E46 Post Delivery Advice

[LordPhoenix]

Hi Guys

Wanted to know from the fanatics what's the 1st thing you replace or change as preventative after taken delivery of an e46

 

[XMAX]

1. Cooling System (Expansion Tank and Water Pump to start with)

2. Lower Control arm bushes

3. Complete Service (oil, fuel filter, spark plugs, power steering fluid flush, brake fluid flush)

4. Change headlight bulbs to Osram Nightbreaker+ (unless you have Xenons, in which case this doesnt apply).

5. Kill the cat

 

[Baron]

In my case it was also time to change the idler pulley and belt tensioner pulley (at 100k), pretty easy, around R800 in parts.

 

[Mr Occo]

1. Cooling System (Expansion Tank and Water Pump to start with)

2. Lower Control arm bushes

3. Complete Service (oil, fuel filter, spark plugs, power steering fluid flush, brake fluid flush)

4. Change headlight bulbs to Osram Nightbreaker+ (unless you have Xenons, in which case this doesnt apply).

5. Kill the cat

What he said!

:thumbs:

 

[Raybimmer]

1. Cooling System (Expansion Tank and Water Pump to start with)

2. Lower Control arm bushes

3. Complete Service (oil, fuel filter, spark plugs, power steering fluid flush, brake fluid flush)

4. Change headlight bulbs to Osram Nightbreaker+ (unless you have Xenons, in which case this doesnt apply).

5. Kill the cat

Kill the cat .....what did the poor pussy do ? :roflol:

 

[Raybimmer]

As you are in JHB why not pm Gizmo and let him have a look at the car then decide what items need attention first . He can also get good prices on spares .:thumbs:

 

[SP33DYV]

As you are in JHB why not pm Gizmo and let him have a look at the car then decide what items need attention first . He can also get good prices on spares .:thumbs:

What he said.:thumbs:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

So what you bought?

 

[moranor@axis]

cooling system and oil change is critical the rest can be done at a later stage... i would definitely use Gizmo...

 

[LordPhoenix]

Didn't get anything yet.

Just trying to get a feel and plan for it.

I'll definitely use Gizmo. His rep here is incredible.

Thanks guys.

 

[2LV2]

In my case it was also time to change the idler pulley and belt tensioner pulley (at 100k), pretty easy, around R800 in parts.

By way of bitter experience.......:

All of the above and would second the idler + belt tensioner pulley.

Might as well change the water pump and thermostat at the same time, as the water pump will definately seize at some stage. Use OEM only!

Also: if you are buying anything, make sure to see if it has not already had head work, in which case, it has already overheated once before.

Walk away if you have any doubt, especially if she has no records of maintenance.

E46's are even less tolerant of neglect than most German cars!

 

[LordPhoenix]

Are the E46 water bottles weaker? My E36 bottles been rock solid for 250000kms

Btw saw an E46 with water gushing out from under the bonnet. Owner seemed unaware. Was that the expansion tank that let go?

 

[Raybimmer]

E46 bottles seem to be more troublesome than e36 bottles .

 

[Pr0PheT]

e46 water pump and expansion tank ... my moms e46 330i has 180k km now ... on its 3rd water pump and 2nd expansion tank ... also partly due to bad service by bmw and not doing a good job the first time round ...

based on past bad experiences at BMW I would suggest Gizmo based on what others say here ... he has a good rep and a passion for BMW's