E46 330i Repairs and Mods

[Don86]

Hey Guys,

Been planning todo some work on the E46, my bentley manual has been on the shelf for three months. :idea: I plan to put it to good use and DIY most of these. So this is the list so far, still pricing out most. Feel free to throw in any idea's or advice.

Engine:

- Replace Vanos Seals
- Replace DISA
- Remap
- OIL Pump upgrade
- ATI Super damper
- Decat

Drivetrain:

- Upgrade to 6 speed gearbox
- 3.23 Diff (LSD if Possible)
- UUC Shortshifter

Body:

- MTEC II Kit
- Window TINT
- Angel Eyes (Found a wiring diagram that allows activation/deactivation on Unlock/Lock with the key, by wiring into the interior light circuit)
- Black Kidneys
- Carbon Interior trim


The ATI super damper tones down the M54B30s inherent harmonic issues. There is also a oil pump that has been modified by one of the member on E46fanatics, which has been reinforced and cheaper then the BMW Motorsports pump.

Since I found my oil pump nut backing off a while back, I have been bit paranoid. Since harmonics are also part of the problem, I would rather have double insurance i'm busy arranging the Damper and Pump through the guys at E46fanatics. If any one is interested, I will pass the details.

Coming from the stock diff 2.97, would I get a decent acceleration gain with the 3.23? I suppose I could go shorter, but by my calculations that would be a comfortable ratio for daily driving.

Im also on the lookout for a OEM Frontloader, that can read mp3 discs... I got the Cassette head with the Shuttle at the back

 

[Sankekur]

For the engine list also add a overhaul of the cooling system if you haven not done it already.

I would recommend going for the Z4M shift lever as a shortshifter (or 545i one for a less aggressive one) rather than the aftermarket ones as it will work you out cheaper.

 

[Bayn46]

I'd also check the engine mounts while down there. A lot of people see them wearing out around 100k km. Other than that, sloppy gear lever and DISA is on my list.

 

[moranor@axis]

what 6 speed box you going to put on?

i think a 3.23 diff will not be possible because as far as i know it was only on the Xi a 3.38 will be fine, but a 3.23 diff will keep you highway cruising rpm closer to where it sits now you might see a slight increase in fuel consumption with a 3.38 on the highway...

you should have a 2.93 diff in your car...

 

[Don86]

what 6 speed box you going to put on?

i think a 3.23 diff will not be possible because as far as i know it was only on the Xi a 3.38 will be fine, but a 3.23 diff will keep you highway cruising rpm closer to where it sits now you might see a slight increase in fuel consumption with a 3.38 on the highway...

you should have a 2.93 diff in your car...

I'm planning on getting the ZF GS6-37BZ/DZ, which is the standard 6 speed box for the E46 330s. You seem clued up on gear ratio's, I feel the 330 is a great car, just geared too long, which is perfect for the long road. So I would like to get something that sits in between. What would you recommend?

@ Sankekeur, thanks :thumbs: Everyone on the international forums seem to be going the UUC route, I prefer the idea of sticking to OEM. I did the cooling system shortly after getting the car.

@ Bayn46, :idea: I will check out the mounts haven't experienced any symptoms yet, but might be worth doing. Is it worth going for the M3 Mounts or just sticking with standard ones?

 

[Bayn46]

Reading up recently, people rate the M3 mounts to be a bit harsh when changing from the OEM 330 ones so I'm going to stick with the standard mounts. Hoping this corrects my issue, otherwise a new clutch might be needed.

 

[Don86]

Reading up recently, people rate the M3 mounts to be a bit harsh when changing from the OEM 330 ones so I'm going to stick with the standard mounts. Hoping this corrects my issue, otherwise a new clutch might be needed.

What issues have you been having? You might want to check your subframe and Diff bushes as well..... Do you feel some elasticity in the drivetrain at all?

Have seen mixed reviews on the M3 Engine / Transmission mounts, wanted to get some local opinions. So Standard mounts it is

 

[moranor@axis]

i put an e90 6 speed on my car and im running a 3.38 diff gave me a 10% gain in torque and i have a little more top end than i had before because of the 6 speed...

on your car a 3.38 will give you a 15% gain and you will only rev 2% higher in 6th than it used to in 5th i would go with a 3.38 on your car...

you will also need a new clutch and ether shorten your prop shaft or get a 6 speed one

if you want to go a cheaper route you could just fit a 3.07 or a 3.15 and keep the 5 speed this will not hurt your fuel consumption too bad...

where did you get your gearbox number from ive been trying to cross-reference the numbers on mine to try work out exactly what car it was from... im hoping you found a good site that might help me out :rollsmile:

 

[Bayn46]

Just two issues, possibly caused by one problem. My thread below.

Basically a summary. When you turn the ignition off the engine does a shudder as it powers down, very quick shudder. I noticed that putting in the clutch before switching off the engine made the problem go away, engine went off smooth. So could be mountings, maybe clutch, hopefully not flywheel :dunno:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=21598

 

[Don86]

i put an e90 6 speed on my car and im running a 3.38 diff gave me a 10% gain in torque and i have a little more top end than i had before because of the 6 speed...

on your car a 3.38 will give you a 15% gain and you will only rev 2% higher in 6th than it used to in 5th i would go with a 3.38 on your car...

you will also need a new clutch and ether shorten your prop shaft or get a 6 speed one

if you want to go a cheaper route you could just fit a 3.07 or a 3.15 and keep the 5 speed this will not hurt your fuel consumption too bad...

where did you get your gearbox number from ive been trying to cross-reference the numbers on mine to try work out exactly what car it was from... im hoping you found a good site that might help me out :rollsmile:

How much did the E90 box set you back? So 3.38 With a 6 speed box it is :thumbs:
I found it at www.realoem.com, I googled the number and confirmed that was correct.

I did find a great site, ZF official site, however the transmission won't show up there as BMW have their own internal model numbers. Anyway this site would be useful as 90% of all our car parts are made by them. So if you want to confirm that you have the correct clutch or need part numbers for most mechanical components including suspension, check this out http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=15163

@ Bayn46, this maybe useful for you..... as I would agree the problem is most likely your DMF.... SACHS and LUK are two of the OEM suppliers. You can check the part number for SACHS using this link.

 

[moranor@axis]

Bayn46
you could just start using the clutch when you park... i always park in gear so i cant say if what you have is normal...

if you got no other symptoms i would just leave it and watch out for anything else strange...

you could get a trolly jack ans some stands and have a look anyway...

 

[Bayn46]

Been avoiding the point that it might be the DMF like a plague as it's so expensive to replace. Symptoms of a DMF don't seem to be there though but could be wrong.

@moranor - Buying a jack and stands this weekend so that I can have a proper look. Performance wise the car is 100%, only issue is changing gears, 1st to 2nd sucks a bit and it sometimes feel like the car just grabs the gear but no slipping. So many variables, I just lack the DIY skill/experience to check the clutch out.

 

[moranor@axis]

ive been on both those site to try find info on my gear box, but nothing :bangdesk:

i cant recommend an e90 box because i have a vibration on deceleration that might be caused by the offset inside the gearbox being different to the e46 6 speed...

im fixing a subframe rip soon and will be replacing all the bushes in the back if the vibration is still there i might have to have a custom flywheel made to get rid of it...

an e46 6 speed would be the safer way to go...

---

DMF is 3k its not too much... the big cost is the labour for removing the gearbox...

 

[Don86]

Been avoiding the point that it might be the DMF like a plague as it's so expensive to replace. Symptoms of a DMF don't seem to be there though but could be wrong.

Remember the DMF is a two piece unit, so there are a few possibilities for symptoms, besides the common.

This maybe shooting out the ball park, I doubt it may be the case, but check your timing chain tensioner as well. The chain rattle is audible around 1k RPM (Guy at work had this problem on his 325i) I also suspected his DMF at first, but it turned out to be the tensioner. EDIT: They sound similar

I have a Bentley service manual, don't mind making a few PDF files for you if you prefer to DIY.


I'm going to keep this updated with pics, as I finnish each part of the project.... Going to be starting next week raise:

 

[Bayn46]

Yea, it's as you say, the problem could really be anything and taking it to a mechanic each time just costs more a more money. Since the performance isn't being affected I'm going to DIY as much as I can.

On the plus side, it's worth replacing things like the engine mounts and bushings if it hasn't been done since new.

 

[k3nny]

Yo Don86, u forgot something on your list.... your Rims !!


:rollsmile:

 

[Don86]

Yo Don86, u forgot something on your list.... your Rims !!


:rollsmile:

:bravo: Brilliant, thanks for reminding me, :whip: Bank balance is going to start drying up pretty quick now :facepalm:....

Do you have any rims in mind? as I am battling to choose, I have been looking at BBS. Still deciding on which style :thumbs: