BMW E46 330d SE Touring

[helix402]

Sad damaged arch and no bumper photo:



Bumper removed to reduce labour costs as it’s off to the bodyshop next week.

I had a dash of doom yesterday:



I guessed the cause as:

Abs/dsc pressure sensor
Wheel speed sensor
Steering angle sensor

It was the o/s/r wheel speed sensor. New ATE one is £52. I bought a used one for £9.90. I can buy another four for a new one!

I swopped the wheels front to rear, the P Zero Nero GTs are terrible on the front. Tramlining and aquaplaning at the merest hint of water or a white line or uneven road surface. (I know E46s like a matching set of four tyres-Tiny Tim needs a turkey).

Note the original exhaust-shame BMW didn’t use the metal for the arches!

[JakeT]

If the ABS light is on my first guess is always a wheel speed sensor. Usually a steering angle sensor or a pressure sensor will do just the yellow handbrake and the DSC light. At least that's my thought on these cars.

I've never rated Pirelli normal road tyres either, I think there is much better for the money. I originally bought them owing to cost reasons, but as a very capable mid range tyre I've been impressed with the Kumho Ecsta PS71 in the 225/45/R17 these cars use. They've worn very well, and provide good grip be it wet or dry. They even did admirably when the snow struck earlier this year. I've done about 30,000 miles on the fronts, and they've worn very lightly and evenly, and the rears have been on for about 20,000 miles and have also worn very well. I'll buy again when this set wear out.

[anonymous-user]

I had a dash of doom yesterday:



I guessed the cause as:

Abs/dsc pressure sensor
Wheel speed sensor
Steering angle sensor


[/quote]

Had the same on my alpina last week. Hadn’t had chance to order a wheel speed sensor before it calmed down and returned to normal service. I’ve no doubt it will come back again though. Hope the bodywork repairs go well.

[helix402]

That’s certainly good tyre life, I’ll see how long the Pirellis last. I’ll definitely consider your tyre recommendation, I won’t use Pirellis next time.

[daniel-5zjw7]

Good stuff! Hope the repair goes well

+1 for the PS71's, i've had a set on for 15k/1 yr now and have been a superb all rounder and wearing very well.

[helix402]

Bumper fittings cleaned and replaced/waxed ready for refitting post repair:

[Sf_Manta]

Hope the repairs go well there Helix, will be looking to get a date booked for mine to attend the bodyshop early next year once i finish work for this year.

After that I'll be looking to purchase a new flywheel and clutch.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-parts/performance-...

Given mine is a 5 speed, i get the benefit of being able to use the E34 M5 clutch.

[helix402]

I didn’t know the M54 could use an M5 clutch. When you change your clutch it’s worth changing all the gear linkage bushes and also the clutch lever pivot in the box (gen BMW is fine, no need for a metal one.)

[Sf_Manta]

helix402 said:

I didn’t know the M54 could use an M5 clutch. When you change your clutch it’s worth changing all the gear linkage bushes and also the clutch lever pivot in the box (gen BMW is fine, no need for a metal one.)

Only the 5 speed ones can due to the spline being different on the 6 speed box. You have to get a single mass flywheel to make the change, but from what i've looked into, this is one of the few that doesn't suffer with gear chatter (UUC can suffer with this) , or falls apart (Valeo)

[helix402]

Sorted:

[helix402]

Garage needs a clean! Just need to fix the abs now.

[helix402]

I see pics still go upside down with Brave!

[helix402]

140k miles now:

Photo posting n/w





Second hand abs sensor didn’t cure the fault so I have a new one. I’ll do a bit more diagnosis before fitting it, also bought stainless steel bolt for the sensor as the old one was rusty:

[helix402]

Abs/dsc fixed. New rather than used sensor:

[helix402]

I did see some corrosion under the abs reluctor ring so got a used driveshaft and fitted a new ring:




I didn’t need it the end.
Another E46 spare on the shelf!

[FordorBMW]

Helix402, great to read through your thread.

Would you recommend Lemforder arms over Meyle ones. I have not been as lucky as you in finding a genuine M sport II TCA on ebay.

Cheers

Edited by FordorBMW on Thursday 3rd January 19:12

[helix402]

Glad you enjoyed the thread. I’d definitely recommend Lemforder control arms rather than Meyle. I have tried Meyle susp parts in the last but found they don’t last long.

Cheapest place for Lemforder arms (inc the Sport ones) I found was Doctor Car Parts.

Edited by helix402 on Thursday 3rd January 19:39

[FordorBMW]

Yeah I saw them on ebay from Doctor parts, thought I saw them on ECP for £120 with the discount code but I think they are the standards ones.

Thanks for the help!!

[helix402]

I decided after having 1 wheel refurbished to do the rest myself. I bought a used wheel to start, also decided to do one of my spare E46 wheels.

Before:



During:



The wheels are just at the etch primer stage so far.

Also bought some used B6 rear dampers. I had B8s on my 328 for a short time before selling the rears as they were too stiff. I’m hoping the B6s are better, I’ll give them a respray and see how they are.



I’m keeping the rubbish BMW rear top mounts as they were replaced shortly before I bought the car.

Note: pictured trainers are generally not allowed to leave the house. They are very rare and giant. I know anyone reading this will be jealous of my trainers. They are very specialised.

[helix402]

Next coat on the wheels, filler primer:



The newer wheel needs a tad more filling as the primer has highlighted an imperfection.