Advice on the E46 320d and 330d

pwnerer

New member
Awesome feedback guys.

Still need to sell the OPC though... It's now on gumtree, junkmail, and carfind.
 

Andy1GP

///Member
This is a very refreshing thread, Xmax and everyone else well done on very good input. I can't really add on anything.

Maybe that the left hand engine mount on them will be shot and that will rob some power as well. It's a quick fix and only costs R750-R800 for the mount. The right side mount is a PITA though but they outlast the left one by a long shot. Exhaust manifolds on the 2004 don't last either. They're stainless and the others are cast.

If you're handy in the garage then there is quite a bit of info here specifically on this car.

Netercol on the forum is a fundi on these cars and motors.
 

pwnerer

New member
Hey guys.

I'm getting a 2003 model with 220 000km. Turbo has been replaced before. injectors haven't been done and apparently these are one of the things that like to go.

I want to take it to a tuner to get all the things looked at and checked. (as mentioned in this thread). And also possibly do the software.

I don't want to get into a tuner argument here, but who should I take it to, who is the guy to go to for the E46 330d, and who will also do the general work?
 

msm

Well-known member
pwnerer said:
I want to take it to a tuner to get all the things looked at and checked. (as mentioned in this thread). And also possibly do the software.

I don't want to get into a tuner argument here, but who should I take it to, who is the guy to go to for the E46 330d, and who will also do the general work?

Generally speaking, tuners are good at tuning and some of the independent workshops places are good at checking out the cars and maintenance.

My suggestion on a good independent workshop to check out the car is Tunetech. Then go to a tuner afterwards if the car is 100%.

As for tuners, there's 3 advertisers on the forum: Promotec (us), Xcede, Project Shift.
 

osiris

///Member
Are you getting an Auto or a manual?

I don't want to start any arguments here either with regards to Tuners, but I have gotten Xcede software for my 2004 E46 330d and the difference is night and day, I went from 114kw ATW and 372nm to a 167kw ATW and 564nm Torqu!! I then went for a further tweak on the software and the car is now an absolute monster, Now its definitely pushing over 600nm of torque, I have not dynoed it yet but from the first time the software was done to the second time the power difference is something else.

The most important thing is that it has been very reliable so far, no engine lights coming on etc etc, no surging, just very smooth power delivery. I had the software done last year, not sure when exactly but its been a while.

I am very keen to do all the little tweaks that Andy has done to his car like the engine mounts and vacuum hoses etc as that stuff apparently robs a substantial amount of power, Just need to find the time.
 

pwnerer

New member
msm@PromotecAuto said:
pwnerer said:
I want to take it to a tuner to get all the things looked at and checked. (as mentioned in this thread). And also possibly do the software.

I don't want to get into a tuner argument here, but who should I take it to, who is the guy to go to for the E46 330d, and who will also do the general work?

Generally speaking, tuners are good at tuning and some of the independent workshops places are good at checking out the cars and maintenance.

My suggestion on a good independent workshop to check out the car is Tunetech. Then go to a tuner afterwards if the car is 100%.

As for tuners, there's 3 advertisers on the forum: Promotec (us), Xcede, Project Shift.

I sent you a pm about it :)
 

Andy1GP

///Member
Tune Tech are good, but there are other hidden gems of workshops around as well, there is one here in centurion that do BMW's only as well. My advice is to find one closest to you that's most convenient.

Just be weary of a "bad rebuild" when they say the turbo has been replaced.

Since you just need a short term solution you could consider the 135kw version. Auto or 5 spd manual. I went to go have a look at one last year for R70k that was in good nick. Basic individual trim but for that price it will resell easily for when you leave...

The car also got just short of 1000km per tank.
 
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