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Beemers

Solar

By Solar,
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Solar

Solar

Turbocharged

Interested in E46 318 or 320 bmws of about 2 yrs.

But keep hearing from ppl that old beemers even from 3yrs are no-no, cos they are plague with leaks, electronic and radiator/air-con problems.

Heard that the even current E90 320 are also giving owners headaches..

Understand that they are manufactured in Africa [sweatdrop] instead of Germany..is it the cause of the quality problem?

 

Anyone can share experiences?

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Jts156

Jts156

Neutral Newbie

the 3series have been manufactured in South Africa for some time now.. the problems you mentioned are pretty common for beemers and mercs..

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BMW320i

BMW320i

Neutral Newbie

Been driving the E46 320 for 3 yrs now. Non of the above problems you mentioned.

 

QC at BMW is fairly strict and the manufacturing origin does not attribute to whatever problems there may be.

 

There are Japanese cars not manufactured in japan either.

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Spas

Spas

Neutral Newbie
(edited)

Was a former owner of an E46 318i.

 

Several problems, though none with the performance of the car. Neither were they serious, but they were annoying nonetheless.

 

Front driver window couldn't wind down completely, cracking noises appeared when it got stuck. This happened about two months after purchasing the car. Problem was "fixed" by Performance. Problem reappeared again half a year later.

 

Some time at the 8-mth old mark, the rear left door couldn't be opened from the inside of the car. Problem was fixed, but problem appeared again when the car was around a year old. Performance got it fixed, again. Problem resurfaced again 2.5 years later, almost right before I sold it.

 

Rear "plastic" boot handle (above the license plate) came loose after two years. License plate also came loose around the same time. Perhaps the glue they use only lasts for two years?

 

Left rear brake light have blown about 4 times duringthe 4 years I've owned it.

 

I suspect all these annoying problems have something to do with the E46 318i being built in South Africa. I've always considered BMWs to have premium build quality. But I guess I wasn't able to enjoy the benefits of "German quality" having purchased the entry level 318i.

 

Is the new 320i built in S.Africa as well?

 

Anyway, my previous 318i is one of the reasons why i'm no longer a BMW owner. And if i were to buy a BMW in future, I'll stay far away from their entry-level models.

 

Besides, service at Performance was pretty crap to say the least.

 

But that's just me.

 

So I'd say stay FAR AWAY from the current 320i. If u really like the 3series, get the 325i or 330i. But I'd recommend other cars. The others are all right. Good thing they don't sell the 1 series here.

Edited by Spas
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Azrielsc

Azrielsc

1st Gear

Well, its relative i guess. I have my coupe for 3+ yrs and there were faults that come up once in a while to make the ownership more interesting!

 

1. door window sill came apart after 6mths (right side 1st, 2wks later, left side)

2. Rear shock mount making noise

3. side mirror auto folding function went haywire

4. radiator leaked twice

5. aircon died

6. Boot handle broke once

7. Control arm bushing worned out

8. Wiper water reservior leakage

 

BUT! When u sit in the car and take it out for a spin, all these troubles seem to fade away!! The handling, the RWD, the sound from the Inline-6 engine, takes your breath away inlove.gif

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Ahbengdriver

Ahbengdriver

6th Gear
(edited)

I will be taking delivery of the new 320i 'asian aerospace edition' [laugh] in March , and will let prospective 320i buyers know how it goes.

 

Bascially the reasons I bot it is:

1. reduced price - listed at 155k in showroom against 123k for the AA esition. It will be 120k if you take up their financing package. The diff is the AA version comes without rain sensor wiper system , anti-glare sensor, headlight turn on auto feature when the sky gets dark.

2. Its nice styling

3. Test drive. From the TD, I know I love the car. I know many would say its a 4 cylinder in line engine, but for those dying to own a BMW in their life, at least the base models, its a good enough car. I applied the sports mode during TD and it gave enough power and cool handling to convince my wife to tell me "book it now honey".

 

I also explored the 325i but didnt test drove it. Its ard $170k+. Yes it has 200bhp vs 320i at 150bhp. But all depends on what you are willing to pay for. To me the 320i is good enough

Edited by Ahbengdriver
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Ahbengdriver

Ahbengdriver

6th Gear

is that the james bond car? if yes, Well we actually sat in it...but bascially yr ass is just inches off the road level....nah nah.

 

Its ok. If I win the toto jackpot this week, it will upgraded to a 330i [pirate][sunny][flowerface]

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RadX

RadX

Moderator

honestly from day 1 till this day, my 5 has NO, I repeat NO issuesthumbsup.gifthumbsup.gif

 

which is why am totally reluctant to change her for some time to come

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RadX

RadX

Moderator

honestly. you shd have gotten the pre-facelift ones, the E46, going for a song nowwink.gif. Used ones, IMO are more value for $$$

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RadX

RadX

Moderator

Now would be a good time to buy one...prices have stabilised and are dirt cheap...

 

if you are keen, i can sell u mine when you are ready and me ready...full svc log and cared for like a wifesmile.gif

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