What about leaks? Checking a used car for leaks should be the no.1 priority. Get underneath the car and give it a good inspection. If you can't, then park the car on a dry piece of ground, leave the engine running for 10-15mins giving it a few revs. Reverse the car back a bit and check the spot where you were for any signs of leakage.

I just bought a 264,000 mile 2003 325i black for only $600 runs and drives quite well, cold a/c, working cruise control, interior is a little beat up but overall good shape, all windows work, only light on dash is brake pad wear, driven 1500 miles already

@infern1491

Жыл бұрын

Where is it now

@moisep

Жыл бұрын

do you know how long e46 lasts?

This isn't a video about buying a BMW, this is something you're gonna do for EVERY used car..... Everything you check here is what I check on every car....

@justinhartman1158

5 жыл бұрын

Jeff Ridge yes it is, he covered a lot of BMW specific issues 🤨

@NapoleonDynamite69

5 жыл бұрын

Lol

@grantv7825

3 жыл бұрын

Nathan only buys BMWs so he doesn’t know about buying anything else

"No accident, woman owner only and oil changed on time. Great all around car!"

@maanysingh7797

3 жыл бұрын

😂😂

@emsg2009

2 жыл бұрын

A lot of Women don't know much bout car maintenance, they just drive till it stutters or breaks .

@ZFnr4y058mr

2 жыл бұрын

In my experience women are the ones who go through with all the work a shop recommends. So I would probably trust a car owned by a woman. And that all the maintenance is up to date

@-Muhammad_Ali-

2 жыл бұрын

@@ZFnr4y058mr I saw a car parked at a car shop with a fixing price of 4000$. The reason? Woman stopped a gas station and poured diesel into a gasoline car

@ZFnr4y058mr

2 жыл бұрын

@@-Muhammad_Ali- that’s definitely an isolated incident.

ALWAYS do a computer diagnostic (if available) to see if the *Check Engine* is deleted... If it's deleted, the previous owner must be hiding some big damage...

@infern1491

Жыл бұрын

How you do that

@hunterderk5754

Жыл бұрын

@@kamil198916 then they better have documentation

@Sroor2023

Жыл бұрын

@@kamil198916 definitely you’ll see some codes cause most of these shops not doing there job well

This Guy is Good man .....

I love this video so much... I own a 99 328i and I have some of these problems, sadly. glad to say most of the problems I have are easy fixable

this video is exactly what I need

you didn't mention my favorite check the rear wheel bearings. I do it by taking the car in a tight circle slowly turn one circle or more to the right and one to the left this will amplify a noisy wheel bearing. They are a pain to replace.

Great video! Appreciate you educating those of us interested in driving these machines. Love how you always say, "if you're not planning to work on one of these yourself don't buy one". I know multiple people who have had one and complain about getting them repaired. I consider myself an average DIY'er and haven't had any issues working on mine yet. You're channel is a HUGE help! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

Great, Video helped alot thinking about buying one of theses now

Thanks, very helpful. I own a blue one like that, now I know what to keep an eye on to help keep it in better shape.

"If you are not mechanical do not buy a BMW", I love it. Very true, but for those who love to tinker and drive...Thank you for your videos so I can tinker. You do a great job.

@ManOfAttitudeLP1998

6 жыл бұрын

Jeffery Doyon WTF the M52 Engine and M54 are one of those best engines ever built

@92FairladyZ

6 жыл бұрын

It's really not all that difficult of a car to work with. Compared to the 300zx I used to have its a piece of cake.

@SEPHICHI420

6 жыл бұрын

That's just a myth because people that buy BMW are the type of suckers to pay $1,000 to the dealership to have a window motors changed.

@92FairladyZ

6 жыл бұрын

Davis Macylerie yeah. The brakes is another fine example of that. They want about 1-1200k for a brake job and it's so easy peasy to do. I did my fronts in less than 2 hours in my driveway.

@WayToManyAssassins

6 ай бұрын

​@92FairladyZ yeah try computer diagnostic, vanos issues. You'll have to take it to a mechanic for that. You need to be trained to work on these cars properly but for simple maintenance it's fine to do yourself

Great Video Nathan. I love my E46. And you are totally correct when you say don't buy a BMW if you don't work on your own car. The one year I have had my E46, i have had to replace the ABS sensors, brakes, lower coolant hose, DISA O-ring and many more things. BMW's are awesome cars when they have nothing wrong with them but can be a maintenance nightmare for someone who doesn't work on their own cars.

Your videos are a lifesaver. One of my favorite channels to watch 👍🏻

@NathansBMWWorkshop

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you i really appreciate you and everyone watching.

@dmalott0908

6 жыл бұрын

I agree! I watch every new video and always find myself going back to the older videos to learn something new.

Love this it is really gonna help I'm stepping up my E39 to an E46 thx

Great video. Helped me a lot. I can do some things myself. I know the maintenance is what breaks people on bmw. And neglecting it. I have had motorcycles my whole life so I understand a bit what I am up against as far as maintenance.

Very knowledgable and great tips for buying a car or inspecting your own car thank you much

great video! I'm looking at an E46 and these are great tips. thanks!

Thanks Nathan I did get a car an E46 from my nephew who had some woodhead's working on it and I ended up buying a motor from Bavarian Motors in California and they delivered it up to Duluth Minn. for $2,000 for 63,000 mile motor and they did guarantee it for 2 years unlimited miles. I did wonder if they were lying about the mileage but once I took off the intake and seen that the plastic lines which I replaced we're in good condition I realize that they didn't lie to me. I'm used to working on GM's and changing the motor on this car was quite the learning experience and a chore. It was nice to be able to look at different videos that helped me with some things, but you're right if you ain't mechanically inclined don't buy an E46 or any BMW. I've done almost everything to mine and I really like it. Thanks for the heads up.

Good info. I learned a few things about my ci. Thank You!

Thanks alot for this video man!

thanks man i have a 323ci 2000 bmw and i have no mechanic knowledge i also had a 328ci 2000 bmw

I just bought a 2003 530i that is actually in really good shape. Its solid underneath and no knocks or pings. You are right on 2 things (Thanks) - the ABS light is on and scanner says its a bad sensor. It does leak a little oil but nothing major. Going to put it on a rack and see what is ailing it. Thanks for the tips :-)

awesome video buddy, it helped me a lot

Hi Nathan. Love your channel. Keep on good work. I recently got a E46 and most forums online contradict themselves. So, I wonder how does steering fluid can mix with coolant. Picked up car with that issue on a cheap, and now trying to find an answer.

On the trim: you can use a heat gun/ hair dryer to really restore color

Thanks for the review. It will take a lot of TLC to bring this one back. The cooling system seems to have had a troubled life. What about past over heating issues resulting cracked heads? Do you usually do a compression check?

Thank you for your explanation. ccc Here in Brazil is so dificult to check a valious car....They change the miles etc...

This video actually helped me lots...Thanks

Thanks for the info, awesome video.

Geart video and excellent advise. Thank you.

Handy tips, really well done.

very chill voice, nicely explained!

thank you so much for this video! huge help!

this is insanely usefull thank you

Great review with sound advice for the Automotive novice who never twisted a wrench, thanks for educating me on the next Bimmer 330ci Im buying. A big help.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+Eric Gilbert I am glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching.

THANKS FOR TH ADVICE AT THE END ..

Nice videos Nathan!!! You are right.

I got a e46 with transmission issues and it is indeed missing the door seals and the sunroof isn't closing too well. Could it actually just be the fuses or CPU?

Hey Nathan, appreciate your videos. In your opinion, is the e46 a huge step up from working on an e30? I'm a fairly novice enthusiast but have learned a lot working on my e30, and have managed most tasks myself. I really enjoyed a ride along in an e46 and am interested in picking one up. As an enthusiast I understand there will be some pain to be endured, but wonder if it isn't a bad car to get into (provided I keep the maintenance schedule up-to-date).

thank you for your knowledgeable tips and insight going to check out a convertible

@MArk-yn4sp

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your knowledge and insight.Going back to a bicycle.

Thanks for the advise

I've had a few E46 - watch for bad wheel bearings (growling sound at driving), and a cheap-check for trac-control; check your alignment: ASC needs good alignment, and may throw false wheel-speed-sensor error...start there!

Thats very helpful thanks

Much respect for warning non mechanically inclined folk to stay away from E46. I have two E46s and I agree. People know I'm a used car enthusiast and have several brands. But I always say get a Toyota if you want economical, reliable, low maintenance, A to B commuter/transportation. I'm down to recommending Camrys and Corollas; or Avalons and Siennas depending on passenger needs. The SUVs have a significantly higher cost of operation including gas consumption; the RAV4 is almost an exception if you just gotta have AWD and don't want an AWD Sienna. I joked the other day that the modern BMW's are like the Jaguars of the seventies: own two, drop one off at the shop when you pick up the other!

thx bro!

Lot's of pro insight. thx.

Good video thank you!

Great video

I owned a 2006 325Ci M-Sport Special Edn coupe in Monaco Bluefor many years and during my time of ownership I had to repair the cooling system, window regulators. satnav reader, refit the aircon vents and rear view mirror as these were coming loose, suspension, bushing, VANOS and the heat shield under the hood. Not sure if the sedan requires similar maintanence. All in all, the E46 coupe is an amazing car as long as you keep up with servicing and maintanence.

I learned about your channel by watching the 50sKid. saw one video and instantly subscribed. Your vids are awesome. I have a 2009 328i and watching vids like this has given me the confidence to perform maintenance on the cars we love

@NathansBMWWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

Cool, I have a few n54 videos up, similar on your n52 e90, thanks for the sub

@raymondlopez833

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nathan!!! appreciate the shout out. I'm going to put out about your awesome channel.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks I appreciate that

thanks for tips yo

I was going to get a 320i until I saw this. Decided is200, want a car, not a headache

Just grabbed a 2000 328CI b4 I watched video, amazingly only needs control arms and basic shocks and struts motor sounds good clutch is great but still gunna replace the water tank it is a known common prob

Check for oil leaks and diff oil leaks. Check the CV boots and axles. Check the back springs, they crack around the bottom of the springs.

I miss my e46. Good memorys

😎🤚🏻superb and perfect advice at the end !!! (too perfect) 👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks for the informative video. I have a 2003 325i sport wagon with about 85K on it. it runs and looks great. i have recently notice a small faint whistlely sound (its more like a faint soft ding) when i slow down or break . the sounds comes on when the car is slowing down, when the speed is less than 20 mph. any idea what it could be?

8:10 you have to leave a remark, i have an e46 and the thing with the radiator isn't a leak, it's intentionally let out, because when you service it you'll always have that white bubbly stuff that you need to let out, but it's lighter than antifreeze water mix, so you turn your radiator cap a half turn to a full turn (2 is max) just to let it out... And a leakage would be if you spot antifreeze drop silhouettes anywhere else on the radiator.

Thank you!

Hey Nathan just picked up a 99 e46 5sd sedan. Seller said it tends to overheat.....pop the hood no fan wtf??? So I got it cheap 4new tires and a 5spd to put in my e36. Drove it 41 miles on back country roads , drives great. Only got hot at the 1 stoplight. Good progress on your shop buddy. Happy Easter.

these things are all very cheap and easy to repair. You cand do them yourself with a bit of knowledge. The real things you should check are the frame at the rear because it cracks sometimes. The cooling system because if it wasnt maintained properly it can cook the engine real quick. I bought my 00 coupe from a guy who ran it with a blown head gasket and I had to get a new engine. Suspension bits brakes etc are things that are gonna go on any car.

@lavarbaii881

5 жыл бұрын

New engine was cheap?

@e36fanatics

3 жыл бұрын

dont these come with sensor that will tell you if your engine is overheating? obviously the first time you notice any overheating you should not drive the car anymore after that because its clear indication somethings wrong with the cooling system. second the blown head gasket alone will not instantly kill your car and also depending on how its blown you can use car for long long time before any major catastrophic failure happens in engine

I really appreciate your video, very well done and very informative! TOO bad I didn't watch this before I bought 2003 325i AT 2.5L previous owner pulled few scam on me by 1) clearing codes for Service Engine light...light came ON 4-6 days after I bought it for $3750. Codes then were bank1/bank2 lean. Also had dash light, circle with broken lines around. Asked guy about light...u guessed it, he says "not sure, u can check manual". Dumb me didn't check manual...all 4 disc brake pads super worn down to 1.5mm dealer would change the brakes for $1,100 I did it myself for $180. ALSO tires were very low on tread, but that's expected. So yeah, because I'm a car guy, I can deal with and fix this car except not lower ball joints it also needs. If I had watched your video I would not have bought this 325i! Thanks again for your video, people should watch it carefully before buying used BMW. Take care, Eric, Portland Oregon

Nathan, I own both an E39 and an E46. Common problem on the E46 (mine has it too with only 70,000 miles) is the faded rear package tray. These go from being colored black to appearing purple in little time from the sun. These can easily be dyed black again. Other big one inside is the pillars... the fabric has a tendency to come off the pillars. If lucky you can re-glue the fabric with some spray adhesive. Lastly is the common missing rain gutter as they have a habit of falling off. Great video... I'm subscribed.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+Nick M Hello yes there are for sure a few more problems that i didnt cover in the video, thanks for subscribing.

Would be great to see a guide like this for a e60. This one was great.

I have a 03 E46 close to 250k and it still runs like a champ just keep up with the maintenance and the car will run you till the end of the world.

Love these I’m on my third Beamer seems the door locks always f up but other than that it’s a fun fast car to drive

thank you. Mr. good. job. you. helping. people

I can’t wait to get mine it’s gonna be my first car

So true to everything. May be if you can add how to test and possible solutions to bad power door locks, such as power door won’t lock and unlock etc

great video, I love my e46 and work on it when i can. One thing I noticed on most e46s are rusted looking sideview mirrors.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+Mattyew You mean the blue fog or tint?

@Mattyew

8 жыл бұрын

Nathan's DIY Garage yeah, the circumference of my mirrors has a rusty ring, and i noticed it on other models. living in canada where we salt the roads.

@cls63amgwagon34

8 жыл бұрын

+Nathan's DIY Garage what's with the blue tint?

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

the window tint is black it just looks different in the video

U can also use heat gun and heat those faded trim pieces on bumpers, doors , and the windshield cowl plastics to restore them to like new. Tried it on my friends e36 we were amazed. Maybe try it yourself and make a quick video on that?

How do we tell if there are rear subframe mount cracks? P.S. saw it later in the video

Thank you so much

Hey! I "inherited" an e46 320d from my dad, it's perfect, everything is fine, the only problems are aesthetic ones, but I have a question for you if you don't mind. The door seals, in my country, I haven't found new door seals especially made for the E46, I've only found ones that are like 2-5 meters that you cut to your needs. Do you think I should go with these or should I stick to ones that specifically made (no need to cut)? Will it be that much of a difference?

I got a short list buy one with maintenance record and expect electrical component failures they happen but most issues are easy to repair and parts are cheap

I like the way you just tell the truth.

Good job Nathan. 😎🇩🇪🚙

Hey nathan what you do think about the diesel engines in these ???

Can you used some halo projectors headlights on the factory xenon headlights?

So I'm planning to get a BMW 325i 2003, any concerns I should know?

Hey there,Share with me that intro sound please,awesome old school style beat

Gonna go look at two E46's tomorrow. One is a 325i and the other is a 330i both are 4 door models. Gonna check out these things that you pointed out. Any specific differences between a 325 and a 330 ? TIA

Nice video, lots of good tips! I'm in the process now of finding an E46 for my son. I have an E53 as my daily driver, so most of what you mention for the E46 is work I've already done.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

+Gary Monson Glad you liked the video , i have 2 e53's sitting here now, i need to get some more videos of tho se up soon.

@garymonson7789

8 жыл бұрын

+Nathan's DIY Garage Anything you do on an E53, I'd love to see. I intend to keep mine on the road til I can't drive anymore.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

Do you have the 4.4 or the 3.0???

@garymonson7789

8 жыл бұрын

+Nathan's DIY Garage I have a 2003 with M54B30 engine. Love that engine!

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

Using oil on the m54 is usually a ccv failure getting ready to happen, i did a ccv delete video you should take a look at kzread.info/dash/bejne/eKxtsKiBgc3JhM4.html

Agreed! Many timebombs will get you: 1. Sunroof pan drain tubes get disconnected and drains water down the pillers. 2. DISA valve 3. VCG and OFHG 4. Window regulators 5. Upgrade the entire CCV. 6. Control arm bushings 7. Coolant expansion tank will crack unexpectedly. 8. SAP check valve. 9. Fuel pump. All these will bite you if not maintained.

@gnomebmw

6 жыл бұрын

But I love the BMW's from this era, easy to fix and fun to drive. I like the colour of this one, is it orient blue? And it appears to have sport package. If I had time I would get another one and upgrade it with ZHP door sills, M3 steering wheels, angel eyes, BBK, CAI and coilovers.

what is the square open box when hood up on passenger side rear engine compartment?

Good stuff

So what are the most important factors to look out when going out to buy one of these cars?

Hey I have a question that concerns me a lot i have a e46 330xi steel blue Manuel and I was riding up a hill so I held the clutch on the clutch point with my foot on the brake and after a couple of seconds smoke started coming from my ac /heater vent and from the hood but I put the clutch all the way in and it went away. Did I mess up my car? Am I riding the clutch too much or too long or am I riding the clutch point because I often do this. If I do ride the clutch should I have my foot all the way in and not on the clutch point? Please help somebody. Thank you

BEST KZread post EVER. Thanks for information (and examples using a PoS car). I'm sick of sales ads that are blatant lies, a contradiction to the car on sale. It seems the most common probs are the airbag light and the e46 GM5 module. A tip: apart from what the oil looks like, smell it too. Burnt oil is bad oil. Please consider subtitles. 10:41 "no pool in the oil"? Great vid, love your practical risk-based approach.

Any tips if a person was going to buy the awd xi model?

Nice video! I have seen a lot of rusting on door seams and also hood.

@NathansBMWWorkshop

8 жыл бұрын

We don't have to much of that here, but I'm sure further north that is possible

Just out of curiosity, can you make a 325i to a 330i like on the e90?

Finally I’ve found a e46 bimmer with the same wheels as mine!

sub frame differental bushings !!!! !!! ahhh

Good job

I have an BMW e46 sedan, and im no mechanic. However if you have the money, you can get it fixed by BMW and the smaller things you can easily fix yourself. I brought a product for like under 5$, that made all my hard plastic turn into new black plastic and the car looked brand new. Things like lights you can easily do yourself, one screw the the indicators are off. One of the mest cars ever made! it's awesome and cheap. Just promise me one thing, never pimp it, stay original.

@chrishansen9323

6 жыл бұрын

What product did you buy for the plastic?

Hallo i want to bay one 323 I 2001 Can you plz tel me what I need to check in engine plz because I'm afraid 😥😥

My baby is a love hate..i love her til she need tlc..she well maintained but it fell on me.. Thanks for video my next car buying experience will be better. I need a new rack and pinion and just did the fuel pump