New (to me) E46 daily overhaul/project

[akhbhaat]

I'm a sucker for the prefacelift E46 sedan on 44s, because that's what my first BMW was (I did like it even though it had issues...see below). But I like the 68s too. I like literally all of the E46s...even the cabrios, which I normally dislike.

Originally Posted by M4_ZMT

Sucks, should have sold it sooner if it made you that unhappy. Brake replacement isn't abnormal. Cooling system issues are common and WELL documented. Oil leaks? It will need oil filter housing, oil pan, valve cover, PCV for sure, is what it is. BMW's need a certain type of battery and it has to be registered, yes even on this car. It's a German car from the early 2000's. Take care of it and it takes care of you. Preventative maintenance is key.

I don't think many people AT ALL would say the E46 was the worst car they have ever owned LOL. I regularly see M54 motors with over 300k on them and still on the road.

I can confidently say I would get it in it right now and drive across country if I had to and I would have no question if it could do it or not. But hey, that is how I keep my vehicles.

I've had three E46s.

The first one ('00 323i), which I bought slightly used and had for six years, was pretty honestly a pile of shit and (also being my first BMW) nearly destroyed any desire I had to own another car from the brand (especially after my parents warned me off buying it in the first place). Off the top of my head: clutch failed at 29k (disc was fine; the self-adjusting mechanism failed), wheel bearing completely failed shortly thereafter, power steering leak, coolant leak, O2 sensor failure, front ball joints, VANOS problems, numerous coil pack failures, ate window regulators like candy (I think I replaced 6 or 7). All of this before the car hit 8 years old and 80k miles.

The second ('02 M3) was OK but I only owned it for a year. There were signs of trouble brewing, though.

The third ('05 330i ZHP) has been fantastic and I've owned it for 14 years now. Other than routine maintenance/wear items (like belts/pulleys and control arm bushings), I've replaced one coil pack (easy/cheap), front end links, the valve cover gasket, and two window regulators. Also did the entire cooling system a couple years ago but that was a preventative measure; nothing there had actually failed yet. It does have some minor problems right now, mostly with seepage/leaks (probably various worn/cracked seals/gaskets), but those are "monitor rather than outright fix" type issues and it's pushing 20 years old so I consider that more than acceptable.

I find that cars that start reliable tend to stay reliable...so the first couple years will set the trend. That's definitely been true with almost all of the cars I've owned.

The E46 is an amazing car, assuming you get a good one. Great steering, engines, ergonomics, efficiency, visibility, easy to work on, and fun to drive on almost any road...and there are very few other cars out there, past or present, quite like it. Overall, the aforementioned ZHP has outlasted two M3s and three Porsches...I even chose to keep it over buying an M2 Comp as a direct replacement several years ago. They're all gone and it remains.

[tcphoto]

I too am a sucker for a clean E46, my first BMW was an '01 325Cic in Titanium over grey. Once the maintenance was up to date, the mod bug hit with a MTechII bumper, Style 197's, Sport steering wheel and other bits. I drove it for nearly seven years before buying my E92 and the have done similar mods. Keep up the great work!

[cjb762]

It took me a while, but my plan to pick up a 330 coupe finally came to fruition - AND got to take it to the Nordschleife the other day (my first time)! Got passed a lot, but had a ton of fun.

[peelerec]

Originally Posted by cjb762

It took me a while, but my plan to pick up a 330 coupe finally came to fruition - AND got to take it to the Nordschleife the other day (my first time)! Got passed a lot, but had a ton of fun.

Such a beautiful looking car. Clean, simple, classic.

[M4_ZMT]

Originally Posted by cjb762

It took me a while, but my plan to pick up a 330 coupe finally came to fruition - AND got to take it to the Nordschleife the other day (my first time)! Got passed a lot, but had a ton of fun.

Congratulations! You still probably looked the best doing it, amongst all of these bloated new designs.

[M4_ZMT]

Thank goodness I got the Borla installed- SO much better, no drone and much more fitting sound character. You get what you pay for. I can't enjoy it fully just yet- I am waiting for my exhaust bracket and proper hanger bushings as the Borla fits with the OEM variety that I am now missing. ECS Tuning has sent the incorrect part so I will have to wait a bit longer- such is life.

[M4_ZMT]

I love my E46

[Alex.Prodon]

Very nice! The condition looks very good!

[M4_ZMT]

Originally Posted by Alex.Prodon

Very nice! The condition looks very good!

Thank you! It’s definitely not bad for a 2001! It sits at around 149k now and the M54 still runs like a top.

[tturedraider]

I’m looking at the photos you posted in your last two posts and it’s making me miss my E46s!! Especially the ZHP!! I loved my E90 330i and the naturally aspirated N52 and the ZF transmission and I love my LCI F30 340i M Sport with the B58 and ZF8, but the E46 is just SO ICONIC BMW in a way that hasn’t been repeated.

[Gizmosfx]

Beautiful! You have done a great job.
I just retired my beloved 2005 330Ci sport coupe. It made it to 210k but had Dementia. The traction control was going off at speed on the highway.
But I replaced it with a 2021 F22 230i xdrive sport. about as close as you can get to an E46 in modern BMWs.

I'm not sure how dedicated you are to keeping it original but before I traded in the E46 I installed an Eonon android unit. It was easy and worked beautifully.
Apple carplay and an FM tuner better than stock for around 330 bucks!

Good luck
Enjoy it

[RichardInCA]

Fantastic looking car and great work. I can hear that inline 6 motor purring as I read your posts. The best BMW designs are so timeless - it’s something that’s always fascinated me about the brand.

[M4_ZMT]

I know you came here to see some more E46 content. Don't worry, it's getting along swell. Fresh fluids and yearly maintenance completed.

As far as it's 'modern' counterpart, I completely fell in love with this 2012 128i E82 coupe in Deep Sea Blue metallic on Black Leatherette. It has always been maintained at a BMW dealership and has an impeccable service history. This beauty is currently sitting at 181k, and it runs like a top. I will get it in the shop soon for some regular and preventive maintenance. Truly the last analogue BMW with hydraulic steering and a big ol' N/A I6 up front, (sorry no MT, but I couldn't pass it up). It drives amazingly and I've had a lot of fun (and pain), learning how to do some DIY items to it. It's a great companion to the E46. Some changes will be taking place soon, and I'll be sure to keep you guys in the loop here, or on his own thread.

*2012 128i Coupe- E82 LCI*
-Deep Sea Blue Metallic
-Black Leatherette w/ Gloss Black trim (changed to glacier aluminum- needed contrast!)
-Steptronic Automatic (not upset about it at all)
-Slicktop!
-Navigation CIC w/ iDrive
-Heated Front Seats
-Power Front Seats
and...that's about it! No packages to speak of, which I don't mind at all.

Up next, some refurbished Style 264 wheels wrapped in a set of Conti ExtremeContact DWS tires. Love me a simple 5 spoke. Needs a stagger, too! If this car drives this wonderfully on a few years old runflats, I can't even imagine the difference this setup is going to make. What an awesome and underrated car.

[IcewaterPete]

This thread just keeps getting better and better!

I believe you have indeed acquired another true BMW classic. I agree some spacers in the back with proper tires will transform that little man into a blast to drive. BTW I like your license plate frame. Clean!