What's up everyone! I'm a new member her and just got my first bmw about two weeks ago. I got a 2004 325xi and love it, I don't think I'll drive anything but bmw from now on. It's not a race car or anything but it is a beautifully built machine that isn't afraid to pick up when needed. I've been doing allot of reading on forums(mostly bimmerforum) and if have to say I don't think the mechanical problems of bmws are add bad as some people make it sound. So like I said this is my first bmw so any hints or tips will be greatly appreciated. I live in sterling Massachusetts, any other bimmer heads in the area?
Congratulations! TONS of information on the BMW Forum's such as www.bimmerfest.com & www.bimmerpost.com / just to mention a couple.
Welcome to the club and forums congrats on the new ride! Please ask any questions that come up here we will always try to help.
Welcome to the club & forums! Relatively speaking, E46's are pretty solid cars. Dr. Vanos for when the vanos system needs attention, and the first time someone has it up in the air, a really detailed close look at the subframe mounting area, although I think later ones may have been somewhat less prone to the cracking. Pre-emptive strengthening in that area is substantially cheaper than repair after-the-fact; see the info & repair kit on the Turner Motorsport website.
Welcome! Having a few E46s of my own, I would suggest everything that MGarrison had stated. The later (facelift) 325/330s rarely saw sub frame issues, they were more of a problem on the early 323/330s. I would suggest replacing the VANOS seals on your own accord. While not necessary, they do make a difference in mid-range torque. Things to watch for are the front control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, oil filter housing gasket, and valve cover gasket. Also watch for rust that commonly develops between the rear bumper and quarter panel near the wheel well/gas filler. Other than that, they are indeed solid cars!
