Road check (BMW 3 Series E46)

Instruments and electrical equipment

1. Check the operation of devices and electrical equipment.

2. Make sure that all devices give correct readings, turn on all electrical equipment one by one and make sure that it works without failure.

Steering and suspension

3. Pay attention to any abnormalities in the operation of the steering and suspension.

4. While driving, pay attention to unusual noises and vibrations.

5. Make sure that the steered wheels track the steering wheel without noticeable play or sticking, that the suspension does not make noise during sharp turns and when driving over uneven surfaces.

Power transmission

6. Check the operation of the engine, clutch (if any), gearbox and drive shafts.

7. Listen to the engine, clutch and transmission to see if they make any unusual noises.

8. Make sure the engine idles smoothly and accelerates smoothly.

9. Check the clutch for noiselessness. Make sure that when releasing the clutch, the torque transmission increases gradually, without jerks or vibrations. Listen for any noise when squeezing the clutch.

10. On models with a manual transmission, check the gear shifting - they should shift easily and without crackling.

11. On models with automatic transmission, make sure that gear shifting is smooth, without jerks or engine revs. When the car is stopped, make sure that the selector lever easily switches to all positions. If any problems with the transmission occur, contact a specialized service station or dealer.

Brakes

12. Check whether the car pulls to one side when braking. Whether the wheels lock during emergency braking.



13. Check if you feel any vibration in the steering wheel when braking.

14. Make sure that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on the slope and that the brake does not require too much lever travel.

15. Check the operation of the brake booster as follows. Turn off the engine and press the brake pedal four or five times to release the vacuum from the booster. Keep the brake pedal pressed and start the engine. As the vacuum builds up, the pedal will noticeably drop. Let the engine run for a couple of minutes and turn off the ignition. If you now press the brake pedal, you will hear a hissing sound from the vacuum booster. After four or five presses of the pedal, the hissing will stop and the pedal will become "hard".

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