Ockyclarke

I had a 2001 320SE for a couple of years from 2009 to 2011, mileage from 84 to 115k. It was using around 1 litre per 1,000 miles which I never got to the bottom of. It ran well but using Castrol Edge was a bit expensive.

A friend's looking at buying one of these. Has anyone got any tips?

Thanks

Ocky

Either tired piston rings or duff valve guide seals (If its not the H/Gasket)...

Have traded it in for a newer smaller car (Honda Civic) Have enjoyed the 320 and hope to have a BMW again soon

Is it burning oil badly?

As per post on common E46 Problems, about 500 miles per litre. Going to get it checked out next week

Hi,

I've got a 320i E46 X Reg 2001 with about 115k miles. I have had it 21/2years and covered 35k miles.

The million dollar question is whether to keep it or sell now before the value drops a lot.

Runs ok but uses a lot of oil and I'm having a few niggles

Thanks

Ocky

As it is intermittent I would have to say that it could be any of these...

Tired fob battery...

Wiring connection (worse when cold)...

Receiver...

Module, either faulty or connection (as above)...

HTH... Could be allsorts matey :unsure:

Hi Dabsy

Thanks, I've had the control unit replaced (with a second hand one) which seems to have done the job and not too expensive

Thanks

Ocky

As it is intermittent I would have to say that it could be any of these...

Tired fob battery...

Wiring connection (worse when cold)...

Receiver...

Module, either faulty or connection (as above)...

HTH... Could be allsorts matey :unsure:

As always thanks for the advice Dabsy.

Is there a way of unlocking the other doors manually?

2001 320se (See above)

Central locking

Intermident problem where remote key won't unlock doors. Worst when cold.I can open drivers door manually but is there anyway of opening others?

Thanks

Ocky

320i SE Saloon 2001 x

112,000 miles owned for last 2 years and covered 30,000 miles.

Nsf lower suspension arm

NSF & OSF susp arm bushes

Airflow masterpipe split

Radiator sidetank

Central locking a bit temperamental as is front passenger window

High oil consumption, approx 500 miles to a litre

Aroung 30mpg overall

May look like a lot of problems but the car has never let me down and generally runs well

Since August I've had a new cam sensor - symptom was rough running when warm

If there are no obvious oil leaks (oil on the floor), have a smell at the fumes at the tail-pipe you will notice a difference with burnt fuel vs burnt oil !! This could mean excessive wear at the valve-stem seals, engine breather-pipe issues, head gasket ... Worst case scenario would be piston rings (oil control ring)...

Best to start with the easy stuff and have a real good look around the engine, top to bottom and check all mating gaskets and oil seals for leaks... Then maybe remove and possibly clean out the engine breather hoses...

The morning after it has been used try removing the spark-plugs and notice their condition (keep each one with it's corresponding cylinder)...

To be honest, if it is burning oil excessively you would probably be getting Fault Codes !

Thanks for the advice Dabsy, I'll let you know how I get on

500 miles to a litre of oil??? :blink: :blink:

Yes and at £16 a litre for Castrol Edge it gets a bit costly. I don't thrash it and I'm a bit puzzled as to why it uses so much?

320i SE Saloon 2001 x

112,000 miles owned for last 2 years and covered 30,000 miles.

Nsf lower suspension arm

NSF & OSF susp arm bushes

Airflow masterpipe split

Radiator sidetank

Central locking a bit temperamental as is front passenger window

High oil consumption, approx 500 miles to a litre

Aroung 30mpg overall

May look like a lot of problems but the car has never let me down and generally runs well

Hi, I've just joined this forum so be gentle.

Incase you were feeling too bad about your fuel consumption, I have the 4.4 V8. Don't even TALK to me about fuel consumption ;)

Love it though!

tell us an cheer the rest of us up! :)

Useful info'. I had to have a new expansion tank a few months ago, And central locking e/windows a bit temperamental

320i 2001 about 29mpg average

Please introduce yourself and your car in the New Member section...

Does it smell of burnt oil at the tailpipe ?

DAZ

I've added myself on Newbies. I'll check the tailpipe, thanks

Welcome to the club Ocky..any pics?

I'll get some on in the next few days

Thanks

Hi, Just joined I've got an E46 320i. I've had the car nearly two years and its my first BM and first rear wheel drive car since a Mk 2 Escort when I was 18. Love it (apart from in the snow), great on long trips but a bit thirsty.

Thanks

Ocky

I've got a 2001 320 saloon and I'm getting through a litre of oil in about 600 miles. The car has 106k miles and I use Castol Edge 0/30

Thanks