BMW 3er-Reihe E46 facelift 318i, 143 PS, 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2001–2006)

Research for this car

• Generation guide BMW 3 Series E46 (1998-2006): known problems and buying guide

  Cheap and common, but check the rear subframe, the airbag recall and the cooling parts before you buy.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Lift the car and check the four rear subframe mounts for cracks. Bad result: cracks, or a clunk from the rear under acceleration.
2. Listen for a rattle in the first seconds after a cold start. Bad result: a rattle, or no proof the chain was replaced.
3. Ask a BMW dealer to check open airbag recalls for the car's VIN. Bad result: an open passenger airbag campaign.
4. Check the coolant and the expansion tank for leaks. Bad result: a leak, overheating, or no record of tank work on a car over about 150,000 km.
5. Check the power steering fluid. Bad result: dark fluid, a whine, or leaks at the steering gear.
6. Check the sills, wheel arches and floor under the footwells. Bad result: holes or soft metal.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions