E46 330i Touring

[Jhonno]

Court_S said:

Anything in an arm will just be a whole new arm, but there are a number that pressing the hub etc. A mate has a bearing tool, so I’ll steal that. The subframe is new, so all of those bushes should be good.

My 335i is running a smidge under two degrees of negative camber which seems to work nicely with the alignment done by String Theory (highly recommended if not too far from you).

With the weather starting to turn, it’s getting harder to get stuff done on the drive. I want to get the Eibach’s fitted to the E91 and front dampers on the next week or two plus replace the oil cooler / filter housing gaskets and aux belt.

Similar to an E46 then.. The correct tool will save you a lot of swearing and effort. Funny that

I mean.. If I got that also, I would be very happy! They are quite a way from me, but I have a good relationship with my alignment place, so they will do what I ask for. I've seen some fast road recommendations, so I'll have a look and go from there.

Yeah, last few weeks to get big outside jobs done, without them being miserable, I feel! Hopefully this will leave the 330i good for the winter and beyond, and I can retire to the weatherproof garage and work on my Mustang instead. Front dampers/springs aren't that bad a job, done a few now. They become st when you try and use standard springs and I have to pop to my local friendly garage and ask them nicely to put the springs in the struts for me..

[Jhonno]

Court_S said:

Yeah, who’d have thought that the right tools for the right job back it easy ! It’s even better when you buy half decent ones….I fought with sone really cheap / st Hilka spring compressors that mulkered the powder coating, didn’t compress springs enough etc. Bought a better set and it’s a piece of piss.

Springs and dampers aren’t too bad, it’s the LCA’s on the E9x era cars that I hate because the 21mm nut is a sod to get off and the T40 bit used to counter hold usually loses.

I need four half decent weekends to get what I need done before the winter. It can wait until spring after that. I can do some stuff in my garage but not much. I’ll be able to replaced the CCV and do the valve cover gasket in there. It’s not wide enough for suspension related stuff annoyingly.

Saying that.. I went to fit up the front struts before they go on the car, I used all new hardware from BMW, and I realised my mate had taken his spring compressors back! Somehow I managed to become a human spring compressor and compress the spring/line up the top mount and washer/dust cap/start the nut on it's threads, all at the same time..

Those torx holes are only good for when they are new I feel.. I have snapped a few doing them now. Good luck!



So now I have struts assembled, waiting to be tightened fully/torqued to go back on. Rear dampers also assembled just to check I have all the bits, a mate is sending me some Powerflex top mounts though so will do them again.

Brake lines and calipers are going to be st.. Nothing wants to come undone. I think I will be cutting/reflaring/drilling this weekend..

[Jhonno]

d_a_n1979 said:

It's coming on well pal

Any more major plans?

Not sure if you're a viewer; but Sreten of M539 Restorations has just released his latest E46 330i manual video on his Patreon site (it'll be on YT in a few days); he's converted it from a 325i etc

Thanks..

Major plans? Hmm.. I'd like some better/lighter 18's for it, a light flywheel, maybe a CoolerWorx shifter. I will need to finish the rear end refurb properly - subframe off - also. I've got an Android headunit in there, but I would like to upgrade the stereo further. If I had an endless pool of money I'd like to supercharge it maybe.. I'd like to fit a 20mm rear ARB if one comes up cheap, will upgrade the pads when they are due for a change.

However.. I am hoping all this gives me at least a year of trouble free motoring to enjoy it, so I can concentrate my energies/money on my Mustang and get that finished for next summer.

I think I saw a video of his about his E39 M5? I'll have a look for his E46 ones.. I spend most of my tv time watching American car channels

[Jhonno]

d_a_n1979 said:

Jhonno said:

d_a_n1979 said:

It's coming on well pal

Any more major plans?

Not sure if you're a viewer; but Sreten of M539 Restorations has just released his latest E46 330i manual video on his Patreon site (it'll be on YT in a few days); he's converted it from a 325i etc

Thanks..

Major plans? Hmm.. I'd like some better/lighter 18's for it, a light flywheel, maybe a CoolerWorx shifter. I will need to finish the rear end refurb properly - subframe off - also. I've got an Android headunit in there, but I would like to upgrade the stereo further. If I had an endless pool of money I'd like to supercharge it maybe.. I'd like to fit a 20mm rear ARB if one comes up cheap, will upgrade the pads when they are due for a change.

However.. I am hoping all this gives me at least a year of trouble free motoring to enjoy it, so I can concentrate my energies/money on my Mustang and get that finished for next summer.

I think I saw a video of his about his E39 M5? I'll have a look for his E46 ones.. I spend most of my tv time watching American car channels

Sounds like some good plans... Apex wheels are light & well thought of, not cheap though!

And yes, Sreten's got tons of videos now; well worth seeking out his channel and watching the playlists he's created for each car

https://www.youtube.com/@M539Restorations

I bloody love Apex wheels, but may be a bit out of budget. I'd like to find something sub 10kg, with a 30-35mm offset to sit the wheels better. We shall see.

I'll have a look over the weekend, thanks for the pointer..

Edited by Jhonno on Friday 6th October 10:30

Edited by Jhonno on Friday 6th October 10:30

[Jhonno]

Sf_Manta said:

If you're having the rear subframe off, might be an idea to get the Radish motorrsport subframe kit welded in, certainly stiffened things up when combined with Powerflex bushes from what i found.

As for flywheel kits, I'd highly recommend avoiding the Valeo SMF kit, they're well known for failing. I went with this one https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-parts/performance-... though it's only for the 5 speed as the cluch works with Gatrag boxes, but not the ZF 6 speed.

Yeah, I did plan to weld in reinforcement plates, Redish kit looks good, I like the idea of tying it into the chassis legs with their V3 kit. I'll look at that when the time comes. Thanks! I was going to polybush the subframe also.

Cheers, will remember that, and yes, this is the issue with the 6 speed, no one seems to do a lightweight flywheel for one in the UK, might have to buy a kit from the US when the time comes. Shame TTV don't do one.

[Jhonno]

d_a_n1979 said:

Yup; love them too. Just cannot justify spending £2k on 18" wheels from them that weigh the same as my 18" OEM BMW 405Ms

FYI they're offset 34 and c9kg a corner; if you can find a set, well worth going for



There's a set on eBay currently; genuine OEM BMW:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305168796361?hash=item4...

Yeah they look well! I reckon they would suit. I like the idea of sticking with a BMW wheel also. Do they suffer with the usual BMW cracking issues?

[Jhonno]

d_a_n1979 said:

Jhonno said:

d_a_n1979 said:

Yup; love them too. Just cannot justify spending £2k on 18" wheels from them that weigh the same as my 18" OEM BMW 405Ms

FYI they're offset 34 and c9kg a corner; if you can find a set, well worth going for



There's a set on eBay currently; genuine OEM BMW:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305168796361?hash=item4...

Yeah they look well! I reckon they would suit. I like the idea of sticking with a BMW wheel also. Do they suffer with the usual BMW cracking issues?

Fortunately no as IIRC they're forged, hence their weight... And 18s too, so more meat on the tyres

Awesome. That's a win from me. I will keep an eye out when I have some spare £££ Just haven't got the spare £ atm for those eBay ones, but if they go for around £500 that would be sensible! Some of those prices on eBay are mad.

[Jhonno]

Working in Engineering on a manufacturing site has it's perks..



Made use of a proper tool for the job and finished pressing the aluminium outers into the lollypops.. I had got them started at home, but heat transfer from the lollypop to the frozen outer was rapid and a cobbled together tool was making it hard work, when I could just bring it into work and use the proper tool..



Done. Ready to attack it over the weekend now. Everything I think I need has arrived.

[Jhonno]

d_a_n1979 said:

Yeah; TBH the 18s are quite rare. They're the official winter wheel for the F3x range as they fit over the M Performance 370/345mm brakes (as do all F3x 18" wheels TBH); but the 405Ms are deffo the lightest

The prices for the sets from Germany are daft TBH; even with winter tyres, they're still worn!

I'll bear that in mind for when they do come up!

Would have been an ideal time to buy a set with winters on I am going to have to buy 2 rear tyres for mine, but I am hoping with fresh bushes and an alignment the worst one will last until December/Jan.

[Jhonno]

Well.. That was hard work!



What I thought might be an easy-ish afternoon turned into a slog, trying to get the FCABs to slide far enough down the arm to be able to bolt the lollypop up.. I had to Relieve the seam on the arm and, various levers/hammers were then used. 7hrs later.. It was sat on the floor. All new front end on, inc tie rods. I forgot I only ordered 1 rack boot by mistake so need to order one before I can tie the front end up finally. Well.. Suspension wise. Rear still needs the inner joints torquing at ride height. I've got it sat on the floor to try and let it settle a little. That took about 7hrs.

Jobs left..

OSF rack gaitor, then tighten the tie rod to the hub
Brake flexi lines - Standard seized unions to contend with
Caliper nipples need drilling/Un-seizing.
Inner upper and lower rear arm mounts torquing, diff tightening back up
Rear ARB droplinks fitting
Rear dampers fitting - awaiting top mounts
String alignment to get the garage without destroying tyres

I think it sits mint, "stance" is pretty perfect imo, needs spacers now. Noticeable front camber now. Front feels tight AF.

Can't wait to drive it and get some spacers fitted.

As an extra I will fit a stud conversion I have sat here #becauseracecar

[Jhonno]

Jhonno said:

Well.. That was hard work!



What I thought might be an easy-ish afternoon turned into a slog, trying to get the FCABs to slide far enough down the arm to be able to bolt the lollypop up.. I had to Relieve the seam on the arm and, various levers/hammers were then used. 7hrs later.. It was sat on the floor. All new front end on, inc tie rods. I forgot I only ordered 1 rack boot by mistake so need to order one before I can tie the front end up finally. Well.. Suspension wise. Rear still needs the inner joints torquing at ride height. I've got it sat on the floor to try and let it settle a little. That took about 7hrs.

Jobs left..

OSF rack gaitor, then tighten the tie rod to the hub
Brake flexi lines - Standard seized unions to contend with - 2 rear lines done
Caliper nipples need drilling/Un-seizing. NSR f?¢ked - New caliper needed. OSR - Nipple replaced.
Inner upper and lower rear arm mounts torquing, diff tightening back up
Rear ARB droplinks fitting
Rear dampers fitting - awaiting top mounts
String alignment to get the garage without destroying tyres

I think it sits mint, "stance" is pretty perfect imo, needs spacers now. Noticeable front camber now. Front feels tight AF.

Can't wait to drive it and get some spacers fitted.

As an extra I will fit a stud conversion I have sat here #becauseracecar

Just to keep track.. Another slog today, fighting seized nipples and lines. Car is back on the floor settling a bit, tweaked the rear camber a little as it had loads. Probably needs a bit more now. Tried rescuing the NSR caliper but chisel nor heat, not extractor freed the nipple (wahey!). Heat released the OSR. Ending up cutting the brake hard lines with a slitting disc where they meet the flexis and re-flaring on the car. That was messy, as obviously brake fluid just seeps out the whole time. Really wanted to get this aligned and back on the road this week! We shall see.. Gaitor and caliper arrival could dictate..

Tomorrow night I'll look at front brake lines..

[Jhonno]

Riek said:

all these recent pictures feel so familiar (i've got a coupe, and have a very similar picture of an RTAB spread across my driveway in dusty pieces)

Funnily enough I was doing the front brakes yesterday (new calipers after snapping a bleed nipple - 3 out of 4 on the car coming undone aint bad), the unions get a lot less crusty than the rear ones, a good six-side flare spanner got them undone with little fuss.

I think it's a right of passage with an E46 now.. F/RCABs.. This escalated as other stuff was a bit hanging once I started removing bits to do them, plus had a B12 kit and other bits I was stockpiling to fit.

Ha! I will see how I get on, I have a proper brake pipe spanner and will apply heat.. They don't look that crusty, but who knows! I think I will be ordering a NSF caliper this evening also sadly, after my failed attempts to save the rear. Just waiting for an offer on a caliper to be accepted or refused on eBay for the rear one

Edited by Jhonno on Monday 9th October 09:30

[Jhonno]

d_a_n1979 said:

And yes, Sreten's got tons of videos now; well worth seeking out his channel and watching the playlists he's created for each car

https://www.youtube.com/@M539Restorations

Working my way through his E46 Touring playlist.. It's like watching a dutch version of myself working on the car, dropping tools/swearing at it When the time comes to do the full rear end refurb, it has made me realise I will have to buy tools to do it properly after seeing him try and get that hub/rear bearing out

[Jhonno]

d_a_n1979 said:

Jhonno said:

d_a_n1979 said:

And yes, Sreten's got tons of videos now; well worth seeking out his channel and watching the playlists he's created for each car

https://www.youtube.com/@M539Restorations

Working my way through his E46 Touring playlist.. It's like watching a dutch version of myself working on the car, dropping tools/swearing at it When the time comes to do the full rear end refurb, it has made me realise I will have to buy tools to do it properly after seeing him try and get that hub/rear bearing out

Haha he's really good; I like his sense of humour. FYI he's Croatian, but lived in the States for a while... Speaks crap German too, so makes it even funnier at times

Ah! Thought he said he was Dutch. My bad. Yeah, have had a chuckle a few times.

[Jhonno]

Just as a heads up for anyone reading this.. Ordered 2 calipers for it from Parts in Motion on eBay, they are currently participating in the 15% off "COSY15" if anyone needs things brakes/bushes/arms/service items etc etc..

Very quick delivery generally too.

[Jhonno]

Jhonno said:

Jhonno said:

Well.. That was hard work!



What I thought might be an easy-ish afternoon turned into a slog, trying to get the FCABs to slide far enough down the arm to be able to bolt the lollypop up.. I had to Relieve the seam on the arm and, various levers/hammers were then used. 7hrs later.. It was sat on the floor. All new front end on, inc tie rods. I forgot I only ordered 1 rack boot by mistake so need to order one before I can tie the front end up finally. Well.. Suspension wise. Rear still needs the inner joints torquing at ride height. I've got it sat on the floor to try and let it settle a little. That took about 7hrs.

Jobs left..

OSF rack gaitor, then tighten the tie rod to the hub - Hopefully arriving today
Brake flexi lines - Standard seized unions to contend with
Caliper nipples need drilling/Un-seizing. Both NS caliper replacements ordered
Inner upper and lower rear arm mounts torquing, diff tightening back up
Rear ARB droplinks fitting
Rear dampers fitting - awaiting top mounts - Arriving today
String alignment to get the garage without destroying tyres

I think it sits mint, "stance" is pretty perfect imo, needs spacers now. Noticeable front camber now. Front feels tight AF.

Can't wait to drive it and get some spacers fitted.

As an extra I will fit a stud conversion I have sat here #becauseracecar

Just to keep track.. Another slog today, fighting seized nipples and lines. Car is back on the floor settling a bit, tweaked the rear camber a little as it had loads. Probably needs a bit more now. Tried rescuing the NSR caliper but chisel nor heat, not extractor freed the nipple (wahey!). Heat released the OSR. Ending up cutting the brake hard lines with a slitting disc where they meet the flexis and re-flaring on the car. That was messy, as obviously brake fluid just seeps out the whole time. Really wanted to get this aligned and back on the road this week! We shall see.. Gaitor and caliper arrival could dictate..

Tomorrow night I'll look at front brake lines..

Quick update..

Battled the front brake flexi's last night..



They needed replacement for sure.. NSF actually undid OK! Applied a quick bit of heat and it cracked off.. OSF.. Nope, started to round the union. That side is now Stillson sized. I'll just buy the whole new line from BMW at some point, but for now it has been cracked off, replaced and new line fitted.. Is that light I can see ahead....?!



Random flexi shot. I will see if I can get time to remove the CDV whilst I am bleeding fluid and buggering about with lines.

I'll say it again.. This better drive phenomenally once I am done..

Edited by Jhonno on Tuesday 10th October 09:47

[Jhonno]

Sf_Manta said:

Did you go with braided lines to replace those?
Can imagine that was rather spoungey on the pedel

Post updated, I managed to link the same pic.. Yes I did, and yes the pedal didn't feel as sharp as I would want, although I put that down to the Pagid pads.

[Jhonno]

Court_S said:

Sounds like it’s out up a bit of a fight…the joys of of cars.

I’m going to start battle with the stuck / damaged bolt on the filter housing on my wife’s 330i today.

It has a bit.. Sadly the 1 lady owner for most it's life is a cool story, but I feel also, part of the reason for some of the issues. However, it is being sorted and my time is free. I would hate to have footed the labour bill for this

Good luck with that bolt! I'd suggest heat/Plus Gas (I should have bought some myself) and the wind behind you!

[Jhonno]

I have been doing small "daily" update posts to save myself a long post at the end of this, so I shall continue with that..



I came home to my mate having posted these out to me, what a lovely man. So.. Last night's task after walking the dog and before heading out to the gym was rear shocks..



All assembled, awaiting tightening, and yes I sorted the dust boots/bump stops out before fitting. Seeing as the boot was already disassembled to remove the old shocks, it was fairly simple to refit these. Barring my usual putting tools down and spending 10 mins looking for them again, and the awkward access to the top mount bolts. Also torqueing the bottom bolts up on the ground (at ride height) was a tedious 1 click at a time on the torque wrench due to my lack of a shorter wrench that will go to 74lbft.

Now it is sat on the floor with all the suspension connected up, it feels lovely and tight with a bit of the old rock/bounce test. Much much better than it felt before.

That light seems to be getting brighter!

Hopefully Mr Postman brings my calipers and gaiter today, as this evening as I have a clear evening with no gym ahead and can potentially finish today with a driving car. (Albeit invariably with wheels pointing in 4 different directions).

If he doesn't I think I'll feel lost with nothing car related to get on with

Edited by Jhonno on Wednesday 11th October 10:47

Edited by Jhonno on Wednesday 11th October 10:47

[Jhonno]

Sf_Manta said:

Jhonno said:

Sf_Manta said:

Did you go with braided lines to replace those?
Can imagine that was rather spoungey on the pedel

Post updated, I managed to link the same pic.. Yes I did, and yes the pedal didn't feel as sharp as I would want, although I put that down to the Pagid pads.

I was thinking with the old lines, those things were SHOT If it's still a bit squishy, it may firm up once you get the new calipers and the system properly bled out.
If it's still feeling a bit numb, a good upgrade is the sliders. ECS do a neat little kit that's not too expensive which swaps out the rubber ones for a impregnated brass complete with sealing , I did it on my rear calipers and it did make a noticeable difference both in feel and pad wear being much more even.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-parts/performance-... 1 kit does one axle, so only need to get 2.

Yeah I hope so! It needed fresh fluid also, but due to the state of the nipples, that wasn't possible..

I had seen similar kits, but not one tailored to road use like that with seals.. Interesting. I'll add it to the list for later. I need to draw a line under spending on this for now. There is a list of bits to revisit to make them "right" or to how I want them is probably a better way of putting it. I'll work my way through them as and when I can.