Im looking at getting around a 2002-2004 model as a daily runner and thought id ask if anyone knows of any common faults and things i should be looking out for when viewing. Will be going to see a few in the next week so need to get as much info as possible please.

Does anyone know on which year the facelift model started as there seems to be mixed opinions when ive looked into it. Also what changes/improvements did the facelift model actually get?

Ill be getting it re-mapped too hopefully as ive only ever heard good things about re-mapping these. Wheres the best place to go and how much? Will it 'really' improve mpg as well as performance...???

Any info and advice appreciated. Cheers.

 

i had a 330d bmw about yr ago mate the face lifts are 03 i think and there also more bhp early ones are 187 and later 204. i remapped mine and it went like a train doing about 38 mpg around town and i had 45mpg on a long run. lovely car mate

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtiz8X1uJAA

 

i had a go in rs gus`s off here last year and thought it was an amazing car with loadsa power for a diesel..

 

fookinhell reminds me of me....

 

keep watching some of the stuff

 

Just the usual turbo diesel problems...

Alex

 

These cars have two big potential engine disasters that you will need to sort when you buy it!. Luckily about £50 will sort them both.

Firstly the intake manifold has "swirl flaps" that are known to break off and be ingested into the engine. These are removed and replaced with alloy blanks that are £6ea (you'll need 6).

See: http://www.pmwltd.co.uk/swirl_flaps.pdf

Secondly, they have a shite crankcase breather that becomes blocked, and as a result shags turbo oil seals requiring a new turbo. BMW have since released a "vortex" breather instead of the old foam filter that solves this problem and it is £18ish from the dealers.

See: http://www.bmwland.co.uk/talker/viewtopic.php?p=875415

Both easy enough to sort and cheap, and solves the two biggest problems encountered on both 320d and 330d engines.

I've just bought an E46 so am sorting these issues on mine in the next week


For remaps, most guys on the forums recommend e-maps, and if you goto bmwland forums etc you'll see theres a few group buys on their maps at the moment

See: http://www.e-maps.co.uk/products/BMW...ies+%28e46%29/

 

they are great to drive picked one up 2 weeks ago for a freind was impressed get a manual though!!!

 

Holy shit. What a nutter!

 

phil,

Evolution Chips all the way for BMW remaps!!!

They are SUPERB!

 

maybe better asking xr2i carl he had one that was "mapped"

 

my bad that was a 335d "mapped" sorry