E46 325i Msport.
Discussion
Hi!
I've never done a readers car before, so after giving it a clean and taking some pictures, I thought I'd create a thread on here for my 2004 E46 325i Msport.
I bought the car September 2019, after owning a 2001 1.6 Civic for 6 years. Obviously it's not exactly lightning quick, but defintley a "step up".
Bought it on 98k, now 300 miles off 100k. Hasn't needed anything (yet), although a few niggles to sort out.
-The Low oil level light comes on for approx 20 seconds every time the car is started. Haven't got round to sorting this, as it's around £70 and I just check the oil manually.
-Parking sensors have given up. I narrowed it down to 2 faulty sensors, replaced them with some Ebay specials and now I just get a long beep when put in reverse. (maybe I just need to buy OEM)
No real sign of rusty archers yet, which is a bonus and apart from my other half hitting me from behind at a roundabout (I know
), causing damage to the rear bumper, it's actually in pretty good condition!
I've changed a couple of things;
-Installed orange front indicator lenses.
-Installed silver rings for the dash.
-Replaced fog lights which collected water, to smoked.
-installed HID lenses, with h1 HID's. (Will probably uninstall these, as although light output is much better and looks more modern, strictly not OEM and I don't know about MOT, without washers.)
I've never done a readers car before, so after giving it a clean and taking some pictures, I thought I'd create a thread on here for my 2004 E46 325i Msport.
I bought the car September 2019, after owning a 2001 1.6 Civic for 6 years. Obviously it's not exactly lightning quick, but defintley a "step up".
Bought it on 98k, now 300 miles off 100k. Hasn't needed anything (yet), although a few niggles to sort out.
-The Low oil level light comes on for approx 20 seconds every time the car is started. Haven't got round to sorting this, as it's around £70 and I just check the oil manually.
-Parking sensors have given up. I narrowed it down to 2 faulty sensors, replaced them with some Ebay specials and now I just get a long beep when put in reverse. (maybe I just need to buy OEM)
No real sign of rusty archers yet, which is a bonus and apart from my other half hitting me from behind at a roundabout (I know
), causing damage to the rear bumper, it's actually in pretty good condition!I've changed a couple of things;
-Installed orange front indicator lenses.
-Installed silver rings for the dash.
-Replaced fog lights which collected water, to smoked.
-installed HID lenses, with h1 HID's. (Will probably uninstall these, as although light output is much better and looks more modern, strictly not OEM and I don't know about MOT, without washers.)
I can’t remember what the oil warnings are like on these, but it’s possible if you’re just getting a symbol on the dash that disappears and your level is fine that the warning is actually for low oil pressure.
It could still possibly be a sensor if that’s the case, but worth looking into as it’s potentially terminal if that’s the case and it’s ignored.
It could still possibly be a sensor if that’s the case, but worth looking into as it’s potentially terminal if that’s the case and it’s ignored.
Any 6 cylinder E46 Sport is a great car if it isn't rusty. 
A friend of mine has a 54 plate E46 325i Sport Touring that had an issue with the oil level sensor so he just kept checking the dip-stick until the next service then got a new sensor fitted and it's been fine since.
I'm not sure I would bother with the water pump on its own, E46s tend to suffer multiple cooling system issues when they get older. I bought a 325ti Compact in December 2014 and within 6 months the radiator was leaking (it had bowed like a banana at the bottom) so I had a new one fitted along with a new expansion tank (they tend to crack) a new pressure cap as they often leak and a few other bits and pieces like a thermostat, temperature sensor and auxiliary drive belt.
No cooling issues after that and it just drove so well - enjoy yours.
A friend of mine has a 54 plate E46 325i Sport Touring that had an issue with the oil level sensor so he just kept checking the dip-stick until the next service then got a new sensor fitted and it's been fine since.
I'm not sure I would bother with the water pump on its own, E46s tend to suffer multiple cooling system issues when they get older. I bought a 325ti Compact in December 2014 and within 6 months the radiator was leaking (it had bowed like a banana at the bottom) so I had a new one fitted along with a new expansion tank (they tend to crack) a new pressure cap as they often leak and a few other bits and pieces like a thermostat, temperature sensor and auxiliary drive belt.
No cooling issues after that and it just drove so well - enjoy yours.
Seems to be quite a rare thing to find an E46 without crusty arches these days. Shame really because I do like them; to my eyes they got the proportions of these and the E39 absolutely bang on.
I had a 325ti which I loved but it did require some TLC, especially the cooling system. I’d imagine by now yours will have had the water pump etc sorted.
I had a 325ti which I loved but it did require some TLC, especially the cooling system. I’d imagine by now yours will have had the water pump etc sorted.
D4MJT said:
I can’t remember what the oil warnings are like on these, but it’s possible if you’re just getting a symbol on the dash that disappears and your level is fine that the warning is actually for low oil pressure.
The Yellow light indicates Low oil level, the Red light indicates low oil pressure 
shalmaneser said:
Great cars and lovely engines. Must feel fast after a civic! Worth spending some money on suspensions bits and water pump etc for the engine and it should go on for many more miles!
Yes, will definitely look into suspension bits soon. At the moment, it feels solid enough, but one knock and I'll look into replacing needed parts. Mr Tidy said:
A friend of mine has a 54 plate E46 325i Sport Touring that had an issue with the oil level sensor so he just kept checking the dip-stick until the next service then got a new sensor fitted and it's been fine since.
I'm not sure I would bother with the water pump on its own, E46s tend to suffer multiple cooling system issues when they get older. I bought a 325ti Compact in December 2014 and within 6 months the radiator was leaking (it had bowed like a banana at the bottom) so I had a new one fitted along with a new expansion tank (they tend to crack) a new pressure cap as they often leak and a few other bits and pieces like a thermostat, temperature sensor and auxiliary drive belt.
No cooling issues after that and it just drove so well - enjoy yours.
Thanks! I've recently done an oil change, so might do another in the summer and replace oil sensor at the same time. It's not awful, just more annoying, seeing it every time I start the car, lol. I'm not sure I would bother with the water pump on its own, E46s tend to suffer multiple cooling system issues when they get older. I bought a 325ti Compact in December 2014 and within 6 months the radiator was leaking (it had bowed like a banana at the bottom) so I had a new one fitted along with a new expansion tank (they tend to crack) a new pressure cap as they often leak and a few other bits and pieces like a thermostat, temperature sensor and auxiliary drive belt.
No cooling issues after that and it just drove so well - enjoy yours.
It did have a coolant leak after the first week of ownership (typical). I put a bottle of Radweld in and hasn't leaked since, although I know that the system will more than likely be on the way out, so will overhaul soon, but wanted to get to know the car first, before putting a bit of money into it.
Court_S said:
Seems to be quite a rare thing to find an E46 without crusty arches these days. Shame really because I do like them; to my eyes they got the proportions of these and the E39 absolutely bang on.
I had a 325ti which I loved but it did require some TLC, especially the cooling system. I’d imagine by now yours will have had the water pump etc sorted.
Haha, agreed regarding crusty arches. Was the first E46 I looked at and thankfully, there was no sign, which was a definte bonus, after reading up about E46's. I had a 325ti which I loved but it did require some TLC, especially the cooling system. I’d imagine by now yours will have had the water pump etc sorted.
Also agree about the looks. I still think they look great to this day, including the E39's.
Not sure if the water pump has been done, although there was quite a bit of history with the car, no sign of receipts for water pump, although I'm expecting to have to do it soon.
Here's a picture which shows the bumper damage, caused by my girlfriend.
Nice car
I had a 330i saloon for a couple of years then got a similar age 325ti which I much prefer and have owned the longest of any BMW I’ve had . ‘Feels’ more urgent with the shorter gearing and the engine has a different character compared to the bigger 3-litre
Yours looks in great nick - easy to do bits and bobs on them
Enjoy
I had a 330i saloon for a couple of years then got a similar age 325ti which I much prefer and have owned the longest of any BMW I’ve had . ‘Feels’ more urgent with the shorter gearing and the engine has a different character compared to the bigger 3-litre
Yours looks in great nick - easy to do bits and bobs on them
Enjoy
Car looks great op.
Your oil light? If it’s yellow and it comes on ten or twenty seconds past start up it’s the sensor . Don’t buy a cheap one or it will go again. Wait until you change the oil. It’s just three bolts on the bottom of the sump.
Lollipop bushes also go on these, it’s a fairly simple diy job and will improve your front end handling. Use Meyle HD ones or poly bush it.
Also water pump, these go and it’s worth changing as a preventative measure, they aren’t dear and very easy to do. I had a 330 for ten years and put three on it!
These are a great car when right and there is a lot of online support for them.
Parts are cheap on eBay, but learn which ones to buy ( lemforder, meyle etc ) pattern bits don’t tend to last.
There is a lot of retro fitting or upgrades to do on these if you are that way inclined.
They aren’t unreliable cars but they do need constant fettling, although they are well built they are fragile cars.
Very DIYable.
Oh, and parking sensors! If they play up again try wiping them over with WD40 can cure them most of the time.
One more thing, try your local dealer. A lot of parts aren’t as dear as you think.
BMW drops the cost of parts and serving on cars over four years old then again over ten!
Your oil light? If it’s yellow and it comes on ten or twenty seconds past start up it’s the sensor . Don’t buy a cheap one or it will go again. Wait until you change the oil. It’s just three bolts on the bottom of the sump.
Lollipop bushes also go on these, it’s a fairly simple diy job and will improve your front end handling. Use Meyle HD ones or poly bush it.
Also water pump, these go and it’s worth changing as a preventative measure, they aren’t dear and very easy to do. I had a 330 for ten years and put three on it!
These are a great car when right and there is a lot of online support for them.
Parts are cheap on eBay, but learn which ones to buy ( lemforder, meyle etc ) pattern bits don’t tend to last.
There is a lot of retro fitting or upgrades to do on these if you are that way inclined.
They aren’t unreliable cars but they do need constant fettling, although they are well built they are fragile cars.
Very DIYable.
Oh, and parking sensors! If they play up again try wiping them over with WD40 can cure them most of the time.
One more thing, try your local dealer. A lot of parts aren’t as dear as you think.
BMW drops the cost of parts and serving on cars over four years old then again over ten!
StuntmanMike said:
Car looks great op.
Your oil light? If it’s yellow and it comes on ten or twenty seconds past start up it’s the sensor . Don’t buy a cheap one or it will go again. Wait until you change the oil. It’s just three bolts on the bottom of the sump.
This 100%, don't buy the cheap eBay ones as they last about 6 months before they go again.Your oil light? If it’s yellow and it comes on ten or twenty seconds past start up it’s the sensor . Don’t buy a cheap one or it will go again. Wait until you change the oil. It’s just three bolts on the bottom of the sump.
s m said:
Nice car
I had a 330i saloon for a couple of years then got a similar age 325ti which I much prefer and have owned the longest of any BMW I’ve had . ‘Feels’ more urgent with the shorter gearing and the engine has a different character compared to the bigger 3-litre
Yours looks in great nick - easy to do bits and bobs on them
Enjoy
Thank you. Coming from a civic, the engine noise is very addictive! (I know there are far more better sounding cars, but I still like it I had a 330i saloon for a couple of years then got a similar age 325ti which I much prefer and have owned the longest of any BMW I’ve had . ‘Feels’ more urgent with the shorter gearing and the engine has a different character compared to the bigger 3-litre
Yours looks in great nick - easy to do bits and bobs on them
Enjoy
) StuntmanMike said:
Car looks great op.
Your oil light? If it’s yellow and it comes on ten or twenty seconds past start up it’s the sensor . Don’t buy a cheap one or it will go again. Wait until you change the oil. It’s just three bolts on the bottom of the sump.
Lollipop bushes also go on these, it’s a fairly simple diy job and will improve your front end handling. Use Meyle HD ones or poly bush it.
Also water pump, these go and it’s worth changing as a preventative measure, they aren’t dear and very easy to do. I had a 330 for ten years and put three on it!
These are a great car when right and there is a lot of online support for them.
Parts are cheap on eBay, but learn which ones to buy ( lemforder, meyle etc ) pattern bits don’t tend to last.
There is a lot of retro fitting or upgrades to do on these if you are that way inclined.
They aren’t unreliable cars but they do need constant fettling, although they are well built they are fragile cars.
Very DIYable.
Oh, and parking sensors! If they play up again try wiping them over with WD40 can cure them most of the time.
One more thing, try your local dealer. A lot of parts aren’t as dear as you think.
BMW drops the cost of parts and serving on cars over four years old then again over ten!
Thanks, Mike. Really appreciate the advice. Yes, thought it was the sensor. Have also heard bad things about ebay sensors, so will get genuine next oil change, like you've suggested Your oil light? If it’s yellow and it comes on ten or twenty seconds past start up it’s the sensor . Don’t buy a cheap one or it will go again. Wait until you change the oil. It’s just three bolts on the bottom of the sump.
Lollipop bushes also go on these, it’s a fairly simple diy job and will improve your front end handling. Use Meyle HD ones or poly bush it.
Also water pump, these go and it’s worth changing as a preventative measure, they aren’t dear and very easy to do. I had a 330 for ten years and put three on it!
These are a great car when right and there is a lot of online support for them.
Parts are cheap on eBay, but learn which ones to buy ( lemforder, meyle etc ) pattern bits don’t tend to last.
There is a lot of retro fitting or upgrades to do on these if you are that way inclined.
They aren’t unreliable cars but they do need constant fettling, although they are well built they are fragile cars.
Very DIYable.
Oh, and parking sensors! If they play up again try wiping them over with WD40 can cure them most of the time.
One more thing, try your local dealer. A lot of parts aren’t as dear as you think.
BMW drops the cost of parts and serving on cars over four years old then again over ten!
Recently changed the oil, (first ever oil change on a car, by myself on a very windy day. Safe to say, the other half wasn't and still isn't impressed at the state of the driveway, lol) so will next do it late summer most probably, as wasn't changed for a while. Will also look into cost of water pump and change as a preventive measure, when funds allow.
Again, thanks for the advice.
The front arches rusting (it WILL happen ) is down to the arch liners, which rub the galvanising off the inner lip allowing corrosionto get a hold. After replacing both front wings on mine, I removed the liners and just periodically cleaned inside the arches thoroughly to remove crud etc. No more rusty arches.
) is down to the arch liners, which rub the galvanising off the inner lip allowing corrosionto get a hold. After replacing both front wings on mine, I removed the liners and just periodically cleaned inside the arches thoroughly to remove crud etc. No more rusty arches.Escort3500 said:
The front arches rusting (it WILL happen ) is down to the arch liners, which rub the galvanising off the inner lip allowing corrosionto get a hold. After replacing both front wings on mine, I removed the liners and just periodically cleaned inside the arches thoroughly to remove crud etc. No more rusty arches.
Thanks Escort. I heard this is a killer for them and the rear arches, so after purchase, I jacked it up, took off each wheel and properly scraped inside. You wouldn't believe the amount of mud I pulled out each wing. It was disgusting, so I'm surprised it still hasn't rusted. (although know, it's only a matter of time, lol.) For now, I just make sure every time I clean the car, I also do the arches. ) is down to the arch liners, which rub the galvanising off the inner lip allowing corrosionto get a hold. After replacing both front wings on mine, I removed the liners and just periodically cleaned inside the arches thoroughly to remove crud etc. No more rusty arches.Hella make the oil level sensor for BMW. If you don’t want to change it you can use software to turn it off.
I wouldn’t recommend Lemforder or Meyle front arm bushes as neither last well. Lemforder used to be good but their quality has dropped in recent years. Torque for the control arm brackets to body is 60Nm.
I only fit gen BMW rear arm bushes now. Some have good reviews of Powerflex rear arm bushes but others have had them fail in a nasty manner. You can fit Z4M solid bushes to the lower arms for more caster if you want.
Don’t panic about water pumps. The M54 pumps last well, a lot longer than the M52tu pump. Even those often last over 15 years/over 100k. As with a lot of BMW parts, if you want the new part to fit properly and last well, genuine is often best.
I wouldn’t recommend Lemforder or Meyle front arm bushes as neither last well. Lemforder used to be good but their quality has dropped in recent years. Torque for the control arm brackets to body is 60Nm.
I only fit gen BMW rear arm bushes now. Some have good reviews of Powerflex rear arm bushes but others have had them fail in a nasty manner. You can fit Z4M solid bushes to the lower arms for more caster if you want.
Don’t panic about water pumps. The M54 pumps last well, a lot longer than the M52tu pump. Even those often last over 15 years/over 100k. As with a lot of BMW parts, if you want the new part to fit properly and last well, genuine is often best.
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