New (to me) E46 daily overhaul/project

[SYT_Shadow]

I have a 5 speed 330Ci in blue back home. My first purchase in ~2004. It sits all year waiting for me to go back for vacations and take it out.

It has around 130k miles, new clutch, AutoSolutions SSK, bilstein B8 shocks, E9X generation style 162 wheels, black leather interior, alcantara black headliner and gets worked on every time I see it. What a fantastic car.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I have a 5 speed 330Ci in blue back home. My first purchase in ~2004. It sits all year waiting for me to go back for vacations and take it out.

It has around 130k miles, new clutch, AutoSolutions SSK, bilstein B8 shocks, E9X generation style 162 wheels, black leather interior, alcantara black headliner and gets worked on every time I see it. What a fantastic car.

Great Spanish vacation car.

AS SSK is intriguing. I might have to email them to enquire, but import duties into the EU could kill the idea.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by swagon

Great Spanish vacation car.

AS SSK is intriguing. I might have to email them to enquire, but import duties into the EU could kill the idea.

The SSK gets into the EU in a suitcase, so no import fees there

[M4_ZMT]

Had to rep E46 at Valencia BMW Cars & Coffee! Too bad I didn't get any pics when the lot was packed with bimmers, but I hope it brought back a fond memory for someone!

[M4_ZMT]

I adore this thing! And you guys are right, the lenses completely changed the car. Again, not perfect, but I am loving every second.

[P1]

New headlights made that car looks ten years younger. Nicely done!

[M4_ZMT]

Originally Posted by P1

New headlights made that car looks ten years younger. Nicely done!

Thank you sir. I honestly feel the same! There is only so much of those headlight restore kits and buffing you can do to 20 year old plastic. I'm so pleased with it.

[M4_ZMT]

Nothing quite like a night drive in a "classic" BMW...ok, I still can't call the E46 classic, even though it is, as I feel very old... The orange glow of the instrument panel, performance of the motor seems amazing in this cooler fall weather. Finally feeling like summer is on it's way out- hate how hot it gets out here so I am very happy about that.

Not much has been done to him since last post- I have the differential bushing ready to install but I'm not ready to shell out for labor just yet... but I'm still, finally, eventually getting the roof painted, rear trunklid is also an option as it is showing some oxidization as well. I will also have the bumper adjusted and most likely painted at the same time. The rest of the car looks fine enough to me (10 ft away amiright?) Shout out to Network Autobody in Valencia, CA. They perform wonderful work. When my mom's F31 wagon had a tree fall on the roof, I was sure I would be able to tell where it was repaired, and as picky as I am, I was completely unable to. Very quality shop. PM me for reference and direct contact info. (In no way affiliated, I just like to give credit where it is due.)

It's been running great and enjoy every minute behind the wheel. If you're wondering why I'm up so late- I get to sleep in tomorrow, plus there's nothing like the crisp night air, glow of the Xenons, your favorite music, and an inline-6; with the boulevard and highway all to yourself. It's funny because I have a G82 M4 in my garage and although I absolutely ADORE that car and it is a beast in every way, sometimes the nostalgia, perfect size, ergonomics, and easy driveway access have me putting more miles on my '01 325i Steptronic...figures, lol. Also, just let me be the dude who has his fog lamps on when it's not foggy, just for one night (it actually does help with these older design Xenons, light up pedestrian crossings and the edges of the roadway). I've actually been using them as DRL's during the day here and there- with this color car it's nice to have a bit more visibility and I hate the default high beam 1/2 voltage setup haha-

[swagon]

Sunroof up, fogs on was the look back in the day

[paulymu]

Currently looking at a 99 328 manual for my daily/2nd car. Going to see it tomorrow

[tturedraider]

Congratulations on your new car!!

My E46s. I still mourn selling the ZHP.

[M4_ZMT]

Thank you, all! Love seeing everyone's E46's! Jeez, there's just something about these cars that will NEVER ever get old. Here's an updated lil' night photosesh in my midnight cruise parking garage (only place nearby with good night lighting! haha) Daytime photos will be coming soon. This motor still runs strong as I remember them new at 148k. Gotta love an inline-6 rev out sesh no matter if you have the 189hp version haha.

Updated maintenance and work done as of 3/2023:
-Rear differential bushing replaced
-Center support bearing bushings
-H&R Sport Springs (LOVE the perfect OEM+ drop and rake)
-Fuel pump replaced as preventative maintenance
-Roof and trunklid painted
-A bunch of random missing/incorrect hardware replaced
-Running a BG 44k fuel system cleaner, it's like a strong coffee for the M54, my 325i shouldn't feel this fast lol. Will perform a LOF soon.
-Ignore the missing third brake lamp, new OEM one already here, waiting for new clips (brittle 2001 housing cracked upon removal lol...was trying to clean behind it).
-Yonaka catback exhaust w/ titanium tips on it's way, good deal and not obnoxiously loud. The sedan 325's seem to have very little exhaust note haha. I recall the Ci being a little more throaty, so I can't wait! The 6cyl sounds amazing but I also like a lil' more noise from the back.

[zachdog]

The E46 is easy to maintain. I had a ZHP for 12 years and recently sold it for an F22. I loved the car!

[M4_ZMT]

It never rains in LA? Enjoying a coffee and the rain before I got sick and have been in bed since. He is so beautiful!

[M4_ZMT]

Missed the delivery of my exhaust today. No option for re-delivery, only pick-up at my UPS store. Le sigh...it will have to be installed another day. I am getting him re-aligned today following a few weeks of use on the new springs. Loving the composure, body control, firm yet dampened feeling these H&R Sports are with new OEM struts/shocks. Following a fresh alignment, it should feel great! I'm excited, just wish I had the exhaust in my greedy hands.

[e46m3b]

Such a timeless beautiful car. Great pictures!

[Leslie731]

Had one bought new 2002,in thirteen years and 122k miles,one of the worst cars i've ever owned.Every possible oil leak, water pumps (yes plural),radiator,brakes,front one year, rear the next,batteries (think 5) What a nightmare

[M4_ZMT]

Originally Posted by Leslie731

Had one bought new 2002,in thirteen years and 122k miles,one of the worst cars i've ever owned.Every possible oil leak, water pumps (yes plural),radiator,brakes,front one year, rear the next,batteries (think 5) What a nightmare

Sucks, should have sold it sooner if it made you that unhappy. Brake replacement isn't abnormal. Cooling system issues are common and WELL documented. Oil leaks? It will need oil filter housing, oil pan, valve cover, PCV for sure, is what it is. BMW's need a certain type of battery and it has to be registered, yes even on this car. It's a German car from the early 2000's. Take care of it and it takes care of you. Preventative maintenance is key.

I don't think many people AT ALL would say the E46 was the worst car they have ever owned LOL. I regularly see M54 motors with over 300k on them and still on the road.

I can confidently say I would get it in it right now and drive across country if I had to and I would have no question if it could do it or not. But hey, that is how I keep my vehicles.

[CornerGorillaPit]

Great work and great looking car.

[M4_ZMT]

Installed my Homelink module tonight. Super easy pre-wiring (love this era of bimmer) A lot of new cars don't even have it! I really enjoy not having a remote control.

Exhaust installed tomorrow, just ran a fuel system cleaner (BG 44K highly recommended) and then a fresh oil change with Liqui Moly 5W-30 and OEM filter. I'll post additional and better pics once I get it back from the exhaust shop.

[M4_ZMT]

So happy with the exhaust install, as well as the catback itself. Perfect loudness (not too loud!), on the deeper side, classic BMW sounding just amplified. It's definitely a lot lighter than the stock exhaust as well. I have an "M-Tech looking" trunklid lip spoiler in body color that will be installed as soon as the weather can make up it's mind. I think that'll complete the rear end. The titanium muffler and polished tips also look great with Steel Grey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eurPnguJp_8

[M4_ZMT]

Here's some "I can't sleep so I took average night photos", photos.
Installed a set of staggered Style 68 wheels, went ahead and refinished them completely, and then wrapped in Michelin PS4S. Best thing I've ever done! Ha! Shout out to Valencia BMW for the install and perfect balance.

I went from hating Style 68's the entire time I was growing up to swooning over them in a matter of days... Finally saw what everyone else did and realized how classic and fitting of the E46 body they are! Don't get me wrong, I love me some style 44's (my original wheel design), but I wasn't a fan of the tires that I previously had mounted (Pirelli Pzero Nero, on sale at the time-- BLEH). They would tramline like crazy, already wore more than they should've; AND I think with the slight mods, it wasn't doing the looks many favors anymore. I know these tires are an overkill for this car but they are just so awesome on literally almost anything you put them on! Thank god for Klarna and TireRack pay over time.

I am already going to ditch this exhaust. It goes from sounding decent, to complete garbage with one gear change then gets drony as heck up grades etc...NOT for me I have a Borla full catback on it's way....FUH not cheap but I know they aren't drony and are more neighborly lets just say. I should always remember you get what you pay for. Can't wait to get the Borla on and this Yonaka off. Hey at least it looks boyracer for a few more weeks, hah.