KNOWN FAULTS · BMW

BMW Serie 3 (E46) 318d / 320d (M47TU, desde 2001) common problems.

2000–2006 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Intake swirl flaps (M47)Intake

Engine / equipment: M47TU 2.0 diesel with swirl flaps (318d/320d E46 from 2001, 118d/120d E87, 320d E90 and 520d E60 until 2007, X3 2.0d)
Period mentioned: 2001–2007
Symptoms: Loss of power, smoke or knocking, often with no prior warning: one of the flaps comes loose and drops into the cylinder.
Possible cause described: The small swirl flaps in the intake manifold work loose with vibration and can break off into the cylinder, damaging the piston, valves and turbo. BMW strengthened the flaps in 2006.
Check for the garage: Check whether they have already been removed or replaced with blanking plugs and inspect the intake manifold.
Cost cited in the source: €4,000–6,000 if the failure damages the engine; prevention costs far lessA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Rear axle mounting, suspension and airbags on the 3 Series E46Known weak points

Engine / equipment: BMW 3 Series E46 (petrol and diesel)
Period mentioned: 1998–2007
Symptoms: On cars built up to March 2000, the rear axle mounting can tear out of the body; worn wishbone bushes (noises and a nervous wheel under braking) and broken rear springs; hairline cracks in the expansion tank; oil pump on the six-cylinders; camshaft sensors, turbos and injection pumps; swirl flaps dropping into the cylinder on diesels; weak handbrake and porous brake pipes.
Possible cause described: At first BMW repaired the axle mounting with special foam or new floor panels as goodwill; today the repair is so expensive that it often is not worth it. Recalls: a passenger airbag that could burst (saloons May 1999 to August 2006) and gas generators in the sports steering wheel (November 1997–June 2000).
Check for the garage: On cars up to 2000, inspect the rear axle mounting area on a lift; check airbag campaigns by VIN.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.