My BMW E46 330i Sport
Discussion
ajb85 said:
petrolveins said:
plan is keep this 2 years or so and get an E39 M5.
Don't do it! keep it simple with the 6s. As much as I love them, E39 M5s are full of electrical gremlins, with a multitude of sensors that go up the wall. Pick a wrong 'un and it'll cripple your pocket.In other news, front brakes have been done, annoyingly they are squeaking which they shouldn't so my mechanic is taking it back for another look, on the upside the brakes already seem very good compared to the well worn items taken off. I am also about to order an alcantara steering wheel for it, much like on the US-Spec ZHP models, and I'm looking also to retrofit Xenon headlights, spent a solid day reading it up online and reckon it's do-able for not a huge budget.
On a final note, a 330i with 255 rear tyres does not mix well with mud. Got mine stuck for 20minutes yesterday after letting a car pass me on a narrow road, got one wheel in the mud and then as I tried to move off it slid sideways and I got both the rear wheels stuck. I resorted to phoning a mate in his Merc, but blind determination and surprisingly the use of the traction control got me out before he turned up.
Max M4X WW said:
What is the deal with Xenons? Can you just fit the units and not bother with the auto levelling? Looks like you have washers.
Xenons are so much brighter, and when the new MOT comes in law requires them to have auto sensors and washers, already got the washers though. I don't like the aftermarket HID route either, want to stay OEM.sparks_E39 said:
That rust will spread eventually, it won't stay put. At the moment you could probably get that done for less than £150. Saying that mine hasn't got worse at all in a year, in the new year I'll get it done though.
If I could get it done for £150 I might, but I'm looking at double that.Another update, new rear tyres needed, just about getting down to the limit. These are the Falken FK452s, I know I've given them abuse, and there has been a fair amount of smoke from them, but 5 months isn't a long time for a set. I'm looking at Vredsteins to replace them, and might as well get rid of the ditch-finders on the front too.
Clivey said:
Whilst I realise that it's your car, I strongly urge you to sort out any rust etc. before you start spending money on things like Xenons. - If your 330 is in good nick, it's worth spending the money on. When I get the one I want, no expense will be spared as they just don't make 'em like that any more!
You make a very good point actually. Why am I putting xenons ahead of rust treatment. Gonna shop around for more quotes.wackojacko said:
Contisport contact 3's or pilot sport 2's on the front and ditch finders on the rear, it's the only way 
At work we've swapped sponsorship from Pirelli to Continental and the guys are impressed, but for the reviews and price I can't see much better than the Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 2, and I don't quite want to go ditchfinder on the rear. I'm looking at the Vredstein Ultrac Sessanta, they're the same price as the Falkens, better reviews and have the most pretty tread pattern ever.Stedman said:
Really enjoying the RTs I've got. Former sidewalls than the Goodyears. Wet grip is very good with both
I've read the Dunlops aren't good for tram-lining on the E46, many people really rate the Goodyears on the E46, and the Michelins too. Though I do believe that Dunlop and Conti were the OEM tyres.
Max M4X WW said:
petrolveins said:
I'm looking at the Vredstein Ultrac Sessanta, they're the same price as the Falkens, better reviews and have the most pretty tread pattern ever.
These are good, but have been as good as replaced with the Ultrac Vorti I think. Cuuld be worth a look? Tread pattern is more 'Michelin' though.
Max M4X WW said:
petrolveins said:
Max M4X WW said:
petrolveins said:
I'm looking at the Vredstein Ultrac Sessanta, they're the same price as the Falkens, better reviews and have the most pretty tread pattern ever.
These are good, but have been as good as replaced with the Ultrac Vorti I think. Cuuld be worth a look? Tread pattern is more 'Michelin' though.Tyres are due this week, will get the MOT done at the same time.
Hate to say it but I'm coming back round to wanting to sell it again, found another scrape on it this morning from a moron who can't drive. It's causing me a lot of agro and upset, bloody love the thing, but I can't give it what it deserves, and being parked in a street with people who don't give a f
k about their little stboxes or anyone else is not right for it. It also strikes me I'm sitting on rather a big lump of money that is slowly becoming less. If you've seen my other thread, I was looking at getting a second car, truth be told, I want a second car to distract me from the E46 so I can let it go.
Going to go speak to a few people this week see if it's worth what I think it is.
Hate to say it but I'm coming back round to wanting to sell it again, found another scrape on it this morning from a moron who can't drive. It's causing me a lot of agro and upset, bloody love the thing, but I can't give it what it deserves, and being parked in a street with people who don't give a f
k about their little stboxes or anyone else is not right for it. It also strikes me I'm sitting on rather a big lump of money that is slowly becoming less. If you've seen my other thread, I was looking at getting a second car, truth be told, I want a second car to distract me from the E46 so I can let it go.Going to go speak to a few people this week see if it's worth what I think it is.
Another update, new rear tyres went on the morning and car passed the MOT after, advisory for small chip to windscreen and that fuel filler cap seal is cracking. I'm sure eBay will sort that out for me.
This car is going to ruin me, my head says I really ought to sell it, but every time I get behind the wheel I just fall in love. It's difficult at Uni when you don't use it for week, walk past it see a scratch and think 'to hell with the bloody thing, more hassle than it's worth' but then you get in it and mechanically its spot on and that really is what matters. It is staying. In fact something might be joining it soon.
Oh and the old tyres got thrown away almost entirely bald. Yesterday they were still legal. Might have some photos to share in a bit.
This car is going to ruin me, my head says I really ought to sell it, but every time I get behind the wheel I just fall in love. It's difficult at Uni when you don't use it for week, walk past it see a scratch and think 'to hell with the bloody thing, more hassle than it's worth' but then you get in it and mechanically its spot on and that really is what matters. It is staying. In fact something might be joining it soon.
Oh and the old tyres got thrown away almost entirely bald. Yesterday they were still legal. Might have some photos to share in a bit.
Well too much spent at my desk today doing coursework has resulted into much research into retrofitting xenon healights. None of this HID kit bks. As a result a set of Bi-Xenon headlights have been purchased from eBay, taken off a 330d, and a Light Control Module from a M3. Very excited. Will plug and play, will need my Indy to sort out the error codes and install the new LCM, and then Xenons will be mine. Although for full Bi-Xenon functionality will need to get handy with the soldering iron and wiring diagrams. Cannot wait!
ks. As a result a set of Bi-Xenon headlights have been purchased from eBay, taken off a 330d, and a Light Control Module from a M3. Very excited. Will plug and play, will need my Indy to sort out the error codes and install the new LCM, and then Xenons will be mine. Although for full Bi-Xenon functionality will need to get handy with the soldering iron and wiring diagrams. Cannot wait!Max M4X WW said:
Sounds good, how much were they? Don't often see the facelift Xenons for sale.
I've been watching them for about a month, let them end several times and get relisted, in the end got them for £350. Will see how I get on fitting them next week. Pretty chuffed with that price, usually go for £500 or so.Clivey said:
Sounds great! Planning on retrofitting anything else?
I'll need to work hard on retrofitting the levelling sensors before the next MOT next year. Want them to be as though they had been factory fit. As for other retro-fits, I've got all the other factory options I could want. Xenon was the only one I really missed. Thought about Sat-Nav with the 16:9 screen but I like the dash as it is and TomTom maps will be far superior. Next plans are Alcantara steering wheel, BMW Performance Short Shift Kit, Eisenmann Exhaust and then some suspension work and possible remap.I've added another year onto my time at Uni, so going to keep this and get it exactly where I want it, then after I graduate I want to move onto the M Stuff, with a mint E39 M5 at the top of the list.
Clivey said:
Excellent. How are your alcantara seats wearing? Mine have some wear on the front seat side bolsters where you get in and out. - If I were planning on keeping the car, I'd probably get them re-trimmed. I think I'll go for heated leather next time (though I've noticed the bolsters wear quickly on the cars with leather too)!
Little bit bobbly, I was gonna de-bobble them but never get round to it, other than that they look fine. So glad I have them over the leather. Did think about a possible retrofit for heated seats, but don't think it's worth it for the few minutes my bum is cold. Would rather it sound better.wackojacko said:
My alcantaras are wearing very well aswell.
I do consciously try not to brush against then when getting in/out of the car
Really? My interior is filthy, my £7 floor mats are caked in mud, and the seats, well I just get in and out of the car. I would like the bolsters to be tighter though. They are a bid wide and would like them to be a more snug fit, wonder if I could get them adjusted?I do consciously try not to brush against then when getting in/out of the car
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