E46 325i - Fix or buy new engine?

[emiljs]

My 2001 BMW E46 325i individual has a knock in the engine and I am not sure whether to have it fixed or buy 2nd hand engine. The current engine has 270k on the clock. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Some history. This was the first car I bought with my own money. I had many other cars since but kept this one. My son is going to university and I want to give it to him. Lots of sentimental value. Thanks!

 

[Coisman]

Hii would suggest getting the car to a trusted mechanism that knows about cars and BMW and have them first try assessing where the knock is coming from? After that I would make my decision.
If the engine haven't overheated or ran without oil then I can't see why it would be knocking.
270k km is nothing for these engines. The knock might be something stupid and not too expensive to fix. Also keeping the original engine is less hassle with ECU and things, plus a 2nd hand engine you have no idea of real km or history.
What area are you? Plenty of knowledgeable people here, and depending on location I'm sure we can help or refer you to someone.

 

[emiljs]

Thanks so much. I live in Durbanville area, Wrstern Cape. Would appreciate if someone can recommend a reputable bmw mechanic that knows older engines well. Thanks

 

[Coisman]

Hang on there... I drive a 2003 E46 325i, are you calling my car old?!? LOL

 

[Tinuva]

Like how does this knock sound? If the engine could still run it might be something small as mentioned by Coisman.

As for a mechanic, I guess the one place you can try is 3 service centre in Stikland. They not cheap, but they know the older BMWs well and will probably be willing to at least try and assist you.

 

[Coisman]

Like how does this knock sound? If the engine could still run it might be something small as mentioned by Coisman.

As for a mechanic, I guess the one place you can try is 3 service centre in Stikland. They not cheap, but they know the older BMWs well and will probably be willing to at least try and assist you.

Another guy calling my car old... She's only a teenager, her next birthday in August she'll be turning 20.
Now you tell me how's that old? LOL

 

[Tinuva]

Another guy calling my car old... She's only a teenager, her next birthday in August she'll be turning 20.
Now you tell me how's that old? LOL

In car years it's old, though not a classic yet

Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk

 

[Blue Shirt]

Take your car to Brilliant Mechanical Workshop in Claremont. Rolf is an honest guy and knows these older E46 cars well.

My 330i is going there in January for new gearbox and diff oils and some love and attention to the driveshaft.

 

[emiljs]

Take your car to Brilliant Mechanical Workshop in Claremont. Rolf is an honest guy and knows these older E46 cars well.

My 330i is going there in January for new gearbox and diff oils and some love and attention to the driveshaft.

Thanks I will give it a go as well.