anandoc's 330i maintenance & mods thread [Archive] - BMW E46 330 ZHP For Sale Forum

anandoc

05-03-2017, 05:53 PM

I bought this car (my first BMW) in April 2014 in Ottawa, Canada with around 127,000 KMs on it. I did not receive any maintenance records from the used car dealer so I assumed that I have to do all PM items. Since purchasing the car, I have done a whole lot of maintenance and a few mods/upgrades.

2014
Spark plugs -- 31-May-14 -- 130000
Cooling system (all pulleys, belts, radiator, hoses)-- 31-May-14 -- 132000
Transmission flush -- 20-Jun-14 -- 134100
New DISA valve -- 20-Jun-14 -- 130000
Cabin air filter -- 1-Jul-14 -- 135000
VCG -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
CCV -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
Differential fluid -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
Fuel filter -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
OFHG -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
Brake fluid bleed -- 7-Sep-14 -- 139500
Fuel Pump -- 20-Sep-14 -- 140000
Oil Change -- 14-Oct-14 -- 142000

2015
Rear shocks -- 12-Feb-15 -- 148300
Rear right axle seal -- 12-Feb-15 -- 148300
Sway bar end links -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Sway bar bushings -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Front Control Arms -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
FCABs -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Tie rod assemblies -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Steering coupler -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Alignment -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Pre-cat O2 sensors -- 17-May-15 -- 153100
Oil Change -- 29-Jun-15 -- 154300
Selecter Shaft Seal -- 4-Sep-15 -- 158900
Brake caliper replacement -- 23-Nov-15 -- 162000
Winter wheel balancing -- 18-Dec-15 -- 163300

2016
Oil Change -- 25-Jan-16 -- 166300
Rear right axle seal (warranty) -- Feb-16 -- 166500
PS refresh -- 20-May-16 -- 173000
DISA rebuild with GAS kit -- 23-May-16 -- 173000
Front strut mounts, reinforcement plates & strut brace -- 6-Jun-16 -- 174000
Oil Change -- 22-Jul-16 -- 177300
Oil Level Sensor -- 22-Jul-16 -- 177300
AC system recharge -- 27-Jul-16 -- 177400
Vibrant muffler install -- 10-Sep-16 -- 178800
Shock install (warranty) -- 4-Oct-16 -- 179800
Rear right axle seal -- 12-Oct-16 -- 180200
RTABs, Ball joints, rear sway bar links & bushings -- 31-Oct-16 -- 181600

2017
Driver's side airbag recall -- 23-Jan-17 -- 184171
Oil Change -- 17-Apr-17 -- 186814
Summer tires (Sumitomo HTR Z III) -- 17-Apr-17 -- 186814
Stoptech Street Performance pads -- 28-Apr-17 -- 187100
ECS Tuning Cross drilled rotors -- 28-Apr-17 -- 187100
ECS Tuning stainless steel brake lines -- 28-Apr-17 -- 187100
VANOS seals with VANOS oil line -- 29-Apr-17 -- 187400
Mechanical fan dleete with Electric Puller fan -- 29-Apr-17 -- 187400
Mtech front bumper and side skirts -- 29-Apr-17 -- 187400
///M door sills -- 6-May-2017
Rear license plate bracket along with light covers -- 6-May-2017
Mtech rear bumper -- 27-May-17 -- 188800
Fuel pump relay -- 30-Jun-17 -- 190000
///M dead pedal and BMW Performance pedals set -- 15-Jul-2017 -- 191000

Some other mods/upgrades that I have done are:

FX-R 3.0 Projector retrofit
aFe Stage-1 Pro DRY S intake
Vibrant performance exhaust
OEM Alarm retrofit
GROM USB
Khoalty angel eyes
///M3 strut brace
///M3 Seats with full power bolster, lumbar and heat
///M3 steering wheel with paddles connected to steptronic transmission
///M door sills

Next on the list of upgrades:

http://i.imgur.com/ELO50Fdh.jpg

BMWCurves

05-03-2017, 06:50 PM

Awww yis

Jconlin16

05-03-2017, 09:50 PM

Some great work put into this car! How do you like the FX-R 3.0 Projector retrofit?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

anandoc

05-04-2017, 01:57 AM

Some great work put into this car! How do you like the FX-R 3.0 Projector retrofit?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you! The FX-R 3.0 made a HUGE difference compared to the burnt out ZKWs. I love the sharp cut-off and the wide beam pattern. I am still running on the original 13 year old bulbs so I am sure if I replace the bulbs I will get even better light output.

slater

05-04-2017, 05:49 AM

how about some pics? ;)

BMWCurves

05-04-2017, 06:12 AM

how about some pics? ;)

This guy.

slater

05-04-2017, 06:36 AM

This guy.

right back at ya! :dueling

BMWCurves

05-04-2017, 07:08 AM

right back at ya! :dueling

I have no new pics to share

http://i.imgur.com/izu8QAt.gif

I have to live through other people's...like anandoc's

johnrando

05-04-2017, 07:09 AM

Good werk

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

anandoc

05-04-2017, 07:12 AM

how about some pics? ;)

LOL! I bet you could not wait to make that comment!

I will post pics once I have washed off my wheels and get a chance to take some quality pics :)

I have no new pics to share

http://i.imgur.com/izu8QAt.gif

I have to live through other people's...like anandoc's

LOL...thanks William for having my back!

Good werk

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Thanks!

slater

05-04-2017, 04:58 PM

LOL! I bet you could not wait to make that comment!

I will post pics once I have washed off my wheels and get a chance to take some quality pics :)

hey, i posted a pic of a filthy car and poorly-blended paint..... several times already. :) just post 'em! :)

anandoc

05-06-2017, 04:22 PM

Weekend update:

So ever since Slater helped do the VANOS re-build with VANOS oil line replacement (along with MTech-II bumpers, side-skirts and mechanical fan delete), I had the check engine light on. The code that I got was 'P2185 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor2 Circuit High':

http://i.imgur.com/oiqS8EWh.jpg

Upon further investigation, it seems like the auxiliary fan switch physically broke. Very strange.

Luckily I had the old switch lying around which I had swapped out when I performed the full cooling system refresh back in 2014. I took that one out from storage, replaced the o-ring with the current one and plugged it in. Code was gone. Here is the broken one...FAE brand:

http://i.imgur.com/t6VfSQjh.jpg

Also replaced the rear license plate bracket as well as the license plate light covers. The used car dealer/PO had completely mangled the license plate bracket and used screws which had pierced the bracket and had scratched the paint on the trunk. Current state:

http://i.imgur.com/taFshXhh.jpg

This is what greeted me underneath the license plate:

http://i.imgur.com/CnE5M2Kh.jpg

Out with the old, in with the new:

http://i.imgur.com/dylPj9Wh.jpg

Finished product:

http://i.imgur.com/HnDg1z6h.jpg

With the new license plate light covers. So much better:

http://i.imgur.com/GvRee7wh.jpg

Also, new ///M door sills (please ignore all the dirt in my car right now. Needs some spring cleaning):

http://i.imgur.com/C13LovXh.jpg

Potato quality shot of my new cross-drilled and slotted ECS Tuning rotors

http://i.imgur.com/d2yqJdWh.jpg

orange260z

05-07-2017, 09:33 AM

Wow, you really ARE turning into Mango.

I bought this car (my first BMW) in April 2014 in Ottawa, Canada with around 127,000 KMs on it. I did not receive any maintenance records from the used car dealer so I assumed that I have to do all PM items. Since purchasing the car, I have done a whole lot of maintenance and a few mods/upgrades.

2014
Spark plugs -- 31-May-14 -- 130000
Cooling system (all pulleys, belts, radiator, hoses)-- 31-May-14 -- 132000
Transmission flush -- 20-Jun-14 -- 134100
New DISA valve -- 20-Jun-14 -- 130000
Cabin air filter -- 1-Jul-14 -- 135000
VCG -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
CCV -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
Differential fluid -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
Fuel filter -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
OFHG -- 5-Aug-14 -- 138000
Brake fluid bleed -- 7-Sep-14 -- 139500
Fuel Pump -- 20-Sep-14 -- 140000
Oil Change -- 14-Oct-14 -- 142000

2015
Rear shocks -- 12-Feb-15 -- 148300
Rear right axle seal -- 12-Feb-15 -- 148300
Sway bar end links -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Sway bar bushings -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Front Control Arms -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
FCABs -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Tie rod assemblies -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Steering coupler -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Alignment -- 27-Mar-15 -- 150300
Pre-cat O2 sensors -- 17-May-15 -- 153100
Oil Change -- 29-Jun-15 -- 154300
Selecter Shaft Seal -- 4-Sep-15 -- 158900
Brake caliper replacement -- 23-Nov-15 -- 162000
Winter wheel balancing -- 18-Dec-15 -- 163300

2016
Oil Change -- 25-Jan-16 -- 166300
Rear right axle seal (warranty) -- Feb-16 -- 166500
PS refresh -- 20-May-16 -- 173000
DISA rebuild with GAS kit -- 23-May-16 -- 173000
Front strut mounts, reinforcement plates & strut brace -- 6-Jun-16 -- 174000
Oil Change -- 22-Jul-16 -- 177300
Oil Level Sensor -- 22-Jul-16 -- 177300
AC system recharge -- 27-Jul-16 -- 177400
Vibrant muffler install -- 10-Sep-16 -- 178800
Shock install (warranty) -- 4-Oct-16 -- 179800
Rear right axle seal -- 12-Oct-16 -- 180200
RTABs, Ball joints, rear sway bar links & bushings -- 31-Oct-16 -- 181600

2017
Driver's side airbag recall -- 23-Jan-17 -- 184171
Oil Change -- 17-Apr-17 -- 186814
Summer tires (Sumitomo HTR Z III) -- 17-Apr-17 -- 186814
Stoptech Street Performance pads -- 28-Apr-17 -- 187100
ECS Tuning Cross drilled rotors -- 28-Apr-17 -- 187100
ECS Tuning stainless steel brake lines -- 28-Apr-17 -- 187100
VANOS seals with VANOS oil line -- 29-Apr-17 -- 187400
Mechanical fan dleete with Electric Puller fan -- 29-Apr-17 -- 187400
Mtech front bumper and side skirts -- 29-Apr-17 -- 187400
///M door sills -- 6-May-2017
Rear license plate bracket along with light covers -- 6-May-2017

Some other mods/upgrades that I have done are:

FX-R 3.0 Projector retrofit
aFe Stage-1 Pro DRY S intake
OEM Alarm retrofit
GROM USB
Khoalty angel eyes
///M3 strut brace
///M3 Seats with full power bolster, lumbar and heat
///M3 steering wheel with paddles connected to steptronic transmission
///M door sills

Next on the list of upgrades:

http://i.imgur.com/ELO50Fdh.jpg

orange260z

05-07-2017, 09:35 AM

Did you permanently remove the clear license plate cover? I always keep them on my cars, I buy the flat "premium" ones. I never want to replace my "classic" mid-1990s six-digit license plates!!

Weekend update:

So ever since Slater helped do the VANOS re-build with VANOS oil line replacement (along with MTech-II bumpers, side-skirts and mechanical fan delete), I had the check engine light on. The code that I got was 'P2185 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor2 Circuit High':

http://i.imgur.com/oiqS8EWh.jpg

Upon further investigation, it seems like the auxiliary fan switch physically broke. Very strange.

Luckily I had the old switch lying around which I had swapped out when I performed the full cooling system refresh back in 2014. I took that one out from storage, replaced the o-ring with the current one and plugged it in. Code was gone. Here is the broken one...FAE brand:

http://i.imgur.com/t6VfSQjh.jpg

Also replaced the rear license plate bracket as well as the license plate light covers. The used car dealer/PO had completely mangled the license plate bracket and used screws which had pierced the bracket and had scratched the paint on the trunk. Current state:

http://i.imgur.com/taFshXhh.jpg

This is what greeted me underneath the license plate:

http://i.imgur.com/CnE5M2Kh.jpg

Out with the old, in with the new:

http://i.imgur.com/dylPj9Wh.jpg

Finished product:

http://i.imgur.com/HnDg1z6h.jpg

With the new license plate light covers. So much better:

http://i.imgur.com/GvRee7wh.jpg

Also, new ///M door sills (please ignore all the dirt in my car right now. Needs some spring cleaning):

http://i.imgur.com/C13LovXh.jpg

Potato quality shot of my new cross-drilled and slotted ECS Tuning rotors

http://i.imgur.com/d2yqJdWh.jpg

holyc0w

05-07-2017, 09:39 AM

Wow, you really ARE turning into Mango.

That means a Prius is incoming.

anandoc

05-07-2017, 10:16 AM

Did you permanently remove the clear license plate cover? I always keep them on my cars, I buy the flat "premium" ones. I never want to replace my "classic" mid-1990s six-digit license plates!!

Yeah, the license plate cover would retain moisture and dirt and make the plate look crappy. I have removed it to get a cleaner look. Besides, if I had a vanity plate or something, I would probably put some sort of a protective covering.

That means a Prius is incoming.

LOL...you actually get the reference I guess.

orange260z

05-07-2017, 02:35 PM

Yeah, the license plate cover would retain moisture and dirt and make the plate look crappy. I have removed it to get a cleaner look. Besides, if I had a vanity plate or something, I would probably put some sort of a protective covering.
.
My plates are 20+ years old, covered from day one and I haven't had any issues. I remove the cover and clean every couple of years. Your last plate was just a defective batch.

danewilson77

05-08-2017, 05:03 PM

I have no new pics to share

http://i.imgur.com/izu8QAt.gif

I have to live through other people's...like anandoc's
:rofl

Sent from my S8+

anandoc

05-09-2017, 02:11 PM

New yellow fog lamps from Amazon.ca (thanks to Slater for pointing me to these)

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00VQ8VSXS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://i.imgur.com/xKQWRqh.jpg

BMWCurves

05-09-2017, 02:59 PM

704sw

05-09-2017, 04:31 PM

Nice! I think yellow fogs look quite good on black E46s. I'm looking forward to installing the set I got from 704sw who had them on his Estoril coupe.

The Amazon link says it ships within 2-5 months, did you put in the order ages ago?

They're definitely going to look awesome on both of your cars! Honestly the only reason I did my retrofit was because I always wanted to put the Lexus fogs into my Mazda (worst...fog lights...ever) but wrecked it before I got around to it. I guess I just had to get it out of my system.

anandoc

05-09-2017, 05:31 PM

Nice! I think yellow fogs look quite good on black E46s. I'm looking forward to installing the set I got from 704sw who had them on his Estoril coupe.

The Amazon link says it ships within 2-5 months, did you put in the order ages ago?

I literally bought the last pair off that seller that's why it says "ships within 2-5 months when available". I ordered them this morning when Slater (the enabler) messaged me and I had them at 6PM. Amazon same day shipping FTW :)

They're definitely going to look awesome on both of your cars! Honestly the only reason I did my retrofit was because I always wanted to put the Lexus fogs into my Mazda (worst...fog lights...ever) but wrecked it before I got around to it. I guess I just had to get it out of my system.

Yeah, I just installed them (couldn't resist the urge) and they look awesome. Some potato quality pics:

Before:
http://i.imgur.com/6NaBXlc.jpg

After:
http://i.imgur.com/3m4qVkz.jpg

I promise to post better pics if we have a sunny weekend.

704sw

05-09-2017, 05:43 PM

Before:
http://i.imgur.com/6NaBXlc.jpg

After:
http://i.imgur.com/3m4qVkz.jpg

I promise to post better pics if we have a sunny weekend.

With the clear corners and black paint, those look menacing and I love it.

anandoc

05-09-2017, 05:48 PM

With the clear corners and black paint, those look menacing and I love it.

Thanks! You should see them with the angel lights on (as DRL)...they look even meaner.

BMWCurves

05-09-2017, 06:03 PM

Thanks! You should see them with the angel lights on (as DRL)...they look even meaner.

You're right, I bet they would.

You should go do that. Now. Report back with pics.

johnrando

05-09-2017, 06:06 PM

Oh great. Now I have to get them. Hmmm, maybe that laminex film.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

san

05-10-2017, 04:59 AM

Oh great. Now I have to get them. Hmmm, maybe that laminex film.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I tried the laminex film-
29896

I removed it for now but do plan doing it again this weekend...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

johnrando

05-10-2017, 10:50 AM

Why did you remove?

san

05-10-2017, 10:52 AM

Why did you remove?

I just didn't do a good job and some moisture went in so thought I'd start over...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

johnrando

05-10-2017, 11:03 AM

K. thx. Thinking Laminex as I'd rather have OEM fogs. Anandoc, let us know what you think of the fogs you get as maybe there are just as good re fit and finish.

anandoc

05-10-2017, 12:36 PM

K. thx. Thinking Laminex as I'd rather have OEM fogs. Anandoc, let us know what you think of the fogs you get as maybe there are just as good re fit and finish.

I installed them yesterday (as you can see from my previous pic). They are of pretty good quality and Slater has been using them for the past 2 years without any issues. I'd definitely recommend them!

johnrando

05-11-2017, 10:38 PM

Thx!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

holyc0w

05-12-2017, 10:25 AM

I got the full kit from Lamin-x for the headlights and foglights. They yellow covers look good on the fogs, but they didn't cover the edges/rim. In the night, you get a bit of a ring of white around the yellow. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be like that, but it will trigger OCD for some.

johnrando

05-12-2017, 03:25 PM

Hmmm, not good.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

holyc0w

05-12-2017, 06:32 PM

Yeah, I think the final verdict is thumbs down, but I'll keep them.

Don't mean to threadjack, but I wanted to show the issue with the pre-cut Lamin-x fog covers. My experience agrees with the two reviews on their website. I didn't align them perfectly, but I was satisfied with the centering.

Test fit
29922

Applied
29923

Light(s) on
29924

anandoc

05-12-2017, 07:46 PM

I'd say give the yellow foglights that I bought a shot. Their fit and finish is just as good as OEM.

johnrando

05-14-2017, 02:43 PM

Good info, thanks.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

anandoc

05-17-2017, 02:45 AM

Another potato quality pic with the AEs on

http://i.imgur.com/0otYS1Y.jpg

johnrando

05-17-2017, 07:53 AM

:like

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

holyc0w

05-17-2017, 08:09 AM

That's one advanced potato.

Looks really sharp :thumbsup

anandoc

05-28-2017, 05:21 PM

Got the full MTech-II cosmetic upgrade thanks to Peter. Front & rear bumpers along with side-skirts were transferred over from Peter's imola sedan which he is parting out. Also performed a mechanical fan delete while the front bumper was out. I now have the electric puller fan which came on the manual cars.

Vas

05-28-2017, 07:23 PM

Pics?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

anandoc

06-18-2017, 06:15 PM

Installed the AUX cable to my GROM unit in the trunk. Was a PITA to snake the cable underneath the carpet through the front console and the rear seat.

The rubber/insulation garbage under the rear seat bench is in absolute shambles. I need to get some duramat or equivalent product to replace this crap.

Pics?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

I will take some pics soon and post them here. High time I do so.

anandoc

06-30-2017, 01:09 PM

Installed a brand new OEM fuel pump relay as preventative maintenance. I have seen threads on e46f where these have gone bad and left people stranded - so might as well.

ELCID86

07-01-2017, 08:47 AM

You won't regret that.

anandoc

07-01-2017, 12:01 PM

You won't regret that.

Yup and it was a very easy job - 10 mins in and out.

holyc0w

07-01-2017, 12:05 PM

10 minutes.. I was way past that :rofl

anandoc

07-15-2017, 05:41 PM

Installed trunk grocery bag holders

http://i.imgur.com/JMK5dxn.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UmyeUZx.jpg

Also, BMW Performance Pedals.

http://i.imgur.com/1ZpTtfk.jpg

orange260z

07-16-2017, 07:34 AM

:chuck

anandoc

07-16-2017, 08:15 AM

:chuck

Nice to see you take time off rennlist and visit us over here ;)

ELCID86

07-16-2017, 10:41 AM

Installed trunk grocery bag holders

http://i.imgur.com/JMK5dxn.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UmyeUZx.jpg

Also, BMW Performance Pedals.

http://i.imgur.com/1ZpTtfk.jpg

I keep meaning to install mine. Had them in my last Bimmer and put them in wife's TSX.

anandoc

07-29-2017, 11:13 AM

Installed ///M dead pedal. This completes my ///M interior upgrades:

1. ///M door sills
2. ///M dead pedals
3. Genuine BMW Performance Pedals
4. ///M3 steering wheel (with SMG pedals connected to steptronic transmission)
5. ///M3 seats with power bolster, lumbar and heat

3/5 of these parts have come from my friendly neighbourhood parts dealer, slater :)

http://i.imgur.com/gXVnurJ.jpg

BMWCurves

07-29-2017, 11:37 AM

Nicely done.

704sw

07-29-2017, 12:49 PM

Looking sharp, man!

slater

07-29-2017, 07:21 PM

Nice work, man!

Now, what's next on your list... ;)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

anandoc

07-30-2017, 04:54 AM

Nicely done.

Looking sharp, man!

Thanks guys!

Nice work, man!

Now, what's next on your list... ;)

Well, depends on what you got for me next :p

danewilson77

07-30-2017, 10:48 AM

Looks great.

Sent from my S8+

ELCID86

07-30-2017, 01:28 PM

Paddles are a nice addition.

anandoc

07-30-2017, 02:26 PM

Looks great.

Sent from my S8+

Thank you boss!

Paddles are a nice addition.

Yeah, they are definitely fun when I get some open and twisty roads (which is extremely rare in Toronto).

orange260z

07-30-2017, 03:11 PM

Now, what's next on your list... ;)

Probably M boxer shorts and an M tattoo...

ooooh, and another idea for you... maybe get three of your front teeth painted in M colours! Then again, the OCD side of me would go nuts because of the lack of symmetry.:drunk

slater

07-30-2017, 05:27 PM

Well, depends on what you got for me next :p

you know already. ;) gloss black shadowline trim and anthracite headliner/pillar swap! :)

Yeah, they are definitely fun when I get some open and twisty roads (which is extremely rare in Toronto).

ahem.... DVP? :foottap

hahahaha. :)

anandoc

08-04-2017, 04:46 PM

Before:

http://i.imgur.com/9xj6Xix.jpg

After:

http://i.imgur.com/GsZh7Qz.jpg

BMWCurves

08-04-2017, 04:59 PM

Me, before:

http://i.imgur.com/a59j5i8.gif

Me, after:

http://i.imgur.com/MWsXIr1.gif

anandoc

08-04-2017, 05:05 PM

Me, before:

Me, after:

Haha! Your GIFs crack me up!

I still need to go back and adjust the angle on the tow hook bracket. But yeah, I am really liking the plate delete. You gotta get yourself the US Mill Works bracket, William!

anandoc

10-02-2017, 06:25 PM

Two stage polish with a sealant in the end. Now i can see all the road rash which were concealed so far due to grime and generally crappy, swirly clearcoat

Before:

https://i.imgur.com/2tcUuqZ.jpg

During:

https://i.imgur.com/CRKKsIR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/w45QuO0.jpg

After:

https://i.imgur.com/NYtC118.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0m4f2j7.jpg

704sw

10-02-2017, 06:47 PM

Looking awesome, bud.

But that Sienna though...

BMWCurves

10-02-2017, 08:43 PM

Paint from afar looks wet.

anandoc

10-03-2017, 04:23 AM

Looking awesome, bud.

But that Sienna though...

Thanks! I don't know about awesome but it definitely looks a lot better than before. All the clearcoat swirls are gone.

I almost wanted leave a note on the Sienna's windscreen asking to trade...

Paint from afar looks wet.

Thanks! The paint on my car was in horrible condition. Now its a bit better. Was definitely worth the money.

slater

10-03-2017, 04:37 AM

looks great man! now about that gloss black shadowline trim... ;)

san

10-03-2017, 04:41 AM

Nice! My car needs this badly, but Il tackle it myself.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

anandoc

10-25-2017, 03:43 PM

BMWCurves

10-25-2017, 07:12 PM

slater

10-25-2017, 07:22 PM

Great so I just discovered two fluid leaks -

- This one is more troublesome. There is a slight coolant leak from where the upper radiator hose meets the radiator. I see white coolant residue on top of the expansion tank.

- Windshield washer leak from the headlight washer pump which was capped off 3 years ago. The leak is from my cap-off job so I guess I didn't do a great job. Can be easily fixed.

These along with the various squeaks and rattles within the cabin almost wants me to call it quits on the E46 :(:(

hey... you can borrow the montero - leaking fuel and all - and see how much your love for the E46 grows. :)

those, fortunately, are easy ones. get a new washer tank - sans headlight washer pump hole - and don't worry about it anymore (i put one of these in the Touring :)).

the coolant leak doesn't sound too bad. likely the expansion tank itself - i had one do this.

anandoc

11-13-2017, 03:17 PM

Hopefully this will take care of the ever recurring headlamp washer leak for good.

https://i.imgur.com/8y9FOxC.jpg

Parts used:

1) 3/8" tubing
2) 10mm metric screw (length does not matter)
3) Clamp (forget the size)

Now, for the coolant leak..... :(

[And the brake wear sensor wire that got frayed by the 17" winter wheels. Sigh.]

BMWCurves

11-13-2017, 07:23 PM

Hah. It's a real shame that it's a matter of when not if that the headlight washers will leak. I think they look cool.

704sw

11-13-2017, 07:27 PM

Hah. It's a real shame that it's a matter of when not if that the headlight washers will leak. I think they look cool.

My first car had headlight wipers. Washers will never be as cool to me.

slater

11-14-2017, 05:56 AM

My first car had headlight wipers. Washers will never be as cool to me.

volvo?

704sw

11-14-2017, 06:37 AM

volvo?

850 GLT baby! Headlight wipers came as part of the winter package, along with the wimpiest heated seats of all time.

slater

11-14-2017, 07:04 AM

850 GLT baby! Headlight wipers came as part of the winter package, along with the wimpiest heated seats of all time.

ha. it's probably because the leather was so thick... took forever to warm up. :)

704sw

11-14-2017, 07:14 AM

ha. it's probably because the leather was so thick... took forever to warm up. :)

It really did! I chalked it up to low power heaters—like they weren’t sure how much butt toasting it could handle before lighting people on fire.

BMWCurves

11-14-2017, 07:21 AM

850 GLT baby! Headlight wipers came as part of the winter package, along with the wimpiest heated seats of all time.

Didn't know you were a previous tank owner.

anandoc

12-19-2017, 12:00 PM

There was a small coolant leak from where the upper rad hose meets the expansion tank so I thought I would go to my indy with the parts and get him to replace those. When I had bought the car from the used car dealer, they had replaced the expansion tank but I didn't trust which brand they had used so I thought I would also throw in a new expansion tank as PM.

Turns out my water pump was also leaking. All this even though I had performed a full cooling system refresh back in 2014 when I bought the car.

So ended up replacing the following:

1) BEHR Expansion tank
2) Auto tranny thermostat
3) Upper radiator hose
4) Graf water pump
5) BMW coolant 50/50 mix

The expansion tank that came out was in proper working condition and was also a BEHR. Also, the auto-tranny thermostat did not disintegrate (like it usually does) when it was taken out. So I decided to preserve these parts "just in case".

Oh also got an oil change. Car sits at 199,800 KMs.

san

12-19-2017, 12:03 PM

Was the water pump leaking because of a bad o-ring?

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anandoc

12-19-2017, 12:08 PM

Was the water pump leaking because of a bad o-ring?

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I think so. The bearings seemed to be ok and there was no play whatsoever. I had originally installed the GEBA branded water pump (https://www.ecstuning.com/b-geba-parts/new-water-pump-with-o-ring/11517527910~geb/), fyi.

slater

12-19-2017, 12:10 PM

cool!

:ducking

704sw

12-19-2017, 03:44 PM

Interesting; you and I are within 100km on the odometer.

orange260z

12-19-2017, 04:04 PM

anandoc

12-20-2017, 09:04 AM

cool!

:ducking

nono

Interesting; you and I are within 100km on the odometer.

I drive 100 KMs every day for work...I will be far ahead of you in just a few days. That and also in terms of rust on my underbody given how much salt the city throws on the roads for even a nanometer of snow.

Wow, that didn't last long.

Tell me about it! In both the cases (water pump leak and upper rad hose->exp tank leak) I am 99% sure its due to the failing o-rings. The water pump and the upper rad hose were in proper functioning state otherwise.

PSA - If you are under your car for an oil change or anything else, look for coolant residue (the white stuff) on your crankshaft pulley. Slow waterpump leaks are not so visible from the top end of the car.

704sw

12-20-2017, 09:12 AM

I drive 100 KMs every day for work...I will be far ahead of you in just a few days.

Especially since my car is boxed into the garage thanks to my brother being in the country for holidays. It hasn’t moved since Friday, and I miss driving it [emoji19]

anandoc

12-27-2017, 12:28 PM

201,000 KMs.

Switched out the AFe intake for the stock airbox for the winters. Also replaced the stock air filter with a MANN filter.

Sockethead

12-28-2017, 06:57 AM

Was your water pump weeping out the vent or around the perimeter? The shaft seal is what usually fails... I'd be very surprised if it was leaking at the o-ring that seals it against the block.... I'm on my 3rd water pump as well, My second was a Bosch with a metal impeller.... the bearings failed. That one only lasted about 40k. The one I'm running now is OEM.

anandoc

12-28-2017, 09:49 AM

I believe it was the o-ring. Looking at the water pump (once it was removed) that was my mechanic's (a trusted fellow) conclusion. The bearings etc and the impeller was perfecting fine.

Sockethead

12-28-2017, 10:16 AM

hmmm... good to know

slater

12-28-2017, 10:16 AM

I believe it was the o-ring. Looking at the water pump (once it was removed) that was my mechanic's (a trusted fellow) conclusion. The bearings etc and the impeller was perfecting fine.

hmmm, that is kind of weird. did you/they notice it was kinked/pinched at all upon removal? it would kind of weird for that o-ring to just go bad on a car that gets used regularly.... in my opinion, anyway. ;)

anandoc

12-28-2017, 01:05 PM

hmmm, that is kind of weird. did you/they notice it was kinked/pinched at all upon removal? it would kind of weird for that o-ring to just go bad on a car that gets used regularly.... in my opinion, anyway. ;)

No idea man. And I didnt care to bring it home for post-mortem either. Maybe I should have.

slater

12-28-2017, 01:13 PM

No idea man. And I didnt care to bring it home for post-mortem either. Maybe I should have.

no biggie.... it's -27ºC out, the car is fixed.... enjoy life! :) :cheers

anandoc

12-28-2017, 02:01 PM

no biggie.... it's -27ºC out, the car is fixed.... enjoy life! :) :cheers

We did a Ottawa trip (1000+ KMs) after the fix and I have kept an eye on the coolant level. So far, so good.

Toronto people are freaking out about this cold spell. This was quite normal for me in Ottawa so I am just laughing at them :)

Hope you and your family are staying warm and enjoying the holidays :)

slater

12-28-2017, 02:10 PM

We did a Ottawa trip (1000+ KMs) after the fix and I have kept an eye on the coolant level. So far, so good.

Toronto people are freaking out about this cold spell. This was quite normal for me in Ottawa so I am just laughing at them :)

Hope you and your family are staying warm and enjoying the holidays :)

yep, 1000KM and no leaks sounds good. :)

thanks man, we did, and yes it is SO cold out! -27ºC this morning, wind chill of -36ºC. -17ºC out now and the X3 wouldn't start this afternoon - i think the battery is toast (it's a 2-year old motomaster i had lying around).... time to get a new BMW battery, i think.... it's on the charger now.

how warm is your parking garage that you park in?