BMW E46 330d M-Sport Touring Manual (Anyone recognise her?)

[captain_beaky]

Been hankering after another E46 for quite a while since my trusty old 320d saloon of many years ago. Have had a few E9* models in the interim years (including a 330d & 335i) and an E61 5 series, but never really bonded with them like i did the E46... Not sure if it's the run-flat tyres, the electric power steering, the chassis wiggle at the rear-end when driving over drain covers, the unintuitive i-Drive, or a combination of all of the above - but I just never quite felt the love like I did for my humble little old E46...

I've been running an old Volvo V70 as a daily for ages now (having intended to only have it as a temporary stop gap!) so I was in the market for something that would be able to replace it and tick the following boxes:

-Transport large dog(s)
-Carry large quantities of logs
-Be compatible with my roof rack
-Accommodate 4 adults plus cricket kit on long journey
-Be interesting enough for me to give a toss about it and want to look after it
-Do about 40mpg

I've discovered recently that it is optimal for my daily vehicle to achieve a delicate balance between being presentable enough for me to feel some degree of affection / pride for it when it's all nice and clean - but at the same time to be sufficiently well used & abused that I don't constantly fret about it when leaving it in car parks and making progress down tight country B-roads etc.

I picked up this over the weekend and so far I am absolutely loving being back in an E46



The service history shows that it was obviously someones pride & joy up in the Worksop area... Just wondered if anyone on here recognised her???

The previous keeper told me that it has been remapped (which I can well believe) so would be nice if I could find out where it was done...



Sorry about the crappy image quality - will put up some decent pics when I get a chance...

[captain_beaky]

Still haven't had a chance to get some decent pics done and i'm desperate to get out in the garage and spend some time cleaning & polishing her (always feel compelled to do this when i've bought a new car - even if its really clean already!)

Been looking into doing a couple of small jobs and would be interested to have any input from people on here who have had previous experience of doing them...

(a) need to add bluetooth functionality to the HK stereo system... I've picked up a 'Grom Audio' unit 2nd hand (connects to the head unit instead o the factory CD changer) but have run into compatibility problems with the connectors on the HK system

(b) the down swept exhaust tail pipes offend me and i'd like to replace them with horizontal chrome ones like the petrol 6 pots have...



Thats about it for now...

I'm absolutely loving being back in an E46. After driving my old V70 as a daily for the last 2 years this just feels like a rocket!!!

Averaging 40mpg at the moment too!!!!!

[Chestrockwell]

That’s a top car and a unicorn in the spec you have, black 330d sport manual touring!

I get what you mean about not gelling with other cars and my brother is in the same boat, he’s bought a 523i E39 as a stop gap until he finds the right E46 but they just don’t exist anymore, people don’t want to part with theirs. There’s actually an 05 plate E46 330i touring in my village and my brother asked the lady if she decided to sell it, let him know and she said I’ll never sell it sorry

Sorry I can’t help you with your questions but wanted to let you know you have a top car and you should keep it forever!

[helix402]

My latest 330d thread explains how to add Bluetooth to an E46 (HK too).

[captain_beaky]

Thanks Chestrockwell - I'm dead chuffed I managed to find this one (and didn't even have to travel too far to buy it either!)

There's definitely something about the E46 that to me represents a sweet-spot in the evolution of the 3 series. It's modern enough to live with every day but isn't blighted by the things that detract from the E91 (namely run flat tyres, electric PAS & a DPF!). It's also the perfect size for my needs. The current 3 series (F20 is it?) is more like an E39 5 series in size to my untrained eye...

I reckon it might just be a keeper... I've been pondering over what would complement my 987 Boxster the best in order to make up my perfect (real-world-budget) 2 car fleet. I think I've made the right choice.

What else is there at that price point that can do all of those things (and have the grin factor 200+bhp!)???

[captain_beaky]

Forgive me Helix402... How do I find your thread????

[helix402]

captain_beaky said:

Forgive me Helix402... How do I find your thread????

If you click on my user name in the reply you can search my posts. There are two readers cars threads on 330ds, last one was an auto that I converted to manual and was still going strong at 250k miles till someone drove into it.



Current 330d has only done 140k. Between the threads most 330d faults and fixes are covered.

[helix402]

helix402 said:

If you click on my user name in the reply you can search my posts. There are two readers cars threads on 330ds, last one was an auto that I converted to manual and was still going strong at 250k miles till someone drove into it.

This is my 330d thread:




Current 330d has only done 140k. Between the threads most 330d faults and fixes are covered.

[captain_beaky]

Oh my dear god helix402!!!!!!

That thread is the best thing ever

I've only just started reading the first couple of pages but i'm already bristling with excitement about what an amazingly concentrated source of specific & relevant knowledge there is contained therein...

It's basically an E46 330d owners wet dream


Now I need to settle down with a cuppa and do some serious reading...

[helix402]

captain_beaky said:

Oh my dear god helix402!!!!!!

That thread is the best thing ever

I've only just started reading the first couple of pages but i'm already bristling with excitement about what an amazingly concentrated source of specific & relevant knowledge there is contained therein...

It's basically an E46 330d owners wet dream


Now I need to settle down with a cuppa and do some serious reading...

Glad you’re finding it helpful! The older silver 330 thread covers some in depth rust repairs and more stuff too.

[captain_beaky]

So...

I'm already thinking that I might renew all my vacuum hoses since I reckon that I might be missing a wee bit of sub 2,000rpm torque...

I'm only seeing 39-40mpg at present (although in fairness to the old girl my commute is basically a 10 mile trip involving 9 roundabouts - so I have to go from zero to 70mph 9 times which is the most conducive to hypermiling). I was told by the previous owner that she has already been remapped with an EGR delete - so this seems to be the next logical measure to take...

It looked from your pics like you just used some generic rubber hose that you just cut to size... Any particular words of wisdom on this???


Am also seriously considering a de-cat too...

[Chestrockwell]

captain_beaky said:

So...

I'm already thinking that I might renew all my vacuum hoses since I reckon that I might be missing a wee bit of sub 2,000rpm torque...

I'm only seeing 39-40mpg at present (although in fairness to the old girl my commute is basically a 10 mile trip involving 9 roundabouts - so I have to go from zero to 70mph 9 times which is the most conducive to hypermiling). I was told by the previous owner that she has already been remapped with an EGR delete - so this seems to be the next logical measure to take...

It looked from your pics like you just used some generic rubber hose that you just cut to size... Any particular words of wisdom on this???


Am also seriously considering a de-cat too...

Not so sure about a decat, my friend has an E60 535d decatted with a dpf delete and the smell that it makes when driving off or even idling is borderline unsafe, or at least I think so considering the storm right now regarding diesels!

[helix402]

Chestrockwell said:

Not so sure about a decat, my friend has an E60 535d decatted with a dpf delete and the smell that it makes when driving off or even idling is borderline unsafe, or at least I think so considering the storm right now regarding diesels!

I’d highly recommend changing all the vacuum hoses. I use Ramair silicon hose. Re the de cat, the secondary cat remains so MOT emissions are fine. However there is an increase in dieselly smells at idle. I’m not sure there are any performance or mpg gains. The main advantage is that there’s more room in the engine bay which makes gearbox removal easier.

I’d leave the cat in place.

[kevburner]

Hi ,
Congrats on the tourer

I’ve got 330d tourer in orient blue , had it nearly 10 years ! Other cars have come and gone but the old girl has become a family member never to be sold




It’s had 2 auto gearboxes, now been converted to manual
Swirl flaps done
Egr and cooler delete , cheaper to get rid of it after numerous problems with it
Viscous fan/ a/c delete after the original exploded , replaced with electric 1 from 320 petrol and controlled by the a/c fan plug
Alloy intercooler original had a boost leak
Vac hoses replaced

Things to do
Replace turbo , got a freshly rebuilt 2260 vac 1 , that’s from a 204 model that’s a straight swap , original 1 has leaky oil seal !
Oil filter housing gasket weeping , common problem
Rocker cover gasket weeping another common problem !

Passenger side rear arch just starting to bubble

Cars done 140k I’ve had it since 70k in the last few years it only does 2/3k a year mostly tip runs and moving family stuff about , in the last week it’s had battery and alternator, it had the originals from factory not bad for a 17 year old car

It gets oil and filters every year at mot time , never gonna sell it

It’s also got a decat on it and it’s been mapped by Gbw the torque is mind blowing , you do get a diesel smell from the decat at idle sometimes but it’s not bothered me in 5 years it’s been like it

Enjoy the car , in a few years time there won’t be many left

Edited by kevburner on Tuesday 1st January 14:45

[njw1]

Don't recognise your car but it does remind me of my old one, also a black manual sport;



Regarding your lack of oomph below 2k revs, mine was the same, I fitted a decat and then it would actually pull off in third if you wanted! It did smell at idle though as other have mentioned.

[helix402]

kevburner said:

Hi ,
Congrats on the tourer

I’ve got 330d tourer in orient blue , had it nearly 10 years ! Other cars have come and gone but the old girl has become a family member never to be sold




It’s had 2 auto gearboxes, now been converted to manual
Swirl flaps done
Egr and cooler delete , cheaper to get rid of it after numerous problems with it
Viscous fan/ a/c delete after the original exploded , replaced with electric 1 from 320 petrol and controlled by the a/c fan plug
Alloy intercooler original had a boost leak
Vac hoses replaced

Things to do
Replace turbo , got a freshly rebuilt 2260 vac 1 , that’s from a 204 model that’s a straight swap , original 1 has leaky oil seal !
Oil filter housing gasket weeping , common problem
Rocker cover gasket weeping another common problem !

Passenger side rear arch just starting to bubble

Cars done 140k I’ve had it since 70k in the last few years it only does 2/3k a year mostly tip runs and moving family stuff about , in the last week it’s had battery and alternator, it had the originals from factory not bad for a 17 year old car

It gets oil and filters every year at mot time , never gonna sell it

It’s also got a decat on it and it’s been mapped by Gbw the torque is mind blowing , you do get a diesel smell from the decat at idle sometimes but it’s not bothered me in 5 years it’s been like it

Enjoy the car , in a few years time there won’t be many left

Edited by kevburner on Tuesday 1st January 14:45

Apologies to op for a minor thread derail, re the last post. I’m always keen to learn from others who’ve tried changes with success, have you fitted the vacuum 204 turbo and if so did it make a difference and was a remap required to suit?

[captain_beaky]

Couple of very nice Tourings there gentlemen...

I'm so glad i've rediscovered my love for the E46 - there's just something about them that resonates with me.


I've got to spend a bit of time tarting up my old V70 and getting that ready for sale - then once that's gone to a new home i'll be able to throw some time at a few little jobs on the 330d. Can't wait


Helix402 - prepare to be pestered with a relentless bombardment of (perhaps stupid) questions!!!

[Sf_Manta]

Yet another Touring owner here.. but a 330i Sport manual Touring.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

It's got some mods, and managed a 9.42 BTG at the ring.

[captain_beaky]

330i Sport Touring Manwell???

Surely not!!!!!!!


A very rare thing indeed...


A wonderful engine in a wonderful wagon. Bravo.


That's a very respectable BTG time too. My personal best is 9:44 but that was in a 3.0 E36 M3 so hats off to you sir

I know that neither of these times might not be considered especially 'impressive' given the ridiculous numbers that are churned out every week by professional drivers in modern machines - but any mere mortal with no track/comp experience who has driven a lap at that sort of pace in their own car will know (a) how committed you need to be & (b) how many vastly more expensive vehicles you will have had to pass to achieve it.

Full marks & big kudos

[Sf_Manta]

captain_beaky said:

330i Sport Touring Manwell???

Surely not!!!!!!!


A very rare thing indeed...


A wonderful engine in a wonderful wagon. Bravo.


That's a very respectable BTG time too. My personal best is 9:44 but that was in a 3.0 E36 M3 so hats off to you sir

I know that neither of these times might not be considered especially 'impressive' given the ridiculous numbers that are churned out every week by professional drivers in modern machines - but any mere mortal with no track/comp experience who has driven a lap at that sort of pace in their own car will know (a) how committed you need to be & (b) how many vastly more expensive vehicles you will have had to pass to achieve it.

Full marks & big kudos

184 left last i checked on www.howmanyleft.com

And it was actually amusing doing that time Blasting past F80? M3's , The rental Swifts and a few other well sorted cars made for some confused looks as they got passed by a wagon. There's a guy out there called Stuart who runs a Black 330i Touring as well, and he's pushing down to 9.30s