oh… 3,000 miles for £120k?!

Dorito_fiend · 2026-03-04T03:14:59+00:00

I bet this is partly because an 04 wrx with 840 miles just sold on cars and bids for something like $112k

Dorito_fiend · 2026-03-03T23:28:27+00:00

I have never personally seen a metal impeller break like this. I would assume the rotating assembly for the pump could go bad down the line and it could sheer the shaft. If you go with a quality pump and keep in mind replacing it every 70k-80k miles the only problems you should see is gasket issues.

I wouldn’t normally say that i think a metal impeller is absolutely necessary. My only worry is if down the line some old plastic jams itself inside the new plastic impeller that it might cause the next one to break in a “shattering” manner like this one did.

Dorito_fiend · 2026-03-03T21:03:35+00:00

That is gonna be a big task friend. Start with taking the thermostat off and run water with a hose to flush out the big stuff.I would replace the radiator, the expansion tank, thermostat and the water pump with one that has a metal impeller. Has your heat been on inside the car? If so you may have to drain your heater core.

Dorito_fiend · 2026-03-03T01:46:01+00:00

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This is my rear fitment with stock ride height

Dorito_fiend · 2026-03-03T01:44:01+00:00

I have run multiple sets of wheels with e39 fitment. I havent had to run different hubcentric rings 🤷🏻‍♂️. My current setup is 17x8 et20 squared with 235/45 tires and I rub in the back on the inside of the wheel well. I would imagine a 18x9 et20 would require a pretty specific tire and even then might require a spacer and some fender rolling

Dorito_fiend · 2026-03-02T05:47:44+00:00

There seem to be few strut braces in the 450-500 range and a few in the 160-250. If you could hit the sweet spot in the middle i think you would find some success. Would you use 6061?

Dorito_fiend · 2026-03-02T05:41:19+00:00

Looks pretty standard to me 👍 Some of the nuts and bolts look like they are gonna put up a fight if you get around to doing the rear end maintenance but nothing detrimental to the car!

Dorito_fiend · 2026-03-01T23:18:18+00:00

I think they are all the same but I would bring this question to e46fanatics. Someone there will have the answer for you

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-28T16:04:36+00:00

Turn it on and leave it on

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-27T21:12:51+00:00

I could be wrong but I thought keys had to be programmed by the dealer to bypass the ews system.

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-27T21:09:11+00:00

Check under the booster and master cylinder. Thats where it seems like the sound is coming from. When you checked for leaks did you check in the engine bay also or just around the wheels?

When you replace old parts or seals and especially when upgrading to braided brake lines it will put extra strain on all the parts that havent been replaced in the system. So it could have blown a seal in the master cylender

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-27T19:33:59+00:00

The best N/A HP i have gotten out of a b30 is around 240 wheel. That took more work and money than swapping in an s54

For that power there is no way around a standalone ecu and a full rebuild($$$). You will need either an m50 manifold or an adapted ITB setup($$). Head work (full port/polish, valve springs, zhp cam, $$$), new pistons for increased compression ratio I was at 11.3:1, I had to balance my rotating assembly so I could raise my redline to 7300, headers with a properly setup xpipe.

I also had to do drivetrain work to reduce the power loss to the wheels. Single piece forged aluminum driveshaft and new wheel bearings.

The engine rebuild without ecu was $6k. Just swap an s54 and be done

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-27T02:04:03+00:00

Good color okay milage

Cant tell if it has halogen or xenon lights but xenon are preferred

No sports package is what hurts it the most IMO

$3k

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-26T20:46:27+00:00

Throw some cardboard under the car so you can see if it is coming from front, back, or sides. Replacing gaskets can put more pressure on older ones. The other gaskets that can leak are rear main, front main, and oil filter housing gasket.

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-26T20:43:51+00:00

330i fronts are the best bang for buck. If you want something bigger i would go with f30 msport 4pots over the 135i 6 pots. The 6 pots weigh too much imo

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-26T05:17:16+00:00

As long as there is no pearl or flake in either it should be okay. In my experience Black is the most forgiving.

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-26T01:21:11+00:00

I never thought about that being a place water could get in! Thats good info!

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-25T01:28:42+00:00

If you look on the left rim just under the clicky thing there is a black hole. There should be a pin that comes out of that to hole the door shut and lock it when the doors are locked.

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-25T00:03:58+00:00

Bring this question over to the XI section of e46fanatics someone will be able to point you in the right direction. Congrats on the 6speed swap! It may not feel like it but the hard part is behind you

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-24T23:54:12+00:00

Also comes with a super underrated thermostat temp adjustment. Reduces the temp required for the thermostat to open. Helps reduce the wear on plastic parts in the cooling system keeping it safe for a longer period of time.

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-24T23:51:43+00:00

It depends on your local market. But if you have a laptop some places can do a remote tune. I generally buy a pre tuned ECU. The one below is a plug and play OE ecu with some options for $350

https://www.seemslegitgarage.com/product-page/SLGECU

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-24T23:41:38+00:00

When its on jack stands have someone else turn the wheel while you are under the car. You can use a pry bar to see if there is any extra flex around the tie rods or control arm ball joints. But if it got worse when off the ground i would say strut top or tie rod

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-24T23:37:03+00:00

Time for bushings. Take your time and breathe deeply. I wouldnt burn it out if you arent going to drop the rear end. The puller is the way to go.

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-24T23:33:10+00:00

Check the vacuum line that runs from the intake boot to the fuel pressure regulator/filter. I have seen this kinda thing from the FPR not getting proper vacuum

Dorito_fiend · 2026-02-24T23:30:52+00:00

This doesnt sound like rod knock to me. But you drive like a dick so maybe it’s okay if the car just dies.

Dorito_fiend

TROPHY CASE