Test drive BMW 3 E46 2002 - 2005 sedan
The last classic
Judging by the latest creations of Bavarian designers, BMW cars radically change the image. But not everyone favorably perceives such changes. If you want to have time to travel on the newest and, most likely, the last classic BMW, look for a three -year -old E46 model. However, at first, the current three -wing one went to the apostasy from the canons. The BMW apologists debuted in 1998, the BMW apologists accused that it became too comfortable, too fresh on the go to the detriment of sports.
Compared to the third generation three -year -old (E36 body), which is a clot of energy with bare nerves, the current model really became calmer. But still, she retained the main family features of BMW. This is a classic Bavarian style with a wedge -shaped body profile and emphasized by an aggressive facial expression, magnificent engines and, of course, excellent sled qualities. So E46 still remained a real BMW car for the driver.
Not only a sedan
We are used to seeing three-sedan on the roads. However, the car is also produced with the bodies of the station wagon, compartment and convertible. So choose good to your own taste, the distillers are taking all options from abroad. There are no specific sores associated directly with one or another body or its equipment, neither behind the sedan, nor behind the station wagon, nor the compartment is observed. But lovers of convertibles have nothing to advise. How reliable in our conditions will be a folding top is unknown. An open treshka is too rare in Russia.
Almost all universals and coupe presented on the market were brought from abroad. In Russia, very few such cars were sold.
In general, today the mechanics have no serious complaints to the E46 body. Unless the front door locks begin to knock over time, but on some cars of the Kaliningrad assembly, paint is swelling on the front of the hood and the posterior edge of the trunk cover.
Machines of the first issues were of body problems. When active driving along broken roads, the front shock absorbers squeezed out and tore off the rear subframe mounting. Subsequently, problem areas strengthened. But if this happens on the car you purchased, welding work and, possibly, replacing the rear subframe. In addition, on the early three -year -olds, the opening of the rear doors were leaky. But, most likely, this problem has already been eliminated under warranty in the seals laid a special tourniquet.
Unlike its close predecessor, the current treshka has become a full-fledged 4-seater car
In terms of electrical equipment, the treshka is kept well done. So far, there are much fewer problems here than other BMW. It happens that a resistor is out of order that controls the speed of rotation of the salon fan. Sometimes a climate setup dies. But this can not be called characteristic sores. More often you have to change transparent plastic caps of ordinary (not xenon) headlights not equipped with a washer. In winter, for some reason they are melted.
What is the price
Replacement of headlights (1 pc.) 58 euros
Replacing door lock (1 pc.) 205 euros
Replacing the fan resistor 105 euros
Replacement of climate control display 320,400 euros
The motor should be 6-cylinder
Whatever body type you choose, the main thing is in a treshka, as in any BMW, a motor. After all, it is the motors that are the core of the philosophy of the Bavarian company, it is they who determine the nature of BMW cars.
Both budget versions of 316i and 318i are equipped with a 4-cylinder 1.9-liter engine, but with different settings with a capacity of 105 and 118 forces, respectively. For considerations of savings, such a third can be bought. However, this will not be a real BMW and the sound of the motor does not caress, and the dynamics of pride does not amuse, especially with a gun. If a three -class is a three -class medium class, with similar motors, it would look quite appropriate. But when the car has such a pronounced sports image, its capabilities should still correspond to expectations.
Therefore, if funds allow, it is better to buy a three-cylinder engine. Then you will receive a decent BMW dynamics and incomparable rumble of in -line six. One thing is worth it!
A long in -line six under the hood even looks beautiful. And how it sounds! And how it goes!
At first, 6-cylinder tremors were produced in modifications of 320i (2.0 l; 150 hp), 323i (2.5 l; 170 hp) and 328i (2.8 liters; 193 hp). In the 2001 model year, they were replaced by more powerful and dynamic 320i (2.2 l; 170 hp), 325i (2.5 l; 192 l.) And 330i (3.0 l; 231 l. P. ). Hunting for modifications 328i and 330i is unlikely to make sense. They are clearly redundant in dynamic capabilities and unreasonably roads for the secondary market. But 320i325i what you need.
Many consider BMW engines the best in the world. Well, in terms of technical perfection and in characteristics, they are really magnificent. However, the buyer of a used car is also interested in reliability. Here, BMW engines are not much different from most European counterparts. Over time, they begin to be capricious: either the laying of the valve cover will flow, then the air flow meter will fail, then some sensor.
However, all these are trifles. Much more serious troubles can cause these engines a tendency to increased oil consumption and overheating. Therefore, the owner of the threek cannot be just a rider who does not follow the readings of the devices and does not look under the hood.
Engines in operation
On the engines of threeking, you can use either ordinary spark plugs of 5.7 euros apiece, or (on later versions) 4-electrode with platinum spraying of 19.5 euros. In Europe, the higher cost of such candles is justified by their resource, which is 100,000 km. But with our quality fuel, 4-electrode, like ordinary ones, serve an average of 20,00040,000 km. Therefore, in order to save money, you can use ordinary candles if it allows the instruction.
By the way, uncatacular motors equipped with 4-electrode candles (such were supplied to Russia) can do not start in the cold poorly. The problem is solved by installing ordinary candles and reprogramming the engine computer.
The replacement of the timing belt is not required. On all engines, camshafts are given by an almost eternal chain.
The most typical failure for all motors is the refusal of the thermostat (usually freezing in the open position, which is why the engine ceases to heat up) or breakdown of its body. The thermostat is changing assembly.
On 6-cylinder engines, sometimes the positions of the position of camshafts, less often a crankshaft sensor refuse. At the same time, the engine starts poorly, works with interruptions, loses power or stall spontaneously. Similar symptoms accompany the failure of the air flow meter (age disease). If the engine does not respond to the movement of the gas pedal or reacts inadequately, it is possible to fail the electronic throttle. True, this rarely happens.
The characteristic failures of electronics so far bypass 4-cylinder engines. Perhaps the time has not yet come, but most likely there are no statistics because 4-cylinder engines are simply less than 6-cylinder.
What is the price
Replacing the valve cover gasket 45103 euros
Replacing the valve of the oil separator 115 euros
Replacing piston rings 5001000 euros
Replacement of thermostat 135 euros
Replacing the sensor camshaft 94 euros
Replacement of the crankshaft sensor 100 euros
Replacing air flow meter 400 euros
Replacement of throttle shade 345 euros
Oil that honey. Either it is, or it is not Immediately make a reservation that not all BMW engines (not all copies) sin with increased oil consumption. However, even a completely serviceable in -line six (the more cylinders and the larger the working volume, the higher the permissible oil consumption) in our conditions can eat up to 0.5 l/1000 km. By the way, the factory norm allows oil consumption to 0.7 l/1000 km in high -speed modes. Imagine how much oil it will go from then to if the Max and Min marks on an oil probe shares about one liter ... What does the engine’s oil starvation lead to, I believe, you should not tell. Therefore, despite the fact that all three -three are equipped with an insufficient oil alarm, at least once a week you need to look under the hood and get an oil probe.
In addition to a natural fucker, the cause of the increased oil consumption may flow for oil seals or gaskets of the valve cover, rupture of the oil separator membrane in the crankcase ventilation system or even problems with piston rings. In the latter case, the opening of the motor is required and, at least, replacing the rings.
The causes of increased wear or occurrence of piston rings do not have a single opinion. Some believe that our bad gasoline is to blame. Others suspect owners of using poor -quality oil and untimely replacement. Still others see one of the reasons in the warming of a cold motor at idle, which is strongly not recommended to make instructions for operation. And some servicemen are sure that the increased oil consumption is the result of the engine overheating.
By the way, how often do you need to change the oil? At first, the frequency of replacement for all gasoline engines of threek was 15,000 km. After the modernization of the engines and the introduction of long -playing oils of the Long Life series, the oil replacement time began to determine the engine computer, considering the number of studied motorcycles (the maximum interval for Long Life oils is 25,000 km). However, given the quality of our fuel (the combustion products of which are mixed with oil), the mechanics recommend not greedy and change the oil after 10,00015,000 km.
Now about overheating. BMW motors are really inclined to him. Moreover, the consequences of overheating for in -line six are especially unpleasant. Their head is long, so when overheating it is firing so much that often even grinding does not help only replacement.
The guilt of the engines themselves in overheating most often does not exist. The impeller of the water pump, as on the previous three -shaped, does not fall off. Radiator electric fanboxes on 6-cylinder machines (on 4-cylinder with a mechanical drive) even rarely refuse Moscow salt. Usually the cause of overheating is the radiators clogged with fluff and dirt. Accordingly, at least once a year it is necessary to remove and clean the radiators.
It is better not to take a diesel threeer
At one time, diesel BMW in our secondary market was quite popular. In particular, five of the previous two generations. Sometimes in the ads about the sale, diesel three -year -olds also slip through. But before buying such a car, think about this.
At the end of the 90s, when the Bavarian company switched to diesel engines with direct fuel injection and the Common Rail power system, the official supplies of diesel BMW to Russia ceased. Moreover, the Germans said that they do not carry out warranty obligations for a new generation operated in Russia. I think there were real reasons for that.
Chassis to the envy of other BMW The current three -three service is considered the most trouble -free of all modern BMW. Largely due to more durable compared to other chassis models. The E46 suspension repairs is much less common than the previous three -time, recently removed from the production of five and X5.
If you do not take into account such a trifle as stabilizer racks, in the front suspension along our roads most often on average after 50,00060,000 km, you have to change the lower levers with silent blocks. Moreover, so many details of the changed design go. If, by car of 1998, there are still levers and silent blocks of the old-style, which serve even less, they should be replaced with improved ones. The remaining parts of the pendants begin to ask for a replacement closer to 100,000 km.
And the back multi -stroke was completely surprisingly tenacious.
The steering is quite reliable. At first, the weak place was steering rods, but after the plant changed their design and parts of a new sample began to enter the spare parts, the problem was gone. The hassle does not deliver the hydraulic booster pump, and the steering rack flows (and requires replacement) is much less common than on other BMWs.
The only claim to the brakes (by the way, very effective) is the rapid wear of the front brake discs. Usually they are enough for two sets of pads or about 50,000 km. But ABS wheeled sensors, unlike the five, are reliable, and the brake calipers rarely wedge even after four seasons for Moscow salt and dirt. But if the caliper cannot be restored by cleaning and lubricating guide mobility, the remote complex usually does not help. The caliper has to be changed assembly.
Packet for bad roads Thrill supplied to Russia are equipped with a package for bad roads with reinforced springs, shock absorbers that increase the road clearance with spacers and protection of the engine crankcase. If a car with a standard suspension brought from Europe seems to you too low or just the time has come to change shock absorbers, you can adapt it to our road conditions. The official BMW dealers offer installation of a package for bad roads at a price of 1275 euros, including the cost of parts and work on their installation. For comparison, replacing only shock absorbers (all 4 pieces) with full -time European in the conditions of a branded technical center will cost 790 euros. True, it should be noted that the adapted machine becomes more rigid on the go.
Average service life of the chassis
Front suspension and steering (VX)
Rear suspension
20,000 - 40,000 km
70 000 - 90,000 km
stabilizer racks 92 euros
Shock absorbers 270 euros
50,000 - 60,000 km
Brake discs 185 euros
brake discs 170 euros
Stabilizer racks 75 euros
lower levers with silent blocks 770 euros
silent blocks of longitudinal levers 130 euros
70 000 - 90,000 km
More than 120,000 km
shock absorbers 520 euros
Silent blocks of transverse levers (8 pcs.) 405 euros
steering rods assembly 250 euros
Possible unscheduled expenses
replacing steering rack 1005 euros
replacing the front brake caliper (1 pc.) 250 euros
The cost of original details and work to replace them in an authorized technical center is indicated.
Mechanics or machine gun?
In fact, the choice of transmission of a threek does not begin with a gearbox, but with the type of drive. After all, the car is produced not only in the classic rear -wheel drive, but also in all -wheel drive. Cars with a 4x4 wheel formula are equipped with the most powerful gasoline engines (325xi; 330xi) and a 6-cylinder diesel engine (330xd). However, all -wheel drive tremors are extremely rare in our market. Therefore, most likely, the choice of transmission will be reduced to the choice of gearbox. With any of the engines, both manual and automatic are combined.
Mechanics are characterized by very clear switching and reliability. The clutch with proper circulation is 150,000200,000 km. But if you frankly burn it, the flywheel of the engine will surely require the replacement and flywheel. The oil in the box is flooded for the entire service life, so it remains only to control its level and condition of the oil seals. By the way, in order to save the seal of the gear rod, which often flows, the mechanics recommend leaving the car in long parking not in the first, but in second gear. In this case, the stem remains inside the box and is not covered with a ruin that destroys the oil seal.
The automatic box with manual switching mode also does not provide for oil replacement. But in our conditions, it is advisable to change its thousands after 60. Together with the filter. There are no characteristic malfunctions behind the automatic, so the reason for its possible repair may be either natural wear (after 200,000 km) or barbaric circulation.
Approximately 100,000 km of run requires a replacement of an elastic cardan shaft coupling, and the rear axle gear with a lifelong supply of oil and wheel drives usually require only visual control.
What is the price
Replacing a clutch kit 505 euros
Replacing the flywheel 725 euros
Automatic transmission repair 13001700 euros
Replacing elastic coupling 120 euros
Buy?
Cars of prestigious brands, including used ones, are bought by conviction. With this approach, buyers do not stop even high operating costs. And you can’t call the current three -to -do in the content. Or are the numbers of operating costs you still seem high? Firstly, they can be reduced if they are not served in corporate, but simply specializing in the BMW service. And secondly, depending on what to compare. To reduce the risk of unprofitable breakdowns, you need to buy a Japanese BMW of the 3rd series Lexus-SiS200. By the standards of the current German auto industry, Trashka the car is quite reliable and hardy. Even despite the possible problems with motors ...
So if you are tuned in a used threek, I do not see reasons to refuse to buy. Moreover, its price is convincing. Fresh three -year -olds are offered for $ 20,00029,000 depending on the engine and type of body (a compartment is somewhat more expensive than sedans and station wagons). If, for example, the 320i sedan of the late 2000 of the beginning of 2001 costs an average of $ 22,00023,000, then the new 320i Kaliningrad assembly 36,900 euros (or approximately $ 44,500). Agree, profitably.
Alexander Konov, photo of Alexander Sadovnikov
Source: Magazine "Limousine" [03/04]
