The Blue Phoenix - E46 325i

[SlimKlim]

I don't think the cooling systems are quite as much of a problem as they are on E36's, but I know the E46 M3 water pumps have problems with bearing issues. Might want to check into whether that is a problem on the other E46's. I think they'll usually start making a noise before they fail, but still that's not really something you should wait until it breaks to fix.

My last water pump experience has scarred me. I don't want to go near them. Another reason I'm very torn on whether to keep this car long term. I just drive with one eye on the temp gauge and the other on the expansion tank. I really don't care enough to spend $500 on hoses, an expansion tank, the proper water pump, etc and destroy my back working on it. Maybe if my back wasn't a mangled mess for the last 2 years, I'd be more willing the roll around in my gravel drive way for a few days. Regardless there is nothing I can do until the summer because I don't even have enough time to do my laundry nowadays.

Sell the car now before you end up trying to sell it with a blown HG. Don't cost yourself more money later because you don't have the time and money now.