BMW 330 Clubsport
Discussion
helix402 said:
You can fit M3 rtab bushes. I don’t think PU ones are the best solution for the E46 rtab as the bush doesn’t allow the arm to move as it’s designed to.
I had forgotten reading about this somewhere.My choice of Poly bush was one purely based on longevity rather than thinking particularly about the handling. The bushes on the Sierra are still good after 23 years!
LanceRS said:
helix402 said:
You can fit M3 rtab bushes. I don’t think PU ones are the best solution for the E46 rtab as the bush doesn’t allow the arm to move as it’s designed to.
I had forgotten reading about this somewhere.My choice of Poly bush was one purely based on longevity rather than thinking particularly about the handling. The bushes on the Sierra are still good after 23 years!
So, I now have poly bushes fitted, a new speed sensor and wheel bearing (it was done a couple of weeks ago but I have only just started driving it again).
This means a free spinning wheel, no warning lights and an ability to apply some throttle on the way out of a bend without a wobble and interference from the traction control.
I do need to get the alignment done though, it’s not out by much but enough to spoil the drive.
This has been highlighted by spending the last few weeks driving the Sierra before jumping back into the BMW a couple of days ago.
It has also brought to the fore another couple of niggles. Why could BMW have not saved even more weight by not having the electric seats, meaning that you could lower them properly and their obsession with thick steering wheels. The latter of which has been the subject of discussion recently as a friend has just bought a three year old M3 .
I know that this seems a bit late to worry about as I have been driving it for six years, but for some reason I am struggling to get in tune with it again and that in itself is annoying me.
On a positive note though, I have reminded myself how effortlessly it gains pace, how smooth it is and how good it looks when it’s clean.
This means a free spinning wheel, no warning lights and an ability to apply some throttle on the way out of a bend without a wobble and interference from the traction control.
I do need to get the alignment done though, it’s not out by much but enough to spoil the drive.
This has been highlighted by spending the last few weeks driving the Sierra before jumping back into the BMW a couple of days ago.
It has also brought to the fore another couple of niggles. Why could BMW have not saved even more weight by not having the electric seats, meaning that you could lower them properly and their obsession with thick steering wheels. The latter of which has been the subject of discussion recently as a friend has just bought a three year old M3 .
I know that this seems a bit late to worry about as I have been driving it for six years, but for some reason I am struggling to get in tune with it again and that in itself is annoying me.
On a positive note though, I have reminded myself how effortlessly it gains pace, how smooth it is and how good it looks when it’s clean.
helix402 said:
Does the M52tu manifold fit? (It doesn’t have the cats in).
Have to get downpipes made or chop up a M52 exhaust.
Post cat O2 sensors programmed out or it throws cat efficiency codes (but no EML).
Passes MOT with just downstream cats if it's warmed up - failed twice in 11 years being cold.
LanceRS said:
So, I now have poly bushes fitted, a new speed sensor and wheel bearing (it was done a couple of weeks ago but I have only just started driving it again).
This means a free spinning wheel, no warning lights and an ability to apply some throttle on the way out of a bend without a wobble and interference from the traction control.
I do need to get the alignment done though, it’s not out by much but enough to spoil the drive.
This has been highlighted by spending the last few weeks driving the Sierra before jumping back into the BMW a couple of days ago.
It has also brought to the fore another couple of niggles. Why could BMW have not saved even more weight by not having the electric seats, meaning that you could lower them properly and their obsession with thick steering wheels. The latter of which has been the subject of discussion recently as a friend has just bought a three year old M3 .
I know that this seems a bit late to worry about as I have been driving it for six years, but for some reason I am struggling to get in tune with it again and that in itself is annoying me.
On a positive note though, I have reminded myself how effortlessly it gains pace, how smooth it is and how good it looks when it’s clean.
Some of those niggles with the BMW are entirely attributable to driving and comparison with the Sierra as you say Lance! This means a free spinning wheel, no warning lights and an ability to apply some throttle on the way out of a bend without a wobble and interference from the traction control.
I do need to get the alignment done though, it’s not out by much but enough to spoil the drive.
This has been highlighted by spending the last few weeks driving the Sierra before jumping back into the BMW a couple of days ago.
It has also brought to the fore another couple of niggles. Why could BMW have not saved even more weight by not having the electric seats, meaning that you could lower them properly and their obsession with thick steering wheels. The latter of which has been the subject of discussion recently as a friend has just bought a three year old M3 .
I know that this seems a bit late to worry about as I have been driving it for six years, but for some reason I am struggling to get in tune with it again and that in itself is annoying me.
On a positive note though, I have reminded myself how effortlessly it gains pace, how smooth it is and how good it looks when it’s clean.
Due to one thing and another, I have not used the car since the bushes were done.
I have now managed to get down to Wheels in Motion to have the alignment sorted.
It is now much improved, there is however still a slight knock coming from the front somewhere. Having replaced many things, I'm thinking that it's probably the top mounts (I know, should have done them before getting the alignment). It's not that bad and you only notice it on certain road surfaces.
My only other thing for my moan for today is that following some surgery, I am unable to clean it
I have now managed to get down to Wheels in Motion to have the alignment sorted.
It is now much improved, there is however still a slight knock coming from the front somewhere. Having replaced many things, I'm thinking that it's probably the top mounts (I know, should have done them before getting the alignment). It's not that bad and you only notice it on certain road surfaces.
My only other thing for my moan for today is that following some surgery, I am unable to clean it
Well, it's been a while. The car is currently here to have the front end sorted out. 
So far we have established that the poly lollipop bushes have not lasted as long as I had hoped, although not totally shot, there are going to be replaced. Also that there is some play in the front anti roll bar, so that too will be addressed.
It may come away with some new Bilsteins on the front as well.
This of course has lead to the inevitable conversation with SWMBO about replacing the car.
Even with a generous budget I still cannot think of anything suitable.
So far we have established that the poly lollipop bushes have not lasted as long as I had hoped, although not totally shot, there are going to be replaced. Also that there is some play in the front anti roll bar, so that too will be addressed.
It may come away with some new Bilsteins on the front as well.
This of course has lead to the inevitable conversation with SWMBO about replacing the car.
Even with a generous budget I still cannot think of anything suitable.
How do you find the E46 in 2021?
I have had 2, a 2001 Pre facelift M Sport 330ci and a facelift 330ci Clubsport in Estoril Blue. Both manual.
I have fond memories of both, in particular the first one which was a 1 owner, well maintained mint example and drove better than the Clubsport - But can't help but think at the prices they command now...are they really worth it...for a good one that is.
I have had 2, a 2001 Pre facelift M Sport 330ci and a facelift 330ci Clubsport in Estoril Blue. Both manual.
I have fond memories of both, in particular the first one which was a 1 owner, well maintained mint example and drove better than the Clubsport - But can't help but think at the prices they command now...are they really worth it...for a good one that is.
Been daily driving mine for the last 6 years, no plans to stop anytime soon.
Edit; You can still pick up reasonable cars for decent money, and parts aren't too expensive imo. Just need to look out for rust like most cars 20+ years old.
Edit; You can still pick up reasonable cars for decent money, and parts aren't too expensive imo. Just need to look out for rust like most cars 20+ years old.
Edited by therusterman on Thursday 4th November 11:09
joropug said:
How do you find the E46 in 2021?
I have had 2, a 2001 Pre facelift M Sport 330ci and a facelift 330ci Clubsport in Estoril Blue. Both manual.
I have fond memories of both, in particular the first one which was a 1 owner, well maintained mint example and drove better than the Clubsport - But can't help but think at the prices they command now...are they really worth it...for a good one that is.
This probably sums it up best. Last week we drove up to Scotland then back via York in my wife’s top of the range 300bhp Evoque. After all of that wheel time, I found an excuse to take mine out to the shops within an hour of getting home.I have had 2, a 2001 Pre facelift M Sport 330ci and a facelift 330ci Clubsport in Estoril Blue. Both manual.
I have fond memories of both, in particular the first one which was a 1 owner, well maintained mint example and drove better than the Clubsport - But can't help but think at the prices they command now...are they really worth it...for a good one that is.
Now, whether that says more about me or the car, I don’t know.
LanceRS said:
This probably sums it up best. Last week we drove up to Scotland then back via York in my wife’s top of the range 300bhp Evoque. After all of that wheel time, I found an excuse to take mine out to the shops within an hour of getting home.
Now, whether that says more about me or the car, I don’t know.
That's always a good sign! Now, whether that says more about me or the car, I don’t know.
They're a great all rounder, didn't see many 330i in the next generation, but obviously had the 335i available which is another animal altogether I'm sure. Definitely still a place for a 3.0 6 cylinder NA in my books.
joropug said:
How do you find the E46 in 2021?
I have had 2, a 2001 Pre facelift M Sport 330ci and a facelift 330ci Clubsport in Estoril Blue. Both manual.
I have fond memories of both, in particular the first one which was a 1 owner, well maintained mint example and drove better than the Clubsport - But can't help but think at the prices they command now...are they really worth it...for a good one that is.
You have probably answered your own question.I have had 2, a 2001 Pre facelift M Sport 330ci and a facelift 330ci Clubsport in Estoril Blue. Both manual.
I have fond memories of both, in particular the first one which was a 1 owner, well maintained mint example and drove better than the Clubsport - But can't help but think at the prices they command now...are they really worth it...for a good one that is.
IF you can find a well looked after example those memories will be reaquainted. On the other hand buy a cheap example that has been thrashed and poorly maintained and you may end up regretting.
Superb all rounders though even in 2021.
The car is back with new bushes, shocks and top mounts. It is much improved although I’ve not had a chance to use it much, in fact my wife has driven it more than I have.
She is also responsible for what may be the next part of the story.
While at our local JLR specialist, getting something fixed on her a Evoque, she started looking around the used cars.
Now here’s a sentence that I never in a million years thought I would use, she may have talked me into buying a Jaguar XKR.
Now that his has taken me by surprise, not least because she usually complains about me spending on cars. I was also not looking for a new car. I certainly wasn’t looking for a 5 litre, supercharged Jaguar.
If between us, we can convince myself that this is not the daft idea that I think it might be, then the subject of this thread, will be rather unexpectedly looking for a new home.
She is also responsible for what may be the next part of the story.
While at our local JLR specialist, getting something fixed on her a Evoque, she started looking around the used cars.
Now here’s a sentence that I never in a million years thought I would use, she may have talked me into buying a Jaguar XKR.
Now that his has taken me by surprise, not least because she usually complains about me spending on cars. I was also not looking for a new car. I certainly wasn’t looking for a 5 litre, supercharged Jaguar.
If between us, we can convince myself that this is not the daft idea that I think it might be, then the subject of this thread, will be rather unexpectedly looking for a new home.
Well, this is the end of an era. My time with the Clubsport has drawn to an end and it will be going up for sale next week. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with with it and am still convinced that for the money they cannot be beaten.
Thanks to all of you that have read my ramblings and joined in with help over the last 6 years.
This is the replacement.
Thanks to all of you that have read my ramblings and joined in with help over the last 6 years.
This is the replacement.
LanceRS said:
Well, this is the end of an era. My time with the Clubsport has drawn to an end and it will be going up for sale next week. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with with it and am still convinced that for the money they cannot be beaten.
Thanks to all of you that have read my ramblings and joined in with help over the last 6 years.
This is the replacement.
That looks lovely; a proper luxo-GT... Opposite of what the Clubsport is really; but still a belting motorThanks to all of you that have read my ramblings and joined in with help over the last 6 years.
This is the replacement.
It'll sell in no time I'm sure; GLWTS
Well it had to happen to be fair. I’ve followed this thread from the start I think but eventually things wear out or simply a newer fresher toy comes along.
I do love an XKR though. My old boss had one when they were new in 2007. Gorgeous shape. His would have only been the 4.2 though, back then.
Anyway it’s a shame to see things come to an end with the CS but I’m sure it will go to an enthusiast. Well I hope it will anyway. They’re just about in that sort of category now.
Good luck with the XKR.
I do love an XKR though. My old boss had one when they were new in 2007. Gorgeous shape. His would have only been the 4.2 though, back then.
Anyway it’s a shame to see things come to an end with the CS but I’m sure it will go to an enthusiast. Well I hope it will anyway. They’re just about in that sort of category now.
Good luck with the XKR.
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