E46 330ci Sport - Polish a turd?

[gregs656]

RanchoGrande said:

another question that perhaps someone could help me with:

Seeing as my bolster has ripped through, it's got me thinking - perhaps I could replace the interior with a set of leathers as there seem to be quite a few full sets kicking around on ebay. Has anyone done an interior switch before? Is it something that can be done at home or is more technical than that.

It's quite straight forward, just takes a bit of time - I nearly suggested you do that in my first post. The Alcantara does seem very prone to the bolster tearing, which is a shame as I really it.

[RanchoGrande]

daemon said:

An interior swap to leather would be a good idea. However a repair is easier and cheap these days.

Its unusual for a 330Ci not to have leather? I take it its Alcantara?

Yes, it's the cloth/alcantara combo - I think this was standard but often upgraded. It was the only I saw at the time with these seats and I must admit, it was the only thing I wasn't sure about when I picked this car. As it happens, it's actually quite nice but the alcantara sections are prone to bobbling and wearing though, like mine have.

I'm going to look into the cost of a repair vs. a whole interior swap. I saw some on ebay earlier for around £300 including shipping which didn't seem too bad, although if I have to factor in an install job it could take the cost to around £500.

[RanchoGrande]

RanchoGrande said:

s m said:

The cigarette lighter is probably down to phone chargers - remove the fuse/battery and bend the tabs inside back carefully. Often get similar if phone charger works but lighter doesn't -

Going to go and check this today, I only ever use it for phone chargers so it probably is this. thank you

Turns out it was the fuse....

[jayemm89]

RanchoGrande said:

I do recall seeing somewhere that you can get them wrapped in the same carbon trim - may investigate that again as they are really scratched up on the door handles.

Shady's carbon did mine

He now goes under http://mtecdynamics.com/

Superb work, really top job

[RanchoGrande]

jayemm89 said:

Shady's carbon did mine

He now goes under http://mtecdynamics.com/

Superb work, really top job

Excellent, thank you

[s m]

RanchoGrande said:

RanchoGrande said:

s m said:

The cigarette lighter is probably down to phone chargers - remove the fuse/battery and bend the tabs inside back carefully. Often get similar if phone charger works but lighter doesn't -

Going to go and check this today, I only ever use it for phone chargers so it probably is this. thank you

Turns out it was the fuse....

[RanchoGrande]

I got the new indicator yesterday to replace the loose/steamed up one and it transpires there are 2 types of indicator fitments: 1 is a clip in type the other is screwed in. Apparently they changed the fitting in 2001 although it's not commonly known until you go to change the indicator.

I didn't know this so I ended up with the clip in type despite the ebay seller claiming that the part would fit E46 coupes up until 2003. Anyway, I'm now trying to find one which is the screw in type but all the ebay sellers which have them only seem to use a stock image of the indicator which does not show the rear fitting. I'm a little reluctant to keep on ordering them on the off chance I'll get sent the correct type! I've messaged a few to see if they can tell me what fittings they are so hopefully I'll get the right one soon.

In the meantime, I just have a bare bulb dangling out the front as the old one has totally fallen out now - it's a great look.