Another 328i, this ones an E46
Discussion
Little update. Changed the gearbox (ZF 5HP19/ A5S-325Z) oil, filter and sump gasket. I used a genuine sump plug gasket and the correct Mobil LT71141 oil. When the oil is changed the level needs checking at 30-50 degs C. The gear change is improved with the new oil, it changes quicker when cold.
I decided against fitting the Z4M control arm bushes as I like the steering as it is, I put a pair of Lemforder ones on. The Z4 ones may be for sale on EBay.
I decided against fitting the Z4M control arm bushes as I like the steering as it is, I put a pair of Lemforder ones on. The Z4 ones may be for sale on EBay.
Edited by helix402 on Monday 31st August 16:49
Today I removed the auxiliary air pump and valve, it was leaking at first then the motor became noisy. The purpose of the valve: to inject extra air into the exhaust manifold on cold starts to increase the speed with which the cats warm up, therefore reducing cold start emissions.
BMW fitted the system to the M52tu, on the M54 they decided it was superfluous.
Here's how to remove it: unbolt and unplug the whole lot (10mm nuts). Fit the M54 blanking plug (11 12 1 438 086) to the valve take off point. Replace the perished vacuum hose with silicon and plug the end with a screw.
This will not illuminate the DME warning light-unless you live in America where there are very tight emissions laws.
I am aware that I could have removed the whole vacuum line and plugged it at the rear of the engine, but didn't fancy removing the coil cover. Maybe another day.
BMW fitted the system to the M52tu, on the M54 they decided it was superfluous.
Here's how to remove it: unbolt and unplug the whole lot (10mm nuts). Fit the M54 blanking plug (11 12 1 438 086) to the valve take off point. Replace the perished vacuum hose with silicon and plug the end with a screw.
This will not illuminate the DME warning light-unless you live in America where there are very tight emissions laws.
I am aware that I could have removed the whole vacuum line and plugged it at the rear of the engine, but didn't fancy removing the coil cover. Maybe another day.
Edited by helix402 on Saturday 29th August 13:42
Edited by helix402 on Saturday 29th August 17:59
Here's the info on the viscous to electric fan swop:
The manual petrol E46 comes with an electric fan, part no: 17117561757. The auto comes with a viscous fan and en electric fan.
I saw a few people on "the net" had removed the viscous fan from their autos and fitted an electric one. It's a straight swap, the electric fan plugs onto the aux. fan plug. Remove both old fans and fit one electric fan. The benefits of the electric fan are, less load on the engine and quicker to remove.
I bought a used electric fan for £30 and fitted it. I like testing things when making changes so here are the results:
All readings at idle in degrees C (max temps measured): first temp viscous+aux, second electric.
Gearbox oil temp: 109 (114)
Engine coolant temp: 104 (106)
Radiator outlet: 100 (92)
Engine oil temp: 127 (140)
So it seems the sole electric on a fan is ok for the coolant and gearbox (just) temps, but not the engine oil. I put the viscous back on.
The manual petrol E46 comes with an electric fan, part no: 17117561757. The auto comes with a viscous fan and en electric fan.
I saw a few people on "the net" had removed the viscous fan from their autos and fitted an electric one. It's a straight swap, the electric fan plugs onto the aux. fan plug. Remove both old fans and fit one electric fan. The benefits of the electric fan are, less load on the engine and quicker to remove.
I bought a used electric fan for £30 and fitted it. I like testing things when making changes so here are the results:
All readings at idle in degrees C (max temps measured): first temp viscous+aux, second electric.
Gearbox oil temp: 109 (114)
Engine coolant temp: 104 (106)
Radiator outlet: 100 (92)
Engine oil temp: 127 (140)
So it seems the sole electric on a fan is ok for the coolant and gearbox (just) temps, but not the engine oil. I put the viscous back on.
Service due in 2k miles and as you would expect we have a low oil warning light on when starting!
Today I popped the car up on my lift to give it the once over before the Christmas driving begins. What did I find? Cam cover gasket leaking, ordered. O/s/f arb upper link bush split, link changed-Lemforder.
And.....floor cracked! 🙁. One crack visible by the n/s/r subframe bush, one by the o/s near the brake pipes. I pick up a TMS plate kit tommorow from an eBay purchase.
And.....floor cracked! 🙁. One crack visible by the n/s/r subframe bush, one by the o/s near the brake pipes. I pick up a TMS plate kit tommorow from an eBay purchase.
I went away for the weekend, took the BMW as I need to put some tyres on the other car. We returned from our trip to the panto to find a naughty person had snapped the o/s mirror off. I have electric folding mirrors which were folded in so it wasn't an accident.
I have previously had the n/s mirror snapped off, also when folded in. I do wonder what goes through people's minds, "ooh that car has mirrors folded in to prevent damage, I know I'll snap one off, that'll learn em, only one though as to snap two would require too much effort" I know that my car is an old BMW (with some cracks on the floor), but it's one that I have spent some time and money looking after. Both times the vandals have struck the car has been clean. It only cost £40 for a second hand mirror, the pointlessness of the damage is what saddens/angers me. Happy Christmas!
I have previously had the n/s mirror snapped off, also when folded in. I do wonder what goes through people's minds, "ooh that car has mirrors folded in to prevent damage, I know I'll snap one off, that'll learn em, only one though as to snap two would require too much effort" I know that my car is an old BMW (with some cracks on the floor), but it's one that I have spent some time and money looking after. Both times the vandals have struck the car has been clean. It only cost £40 for a second hand mirror, the pointlessness of the damage is what saddens/angers me. Happy Christmas!
Might have to take you up on that - there's a list as long as your arm! As you say there aren't many left so trying to keep this one limping on until I can spend some proper money on it - we extended the house this year so unfortunately that sapped all my cash!
And that's a nice bit of trivia, surprised they couldn't stretch to a 525 though!
And that's a nice bit of trivia, surprised they couldn't stretch to a 525 though!
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