BMW E46 330i SE

wingman · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:19

BMW E46 330i SE. 58k miles. Purchased from a family member on Sunday. Entire history known, been in the family for it's entire life. Runs sweet as a nut.

Any advice on keeping on top of the motor would be really appreciated. Always bought new cars in the past, so I'm not "hot" on keeping older cars in great condition.

First BWW, been driving 5 years now and have always had Japanese (mix of Nissan's & Toyota's).

Pictures below;

What do you think of the brake pads and disks? Will this be an MOT failure? MOT is next month.

The engine bay has strange markings on it which I can't explain. Any ideas on how to detail?

Front body kit is split, but it isn't hanging. Any tips on how to fix this? Other side isn't nearly as bad. Suspected minor bump.

Harman Kardon speakers, actually blissful.

paradigm · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:25

That engine bay mess looks like something has been splattered all over the intake and cover, perhaps from an expansion tank/radiator spilt, although it looks more like someone has left alloy wheel cleaner on it for too long.

Does it scrape off?

wingman · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:30

A stone went through the radiator and it had to be replaced. This would explain it then? I haven't tried to scrape it off yet but I will give it a go.

[TW]Fox · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:30

First stop is new tyres - Linglongs on a 330i :eek:

paradigm · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:31

I had similar on my E36 when the side of the expansion tank split, fortunately it was only on the viscous fan coweling, but it looked similar to that.

Fortunately I never had coolant system problems with my E46 330d.

wingman · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:31

[TW]Fox;22431183 said:
First stop is new tyres - Linglongs on a 330i

Problem is their only 1,000 miles old. When they are due to be replaced, what would you suggest Fox? Or do I replace now?

Disco Boy · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:32

"entire history known "

"suspected small bump"

...

wingman · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:33

Disco Boy said:
"entire history known "

"suspected small bump"

...

Cousin's wife drove it too, daren't ask...

LiE · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:38

wingman said:
Problem is their only 1,000 miles old. When they are due to be replaced, what would you suggest Fox? Or do I replace now?

Problem is, you may find yourself in a ditch before you can change them

[TW]Fox · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:40

wingman said:
Problem is their only 1,000 miles old. When they are due to be replaced, what would you suggest Fox? Or do I replace now?

Replace them now - they are absolutely terrible tyres. Chinese ditchfinders of the highest order.

Saytan · 26 Jul 2012 at 21:50

Vredestein ultrac sessantas work well on an E46 and are not scary money.

Six6siX · 26 Jul 2012 at 22:20

Saytan said:
Vredestein ultrac sessantas work well on an E46 and are not scary money.

+1

Have these on mine and find them really good.

mrk · 27 Jul 2012 at 11:23

Sessantas are definitely the way to go. Decent price but superb performance, wear and feedback.

Steering wheel re-leather = £105, new italian leather thick soft gearbox gaiter = ~£15 and a new gear knob = £40-£50. Those will freshen up the interior considerably. The stock BMW gaiter looks flimsy and weak and coupled with the horse nob shifter it just looks.... :confused:

NathWraith · 27 Jul 2012 at 11:26

Change the tyres straight away, dont even consider keeping them because they are 1,000 miles old.

Don't buy a performance car and run pap tyres. It will only end one way! I am talking from experience!

godinman · 27 Jul 2012 at 11:33

I want a mfsw.

Oh god, they come with wood trim! hnnnnnggggg

[TW]Fox · 27 Jul 2012 at 11:48

The trim is just a clip on panel.

antijoke · 27 Jul 2012 at 11:52

Interesting you mention the Vredestein tyres, my friends dad just so happens to be MD of the UK arm, time to speak to him about some new tyres as I need two front tyres.

godinman · 27 Jul 2012 at 11:55

[TW]Fox;22434215 said:
The trim is just a clip on panel.

Hmm, do you know if you can get trim for the non-multifunction 'sports' steering wheel? All of the wood trims I can find have that double bar bit at the bottom, while mine is just a three spoke.

GravyMonster · 27 Jul 2012 at 12:00

anticonscience said:
Interesting you mention the Vredestein tyres, my friends dad just so happens to be MD of the UK arm, time to speak to him about some new tyres as I need two front tyres.

Thanks for volunteering to organise the group-buy discount

acemastr · 27 Jul 2012 at 12:07

Agree with the above ^ !!

Had them on mine for 4k miles or so, excellent grip in all conditions but will let go if you persuade them.