2004 e46 BMW 330i Sport Touring 6 speed
Discussion
Decided to have a go at replacing the front pads and discs today to stop the annoying vibrations.
It has been a slow process so far! Don't know when the wheels were last off but the wheel nuts needed some.serious elbow grease, locking wheel bolt so corroded the key wouldn't fit properly, and wheel welded so badly to the hub I had to shuffle it around with slack wheelnuts to get it loose.
Now discovered that somebody has kindly drilled out the disc retaining bolt head. It is at least still held by the stud, but obviously I can't tighten it to the hub. I understand that it can cause vibrations so I hope that wasn't the problem.
Any reason I should worry about it, or just crack on?
It has been a slow process so far! Don't know when the wheels were last off but the wheel nuts needed some.serious elbow grease, locking wheel bolt so corroded the key wouldn't fit properly, and wheel welded so badly to the hub I had to shuffle it around with slack wheelnuts to get it loose.
Now discovered that somebody has kindly drilled out the disc retaining bolt head. It is at least still held by the stud, but obviously I can't tighten it to the hub. I understand that it can cause vibrations so I hope that wasn't the problem.
Any reason I should worry about it, or just crack on?
Disc bolts are a load of old tosh. They always seize and strip. I've stripped many, even with the correct size Allen key. Make sure to tighten the calliper carrier bolts too! I forgot to do that and had a bad time a couple of weeks ago and found out I hadn't the hard way. My wheel has a nice machining to it now though!
A while since I've updated.
Suddenly developed a massive vibration and needed the car so threw it at my local garage who replaced front discs and pads and that sorted that.
Have elected to stop using a BMW specialist local to me just because they were so unpleasant to deal with. Took it in as agreed for belts and thermostat and the owner was really grumpy with me, not for the first time, (told me I was late when I turned up at the agreed time, etc.) and I decided I didn't need that in my life. They clearly are busy enough and don't need my money so it won't hurt them but I was surprised as their online feedback is exemplary.
Anyway, the car has been fine and I've done 10k in it, but I got a coolant level lamp the other day. As far as I can see it is leaking from the expansion tank at the bottom - perhaps split, perhaps just a hose, but as I bust the float indicator in it it needs replacing. Decided the water pump probably ought to be done too.
I am going to put it into my local garage again - would have to wait 6 weeks for the specialist just to be shouted at, and I don't have the time or inclination to do it on the drive. I gather that all the expansion tanks (OEM/aftermarket) are s
te and split eventually, but do I need to specifiy a particular water pump to make sure I get one with a metal impeller? Or can you not get the older ones now?
Gonna get them to do the rocker cover gasket as well.
Suddenly developed a massive vibration and needed the car so threw it at my local garage who replaced front discs and pads and that sorted that.
Have elected to stop using a BMW specialist local to me just because they were so unpleasant to deal with. Took it in as agreed for belts and thermostat and the owner was really grumpy with me, not for the first time, (told me I was late when I turned up at the agreed time, etc.) and I decided I didn't need that in my life. They clearly are busy enough and don't need my money so it won't hurt them but I was surprised as their online feedback is exemplary.
Anyway, the car has been fine and I've done 10k in it, but I got a coolant level lamp the other day. As far as I can see it is leaking from the expansion tank at the bottom - perhaps split, perhaps just a hose, but as I bust the float indicator in it it needs replacing. Decided the water pump probably ought to be done too.
I am going to put it into my local garage again - would have to wait 6 weeks for the specialist just to be shouted at, and I don't have the time or inclination to do it on the drive. I gather that all the expansion tanks (OEM/aftermarket) are s
te and split eventually, but do I need to specifiy a particular water pump to make sure I get one with a metal impeller? Or can you not get the older ones now?Gonna get them to do the rocker cover gasket as well.
Last expansion tank I put on an E46 was Hella. Still going strong after several years. I fitted a Hella one to an E65 yesterday. Re water pump I only recommend gen BMW as I’ve seen too many aftermarket ones fail prematurely. Cam cover gasket, again, if you want it to last only gen BMW ones do. Even “oe” ones don’t last.
I know BMW have switched from butyl rubber to viton rubber for the M62 cam cover seals to reduce the issue of leading as they age. The M52/M54 is a similar design, so wouldn't be supported if they have done the same. As far as I know none of the aftermarket suppliers are using viton yet, so go OE for your replacement.
D4SH said:
Are you still enjoying the car NCoT? I got rid of the CLS shortly after and went back to the 3 series, albeit E92 M3 now!
Haha! Just a bit late responding!Yeah, I absolutely love the car, I desperately wish BMW still made them like this! Now on 174k and still my daily driver. Oil use seems to have stopped with rocker cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket. One of the front springs snapped over the summer, new springs/shocks at the front. Had some poor running a few months back fixed by replacing an intake hose and rebuilding the DISA valve with the X8R rebuild kit. Also needed another coil pack at one stage.
Edit: oh yeah, and I replaced the thermostat and within a few months in was showing the same code again...
It's just a joy to drive though, did 1000 miles around Yorkshire Dales this summer and it was brilliant, such a good all-rounder. Only problem was a sticky rear wiper which is since fixed.
I am in a bit of a quandary though as both rear arches need doing and I just don't know if it's worth sticking that kind of money into it. I really don't know what I would replace it with though. I could stick a few grand into it and still end up with a 15 year old 3 series with the thick end of 200k on it
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