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dtthiaga · 02-09-2008, 09:57 AM

02 or newer is better. It's the better years for the e46.

Plus, it's the facelifted sedans, which looks more current. The newer ones come with Bi-Xenon lights (big plus). With the newer models, you won't have to worry about rear subframe issues either.

Watch for known issues.

- Front Control Arms
- Vanos. I can't believe BMW is still having these issues.
- Window Regulators
- Master Cylinder
- Some 330's consume a lot of oil, even at lower mileage
- Stay away from Automatics
- Check the manual transmission. Make sure 2nd and 3rd gears are easy to get into.
- Alternators
- 02 Censors go pretty frequent, so make sure the car is Drive Clean recently. I wouldn't except anything less than 2-4 weeks from bill of sale.

All of the issues above actually occur when the car has lower mileage.

Overall, the 02+ E46 is more reliable than other BMW's.

02-09-2008, 09:57 AM	#2
dtthiaga 6th Gear Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,552 Car: Car	02 or newer is better. It's the better years for the e46. Plus, it's the facelifted sedans, which looks more current. The newer ones come with Bi-Xenon lights (big plus). With the newer models, you won't have to worry about rear subframe issues either. Watch for known issues. - Front Control Arms - Vanos. I can't believe BMW is still having these issues. - Window Regulators - Master Cylinder - Some 330's consume a lot of oil, even at lower mileage - Stay away from Automatics - Check the manual transmission. Make sure 2nd and 3rd gears are easy to get into. - Alternators - 02 Censors go pretty frequent, so make sure the car is Drive Clean recently. I wouldn't except anything less than 2-4 weeks from bill of sale. All of the issues above actually occur when the car has lower mileage. Overall, the 02+ E46 is more reliable than other BMW's.