Saving an E46 M3

[SylisM]

Success!

Power steering works without any whining, car drives again, still have a rattle sound that needs investigation. More detail to follow tomorrow.

Hahaha perfect image. Congrats haha

 

[ecKARd]

So yesterday I had some time to try Peter's advice. Got the car started and turned full lock left for a while, then right and repeated a few times. Had a look at the reservoir and it was 'empty'. So bought some more ATF and some power steering doepa, topped off the reservoir and BAM a working, silent power steering! :tiptoe: Thanks Peter :ty:

Next task was getting the car to actually drive again. I read quite a bit about the bonnet sensors and pulled up on the one near the driver and bent the other two at the front of the car up a bit to make better contact. Closed the bonnet and BAM, car drives again!

Thereafter I had a look at the battery/alternator. The car doesn't want to start by itself, even after being on charge. With the car running I had 14V on the battery, with the car off I got 12V and after trying to start her up once it dropped down to 10V. So next on the list is a new battery so I don't have to jump the car each time. Anyone have a spare battery laying around? Or any advice on which one to buy where?

 

[AdiS]

90A battery should be R1800 or so from BMW.

 

[ecKARd]

90A battery should be R1800 or so from BMW.

That sounds fair. All have to go visit John then!

 

[Gizmo]

E46 M3 uses a 668. I got a quote from BMW the other day on a 652 which was over R2100. A 668 should cost more than that from BMW.

 

[ecKARd]

Thanks Warren, I'll rather have a look at other brands then. A quick Google search indicates around R1400+ for the 668, depending on the precise specs.

 

[Gizmo]

Yeah R1400 is the going rate for a 668. I use the 668 as a battery upgrade for those who have decent sound in their 652 equipped cars.

 

[Rayzor]

Thanks Warren, I'll rather have a look at other brands then. A quick Google search indicates around R1400+ for the 668, depending on the precise specs.

Contact battery center, i know they stock OEM batteries at decent prices. :coolShake:

 

[KingKeith]

Good luck, keep us informed of the progress. :chef:

 

[ecKARd]

Made some progress this weekend. Don't have anything to show for it just yet but will hopefully be visiting Leo Haese soon to purchase what I need most.
The list of things to do is not all that bad, there's hope!

 

[zama]

Get a Varta battery if you want to save a little cash.

 

[TBP88]

I really hope this comes in within your budget and becomes the usable sportscar that these are meant to be - super excited to see the end result

 

[ecKARd]

Get a Varta battery if you want to save a little cash.

Thanks, I got a quote of R1400 for a 658, which is stronger than the 668 and affordable at least.

We're also scanning the codes today to see what sensors need fixing.

Is there anyone in Pretoria (Queenswood) that knows what a healthy S54 sounds like? I'm a bit paranoid about this rattle so would appreciate it if someone with the right ear can maybe listen to it?

 

[Gizmo]

658 is too big, you cannot get the battery bracket to bolt on top of it.

 

[ecKARd]

We read the codes/errors yesterday with quite a few showing. Luckily nothing too serious although some research needs to be done. This also gave me the best plan of attack going forward. Thanks Blue Shirt!

First thing to go is locate the source of the rattle, hopefully it's just a tensioner/idler pulley or the alternator bearing.

Sorry for the lack of photos, I haven't done much yet and swapping the steering rack was a dirty job so couldn't really take any photos. Once she's drive-able I'm definitely having a mini photoshoot!

 

[jettaz]

Nice dude...Glad you coming right though.

HOWEVER...... :ttiuwp:

 

[flyitlikearental]

Dude, you bought a battery yet? I always go with WILLARD, had one in each of my cars, they can take a punch of getting drained, and they just keep on ticking...

 

[NtandoN]

This thread is epic!

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Good luck with the build!

 

[ecKARd]

Dude, you bought a battery yet? I always go with WILLARD, had one in each of my cars, they can take a punch of getting drained, and they just keep on ticking...

Yeah I did get a battery for a good price already.

Currently I'm struggling to find time to spend on the car, but hopefully I'll get a few small DIY things done on Saturday.

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Nice dude...Glad you coming right though.

HOWEVER...... :ttiuwp:

Thanks man! Yeah yeah I know, as soon as the car is "drive-able" I'll give it a proper wash and take some photos.

 

[ecKARd]

Had some time to spend on the M this weekend. I had the wheel alignment done after the steering rack swap and took the car for a semi-spirited drive which was good for the soul and the motivation!

Andy also came through to help with the valve clearances which I'm sure will make a positive difference :ty:

And finally I have a few photos :rollsmile:

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Wheel alignment

And before the valve clearances. Quite a bit of varnish but luckily no gunk!