Buying a 2006 E46 325ci

[zack3110]

Hi All, This is my first post in this forum so please bear with me. I am purchasing a BMW 325ci (2006 model) from a family relative and has 99k miles on it. So I wanted to know what all should I look out for (maintenance wise) at this point.

They've done a PPI, replaced the tie rod end in front engine gasket, drive belt, front brake pads, one tire, and oil seal. Filled up all fluids (oil, brake, transmission and power steering) and did the wheel alignment.

This would be my first car, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

[Chihuahua]

Check the rear floor where the subframe bolts to it for tearing. Other than that it's typical E46 stuff. They're very solid cars, good luck with it.

[zack3110]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

Check the rear floor where the subframe bolts to it for tearing. Other than that it's typical E46 stuff. They're very solid cars, good luck with it.

Thanks for you reply.

Newbie question, How frequent should I change the fluids to maintain a car of this age?

[zack3110]

I found this maintenance schedule from this link https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discus...37551_ds515157. What do you guys think about this?

Change oil every 6K miles

Change Differential Fluid every 30K miles

Replace the following every 30K miles: Water Pump, Thermostat, Thermostat Housing, AC Belt, Alternator Belt, and Idler Pulley

Change Radiator coolant every 50K miles

Replace Radiator and Expansion Tank at 90K

Replace Timing Chain Tensioner at 100K miles

Change Brake Fluid every two years

[last1left]

Originally Posted by zack3110

I found this maintenance schedule from this link https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discus...37551_ds515157. What do you guys think about this?

Change oil every 6K miles

Change Differential Fluid every 30K miles

Replace the following every 30K miles: Water Pump, Thermostat, Thermostat Housing, AC Belt, Alternator Belt, and Idler Pulley

Change Radiator coolant every 50K miles

Replace Radiator and Expansion Tank at 90K

Replace Timing Chain Tensioner at 100K miles

Change Brake Fluid every two years

That's about right I have a ZHP and the weaknesses of these cars are the cooling system. Nice solid cars the e46's are

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by MaximusJ

Just sold my 325; so I think I can help. I’d make sure the link kits are in shape; not very expensive, but one seems to pop every 20k or so miles. Coil packs are also something to look into. You need to make sure none misfires. Then I would check for water pump and thermostat. If they were not changed, they will need to be done very shortly and this can reach 4 figures. And if they were not, thats something I’d seriously consider while dealing the price.

I believe you are talking about the E90 2006 325i in your signature, not the E46 325CI which the OP is looking at.

Regardless, the cooling system is important. Luckily they are a bit cheaper to replace on an E46 than on an E90.

[lennyf]

My son has an 06 325Ci.
Got it with 60k miles last year.
Replaced radiator, expansion tank,serpentine belt, new tension pulleys, ignition chamber.
Car runs great !!!



PS i have a 2017 M240i and I love driving the E46.
Hydraulic steering rocks !!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by lennyf

My son has an 06 325Ci.
Got it with 60k miles last year.
Replaced radiator, expansion tank,serpentine belt, new tension pulleys, ignition chamber.
Car runs great !!!



PS i have a 2017 M240i and I love driving the E46.
Hydraulic steering rocks !!

I DD an M235 convertible and Dad still has his 2006 330 - with 35k miles on it. Definite +/- to each but actually a very nice pairing.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by zack3110

I found this maintenance schedule from this link https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discus...37551_ds515157. What do you guys think about this?

Change oil every 6K miles

Change Differential Fluid every 30K miles

Replace the following every 30K miles: Water Pump, Thermostat, Thermostat Housing, AC Belt, Alternator Belt, and Idler Pulley

Change Radiator coolant every 50K miles

Replace Radiator and Expansion Tank at 90K

Replace Timing Chain Tensioner at 100K miles

Change Brake Fluid every two years

Agree with all of this except for the water pump and belt intervals, 30K miles is a bit premature IMO. If it's never had a water pump before and/or you can't confirm it, I'd replace it, thermostat, and drive belts and invest in an aluminum water pump pulley when you do (~$30).

good luck with the car, the E46 platform is one of the best BMW ever produced.

[marshak]

^ Agreed. I had my 2000 323i for almost 200k mi. The water pumps with the metal impeller are the only way to go. I would also see if the CVV and hoses have been replaced. They get brittle over time and can cause all sorts of odd error codes. Most things on an E46 are an easy DIY job. Make sure to get a Bentley manual as well

[dauble2k5]

I came from an '04 325Ci. The only big ticket items I ever had problems with was the cooling system. I replaced the radiator, WP and t-stat around 80k and sold it with 144k and never had any other issues. It was a relatively low-maintenance car. Man, I miss it.

Might not hurt for a suspension refresh, either. New shocks and bushings will make it feel brand new.