2002 E46 325ci Problems/Advice

[hadz]

Hey all

Bought a E46 325ci (2002) end of January, had problems with starter since day one, it swings and swings but always used to start. Started using the car for work regularly and last week on the way home, car just started switching off and back on immediately (Most of the time when I am slowing down/braking, usually in 2nd and 3rd gear. My rpm drops like in split second and before it even goes below 2000rpm. At this point my car is heated much more than before this problem occured). I was advised not to use the car till it is sorted out).

Now that the main problem is out the way, I have some small issues that are bugging me, one being it has the motorsport dashboard in place of the factory 325ci dashboard, and my check engine light is on yellow all the time, could someone please advise me if it could be giving me incorrect warning signs because of the dashboard change?

Another problem for me is the gears are extremely sticky and makes quite a bit of noise at times, and having a regular lack of power when pumping the gas if I need to get somewhere fast.

If anyone can advise me on where I can take my car to have everything looked at and dealt with, without having to put me into debt for years to come.

NB: Also if anyone knows or has advice on where I can take my car to get the interior redone, it would be appreciated. (Please note, dont have a huge budget for this)

Cheers all

 

[Dewald Basson]

Maybe Chris Brand can advise on a mechanic?

---

Mods my @userthing does not work

 

[FiRi@Rennzport]

Maybe Chris Brand can advise on a mechanic?

---

Mods my @userthing does not work

---

I dont think mods can help if your thing doesnt work, please join the mens helth clinic forum for help on that .

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

 

[Dewald Basson]

Maybe Chris Brand can advise on a mechanic?

---

Mods my @userthing does not work

---

I dont think mods can help if your thing doesnt work, please join the mens helth clinic forum for help on that .

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

---

Rumour has it your's is about as faulty as you car, only runs 3km before dying. :fencelook:

 

[FiRi@Rennzport]

Now why you getting personal....

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

 

[Dewald Basson]

Now why you getting personal....

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

It is what I do, "Dewalding"

 

[zippy320]

Hi
Welcome to the forum

As far as I know , there is no such thing as a E46 factory motorsport dashboard , All E46s have the same dashboard , (unless this is something special bmw used in their factory motorsport group cars) In that case you might be able to sell it for more they the value of your car hehe .

The Warning light you see is being triggered by one of the modules , You should run a scan and pull up the fault codes . The guys here are very knowledgeable and will be able to guide you in the right direction based on those fault codes.

Lack of power sounds to me like vanos seals , but then again, there could be multiple reasons for that , On my Aunts car 325ti , replacing the seals really helped the cars power and economy. The fault codes could help there as well , In fact most of your problems can be pin pointed by a fault scan so that should be your first step.

I cant comment on where you could service/repair your car . We have someone on the forum by the name of Gizmo whose very good and knowledgeable on the E46 , im sure he would be able to assist you .

https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/uploads/user/17989/garage46 banner_1542994822.jpg

Good luck ... Curious to see this Dashboard though! Post a few pictures of your car .

 

[Dewald Basson]

Hi
Welcome to the forum

As far as I know , there is no such thing as a E46 factory motorsport dashboard , All E46s have the same dashboard , (unless this is something special bmw used in their factory motorsport group cars) In that case you might be able to sell it for more they the value of your car hehe .

The Warning light you see is being triggered by one of the modules , You should run a scan and pull up the fault codes . The guys here are very knowledgeable and will be able to guide you in the right direction based on those fault codes.

Lack of power sounds to me like vanos seals , but then again, there could be multiple reasons for that , On my Aunts car 325ti , replacing the seals really helped the cars power and economy. The fault codes could help there as well , In fact most of your problems can be pin pointed by a fault scan so that should be your first step.

I cant comment on where you could service/repair your car . We have someone on the forum by the name of Gizmo whose very good and knowledgeable on the E46 , im sure he would be able to assist you .

https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/uploads/user/17989/garage46 banner_1542994822.jpg

Good luck ... Curious to see this Dashboard though! Post a few pictures of your car .

The OP is based in CT bro, gizmo is a bit of drive.
+1 on the dashboard

 

[Dewald Basson]

OP - check this thread link

 

[zippy320]

oops , sorry about that :fencelook: Thanks Dewald :smilebounce:

OP - check this thread link

 

[Tinuva]

Also want to see this motorsport dashboard? Unless you meant they put in the M3 cluster.

 

[DJGyron]

Hey all

Bought a E46 325ci (2002) end of January, had problems with starter since day one, it swings and swings but always used to start. Started using the car for work regularly and last week on the way home, car just started switching off and back on immediately (Most of the time when I am slowing down/braking, usually in 2nd and 3rd gear. My rpm drops like in split second and before it even goes below 2000rpm. At this point my car is heated much more than before this problem occured). I was advised not to use the car till it is sorted out).

Now that the main problem is out the way, I have some small issues that are bugging me, one being it has the motorsport dashboard in place of the factory 325ci dashboard, and my check engine light is on yellow all the time, could someone please advise me if it could be giving me incorrect warning signs because of the dashboard change?

Another problem for me is the gears are extremely sticky and makes quite a bit of noise at times, and having a regular lack of power when pumping the gas if I need to get somewhere fast.

If anyone can advise me on where I can take my car to have everything looked at and dealt with, without having to put me into debt for years to come.

NB: Also if anyone knows or has advice on where I can take my car to get the interior redone, it would be appreciated. (Please note, dont have a huge budget for this)

Cheers all

Hi Hadz, I'm not sure if this helps but hear goes.

The first problem sounds like the alternator is not holding charge and might need to be replaced. If the starter is gone and needs to be replaced, be prepared to fork out some serious cash. I know it is a huge job to replace starter on the E46, being at the back of the engine near the gearbox.

Also, if your car is overheating, check the expansion tank for oil. If brown oil is bubbling out, it could be a lot more serious and should be looked at by a mechanic. If not and if needs be, you might have to replace the cooling systems like the thermostat housing and the water pump. Also check your cooling fan to see if it is working.

The second problem seems to be like an accelerator cable issue. My uncle had a problem once with his E46 320i. What happened was when he pressed his foot flat on the gas, it felt like the car was sluggish and not reaching its full potential. After taking the car to the agents, they found that the accelerator cable in the car was for a 318i and not the 320i. After putting in the correct cable for the 320i, the car felt like it had a whole new lease of life.

The best solution before all the above is to take the car to a mechanic with a diagnostic device and get a print out of all the things that are wrong mechanically and sort them all out one step at a time.

Where about are you situated?