BMW E46 330ci track toy (£970)
Discussion
Hello folks
A lot has changed with the 330ci since I bought it over 1 year ago now. I really thought I would have sold it within a few weeks of buying it. This is mainly because I come from turbocharged cars, and the smooth power delivery of the straight 6 does nothing for me. But, having a cheap car which I can learn how to fix and not break the bank is fun.
So currently here is where we are -
Bilstein B12 with Eibach springs
H&R spacers
Shortened drop links
Poly bushed front wishbone bone
Polybushed anti-roll bars
Style 68 square setup alloys (17")
Michelin Cup 2 tyres (to be fitted, currently sat in my garage)
Yellowstuff pads with black diamond discs
Mobil dot4.1 race brake fluid - awaiting fitting / bleeding
Stripped rear interior
Strut braces
Dave F air filter + headshield
Rear exhaust resonator deleted
Msport front bumper
Full service (spark plugs, oil + filters)
Chavvy stickers - Completed
Shopping list -
Sparco QRT bucket seats
Sparco deep-dish steering wheel
Full cooling system refresh
Disa valve rebuild
E46 330d auto rear diff
Rear subframe rebuild with polybushes
The car is honestly night and day different to when I bought it. I really do like this car now and can't wait to head back to the Ring + track days.
Here is the e46 next to my daily (330d LCI E91)
I have a lot planned for the e46 over the next few weeks, so I'll be sure to keep this thread up to date
PB
A lot has changed with the 330ci since I bought it over 1 year ago now. I really thought I would have sold it within a few weeks of buying it. This is mainly because I come from turbocharged cars, and the smooth power delivery of the straight 6 does nothing for me. But, having a cheap car which I can learn how to fix and not break the bank is fun.
So currently here is where we are -
Bilstein B12 with Eibach springs
H&R spacers
Shortened drop links
Poly bushed front wishbone bone
Polybushed anti-roll bars
Style 68 square setup alloys (17")
Michelin Cup 2 tyres (to be fitted, currently sat in my garage)
Yellowstuff pads with black diamond discs
Mobil dot4.1 race brake fluid - awaiting fitting / bleeding
Stripped rear interior
Strut braces
Dave F air filter + headshield
Rear exhaust resonator deleted
Msport front bumper
Full service (spark plugs, oil + filters)
Chavvy stickers - Completed
Shopping list -
Sparco QRT bucket seats
Sparco deep-dish steering wheel
Full cooling system refresh
Disa valve rebuild
E46 330d auto rear diff
Rear subframe rebuild with polybushes
The car is honestly night and day different to when I bought it. I really do like this car now and can't wait to head back to the Ring + track days.
Here is the e46 next to my daily (330d LCI E91)
I have a lot planned for the e46 over the next few weeks, so I'll be sure to keep this thread up to date
PB
Looks great so far, and have a few suggestions, especially given the subframe bushing.
If you're handy with a welder, or know someone who is, it's well worth getting ahold of a subframe re-enforcement kit while you're doing the bushes. I've just had the touring upgraded here (see my thread for details) by Sam who's done a damned decent job of doing the work if facilities are an issue.
With regards to the brake pads though, I'd honestly suggest swapping to Ferrodo DS2500s or a Pagid track pad when heading to the ring. I knew someone who came out in a Ford Focus RS (Mk2) with me one year, and he had EBC yellows on his car. Within 4 laps however, the pads had completely destroyed themelves and he was forced to limp home on the reminds.
Also having been to the ring, be prepared to rebuild your front calipers often or consider the Porsche Boxter upgrade as the calipers themselves are the same units as the E36 but due to the E46 being a bit more portly (+200kg heavier or so) you might find the stock calipers binding up more often. I went through 2 sets before giving up and moving to the Porsche brembos and not had any trouble since.
If you're handy with a welder, or know someone who is, it's well worth getting ahold of a subframe re-enforcement kit while you're doing the bushes. I've just had the touring upgraded here (see my thread for details) by Sam who's done a damned decent job of doing the work if facilities are an issue.
With regards to the brake pads though, I'd honestly suggest swapping to Ferrodo DS2500s or a Pagid track pad when heading to the ring. I knew someone who came out in a Ford Focus RS (Mk2) with me one year, and he had EBC yellows on his car. Within 4 laps however, the pads had completely destroyed themelves and he was forced to limp home on the reminds.
Also having been to the ring, be prepared to rebuild your front calipers often or consider the Porsche Boxter upgrade as the calipers themselves are the same units as the E36 but due to the E46 being a bit more portly (+200kg heavier or so) you might find the stock calipers binding up more often. I went through 2 sets before giving up and moving to the Porsche brembos and not had any trouble since.
Sf_Manta said:
Looks great so far, and have a few suggestions, especially given the subframe bushing.
If you're handy with a welder, or know someone who is, it's well worth getting ahold of a subframe re-enforcement kit while you're doing the bushes. I've just had the touring upgraded here (see my thread for details) by Sam who's done a damned decent job of doing the work if facilities are an issue.
With regards to the brake pads though, I'd honestly suggest swapping to Ferrodo DS2500s or a Pagid track pad when heading to the ring. I knew someone who came out in a Ford Focus RS (Mk2) with me one year, and he had EBC yellows on his car. Within 4 laps however, the pads had completely destroyed themelves and he was forced to limp home on the reminds.
Also having been to the ring, be prepared to rebuild your front calipers often or consider the Porsche Boxter upgrade as the calipers themselves are the same units as the E36 but due to the E46 being a bit more portly (+200kg heavier or so) you might find the stock calipers binding up more often. I went through 2 sets before giving up and moving to the Porsche brembos and not had any trouble since.
I'm actually midway through an E46 M3 rear subframe restoration on a friends car. We ordered the Reddish Motorsport subframe strengthening kit + full set of polybushes. So we plan on doing this to my car, once we have finished his. This should really tighten up the rear of my 330ci. Out of interest, how much does your guy charge for it?If you're handy with a welder, or know someone who is, it's well worth getting ahold of a subframe re-enforcement kit while you're doing the bushes. I've just had the touring upgraded here (see my thread for details) by Sam who's done a damned decent job of doing the work if facilities are an issue.
With regards to the brake pads though, I'd honestly suggest swapping to Ferrodo DS2500s or a Pagid track pad when heading to the ring. I knew someone who came out in a Ford Focus RS (Mk2) with me one year, and he had EBC yellows on his car. Within 4 laps however, the pads had completely destroyed themelves and he was forced to limp home on the reminds.
Also having been to the ring, be prepared to rebuild your front calipers often or consider the Porsche Boxter upgrade as the calipers themselves are the same units as the E36 but due to the E46 being a bit more portly (+200kg heavier or so) you might find the stock calipers binding up more often. I went through 2 sets before giving up and moving to the Porsche brembos and not had any trouble since.
I'm a regular at the Ring, but never with a car quite this old. So I'm slowly realising that literally most things need replacing / upgrading on these old BMWs. I had no idea you could fit Porsche brakes on an e46, that is SO cool!!! I take it you had to fit adaption plates for the calipers to fit?
That is interesting about your experience with Yellowstuff pads. I've done countless track days with this brand of pads over the years and never had a problem. But the more I read about the pads, the more I want to swap them out with the ones you've mentioned. Would you also upgrade the rear pads? I have standard pads in the rear atm, but will gladly swap them out if a big difference is noticed.
PB
Pig benis said:
I'm actually midway through an E46 M3 rear subframe restoration on a friends car. We ordered the Reddish Motorsport subframe strengthening kit + full set of polybushes. So we plan on doing this to my car, once we have finished his. This should really tighten up the rear of my 330ci. Out of interest, how much does your guy charge for it?
I'm a regular at the Ring, but never with a car quite this old. So I'm slowly realising that literally most things need replacing / upgrading on these old BMWs. I had no idea you could fit Porsche brakes on an e46, that is SO cool!!! I take it you had to fit adaption plates for the calipers to fit?
That is interesting about your experience with Yellowstuff pads. I've done countless track days with this brand of pads over the years and never had a problem. But the more I read about the pads, the more I want to swap them out with the ones you've mentioned. Would you also upgrade the rear pads? I have standard pads in the rear atm, but will gladly swap them out if a big difference is noticed.
PB
I would recommend dropping Sam (Carpetsoiler) a PM here on PH for quotes, as he took a bit longer on my car as we did an improtu 6 speed swap using the E36 M3 box, though I would think around 40 hours or so? to do the job properly (a regular week's work) providing the Raddish kit and bushings were supplied with a fresh powdercoated subframe. I'm sure Sam can give you a reasonable quote and I've dropped some pictures below:I'm a regular at the Ring, but never with a car quite this old. So I'm slowly realising that literally most things need replacing / upgrading on these old BMWs. I had no idea you could fit Porsche brakes on an e46, that is SO cool!!! I take it you had to fit adaption plates for the calipers to fit?
That is interesting about your experience with Yellowstuff pads. I've done countless track days with this brand of pads over the years and never had a problem. But the more I read about the pads, the more I want to swap them out with the ones you've mentioned. Would you also upgrade the rear pads? I have standard pads in the rear atm, but will gladly swap them out if a big difference is noticed.
PB
Handling wise , adding the kit has made the rear end feel much tighter and predictable, though at the cost of some increased NVH. The car doesn't suffer wheel hop under hard launching anymore and it's very predictable at the limit, though aided given I have a Gripper LSD installed with a 3.23:1 ratio.
In regards to fitting the Porsche calipers, I used these caliper brackets : https://creationsmotorsport.com/index.php/car-part...
These list the specific Porsche calipers from a 3.2 Boxter and you'll need the HEL lines which are a straight fit in along with a adapted sensor, Part numbers are 996.351.425 and 996.351.426.
Brake lines
https://creationsmotorsport.com/car-parts-170/brak...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEL-BMW-STANDARD-E36-E4...
Brake sensor.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Brake-Pad-Wear-Wi...
DS2500 pads if i got the right ones
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ferodo-DS2500-Front-Bra...
As for the rear brakes, I use the stock items, with DS2500 pads and HEL lines. The sliders get well packed with copper slip, though ceramic grease can work too.
Edited by Sf_Manta on Friday 22 May 16:46
[quote=Sf_Manta]Looks great so far, and have a few suggestions, especially given the subframe bushing.
If you're handy with a welder, or know someone who is, it's well worth getting ahold of a subframe re-enforcement kit while you're doing the bushes. I've just had the touring upgraded here (see my thread for details) by Sam who's done a damned decent job of doing the work if facilities are an issue.
With regards to the brake pads though, I'd honestly suggest swapping to Ferrodo DS2500s or a Pagid track pad when heading to the ring. I knew someone who came out in a Ford Focus RS (Mk2) with me one year, and he had EBC yellows on his car. Within 4 laps however, the pads had completely destroyed themelves and he was forced to limp home on the reminds.
Also having been to the ring, be prepared to rebuild your front calipers often or consider the Porsche Boxter upgrade as the calipers themselves are the same units as the E36 but due to the E46 being a bit more portly (+200kg heavier or so) you might find the stock calipers binding up more often. I went through 2 sets before giving up and moving to the Porsche brembos and not had any trouble since.[/quote
The front calipers aren't used on the E36. They are shared with the 330d/i/xi and some 325i models.
If you're handy with a welder, or know someone who is, it's well worth getting ahold of a subframe re-enforcement kit while you're doing the bushes. I've just had the touring upgraded here (see my thread for details) by Sam who's done a damned decent job of doing the work if facilities are an issue.
With regards to the brake pads though, I'd honestly suggest swapping to Ferrodo DS2500s or a Pagid track pad when heading to the ring. I knew someone who came out in a Ford Focus RS (Mk2) with me one year, and he had EBC yellows on his car. Within 4 laps however, the pads had completely destroyed themelves and he was forced to limp home on the reminds.
Also having been to the ring, be prepared to rebuild your front calipers often or consider the Porsche Boxter upgrade as the calipers themselves are the same units as the E36 but due to the E46 being a bit more portly (+200kg heavier or so) you might find the stock calipers binding up more often. I went through 2 sets before giving up and moving to the Porsche brembos and not had any trouble since.[/quote
The front calipers aren't used on the E36. They are shared with the 330d/i/xi and some 325i models.
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