The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread

[JakeT]

It was Ethomas who had a crack in the boot floor of his. It should also be noted that BMW changed the mounting after Feb 2000 build cars, which all customer compacts are.

[dirtychinchilla]

I'm sure I've asked this before, but to anyone who has done a DIY VANOS replacement, as an amateur mechanic, how did you find it? I'm strongly considering it as I really can't afford to pay someone to do it for me, but just need to know whether I'm going to be completely out of my depth or not.

Also, I intend to replace the gasket, but did you replace anything other than what's in the kit below? (this is a pretty comprehensive kit actually)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOR-BMW-DUAL-VANOS-SET-K...

[helix402]

The kit looks good. My only advice is that pattern cam cover gaskets tend to last only a year or two. Genuine ones last many years.

[dirtychinchilla]

So I might be better off buying something like the following, and buying the gasket separately?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-DUAL-VANOS-REPAIR-SE...

[s m]

VBH tests the E46 Compact on Top Gear

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RoFoMKTXDQk

[helix402]

dirtychinchilla said:

So I might be better off buying something like the following, and buying the gasket separately?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-DUAL-VANOS-REPAIR-SE...

Yes, you also need the metal gasket between the Vanos and the head.

[JakeT]

s m said:

VBH tests the E46 Compact on Top Gear

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RoFoMKTXDQk

Funnily enough I saw this yesterday too. Seems like it's a car with pretty much the exact same spec as mine too. Suits, as mine was a dealer demo originally.

[T0M]

helix402 said:

dirtychinchilla said:

So I might be better off buying something like the following, and buying the gasket separately?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-DUAL-VANOS-REPAIR-SE...

Yes, you also need the metal gasket between the Vanos and the head.

I'm tempted to give this a go on mine too. Any thoughts/tales from people here that have done the job themselves (especially for someone that isn't a hobbyist mechanic like myself...)

[GeetarGee]

Hey, does anyone know much about this car? Seen a few pics of it posted in this forum before and it is up for sale. Previous owner on here?

I would be interested if it wasn't priced so high and in Ireland! Love the colour.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

Also the pics on the advert are exactly the same as ones on here from 2015!! Is the seller trying to hide something? I am seriously interested but want some opinions before picking up the phone

Edited by GeetarGee on Tuesday 31st January 17:41

[Rsdop]

T0M said:

I'm tempted to give this a go on mine too. Any thoughts/tales from people here that have done the job themselves (especially for someone that isn't a hobbyist mechanic like myself...)

Its not difficult to do the Vanos seals, but tbh if you haven't done any amateur mechanics before I'd be apprehensive to attempt it as a first job. The seals are the easy part, there is a bit of stripping down involved to get the unit itself off the car and you need a good selection of tools. I'm far from a mechanic but have done most jobs over the years, but was still relieved when it fired up after reassembly!

[Fishy Dave]

I changed my vanos seals last year, I found it straight forward. Harder than changing discs and pads but easier than something like a clutch.I followed a guide I found on a forum following a google search.

[T0M]

Thanks, will read the guides a few times and see how I feel. I should have all the tools.

[T0M]

Has anyone had to have clutch replaced? Although mine isn't slipping at all, clutch bite is pretty close to the top of pedal travel. Until I get slippage I wouldn't look to change it, especially given it looks quite a pricey job on these. Does the DMF always need to be replaced at same time? Or can you get away with clutch only if done before slippage occurs?

[helix402]

Dmf is usually not needed with a clutch change.

[Mgd_uk]

T0M said:

Has anyone had to have clutch replaced? Although mine isn't slipping at all, clutch bite is pretty close to the top of pedal travel. Until I get slippage I wouldn't look to change it, especially given it looks quite a pricey job on these. Does the DMF always need to be replaced at same time? Or can you get away with clutch only if done before slippage occurs?

From memory it will need a special tool to fit the clutch as it's a self adjusting clutch in these.

[helix402]

To fit the special tool is just an alignment pin. (Unique to the clutch).

[Andrew Kettle]

I have been looking at getting some new wheels for the compact, as the original alloys are in need of a refurb and I quite like the look of the mv2's.

Wheel sizes and offsets etc is not my strong point.

I have seen a set of mv2's in fairly good condition from a breakers near me for £250.00 which is cheaper than getting my 4 refurbed, and I will then be able to sell mine on.

They are 18" from a 2004 1 series, will they fit? - I know that the 18" will be fine but will the width and offset be okay?

And for those who have them - is there much difference in ride quality between 17" and 18"?

[helix402]

1 series wheels will fit but the offset is different. The 18" wheels are also more prone to bends and cracks.

[ethomas]

JakeT said:

It was Ethomas who had a crack in the boot floor of his. It should also be noted that BMW changed the mounting after Feb 2000 build cars, which all customer compacts are.

ETA motorsport found a 5cm crack on my boot floor when it was in for reinforcement. I was swapping out the subframe and diff so made sense to have the plates welded in at the same time.

[kylepiggy85]

Hey guys proud owner of a 2001 325ti 124k got some small niggles with car but im in the trade so no problem for me. to be fair its in good nick for the age of the car. also a bonus someone has offered me 500 for the wheels as Style 39 E36 M3 DS2 are rare apparently and only paid 600 for the car just involved a 700 mile round trip but so worth it.