E46 BMW 320d

[D3x!]

Just to warn you, there are other components that can easily empty your wallet. Had a catalytic converter go on an A4 Audi that was 5k out of motorplan in 2005, R23k later, if this was 6years ago, i would dread to know what it costs now.

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Unless I am mistaken you could just remove it completely?

 

[FatBoySlim]

Yep, you are correct, the cost at the time for that was R8k, I ended up trading it in as is.

Unless I am mistaken you could just remove it completely?

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[SilverNodashi]

Just to warn you, there are other components that can easily empty your wallet. Had a catalytic converter go on an A4 Audi that was 5k out of motorplan in 2005, R23k later, if this was 6years ago, i would dread to know what it costs now.

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Did you replace it cause the mechanic @ Audi told you to, or cause it was actually burnt out? New (past 10years or so) car's catalytic converters don't really need replacing anymore. Unless there was something wrong with the engine and the catalytic converter seriously over-worked itself. Chances are you'll sell the car as a pile of junk before you replace the catalytic converter

 

[FatBoySlim]

Just reread my post and it looks like i replaced it, soz was supposed to read that got quote for that price.
I traded it in, was pissed with audi, thing is the prob fixed it for R2k and sold car at normal price

Did you replace it cause the mechanic @ Audi told you to, or cause it was actually burnt out? New (past 10years or so) car's catalytic converters don't really need replacing anymore. Unless there was something wrong with the engine and the catalytic converter seriously over-worked itself. Chances are you'll sell the car as a pile of junk before you replace the catalytic converter

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[Ono'rach]

I bought my audi a4 1.9 tdi 4 years ago, other than regular services, clutch and a problem with aircon, it has served me well, with. 5.1 l/100km on an open road. Cost me back than 99000.

One thing that puts me off the new bmw is the lack of a spare wheel. And no, not all of them come with run flats, whether they have a spare or not.

I love Audi's, but I know all too well about the maintenance costs! My dad is a fanatic and has owned at least 10, and they cost a fortune to maintain unfortunately...

This is a very nice car to drive, very comfortable and it has a lot of technical features. BUT, beemz are generally driven very hard by young yuppies. You're probably going to have to test-drive a few before you get a well looked after one. If you know a mechanic friend, take him with. otherwise take it to the AA for an inspection test.

Shop around a bit, bargains can still be found You'll also find the same car in a smaller town at a cheaper price. Don't buy in the city.

For the same money though I would rather buy a Mercedes Benz CDI - the 270 is very powerful and will give you more torque and power. It's probably going to be a bit lighter on fuel as well.




It won't bankrupt you, but beem spares are more expensive.



Your normal spares, oil filter / diesel filter / air filter / brake pads are about the same as an Audi's - maybe 15% more.

When you replace wheel bearings, you don't just replace the bearing - you replace the whole hub. Last time I checked they were between R1600 - R1900 per wheel. The timing belt is also not just a simply belt change, you change a lot more. BUT, beem motors are strong and last long. My uncle has an older 530 (I think) and the engine hasn't been opened yet with over 550,000 on the clock - he clocked 550,000 2 months ago. The gearbox is also strong and could probably run to 600K before needing to be reconditioned - but expect to pay about R20K - R40K on that.



Depending on the condition of the engine when you get it, and how you drive, probably about 5L - 6L /100K



They're very reliable. Turbos are serviceable / replaceable items on all cars. Most newer cars' turbos gets replaced on about 100,000KM, my 2.8 Colt's turbo has been running 180,000K since the last service and we only replaced the impeller. If you drive the car hard, then allow it to cool down a bit before you switch it off. just let it idle for 2 minutes or so when you get home & change the oil regularly. Make sure the intercooler isn't blocked (after-market spoilers) or dirty and it should last you quite long. My mom's TDI Jetta had one turbo replacement on about 320,000KM so far.



Nice car, if you get a good deal on well looked after car.

Thanks for the input Rudi, I appreciate it. I've spoken to a few people and done a little more research, and I think I am rather going to be sensible about it (for a change!) and try go for something a little less exciting but still under some kind of service and/or maintenance plan.... I dig this shape of Beemer, and have been in a few 320d's and they pull like a freight train, but I need to be sensible about this I think...

Thanks so much for the detailed reply though

Just to warn you, there are other components that can easily empty your wallet. Had a catalytic converter go on an A4 Audi that was 5k out of motorplan in 2005, R23k later, if this was 6years ago, i would dread to know what it costs now.

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You should've just cut the cat right out

 

[chris85]

hi guys

i just bought a 2003 bmw 320d sport pack,i`ve heard alot of the swirl flaps dat gives problems,just wanna vind out if anyone has had the problem of the swirl flaps and what do u need to do to prevent it.the car has 176000km on the clock,full service history and it drives like a dream,lots of power.

thank you

chris

 

[bboy]

I don't think the 2003 model has swirl flaps... but any case they can be removed if the engine does have them.
If I'm thinking of the right thing

 

[JackWhite]

Had the E46 320d 2004 model from 2007 to 2010. Car was awesome to drive and fuel consumption was about 700-800km local runs on a tank and about 1000km long distance. Took it from 67000km to 143000km and had turbo and lots of other work done on 99000km while on mplan which was invoiced at about 43k. When i traded in the car, it needed about 20k to be spent on it to sort out all the issues (injector issues and a few sensors that were broken and other niggles here and there). I would NOT suggest you get one now that they are all outside of mplan.