BMW E46 330ci - three months on, write-up and pics
Discussion
I thought I'd do a write up of m'new P&J, which three months after purchase is performing a fairly good job at keeping me entertained and with measurably less disposable income. The car was purchased to supplement the mighty 64bhp Seat Ibiza shed that remains my daily driver due to a longish commute involving a fair amount of traffic. Having two completely different cars is wonderful, it makes you appreciate the qualities of both and helps keep driving interesting.
Anywho, the BMW... I specifically wanted a manual, preferably facelift due to the sixth gear, in any colour other than silver. I love the look of these cars in Sport trim especially, and would say that the E46 coupe is probably the best looking car BMW has produced in the last 20 years, possibly sharing that podium with the 1M.
I held out for a car with the right options and history (usual maintenance bits done bearing in mind the multitude of E46 foibles) and ended up with a pre-facelift Topaz Blue coupe with HK sound, xenons, heated front seats and auto-folding mirrors.
I've since done about 5000 miles in the car. I haven't made any modifications, aside from bashing in the seized butterfly valve in the second exhaust with a screwdriver (crude but it works) so it is permanently open. This car sounds much much better now this has been done. Any difference in performance is very small as I can't detect one.
THE GOOD
The engine is good, superb in fact. Naturally aspirated with a very linear power delivery. Low RPM torque is good but not great. The only criticism I have of the engine is that, whilst it is happy to be revved to the redline, it seems more comfortable to go to about 5k and then changing up. The last 1500 RPM or so doesn't give a significant boost in power but it is a lot more noisy. I may be wrong but I am under the impression that peak torque is under 5k RPM and you feel this in the engine's delivery of power. Uses a fair bit of oil but not excessive (maybe 1 litre per 2000-2500 miles).
The chassis/handling is above my expectations. There are few roads I would feel a competent enough driver to truly tease the car's limits. The DSC is also excellent. A little intrusive perhaps but I'd rather have it that way than not enough, especially in the colder winter days. And if you're a hairy chested man's man, the sort of powerfully built company director who eats drum sticks for breakfast, you can turn it off. The steering is very good but not great, it is pleasingly heavy and does have a fair bit of feel and feedback but it lacks crispness, especially at anything below illegal speeds.
Economy: In the man maths world of relativity, I am impressed. Totally dependent on what sort of driving/roads/traffic the car sees but I am averaging 28-30 mpg. 40 mpg is attainable at a 56-60mph cruise on relatively flat roads. A recent Brighton to Suffolk trip saw 33 mpg average, this was sticking to 70mph on M25 and driving at up to a lepton elsewhere where traffic conditions allowed. Equally in traffic-dense and hilly conditions you could expect to see sub-20mpg quite easily. I assume a post-facelift with the extra gear would see this slightly increase. The on board MPG calculator is accurate to within 5% by my calculations, but there are plenty of people who would disagree.
The optional extras: HK sound, excellent - a lot of people say otherwise but to my ears it's well balanced, clear, with good bass and loud enough. Xenons: never even been in a car with these before but they are absolutely ace. Heated seats work well and the auto folding mirrors, which fold up rather than inwards, look great and function as intended.
THE BAD
Work required has been two new brake calipers (both pistons seized at near enough the same time), one set of pads and an air hose.
Despite no evidence of rust on purchase, both front wings are starting to rust. One just has bubbling, the other is now showing surface rust. A job for later in the year but an expense that I could do without.
The paintwork is starting to show its age on close inspection. Not sure how this has happened but several dozen tiny white spots on the bonnet (stone chips possibly but they weren't there when I bought the car) and the paint scratches easily, and is peeling in a few small spots on the front bumper.
The ride - this is a very comfy car on smooth roads, but it is harsh elsewhere. I suspect the car would ride much better on smaller wheels. I've not tried an SE spec E46 but I suspect that realistically, the softer SE suspension would be a better ownership proposition for 95% of drivers. But to me the sport trim is aesthetically miles ahead and makes the harsher ride worth putting up with.
The car tramlines slightly, I suspect largely due to different tyres front and rear.
Other observations
The car hides its speed very well and once you become used to it, it is not hard to see how the stereotypical BMW (now Audi I believe) driver gets *that image*. To the less patiently inclined, self restraint may be needed in large doses. "Get out of the way! Why is everyone going so slowly?!" is a Clarksonism I have thought many many times in all manner of vehicles, but never quite so much as in m'BMW. Another poster on PH recently made the observation that people seem to be pulling out in front of him on roundabouts more and more. I too have noticed this and it is in no doubt because the speed at which this car will comfortably corner is higher than most motorists are used to or would expect.
I like the auto dim mirror. Never had one of these before, don't see why it isn't standard on all new cars now (is it?).
Changing gear smoothly is very easy, but add in speed to the mix and there is a challenge. I suspect this may have something to do with the clutch delay valve?
Regarding the lack of sixth gear, something I read online before purchase (possibly on PH) that sticks out to me still is somebody saying "5th is so torquey you'll love it" - this is very very true. Full throttle in 5th from 70mph, on a private road of course, will only see the acceleration of the car noticeably tail off at around 120mph.
Overall I'm very happy with the car, there are niggles with any E46 or car of that age, but the combination of purchase price, practicality, looks, engine, handling, creature comforts and relatively good empeegees are a fantastic package which in my opinion few cars can match.
Well that's enough of my monologue, would be interested to see how my ownership experience compares to that of any other PHers.
Anywho, the BMW... I specifically wanted a manual, preferably facelift due to the sixth gear, in any colour other than silver. I love the look of these cars in Sport trim especially, and would say that the E46 coupe is probably the best looking car BMW has produced in the last 20 years, possibly sharing that podium with the 1M.
I held out for a car with the right options and history (usual maintenance bits done bearing in mind the multitude of E46 foibles) and ended up with a pre-facelift Topaz Blue coupe with HK sound, xenons, heated front seats and auto-folding mirrors.
I've since done about 5000 miles in the car. I haven't made any modifications, aside from bashing in the seized butterfly valve in the second exhaust with a screwdriver (crude but it works) so it is permanently open. This car sounds much much better now this has been done. Any difference in performance is very small as I can't detect one.
THE GOOD
The engine is good, superb in fact. Naturally aspirated with a very linear power delivery. Low RPM torque is good but not great. The only criticism I have of the engine is that, whilst it is happy to be revved to the redline, it seems more comfortable to go to about 5k and then changing up. The last 1500 RPM or so doesn't give a significant boost in power but it is a lot more noisy. I may be wrong but I am under the impression that peak torque is under 5k RPM and you feel this in the engine's delivery of power. Uses a fair bit of oil but not excessive (maybe 1 litre per 2000-2500 miles).
The chassis/handling is above my expectations. There are few roads I would feel a competent enough driver to truly tease the car's limits. The DSC is also excellent. A little intrusive perhaps but I'd rather have it that way than not enough, especially in the colder winter days. And if you're a hairy chested man's man, the sort of powerfully built company director who eats drum sticks for breakfast, you can turn it off. The steering is very good but not great, it is pleasingly heavy and does have a fair bit of feel and feedback but it lacks crispness, especially at anything below illegal speeds.
Economy: In the man maths world of relativity, I am impressed. Totally dependent on what sort of driving/roads/traffic the car sees but I am averaging 28-30 mpg. 40 mpg is attainable at a 56-60mph cruise on relatively flat roads. A recent Brighton to Suffolk trip saw 33 mpg average, this was sticking to 70mph on M25 and driving at up to a lepton elsewhere where traffic conditions allowed. Equally in traffic-dense and hilly conditions you could expect to see sub-20mpg quite easily. I assume a post-facelift with the extra gear would see this slightly increase. The on board MPG calculator is accurate to within 5% by my calculations, but there are plenty of people who would disagree.
The optional extras: HK sound, excellent - a lot of people say otherwise but to my ears it's well balanced, clear, with good bass and loud enough. Xenons: never even been in a car with these before but they are absolutely ace. Heated seats work well and the auto folding mirrors, which fold up rather than inwards, look great and function as intended.
THE BAD
Work required has been two new brake calipers (both pistons seized at near enough the same time), one set of pads and an air hose.
Despite no evidence of rust on purchase, both front wings are starting to rust. One just has bubbling, the other is now showing surface rust. A job for later in the year but an expense that I could do without.
The paintwork is starting to show its age on close inspection. Not sure how this has happened but several dozen tiny white spots on the bonnet (stone chips possibly but they weren't there when I bought the car) and the paint scratches easily, and is peeling in a few small spots on the front bumper.
The ride - this is a very comfy car on smooth roads, but it is harsh elsewhere. I suspect the car would ride much better on smaller wheels. I've not tried an SE spec E46 but I suspect that realistically, the softer SE suspension would be a better ownership proposition for 95% of drivers. But to me the sport trim is aesthetically miles ahead and makes the harsher ride worth putting up with.
The car tramlines slightly, I suspect largely due to different tyres front and rear.
Other observations
The car hides its speed very well and once you become used to it, it is not hard to see how the stereotypical BMW (now Audi I believe) driver gets *that image*. To the less patiently inclined, self restraint may be needed in large doses. "Get out of the way! Why is everyone going so slowly?!" is a Clarksonism I have thought many many times in all manner of vehicles, but never quite so much as in m'BMW. Another poster on PH recently made the observation that people seem to be pulling out in front of him on roundabouts more and more. I too have noticed this and it is in no doubt because the speed at which this car will comfortably corner is higher than most motorists are used to or would expect.
I like the auto dim mirror. Never had one of these before, don't see why it isn't standard on all new cars now (is it?).
Changing gear smoothly is very easy, but add in speed to the mix and there is a challenge. I suspect this may have something to do with the clutch delay valve?
Regarding the lack of sixth gear, something I read online before purchase (possibly on PH) that sticks out to me still is somebody saying "5th is so torquey you'll love it" - this is very very true. Full throttle in 5th from 70mph, on a private road of course, will only see the acceleration of the car noticeably tail off at around 120mph.
Overall I'm very happy with the car, there are niggles with any E46 or car of that age, but the combination of purchase price, practicality, looks, engine, handling, creature comforts and relatively good empeegees are a fantastic package which in my opinion few cars can match.
Well that's enough of my monologue, would be interested to see how my ownership experience compares to that of any other PHers.
nice, same as mine except I'm lacking heated seats, Xenons, folding mirrors, leather and what looks like a tyre pressure sensor reset button?
I can't figure out if the HK system even works in mine as I've never really thought it was that special. For example, I would have thought the sub in the boot would give it some decent bass but it doesn't appear to be anything better than a standard e46. Would have liked the heated leather option but at the time I couldn't find a decent manual in my price range with those options ticked.
I can't figure out if the HK system even works in mine as I've never really thought it was that special. For example, I would have thought the sub in the boot would give it some decent bass but it doesn't appear to be anything better than a standard e46. Would have liked the heated leather option but at the time I couldn't find a decent manual in my price range with those options ticked.
Nice write up and nice car 
A tidy 330ci is a lot of car for the cash imo.
Look ack fondly on the one we use to own a few years back. I'd certainly have one again, although second time around I would go for a late Sport model. We had one of the earliest SE models. Was a really tidy one and friends often thought it was younger than it was, well built, silky 6 pot, great looks.
They have their fair share of niggly problems, but most are easilly sorted.
Two things I didn't like about ours - super light steering with little feel and the dreaded throttle lag. The steering issue was down to it being a 2000 330ci. Apparenly BMW made some changes to the steering rack/pump which meant the steering was made lighter - but after complaints, it was made heavier again from 2001 onwards iirc. The throttle lag was said to be a problem on many BMW models of this era, my other half didn't notice it, but I did. It annoyed me big time - I was forever going through the throttle reset procedure!!
Only other niggles on ours were the sticky 5th gear gate when cold, sagging door seals and lazy door locks.
Depending on the mileage of yours it is worth looking at the cooling system - they are prone to failure around 60-80k - thermostats fail, water pumps fail, radiators bulge, expansion bottle crack, etc. We bought ours at around 85k and I changed the lot as a matter of course, the radiator was heavilly bowed at the bottom when I removed it - preventative maintenance seemed better than risking it overheating in the event of the water pump impellor falling off, lol!!
Here was ours:
BMW 330ci by Hallsy01, on Flickr
Hopefully she is still being looked after
A tidy 330ci is a lot of car for the cash imo.
Look ack fondly on the one we use to own a few years back. I'd certainly have one again, although second time around I would go for a late Sport model. We had one of the earliest SE models. Was a really tidy one and friends often thought it was younger than it was, well built, silky 6 pot, great looks.
They have their fair share of niggly problems, but most are easilly sorted.
Two things I didn't like about ours - super light steering with little feel and the dreaded throttle lag. The steering issue was down to it being a 2000 330ci. Apparenly BMW made some changes to the steering rack/pump which meant the steering was made lighter - but after complaints, it was made heavier again from 2001 onwards iirc. The throttle lag was said to be a problem on many BMW models of this era, my other half didn't notice it, but I did. It annoyed me big time - I was forever going through the throttle reset procedure!!
Only other niggles on ours were the sticky 5th gear gate when cold, sagging door seals and lazy door locks.
Depending on the mileage of yours it is worth looking at the cooling system - they are prone to failure around 60-80k - thermostats fail, water pumps fail, radiators bulge, expansion bottle crack, etc. We bought ours at around 85k and I changed the lot as a matter of course, the radiator was heavilly bowed at the bottom when I removed it - preventative maintenance seemed better than risking it overheating in the event of the water pump impellor falling off, lol!!
Here was ours:
BMW 330ci by Hallsy01, on FlickrHopefully she is still being looked after
Great post and lovely car, found myself agreeing with everything you've said. My one is a similar age and spec to yours but I ended up settling for silver as the history/condition/price was too good to pass on.
McFist said:
The car tramlines slightly, I suspect largely due to different tyres front and rear.
I've just changed my rear tyres to match the fronts and the tramlining has improved significantly. I thought the stories of these cars being super sensitive to different front and rear tyres were exaggerated but they're right enough. I'm sure matching your rears to the fronts when the time comes to replace them will have the same effect.Edited by WhiteMouse on Friday 23 January 21:57
Nice looking car OP.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
This is mine, I have owned it 5 years, its been an excellent car, it replaced an E36 328 coupe.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
This is mine, I have owned it 5 years, its been an excellent car, it replaced an E36 328 coupe.
What is the trick with the exhaust to improve the sound?Coopedup - google Golf Tee Mod, that'll explain the exhaust trick
OP, I had many (about 50,000) very happy miles in my E46 clubsport. Superb car. Couple of niggles here and there but overall it cost me less than the Peugeot it replaced because that was about due a DPF and that was scarily expensive for a "filter".
I would have another in a heartbeat, I have instead bought an E36 for the track though... so looking forward to that.
Regarding rust, BMW changed their policy from about 2003 onwards (basically with the facelift) and extended their anti-perforation warranty to 12 years. I took advantage of that at 9 years old and 150,000 miles! Unfortunately you won't have the same luck on a pre-facelift
OP, I had many (about 50,000) very happy miles in my E46 clubsport. Superb car. Couple of niggles here and there but overall it cost me less than the Peugeot it replaced because that was about due a DPF and that was scarily expensive for a "filter".
I would have another in a heartbeat, I have instead bought an E36 for the track though... so looking forward to that.
Regarding rust, BMW changed their policy from about 2003 onwards (basically with the facelift) and extended their anti-perforation warranty to 12 years. I took advantage of that at 9 years old and 150,000 miles! Unfortunately you won't have the same luck on a pre-facelift
Lovely looking car and great choice. I have a 2003 (pre facelift) 330Ci. SE spec. Shares same suspension as a Sport (that was standard on coupes) so you get the same awkward, lumpy ride. Engine at its best up to c. 4.5K RPM. After that it just sounds harsh and you don't get much more out of it.
Similar repair issues to you - had to replace front calipers and discs last year after they seized. Rad will go too at some point.
Noted re steering. Mine's too light at the moment but tyre choice is very important and changing the current ones might help.
Great economy for a 3.0.
Had mine 8 years now. Dynamically not the best but very good to own. They look great (like a proper BMW should), drive well and wear the miles well too.
Similar repair issues to you - had to replace front calipers and discs last year after they seized. Rad will go too at some point.
Noted re steering. Mine's too light at the moment but tyre choice is very important and changing the current ones might help.
Great economy for a 3.0.
Had mine 8 years now. Dynamically not the best but very good to own. They look great (like a proper BMW should), drive well and wear the miles well too.
liller said:
nice, same as mine except I'm lacking heated seats, Xenons, folding mirrors, leather and what looks like a tyre pressure sensor reset button?
That's the one. It doesn't work though! Resetting it makes the orange dash light disappear for a few dozen miles and then it will invariably come on again, despite an infinitesimal difference in pressures.Hallsy01 said:
They have their fair share of niggly problems, but most are easilly sorted.
Two things I didn't like about ours - super light steering with little feel and the dreaded throttle lag. The steering issue was down to it being a 2000 330ci. Apparenly BMW made some changes to the steering rack/pump which meant the steering was made lighter - but after complaints, it was made heavier again from 2001 onwards iirc. The throttle lag was said to be a problem on many BMW models of this era, my other half didn't notice it, but I did. It annoyed me big time - I was forever going through the throttle reset procedure!!
Only other niggles on ours were the sticky 5th gear gate when cold, sagging door seals and lazy door locks.
Depending on the mileage of yours it is worth looking at the cooling system - they are prone to failure around 60-80k - thermostats fail, water pumps fail, radiators bulge, expansion bottle crack, etc. We bought ours at around 85k and I changed the lot as a matter of course, the radiator was heavilly bowed at the bottom when I removed it - preventative maintenance seemed better than risking it overheating in the event of the water pump impellor falling off, lol!!
The throttle lag is not something I've found a problem but it is noticeable. Oh, and my car also has the gearstick resting to the right in neutral. Has since I bought it but behaves itself once warmed up and has never really been a problem, apart from causing me to accidentally selecting 5th instead of 3rd a couple of times. I understand it's just a clip which costs a couple of quid, but it's a gearbox out job meaning many many more quids.Two things I didn't like about ours - super light steering with little feel and the dreaded throttle lag. The steering issue was down to it being a 2000 330ci. Apparenly BMW made some changes to the steering rack/pump which meant the steering was made lighter - but after complaints, it was made heavier again from 2001 onwards iirc. The throttle lag was said to be a problem on many BMW models of this era, my other half didn't notice it, but I did. It annoyed me big time - I was forever going through the throttle reset procedure!!
Only other niggles on ours were the sticky 5th gear gate when cold, sagging door seals and lazy door locks.
Depending on the mileage of yours it is worth looking at the cooling system - they are prone to failure around 60-80k - thermostats fail, water pumps fail, radiators bulge, expansion bottle crack, etc. We bought ours at around 85k and I changed the lot as a matter of course, the radiator was heavilly bowed at the bottom when I removed it - preventative maintenance seemed better than risking it overheating in the event of the water pump impellor falling off, lol!!
I didn't mention in my original post but the car broke down due to overheating from a failed water pump/expansion tank the very first day I got it. On the outside lane of the M25 in standstill traffic waiting for the Dartford tunnel. That was... interesting. Saw the temp gauge shooting up and by the time I managed to get through three lanes to the hard shoulder the car had turned into a very expensive kettle. Luckily the dealership recovered me and the car home and paid for the rectification work and there have been no problems since.
WhiteMouse said:
I've just changed my rear tyres to match the fronts and the tramlining has improved significantly. I thought the stories of these cars being super sensitive to different front and rear tyres were exaggerated but they're right enough. I'm sure matching your rears to the fronts when the time comes to replace them will have the same effect.
That's good to know, unfortunately it's the fronts that are the cheapo tyres and they will almost certainly outlast the Pirellis on the rear. philmots said:
Lovely.. Check your DISA valve, or rather check it and for a repair kit (£40ish) otherwise it'll lunch your engine. Quick job.
This is new to me! Have done a bit of Googling and seems you are right in terms of potential engine damage. It seems that the main symptom of a failing DISA valve is an obvious rattling/clicking noise from the engine at idle (as per http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=disa+v... Would this noise always present itself as a sign that the valve needs replacing or is it possible for the valve to break with no warning, thus requiring a physical inspection of the valve rather than relying on the noise it makes? I have made a mental note to listen to the engine of my car when I next go out!Lovely car.
I bought an E46 last month and agree with so much of what you have said! However mine is a daily driver and as I needed a degree of practicality I got a 325Ti Compact, also a Sport model.
On the tyre topic, when I had my 1 Series I found the tramlining got worse as the tyres got more worn (on each of the 3 sets it went through) although checking the pressures regularly helped no end.
Keep enjoying it.
I bought an E46 last month and agree with so much of what you have said! However mine is a daily driver and as I needed a degree of practicality I got a 325Ti Compact, also a Sport model.
On the tyre topic, when I had my 1 Series I found the tramlining got worse as the tyres got more worn (on each of the 3 sets it went through) although checking the pressures regularly helped no end.
Keep enjoying it.
A great car for the cash, nice and solid with a clean design, and the last of the 'drivercentric' BMW dashboards.
I've been doing some jobs to my 99,900 mile 2003 330i over the past few months to keep the old nail up to scratch.
The internet is awash with info and DIY walkthroughs for most jobs, and it is quite an easy car to work on.
Jobs complete:
- Redex, engine oil, diff and gearbox fluids change
- Rebuilt the front calipers as the piston was binding
- Cleaned out the gummed up filters in the washer bottle
- New water pump (leaking), thermostat and belts
- Numberplate light replacement
Jobs to do:
- New vanos seals
- DISA examination and maybe repair
- Valve clearances
- New radiator
- Rattly trim around the back door
- Boot mounted rear lights getting a little 'mossy'
- Fit aux cable to Business CD
Heres mine on the winter tyres
I've been doing some jobs to my 99,900 mile 2003 330i over the past few months to keep the old nail up to scratch.
The internet is awash with info and DIY walkthroughs for most jobs, and it is quite an easy car to work on.
Jobs complete:
- Redex, engine oil, diff and gearbox fluids change
- Rebuilt the front calipers as the piston was binding
- Cleaned out the gummed up filters in the washer bottle
- New water pump (leaking), thermostat and belts
- Numberplate light replacement
Jobs to do:
- New vanos seals
- DISA examination and maybe repair
- Valve clearances
- New radiator
- Rattly trim around the back door
- Boot mounted rear lights getting a little 'mossy'
- Fit aux cable to Business CD
Heres mine on the winter tyres
McFist said:
Despite no evidence of rust on purchase, both front wings are starting to rust. One just has bubbling, the other is now showing surface rust. A job for later in the year but an expense that I could do without.
Given how quickly they've went, it sounds like someone has done a cheap repair job on them. Theres various layers of protection behind them to take off to repair them properly but a lot of people dont bother, hence it comes through again v quick.You can buy pattern fit wings that are very good for around £40 each these days. Dont waste time patching what you have or paying for genuine BMW ones.
Your leather seats - if they are starting to crack or show wear, get yourself something like this -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-Leather-Dye-Colour...
It genuinely will bring them up like new again.
Beautiful car though. Would love another. I've had four so far.
Good car, I've just had my 330i Sport touring for a few months and done just nearly 2k miles in it.
Faults on mine were as follows though:
CD changer sticks / doesn't read which needs a clean.
Rear gas struts on tailgate need replacing (easy fix)
Front tyres needed changing and has been done, as I found the car was on run flats and handled like it was on concrete.
Front lights I can't seem to get demisted.
Otherwise, I've been pleased with it, the car goes like stink, is smooth on the motorways and much more refined to what I've been used to.
Faults on mine were as follows though:
CD changer sticks / doesn't read which needs a clean.
Rear gas struts on tailgate need replacing (easy fix)
Front tyres needed changing and has been done, as I found the car was on run flats and handled like it was on concrete.
Front lights I can't seem to get demisted.
Otherwise, I've been pleased with it, the car goes like stink, is smooth on the motorways and much more refined to what I've been used to.
joesnow said:
A great car for the cash, nice and solid with a clean design, and the last of the 'drivercentric' BMW dashboards.
I've been doing some jobs to my 99,900 mile 2003 330i over the past few months to keep the old nail up to scratch.
The internet is awash with info and DIY walkthroughs for most jobs, and it is quite an easy car to work on.
Jobs complete:
- Redex, engine oil, diff and gearbox fluids change
- Rebuilt the front calipers as the piston was binding
- Cleaned out the gummed up filters in the washer bottle
- New water pump (leaking), thermostat and belts
- Numberplate light replacement
Jobs to do:
- New vanos seals
- DISA examination and maybe repair
- Valve clearances
- New radiator
- Rattly trim around the back door
- Boot mounted rear lights getting a little 'mossy'
- Fit aux cable to Business CD
Heres mine on the winter tyres
Wow great colour, but then I might be a little biased!I've been doing some jobs to my 99,900 mile 2003 330i over the past few months to keep the old nail up to scratch.
The internet is awash with info and DIY walkthroughs for most jobs, and it is quite an easy car to work on.
Jobs complete:
- Redex, engine oil, diff and gearbox fluids change
- Rebuilt the front calipers as the piston was binding
- Cleaned out the gummed up filters in the washer bottle
- New water pump (leaking), thermostat and belts
- Numberplate light replacement
Jobs to do:
- New vanos seals
- DISA examination and maybe repair
- Valve clearances
- New radiator
- Rattly trim around the back door
- Boot mounted rear lights getting a little 'mossy'
- Fit aux cable to Business CD
Heres mine on the winter tyres
An E46 is just such a good place to be!
Max M4X WW said:
Mr Tidy said:
joesnow said:
Heres mine on the winter tyres
Wow great colour, but then I might be a little biased!An E46 is just such a good place to be!
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