Bmw 323i E46

[BrokenBiker]

as I understand it the bmw 323i is a 2.5 straight six with around 170hp. Is this correct as I have been looking as the coupe version for a while as a toy but my brother has just bought an e46 320i that is a 2.2 wi 170bhp? Why have they bothered making a 2.5 with the same power as a 2.2? And why do they make a 320 with either a 2.0 or a 2.2? Why not just put the 2.2 in the 323i?

Also, how reliable are the bmw 6 cyl motors? I.e. The 2.0 through to the 2.8?

 

[MattH]

The 323 is a derated 2.5. The 320 2.2 basically replaced it when BMW face lifted the E46. I've had a couple of 323 an I and a Ci. Both were brilliant and the engines were very strong and reliable. My 323i had 164k on the clock when I sold it and still pulled like a train.

 

[BrokenBiker]

So you would recommend the 323 e46? I have seen a few going cheap with no apparent reason and really only want a toy as we have a sensible family car (well, as sensible as an Alfa can be...) so anything with 170-200bhp and rwd will do. Got my brothers 320 fairly sideways earlier when he asked me to tAke it for a spin and see what it could do (he has only been driving 'big' cars for a few weeks and never had a rwd) so I took him to a closed bit of an old road near us and put it through its paces. It impressed me, think it scared him a bit but he was smiling by the end lol

 

[MattH]

I've had loads of 6 cylinder BMWs. 335ci, 330i E90's, 530d E60 and 323i and 323ci E46.

I'd have another 323 without a second thought. Went well (just a quick as the later 320), pulled really hard, very reliable. Fully recommended.

 

[HMB]

I had 2 e46's. 330ci and m3. As long as you service them properly and check rear sub frame assembly hasn't decided to part company, they're much fun. Stay away from autos and smg

 

[BrokenBiker]

Not interested in autos for a toy, maybe if I wanted a family car but then I'd probably go for a jag instead. What is smg?

From what I can find the 325i only has 20hp more than the 323 (both e46) but 323's seem to be cheaper to buy and insure

 

[MattH]

SMG is paddle shift auto. One of mine was steptronic which wasn't bad. Best of the bunch is the 330ci as its the same weight power unit with around 250bhp.

 

[Paulbarrett]

I had a cracking 328 e46 m sport, miss that car, so smooth but shed load of torque. As said check the rear subframe mountings, a lot redone under warranty, but some missed like mine, had to weld in plates in boot.

 

[MattH]

Best thing about the E46 6 cylinder cars it the 50/50 weight distribution. Makes them very predictable when pushed hard.

 

[BrokenBiker]

Ah right, as I say I will be going for a manual anyway. If I could insure it I would have the 328 as my missus father had a 728i auto and it was stupidly quick for its size. Would happily spin the rears and slide anywhere you wanted it to until it broke a spring and then a driveshaft.

Realistically I think a 170hp 2.5 straight 6 would be a good starting point as the only other rwd I have driven was my fathers e reg hilux...

 

[Fazerruss]

Wife had a 318 e46 I hate them with a passion. Engine overly complicated. Valvetronic system is a pita. The servo motor is prone to failure and costs about £200. On pre 2005 models the timing chain tensioner is weak and can (did) cause the chain to slip but luckily is a cheap part. ( I can sell you my timing chain tool cos you will need one if you buy one if these cars). The engines leak everywhere, especially from sump gasket which is also a pita as you need to drop the front sub frame to remove it.
The rear parking sensors never work.
The front wings rust from the inside when the wheel arch liner rubs.
Did I mention I hate them ?!!

 

[Fazerruss]

Oh and you'll need a decent diagnostic reader in your tool box.

 

[MattH]

It's not a real BMW without a straight 6

 

[BrokenBiker]

Just as well I'm not going for the 4 cyl then...haha. In all fairness I know a girl with a 1 series that has just as many problems but it's a diesel and most of the problems are diesel specific

 

[God mode restorations]

I have had quite a few bmw cars..and have just finished a e 39 530d for my misses. Well almost finished. .the streight sixes are fantastic engines petrol and diesel. .all have have the usual problems but no different from other manufacturers. .prices for parts can be steep and can be awkward to work on..anything pretty 2000 is best bet.after that they get complicated. .

 

[BrokenBiker]

Not planning on doing much work on them, one of my neighbours is good at working on bmw's. He has just done sump gasket, engine mounts and head gasket on an e30 m3 and took less time than it would've taken me to get the sump off lol

 

[Fazerruss]

It's not a real BMW without a straight 6

According to the Haynes manual I have 6 cylinder engines have the same stupid valvetronic and vanos systems.

 

[BrokenBiker]

The 318 is a 4 cyl surely? Same as 316. I thought it was only the 320 and up that had the 6's

 

[MattH]

The 318 is a 4 cyl surely? Same as 316. I thought it was only the 320 and up that had the 6's

My point exactly.

 

[MattH]

According to the Haynes manual I have 6 cylinder engines have the same stupid valvetronic and vanos systems.

And two missing cylinders replaced!