3yr old E46 - list of problems

[galant1688]

Sent to PML and detected the following problems:

1) oil filter hosing gasket - leak
2) suction hose power steering - leak
3) rocker cover gasket - leak
4) alternator tensioner - noise
5) aircon tensioner - noise
6) UUC pulley belt crack - 1.5 years of usage

These are classified as wear and tear and their parts bill come up to 700+, exclude labour. Obviously, I did not go ahead with the repairs.

Are these common problems when the ride reaches 3 years mark? My mileage is 67,000KM. What are the damages if performed outside?

So far, PML has changed the followings foc during my 3 years warranty:

1) door mirror motors
2) wishbone runners (changed twice)
3) side mirror motors
4) radiator and expansion water tank
5) airbag warning indicator
6) Mass air sensors

 

[chickenbackside]

Re: 3yr old E46 - list of problems

My 3-year old E46 (42,000km):

1) Changed 2 window regulators
2) Changed disc rotors and pads
3) Changed front suspension tie-rods (2)
4) Changed wiper spray pump

That's it.

Bring it to an outside workshop. You should get a better quote.

 

[steven318]

Re: 3yr old E46 - list of problems

Sent to PML and detected the following problems:

1) oil filter hosing gasket - leak
2) suction hose power steering - leak
3) rocker cover gasket - leak
4) alternator tensioner - noise
5) aircon tensioner - noise
6) UUC pulley belt crack - 1.5 years of usage

Are these common problems when the ride reaches 3 years mark? My mileage is 67,000KM. What are the damages if performed outside?

My ride is 4.5yrs now and mileage 115KM. Bought it when it was 2.5yrs old and mileage 66KM.

I changed the following parts during the past 2 years:
1) Aircon - Total $572.02.
Output stage/switch for fan of heater, A/C blower high setting, A/C blower resistor, A/C belt tensioner c/w bearing
2) Wheel - Total $787.73
Replace front brackets for control arm, rear left mount for McPherson strut/shock aborber, rear wheel bearing
3) Engine - Total $1405.25
Radiator expansion tank thermostat, expansion tank, thermostat with housing & sensor, fan belt, fan belt tensioner c/w bearing, fan belt roller bearing, wiper washer pump, wiper washer pump grommet, radiator top hose, radiator bottom hose, bottom hose temperature sensor, radiator assembly, cylinder rear head connector, expansion tank (2nd time), expansion tank thermostat (2nd time)
4) Windows - Total $1029.00
Front left and right power window regulators, rear left and right power window regulator, rear right power window motor
5) Battery - Total $180

Grand Total: $3,974
(Not including oil change charges and wear and tear items like brake pads + discs)

But I saved many thousands buying used car.

 

[CSS]

Re: 3yr old E46 - list of problems

Hi Galant1688,

Yes, My car 3yrs old E46 valvetronic with 45k km recently exhibited wierd noises from the engine, changed the belt, alternator and belt tensioner and all wierd noises went away.... think these are high wear items. Work was carried out at PML and was one of the rare occasions that I am quite satisfied with them actually. They even changed my engine mounts as there was excessive vibrations into the cabin. Maintaining a BMW is really costly.

May I ask why they changed your wishbone runners? What are they and what were the symptons of the problem?

Thanks.

 

[galant1688]

Re: 3yr old E46 - list of problems

clock clock sound upon braking or over uneven road surfaces.

 

[ersalle71]

Re: 3yr old E46 - list of problems

Hi Galant1688,

Yes, My car 3yrs old E46 valvetronic with 45k km recently exhibited wierd noises from the engine, changed the belt, alternator and belt tensioner and all wierd noises went away.... think these are high wear items. Work was carried out at PML and was one of the rare occasions that I am quite satisfied with them actually. They even changed my engine mounts as there was excessive vibrations into the cabin. Maintaining a BMW is really costly.

May I ask why they changed your wishbone runners? What are they and what were the symptons of the problem?

Thanks.

E46 parts are already expensive plus you send it to PML even worse, try sending it to other workshops who are capable of doing it. There are many unmarked workshops out there which can do. Want cheaper maintenance buy the parts yourself and get it done in reputable workshops in JB, labour costs is half

 

[VolanteDB9]

Re: 3yr old E46 - list of problems

clock clock sound upon braking or over uneven road surfaces.

do you mean in the cabin?
im having this prob after getting e car back from PML...like something loose inside the aircon,HU...
no time check it out yet...brrr