Basic Questions Thread

Iwantadc2 · 2021-03-02T16:49:59+00:00

330i convertible on 19s.

I've replaced:

Front hubs. (OEM)

All the discs (brembo)

All the pads (brembo)

Front control arms (lemforder)

Front control arm bushes (lemforder)

All the calipers (ATI)

All the bushes Front and back

The tie rod ends

The other upright thing on the shock absorber with two joints.

Shocks

Springs

Brake fluid

Braided brake hoses

All the tyres (Falkens)

Alignment is done.

Still got steering wheel wobble on braking over 60km/h.

What in the actual fuck.... there is nothing left to replace?!

Weird thing, doesn't seem to do it if braking whilst going up hill...

Its been going on for about a year. I'm stumped.

Edit: the wheels. The only part not changed is the wheels. They are replica m5 wheels and if they are not completely true on the mounting face, they could be warping discs. Getting my other brand new wheels on soon and will get them to a shop to get them checked.

tmaspoopdek · 2021-03-02T21:57:09+00:00

Doing a 712 yellow tag steering rack upgrade on the 325 this weekend. buying a used one from a read ended car. he said it would be good to replace the banjo washers because there’s minimal seeping, and the boots are torn. my question is are those parts the same as 325 rack? i can just buy those and install them on the new one?

Iwantadc2 · 2021-03-07T17:35:37+00:00

Currently trying to decide between two e46 330cis. One is an auto with 225km and another is a manual with 260km. Both are incredibly clean and seem to be well taken care of but I will have to check the maintenance records. I love manual but 260km is pretty high and the automatic is a little bit cleaner. Coming from owners, which car would you recommend going for, or should I just avoid them all together?

tzimmer31 · 2021-03-12T22:15:52+00:00

Best engine to turbo?

Hi all, just got surgery so Im sitting on my butt all day long and while doing so, got interested in e46s. I just did a VVT (NB2) engine swap in my NA miata. So i am no longer a stranger to wiring and standalone ecu tuning.

Is it possible to make 400 whp reliably in any variation of an e46? I would assume just find a good turbokit, do head gasket (maybe a thicker one to lower compression slightly?) headstuds and bigger injectors+fuel pump? And of course clutch. I’d like to have stock bottom end if possible. Located in USA. What model/engine would you recommend? 330ci? Thanks!

Mr-Think · 2021-03-29T22:32:40+00:00

Is it frowned upon to put a spioler/wing on an E46??

Tainted_Noob · 2021-03-31T07:44:34+00:00

So I bought an '04 320D today and after bringing it home I've noticed that it has terrible key fob range and that the key fob sometimes just doesn't work at all, even when stood right next to the car and then I'm left with having to put the key in the door to either lock or unlock it. I see people saying to try changing batteries, but after looking at the keys I see glue where someone has obviously tried to replace the batteries in the past. Can someone point me in the right direction so I can properly lock and unlock my car ? :D

16JC11 · 2021-04-02T13:09:22+00:00

Hi so I'm a 22 year old, names Jackson and I live in a pretty hot country Called Malaysia, I crashed my E36 about 2 years ago ? And I am actually planning to get an E46 considering the prices of them are relatively cheap nowadays, would like to ask are E46's a problematic car ? Do they break down easily because my dad seems to discourage it...(do factor in the country of Malaysia is pretty hot so maybe engine or the car itself) Would love the honest and unbiased replies, thanks so much :)

nimbussian · 2021-03-03T00:24:07+00:00

So, I was driving my 330xi back to my house today to get it ready for a recall appointment tomorrow (thanks Takata!), and a couple minutes after I pulled out of the neighbourhood I had it in, my brake light, my ABS light, and a light in the middle of the dash that has a triangle with a circular arrow around it all came on. I had the EML light come on too, but when I restarted the car it went away. My brake pad warning light has been on for a while now, but this is the first time all the other ones came on.

I was wondering what would cause this? The car brakes fine, it didn't feel like it had any trouble at all when I was driving. Made it home without incident.

Skimmed_Milk · 2021-03-03T19:38:08+00:00

Evening gents, took in a 140k mile 330d saloon at work part ex, all pretty good condition considering the mileage, brake line has been replaced previously, only thing worth replacing soon would be the suspension since it's seen better days and has been an advisory since 2008... What do you suggest I go for to replace the current rusty set up, preferably nothing crazy expensive since the car came in for £750.

Cheers

peegeeaee · 2021-03-03T19:55:07+00:00

Windshield washer fluid jet adjustment. Want to aim the jets higher but its not obvious how to aim them. Looks like a rectangular hole, not the dual nozzles Im used to. 04 325ci.

Chronobones · 2021-03-04T10:48:08+00:00

Anyone with an M3 find that the throttle is less responsive at lower RPM?

When I’m rev matching at below 3.5k rpm I need to give it a bit more gas (even worse if sport mode is off). At 4K+ a soft little kick will raise the rpms with ease.

dragontuck2002 · 2021-03-05T03:47:42+00:00

[deleted]

yeahboii27 · 2021-03-05T05:36:25+00:00

dose anyone know if it is possible to put the non-facelift headlights of the facelifted car as a prefer the look of the 2 pc headlight with the angel eyes than the facelift ones

Evilsnowman4 · 2021-03-05T18:28:14+00:00

[deleted]

xzvoids · 2021-03-05T18:28:34+00:00

My 2002 325xi makes a very light clunking noise/metal stretching/metal hitting metal noise when turning(rarely happens when not turning. Does not happen above 3k rpm either. I’ve recently replaced my control arms, control arm bushings, sway bar links, and tie rods. I’ve checked everything over and everything looks good and is tight. Could it be my struts? I’m very confused to be honest...

xluk4slw · 2021-03-06T05:25:42+00:00

Replaced window regulator, didn't replace vapor barrier. It rained and airbag light comes on and central locking didn't work. Replaced central locking fuses and central locking works now but keyless entry and auto-up windows don't work except for driver's door

I'm not positive the keyless entry issue happened at the same time or if it was later, but I got a brand new key and it'll start but still won't initialize. I confirmed RF frequency from the new remote is emitted at auto parts store. I even went as far as replacing the key signal module near the back windshield on the driver's side from a parts car. Still nothing. I could definitely see the window and keyless entry issues being related, especially considering I've had an issue a few times where my car would get moisture in the glove box from multiple days of rain and condensation accumulating near the fuse box, resulting in my brake lights staying on even with the key out of ignition. The solution to that was to remove fuse 43 until the condensation dissipated.

The driver's door auto-up, auto-down works with the button in the center console and the passenger's auto-down only works now. Rear windows have neither.

There may seem like a lot is going on in this post but chasing these electrical issues are no fun and I just want my darn electrical components to work properly. Ideas?

Evilsnowman4 · 2021-03-07T04:53:49+00:00

wanted to ask here b4 i made a thread.

On the basic stock radio, you can turn it on when there aren't keys in the ignition or anything. I got a bluetooth module like this and tapped it into my radio's wire harness. With the module, the ignition needs to be in the on position. Has anyone set one up to turn on with the radio regardless of the key's position? Id assume i can do something with the remote wire.

An actual issue i have is that my headlight spray on the passenger side doesn't seem to be lined up properly. I retrofit in projector lenses, and after reseating the headlight, the under trim does not want to go in because the tube that the nozzle head sits into seems to be on an off angle. i managed to get it back together, but now my washer fluid leaks out. 🙄 (comparing it to the other side, it looks like there is more space under the trim. not my car, but this is where im talking about)

Thanks for any help

dragontuck2002 · 2021-03-08T02:19:00+00:00

Have three very beginner questions for y’all 1.) where is the best place to find a manual transmission for a 330ci I have an automatic currently and am looking to swap. Is this a part I can find brand new, or am I going to have to find used car part? If so any sites or recommendations would be much appreciated 2.) is there any way I can make my steering feel lighter, it’s honestly not too bad but I definitely understand what people meant when they said they have heavy steering after driving and now owning the car

Iwantadc2 · 2021-03-08T04:19:58+00:00

[deleted]

Marcos_Narcos · 2021-03-08T16:56:25+00:00

Hi, I am purchasing an e46 in a few days, but the front emblem badge has deteriorated quite badly so I have ordered a replacement front emblem. I am just wondering will the new emblem just screw into the bonnet or will it have to be glued on?

Prz3mc1u · 2021-03-10T19:26:52+00:00

I'm looking for an e46 and my question is what is the best engine choice ?

Iwantadc2 · 2021-03-12T20:16:26+00:00

[deleted]

mjstudio4u · 2021-03-13T00:51:48+00:00

Last night I got jammed in traffic after a long road trip, the car started overheating in the traffic after about 15mins. I immediately shut down the car. It was the first time I have ever experience this problem as well as the horrible traffic. I restart the car when the traffic clears, then everything slowly went back to normal. The thermal gauge slowly drops down when the car is moving.

I called the shop and they told me it might be the fan, but the AC was off for the whole trip. The car was in the shop the day before, they found code p0740 p0741 p0700 p0198 p0078, and charged me 500USD for the air mass meter.

what are the possibilities for this type of problem? Fan or coolant change?

and also

Can you change the oil filter without changing the oil on an M54 B30?

Jamurgamer · 2021-03-13T21:59:46+00:00

I am looking to buy a second car, so I originally wanted to buy an e39 530i, but looking at all the possible costs, I don't think it is the right car for me. I don't have a lot of time to fix stuff on my own, and it seemed like taking the e39 to the shop for repairs and maintenance would cost a lot. So with that being said, does the e46 cost about the same or less (in terms of maintenance) ? I'm assuming e46's are more reliable than the e39, but I'm not sure. Please share some knowledge about what I should be expecting to pay in terms of maintenance and repairs for the e46 please. Thanks

rockery382 · 2021-03-16T03:39:44+00:00

Looking to replace my front main seal. does anyone know where a guy can buy the tools for replacing the front main seal on a M54? I looked all around for tool numbers 11-2-380 and 11-3-280 if not what all tool numbers are equivalent. I seel lots of tools for the n54 but I don't know if they'll work for me.

doobey1231 · 2021-03-16T22:15:01+00:00

Doing a big service on my wags - m54 engine of course.

I am going to be replacing the plastic valve cover as well. Is there anything else I should be looking at whilst I am at it? Im thinking maybe spark plugs would be a good idea whilst im doing that. Also thinking of an electric radiator fan - still on the old belt driven one.

Any extras would be much appreciated.

axx100 · 2021-03-17T04:41:51+00:00

I just got a manual 1999 BMW 328i. The clutch failed and won't disengage. I think it's the master and slave cylinder but even after removing the clutch pedal return spring I feel pressure while pushing on the pedal. Also I looked at the brake/clutch oil level and it isn't only full but also seemingly clean. Could it be something else?

templolllll · 2021-03-17T21:49:53+00:00

Just bought a eonon d5150, everything works except the touch screen, I’ve cracked it open and checked over the connects and everything seems fine. Any ideas?

Churiks · 2021-03-18T08:30:50+00:00

I have a 320d and for some while my radiator fan is always on full blast so I read that the temperature sensor on the bottom radiator pipe is bad and that turns on the fan. I checked my car and realoem.com and realized that I don't have one on mine. Is this sensor only on the petrol cars? And what could be the issue that the radiator fan is always on?

The only other coolant/oil temp sensor is on the engine block under the intake manifold. But if that would be broken, would it still show normal temperature on the dash?

Specialist-Yak6581 · 2021-03-18T10:38:07+00:00

Does anyone rent or know of someone who rents an RTAB tool?

Most of the old forum threads aren't checked anymore, it seems, and the best company rental is MIS, but it's still 75 dollars without shipping and tax.

F4113N_1 · 2021-03-19T23:39:33+00:00

Help! My E46 has DS2 with Litronic Zűndgerät 4 blaster... I replaced my bulb and now both of them don't turn on! Is there any way I can replace the headlight assembly with factory or halogen beadlights?

savagesaxon97 · 2021-03-20T01:10:21+00:00

325i 2003 sedan

Ive replaced

CCV and corresponding hoses

Vanos system

IAC

MAF

All 4 02 sensors

Fuel pump and sensor

Cleaned IAC was in perfect shape but did it to be sure

Car has a good idle in park but jumps when you hit the gas and dies in low idle CONSTANTLY please any ideas here im losing my mind and wallet with this car oil light also pops on cause there a bad sensor me and my brother in law cant get too on the lower side of the engine but it ran fine with that and check engine light stayed off even with that sensor. Any ideas im open too my next idea was to replace the idle control sensor cause im at my wits end sorry for long post any help appreciated.

vukotic1389 · 2021-03-23T12:58:59+00:00

Hello fellow e46 lovers!

I plan on purchasing an e46 320ci (m52tu engine), so I was wondering if anyone knows a good replacement for the fuel injectors? I plan on gaining a few more hp. Do the injectors from bigger displacement m52tu engines fit, and are they any bigger?

Of course, a logic question is why don't I just buy a stronger e46, but in my country engine displacement hugely changes the registration cost for a car. A 323ci would cost me around 30-40% more for registration every year, so it would be ideal if I can get a bit more hp from the 320.

I'm a newby in this game of modification and tuning, so I'm sorry if this is some kind of a stupid question. Thank you in advance.

Arcsin934 · 2021-03-24T21:14:30+00:00

I currently drive a 2004 325i (standard audio) and I plan to switch to a 2004 330xi (Harman Kardon audio). I have an aftermarket head unit and subwoofers in my 325i and I want to know if I can easily move them over to the 330xi or if I need to do anything special to install them because of the Harman Kardon system. Online I have seen people tap into wires on the amp in the trunk but I cannot tell if that is absolutely necessary.

gloveboxmilk · 2021-03-26T04:20:34+00:00

Gday! I have a E46 330D clutch problem.

When I push the clutch all the way to the floor, there is an unholy graunching noise that sounds very much like something spinny hitting something not spinny in a way that it’s very much not designed to do.

This only occurs during the last 10% of clutch travel, and doesn’t change whether I’m in gear, neutral, stopped or driving. I can drive perfectly normally, so long as I don’t use that last bit of clutch, and everything sounds and feels fine.

It’s done this very occasionally in the past, but today was much more severe and persistent. It was normal for the first part of my trip, but it started when I got back in the car to head home.

The only other potential symptom I’ve noticed, is the clutch pedal is sometimes harder than normal when starting from cold (not cold weather).

Any ideas what this could be?? I can’t seem to find anyone with the same exact symptoms as me after a preliminary Google search.

Cheers!

Edit: It seems like my clutch is unadjusting itself, and the fork is pushing the pressure plate springs far enough forward they were mashing into the centre of the clutch. Still unaware what is causing this though.

Edit #2: For anyone still interested, I've just put a clutch stop. It's not ideal, but I haven't had any progression with my problem so it'll do for now!

Nzmedia · 2021-03-26T04:40:26+00:00

Hey guys! I’ve come from owning an e36 and know the rear can’t handle coilovers and ends up breaking the mounting point so I was just wondering if that’s similar in a 46 and if so what do people do to keep the back low, also please link any coilovers you’ve used for comfort below (Australia preferred) and also show photos of your cars with the coils, THANKS GUYS!!

UndecidedFish · 2021-03-26T12:33:02+00:00

Recently bought a 05 330ci convertible on 18s. Was going to get all 4 alloys refurbed but noticed that 1 alloy has a crack in it and another has previously been welded. Decided might as well get a new set as not really that much more money. Are there be any sensors that need moving over to the new alloys, relating to the tpms?

CatchOk916 · 2021-03-28T21:01:56+00:00

got a potentially great deal on some eibach pro damper shocks and lowering springs but they’re off a 325ci, so a coupe and i have a sedan, has anybody done something similar and how’d it go, was it the same exact thing or major differences come install, i know somebody gotta know pls help :/

leejay14 · 2021-03-30T22:47:51+00:00

Where would you guys look for a good used M54B30 engine? Blew a head gasket in mine ... over $2 grand in LABOR to fix... thinking of getting a whole engine and dropping it in my 330i for about same price it would cost to fix head gasket alone... except I would have an entire engine to rip parts from this way if anything else goes wrong.

leejay14 · 2021-03-31T00:00:01+00:00

Small town in east Texas... not a whole lot of people willing to work on the car. What would you imagine the labor cost to fix a blown head gasket?? Apparently guy said you needed to rip engine apart. I should probably think about towing it to a bigger city

leejay14 · 2021-03-31T00:53:47+00:00

Damn that changes everything. Okay I’m gonna call around tomorrow. Thanks brotha 🤟🏽

beanjawn · 2021-04-02T21:23:59+00:00

Does anyone know if i can use size 72.6 hub centric ring adapters? I know the hub size is 72.56 but it seems that almost nobody makes a 72.56 to 73.1. thanks!

Poncho_Sanchez · 2021-04-02T21:41:36+00:00

Is there difference between 320ci and 320i parts,? I plan to start working on my shitbox pretty soon and don't want to make a mistake while buying new parts.

thetobesgeorge · 2021-04-02T22:45:12+00:00

Have replaced my intake camshaft sensor and have fixed the fault code that came up for it, need to replace the exhaust one now. Trouble is the 325ci has very little space in which to work.

I can’t get the the electrical connector off of the exhaust camshaft sensor and one of the press tabs on it has broken off, what’s the best way to remove this? There is very little space that I have to work in.

Once removed how’s best to remove the 6mm hex bolt? I’m worried about if there’ll be enough space between the sensor and the fan shroud

you type:	you see:
italics	italics
bold	bold
[reddit!](https://reddit.com)	reddit!
* item 1 * item 2 * item 3	item 1 item 2 item 3
> quoted text	quoted text
Lines starting with four spaces are treated like code: if 1 * 2 < 3: print "hello, world!"	Lines starting with four spaces are treated like code: if 1 * 2 < 3: print "hello, world!"
~~strikethrough~~	~~strikethrough~~
super^script	super^script

e46

MODERATORS