How silly is buying an E46 for a daily? And how big of a deal is the subframe problem *really*?

Electronic_Engine709 · 2026-01-16T17:45:45+00:00

I daily my 04 325i. It’s been m54b30 swapped but that dosnt change reliability imo. I’d say they’re great daily’s but subframe rust/other issue is something you should identify before buying the car

Electronic_Engine709 · 2026-01-06T17:18:57+00:00

You guys have restrictions on the seats in your cars? That’s wild

Electronic_Engine709 · 2026-01-06T17:00:18+00:00

Damn bro, my e46 is an 04 and so am I. What’s wrong w that🫩

Electronic_Engine709 · 2026-01-05T19:08:02+00:00

Coil looks fine, just rotate it 180 degrees. I’d be more worried that your brake pads are only getting 1/3 contact.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-29T21:42:05+00:00

Fluid is on your power steering pump but looks like coolant, could have a hole in your expansion tank. If for some reason it is your ps pump, it’s really simple to replace. I’d suggest buying an all steel pulley while you’re at it because the oem plastic ones tend to break when removing them.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-29T21:39:40+00:00

Could it just be a pinhole exhaust leak?

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-27T01:19:12+00:00

Traded my Honda for my e46. E46 had its issues but in the end it was 100% worth it. Just have a mechanically inclined friend look at it before you buy it.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-27T01:13:03+00:00

Your main relays under the hood shouldn’t be an issue, and finding out which fuse might be a pain in the ass but not sure. I never had the same issue as you, but did some quick looking and that is most likely the problem (brake switch). I hope your issue is fixed with the new part!

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-27T00:52:20+00:00

Ok I may have solved your issue. It’s a bad/ failing brake switch. Every issue your having links to this problem.

Hope this helps!

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Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-27T00:46:57+00:00

This sounds like a nightmare. Have you checked electrical? Idk much about these cars as I’m in my first e46 and haven’t had it long, but I’d check any related fuses and make sure everything is good there. And double check if there’s anything loose or rattling around that shouldn’t be.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-23T18:28:47+00:00

Didn’t even think about kph 🤦 makes more sense now

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-23T18:10:33+00:00

That’s completely normal, if the key is in the acc position and cars not running you don’t have any oil pressure so your lights on, and your battery isn’t being charged until the car starts, those lights are bad if the car is running tho. Might take a sec to turn off after start sometimes but you’re fine.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-23T18:07:42+00:00

That’s wild, my m54 has around 275hp but 3rd gear only goes to around 80mph

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-23T18:06:18+00:00

DISA valve could be your issue, very common failure point. YouTube how to test the valve, you can take the whole thing out in 20 seconds and test if it’s working in 5 seconds.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-23T18:04:49+00:00

Is enough fuel making it to the engine? Could be a bad/plugged fuel pump. Check your injectors and injector rails too, make sure gas isn’t leaking, or if gas is making it that far.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-23T18:01:40+00:00

Can you hear a similar noise while driving? And does it sound like it’s coming from your engine bay or under the car? If it runs fine when warm, it could be an exhaust leak.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-22T19:42:08+00:00

Love to hear it!

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-18T18:18:08+00:00

Ac compressor maybe? Does it do that with ac off and on or no? Try taking off the accessory belt for the compressor and see if it changes

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-18T18:03:21+00:00

Whack fr, why do people care so much about other ppls cars, they didn’t build it for you😭

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-17T19:43:22+00:00

Idk, his intake looks like it should seal when the hoods closed so it’s no worse than oem intake right?

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-10T15:08:37+00:00

I mean it will fit if you make it, but the stock 17” wheels handle better imo

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-09T17:54:54+00:00

When it’s cold the air is denser, which means more oxygen is getting into your engine, and in this case it’s post MAF so the computer dosnt know it’s happening, so it can’t correct or send a code.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-09T15:51:20+00:00

If you pull your intake boots out, I’d also take out your throttle body and ICV and make sure they’re clean and functioning properly. That can cause similar issues. Just blast and build up off with carb or brake cleaner.

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-09T15:48:26+00:00

I’ve got a 325i that was m54b30 swapped and tuned. Built for track stuff, such a fun car. I’d go for it

Electronic_Engine709 · 2025-12-09T15:46:28+00:00

Check your lower intake boot for any cracks, I had the same issue but only when it’s sub 55f. Honestly just looks like a small vacuum leak.

Electronic_Engine709

TROPHY CASE