melinamotor

I used to detest BMs until I bought one, enjoy.

By what means did they steal it mate? I will keep an eye out, have you circulated on social media etc? My brothers golf was found because of facebook.

My E46 was losing coolant last month, the expansion tank had a small leak underneath. It only lost a cupful in 100 miles though so not a major leak but the expansion tank design looks pretty brittle with regards its location and exposure to extreme temperatures. Any way my analogue temp gauge also stayed stable throughout, it was by pure luck I found the leak whilst investigating my leaky headlight washers. Any way new tank on no more issues, as stated the caps are also a pretty naff design and also worth replacing if its your tank that's shot.

Well in the last year my 330ci sport has had the following remedial work, vehicle shows 73k miles: 1) Replaced cracked rear coil springs. 2) Replaced front and rear bushes with Powerflex. 3) Replaced leaky expansion tank 4) Replaced headlight washers (leaking) 5) Replaced front and rear brakes, discs and pads. 6) Recall work on passenger airbag sensor. 7) Replaced boot light covers. 8) Replaced aux belts 9) A/C regas and anti bac. 10) Goodyear assymetric F1s all round. This is all on a car with a fully stamped BMWSH which goes to prove time takes its toll on even a pampered E46. All worth it though as it drives spot on now, the best mod by far being the front and rear polybushes, beforehand the car had a tendancy to tramline and wander. It uses about 500ml of Castrol Edge every 2 months or 400 miles, this interval is longer if I don't rev it high.

2002 330ci sport.72k New brakes rear New windscreen New rear springs (one was cracked) New front arch liner Decent tyres :) Problems to sort: It sounds like the bearings are starting to go on my belt tensioner, its started chirping slightly but not the dreaded squeal yet. Slight rubbing sound when turning right from the front n/s caliper.

Well I got from Basingstoke to just south of Glasgow on just under a tank.

Were you getting any knocking at all?

I've had the Powerflex bushes on, the only issue now is its highlighted another knocking through the wheel on mainly low speed undulations. I have had two garages check the suspension and steering components with nothing untoward found. I'm thinking maybe anti roll bar bushes as the knocking through the wheel feels more like a rattle if that makes sense.

I go with Dodo or Zaino.

What needs doing, bodywork?

Lol, yes when the BM is driving sweet its definitely a nice place to be, that's the sacrifice we make :) Lexus are reliable for sure, there's the Jap connection again. I think the main issue with the Bimmers is the fact some owners neglect routine maintenance of wear and tear items thinking they are bulletproof which they obviously are not. My last inspection 2 service at BMW failed to pick up a cracked coil spring on the rear which is a common issue, epic fail. Ford produce some of the best front drivers and BMW cater in the main for rear drive action, that's the best part followed by good fit and finish in the cabin. I may moan a little but on the lookout for a nice M3 so I don't dislike them that much :)

Well I'm no expert and there are people on here with more knowledge of BM's but its failing ignition wise or fuelling wise, if it was a Ford I would be of more help. I've had similar problems on Fords with ICV's and vacuum leaks, MAF issues or similar with regards pre ignition sensors. Is it definitely firing consistently on all cylinders? I've had experience of coil pack failure or arcing when the casings crack. To be fair a proper diagnostic sounds like its needed. I recently purchased an E46 with low miles and full history, however I've so far replaced rear springs, front wishbones and bushes and other items to tedious to list, in short your not alone :) As a footnote, the most reliable car I ever owned was a Honda, this hype about German engineering isn't quite as it appears.

Blimey, not a good start then, did you have any warning lights on?

Excellent, I would always buy the correct OEM or uprated bits anyway, M3 here I come :)

1. Snypa-D 2. G4VHD 3. v NForce 4. DazH 5. Jac 6. GingerTom 7. Mart77 8. Melinamotor 9. 10. KEEP EM COMING GUYS AND KEEP PROMOTING IT :)

Welcome dude.

Detailing world, I take it you know John down at Zaino then? Looks like your local to me, I'm in Basingstoke.

Right then, Looks like I have a buyer for the FRP, this also means the 330ci can go up for sale to help fund an E46 M3, however I've heard all sorts of horror stories about them. Now I'm aware they should from new have a run in oil service after about 1.2k miles on the history and I will be getting a dealer serviced car, the thing is the engine it would seem runs at high a tolerance and someone I know has stated they require an engine rebuild at around 75k miles. Firstly is this true and secondly if this has not been done what sort of mileage do they go pop if not looked at? Having done the math on running costs it will still be cheaper to run an M3 over the FRP and 330 but I need to know how much to budget. Cheers

Welcome, I'm also a Ford man :) The BMs are not any more reliable mate just more expensive to fix lol

Cheers Jack, I was hoping the bulbs were the same for the inner lights, I just think the facelift lenses with more red than white would look better. So assuming the bulb holder is the same for both just the lenses.

Question, Are the E46 facelift rear inner boot lights with less white on them a straight swap for the pre facelift ones? I know the outer rear lights are different because they are led units but the inners?

An enclosed filter running cold air from the original intake is better IMO.

Hello :)

Fuses look fine, its not done it since I relocated the air freshener. Fingers crossed.