Daily Build Project: 2003 E46 325ci

[individj]

 

[///Avi]

The car is looking good! :bravo:

 

[Jive_E46]

Finally got around to doing the suspension.
I chose the ISC Advanced N1 coilover kit because of its value for money factor and its reputation here in SA. Spoke to the gents from Ultra Racing and they also helped me out with a rear strut bar, going to do the front one soon.
Fitted at D&S Shocks.
The old suspension was shot and due for upgrade.
Just like my 135 we found that the differential mount bushing was torn so will be upgrading that too, most probably gonna go with Meyle HD.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

 

[AshG108]

Damn, this one is looking proper!

The coilies bring it down to earth where it should be....where are the updates??

 

[BeemerFanatic]

Wow how did I miss these updates. Car looks fantastic. Well done with maintaining.

 

[Tinuva]

This coupe looks in amazing condition.

Not sure I am a fan of the CSL lookalike bumper but I understand everyone has their own taste.

Will definitely be following to see your updates  :thumbs:

Wow how did I miss these updates. Car looks fantastic. Well done with maintaining.

I also missed it...forums wasn't in a good place in February of 2020...

 

[Dewald Basson]

Well done the e46 looks great

 

[Jive_E46]

Lockdown updates:

Haven't really gotten the chance to do anything more other than sort out the small paint issues. Managed to take out those extremely heavy Ci seats and gave the carpets a good clean.

Maintenance still to be done:
1. Refresh steering rack assembly
-I'm currently experiencing relatively bad steering wander, I took a quick look at the steering rack assembly and noticed the joint next to the exhaust manifold was loose and wobbling around. Over and above that I do experience intermittent grinding when turning the wheel either direction without revving the car which I think indicates the power steering pump needs to be replaced, looking at the LUK LF30 pump.

2. Sway bars and end links
-Definitely going for the 325ti sway bars as they are much thicker which I hope translates to a stiffer ride.

3. Change to the 6 speed gearbox and delete the clutch delay valve.
-This might be done with an engine swap.

4. Replace the rubber lining under the pop out windows.
5. Replace differential mount bushing.
6. Replace guibo on propshaft

This motor is holding on strong!

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

 

[Riaad]

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Ive seen in a youtube video, if you stick some foam above the crash bar, you can set the csl bumper to sit on it and result in a flush fitment  :thumbs:

 

[Jive_E46]

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Ive seen in a youtube video, if you stick some foam above the crash bar, you can set the csl bumper to sit on it and result in a flush fitment  :thumbs:

Will definitely do that, I screwed the bottom of the bumper to the front fender liners and those things shift around abit.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

 

[AshG108]

I have had the pleasure of seeing this car in the flesh and I must say, that bumper looks tons better in person. It sounds hell wicked...I had no idea that these cars could sound so wicked!

Nice one Jive! Cannot wait to see it blossom further!

 

[Jive_E46]

I have had the pleasure of seeing this car in the flesh and I must say, that bumper looks tons better in person. It sounds hell wicked...I had no idea that these cars could sound so wicked!

Nice one Jive! Cannot wait to see it blossom further!

Thanks Ash was a nice meet up we had. Your M135i brought back such good memories I had to keep the chat up so I could look at your F20 for abit longer!
Wishing you many miles of smiles bro!


Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

 

[AshG108]

I have had the pleasure of seeing this car in the flesh and I must say, that bumper looks tons better in person. It sounds hell wicked...I had no idea that these cars could sound so wicked!

Nice one Jive! Cannot wait to see it blossom further!

Thanks Ash was a nice meet up we had. Your M135i brought back such good memories I had to keep the chat up so I could look at your F20 for abit longer!
Wishing you many miles of smiles bro!


Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Shot thanks brother! Will meet up again soon!

 

[Jive_E46]

June update,

Removed the boot lid for some panel beating work.
Changed the tyre setup for a lower profile. Went with Radar tyres from Mo@ Supreme Wheel and Tyre.
F 205/40/ZR18
R 215/40/ZR18
I definitely plan to go for a 30 Profile on the next set for sure.
Will be sending her in for a change in suspension setup, looking for slower rebound and a more raked stance.
Car turns over and starts first time everytime, very happy E46 owner thus far

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

 

[Peter@AEW]

In the next few months I shall be removing the 3.0L from my touring and it will be available.

If you are interested give me a shout.
190000Kms.
Complete ECU 5speed box propshaft diff wiring harness radiator etc etc.

To get the front bumper cover to fit flush try and cut polystyrene strips and place them on the bumper stiffener that way the cover will ride on top and close the gap to the light trim

 

[Jive_E46]

In the next few months I shall be removing the 3.0L from my touring and it will be available.

If you are interested give me a shout.
190000Kms.
Complete ECU 5speed box propshaft diff wiring harness radiator etc etc.

To get the front bumper cover to fit flush try and cut polystyrene strips and place them on the bumper stiffener that way the cover will ride on top and close the gap to the light trim

Thank you Peter! I haven't gotten around to doing the bumper, procrastinating over it. Another forum member also suggested the same fix, I will do it in the coming month, I promise

I'm itching dearly for that S52 crank to sing in my Ci. From what I understand I just need the engine to plug and play(software can be flashed onto current ECU) I will certainly contact the E46 guru's on this page.

Has anyone increased their compression ratio on their M54B30 in SA? Even to 10.8 or 11.0 without having to run better fuels?

I'm trying to gauge how easy it is going to be to bring in the VAC oil pump shaft and bring in an ATI Damper with all this sh*t going on in the world.
If anyone can point me in the right direction that will be awesome!

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

 

[Riaad]

It sounds hell wicked...I had no idea that these cars could sound so wicked!

@"Jive_m135i" how about a sound clip ?

 

[Jive_E46]

It sounds hell wicked...I had no idea that these cars could sound so wicked!

@"Jive_m135i" how about a sound clip ?

I've been trying since yesterday to get some vids up but this Tapatalk app is absolutely useless. And now I can't access the forums on my laptop :/ will continue trying though.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

---

Heres a tunnel vid from the car behind //cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5efb1078c1408/VID-20200629-WA0034.mp4

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

 

[Riaad]

It sounds hell wicked...I had no idea that these cars could sound so wicked!

@"Jive_m135i" how about a sound clip ?

I've been trying since yesterday to get some vids up but this Tapatalk app is absolutely useless. And now I can't access the forums on my laptop :/ will continue trying though.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

---

Heres a tunnel vid from the car behind //cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5efb1078c1408/VID-20200629-WA0034.mp4

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

---

Link doesnt work  :hammerhead:

 

[Tinuva]

It sounds hell wicked...I had no idea that these cars could sound so wicked!

@"Jive_m135i" how about a sound clip ?

I've been trying since yesterday to get some vids up but this Tapatalk app is absolutely useless. And now I can't access the forums on my laptop :/ will continue trying though.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

---

Heres a tunnel vid from the car behind //cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5efb1078c1408/VID-20200629-WA0034.mp4

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

---

Link doesnt work  :hammerhead:

---

Works for me, after taking a LONG time.

Let's see if this works.

View attachment 3