Daily Build Project: 2003 E46 325ci

[Jive_E46]

Some home DIY...

Fitted a new belt tensioner and idler pulley. Didn’t bother with the AC pulley and tensioner, maybe another time. All sourced from Imcomex

Part numbers:
- Belt tensioner: 11287838797 (INA)
- Idler Pulley: 11287841228 (Topran)

It was a like for like swap. I thought I had the old spring based tensioner but it was the modern piston based tensioner, OEM part that was on its way out.

The bolt that turns clockwise to remove the serpentine belt was absolutely stripped from previous mechs and I DEFINITELY made it worse by prying a torx 45 in there (It came off eventually and never went back on)

The process was pretty simple, took my time and made sure everything was perfect before turning her on again.

She’s running 100% after the install and loves the limiter even more IMO

Next up is the noisy and inaccurate fuel pump.

 

[VinceM]

Well done on this, after seeing that messed up bolt, more reason for DIY.

There are a lot of good resources for the e46 platform on YouTube.
ShopLifeTV
M539 restorations
Hans Garage
50sKid

Many happy kilometers!


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[Jive_E46]

CERTIFIED CLUTCH POPPER

Had some fun on the Zwartkops skidpan today.
The car felt tight yet compliant. The current coilover setup allows the car to keep momentum really well, even with an open differential (2.93)


First course

Second course

 

[Benji]

Looks like fun, a LSD will make a huge difference to the fun factor

 

[KingKalie]

Is that a motionautotv sticker on the back?

 

[Jive_E46]

Is that a motionautotv sticker on the back?

It’s actually a Ross Duncan sticker (like how BMW put those Supertech or SMG stickers on the back lol)
And a custom sticker which I made myself just above it


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[Jive_E46]

Some more home DIY…

Fitted a new fuel pump and fuel sender unit as well as replacing the two single-use clamps on each fuel line. Was about a 4 hour job but pretty straightforward with a very satisfying end product

Part numbers:
- Fuel pump: 16146766942 (Meyle)
- Fuel level sensor: 16116768788 (BMW OEM- VDO)
- Gaskets(x2): 16111184084 (BMW OEM)
- Hose clamps: N/A

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[Jive_E46]

End of year service

All work done at Ross Duncan. Top service!
I would have opted for servicing in 2022 but the amount of oil leaks and coolant leaks was just too much. I felt bad driving the car and not knowing if it was running dry or not, it was a bad situation.

Funnily enough, the 1.5 year old OEM BMW radiator cracked without impact and started leaking, along with the mounting plate and the radiator hoses.

The sump bolt seems to be the cause for the massive oil leak but I’m not totally convinced. The VANOS feed line on the intake side seems to be sweating ALOT. And then of course there’s the useless Cyclone PCV system which should be replaced with an oil catch can in due course.

The wonky steering is finally fixed. No more steering wander and more precise steering input. I have a feeling tie rods will need to be done soon.

Parts numbers:
- Steering spindle: 32306761571 (BMW OEM)
- Universal CV joint: 32306761570 (BMW OEM)
- Oil filter: 11427512300 (BMW OEM)
- Oil change: BMW Twinpower 5W-30
- Fuel filter: 13327512019 (BMW OEM)
- Oil level sensor: 12617508003 (Hella)
- Radiator: 17119071519 (Cooling Masters)
- Radiator hose upper: 17127510952 (Febi Bilstein)
- Radiator hose lower: 11531436408 (Beemows)
- Coolant temperature sensor: 13621433077 (BMW OEM)
- Radiator mounting plate: 17111436250 (Beemows)

She’s feeling GREAT! I have a feeling the following will need to be done soon:
-Chassis reinforcement
- Pillowball mounts on coilovers
- Slip ring in steering wheel
- Passenger seat sensors

 

[Benji]

Good work, good to see the car having so much attention

 

[Jive_E46]

 

[BeemerFanatic]

Looks immaculate. Did you have some spray work done? I need to fix some stone chips but don’t want to take any chances with paint companies I don’t know


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[Jive_E46]

Looks immaculate. Did you have some spray work done? I need to fix some stone chips but don’t want to take any chances with paint companies I don’t know


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No spray work. Just a full body polish at Orca Autobody.

You definitely have to be able to trust the quality and finish of the paintwork as any imperfection becomes a double job, which can become expensive and results in more downtime.


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[BeemerFanatic]

Brilliant thanks


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[Jive_E46]

200 000KM and She’s running strong.
Consumption solid at 9.6L/100KM at the moment. Will be better with software I’m sure.

Lost my CSL front bumper to some tyre debris on the highway. Much sadness.

M3 Replica bumper fitted.

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[Jive_E46]

End of year service

Mileage is around 210 000 KM
Car is feeling great, no complaints at this point and the M54B25 is running creamy smooth.
Fuel consumption at a steady 9.0L/100KM XD
I’ve found this thread quite helpful in keeping track of the work done to the car, and will keep updating it as the build progresses.

Serviced at Ross Duncan:
- Oil filter: 11427512300 (BMW OEM)
- Oil change: BMW Twinpower 5W-30
- Rear brake pads: 34351164372 (BMW OEM)
- Brake pad wear sensor: 34351164371 (BMW OEM)
- Air filter (Meyle)

Met a fellow BMW owner who has a 323i with this INCREDIBLE mileage:

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[Crash_Nemesis]

This front bumper suits the car much better. Looking awesome.

 

[Jive_E46]

individual side skirts are fantastic

Agreed!

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[AshG108]

Those skirts look the biz for sure...but the rear of this car with that bootlid is really perfect!

 

[individj]

that looks proper well done!

 

[Jive_E46]

Minor service 220’ KM

Serviced at Ross Duncan:
- Oil filter: 11427512300 (BMW OEM)
- Oil change: BMW Twinpower 5W-30
- VANOS line: 11361705532 (BMW OEM)


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