BMW E46 330d SE Touring

[helix402]

Yes, both MV1s and 2s are known for cracking and buckling. You’re right re Style 32s being lighter than MV1s and 2s.

[helix402]

The old BMWs done some miles this week. 400 in the last two days.

I decided to zero the mpg gauge before a 170 mile journey yesterday, this was the result:






Silly IPhone put the pic upside down.

[helix402]

I have donned my anorak for this post. Be warned.

The crankcase breather. I’m currently using the standard set up. Original breather unit and a foam filter. I tried a later vortex one on my last 330d and it smoked more.

This one is a little different so I’m going to try a vortex at next service. There are two different vortex filters which could fit, the one listed as a replacement, also used on the 320d and the M57tu/N one which isn’t listed as fitting.

I got a bargain from ECP, £27 for a gen BMW kit with the complete breather unit and vortex and also bought a Febi M57n vortex.

That way I can compare the two on the car and see which fits best.



Pics below:

[Darren1101]

Any tips on getting the bearing done in 2 hours?Read of others taking 5 hours!

I’m guessing that’s what it is anyway. Developed some serious knocking after the garage did my brake lines. Presumed they rested the tank on the prop.

helix402 said:

New prop bearing fitted. Two hours on my back in the heat. (Including the usual finding rust patches on the floor where the underseal has cracked and repairing these)

New bearing:



Old bearing:





New bearing fitted:



Then I did an N52 oil filter housing gasket for a friend:



Laptop is for coolant bleeding (I know you can do it without but I like to check the pump speed)

[helix402]

Re prop bearing you need to remove the exhaust which is easy on the diesels as there aren’t nuts to the down pipe that seize.

The centre bearings normally slide on and off the shaft without special tools. On very rare occasions you may need a three legged puller to get the old one off.

[Darren1101]

helix402 said:

Re prop bearing you need to remove the exhaust which is easy on the diesels as there aren’t nuts to the down pipe that seize.

The centre bearings normally slide on and off the shaft without special tools. On very rare occasions you may need a three legged puller to get the old one off.

Thanks Helix. Might be able to squeeze it around Christmas shopping next weekend. Will do the donut at the same time.

When’s your 6 speed going in?

[helix402]

6 speed will go in when it’s warmer! Despite having occasional access to a workshop and lift I’d still prefer a warm one.

[helix402]

I picked up one of my Style 68s today which I had refurbed. I used a company I haven’t used before but am very pleased with the work.

New M badge and BMW dust cap as finishing touches. I forgot the later wheel caps protrude on these so I’ve ordered some new earlier centre cap stickers to go on some spare old caps I have.

[helix402]

New centre cap badges sorted, new stickers:



Old caps:



Finished:

[helix402]

Style 68s on:



Happy Christmas Eve eve.

[JakeT]

Much better looking. I was thinking about what nice 17 inch wheel I should fit to my E91 330i when the winters go off. Shame there's no real 'style 68' for these cars. I think a pre facelift touring on Style 68s or Style 72s is just right. Yours looks grand.

Merry Christmas Eve eve too.

[Willse46]

Looks great on style 68s

[d_a_n1979]

helix402 said:

Style 68s on:



Happy Christmas Eve eve.

Looks really good on those

Merry Christmas

[helix402]

d_a_n1979 said:

Looks really good on those

Merry Christmas

Thankyou. I managed to have the car for a year before buying them! This was my last 330d with the same wheels:



and my old 328i with 68s:




Happy Boxing Day.

[d_a_n1979]

helix402 said:

Thankyou. I managed to have the car for a year before buying them! This was my last 330d with the same wheels:



and my old 328i with 68s:




Happy Boxing Day.

Looks bang on; the colour contrast between the car & the silver alloys makes it IMO; just like silver cars with darker alloys

Merry Boxing Day...

[Sf_Manta]

Does look smart on those wheels Helix

I'd love to trade the MV1's I've got (Original to my car) for those, but i need 18in wheels to fit over the front brakes.

Oh well.

[kevburner]

helix402 said:

I have donned my anorak for this post. Be warned.

The crankcase breather. I’m currently using the standard set up. Original breather unit and a foam filter. I tried a later vortex one on my last 330d and it smoked more.

This one is a little different so I’m going to try a vortex at next service. There are two different vortex filters which could fit, the one listed as a replacement, also used on the 320d and the M57tu/N one which isn’t listed as fitting.

I got a bargain from ECP, £27 for a gen BMW kit with the complete breather unit and vortex and also bought a Febi M57n vortex.

That way I can compare the two on the car and see which fits best.



Pics below:

Hi noticed any difference, from using the vortex to the foam filter yet ?

[helix402]

kevburner said:

Hi noticed any difference, from using the vortex to the foam filter yet ?

I haven’t fitted the new filter yet.

[helix402]

I put my last Style 68 on today, was waiting for my tyre fitter to return post Xmas.

New Eagle F1 and new (old stock) style 68:



I looked through the old price list that came with my car. It was only £150 to upgrade to Style 68s on a brand new 330d!

I checked the n/s/r corner while I was there and found a couple of items needing attention. The caliper bleed nipple dust covers had a hole in. Handily I have two brand new gen BMW dust covers so one went on.

The caliper was also binding slightly. I removed it, cleaned and refitted it. It’s not binding at the moment but in my experience it’s more likely a rusty piston causing the binding. I’ve ordered a used caliper to either go on or rebuild with a new piston depending on the condition.

[Mexman]

Hi Helix, sorry to hijack.
I have an e46 330D 204BHP, Auto saloon, and have noticed that when pulling away with the steering turned right, ie..As if turning right from a T junction, I get the rumble strip vibration happen, but this is pulling away in 2nd gear and not particularly fiercely.?
It's most definitely coming from the near side rear wheel, I think.
Had a recon Auto box fitted 2yrs, 25k miles ago.
I can get the same symptoms to occur in a straight line, if I really gun it hard though a gear, but not as noticeable...?
Ideas or thoughts?
Cheers.