mileage, at that age, the car needs a new radiator, overflow tank, thermostat and housing, water pump and hoses.Ģ) Ensure, via the maintenance history, whether the car has ever been serviced for overheating.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |