g3org3y's shedtastic £900 BMW E46 330Ci

[helix402]

I’ve got a pair of black Nappa M3 E46 front seats for sale if you fancy sport seats.

[Mr-B]

Heated seats shed style

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAC-Universal-12v-Heate...

Aldi or Lidl have something similar occasionally with their special offers.

[dhutch]

g3org3y said:

Yes, the M54 likes to rev. For me, a different character to the M52 (2.8) which felt like a slug of torque and then running out of puff towards the red line. The M54 is much more progressive and feels strong all the way to the top.

Very willing little engine isnt it, obviously its a 2.0l inline 4 with an extra two cylinders on the end, so there is no reason at all why it shouldnt rev well, but it is very nice that it does. Coupled with the very long 'rep mobile' cruising gearbox actually works really well, and while I expect the lower ratios of the 325ti compact feels a bit more sporty and nibble at time, I really like the box I have; for commuting to work or driving up the M6 to the Lakes for a week, or a weeks road trip with uni mates around the back lanes Ireland, it just works. I haven't driven a 6sp but I understand the bulk of the box has very similar ratios, at which point its just one less gear change, happy days!


Daniel

[g3org3y]

helix402 said:

I’ve got a pair of black Nappa M3 E46 front seats for sale if you fancy sport seats.

Sounds a bit fancy for my shed. I'll buy a cushion.

dhutch said:

g3org3y said:

Yes, the M54 likes to rev. For me, a different character to the M52 (2.8) which felt like a slug of torque and then running out of puff towards the red line. The M54 is much more progressive and feels strong all the way to the top.

Very willing little engine isnt it, obviously its a 2.0l inline 4 with an extra two cylinders on the end, so there is no reason at all why it shouldnt rev well, but it is very nice that it does. Coupled with the very long 'rep mobile' cruising gearbox actually works really well, and while I expect the lower ratios of the 325ti compact feels a bit more sporty and nibble at time, I really like the box I have; for commuting to work or driving up the M6 to the Lakes for a week, or a weeks road trip with uni mates around the back lanes Ireland, it just works. I haven't driven a 6sp but I understand the bulk of the box has very similar ratios, at which point its just one less gear change, happy days!
Daniel

I remember reading the 6th gear was almost like an overdrive for motorway speeds. I suspect would help with economy on a run.

Mr-B said:

Heated seats shed style

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAC-Universal-12v-Heate...

Aldi or Lidl have something similar occasionally with their special offers.

Or buy another car with heated seats?

[pmorg4]

g3org3y said:

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the M54 likes to rev. For me, a different character to the M52 (2.8) which felt like a slug of torque and then running out of puff towards the red line. The M54 is much more progressive and feels strong all the way to the top.

I really enjoyed owning my E36 328 Touring. Compared to that, the E46 feels a bit softer and vaguer in the steering. But tbf, the same could be said of the E36 vs my E30.

E91 is a good car. It feels a lot more modern (and in M Sport trim, looks pretty modern) and just overall a more polished product. A few people grumble about the interior, but I think it's decent. Needs to be in a good colour combo to work well though. The N52 is a great engine, keep it high in the revs and it really does fly. Bit of a leaky git though. Manual E90s are not that common. Manual E91s are especially rare. I looked at N53s as well, but as you say (and as is documented in the straight six bearding thread) potentially problematic. As it was a car for the wife, wanted something relatively trouble free.

The M52 likes revs too, but for reasons unknown the E36 328 has a restrictive inlet manifold (apparently it's the same flow rate as the one in the 320). It's a common mod to fit the manifold from the earlier 325 which is quite obviously bigger, which gives a bit more power but more importantly gets rid of that "brick wall" feeling when the engine hits 5000 RPM making for a much more enjoyable drive. I think an E36 328 with the manifold change and ideally a remapped ECU to make the most of the manifold (both of which I'd done in my 328 Sport) brings its power delivery very close to the E46 330. The M3 diff on the 328 was the icing on the cake, lower ratio works well with the more rev happy engine after the manifold swap, and LSD just makes it more usable. Fitting an LSD to a non-M E46 is comparatively big money, which just doesn't make sense in a cheap car.

Thanks for the info on the E91. It sounds like it could be an ideal replacement for the E46 in my current circumstances. I do have a browse now and then, and I agree they are rare in manual (which surprises me with a revvy petrol engine - I can see the logic in matching a diesel to an automatic). However there always seem to be at least a few on sale if you're prepared to travel to buy one, so when the time comes I'm sure I can find one. I've always been happy to travel the around the country to buy specific cars, one example being a manual 840Ci which is a rare car indeed!

g3org3y said:

130i is just too small for us with baby + dog.

I've actually toyed with the idea of an X5 (E70) but they are almost all diesel or (problematic) V8s. N52 engined ones are very rare indeed!

I did the golf tee mod on my old E36 328 saloon. Did probably sound louder but must admit it was so long ago, can't remember!



(And yes, those are aftermarket angel eyes, t'was the fashion in those days. )

Edited by g3org3y on Friday 3rd July 21:33

I toyed with the idea of a 130i for a while and dismissed it for the same reason. Every now and then I come back to the idea though, trying to justify to myself why it's a sensible choice and that I can live with the small size. I'm sure it would be a cracking car to drive, if only the reality of life didn't get in the way!

Incidentally, a good friend of mine has had a number of X5s, mainly older models, and I've driven them all. He started off with a 3.0 M54 (same as 330) manual, loved it although it was a bit underpowered hauling that heavy body and 4WD system. So he swapped it for a 4.6is (which although a factory BMW model, had the V8 engine with some Alpina tweaks to take the power to about 340 BHP). That was surprisingly quick but only available as an automatic and we both agreed it was awful. So he switched back to another 3.0 manual before getting fed up with the lack of power again, and finally settled on a V8 manual Cayenne (which as you can imagine are like rocking horse poo). He lives at the other side of the country from me and it happened that the Cayenne was near me, so I test drove it and arranged the deal for him to buy it sight unseen, with the car being delivered to him on a flatbed. Thankfully he has been delighted with it, that was a few years ago

[therusterman]

pmorg4 said:

The M52 likes revs too, but for reasons unknown the E36 328 has a restrictive inlet manifold (apparently it's the same flow rate as the one in the 320). It's a common mod to fit the manifold from the earlier 325 which is quite obviously bigger, which gives a bit more power but more importantly gets rid of that "brick wall" feeling when the engine hits 5000 RPM making for a much more enjoyable drive.

I've read this was to do with German insurance regulations or categories at the time. The more restrictive manifold kept engine power output of the car within a cheaper bracket.

[g3org3y]

pmorg4 said:

The M52 likes revs too, but for reasons unknown the E36 328 has a restrictive inlet manifold (apparently it's the same flow rate as the one in the 320). It's a common mod to fit the manifold from the earlier 325 which is quite obviously bigger, which gives a bit more power but more importantly gets rid of that "brick wall" feeling when the engine hits 5000 RPM making for a much more enjoyable drive. I think an E36 328 with the manifold change and ideally a remapped ECU to make the most of the manifold (both of which I'd done in my 328 Sport) brings its power delivery very close to the E46 330. The M3 diff on the 328 was the icing on the cake, lower ratio works well with the more rev happy engine after the manifold swap, and LSD just makes it more usable. Fitting an LSD to a non-M E46 is comparatively big money, which just doesn't make sense in a cheap car.

Thanks for the info on the E91. It sounds like it could be an ideal replacement for the E46 in my current circumstances. I do have a browse now and then, and I agree they are rare in manual (which surprises me with a revvy petrol engine - I can see the logic in matching a diesel to an automatic). However there always seem to be at least a few on sale if you're prepared to travel to buy one, so when the time comes I'm sure I can find one. I've always been happy to travel the around the country to buy specific cars, one example being a manual 840Ci which is a rare car indeed!

I actually sold the M50 manifold on my old E36 325i for more than the entire scrap value of the car itself (killed by terminal rust).

I think the E36 328 was a bit a BMW sweet spot. It performed over and above what the official on paper figures suggested.

Autocar got 6.1sec 0-60 for a manual Touring

[pmorg4]

g3org3y said:

I actually sold the M50 manifold on my old E36 325i for more than the entire scrap value of the car itself (killed by terminal rust).

I think the E36 328 was a bit a BMW sweet spot. It performed over and above what the official on paper figures suggested.

Autocar got 6.1sec 0-60 for a manual Touring

There's a good reason why M50 325 manifolds are in such demand

Wow I'm surprised at that 0-60 figure, that suggests that with the manifold mod in a lighter coupe it's going to be dipping into the high 5s. I'd love to have my E36 328 coupe back, but I bet it would cost multiple times what I sold it for if it hasn't been eaten by the rust bug.

I'm sure in years to come I'll be lusting after the E46 when I eventually have to put up with small capacity turbo engines and lifeless steering! Progress eh...

[g3org3y]

pmorg4 said:

There's a good reason why M50 325 manifolds are in such demand

Wow I'm surprised at that 0-60 figure, that suggests that with the manifold mod in a lighter coupe it's going to be dipping into the high 5s. I'd love to have my E36 328 coupe back, but I bet it would cost multiple times what I sold it for if it hasn't been eaten by the rust bug.

I'm sure in years to come I'll be lusting after the E46 when I eventually have to put up with small capacity turbo engines and lifeless steering! Progress eh...

Everyone knows Tourings are quickest.

New rear tyres on the E46. The 255/35 R18 size limits options. Went for Kumho PS71.


Got some bits and pieces I need to fit at some point: control arms, control arm bushings and anti-roll bar links. Maybe will tackle them over the weekend.

In the meantime, collected this yesterday:

[Jakg]

Love the 6!

[JakeT]

Tidy. I'm guessing it's an N52, because it's a pre facelift model? A mate has an N53 one. Drives nicely. Strangely small in the back.

[g3org3y]

Jakg said:

Love the 6!

Thanks!

JakeT said:

Tidy. I'm guessing it's an N52, because it's a pre facelift model? A mate has an N53 one. Drives nicely. Strangely small in the back.

Yes, N52. 3rd N52 of the fleet in actual fact.

Speaking of which, first world problems: having to spend 10 mins moving the cars about to get the one I need (E46) in the garage.

[g3org3y]

A couple of bits done to the E46:

Anti-rollbar link was in need of replacement:


Decided to do both sides, was relatively straightforward with no issues


Looked at the control arms and bushings. They seem fairly solid tbh. Don't think they are causing the creaking.


Changed the differential fluid.

Used this adaptor


New plugs. Genuine BMW items have the washer complete with the plug.


Need a litre and a bit of Castrol Syntrax Longlife 75W90


Ended up being an annoying and messy job. The tubes that came with the ebay siphon/pump kit were quite kinked from being in the packet.

This kind of thing:


Trying to hold it all in place and do the pumping (as the actress said to the bishop) was a bit tricky. Cue frustration, accidents and diff fluid on the garage floor.

Might look at doing the manual transmission fluid as well at some point....

As an aside, here's the new wheel speed sensor in situ:


No warning lights anymore (and full use of ABS and DSC)...which is nice.

Edited by g3org3y on Saturday 11th July 13:24

[g3org3y]

First wash since purchase in Sept 2019.

Was dirty tbf.


AG Shampoo
AG SRP
Meguiar's Gold Class Wax

Sorted out some scratches on the bonnet (caused by my careless reversing into the bush at the end of our drive) using Meguiar's Scratch X.

Before


After


Car nice and clean

[g3org3y]

You know how old BMWs often have issues with the cooling system?



Yeah...that.

[dhutch]

g3org3y said:

You know how old BMWs often have issues with the cooling system?



Yeah...that.

If I got a quid for every time someone said "cooling system is rubbish, replace it all on spec asap" I would be nearly as rich as if I got a quid for every time the E46 sprung a leak after I didn't.

Literally have now done the lot, radiator, rad cap and top hose, then thermostat inc housing, then radiator (again) and header, rad cap, both bottom hoses.

Held of doing the ccv as yet however....

Daniel

[Sf_Manta]

Been there twice before on mine. Last time round the radiator was trying to be circular instead of rectangular.





That said, that one had done several trips to the ring and had done about 20k miles.

I'm looking into replacing the stock one that's in there with a CSF item soon, the hoses on mine are already upgraded to Samco items to prevent those bursting.

http://www.csfrace.eu/CSF-Race-Radiator-for-99-03-...

Edited by Sf_Manta on Friday 24th July 07:58

[JakeT]

Ah Christ. The depressing look of seeing coolant on the undertray. My 328ci leaked the entire time I owned it from underneath the expansion tank. I replaced the rad, expansion tank (twice), the mounting plate for the expansion tank, and all of the hoses. Still leaked! In hot weather it was dead fine though. Never leaked enough to put the light on, but I had to add coolant occasionally.

How big is the leak? If it's not a lot, short term it's liveable. I'm sure the rad is about past its best though.

[PaulGT3]

A good idea to replace the o rings in the coolant hoses that attach to the rad as these can weep especially if they've been on and off a few times.

[g3org3y]

dhutch said:

If I got a quid for every time someone said "cooling system is rubbish, replace it all on spec asap" I would be nearly as rich as if I got a quid for every time the E46 sprung a leak after I didn't.

Literally have now done the lot, radiator, rad cap and top hose, then thermostat inc housing, then radiator (again) and header, rad cap, both bottom hoses.

Got through a few rads (+other bits) during my time with the E36.

Sf_Manta said:

Been there twice before on mine. Last time round the radiator was trying to be circular instead of rectangular.

Sf_Manta said:

I'm looking into replacing the stock one that's in there with a CSF item soon, the hoses on mine are already upgraded to Samco items to prevent those bursting.

http://www.csfrace.eu/CSF-Race-Radiator-for-99-03-...

Whereas I was thinking second cheapest from ECP.

JakeT said:

Ah Christ. The depressing look of seeing coolant on the undertray. My 328ci leaked the entire time I owned it from underneath the expansion tank. I replaced the rad, expansion tank (twice), the mounting plate for the expansion tank, and all of the hoses. Still leaked! In hot weather it was dead fine though. Never leaked enough to put the light on, but I had to add coolant occasionally.

How big is the leak? If it's not a lot, short term it's liveable. I'm sure the rad is about past its best though.

Topped up last night and drove to work and bad this morning. Not actively leaking that I could see when I returned home this evening (though I did drive the car relatively sedately). I've filled up a bottle of water to have in the car, just in case.

PaulGT3 said:

A good idea to replace the o rings in the coolant hoses that attach to the rad as these can weep especially if they've been on and off a few times.

Thanks for the advice, will look into it.