Remap e46 330i

Provided you are not a numpty you can replace it when something fails without any damage. It's a £500-£700 job done properly and it either works or doesnt..
 
[TW]Fox;16749943 said:
I'd be very suprised for example if yours didnt need doing. Most people never realise as they will never drive an ultra low mileage one, as there are none left, so wont ever be able to feel what it 'should' be like.
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I guess I wouldn't know, but mine pulls smooth throughout the entire rev range, naturally it has more power towards the top but no sudden or noticable kick. But then again mine was owned from new by an old family man, it wasn't ever owned by redlining chav (until now ;))

If this was such a problem for this engine, then why was it never resolved during the cars lifespan? Or why don't BMW sort it out during Inspection I or II?
 
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BMW claimed when this was presented to them that no changes would be made as development of the m54 had stopped. There is an email from them on that site I think.
 
God's truth I wish I had a mechanic friend like Ed on wheeler dealers *bat eyelashes, longing look*

Now that Fox has mentioned the vanos seal issue, I have spent all day reading about it. Lots of people say it's not so common on the e46 compared to the e36 so don't bother until it becomes obvious or that after they had it done they have noticed a marked improvement :confused::confused:

I show no signs of having a vanos issue but that's not to say I'm not losing power due to the seals being corroded, I just lack mechanical knowledge to know for certain. It's not like the car isn't quick at all but the back of my mind is saying, 'mmm maybe you're not getting all the possible power this engine had as standard when new'

Aaaarg i'm so annoyed, why didn't I study mechanical engineering instead of pants IT :mad:

So the question is where is there an honest indy near me I can have a quick chat to. Barkersmotors & Chris Plummer Automobiles seem to be the best although not that convenient for me. Like drop car off - take train home - come back days later - not so convenient. I would like to watch what they do. Do indy's mind if you source the parts and they fit them? perhaps even provide printed guides or something, I have no specialist tools so can't attempt doing this myself.

I want to just enjoy the car and not keep thinking how I can make it as close to new as possible - maybe it's all in my head. Need to not think for a while :(
 
You need to go back and do a bit more reading, the E36 doesn't have an M54 nor does it have double VANOS in any form except M3 Evolution.

The M52TU series engine, never fitted to the E36, also has this 'issue' but it manifests itself in more obvious and more serious ways - bad idle, engine cutting out, etc etc. The story goes that BMW released a DME update (ie a software update) for the M54 which masked these issues, whcih is why you never get blatantly obvious symptoms :)
 
Ah yes totally forgot I previously made a thread about this :D

I've decided I would like a remap - it will cost £200 from an Emaps group buy.

Are there any other cheap mods I can do like an air filter to use etc?

Someone mentioned that cleaning the DISA valve would also help

After speaking to at least 4 different indies, they all say that replacing the VANOS seals is internet forum hogwash
 
As a rule of thumb, garages hate it when you mention you saw something on the internet - perhaps from previous experiences with morons not really understanding what they read on the internet and insisting they were right.

But indepedents/specialists can vary wildly in how competent they are. I spoke to PMW when i had my E46 330i about getting the CVV/oil breather changed. The guy insisted that there was no such thing on the petrol variant, only the diesel and started to get arsey with me when i told him i was currently looking at the oil breather part on RealOEM.com.

He then called back an hour later saying that there was indeed an oil breather valve on the petrol :rolleyes:

However, an independent like Darjac Racing in Colchester - now i got the impression that they were VERY good. The guy i spoke to was really really nice and knew everything about everything on my 330i and other BMW's and even though he couldn't fit me in to change the CVV, he spoke to me for a good 15 minutes and gave me good advice regarding it.

Would definitely give Darjac Racing a punt on that conversation alone.
 
Have to say that I wouldn't, but that's only because of a less that impressive result on my old E30 325i. Replaced the chip in that, which did slightly improve mid-range and upped the rev limit. Unfortunately I don't think the "rather tired" engine liked me revving it higher and it developed a rather unhealthy appetite for oil subsequently.
If you want a genuinely faster car, save up for a newer 335i.

BTW, just down the road from you, also live in Sutton.
 
Thanks Gaygle I'll give them a call and see what they say - on the remap day I'll ask the fellas about VANOS seals as well.

Unfortuantely Mr Sukebe I have to make do with what I have currently, just trying to eek out some extra horses without spending unnecessary silly money :)

Is a Streamline or Pipercross drop in air filter a worthy little upgrade too? or is th eOEM one ok?
 
Ok I've just got a reply from emaps - they reckon the stock air filter and exhaust are fine and the only things worth doing are the vanos seals and a remap.
 
pepsilol said:
Obviously he will say do the remap.

The seals are enough. Reset your throttle aswell.
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by that do you mean this

Reset e46 throttle response
First, with the key removed, sit in the driver's seat and insert the key.
Turn the key to position "2". Position "2" is one position before the car engages and starts.
Wait 10 seconds and then turn the key back to position "0", which is the initial position.
Once again wait 10 seconds and then start the car up.

or disconnect battery for at least 60 seconds?
 
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