My BMW E46 330i Sport
Discussion
As promised here is a video from Donington. My first ever track day, probably the BMWs first ever track day too, and it was stunning. Suspension felt worn, tyres were crap and very hard, but it did a stunning job. Sadly I don't have it on video but at the hands of my mate it even held off a 1M until the Dunlop Straight. My mate who came along to coach me for the day is a rather good Racing Driver, so massive credit to him, compared to my first few laps of the day I progressed so much and learnt so much over the day. Still a fair way to go though, planning a return visit after the summer. I will try find a video of my mate driving the car to compare.
For reference the best time from the video I can work out is a 1min 34s, no idea if that's any good.
Anyway here is the video, 2 flying laps of Donny, and exiting into the pits at the end, and no I wasn't really trying to catch that Clio 182 Cup at all
https://vimeo.com/68280972
For reference the best time from the video I can work out is a 1min 34s, no idea if that's any good.
Anyway here is the video, 2 flying laps of Donny, and exiting into the pits at the end, and no I wasn't really trying to catch that Clio 182 Cup at all
https://vimeo.com/68280972
Been out in the sun today, just for a drive, out for hours just driving. Then I found this field and took this.
My E46 in a field in the sunshine. by tlynchie, on Flickr
I'm pretty chuffed with it.
That video from Donny some of you asked for is still here, not that any of you have looked at it. :P
My E46 in a field in the sunshine. by tlynchie, on Flickr
I'm pretty chuffed with it.
That video from Donny some of you asked for is still here, not that any of you have looked at it. :P
petrolveins said:
melvster said:
Great pic, the Amber's suit the car perfectly.
Just realised that's the first photo I've shown with them, I love them.Hadn't realised how long it's been since I updated.
Quick recap in order then....
Amber lights fitted all round, car now looks ZHP or US Spec which I love.
One of the Xenons broke again, so Halogens back on, haven't had time to look into the source of the problem but they reflectors were crap anyway, so gonna refurb the internals before winter.
Coilovers fitted, crack in subframe found.
Crack in subframe fixed, now highly recommended that I get the Turner Motorsport reinforcement kit.
Drop link fell off a week later, bracket then rubbed the tyre down badly on the inside wall.
Replaced drop link and thread locked bracket.
Car now eats corners for breakfast.
Trying to stop spending money on car, spent an eye watering amount on car lately.
Refuse to ever sell car, but gonna save to buy a stable mate.
Need to track it now, also thinking about a drift day at Oulton.
Next projects: new wheels, subframe work, louder exhaust, fix xenons and some cosmetic bits and bobs, LSD????
But before all that I would like to get a second car, was a nightmare when mine was in out of the garage with the coilovers and following issues. A new car would hopefully distract me from the things I want to do to the E46.
And.... Breath.
Quick recap in order then....
Amber lights fitted all round, car now looks ZHP or US Spec which I love.
One of the Xenons broke again, so Halogens back on, haven't had time to look into the source of the problem but they reflectors were crap anyway, so gonna refurb the internals before winter.
Coilovers fitted, crack in subframe found.
Crack in subframe fixed, now highly recommended that I get the Turner Motorsport reinforcement kit.
Drop link fell off a week later, bracket then rubbed the tyre down badly on the inside wall.
Replaced drop link and thread locked bracket.
Car now eats corners for breakfast.
Trying to stop spending money on car, spent an eye watering amount on car lately.
Refuse to ever sell car, but gonna save to buy a stable mate.
Need to track it now, also thinking about a drift day at Oulton.
Next projects: new wheels, subframe work, louder exhaust, fix xenons and some cosmetic bits and bobs, LSD????
But before all that I would like to get a second car, was a nightmare when mine was in out of the garage with the coilovers and following issues. A new car would hopefully distract me from the things I want to do to the E46.
And.... Breath.
philmots said:
I was just going to say if you're after tracking it a lot more then an LSD has to be pretty close to the top of the list.
Not cheap though.
Now that the suspension has been done, I think tyres are the next best thing to do, with more grip not sure how much use the LSD will be, I didn't really miss not having one on track. On wet roads tho I do Not cheap though.
petrolveins said:
Hadn't realised how long it's been since I updated.
Quick recap in order then....
Amber lights fitted all round, car now looks ZHP or US Spec which I love.
One of the Xenons broke again, so Halogens back on, haven't had time to look into the source of the problem but they reflectors were crap anyway, so gonna refurb the internals before winter.
Coilovers fitted, crack in subframe found.
Crack in subframe fixed, now highly recommended that I get the Turner Motorsport reinforcement kit.
Drop link fell off a week later, bracket then rubbed the tyre down badly on the inside wall.
Replaced drop link and thread locked bracket.
Car now eats corners for breakfast.
Trying to stop spending money on car, spent an eye watering amount on car lately.
Refuse to ever sell car, but gonna save to buy a stable mate.
Need to track it now, also thinking about a drift day at Oulton.
Next projects: new wheels, subframe work, louder exhaust, fix xenons and some cosmetic bits and bobs, LSD????
But before all that I would like to get a second car, was a nightmare when mine was in out of the garage with the coilovers and following issues. A new car would hopefully distract me from the things I want to do to the E46.
And.... Breath.
Bloody hell...you've been busy! I almost wish I hadn't bought a house! Quick recap in order then....
Amber lights fitted all round, car now looks ZHP or US Spec which I love.
One of the Xenons broke again, so Halogens back on, haven't had time to look into the source of the problem but they reflectors were crap anyway, so gonna refurb the internals before winter.
Coilovers fitted, crack in subframe found.
Crack in subframe fixed, now highly recommended that I get the Turner Motorsport reinforcement kit.
Drop link fell off a week later, bracket then rubbed the tyre down badly on the inside wall.
Replaced drop link and thread locked bracket.
Car now eats corners for breakfast.
Trying to stop spending money on car, spent an eye watering amount on car lately.
Refuse to ever sell car, but gonna save to buy a stable mate.
Need to track it now, also thinking about a drift day at Oulton.
Next projects: new wheels, subframe work, louder exhaust, fix xenons and some cosmetic bits and bobs, LSD????
But before all that I would like to get a second car, was a nightmare when mine was in out of the garage with the coilovers and following issues. A new car would hopefully distract me from the things I want to do to the E46.
And.... Breath.
I'm interested in the subframe issue. - I didn't think it affected the LCI cars. - I'd like to be certain that my 320i is OK. Is it something I can check myself?
Clivey said:
Bloody hell...you've been busy! I almost wish I hadn't bought a house!
I'm interested in the subframe issue. - I didn't think it affected the LCI cars. - I'd like to be certain that my 320i is OK. Is it something I can check myself?
I used to keep a log of what I've spent on the car, then when the fuel alone added to the value of the car I stopped. I should really get myself a full time Job so I can fund things other than the car.I'm interested in the subframe issue. - I didn't think it affected the LCI cars. - I'd like to be certain that my 320i is OK. Is it something I can check myself?
Yeah the subframe story was a funny one. I've used a new mechanic for this as he's more motorsport focused than my old BMW indy chap, turns out they use each other for stuff too actually.
When I dropped it off for coilovers to be fitted I asked if he could just inspect the car for cracks in the subframe, just something I was paranoid about. He said not to worry it only affected pre-facelift and M3s. Then about an hour later I got a phone call starting.. "Tom, you know I said that only the M3 suffered it, well yours does too."
I can't find the photo he sent me, but it was a hairline crack about an inch long near the back of the boot, he's sorted it all now. But recommended the Turner kit, which I had considered anyway. He's gonna try keep the labour to a minimum but it is gonna be a few hundred quid. Reckons it will still be fine on track, just not to do any launches with it.
The Crack Fox said:
Wow ! Sounds like you've spent a fortune on it ! 
It's not that bad really, well it is, but compared to others on here it isn't. Touch wood nothing has gone wrong with the car as such.New lights all round were £300 or so, coilovers and fitting came to around £900. That's all been in the last 2 months oh and it had the big Inspection II too.
So that's what about £1500 in 2 months. Not good, but all a one off thing.
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