BMW E46 330ci track toy (£970)

[Pig benis]

Hello folks

So after so much research on what to replace my BMW 330D, I decided that yet another 330 is what I wanted. But this time with a petrol engine and a manual gearbox. A budget was set and off I went to eBay to find a fairly decent 330CI. Bidding on a few cars didn't go anywhere, and I practically gave up the search. Until I came across an advert with only a few minutes left, I popped in my highest bid and totally forgot about it for a few hours. To my surprise I won a 2000 BMW 330ci E46 for the grand total of £970.

Here she is -





The car was in Lands End which I didn't realise while bidding, but it was fun driving down there from Wiltshire. On the return trip, I had a little bump and decided to drive into a tow bar... Whoops.

The spec is pretty good for a SE model, which means I have lots of weight to remove. Thankfully the AC doesn't work so I won't feel guilty about removing it. The interior has full black leather with electric front seats, I'm desperate to remove these in favour of figure-hugging seats enough for a 31-year-old.


Over the next few days, I bought the following -

Yellowstuff pads
Dot 5.1 brake fluid
Braided lines
Black diamond discs
Oil + filters

To be continued

[Pig benis]

Part 1 of the project -

I am heading to the Nurburgring on the 30th May for an annual trip with friends, I wanted to make sure the BMW will make it there and back. I was also unsure when the oil was last changed. This was the first priority on my list and I have a very good friend who has his own car lift. I promise this isn't the only reason why we are friends



We gave the car a full check over, I was expecting the worst (coming from Land Rovers I'm always expecting rust) but all is well.. I am very surprised and chuffed with the car so far.

I don't have any pictures of the oil change, because, well it isn't overly exciting stuff lol. But I have replaced all of the oils and filters, which I genuinely have noticed a difference in the car. It feels so much more eager to rev.

Next plan - Friday this week I will be installing the brakes, it is booked in for having tracking sorted and then tyres the following week.

In terms of future plans -

1) Suspension needs to be replaced / upgraded
2) Replace MV1 wheels for a lighter setup
3) Don't crash at the Nurburgring
4) Enjoy track days around the UK

Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated

If you're still reading, thanks

PB

[obscene]

My main tips would be:
1. Check/change the cooling system as they're a known failure point. Thermostat, radiator and anything plastic etc. There's a guy on youtube called "the50's kid" who has amazing guides.
2. New bushes and lowering springs improve handling a lot. Probably worth getting a whole coilover kit given the age of the components.
3. Remove the clutch delay valve, makes downshifts like butter.

That would be my main tips having owned a 330ci in similar spec for 11 years.

Edited by obscene on Monday 20th May 13:03

[Pig benis]

That's really helpful. Would you stick with OEM cooling system parts?

The plan is to swap the suspension for a Bilstein B18 setup. Unless there are any other cheaper but effective other brands to use?

Thanks
PB

obscene said:

My main tips would be:
1. Check/change the cooling system as they're a known failure point. Thermostat, radiator and anything plastic etc. There's a guy on youtube called "the50's kid" who has amazing guides.
2. New bushes and lowering springs improve handling a lot. Probably worth getting a whole coilover kit given the age of the components.
3. Remove the clutch delay valve, makes downshifts like butter.

That would be my main tips having owned a 330ci in similar spec for 11 years.

Edited by obscene on Monday 20th May 13:03

[Jimmy Recard]

Looks like a really fun project. I always fancied a cheap E36 328i but then they all disappeared (unless they’re junk)

I should do it with an E46 328/330 before they’re all gone

[obscene]

Pig benis said:

That's really helpful. Would you stick with OEM cooling system parts?

The plan is to swap the suspension for a Bilstein B18 setup. Unless there are any other cheaper but effective other brands to use?

Thanks
PB

Check out C3BMW as they have most the parts and they're well priced. OEM or similar brands who actually make the OEM parts Lemforder/Meyle/TRW/INA etc are just a few brands off my head who make the BMW parts for bits on the car and they just get the BMW logo ground off. Other places to buy from are buycarparts and misterauto.

The engine's are fairly bullet proof once the cooling system is done. Look at changing the DISA valve as there's an upgraded part and the vanos seals. The job looks fairly easy for both. Again, check the guy on youtube, he's done all the jobs. I feel I should send him some money for the amount he's saving me. I currently have all the parts sat ready to do my cooling system.

I've gone the cheaper end Bilstein (B6) as mine is a road car with the odd track day, Most guys seem to go Bilstein or KW so I would look at them. I'm sure others can offer advice.

[Pig benis]

Thanks, I'm really enjoying the car so far and with the upcoming mods it should be even more fun to drive.

I would really recommend buying one. You definitely won't regret it 👍

Jimmy Recard said:

Looks like a really fun project. I always fancied a cheap E36 328i but then they all disappeared (unless they’re junk)

I should do it with an E46 328/330 before they’re all gone

[Andrew-b90y3]

I’ll be watching this project with interest OP! I’ve got two 330’s myself now and I am doing a track project with one of them so it’ll be good to see what improvements your making!

A little tip if you’re thinking about replacing the front control arm bushes. I’ve just ordered a set for mine because a fellow member on here highlighted to me that Z4M bushes can be pressed into E46 control arm brackets and are castor offset - are semi solid bushes and are quite a bit less than poly items and get very positive reviews!

[JB!]

Yellowstuff are dusty and awful.

Mintex 1144, 1155 or Ferodo DS2500/3000

[Pig benis]

JB! said:

Yellowstuff are dusty and awful.

Mintex 1144, 1155 or Ferodo DS2500/3000

Oh are they? My friends are running the same pads + discs on their track toys (BMW Z4s) and haven't mentioned anything about excessive brake dust.

Thanks for the advice though, I'll bare it in mind for when I replace the current pad setup.

[JB!]

Pig benis said:

JB! said:

Yellowstuff are dusty and awful.

Mintex 1144, 1155 or Ferodo DS2500/3000

Oh are they? My friends are running the same pads + discs on their track toys (BMW Z4s) and haven't mentioned anything about excessive brake dust.

Thanks for the advice though, I'll bare it in mind for when I replace the current pad setup.

Yep, had tonnes of dust off the back of my BRZ, swapped out to Stoptech pads and it went away.

I run the Mintex in my E36 and they're a great pad.

Also - I run RBF600 which is DOT4 and less prone to pulling in moisture than 5.1

[Sf_Manta]

Good to see another 330i being rescued. they're rather good cars and excellent all rounders.

Agreed with the brake pads, would highly recommend DS2500 pads and flush the brake system with ATE TYP200 fluid. If you can get braided lines, do so as it'll make the pedal travel much more predictable and consistent with heat.
Also plenty of copper grease on the sliders to give the brakes a chance to work.

Other things to check would be the radiator as they will bow - I replaced mine not long ago and after 4 years of use, it'd had bowed out.. if your's hasn't been done , would do it to prevent blowing up at the ring along with the expansion tank for peace of mind.



Also my Touring build has plenty of tips and such if you're looking for handling and brake upgrades

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Mr Tidy]

Looks like a great buy.

While you are doing the cooling system you might as well replace the expansion tank, as they are known to split.

[iguana]

Yellows can cope at 'ring as so much cooling, are a bit rubbish elsewhere, I ran them for years on a light e36 as I'm a cheapskate, but they did suffer when 2 up & don't really last long anyway, ds2500 I'd not touch, go for a proper pad, Ds1.11 on a budget, rs29 if not so much. (yellows are or 1144s fine for rears tho)

Ref suspension b18? Don't know that but is a separates set up? All are too soft for proper tracking tho, are tons of coilover options which have firmer spring rates as stock & easily uprated, you can run really firm & is still fine on road.

[Pig benis]

Sf_Manta said:

Good to see another 330i being rescued. they're rather good cars and excellent all rounders.

Agreed with the brake pads, would highly recommend DS2500 pads and flush the brake system with ATE TYP200 fluid. If you can get braided lines, do so as it'll make the pedal travel much more predictable and consistent with heat.
Also plenty of copper grease on the sliders to give the brakes a chance to work.

Other things to check would be the radiator as they will bow - I replaced mine not long ago and after 4 years of use, it'd had bowed out.. if your's hasn't been done , would do it to prevent blowing up at the ring along with the expansion tank for peace of mind.

Also my Touring build has plenty of tips and such if you're looking for handling and brake upgrades

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Excellent thread, Sir. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I am unsure if this car has had the coolant system changed, but I will be checking that while installing my new brakes this Friday.

[Pig benis]

iguana said:

Yellows can cope at 'ring as so much cooling, are a bit rubbish elsewhere, I ran them for years on a light e36 as I'm a cheapskate, but they did suffer when 2 up & don't really last long anyway, ds2500 I'd not touch, go for a proper pad, Ds1.11 on a budget, rs29 if not so much. (yellows are or 1144s fine for rears tho)

Ref suspension b18? Don't know that but is a separates set up? All are too soft for proper tracking tho, are tons of coilover options which have firmer spring rates as stock & easily uprated, you can run really firm & is still fine on road.

That's good to hear. I will also be running additional brake cooling (removing the fog lights) so that should help. In all honesty I won't be pushing very hard this year at the 'Ring, partly due to the car that this car isn't fully set up yet. I still need suspension, bushes and proper track day tyres.

I've looked at some coilover setups, but I am unsure which ones are best. Any advice? KW is way out of the price range for this car. I'd like to keep costs down on this car, but happy to spend a bit more on important components. Ideally, I'd like to spend £500-600 on suspension, anything less is a bonus

Thanks
PB

[helix402]

For a cheap susp upgrade fit an M3 Conv 27mm front arb and a Conv non M3 rear 20mm bar.

Just be careful with eBay sellers as some send the wrong size bar out.

[JB!]

Pig benis said:

iguana said:

Yellows can cope at 'ring as so much cooling, are a bit rubbish elsewhere, I ran them for years on a light e36 as I'm a cheapskate, but they did suffer when 2 up & don't really last long anyway, ds2500 I'd not touch, go for a proper pad, Ds1.11 on a budget, rs29 if not so much. (yellows are or 1144s fine for rears tho)

Ref suspension b18? Don't know that but is a separates set up? All are too soft for proper tracking tho, are tons of coilover options which have firmer spring rates as stock & easily uprated, you can run really firm & is still fine on road.

That's good to hear. I will also be running additional brake cooling (removing the fog lights) so that should help. In all honesty I won't be pushing very hard this year at the 'Ring, partly due to the car that this car isn't fully set up yet. I still need suspension, bushes and proper track day tyres.

I've looked at some coilover setups, but I am unsure which ones are best. Any advice? KW is way out of the price range for this car. I'd like to keep costs down on this car, but happy to spend a bit more on important components. Ideally, I'd like to spend £500-600 on suspension, anything less is a bonus

Thanks
PB

I'm on BC Racing BR coilovers, 8kg/mm all round on my E36, as I needed road manners, for out and out track cars 10-12kg/mm is possible, plus i'm lighter than most.

Do your homework on "true" coilover rears, I've not reinforced my E36 turrets yet so am still running separate rear shocks and springs.

The BC's are circa £700 if you shop about. HSD monopro are also good for your budget.

[iguana]

Hi unless you bag a deal on a used & nearly new set up (obviously you have to be careful it's not a worn out old kit) the budget really needs to go up a tad from £500-600, not much but really is tat at the low end, for a tad more you can get some OK budget stuff.

I've run pretty much everything made coilover wise for the e36, it's a long list (might be worth a search on here, I've waffled on in the past) I'm less familiar with the e46 but have tracked a couple, Inc one on hsd Monos with the 12/12 springs, far better than the softer rates & fine on road, also a few on the shirmer set up nitrons, but I don't think you are in the £3k plus coilover budget.

Bc a good shout, tho they have gone up in price, I've had 2x sets of them, the inverted & the regulars, hsd are a tad cheaper, I'm not sure which is 'better' perhaps the bc, again go a tad firmer rates than the default 8kg etc

Worth a look on- https://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/s...

For price comparisons, doesn't include bc or hsd

I've got spax on an e36 at mo, not many folks 1st choice but a pal also runs them, I've got much much harder spring rates than stock & they are great, still road usable & reasonably priced too, British made too.

Ps IMHO ignore true coilover rears.

Edited by iguana on Thursday 23 May 07:16

[JB!]

iguana said:

Hi unless you bag a deal on a used & nearly new set up (obviously you have to be careful it's not a worn out old kit) the budget really needs to go up a tad from £500-600, not much but really is tat at the low end, for a tad more you can get some OK budget stuff.

I've run pretty much everything made coilover wise for the e36, it's a long list (might be worth a search on here, I've waffled on in the past) I'm less familiar with the e46 but have tracked a couple, Inc one on hsd Monos with the 12/12 springs, far better than the softer rates & fine on road, also a few on the shirmer set up nitrons, but I don't think you are in the £3k plus coilover budget.

Bc a good shout, tho they have gone up in price, I've had 2x sets of them, the inverted & the regulars, hsd are a tad cheaper, I'm not sure which is 'better' perhaps the bc, again go a tad firmer rates than the default 8kg etc

Worth a look on- https://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/s...

For price comparisons, doesn't include bc or hsd

I've got spax on an e36 at mo, not many folks 1st choice but a pal also runs them, I've got much much harder spring rates than stock & they are great, still road usable & reasonably priced too, British made too.

Ps IMHO ignore true coilover rears.

Edited by iguana on Thursday 23 May 07:16

My car is supposedly 1200KG (lots of fibreglass, no cage) and 8KG feels pretty damn stiff, but having the bump/rebound adjust on the BCs helps in getting the car comfortable on the smooth track, and then for the ride home. I'm glad i didn't go 10 or 12kg with the car as light as it is.

True coilover rears are ideal but need chassis reinforcement.

And yeah, if you can score a used set of KW or Gaz Gold they're worth snapping up. Seen a few dreamers wanting almost new money for the Gaz though.