1997 Bmw E46 problems

General information about Bmw-E46
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E46, which was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1997 to 2006, and was the successor to the E36 3 Series which ceased production in 2000. First introduced in November 1997, the E46 was available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact.

The M3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.

The E46 line-up was phased out starting from late 2004, following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans. However, the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006.

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Common 1997 Bmw E46 problems

The BMW E46, produced from 1997 to 2006, is known for several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. Here are the most frequently reported issues:

PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Failure and Clogging: The M54 and M52 6-cylinder engines in the E46 suffer from PCV failure and clogging, which can lead to oil leaks from the timing cover, oil pan, and PCV valve cover. This is due to unreleased pressure, which can result in serious engine issues.

Vanos Issues: The double Vanos engines (320i, 325i, 330i) are known for their Vanos issues, which can cause problems with the expansion tank and result in engine overheating. Replacing the expansion tank is much cheaper than buying a new aluminum cylinder head, which is prone to damage when overheated.

Power Steering Fluid Loss: Many E46 owners report power steering fluid loss as the cars reach 150-200k miles. A mechanic should be able to identify the source of the leak and replace the power steering hoses.

ECU (Engine Electronic Control Unit) Issues: The 6-cylinder inline petrol engines in the E46 can experience occasional ECU issues, which can cause rough idling, uneven power delivery, and "flat spotting". A faulty ECU can be replaced with a used one for a relatively low cost.

Worn-Out Control Arm Bushings and Control Arms: Many E46 owners experience a weird jolt feeling on the steering wheel due to worn-out control arm bushings and control arms. These pieces are made from plastic and rubber, which deteriorate and wear out over time. Replacing these components is crucial for overall suspension health and road handling.

Valve Cover Gasket and Valve Cover Leaks: Valve cover gaskets and valve covers are common issues on all E46 models. Identify this problem by seeing oil dripping from the valve cover and smelling burning oil. Replace them as soon as you notice the first signs of trouble.

Sub-Frame Bushing Failure: The E46 is known for sub-frame bushing failure, which causes a lot of clunking and banging. Healthy bushings are a big factor for overall suspension health and road handling. Have these replaced when overhauling the suspension, as the cost is far lower than the benefits.

Rear Spring Replacement: Almost all E46s at this age will need rear springs replaced due to salt and moisture, which cause the bottom of the rear spring to eventually rust through and break.

Failing Oil Level Sensor: A failing oil level sensor can cause a warning light on the dashboard, even when there is enough oil in the engine according to the dipstick. This issue lies within a faulty oil level sensor and can be fixed by replacing the sensor.

Noise from Door Seals: As E46s reach the 10-15-year-old mark, many owners report noise from the top of the front or the rear doors. This noise is caused by worn-out door seals and can be fixed by replacing those seals with a new set of OEM BMW door seals.

Cooling System Failure/Leaks from Plastic Components: The BMW E46 cooling system is full of plastic fittings, clips, and reservoirs that all have a habit of cracking, causing major problems with coolant leaks and depressurization. It is recommended to replace all the key failure points at once to prevent further damage.

Weak Rear Shock Mount: The rear shock mount is another area that can use reinforcement. A part that reinforces the rear shock mounts is available from BMW and can be fitted on top of the mount on the interior of the car.

While these issues may seem daunting, understanding them can help potential buyers make informed decisions and budget for potential repairs. Regular maintenance and addressing these problems promptly can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the BMW E46.

What is the common problem in BMW E46?

Cooling System Leaks

The plastic components in the cooling system on E46 BMWs are prone to becoming brittle and cracking, allowing coolant to make its way out of the cooling system. The resulting loss of coolant can lead to the engine overheating, which can cause catastrophic engine failure.

Are BMW E46 reliable?

Key Takeaways. The BMW E46 3 Series, particularly the 318i, was a reliable and affordable choice with good fuel efficiency and maintenance costs. The E46 was a significant improvement in comfort compared to its predecessor, the E36, offering better suspension, increased comfort, and a better balance.

How many miles will a BMW E46 last?

I've personally seen numerous models surpass the 200,000 mile mark, like my own 236,000-mile E46 ZHP, while online we've seen some odometers surpass the 400,000 and 500,000-mile thresholds. But there hasn't been a time when I've heard of an example with mileage so high that it actually broke the odometer, until now.

What to look out for when buying a used E46?

Verify the interior is tidy and maintained, and look for any indications of rust or damage. Mileage: The mileage on a BMW E46 can affect the car's value and reliability. Look for a car with low to moderate mileage, as high mileage can lead to more maintenance and repairs in the future.

What is the most common problem with E46?

Cooling System Leaks

Is a BMW E46 reliable?

Is E46 hard to maintain?

The E46 M3 is honestly not that hard to take care of. There are a few major things you should always keep an eye on and those are outlined in the Mandatory section at the bottom of this article, but otherwise it's easy. Not too expensive either. This is a 20+ year old car now and parts are available or cheap.

Why is E46 so famous?

The E46 model was made from 2000-2006 and is considered one of the greatest BMW M3. It blends the engaging feeling of older BMWs with the handling and speed of modern sports cars. Today, it is considered one of the best sports car experiences money can buy and there are many reasons why.

1997 Bmw E46 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw E46 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Seats problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Structure problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Bmw E46 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Bmw E46 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Bmw E46.

2007-05-28

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-05-28
VIN: 4USCH7329VL
Components: SEATS
Summary: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS SLIDE (DO NOT LOCK IN POSITION). THIS IS IRRITATING AND UNSAFE IN MY OPINION. I ALSO BELIEVE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL YEAR. *TR

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2007-02-21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-02-21
VIN: WBACC9327VE
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ON 1/31/07 I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE THE NC INSPECTION DONE. I WAS GIVEN AT THAT TIME A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I WAS TOLD TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND GIVE THEM MY VIN NUMBER TO VERIFY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN CAMPAIGNS ON MY VIN NUMBER ON 2/2/0. ON 2/16/07 MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. I CALLED MY REPAIR SHOP AND DROPPED THE CAR OFF ON MONDAY. I WAS INFORMED TODAY THAT IT WAS NOT THE O2 SENSOR, BUT POSSIBLY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS GOING TO COST ALOT OF MONEY. I LOVE MY CAR, BUT IF THIS WAS A RECALL I DON'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT TO BE FIXED. *NM

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2007-01-03

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-01-02
VIN: WBAAM3342YK
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: I OWN A 2000 BMW 323I AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO I HAD STARTED TO NOTICE A FAINT SQUEAKING SOUND FROM THE REAR WHEN MY CAR WAS MOVING, THE SQUEAKING PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL THE SOUND WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT COULD BE HEARD EVEN WITH ALL THE WINDOWS UP. I TOOK IT IN TO A MECHANIC WHO IDENTIFIED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS INDEED THAT SUB FRAME SEPARATING FROM THE BODY. AS I FURTHER INVESTIGATED THIS ISSUE, I FOUND DOZENS OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE STERLING BMW NEWPORT BEACH COLLISION CENTER WHERE THEY TOLD THAT MY FRAME WAS SEPARATED FROM THE SUB FRAME AND THAT BMW SHOULD AND MOST LIKELY WOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS SUBSTANTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THEY ALSO TOOK ME UNDER THE LIFT TO VISUALLY LOOK AT THE DAMAGE FOR MYSELF AND IT APPEARED THAT THE SHEET METAL THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS BOLTED TO HAD TORN, SIMILAR TO HOW PAPER WOULD TEAR. HE ADVISED ME THAT WAS CAR WAS UNSAFE AND WROTE A STATEMENT OF WHAT HE HAD SEEN SO THAT I COULD FORWARD IT TO MY ATTORNEY AND APPROPRIATE PARTIES, ??STERLING COLLISION PUT VEHICLE ON THE LIFT AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FLOOR IS CRACKED ON THE LEFT SIDE WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBERS MEET, THE FLOOR INFORMED THE CUSTOMER THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I CONTACTED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DENIED RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT, THEY TRIED TO BLAME THE POOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING ON HOW THE CAR WAS DRIVEN AND THE AGE OF VEHICLE. I FOUND A FELLOW BMW OWNER (STEVE CLEMONS), WELL PAST OWNER NOW, WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2000 BMW 323CI, AND HE REFERRED ME TO YOUR ORGANIZATION, ADDITIONALLY HE WAS ABLE TO GET HIS CAR REPAIRED BY BMW COST FREE WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS ATTORNEY, AS I PLAN TO DO MYSELF. HE TOLD THAT BMW DENIED THIS DEFECT UNTIL LEGAL ACTION WAS THREATENED IN WHICH THEY THEN ASSUMED FULL RESPONSIBILITY. HOWEVER THIS IS INDEED SERIOUS PROBLEM AND EVEN MORE A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD NOT BE PRESENT. *NM

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2006-09-22

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-09-20
Number Of Injuries: 1
VIN: WBADD632XVB
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2006 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 70-75 MPH WHEN MY SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I HAVE A 1997 BMW 528I WITH APPROXIMATELY 230K MILES. I DO NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING. I DID NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. I COULD NOT HEAR WELL FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND MY LEFT ARM HAS A LARGE BRUISE ON IT. I TOOK IT BY THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WENT WRONG OR WHY THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WHEN THE AIRBAG WENT OFF, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS HAPPENING. IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY IF IT WAS THE FRONT AIR BAG. *NM

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1997 Bmw E46 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Bmw E46.

2006-05-15

Manufacturer: E SPEED RACING
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN E SPEED RACING COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: E SPEED RACING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT E SPEED RACING 909-923-3636.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Bmw E46 problems:

What are the common/main problems in an e46 and what should i ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/e46/comments/15avi4p/what_are_the_commonmain_problems_in_an_e46_and/

Jul 27, 2023 ... Cooling System · Subframe Issues (Cracked Subframes) · Oil Consumption (Mainly M54 Engines) · Vacuum Leaks (Disa Valve etc.) · Rust.

airbag light stays on what are the common faults how to fix | E46 ...

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/airbag-light-stays-on-what-are-the-common-faults-how-to-fix.563050/

Apr 6, 2008 ... 1997 bmw 328i. I Have a 1997 BMW 328i conv. Airbag light stays on all the time. I have fault codes 16, 17, & 25, I was wondering if it could ...

Looking At 1997 318i

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?691115-Looking-At-1997-318i

Feb 18, 2007 ... Common problems with the e36 include the cooling system, motor mounts, and door panels that hate life . bluestormbmw said: 02-18-2007 01:34 AM.

Common problems with 528i | BimmerFest BMW Forum

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/common-problems-with-528i.569535/

Sep 20, 2011 ... Common problems with 528i. Jump to Latest ... `00 BMW e46 330i `97 BMW e36 318is ... This question has been asked a thousand times, so, I'll just ...