N42 engine

[Mark Levick 0]

Hi.

I am looking at an 2002 E46 318i with an N42 2L engine and have been told that the earlier motor is much better. One of the common problems with the new motor referred to was an impossible to fix (without genuine modification - approx $700) cam cover oil leak. Is this true?

Did BMW only make this engine for a couple of years and then discard? If so was it an orphan / problem?

thanks

M

[curryinahurry 39]

First of all, welcome. If you haven't, I suggest you have a chat with Glenn from Botany Motor Worx - one of the sponsors here. I remember someone asking a similar question in the past, and from what I remember, the N42 is a PITA + expensive to repair due to the valvetronic system it uses.

Perhaps do a search and you might find something.

Cheers.

Hi.

I am looking at an 2002 E46 318i with an N42 2L engine and have been told that the earlier motor is much better. One of the common problems with the new motor referred to was an impossible to fix (without genuine modification - approx $700) cam cover oil leak. Is this true?

Did BMW only make this engine for a couple of years and then discard? If so was it an orphan / problem?

thanks

M

[*Glenn* 854]

The plastic rocker covers on these engines give problems and quite often need replacing. The vacuum pump on the back of the exhaust camshaft for the brake system often leaks oil due to either the "O" ring seal which can be replaced with an aftermarket replacement seal. The vacuum fitting on the pump quite often gets loose in the housing and these will also leak oil, which means a pump replacement. Sump gaskets often leak, so do power steering pumps & water pumps. Ignition coils often fail as well. Cooling system plastic components are prone to failing when the car gets over 5 years old, which is, unfortunately a problem all european manufactured cars suffer from. I would suggest getting a pre purchase inspection by either a dealer or an independant BMW specialist.

[Mark Levick 0]

The plastic rocker covers on these engines give problems and quite often need replacing. The vacuum pump on the back of the exhaust camshaft for the brake system often leaks oil due to either the "O" ring seal which can be replaced with an aftermarket replacement seal. The vacuum fitting on the pump quite often gets loose in the housing and these will also leak oil, which means a pump replacement. Sump gaskets often leak, so do power steering pumps & water pumps. Ignition coils often fail as well. Cooling system plastic components are prone to failing when the car gets over 5 years old, which is, unfortunately a problem all european manufactured cars suffer from. I would suggest getting a pre purchase inspection by either a dealer or an independant BMW specialist.

thank you very much both of you - amazing welcome and service - thank you - will be in touch. Mark