BMW 316i E46 — Reliability

E46 Sedan Compact 2001–2006 1 engine

Reliability Summary

Engine N42/N45/N46 — 28/100 AVOID
Known Issues 3

Engine in this model

AVOID 28

N42/N45/N46

1.6-2.0L NA I4

Slow, poor economy, unreliable. No reason to buy when 6-cyl options exist at same price.

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Known Issues Across All Engines

Issue Engine Severity Onset
VANOS unit failure / oil pump wear N42/N45/N46 high 60,000 km – 120,000 km
Timing chain and tensioner wear N42/N45/N46 high 80,000 km – 150,000 km
Excessive oil consumption — piston rings N42/N45/N46 high 60,000 km – 150,000 km