BMW E46 330d M-Sport Touring Manual (Anyone recognise her?)
Discussion
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...
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...
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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!)???
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!)???
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...
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...
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...
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...
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!!!
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!!!
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
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
Ok... Minor update...
My Grom Audio USB2 Plus (with Bluetooth) has arrived but the connecting lead that it’s supplied with bears no resemblance to the connectors on the back of my head unit. My car is fitted with Harman Kardon & Nav and I suspect that the connector supplied is for the more popular BMW head unit...
Grom Audio have responded very promptly to my email suggesting that I ‘might’ need the alternative connector that is used to connect to to CD Changer plug in the boot...
I’m feeling a little bit out of my depth here as I was expecting a nice simple case of unplugging the CD Changer and just plugging this in in its place!!!
I’ve had a quick look at the gubbins in the boot but I can’t readily see anywhere that the CD Changer would plug ‘in’ to...
The only place I can see that’s possible is the connector that goes in to the black box that I assume is the amp - but the plug connector on it looks like one giant big thing that deals with lots of wires not ‘just’ an input for the CD Changer.
Can anyone shed any light on where the CD Changer might plug in???
Will try to upload some pics to illustrate...
My Grom Audio USB2 Plus (with Bluetooth) has arrived but the connecting lead that it’s supplied with bears no resemblance to the connectors on the back of my head unit. My car is fitted with Harman Kardon & Nav and I suspect that the connector supplied is for the more popular BMW head unit...
Grom Audio have responded very promptly to my email suggesting that I ‘might’ need the alternative connector that is used to connect to to CD Changer plug in the boot...
I’m feeling a little bit out of my depth here as I was expecting a nice simple case of unplugging the CD Changer and just plugging this in in its place!!!
I’ve had a quick look at the gubbins in the boot but I can’t readily see anywhere that the CD Changer would plug ‘in’ to...
The only place I can see that’s possible is the connector that goes in to the black box that I assume is the amp - but the plug connector on it looks like one giant big thing that deals with lots of wires not ‘just’ an input for the CD Changer.
Can anyone shed any light on where the CD Changer might plug in???
Will try to upload some pics to illustrate...
This is the head unit (the circular thing on the screen is just a magnetic phone mount)
And these are the only two connectors on it...
Can’t see that one specific part of those would be for the CD Changer - more likely it would be a couple of the pins/wires and that it shares the plug with other connections???
Well... it's been a while since I've had the time to provide any updates, (or in fact actually do any little jobs) but over the last few weeks I've managed to find the time and some much needed expertise from an infinitely more skilled friend to be able to get some of the 'to-do-list' ticked off...
Firstly - I eventually worked out how to connect up and install the Grom Audio Bluetooth module. I'm really pleased with the result. Bluetooth music streaming and handsfree calling all with no visible alteration to the OEM set up is exactly what I was after. The sound quality is perfectly good to my ear and I really couldn't be more chuffed considering the relatively modest cost.
I've also recently put some nice new shiny Pagid discs & pads on the front and changed a rumbly N/S/F wheel bearing. Gave everything that I could access inside the front arches a good clean up as well whilst I was in there and just generally felt a bit happier now i've done so and bonded with the old girl a little in the process.
The heavily corroded front wings have now been changed for brand new (and freshly painted) versions which has completely transformed the look of the whole car. I then gave her a 2 stage polish all over paying particular attention to restoring the colour of the panels adjacent to the new wings as I didn't want the brand new sparkly sapphire black paint on them to make the surrounding bodywork look dark grey in comparison!!! The overall effect was remarkable and has made me fall in love with the car even more... Pics to follow as soon as I get a chance...
Sadly (for my wallet) this markedly increased level of smartness has somewhat forced my hand in terms of the alloy wheel situation... I originally bought this as a daily commuter / dog transporter and wasn't overly fussed about the slightly scabby state of the 18" Style 32s - but now that the rest of the car is looking a bit more shiny and presentable I really feel as though a full acid-dip, shot blast & powder coat refurb is a necessity...
The vacuum hoses have also been swapped for silicone versions (as advised by Helix!) and I have to say the difference in acceleration (especially under partial throttle openings at low RPM) is amazing. So glad I took that advice and prioritised that upgrade. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!!!
A handful of other minor cosmetic touch up jobs have also been completed such as new number plates from my local BMW dealer, replacement of a missing headlamp washer cover, gentle cleaning / resto of the leather seats, new gear knob, replacement exhaust tips with 325i/330i style ones (as I just prefer the look to the downward swept 330d ones) and a few other little bits that i've probably forgotten about now!!!
Basically I've found my mojo for getting this awesome car back to its former glory and am really enjoying the process!!!
She's booked in for the full alloy refurb service and i've also ordered a set of Eibach Pro Kit springs with some poly shims / spring pads for the rear as I really don't want it to sit too low at the back. I expect i'll chuck some hub centric spacers on too once the Eibachs are on just to make sure that the arches look adequately filled, and get a 4 wheel alignment done for peace of mind. I don't want the slammed euro-rider look - just something that's a bit OEM+... I think the Eibach Pro Kit only lowers the front by 20mm on the M Sport models - and with the poly shims at the back it probably won't actually reduce the ride height more than a few mm max.
That might be it for a while due to a rapidly emptying wallet - but I think an air-con service is in order for the impending hot weather... I can't imagine for one moment that a simple re-gas will be all that is needed on a 17yr old car... A new condenser and/or various seals will be needed i'm sure!!!
Firstly - I eventually worked out how to connect up and install the Grom Audio Bluetooth module. I'm really pleased with the result. Bluetooth music streaming and handsfree calling all with no visible alteration to the OEM set up is exactly what I was after. The sound quality is perfectly good to my ear and I really couldn't be more chuffed considering the relatively modest cost.
I've also recently put some nice new shiny Pagid discs & pads on the front and changed a rumbly N/S/F wheel bearing. Gave everything that I could access inside the front arches a good clean up as well whilst I was in there and just generally felt a bit happier now i've done so and bonded with the old girl a little in the process.
The heavily corroded front wings have now been changed for brand new (and freshly painted) versions which has completely transformed the look of the whole car. I then gave her a 2 stage polish all over paying particular attention to restoring the colour of the panels adjacent to the new wings as I didn't want the brand new sparkly sapphire black paint on them to make the surrounding bodywork look dark grey in comparison!!! The overall effect was remarkable and has made me fall in love with the car even more... Pics to follow as soon as I get a chance...
Sadly (for my wallet) this markedly increased level of smartness has somewhat forced my hand in terms of the alloy wheel situation... I originally bought this as a daily commuter / dog transporter and wasn't overly fussed about the slightly scabby state of the 18" Style 32s - but now that the rest of the car is looking a bit more shiny and presentable I really feel as though a full acid-dip, shot blast & powder coat refurb is a necessity...
The vacuum hoses have also been swapped for silicone versions (as advised by Helix!) and I have to say the difference in acceleration (especially under partial throttle openings at low RPM) is amazing. So glad I took that advice and prioritised that upgrade. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!!!
A handful of other minor cosmetic touch up jobs have also been completed such as new number plates from my local BMW dealer, replacement of a missing headlamp washer cover, gentle cleaning / resto of the leather seats, new gear knob, replacement exhaust tips with 325i/330i style ones (as I just prefer the look to the downward swept 330d ones) and a few other little bits that i've probably forgotten about now!!!
Basically I've found my mojo for getting this awesome car back to its former glory and am really enjoying the process!!!
She's booked in for the full alloy refurb service and i've also ordered a set of Eibach Pro Kit springs with some poly shims / spring pads for the rear as I really don't want it to sit too low at the back. I expect i'll chuck some hub centric spacers on too once the Eibachs are on just to make sure that the arches look adequately filled, and get a 4 wheel alignment done for peace of mind. I don't want the slammed euro-rider look - just something that's a bit OEM+... I think the Eibach Pro Kit only lowers the front by 20mm on the M Sport models - and with the poly shims at the back it probably won't actually reduce the ride height more than a few mm max.
That might be it for a while due to a rapidly emptying wallet - but I think an air-con service is in order for the impending hot weather... I can't imagine for one moment that a simple re-gas will be all that is needed on a 17yr old car... A new condenser and/or various seals will be needed i'm sure!!!
Was a simple fix in the end... Turns out I had the wrong lead supplied with the Grom Audio unit. I can't give enough credit to the people at Grom Audio though - they responded to all of my emails virtually immediately and used the pics that I sent to correctly work out which lead & connector i needed for my set-up.
I was very impressed with their customer service - especially since I had only bought the unit second hand off eBay! rather than directly through them.
Would definitely reccomend
I was very impressed with their customer service - especially since I had only bought the unit second hand off eBay! rather than directly through them.
Would definitely reccomend
The previous owner told me that it has had an EGR bypass and a remap done, and i'm inclined to believe him (a) because he was a good egg / fellow BMW enthusiast with a lovely E39 M5 on his driveway & (b) because having had a look under the bonnet there is indeed a bypass pipe instead of an EGR valve and it just generally goes like an absolute rocket.
I have a little suspicion that it has already been de-catted too as there is a fairly pronounced smell of diesel at idle... To the point where my chocolate labrador retreats back into the house when I start her from cold. Plus it seems content to pull away in virtually any gear at any speed (especially now that those crispy crumbly vacuum hoses have been replaced).
Well I promised a few pics - so here we go. Didn't have my 'proper' camera with me - just stopped on the spur of the moment on the side of the A27 whilst I was out running a few errands this evening so good old iPhone pics will have to suffice for now...
I have a little suspicion that it has already been de-catted too as there is a fairly pronounced smell of diesel at idle... To the point where my chocolate labrador retreats back into the house when I start her from cold. Plus it seems content to pull away in virtually any gear at any speed (especially now that those crispy crumbly vacuum hoses have been replaced).
Well I promised a few pics - so here we go. Didn't have my 'proper' camera with me - just stopped on the spur of the moment on the side of the A27 whilst I was out running a few errands this evening so good old iPhone pics will have to suffice for now...
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