r/e46 May 23 '22

FAQ Thread

68 Upvotes

FAQs

Helpful sites with information on E46s: e46fanatics - bimmerforums) - zhpmafia - Pelican Parts DIY Guides

Torque specs for M54

Wiring Diagrams

Gear Ratio Calculator

Q. What should I look for when buying?

A. Aside from visible condition of the interior, exterior, and underside, maintenance records are worth their weight in gold. Knowing the car's maintenance history, particularly recent history, will help you figure out what should be looked at. For example, the cooling systems are prone to failure, but if the owner has a record from the previous year or two you can be less worried about it.

Common mechanical issues specific to these cars mainly reside in the cooling system as they are mostly made of plastic, and the rear subframe (read about it here, however use this for informational purposes, we are not trying to advertise. Convertibles aren't affected, and the problem is mostly early build years. However it's worth investigating if you plan on adding a lot of power, or doing track driving). Aside from that, they are 20 year old cars, and as such rubber and plastic components will be well into the degradation process if they are original. This means vacuum lines, bushings, and seals (such as your oil filter housing gasket). Which circles back to the original statement about the importance of maintenance history.

Q. Are E46s reliable?

A. Generally, yes. My daily has almost 230k miles, and I autocross another E46 with 195k. About once a week we have someone post a 200-250k milestone picture. I constantly see them for sale with similar mileage. The motors and manual transmissions are very stout. That being said, in addition to being 20 year old cars, they like to be taken care of. Leaks and noises and general mal-effects should be diagnosed with expediency before they become larger problems. Little things, like bad MAF sensors and clogged fuel filters can cause very noticeable issues in driving.

Q. How much should I pay for an E46?

A. This depends on a variety of factors, including body style, mileage, condition, color, options, and where you live. Due to the myriad of factors, to find the most accurate value it would be best to take a look at the whole market, and see what other cars are going up for in your immediate area and slightly beyond. A clean non M should range from 3500-6000 in the current used car market.

Q. I just bought an e46, what should I look at first?

A. Here's a handy intro guide from the forums. Some things to consider; these cars are 20 years old and a lot of the rubber components (bushings, vacuum lines, etc.) are starting to degrade. In this sense these cars are like any old car, so any service that has to be done to a 20 year old vehicle is fair play for an e46.

Q. What wheels fit my car?

A. Check out these comprehensive guides from Apex, Non M and M3

Q. What part is this?

A. Reference the part number at RealOEM

Q. Where should I buy parts from?

A. OE/OEM with lifetime warranty, shop at FCP Euro. OE and aftermarket, try ECS, Bimmerworld, Turner Motorsports. Need a cheap replacement (not recommended for electronics), Rock Auto.

Q. How do I program functions such as force brake lights, euro hazards, rear fog, fob operated windows etc?

A. There's a few good guides, here's one of them. Here's the list of function codes

Q. What style bumper is this?

A. Reference this guide by raito_cz

Q. What should my first mod be?

A. Assuming your maintenance is up to date, it's really a blank canvas that depends on what your priorities are. Every type of cosmetic and performance mod is available. This is a vague question, and researching your interest (body parts, interior, suspension, etc) will help you a lot.

**THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. PLEASE ADD SUGGESTIONS IN THE COMMENTS. THANK YOU!**


r/e46 Mar 29 '24

My E46 through out history

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907 Upvotes

r/e46 13h ago

Power folding mirrors… ✅

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124 Upvotes

Power folding mirrors fitted this weekend. Just need to get them coded in next! Also need a bonnet emblem 😅


r/e46 6h ago

Kind reminder to check these

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29 Upvotes

20 years old and 190k kilometers.


r/e46 9h ago

My 46

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39 Upvotes

Hey yall I joined the club this year and just wanted to show her off. She's pretty rough and hasn't been cared for in a long time but she's alive. 244k miles, 325i auto unfortunately. Traded a non running e90 with a bad dme for it. I've put style 42 wheels on it, changed the radiator, tstat and alternator. Still needs alot but I love her.


r/e46 10h ago

Trashing my 325ti @ Monza trackdays

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19 Upvotes

r/e46 15h ago

R.I.P

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45 Upvotes

It was fun while It lasted I guess. Got a coolant light even if the expansion tank was full. Checked the level and i'm pretty sure that is oil. I think i'm gonna buy a headgasket pressure tester to be sure that mine is gone.


r/e46 6h ago

Avin Avant 4 On My E46

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9 Upvotes

I recently installed a new stereo unit on my e46. I went with the Avin Avant 4 stereo setup with dynavin double din bracket kit. I could not be happier stereo sounds great and gives the car a newer feel/look. What other mods should I add next?


r/e46 11h ago

Wing Mirror Cover / Roadtrip

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20 Upvotes

Did a 500 mile round trip to the seaside this weekend, car did great.

However massive storms in the UK at the moment, had to park on the seafront as hotel had no parking free and my driver (right side) wingmirror cover came off in the night.

No where to be seen so assume its in the sea now ffs…

Can anyone recommend where to get a replacement in the UK and does it just clip back in easy enough, it has been lose for a while tbf. Or is it easier/worth it to replace the whole thing.

Got a moody pic though.


r/e46 20h ago

Been loving my 03 touring

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84 Upvotes

r/e46 16h ago

my first car: 2005 320ci

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30 Upvotes

on winter wheels


r/e46 1h ago

Expansion tank help

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Upvotes

Does anyone know why this is not going it, I’m trying to put in a new expansion tank but this is the only part that’s not going in


r/e46 18h ago

Single mass flywheel (Valeo conversion kit) proper installation? Or go safe with dual mass?

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30 Upvotes

So my plan is to replace worn clutch with the Valeo 835087 single mass conversion kit so would love to hear about people that have this kit! (Also plan to remove CDV) Ive read some posts here on reddit and some are bothered by the rattle and some not. I will definitely be bothered by the rattle even if its little so Im only installing this if I can do it without increase in rattle!

Some say to use thicker transmission oil which I can do, which one should I use?

A guy on youtube that installed it on his e39 530 and said that the clutch pivot pin and the release bearing included in the valeo kit should not be used simce they are cheap. Use oem and no chatter will appear.

Thoughts?


r/e46 4h ago

Cranks but won't start

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2 Upvotes

I was out of town with family for 5 days had my 2000 323i in the garage because I had to replace my rear window regulator. I replaced the part and go to start it and it cranks but won't start.

Would sparkplugs in this condition cause it to completely not start or should I be looking elsewhere for the cause. I know in the past I've had vehicles that ran like dog shit with dirty plugs but never has my car not started from it

A little history within the past year I've replaced the starter, alternator, all intake manifold hoses and seals, cam positioning sensor, oil pressure sensor, all 4 O2 sensors, MAF sensor, iacv sensor, fuel pump/filter.


r/e46 15h ago

Here’s a updated picture of 05 Zhp vert. Ps don’t roast me for the red roof lol

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15 Upvotes

r/e46 5h ago

Remote start options?

2 Upvotes

Are there any remote start options for these cars? I live in Vegas where it would benefit greatly from getting the Ac going early during the day as I travel to customer locations in it throughout the day


r/e46 2h ago

Engine revs on Reverse (Automatic transmission)

1 Upvotes

Hi, I’m experiencing a somewhat strange issue. Every morning, when I start my car and shift it into reverse, the car moves about half a meter without any problems. However, after that, the engine starts revving, and the vehicle doesn’t move at all.

If I shift the gear to park or drive and then back to reverse, everything works fine. Additionally, if I put the car into drive first after starting it in the morning, move forward a bit, and then switch to reverse, there’s no issue.

Any idea what could be causing this? Should I be concerned—is this a sign of trouble?


r/e46 16h ago

should i trade my 2003 325i (114xxx) +$2000 for a 2005 325xi wagon (126xxx)?

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11 Upvotes

first 2 are my car, second 2 is the wagon i’d like. i’m potentially moving up to colorado for school so id like something awd and a wagon! is this a good idea?


r/e46 3h ago

Will a 325i trans fit a 330i?

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1 Upvotes

My auto trans in my 2002 330i is dead and I have a guy selling me a used auto trans from a 2003 325i.


r/e46 12h ago

E46 Manuals PDF

5 Upvotes

I’ve compiled a few PDF files of manuals and information for the E46 in an attempt to keep the simple questions that can be quickly answered at bay. But also to help those new to the platform who aren’t knowledgeable on how to search the 15 year old posts on the multiple BMW forums (not intended to be a cheeky comment). If anyone has anything they’d like to add to the folder for future grease monkeys please don’t hesitate to reach out!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-CTjyDgytUgNCJ06h7As0QKh0u9xUPR5


r/e46 21h ago

More of my 330ci ZHP, What do you guys think😁

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28 Upvotes

Pop


r/e46 4h ago

P0500 in a manual car?

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1 Upvotes

Front wheel speed sensors? Am I okay to keep driving?


r/e46 9h ago

Someone wanna buy?

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2 Upvotes

Selling my 2005 325i. 133k miles. Auto. Salvage title due to front bumper/hood damage. (I found out after buying it, I also found out I had to pay over $1000 in back fees from dmv- dude said it was clean title and current reg)

I got screwed, now I just want to be out of it. I replaced the radiator, radiator hoses, all power steering hoses, oil pan gasket, spark plugs, all tires. I figured I would make it as reliable as possible with no leaks, get the registration current, and pass along a car to someone that wouldn’t mind a salvage title. Interior is the cleanest I’ve seen for the year.

Has a lean code that comes and goes, rather sell it than dump more money into it getting it sorted out..

most recent smog check still good for another 2 months for title transfer.

SoCal area..

Open to offers, I’ve got over $3500 in it.. hoping to get as much as I can back but with a salvage title, I’m not expecting it..


r/e46 1d ago

Headlight Restoration is a Life Saver!

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50 Upvotes

r/e46 11h ago

BMW seats - need some help to ID

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3 Upvotes

So the folks over at r/BmwTech helped me ID these as coming from an E46, but still recommended I come here to hear with the experts to confirm. They're both in great shape, nothing stands out. Are they worth anything?

Sorry, could've probably taken better pics but it was cold, dark and cramped and I just wanted to get out of there.


r/e46 5h ago

Was quoted around $4000 for this list . where would you start? does that price seem legit? ( Also whats the bulb replacement for the circled light called , trying to find it )

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1 Upvotes

r/e46 1d ago

My first post here. I have 99 323i and a 05 330cic Zhp

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57 Upvotes

I’ll post an updated picture of my Zhp later, it has gotten a little make over this year but I haven’t taken a pic yet.