e46 330i 140 000km service

[ruaangrobler]

So, Ronel is ageing gracefully, and what a Cougar

My 140 000km service is around the corner, and was wondering about the little things I should start looking at. So far I've gathered:
1. Radiator expansion tank
2. Power steering pump
3. Control arm Bushings

I also think my Final Stage resistor is going - My aircon fan seems to have a mind of it's own - but only sometimes.

I also have a slight mechanical 'whirring' noise sometimes at low speed and heavy load - say pulling off from a stop sign on an incline, but it's so slight I'm sometimes wonder if I'm just imagining it.

And then finally, I'm thinking of getting the Transmission mounts upgraded to the Rogue Engeneering ones (I've read good things) since my gearchanges are getting slightly 'loose' for lack of a better word - almost as if my gears don't want to work with my as smoothly as they used to, but I don't think it's the clutch - but I'm an idiot

So with (1) above - what do I check for, or is it best to just get the damn thing replaced so I can sleep peacefully?
with (2) - How would I know?
And with (3) - I was told at 120 000kms (when I bought her) that my suspension is in good nic still, but since it's a cheapish thing I might as well get it done now - where can I find the Polyurethane ones (or whatever's the best) on the WestRand or as close to it as possible?

So what about thermostats etc? - Any light on these topics would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys.

 

[dyllindd]

:mmm: HUH?

 

[msm]

Can't comment on all, but here's what I've done on mine:

1) Replaced coolant expansion tank at just over 100K KM. The original was still ok, when they removed, but I wanted peace of mind (as my previous E46 tank gave up around 84K KM). I would say do this as preventative maintenance.

2) Bushes - depends on condition. Just check them to see if they are fine. The front ones are easy to notice when they need replacing. Just jack up a wheel and check for play. Take is to a decent place that does alignment and they SHOULD be able to tell you. Be careful of the Polyurethane bushes - some of them can potentially cause other issues too as they are too hard to absorb bumps and eventually damage the control arms or other suspension bits. However, they do tighten up the handling, so it depends what you want.

3) Final stage resistor. Also replaced on mine a little while after I got the car (just over 95K KM). Don't leave this took long as it can potentially flatten your battery overnight. This is not dependent on the service though - can be done at any time.

Not sure of the rest :dunno:

 

[ruaangrobler]

Thanks MSM, that's a great start. And thanks for the word on the polyurethane bushes - I've always just read how bloody amazing they are. My car's very much my daily runner and I need it to be both comfy and reliable, so maybe I'll avoid those for now (if I even need any)

and dyllindd...thanks for stopping by

 

[JustNN]

This is what i changed at around that millage

1:Serpentine belt
2:Brake pads and disks, new brake fluid
3:Gearbox fluid(if yours is a manual thou)
4:Full service(plugs,oil, air and oil filter)
5:Wheel alignment and balancing

6:Alternator at 120 000km

7:Blower fan resistor changed at 110 000km

Things to do
1iff fluid
2:Bushes
3:Expantion tank
4: Value cover gasket(not to sure about this one but i see dried up oil on the side of the engine)

 

[Bayn46]

For me the power steering pump gave up without warning and for the most part this is what will happen as the pump arm just fails. There is a better/new version of the pump that they will replace it with which is stronger. Rough cost on this is R1200 for the part.

I've been getting a squeak from my left rear suspension, took it in today to have the mechanic take a look and he thinks it could be the shock or maybe just bushings but that's just his guess from the drive we took (will be taking it back later in the week for the actual quote and repair).

Based on what other people have said I am going to get the radiator tank checked while I'm there and possibly the gearbox fluid (the car was just serviced before I bought it but better to be safe). Will let you know how it goes.

 

[Sankekur]

If the expansion tank hasn't been replaced before and you're thinking of doing it, do it, it is pretty cheap insurance. Also has the water pump been changed? If not you might want to do that as well.

As far as the gear changes being loose, it could also the ball joint of the shift lever and some of the other bushes and washers on the shifting parts that need changing. This would also be a good time to upgrade to a short shifter

 

[ruaangrobler]

Thanks guys, I'm jotting everything down and will relay to my mechanic soon enough (can't wait to have some space one day and hopefully learn to work on my own car).

Will definately do the expansion tank and probably the water pump too(not something you want to go when you're already late for a meeting) then ask his opinion about the gear changes. I'm not keen on saving cash at the cost of losing sleep, would rather just know that I take good care of my baby.

@ Sankekur: How are you findng the changes with the (even) shorter shift (because mine's already pretty notchy)? I can't really imagine wanting it stiffer, but more direct would be nice. It looks like lots of fun for 'spirited' driving, but not too much for everyday, in-and-out of traffic driving, or am I wrong?

I suppose the hard question is do I want to 'play' with my 330i (stage 1, short shift etc) or save up and get an e46 M3 in a year or 2, as was initially my plan.
And then the 1 series coupés are also so damn sexy. Suppose I'm a sucker for frameless doors. :drool:

ahh, dreams. But first things first is taking awesome care of my Cougar.

Thanks all. :thumbsup:

 

[ryanhouston_e46]

Try Imcomex for Meyle (made in germany) suspension bushes. Replaced my originals with these and I can vouch form them. They are specced with heavy duty rubber, so improved handling without a bone jarring ride. they overnighted to me and I live in durban, so shouldnt be too hard to get it.

Radiator expansion tank WILL go. so just change it. Not too sure about the power steering pump.

 

[DeanoBlado]

Does anyone know what is the price for the water pump and when should one consider changing it?

 

[Sankekur]

@ruaangrobler: The shift is very notchy, and my arm actually got sore for the first couple of days using it but you get used to it pretty soon. As for traffic driving my clutch leg is often more of a worry than my shifting arm, but it could probably be tiresome driving it in traffic. I am guessing this is an acquired taste kind of thing, some people like a softer shifting action, but I like to get plenty of feedback. The main thing I like about it is that you can shift gears with just your wrist, which is just awesome .
We could also make a plan to meet up like at the next meet and greet so you can feel what its like to help make up your mind.

@DeanoBlado: If I am not mistaken bemows has the e46 water pump with the metal impeller for something like R350. You could also try goldwagen they might also be able to help you.

 

[andrewbuch]

@sankekur so basically you inviting him to the next meetup to test the feel of your knob to see if he likes one with a shorter action??

 

[Sankekur]

No, inviting him to compare the shifting action on my car to that in his to help him make up his mind whether he want to go the route of installing a short shifter or not.

Sheesh man, really

 

[DeanoBlado]

Is the waterpump a possible DIY?

 

[Iceman007]

Try Imcomex for Meyle (made in germany) suspension bushes. Replaced my originals with these and I can vouch form them. They are specced with heavy duty rubber, so improved handling without a bone jarring ride. they overnighted to me and I live in durban, so shouldnt be too hard to get it.

Radiator expansion tank WILL go. so just change it. Not too sure about the power steering pump.

I can also vouch for the Meyle lower controll arm bushes what a differince.
Final stage Resistor I replaced mine on 130K. Got them from UK cheaper then the agents and came to R900 for the Final stage resistor and I have a spare for I imported 2

 

[Sankekur]

Is the waterpump a possible DIY?

Yup, I don't thing it is too hard to do it, drain the coolant, remove the electric fan, remove the belt, then remove and replace the waterpump, put all the stuff back that you have taken out, the coolant is a 50/50 mixture of anti-freeze and distilled water, I am not sure about the specs of the anti-freeze so the safest would be to go for the BMW stuff, and just remember too properly bleed the coolant system, not quite sure about the exact bleeding procedure but it is something like this (a search on the internets should give more info):
-open the bleeding screw on the upper pipe going into the expansion tank
-put the key into the ignition and turn it to position two, (when all the lights on the cluster come on, don't start the car)
-set the heater temp to the max on the AC control panel (32 degrees C), and turn the little wheel between the two centre air vent up to the 3 red dots and set the fan speed to the lowest setting without it being off (two blocks on the display)
-now fill up the expansion tank until no more bubbles come out of the bleed screw.
-close the bleed screw and the expansion tank
-take the car for a drive, and keep the heater on, there should be hot air coming out of the vents in about a minute's time, if this doesn't happen or you notice the temp rising to quickly something is wrong.
(I usually make the drive short, like just around the block a couple of time so that I am not too far away from home should anything happen and it allows me to see if there is any large amounts of coolant that has leaked out onto the road)
-If all is fine park the car allow the car to cool (completely), then top up the coolant as or if necessary.

 

[DeanoBlado]

Is the waterpump a possible DIY?

Yup, I don't thing it is too hard to do it, drain the coolant, remove the electric fan, remove the belt, then remove and replace the waterpump, put all the stuff back that you have taken out, the coolant is a 50/50 mixture of anti-freeze and distilled water, I am not sure about the specs of the anti-freeze so the safest would be to go for the BMW stuff, and just remember too properly bleed the coolant system, not quite sure about the exact bleeding procedure but it is something like this (a search on the internets should give more info):
-open the bleeding screw on the upper pipe going into the expansion tank
-put the key into the ignition and turn it to position two, (when all the lights on the cluster come on, don't start the car)
-set the heater temp to the max on the AC control panel (32 degrees C), and turn the little wheel between the two centre air vent up to the 3 red dots and set the fan speed to the lowest setting without it being off (two blocks on the display)
-now fill up the expansion tank until no more bubbles come out of the bleed screw.
-close the bleed screw and the expansion tank
-take the car for a drive, and keep the heater on, there should be hot air coming out of the vents in about a minute's time, if this doesn't happen or you notice the temp rising to quickly something is wrong.
(I usually make the drive short, like just around the block a couple of time so that I am not too far away from home should anything happen and it allows me to see if there is any large amounts of coolant that has leaked out onto the road)
-If all is fine park the car allow the car to cool (completely), then top up the coolant as or if necessary.

Thanks dude. sounds easy enough :thumb:

 

[ruaangrobler]

Thanks Lads, much appreciated, especially you Sankekur, MSM, Ryan, etc, etc - you all rock!

I like notchy shifts, but not on an everyday runner. Plus business has been going well enough, I might see an //M in my future - wait...did I say that out loud? - Point being I'll keep my 330i stock then, to help with a sale when it comes (I know how far I steer clear of 'modded' 2nd hand cars - because you never know the quality of the work)

Oh wait, promised my girlfriend the allmighty diamond ring first, and a bigger house(I've lived in boxes bigger than our current) fft: - but she deserves it. And then an //M!