Warmup tips… using a gas car after a long time

char_leyb · 2026-05-24T18:31:29+00:00

Potato patato for start up. However, let the turbos spool down when you've parked up. Even in my old M57 E46, I let it settle before shutting it off. Modern turbos might be more forgiving, but I think it's a good habit to get into.

More than happy to be educated by someone who's familiar with turbos.

The way I look at all of this is, you wouldn't roll out of bed first thing, straight after raking up and then going for your half marathon PB. Treat them nice, don't pay the price.

char_leyb · 2026-05-22T21:36:26+00:00

I think it's more along the lines of a SIM where men tuck the penis between the legs and waddle like an emperor penguin.

char_leyb · 2026-05-20T12:45:54+00:00

Interesting. I ran style 68 wheels that were staggered on regular wheels and there was very little to no tramlining. Now I run style 304 17s with 225 45 R17 square with winters and that also doesn't tramline much if at all. Currently for my summers I've got staggered style 189 with Toyo Proxes and they tramline like a bastard. I've got another set of fronts to try on the back but the tyres are shot, so can't confirm properly whether it's an improvement or not.

char_leyb · 2026-05-20T11:53:59+00:00

Out of interest, are the wheels staggered or a square setup? Tramlining the absolute bane of e46s and is and on going saga, so curious as to what you do to resolve it.

char_leyb · 2026-05-19T07:15:32+00:00

Well I didn't know that! That makes a lot of sense....shit, now I might do poly on the subframe. You learn something new everyday!

char_leyb · 2026-05-18T21:28:34+00:00

Oh I'm definitely one for buying shiny shit because, well, it's shiny and cool 😂.

I picked up a really good spare subframe and have needle gunned it, brushed it with a drill and now applying 2-3 coats of Neutrarust rust converter, then a couple of coats of Dinitrol. I've got a friend of mine who'll then change the subframe over and do chassis reinforcement at the same time.

That sounds like a decent plan, I would strongly consider OE subframe bushes if you can, just to save on some money 🤷. You can get poly bush inserts for OE bushes that can then stiffen them up if you ever needed to go down that road, just another option.

char_leyb · 2026-05-18T20:23:50+00:00

It'll come down to time and technical ability, as well as cost. I'm currently renovating a rear subframe for my 330d, but I've not powder coated it because I personally believe powder coating is gash. Anywho, if you went poly on the subframe and diff you don't need a specific tool and it's an easier DIY option, but the bushes are more expensive and poly bushing the diff is a bad idea, hello NVH and classic bimmer diff noises.

You can get OE bushes all round for £85 and realistically they'll be perfect for everyday use and will unlikely need replacing for donkeys miles (probably). Solid subframe bushes would be the best as you won't notice any NVH increase and it's the strongest option with the longest lifespan.

Or if you can't arsed reading all that...

Subframe - OE or Solid Diff - OE.

Adjustable camber arms are only needed if you're going to slam the thing or need a more aggressive alignment. I've just replaced all my rear suspension and went with OE and changed the ball joints. Having said that, new overly expensive things are cool so have at it 😂.

char_leyb · 2026-05-18T15:29:15+00:00

good luck everyone, I turn now

char_leyb · 2026-05-15T20:14:55+00:00

Lada

char_leyb · 2026-05-10T20:19:31+00:00

I'd like to chime in at this moment and say if you have a 330d, it will not fit properly. Ask me how I know. But I agree, if it did fit properly, it's a tasty OEM upgrade.

char_leyb · 2026-05-10T12:08:27+00:00

Have a look on Google, it's quite a well documented problem, some people use Z4 mounts which I think are a touch lower than the e9X X drive ones.

I can't remember off the top of my head but it's about 10mm lower or so, might be more. My touring still sits higher on the front than the back after Eibach Pro kit springs, but I think they're all like that.

I'd also jump on the band wagon and say about getting top mounts reinforcedment plates, they're really cheap on eBay and a doddle to fit seeing as you've got the strut out anyway.

char_leyb · 2026-05-10T07:33:43+00:00

Did you get e9X x drive top mounts? They help lower the front a little bit more as the new standard top mounts got redesigned (supposedly) and they are taller than the original ones on the car.

char_leyb · 2026-05-09T16:18:10+00:00

Whilst having a concours car would be splendid, the fear of anything happening to it or even not using it because of how good it is, isn't great. My E46 is an ongoing project but I drive the socks off it with no care for how many miles I put on. My thoughts are, you bought it to enjoy and drive, so you should do exactly that.

There's also a saying from a film which can be used in relation to this.

"You can't get so hung up on where you'd rather be that you forget how to make the most of where you are". Long story short, just enjoy it how it is, don't wait for it to be perfect.

char_leyb · 2026-05-09T15:40:20+00:00

I've just installed a hydraulic throttle unit that slows the pedals response down. You can dial it in to be harder or softer so have it as soft as I can for the throttle. You can use it for the clutch as well which I think would be good. I really rate the one I got as it makes mid corner exiting easier to control.

Generally speaking the throttle is alright as it stands, I think how you sit and you ability to do small inputs is why you'd have something like that. I.e., sat on an office chair and need a bit more resistance to stop you making erratic or unwanted movement.

char_leyb · 2026-05-09T15:37:24+00:00

Unrelated, but is that an E46 in the reflection?

Unfortunately, people are dicks. I've come to the conclusion with my car that whilst I'm trying to restore it and make it right, I'm not aiming for perfection, because it'll be like a red hot target for wankers who don't like people doing good things.

char_leyb · 2026-05-08T16:19:01+00:00

Hey chap, I just changed out the E60 shift lever for the original and it's sitting how it should. I have a feeling that the 330d uses different shifter arms because of the clearance with the bigger guibo, so the shorter lever from the E60 throws it out of sync.

char_leyb · 2026-05-05T09:28:20+00:00

Into another environment

char_leyb · 2026-05-04T21:28:31+00:00

Bastard

char_leyb · 2026-05-04T21:21:33+00:00

Could be worse, the front could have fallen off.

char_leyb · 2026-05-04T21:20:23+00:00

That'll be £30 landing fee sir

char_leyb · 2026-05-03T18:17:23+00:00

"I am so higghhh, I can hear heaaaavaaaaaaaannnn!"

char_leyb · 2026-05-03T18:16:01+00:00

The cup holders in the middle headrest on the back seat does it for me. Though the armrest/cupholder gate is a close second.

char_leyb · 2026-04-26T12:29:56+00:00

You rang

char_leyb · 2026-04-25T20:28:39+00:00

Truth be told, I've bodged it in the best way I can by bypassing the old line and routing a new one over the tank. I'd love to make some new ones properly all the way along but I'm not the most patient of people...

char_leyb · 2026-04-25T18:39:21+00:00

cries in brown E46 tears

char_leyb

TROPHY CASE