Unusual Green E46 Cloth Interior
Discussion
I need to get a 2.93 geared 328 diff, which is different to a 330i diff, and I am going to have the diff and subframe bushes replaced at the same time along with other bits like new exhaust gaskets. You're not wrong it's decently expensive, but I've spent so little on it so far and DIYed so much it isn't horrendous. I've paid more for less before, that's for sure. Not to mention it's less than half of having the diff removed and sent out to be refurbished.
Ah yes, so you've said. I did think about a 3.07 but I mainly drive the car on motorways and the tall gearing makes it surprisingly economical and relaxed. I have a 3.23 in my 325ti and that's as short as I'd like to go. Any shorter and first would end up useless not to mention the higher noise levels and fuel usage at speed.
Ah yes, so you've said. I did think about a 3.07 but I mainly drive the car on motorways and the tall gearing makes it surprisingly economical and relaxed. I have a 3.23 in my 325ti and that's as short as I'd like to go. Any shorter and first would end up useless not to mention the higher noise levels and fuel usage at speed.
JakeT said:
I need to get a 2.93 geared 328 diff, which is different to a 330i diff, and I am going to have the diff and subframe bushes replaced at the same time along with other bits like new exhaust gaskets. You're not wrong it's decently expensive, but I've spent so little on it so far and DIYed so much it isn't horrendous. I've paid more for less before, that's for sure. Not to mention it's less than half of having the diff removed and sent out to be refurbished.
Ah yes, so you've said. I did think about a 3.07 but I mainly drive the car on motorways and the tall gearing makes it surprisingly economical and relaxed. I have a 3.23 in my 325ti and that's as short as I'd like to go. Any shorter and first would end up useless not to mention the higher noise levels and fuel usage at speed.
£500 is way, way too much. You're being stiffed. But if you're okay with that............Ah yes, so you've said. I did think about a 3.07 but I mainly drive the car on motorways and the tall gearing makes it surprisingly economical and relaxed. I have a 3.23 in my 325ti and that's as short as I'd like to go. Any shorter and first would end up useless not to mention the higher noise levels and fuel usage at speed.
It's little more than an hour on the ramp to fit one - I do them in 1.5 hours on the ground without air tools. I'd be looking to pay 100 quid labour.
Up to you.
No, you are right, but at the same time I want it done relatively 'right'. I might have a speak around to some trade mates and see what can be done, but for now I don't have the time and it's easy and I know it will be done right, which is handy.
I could also just keep driving it. It hasn't gotten any worse in the past 12,000 miles, but at the same time the noise is annoying me.
I could also just keep driving it. It hasn't gotten any worse in the past 12,000 miles, but at the same time the noise is annoying me.
Seriously - don't pay 500 quid. They're taking the piss out of you.
£300 for an hours work!
A diff is easy - twelve driveshaft bolts, four prop bolts, two 18mm front bolts and the 21mm rear bolt. Bolt the diff in, torque the others up correctly with a dab of threadlock. It's almost impossible to f
k it up.
Don't be in a rush as the diff won't explode - pick up a 2.93 diff and when you come for the rad, I'll fit it for you. £75 okay?
£300 for an hours work!
A diff is easy - twelve driveshaft bolts, four prop bolts, two 18mm front bolts and the 21mm rear bolt. Bolt the diff in, torque the others up correctly with a dab of threadlock. It's almost impossible to f
k it up.Don't be in a rush as the diff won't explode - pick up a 2.93 diff and when you come for the rad, I'll fit it for you. £75 okay?
JakeT said:
You've conviced me. I'm happy to lend a hand where necessary should you need help. Did you get my PM? I sent one, not sure if it got caught in your SPAM filter.
Quarry Motors are a good source for diffs. They must have a 2.93 Type 188 diff. To be fair a 3.07 won't make a very noticeable difference. A 3.46 certainly would.
Always something to be done...
Had a right palaver with the bonnet cable last week. The short cable from the handle to the junction box under the bonnet snapped. Managed to get the bonnet open again with the only casualty being the clips that hold the grilles in place. At 18 years old they've done well enough. Got a new Gen BMW cable for £27 and grilles are supposedly in the post from Poland. Bonnet now opens much nicer than it ever has. MOT looms, getting it tested on Tuesday. Hopefully the corrosion bug has been kind to it.
See below for my lovely method of holding in the grilles... Sunday Service tomorrow.
Had a right palaver with the bonnet cable last week. The short cable from the handle to the junction box under the bonnet snapped. Managed to get the bonnet open again with the only casualty being the clips that hold the grilles in place. At 18 years old they've done well enough. Got a new Gen BMW cable for £27 and grilles are supposedly in the post from Poland. Bonnet now opens much nicer than it ever has. MOT looms, getting it tested on Tuesday. Hopefully the corrosion bug has been kind to it.
See below for my lovely method of holding in the grilles... Sunday Service tomorrow.
Another update for the thing, keeps tramping on. Almost at 120,000 miles now.
Took it on Holiday to France last week. Down to near Toulouse and then back via Bourges and Reims.
Covered roughly 1,700 miles in total and not a hiccup in the slightest. Before that I did do some preventative maintenance which included the following
- Hella expansion tank
- Genuine BMW expansion tank cap
- Hella Radiator
- EIS A/C condenser
- Waterpump
- Thermostat
- Upper and lower hoses
- Lower hose temp sender
- Both belts
New G48 Coolant and gas for the A/C system also went in. This was done because the pump, ET, and thermostat were all original. The rad had been replaced with a Nissens unit, but was bowed and leaking.The A/C condenser also was leaking, and original. I didn't want to be left at the side of the road having to deal with French breakdown agents when it's so hot outside. The years trouble free ticket also made it worth it. Now the thing uses no oil or water at all.
It took the 720 mile drive with ease. Relaxed with cruise set to 80 and ate the miles easily. Managed to have some fun on quiet french roads that are great in certain places and so quiet it would make the highlands look busy. Even swallowed luggage for two and *some* wine on the way back. This is becoming my favourite car ever. Does whatever I ask it to, and it's isn't nice enough cosmetically for me to worry about. Not to mention it drives better than 99% of other E46s out there by now. All new suspension helps. There's surface rust on the floor pans which I need to sort out. A grind back and sealing is what it needs. I'll tend to that at the next oil change which is approaching.
Relaxing after a massive drive.
Cruising through the heat coming up through France. Little did we know it would climb to a high of 37 on that drive.
Parked underground at our swanky hotel in Reims looking like a true road warrior. Lots of bugs smashed!
Took it on Holiday to France last week. Down to near Toulouse and then back via Bourges and Reims.
Covered roughly 1,700 miles in total and not a hiccup in the slightest. Before that I did do some preventative maintenance which included the following
- Hella expansion tank
- Genuine BMW expansion tank cap
- Hella Radiator
- EIS A/C condenser
- Waterpump
- Thermostat
- Upper and lower hoses
- Lower hose temp sender
- Both belts
New G48 Coolant and gas for the A/C system also went in. This was done because the pump, ET, and thermostat were all original. The rad had been replaced with a Nissens unit, but was bowed and leaking.The A/C condenser also was leaking, and original. I didn't want to be left at the side of the road having to deal with French breakdown agents when it's so hot outside. The years trouble free ticket also made it worth it. Now the thing uses no oil or water at all.
It took the 720 mile drive with ease. Relaxed with cruise set to 80 and ate the miles easily. Managed to have some fun on quiet french roads that are great in certain places and so quiet it would make the highlands look busy. Even swallowed luggage for two and *some* wine on the way back. This is becoming my favourite car ever. Does whatever I ask it to, and it's isn't nice enough cosmetically for me to worry about. Not to mention it drives better than 99% of other E46s out there by now. All new suspension helps. There's surface rust on the floor pans which I need to sort out. A grind back and sealing is what it needs. I'll tend to that at the next oil change which is approaching.
Relaxing after a massive drive.
Cruising through the heat coming up through France. Little did we know it would climb to a high of 37 on that drive.
Parked underground at our swanky hotel in Reims looking like a true road warrior. Lots of bugs smashed!
Good old E46s are great for racking the miles up. I caught up my friend who has my old 328i saloon this week. It’s still going strong, just getting scabby rear arches.
I did have them tidied up but it was a grind off, fill and paint job, not a full new wheel arch like I did my self on my last 330. If you’re checking the floor on yours, pay close attention to all the grommets including those in the rear arches. It’s worth removing the side skirts too and checking under them.
I did have them tidied up but it was a grind off, fill and paint job, not a full new wheel arch like I did my self on my last 330. If you’re checking the floor on yours, pay close attention to all the grommets including those in the rear arches. It’s worth removing the side skirts too and checking under them.
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