Which E46 problems would you deal with, and which would be grounds for "termination"

So, I often read about people souring on their cars due to "high maintenance costs", or " lots of problems". Like many of you, its rare that I read about a problem that I'm not already aware of. Since I know all the things that could go wrong, I continue my ownership with that knowledge. But, still, I wonder-- which problems would cause me to think "to hell with this, I've had enough". So, here's a list of common problems or atleast "accelerated wear" items that we often hear about (or have maybe experienced). Which, if any, would really get under your skin?

here are mine, and my feelings on each:

1. Control Arms (ball joints): No, I'd do the work myself and replace w/ higher quality MEyle units w/ replaceable joints. Anyway, I've known about control arms problems since before I bought my car, so this one doesn't really bug me.
2. Final stage resistor: No. I'd do the work myself, and again, this problem has been known for years
3. Rear shock mounts: No-- again, known for years
4. Coupe door seals falling down: This one would probaby get under my skin if it kept happening-- but I don'thave a coupe.
5. Water pump and Thermostat: No, I'm planning to replace mine at 60k. I shouldn't have to, but the parts aren't that expensive-- so not really worth getting upset about
6. Rotors/Pads every 30k: No, I know they tend to wear faster on BMWs. I can do the work myself
7. Vanos replacement at 90-120k: No, but I probablky won't have the car by then anyway.

I think these are the most common issues-and I don't really have a big issue with any of them. These are the things tath WOULD bug me:
7. Rear floor tear; Yes, I'm aware that it can happen. If I could get it repaired/reinforced for under $1500 I'd do it. But still, it would upset me.
8. Funky wiring harness issue: I've heard of engine wiring harnesses having strange corrosion issues (Very rare). THis would really bother me- and it would be quite expensive to fix. I wouldn't do the work myself
9. Engine or drivetrain issue: Yes, this would bother me

What are your thoughts? Any others to add?

I'm asking as part of my ongong realization that I'm going to be living w/ the e46 for quite a while given the current automotive landscape.

Reply » Which E46 problems would you deal with, and which would be grounds for "termination"

It is interesting to see the grounds on which someone will get rid of a car. If you try to sell a car with a major defect though, say goodbye to any reasonable price. I will usually try to fix most problems with the cars. Things like robg mentioned like ball joints and rotor and pads are to be expected and dealt with on a higher mileage car. As cars advance though, I wonder what it will be like to keep a higher mileage or older classic ones running. A 20 year old car today is usually fairly simple to work on. What would a 20 year old e90 or similar with valvetronic or other complex things of this nature be like to work on. I'd say hell.

Reply » Which E46 problems would you deal with, and which would be grounds for "termination"

#1 is really poor design and irks me even though I do my own repairs
#7 is an inexcusably poor design and will be cause for "termination"

Worst problem is as you state, " been known for years" yet they continued to produce the same short lived, sub standard, components. I suppose that any 2 (excepting #7) of these issues would be acceptable but when they all exist in the same product....??

Reply » Which E46 problems would you deal with, and which would be grounds for "termination"

Quote:

I agree. I'm interested in how everyone here who still owns an e46 has come to terms with the likely defects. My guess is that if you're on this board, you know about most of them. If so, they don't bother you enough to make you get rid of the car, or else, you're just denying that you'll ever have the problems.

Despite how stupid some of these problems are, there's something comforting (atleast to me) about knowing what they are. And, because I know them, they bother me much less. At the same time, they're generall ridiculous and inexcusable.

Reply » Which E46 problems would you deal with, and which would be grounds for "termination"

I didn't know VANOS was prone to wearing out. Do you mean the VANOS internals in the cylinder head? All that stuff in the cylinder head is lubed and pressurized with engine oil. I can't imagine that would be problematic. Yeah, the VANOS sensors and the solenoids might go at some point, but the other stuff?

And what is with the rear shock mounts? My understanding is that they're just rubber (no bearings). I'm surprised that these have been/would be an issue.

As for my grounds for termination: anything major with the engine internals, like excessive oil consumption. Fortunately, for DIY'ers, they've made it reasonably easy for self-service, and that's a big plus for me (kudos to BMW

) . Though, there are annoyances, too, like having to replace the blower motor already due to squeaky bearings!

Reply » Which E46 problems would you deal with, and which would be grounds for "termination"

Quote:

) . Though, there are annoyances, too, like having to replace the blower motor already due to squeaky bearings!

VANOS is known and not uncommon failure point.

What's scary is how often they're wearing out in the M3s. Occasionally, the VANOS units are failing pretty spectacularly.

Page 1 of 9