Common Engine problems with the BMW E46
As a high-performance engine, the BMW E46 has a share of issues which could lead to problems in your vehicle. Let’s look at some common problems:
Rod Bearing Failure
We can describe rod bearings as a piece of petal which connects your rods and pistons together which allow for proper timing and combustion. Failure in these parts can lead to a rod swinging wildly, a loud ticking sound, and eventually, much larger engine problems. A typical schedule maintenance plan involves replacing these after around 60,000 miles to avoid headaches.
Worn Gaskets
Wear and tear is common in BMWs and many other vehicles. The E46 relies on a system called VANOS to provide dynamic changes to the engine. The gaskets within this system can wear down causing a serious decrease in performance and rough idling. We suggest getting your vehicle in with these problems before more extensive damage happens.
Oil Leaks
While oil leaks tend to come from multiple places, one especially commonplace for the E46 is within the oil filter housing. BMW engineered the oil filter housing to be in a place above the engine and near the intake manifold where the surrounding areas get hot frequently. The result can be a hardened gasket which can eventually cause oil to leak near the front of the engine.
What should I do about potential engine problems in the BMW E46?
The best thing to do with potential engine problems in the BMW E46 is to have them fixed before they get out of hand. The above problems can cause serious problems if not taken care of right away. Our best suggestion is to listen to your BMW E46 and notice any odd changes to sounds, performance, or leaks underneath the vehicle.
BMW does have a good system to warn you if your oil is getting low, amongst other problems, and you’ll definitely want to get some help here at VT Motorworks if your dashboard lights up with problems.
What small things will help maintain a BMW E46 engine?
Get it tuned up with us! By tune-up, we mean to bring it to our shop at VT Motorworks so we can make sure the engine is running within normal tolerances. This involves listening to the engine and measuring outputs as well as checking and potentially replacing spark plugs which can wear and lead to poor performance. Spark plugs are not the only thing to be mindful of, but they can be a key link to knowing how to make the engine perform better.
Regular maintenance and its importance cannot be understated with any BMW! Oil changes and proper fluid levels are extremely important for any engine.
Why VT Motorworks for my BMW Engine Repair
VT Motorworks loves BMWs and MINI Coopers. We like real performance cars which are both comfortable and offer some positive driving experience. Given our experience and expertise with BMWs, you can count on us to properly repair a BMW and treat you like a valued customer.
