E30 Zone

Right, I'm looking at purchasing another 4 cylinder runaround to sit alongside my 318ti.

I've narrowed it down to 2 cars - another E36 318ti and an E46 318ci. Whilst the 318ti is the more robust car, I'd perhaps like something a bit different to go with my existing one, hence being tempted back to an E46.

I had a Valvetronic N42 318ci about 8 years ago and don't want to go down that route again so have been to see a surprisingly good 2000 M43 version. A lot of E46s are rusty old sh!t now but this was a fairly good example. A bit of minor rust on the rear arches was the only cosmetic negative. Well, that and the rather horrid grey cloth seats. The front wings were immaculate for a change!

Anyhow...I ran a M43 316i many years ago and had the typical head gasket expire on it once it reached 95K (the lack of a coolant level sensor is inexcusable!). This car is now on 80K and whilst it has FSH, there isn't much evidence of a cooling system overhaul that I know is essential on an E46 of this vintage.

To cut a long story short, what should I look to replace to keep it in rude health should I purchase it? Radiator, Thermostat, Expansion Tank, Water Pump, Hoses? Anything else? I'm guessing ECP/CP4L premium brand stuff is acceptable - Hella Rad and expansion tank; Febi stuff etc. Is there anything that it would be more prudent to buy direct from BMW?

About it's only other noticeable issue was a very stiff/sticky throttle which I assume a new cable will or a quick repair to the throttle body will fix (I vaguely recall the disc inside creates a groove in the throttle body over time which needs to be sanded down).

Finally, does the M43TU have any additional issues the regular version doesn't?

Thanks!

i think you've probably nailed it, they're a tough old thing that will do big milege

Plastic coolant elbow on the back of the head, replace that as well.

Thanks Gents!

Been to look at the 318ti and whilst it had tidy bodywork, I didn't get a good feeling about it so didn't pursue it further. Very wet inside ("It's been wet-vacced Sir and all cars on this side of the yard get condensation inside Sir") and a few small puddles in the boot raised suspicions. The roof lining and inner sunroof trim were drenched and had that horrible stale water smell. It was like driving in a sauna, not helped further by the heated rear screen not working and wiper blades that must've been 10 years old! All this combined with some rather fetching wood screws hacked into the driver's door trim to hold it on and the passenger door trim about to fall off meant I walked away. One of the tyres on it was made by "Fate". I can only assume this manufacturer has a good sense of humour by naming themselves that. Most old cars have problems but this one just didn't inspire confidence. Trust your instincts and all that.

Back to the E46 then...or not.

It drives nice, surprisingly so for a 4 pot sh!tter. But again, it didn't have that cherished/pampered condition I look for in cars I buy. Maybe I expect too much but the interior was rather rancid, it was in M43 head gasket territory and had that general air of a car that had received the bare minimum in terms of maintenance. The dealer was keen to promote the two new tyres made by Sunny(?). I'd rather they just deduct the price of these from the purchase price and leave me to put a decent tyre on it.

Where does this leave me? My daily '95 318ti is still eating up the miles (27000 and counting since purchase) and I've re-taxed and insured the E30. It was up for sale but blimey these cars attract an assortment of idiots. Selling cars is just too much hassle and I must've wasted a week of my life photographing glovebox fur and heating vents for chumps who are "definitely interested" and then don't turn up or change their mind at the last minute. E-mail after e-mail of "Can I 'ave yer number mate?" (It's on the advert and I'm not your mate!) and "what's ya lowest price" without viewing it meant all e-mails were ignored. If you're serious, you'll call. Tossers. It's painful beyond belief.

In the meantime I'll keep an eye on the classifieds for a minter. You get what you pay for and all that. The E30 will back to daily duties in the interim until I decide it's future.