BMW E46 330dA Touring

[helix402]

Still doing what I bought it for:

[helix402]

I have an assortment of BMW diagnostic equipment, the laptop one pictured is BMW Rheingold (also known as ISTA D/P). The small unit is a Creator C110, very cheap but handy for quick info and also on-board diagnosis. It has been superceeded by a newer model which has more model coverage. This one lives in the boot.

[helix402]

New centre prop bearing and housing on today, here's the old one:





No more nasty bangs. The old one had no butyl tape on it, I guess it's a new addition. I put some on the new one.

[helix402]

The egr is back on. After 1k miles with the delete part on I found the mpg was worse. I have cleaned and refitted the original egr valve, ready for an 800 mile bank holiday weekend. I still need to fit my purple tag rack, drove a 330Ci today and remembered what a difference the rack makes. The early 330ds have a very over assisted rack.

[helix402]

Parked next another to another 330 today. That's only done 150k miles-1 owner, I've done quite a lot of work on it. New rear trailing arm bushes, 1 new front damper, new front brake hose, new handbrake shoes. Also had 4 wheel alignment.

[helix402]

Another 330.....

[helix402]

Did some work on the car this week. A coolant pipe spilt so that was changed for a new BMW one, also changed the fuel pipe to the filter from the high pressure pump. Two new rear tyres, Conti Sport Contact 5.

[helix402]

If you are a BMW anorak notice the correct "M" badge alignment relative to the M of the M of B"M"W wheel centre badge. Also the genuine BMW metal dust cap. It makes me happy anyway. Also the locking wheel bolt should be as far away from the valve as possible.

[helix402]

With its younger bigger brother (only done 180k):

[helix402]

New MOT today:



And next to an F31:



Interesting to compare the two side by side. The door trim panel material on The F31 is very low quality and reminds me of a pre production E36 Compact I trained on.

[helix402]

Just put the purple tag rack from my 328 on. What an improvement! It makes the whole car feel tighter. If you have an E46 without one, do it. They are only around £75 used. Just waiting on my 24mm front anti roll bar, I would like a 20mm rear but haven't found one yet. Might have to do with a 19.

[helix402]

Yes, there's lots of advice out there. I have some knowledge of them as I have worked on them since they were launched!

[helix402]

New thermostat today:



That was the original one!

[helix402]

Popped a new drivers seat in today, from an E46 Coupe. I bought two front seats for £10, one worn out, one good. I then made one good seat and removed the tilt function. The reason for no sport passenger seat is my wife and doesn't like them. Yes I know it doesn't match a leather interior, but it's my car and I like it! 24mm front arb on, 19mm has arrived for the back.

[helix402]

I am one of those folk!

[helix402]

19mm rear anti roll bar on today, with all new gen. BMW bushes and links. It came from a 328Ci.

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[helix402]

No MV2s on mine. I find they are a little delicate, they look good but are prone to cracks and bends. I have Style 68s. The E90 320i had the N43 engine, renowned for it's problems.

[helix402]

Sorry that hear of your gearbox woes. Depending on the failure I have a spare tcc solenoid, filter and sump gasket for the GM box.

[helix402]

helix402 said:

Sorry that hear of your gearbox woes. Depending on the failure I have a spare tcc solenoid, filter and sump gasket for the GM box.

Drop me a PM if they'd be any good to you.

[helix402]

If I hear of a gearbox I'll let you know. I know some people go for a manual conversion.