Bought an old BMW M3, filled with regret...
- Thread starter mrk
- Start date
I'll get close up pics of both next to each other once the swap out starts. Won't be immediately soon though as I've got some busy weekends coming up. Yeah my waterpump is the original.
I still have PFC Z-rated pads all round. They are great for noise control but there is a very slight squeak under a very small window of conditions where all are present:
1: Low speed
2: Light application of brake pedal
3: Some dryness in the air
4: Pads already warm
Not all 4 pads squeak though, the noise is just from the rears for me and it's not the annoying type of noise just a faint one so nothing to worry about and that's with windows down roof down. I've had performance pads before that were annoyingly loud
..
I still have PFC Z-rated pads all round. They are great for noise control but there is a very slight squeak under a very small window of conditions where all are present:
1: Low speed
2: Light application of brake pedal
3: Some dryness in the air
4: Pads already warm
Not all 4 pads squeak though, the noise is just from the rears for me and it's not the annoying type of noise just a faint one so nothing to worry about and that's with windows down roof down. I've had performance pads before that were annoyingly loud
..
That's good to know, maybe for future pads but as mentioned above the conditions have to be just right for a faint squeak and it only happens under slow speed light braking, like 2 inches of pedal travel, any further and there's no noise at all. The noise is also faint so nothing out of the ordinary of normal traffic!
In essence, not enough to find a file and vice
In essence, not enough to find a file and vice
In typical fashion, the front indicator lenses have perished seals on one side letting water in on the driver's side lens. I also noticed the rubber gasket along the edge of each had started to peel away as it's perished over the years. Both lenses are originals but as some will know, if you take them off and feel them, they don't really feel like a piece of quality plastic, super lightweight and all plastic. I met up with a local guy who recently bought an E46 M3 as he had various questions (and has been following this thread ) and found out that these lenses can be found on AutoDoc for <£15 each as I needed rear boot lid ones too as those had faded compared to the brake light clusters.
So I bought both sets and am quite pleased. The material feel, weight and visually look 1:1 to the original ones yet these are TYC branded. I suspect BMW sourced these items form the same factory back then and these makers have just continued to make them.
Anyway, looks much better now
Was pleased to see the IPX rating of the bulbs held up too
MOT due in January, #PrayForM3
) and found out that these lenses can be found on AutoDoc for <£15 each as I needed rear boot lid ones too as those had faded compared to the brake light clusters.So I bought both sets and am quite pleased. The material feel, weight and visually look 1:1 to the original ones yet these are TYC branded. I suspect BMW sourced these items form the same factory back then and these makers have just continued to make them.
Anyway, looks much better now
Was pleased to see the IPX rating of the bulbs held up too
MOT due in January, #PrayForM3
A few things I've always found that totally transform the visual look of any car pretty much:
- Clean wheels
- Non faded light lenses
- Non shiny/worn steering wheel & gear knobs
- Unmarked interior leather/trim
The rest of the car can be dirty all over but these things make the biggest difference
Hmm I guess you're right, at this age original plates do look a bit parched around the edges.
Amazing how cheap OEM headlamp lenses were on the E46 M3 just a couple of years ago. I got them for a similar price (both Bosch and Magneti Marelli as I had to buy a 2nd pair as I touched the inside of one by mistake and it marked them forever and the opposite lens got a stone chip!)
How are you getting on with the E92? I really would want one but the prospect of no aftermarket Android based infotainment is just off putting. I am going to upgrade my current Android one to the latest
probably next year as it's near 1:1 to OEM nav unit whilst supporting Android Auto, high end amp so no more need for Viper software EQ and having the visual radar for the PDC is nice as well and will make the most of the chance to also install the I-BUS module to get realtime power/engine stats too as well as coding directly from the stereo.
Amazing how cheap OEM headlamp lenses were on the E46 M3 just a couple of years ago. I got them for a similar price (both Bosch and Magneti Marelli as I had to buy a 2nd pair as I touched the inside of one by mistake and it marked them forever and the opposite lens got a stone chip!)
How are you getting on with the E92? I really would want one but the prospect of no aftermarket Android based infotainment is just off putting. I am going to upgrade my current Android one to the latest
Doesn't seem like the E92 versions have the optional amp upgrades though? It's too late now to change cars as I'm settled into the E46 and makes no logical sense but had the option come up in years gone by then certainly would have been an option!
Even though the dash IMO is nicer styled and timeless on the E46...
Even though the dash IMO is nicer styled and timeless on the E46...
I know what you mean about the character. For me the E46 interior styling is just that bit more timeless and the lines just fit so well with any timeframe. I always felt the E92 styling would fade over time and look more dated than the E46! Of course a tired cabin from either gen doesn't do either justice.
Mine is now mechanically in a good place and hopefully remains that way for some time yet. The only things I do expect to fail are stuff like alternator/ac pump... The usual stuff. VANOS etc still good but at some point I'll get that refreshed by Mr VANOS mid next year I guess just to tick it all off. Suspension is all 2 years or so old anyway and tyres still have a lot of miles left. Brakes? Also good. All in all I think other than cosmetic bits and bobs, there is nothing else I should really need to worry about!
Still looking clean, even if a little dirty
Mine is now mechanically in a good place and hopefully remains that way for some time yet. The only things I do expect to fail are stuff like alternator/ac pump... The usual stuff. VANOS etc still good but at some point I'll get that refreshed by Mr VANOS mid next year I guess just to tick it all off. Suspension is all 2 years or so old anyway and tyres still have a lot of miles left. Brakes? Also good. All in all I think other than cosmetic bits and bobs, there is nothing else I should really need to worry about!
Still looking clean, even if a little dirty
Yeah I drive it more regularly nowadays even though not for commuting and find if it sits for a week then it grumbles. I attribute it all as part of its character lol. I believe my hedgehog might be on its way out. Can hear the vent internal mechanism moving around randomly sometimes and the fans blow at a higher speed than what I think is normal given I've done the hedgehog replacement on both previous E46s so the symptoms are telling. Done well to last so long on its original FSR though I guess.
It's hard to tell in pictures but it really is quite dirty! That was taken yesterday and looking at it on the drive now I can see the tyres aren't as clean as I want them to be nor is the dust and water marks on the paint!
Normally I hear an E92 before my eyes register them lol. It's only the BMW Individual colours I tend to notice from afar otherwise I can't decide if the E92 ahead is a 335i or an M3, it's only once closer do the bonnet bulge and arches give it away
Great shape though, well proportioned for sure but like yourself, the E46 appears to get more heads turning even if just passing through towns quietly.Shame that the only thing getting old is the bloke inside it
Car looks great and is a real credit to you
Hey apparently I look 26!
Those wheels
In America the first thing many seem to do is replace the exhaust and "headers" as well as the centre exhaust section which attributes to a lot of the rasp. They end up with something quite muffled and a deeper note which reminds me a lot of a modified Jap car which is just wrong in my view
Exhaust setup should always remain standard on an M.
Edit*
Funnily enough Doug just uploaded an E92 video a few hours ago lol
Wanna know its quirks and features???
In America the first thing many seem to do is replace the exhaust and "headers" as well as the centre exhaust section which attributes to a lot of the rasp. They end up with something quite muffled and a deeper note which reminds me a lot of a modified Jap car which is just wrong in my view
Exhaust setup should always remain standard on an M.
Edit*
Funnily enough Doug just uploaded an E92 video a few hours ago lol
Wanna know its quirks and features???
Last edited:
MOT passed this week, yay.
MOT tester annoyingly put an advisory on the rear pads saying they are getting low but stated they are about 50% which means they will last another 20k miles+ typically. Seems a bit harsh lol. The rest are tyre related which I know about anyway as I do need new tyres very soon along with a fuel filler cap seal which I didn't even know of until now. A fiver for a nitrile seal and job's jobbed.
Anyway on a non related note, problem... vibration during idle randomly, I first noticed it the other day but thought nothing of it at the time as was parking up at Tesco and as it didn't re-appear I forgot about it. Today the check engine light came on and I did a fault code read to see:
If I apply throttle whether static or moving then the vibration (when it does happen) goes away. This seems like to me the typical sign of failing coil pack )on cylinder 3 in my case). I recall having the exact same issue on my E46 318Ci back in the day.
Any of you guys agree with this diagnosis? The codes all relate to the same issue. 2A related to idle speed which is expected if cylinder 3 is misfiring due to a faulty coil.
Having shopped around, ECP sell OEM coil packs (Delphi) and spark plugs (NGK). Both are cheap items so changing all 6 pairs comes to £206.
Thoughts?
MOT tester annoyingly put an advisory on the rear pads saying they are getting low but stated they are about 50% which means they will last another 20k miles+ typically. Seems a bit harsh lol. The rest are tyre related which I know about anyway as I do need new tyres very soon along with a fuel filler cap seal which I didn't even know of until now. A fiver for a nitrile seal and job's jobbed.
Anyway on a non related note, problem... vibration during idle randomly, I first noticed it the other day but thought nothing of it at the time as was parking up at Tesco and as it didn't re-appear I forgot about it. Today the check engine light came on and I did a fault code read to see:
If I apply throttle whether static or moving then the vibration (when it does happen) goes away. This seems like to me the typical sign of failing coil pack )on cylinder 3 in my case). I recall having the exact same issue on my E46 318Ci back in the day.
Any of you guys agree with this diagnosis? The codes all relate to the same issue. 2A related to idle speed which is expected if cylinder 3 is misfiring due to a faulty coil.
Having shopped around, ECP sell OEM coil packs (Delphi) and spark plugs (NGK). Both are cheap items so changing all 6 pairs comes to £206.
Thoughts?
Ah that's a good point. I will need to get a coil removal pliers though as I don't have that, also a spark plug tool to get that out. Makes sense given the location of the coil on these engines, so much heat and vibration they have to endure...
Edit*
Seems easy peasy, just need the tools
Edit*
Seems easy peasy, just need the tools
Hmm I thought normal tools couldn't get in the tight space enough to grab hold of the coil/plug (if needed)? I mean if it is a coil then I'll change all coils and since both coil and plug go hand in hand, makes sense to also change the plugs?
Or would you just replace what's faulty assuming it is the coil? I know coils and plugs are items that either work or they don't. If they're fit for purpose and healthy then they will do the same job so replacing otherwise working ones with new ones yield no benefit other than longer lifespan even if the older ones could have lasted another 3 years+ for example? Basically it doesn't sound like the same applies to these as say replacing suspension components in pairs/sets per axle!
Correct me if mistaken
Or would you just replace what's faulty assuming it is the coil? I know coils and plugs are items that either work or they don't. If they're fit for purpose and healthy then they will do the same job so replacing otherwise working ones with new ones yield no benefit other than longer lifespan even if the older ones could have lasted another 3 years+ for example? Basically it doesn't sound like the same applies to these as say replacing suspension components in pairs/sets per axle!
Correct me if mistaken
When was it £14? I suspect that price has more than double since that time just like how the wheel speed sensors have as they are £174 a pair from BMW lol.
I found this, I assume it's the pipe you are on about? Mine seems to be in solid condition though no visual signs of decay/wear.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-...906220?hash=item1ea799feec:g:p9oAAOSwFYJb4tGw
Ah gotcha. My car consumes no oil at so this won't be a prob (at least for now!).
I'm ordering the spark plugs and coils anyway as I can always return them. Reason being the ECP WINTER35 code expires at midnight so don't want to miss out on 35% off if their next code is only 25%. They have easy returns so not a bother really. I can then get to work at the weekend sussing what's what
I also need to change both rear wheel speed sensors with the BMW ones that should arrive tomorrow... Busy times ahead.
@Gibbo what tool did you use when doing your coils/plugs? Just wanna make sure I use the same item.
I'm ordering the spark plugs and coils anyway as I can always return them. Reason being the ECP WINTER35 code expires at midnight so don't want to miss out on 35% off if their next code is only 25%. They have easy returns so not a bother really. I can then get to work at the weekend sussing what's what
I also need to change both rear wheel speed sensors with the BMW ones that should arrive tomorrow... Busy times ahead.
@Gibbo what tool did you use when doing your coils/plugs? Just wanna make sure I use the same item.