A few E46 questions - tyres, washer leak and more
Discussion
I picked up my 330 Ci Sport earlier this week. Very pleased with it overall. Interior and exterior are in fantastic condition and the handling is tight as the proverbial drum. It also came with a stack of receipts thicker than my arm.
There are a few things I wanted to check, though...
1) There's a gouge in one of the front tyres (Kumho Ecsta XT), but it's in a flared bit that sticks out from the sidewall. The local garage reckoned this was an additional strip to protect the wheel rim and it's not actually part of the main tyre construction. Do you reckon it's safe to use for a while?
2) Annoyingly, that's on one of the fronts with plenty of tread. The rears will need replacing fairly soon, however, so what would you recommend? (The fronts are 225 40 r18s. I didn't actually check the backs and it's now wedged back in the garage, but I presume it will be the staggered setup...)
3) There's what appears to be a coolant leak. It's on the front left corner somewhere. I can't see exactly where it's coming from, but I presume it's the headlamp washers. It definitely smells of screen wash rather than anti-freeze (much to my relief!) What would you check first?
4) The engine runs beautifully. There's no hesitation or flat spots, no untoward noises, no smoke, no warning lights; it starts instantly and I've not noticed any oil consumption so far ... but it doesn't actually feel that fast. Have I just got too used to modern turbo engines or is there anything I should check?
Many thanks.
There are a few things I wanted to check, though...
1) There's a gouge in one of the front tyres (Kumho Ecsta XT), but it's in a flared bit that sticks out from the sidewall. The local garage reckoned this was an additional strip to protect the wheel rim and it's not actually part of the main tyre construction. Do you reckon it's safe to use for a while?
2) Annoyingly, that's on one of the fronts with plenty of tread. The rears will need replacing fairly soon, however, so what would you recommend? (The fronts are 225 40 r18s. I didn't actually check the backs and it's now wedged back in the garage, but I presume it will be the staggered setup...)
3) There's what appears to be a coolant leak. It's on the front left corner somewhere. I can't see exactly where it's coming from, but I presume it's the headlamp washers. It definitely smells of screen wash rather than anti-freeze (much to my relief!) What would you check first?
4) The engine runs beautifully. There's no hesitation or flat spots, no untoward noises, no smoke, no warning lights; it starts instantly and I've not noticed any oil consumption so far ... but it doesn't actually feel that fast. Have I just got too used to modern turbo engines or is there anything I should check?
Many thanks.
Chris71 said:
I picked up my 330 Ci Sport earlier this week. Very pleased with it overall. Interior and exterior are in fantastic condition and the handling is tight as the proverbial drum. It also came with a stack of receipts thicker than my arm.
There are a few things I wanted to check, though...
1) There's a gouge in one of the front tyres (Kumho Ecsta XT), but it's in a flared bit that sticks out from the sidewall. The local garage reckoned this was an additional strip to protect the wheel rim and it's not actually part of the main tyre construction. Do you reckon it's safe to use for a while?
2) Annoyingly, that's on one of the fronts with plenty of tread. The rears will need replacing fairly soon, however, so what would you recommend? (The fronts are 225 40 r18s. I didn't actually check the backs and it's now wedged back in the garage, but I presume it will be the staggered setup...)
3) There's what appears to be a coolant leak. It's on the front left corner somewhere. I can't see exactly where it's coming from, but I presume it's the headlamp washers. It definitely smells of screen wash rather than anti-freeze (much to my relief!) What would you check first?
4) The engine runs beautifully. There's no hesitation or flat spots, no untoward noises, no smoke, no warning lights; it starts instantly and I've not noticed any oil consumption so far ... but it doesn't actually feel that fast. Have I just got too used to modern turbo engines or is there anything I should check?
Many thanks.
1) It looks similar to what happened with my M3, my tire guys called it the rim protector, BMW recovery who saw it when attending for a dead battery also saw no problem. I'd be confidentThere are a few things I wanted to check, though...
1) There's a gouge in one of the front tyres (Kumho Ecsta XT), but it's in a flared bit that sticks out from the sidewall. The local garage reckoned this was an additional strip to protect the wheel rim and it's not actually part of the main tyre construction. Do you reckon it's safe to use for a while?
2) Annoyingly, that's on one of the fronts with plenty of tread. The rears will need replacing fairly soon, however, so what would you recommend? (The fronts are 225 40 r18s. I didn't actually check the backs and it's now wedged back in the garage, but I presume it will be the staggered setup...)
3) There's what appears to be a coolant leak. It's on the front left corner somewhere. I can't see exactly where it's coming from, but I presume it's the headlamp washers. It definitely smells of screen wash rather than anti-freeze (much to my relief!) What would you check first?
4) The engine runs beautifully. There's no hesitation or flat spots, no untoward noises, no smoke, no warning lights; it starts instantly and I've not noticed any oil consumption so far ... but it doesn't actually feel that fast. Have I just got too used to modern turbo engines or is there anything I should check?
Many thanks.
2) E46's need 4 the same, or they get twitchy. I'm a Michelin fan, pilot sport 4 tires should be great, if on a budget or no hard driving then maybe a mid range Hankook, Falken
3) don't know
4) You've given this some thought with obvious signs. It's slower compared to a 335i which is turbo and compares to the E46 M3, but I don't think a 330ci should feel slow in daily driving.
I too would and have gone for the Michelins, they are brilliant and seem to last for ages.
The coolant/washer fluid leek. Sound like mine, which was the washer fluid. Every time I sprayed the windscreen, half of the bottle was emptied over the near side headlight. I got a friend to use his laptop to turn the headlamp washers off, since then no problem.
You might find that it feels slow because the power delivery is very smooth and linear. My old e36 328 felt faster, but I’m sure that it wasn’t really.
Anyway, it looks good, hope you enjoy it.
The coolant/washer fluid leek. Sound like mine, which was the washer fluid. Every time I sprayed the windscreen, half of the bottle was emptied over the near side headlight. I got a friend to use his laptop to turn the headlamp washers off, since then no problem.
You might find that it feels slow because the power delivery is very smooth and linear. My old e36 328 felt faster, but I’m sure that it wasn’t really.
Anyway, it looks good, hope you enjoy it.
I had a washer leak in my 330d from the headlight washer jet - there was a plug on the end of the plastic nozzle thingy that had come a bit loose, and eventually it just fell off. Easy fix, even for somebody incompetent like me, and not too expensive. Thread here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=93... (might update it now for posterity with a couple of extra points actually)
Even if your problem is something different, taking the headlights out isn't too difficult, so you shouldn't have a problem at least getting a better look.
Even if your problem is something different, taking the headlights out isn't too difficult, so you shouldn't have a problem at least getting a better look.
LanceRS said:
You might find that it feels slow because the power delivery is very smooth and linear. My old e36 328 felt faster, but I’m sure that it wasn’t really.
That's what I'm hoping. If you look at the speedo it does go from 'a bit naughty' to 'ban' deceptively quickly.Runs very nicely, so I'd be a little surprised if it was anything major. Is there anything to look for? I've got a Carly app and adaptor turning up next week, so I'll keep an eye out for any fault codes on sensors etc. Nothing is showing on the dash, though. Yet to check if the CCV has been done - I'm told that can result in reduced performance but I presume I'd notice an oil haze or something?
Very pleased with it overall. My thinking was that any E46 is going to need some money spending eventually, at least with a low mileage manual I stand a decent chance of getting some of it back.
Chris71 said:
That's what I'm hoping. If you look at the speedo it does go from 'a bit naughty' to 'ban' deceptively quickly.
Runs very nicely, so I'd be a little surprised if it was anything major. Is there anything to look for? I've got a Carly app and adaptor turning up next week, so I'll keep an eye out for any fault codes on sensors etc. Nothing is showing on the dash, though. Yet to check if the CCV has been done - I'm told that can result in reduced performance but I presume I'd notice an oil haze or something?
Very pleased with it overall. My thinking was that any E46 is going to need some money spending eventually, at least with a low mileage manual I stand a decent chance of getting some of it back.
I had a CCV done as the assumed (and logical) cause of an oil leak/poor oil consumption. It needed doing and fault codes proved that, but it did not reduce the oil leak/consumption. I'm not expert but it makes me think it might be possible to have the issue without (such) an oil problem?Runs very nicely, so I'd be a little surprised if it was anything major. Is there anything to look for? I've got a Carly app and adaptor turning up next week, so I'll keep an eye out for any fault codes on sensors etc. Nothing is showing on the dash, though. Yet to check if the CCV has been done - I'm told that can result in reduced performance but I presume I'd notice an oil haze or something?
Very pleased with it overall. My thinking was that any E46 is going to need some money spending eventually, at least with a low mileage manual I stand a decent chance of getting some of it back.
Car did run better after it was done. Not sure if it felt faster, but I was 2 years into ownership by then. And needing more power, two weeks later I drove a M135i back to back with the much superior E92 M3 and my old 325 had to go
Can't recall what you paid but at that mileage, don't see much depreciation in the short-term.
Have to say it seemed to have the legs on the current-shape Octavia vRS that was being driven rather spiritedly down the A303 the other night, so can't be too far off. Think I've just got spoilt with faster machinery and turbocharged power delivery. That or it's going better after a bit of a run.
Regarding your Qs
1) It will be fine.
2) It will be a staggered setup. If it were me I'd get either the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s or the Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymettric 3s.
3) Check the header tank and the area around it for leaks anyway ; it's a known spot for Ex6s to leak.
The chances are that it is the nozzle. Get an assistant to power them up and see what happens. A new nozzle is about £30 from BMW IIRC.
4) I am surprised at that! What is your daily?
I'll be honest, my M3 didn't feel all that quick when I got it. A good service and the valve clearances transformed the engine.
1) It will be fine.
2) It will be a staggered setup. If it were me I'd get either the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s or the Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymettric 3s.
3) Check the header tank and the area around it for leaks anyway ; it's a known spot for Ex6s to leak.
The chances are that it is the nozzle. Get an assistant to power them up and see what happens. A new nozzle is about £30 from BMW IIRC.
4) I am surprised at that! What is your daily?
I'll be honest, my M3 didn't feel all that quick when I got it. A good service and the valve clearances transformed the engine.
A common causes of headlight washer leaks is insufficient anti freeze additive in the mix, so it freezes, causing a failure of the washer cover to close properly. In my case I'd come back to find a tell tale puddle under the front of the wheel arch.
As has been said, don't underestimate the importance of a matching set of good tyres. My second E46 was a an AUC with Michelins on the front, Bridgesones on the back. Now, I'd experienced tram-lining with RFTs but this took it to another level. The Bridgestones were nearly new so I put a matching pair on the front and the difference was remarkable. I've had a few sets of F1 Asy's and would recommend them.
I know what you mean about it not feeling as fast as you'd expect. My 330d felt more immediate, but once you get used to the smooth, deceptively fast drive you'll appreciate it for that.
The Carly app is pretty good, though I couldn't change all the coding I'd hoped. I only needed it once to save me paying 'diagnostics' at the stealer but that was enough to pay for itself.
I hope you enjoy the car as much as I did.
Nick
As has been said, don't underestimate the importance of a matching set of good tyres. My second E46 was a an AUC with Michelins on the front, Bridgesones on the back. Now, I'd experienced tram-lining with RFTs but this took it to another level. The Bridgestones were nearly new so I put a matching pair on the front and the difference was remarkable. I've had a few sets of F1 Asy's and would recommend them.
I know what you mean about it not feeling as fast as you'd expect. My 330d felt more immediate, but once you get used to the smooth, deceptively fast drive you'll appreciate it for that.
The Carly app is pretty good, though I couldn't change all the coding I'd hoped. I only needed it once to save me paying 'diagnostics' at the stealer but that was enough to pay for itself.
I hope you enjoy the car as much as I did.
Nick
Regarding the washer leak... the pump (are there two if you have headlight washers, I can't remember?) on the bottom of the screenwash reservoir can leak too. Had that happen on my old 320, and it would empty the screenwash reservoir in a matter of days. With everything bolted to the wing and accessible from the top, it's cheap and easy to replace - unlike the E90 which requires you to remove the wheel arch liner for access
Sorry to talk about anything as boring as traction but Mich Crossclimates are brilliant. Have them on my 320 and it will easily drive up our steepish lane on snow whereas my A3 struggled badly on normal tyres . Just one thing to add . I'm sure BMW owners would only consider the best but I once had access to 'almost new' tyres removed from cars that had been heavily kurbed. They looked fine in every respect but always developed problems with going out of shape and producing vibrations after a few thousand miles . S/H not worth the bother IMO .
Edited by RexRich on Thursday 9th November 15:19
RexRich said:
Sorry to talk about anything as boring as traction but Mich Crossclimates are brilliant. Have them on my 320 and it will easily drive up our steepish lane on snow whereas my A3 struggled badly on normal tyres . Just one thing to add . I'm sure BMW owners would only consider the best but I once had access to 'almost new' tyres removed from cars that had been heavily kurbed. They looked fine in every respect but always developed problems with going out of shape and producing vibrations after a few thousand miles . S/H not worth the bother IMO .
After the last two sets of secondhand wheels I bought I tend to consider secondhand tyres a false economy now.Edited by RexRich on Thursday 9th November 15:19
My E36 on winters was better than the budgets it came with as I drove over winter but it never gripped right, and my 260k Mondoe with Winters all round did! The difference? I put secondhand but nearly fully treaded winters onto the E36. The tyres cost me £100 once you put fuel in. If the fitting didn't cost me £20 after a lot of haggling I'd have been looking at close to £200 and the faff of running around which I did anyway.
It's one reason I bent over and paid a stupid amount of money for the M3 tyres. By the time I saw wheels with tyres worth buying the cost difference per mm wasn't that great and most had either mega old tyres on or evenly worn.
Most secondhand wheels I've seen have very old tyres on too. From tyre retailers most part works are illegal...
I did used to follow this protocol recenty. But even that is a very tricky one to follow:
https://theleylandlegends.wordpress.com/2017/02/23...
https://theleylandlegends.wordpress.com/2017/03/20...
On my new barge I'm discovering the same thing.
Edited by SebringMan on Thursday 9th November 17:48
1) The tyre looks ok to drive around with for a bit but as the damage is almost on the bead I would look to fix it at some point and probably not try any 140mph "test runs" with it like that. As the damage is on the sidewall, by the bead it will be an MOT fail anyway.
2) If you think the smell is screenwash, make sure the motor is pushed firmly into it's seating on the washer bottle. If you are using coolant then it could be any number of things, as cooling systems can be a bit fragile on these things. In my case it was a knackered thermostat. I should warn you that dealer sourced parts are *not* cheap even on old E46s, but GSF do seem to stock most things for them.
HTH
John
2) If you think the smell is screenwash, make sure the motor is pushed firmly into it's seating on the washer bottle. If you are using coolant then it could be any number of things, as cooling systems can be a bit fragile on these things. In my case it was a knackered thermostat. I should warn you that dealer sourced parts are *not* cheap even on old E46s, but GSF do seem to stock most things for them.
HTH
John
corozin said:
1) The tyre looks ok to drive around with for a bit but as the damage is almost on the bead I would look to fix it at some point and probably not try any 140mph "test runs" with it like that. As the damage is on the sidewall, by the bead it will be an MOT fail anyway.
2) If you think the smell is screenwash, make sure the motor is pushed firmly into it's seating on the washer bottle. If you are using coolant then it could be any number of things, as cooling systems can be a bit fragile on these things. In my case it was a knackered thermostat. I should warn you that dealer sourced parts are *not* cheap even on old E46s, but GSF do seem to stock most things for them.
HTH
John
The last few 'stats I got from GSF were worse than what I fitted than what I took out ; A friend of mine has this issue on his Honda Civic but considers it 'normal' 2) If you think the smell is screenwash, make sure the motor is pushed firmly into it's seating on the washer bottle. If you are using coolant then it could be any number of things, as cooling systems can be a bit fragile on these things. In my case it was a knackered thermostat. I should warn you that dealer sourced parts are *not* cheap even on old E46s, but GSF do seem to stock most things for them.
HTH
John
. By the time you add coolant, time and money wasted you may as well go to the dealer for something that works from the off. There are plenty who give discount too.I could reel off a list as long as my arm for parts that weren't much cop. It was money and time wasted but hey, it's the only way we learn sometimes.
If you think £25 is pricey for the thermostat don't look at combined housing units ; they'll make you cry. Or an N52 water pump.
I don't normally go off on one but I also hate promoting bad business/parts purely due to cost. It's something that has hit BL Classics very badly now ; try getting stock bushes that last longer than a year for an MGB or a Stag.
Edited by SebringMan on Friday 10th November 19:28
SebringMan said:
The last few 'stats I got from GSF were worse than what I fitted than what I took out ; A friend of mine has this issue on his Honda Civic but considers it 'normal' . By the time you add coolant, time and money wasted you may as well go to the dealer for something that works from the off. There are plenty who give discount too.
I could reel off a list as long as my arm for parts that weren't much cop. It was money and time wasted but hey, it's the only way we learn sometimes.
If you think £25 is pricey for the thermostat don't look at combined housing units ; they'll make you cry. Or an N52 water pump.
I don't normally go off on one but I also hate promoting bad business/parts purely due to cost. It's something that has hit BL Classics very badly now ; try getting stock bushes that last longer than a year for an MGB or a Stag.
I wasn't blindly promoting them, just making the point that there are other places you can get BMW parts. And whilst your point over thermostats may well be correct, on the other hand I am very content to buy branded Brembo pads for my 330ci for well under £100 when a set of s. By the time you add coolant, time and money wasted you may as well go to the dealer for something that works from the off. There are plenty who give discount too.I could reel off a list as long as my arm for parts that weren't much cop. It was money and time wasted but hey, it's the only way we learn sometimes.
If you think £25 is pricey for the thermostat don't look at combined housing units ; they'll make you cry. Or an N52 water pump.
I don't normally go off on one but I also hate promoting bad business/parts purely due to cost. It's something that has hit BL Classics very badly now ; try getting stock bushes that last longer than a year for an MGB or a Stag.
Edited by SebringMan on Friday 10th November 19:28
tty OEM ones at the dealer is over £160.corozin said:
I wasn't blindly promoting them, just making the point that there are other places you can get BMW parts. And whilst your point over thermostats may well be correct, on the other hand I am very content to buy branded Brembo pads for my 330ci for well under £100 when a set of stty OEM ones at the dealer is over £160.
That's fair enough. I do get a mixture of parts for mine but in most cases the dealer matches, especially if you go through Cotswolds etc.tty OEM ones at the dealer is over £160.Which 330i is that? BMW charge £120 for pads on my M3! Getting M-Spec pads in the aftermarket can be tricky ; they are available but for not much less. A few retailers sell 330i items for them...
But I think it's fair to say we're not miles apart on thought
.Hi, good purchase. The E46 is a great car. Re point 4 (not feeling that fast) - compared to modern turbo cars you do have to work a bit harder with these cars to get them going but it should still feel lively.
If the car is sluggish below 3,000 rpm it could be the vanos seals are perished. My 330 started behaving like this particularly on a warm day or after a long drive and in 4th gear or higher. The engine was still as quiet and smooth as ever, didn't use more oil or show fault codes. I changed the seals for upgraded ones and the difference was very noticable. The car pulls much better from low revs again and is much more lively. More info here http://www.beisansystems.com/
Good luck and enjoy the car.
If the car is sluggish below 3,000 rpm it could be the vanos seals are perished. My 330 started behaving like this particularly on a warm day or after a long drive and in 4th gear or higher. The engine was still as quiet and smooth as ever, didn't use more oil or show fault codes. I changed the seals for upgraded ones and the difference was very noticable. The car pulls much better from low revs again and is much more lively. More info here http://www.beisansystems.com/
Good luck and enjoy the car.
The car is going well. I think it's responding well to a bit of an Italian tune-up and a couple of tanks of V-Power. Great to be back in a rear-wheel drive daily - even at this time of year it seems pretty well nailed down, but there's something about the balance that you just don't get in a front-wheel drive hot hatch. It's a supreme cruiser too - perfect for long trips back down the A303.
I've not used the app before. Have you got any tips (useful things to check etc.) when I fire it up?
Sticks. said:
The Carly app is pretty good, though I couldn't change all the coding I'd hoped. I only needed it once to save me paying 'diagnostics' at the stealer but that was enough to pay for itself.
I've not used the app before. Have you got any tips (useful things to check etc.) when I fire it up?
corozin said:
2) If you think the smell is screenwash, make sure the motor is pushed firmly into it's seating on the washer bottle.
Oh, it's definitely screenwash. The reservoir goes down in a matter of hours, whereas the coolant level hasn't budged at all. There's a very obvious damp patch on the garage floor, just ahead of the front left wheel. From memory that's on the opposite side to the washer reservoir, so presumably it's one of the pipes going to the actual nozzle down by the nearside headlamp? Any idea how I'd get in to investigate?Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff