E46 318ti

[kahny1]

Hi guys,
Im looking at getting a 2002 318ti this week.
I am concerned about the reliability of this car and was wondering if you guys could give me advice on what to look for when inspecting the car & log books, as well as giving me an idea on the costs of servicing (non BMW mechanic of course).

The info I can give you is that its a 2002 318ti manual
has done 82 000kms
and has 18" M3 rims fitted
with sunroof

If you can answer this ASAP that will be great as Im going tomorrow to look at it

Cheers!

[Manolito]

The pool of experts on this car will be limited as 318s have not been available in the U.S. since about 1998.

Historically, 318 engines have not lasted quite as long at the 6 cyls, but you should still expect around 200k km out of the engine without major problems.

Get yourself a Bentley manual and do most, if not all, of the repairs yourself. You will save money, learn a lot, and the car will probably be more reliable.

The 18" rims make me wonder if there are any other modifications that might be concerns. Look at the air intake and exhaust to make sure they are stock.

[kahny1]

Originally Posted by Manolito

The pool of experts on this car will be limited as 318s have not been available in the U.S. since about 1998.

Historically, 318 engines have not lasted quite as long at the 6 cyls, but you should still expect around 200k km out of the engine without major problems.

Get yourself a Bentley manual and do most, if not all, of the repairs yourself. You will save money, learn a lot, and the car will probably be more reliable.

The 18" rims make me wonder if there are any other modifications that might be concerns. Look at the air intake and exhaust to make sure they are stock.

First of all, thanks for your input.
I went to look at it yesterday, it was looking fantastic and I was almost ready to buy it before I had a closer inspection. When look at it closer, I could only come to the conclusion that this had been in a huge smash judging by the light fitting and new bonnet. Having the m3 replica 18" rims were probably just thrown on because half the stock rims were probably damaged in the accident.

Still not sure what I will end up doing, but I'm thinking of maybe going down the e39 path