I felt the need to wreck my bank account
#1
I felt the need to wreck my bank account
I picked up a 2004 330CI (6-speed manual of course) yesterday. I've wanted one of these since I was 15, so I guess you could say the nostalgia got the best of me. It is by no means in the best condition, but I plan on giving her some much needed TLC hopefully. I knew what I was getting into before I purchased this thing, so hopefully it doesn't leave me too depressed with the repairs.
I also picked up a bone-stock 2012 R6. Unlike the BMW, this thing is practically spotless. I've had the time of my life riding this beast around town.
I also picked up a bone-stock 2012 R6. Unlike the BMW, this thing is practically spotless. I've had the time of my life riding this beast around town.
The following users liked this post:
ttribe (02-22-2017)
#5
Trending Topics
#12
Awesome pick up. If you ever have questions about the E46, let me know. I lived and breathed that car for 5 years before I couldn't take it anymore. Replaced damn near everything other than the clutch and big bits.
#14
Thanks!
Thanks man! I've been doing much better than I ever expected to be doing this early on in my life. We just had our annual raises yesterday and I was blessed with another surprise.
I swore to myself though that if I bought this I would hold off on any more toys until I get my second house in the next 3 ish years.
So I wasn't able to find any trace of an accident on the Carfax or from the previous owner who had the car for 10 years. I will definitely be fixing the badges though. I'm pretty OCD myself.
Sorry, I'll grab some in the next couple of days.
Thanks, the R6 in particular.
Haha I knew we did when I saw your thread. I don't know why I am this way, but I got a bucket list of older cars that I still want to own at some point.
I cannot speak to the newer BMWs, but the E46 in my opinion is garbage in terms of reliability. When you compare it to a 7 series though, it is very reliable haha.
Indeed it does. I never knew there was this much aftermarket support for these things until I started researching.
If you do buy one, please know what you're getting into before you buy it. I shared the same mindset as TylerT when he bought his S4. We both understand that our cars aren't the most reliable and can get very costly to fix.
I will have to take you up on that offer, because I'm going to be spending a lot of time wrenching on this thing. I've already ordered/received a bunch of parts I need to install to get her running at 100%. I did get lucky though with the clutch. I was able to confirm with the shop that the previous owner took it to that it was replaced along with the flywheel to the tune of almost $3k a few thousand miles ago. I do feel for the previous owner since I didn't pay a whole lot more than that for this car.
I'm smart enough to make enough money to buy a new BMW, but dumb enough to buy a 13 year old one.
I swore to myself though that if I bought this I would hold off on any more toys until I get my second house in the next 3 ish years.
Sorry, I'll grab some in the next couple of days.
Thanks, the R6 in particular.
I'm smart enough to make enough money to buy a new BMW, but dumb enough to buy a 13 year old one.
#16
I will have to take you up on that offer, because I'm going to be spending a lot of time wrenching on this thing. I've already ordered/received a bunch of parts I need to install to get her running at 100%. I did get lucky though with the clutch. I was able to confirm with the shop that the previous owner took it to that it was replaced along with the flywheel to the tune of almost $3k a few thousand miles ago. I do feel for the previous owner since I didn't pay a whole lot more than that for this car.
Hit me up for anything you might have questions on. Good luck!
#17
The new generation is coming out in a month or two. Maybe its time you got another one?
You're going to need to swap the cooling system (water pump, tstat, expansion tank, hoses, etc) ASAP. It's basically a ticking time bomb. Also, front control arm bushings and ball joints are probably shot already and I bet at least one window regulator is broken along with the variable intake valve (careful when you remove it so the pin doesn't fall out into the intake and cause you to swear a lot) and/or the crank case vent valve. Are there any known leaks? There's an underbody tray with the sole purpose of hiding them so I'd pop it off for a few days and see what shakes out. What did you order so far?
Hit me up for anything you might have questions on. Good luck!
Hit me up for anything you might have questions on. Good luck!
Cooling system - I was going to pick this kit up from ECS tuning, let me know your thoughts on it: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...7119071518kt2/
Window regulator - So I don't think I have a broken window regular since they both seem to work fine, but I believe my driver side door lock actuator is broken. I need to figure how if it is indeed broken, or if it is the GCM.
Washer fluid pump - This is broken, and I ordered a new one which I simply need to throw on.
Coils/Spark Plugs - I figure I should go ahead and do the plugs since I'm almost at 100k and they're relatively easy to do. I was thinking of picking up the Bavarian Autosport High-Performance Ignition Coil Set and throwing them in while I'm in there, what do you think?
Fuel Filter - I'm going to go ahead and replace this once I get the part in. I also need to get new vacuum hoses and clamps to go with it. I hear it is quite difficult to keep the old ones in working condition during the removal process since they're so old.
Tools - Any specific tool sets/tools you recommend I invest in? I do want to do as much of the work myself as possible. I am by no means a mastertech, but I can do most of the basic jobs thanks to some YouTube and DIY guides.
I know I am still missing some stuff, but that is all that comes to mind right now. I'm going to be taking my sweet time with this whole project, so unfortunately I won't have quick updates.
#18
I know I need to do my passenger side compliance bushing for sure. I was going to replace both of them just to play it safe. Do you think I should just do the ball joints at the same time? Yes, do it all and be done with it. The ball joints are not replaceable without replacing the whole control arm. The good news is that there is an aftermarket arm that is much better and has replaceable joints. I'd swap over to this. They make it for RWD cars only, not AWD so I wasn't able to put it on my car but tons of people did on the RWD ones. For the bushings, go with the poly bushings, they last a lot longer than the crappy OEM ones.
Cooling system - I was going to pick this kit up from ECS tuning, let me know your thoughts on it: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...7119071518kt2/ This is next level crazy, you don't need most of this stuff unless there are actual issues with what is in your car right now.
Washer fluid pump - This is broken, and I ordered a new one which I simply need to throw on. Sweet, make sure you unplug the pump for the headlight washers while you're in there. All they do is make a big mess and waste solution.
Coils/Spark Plugs - I figure I should go ahead and do the plugs since I'm almost at 100k and they're relatively easy to do. I was thinking of picking up the Bavarian Autosport High-Performance Ignition Coil Set and throwing them in while I'm in there, what do you think? Stick with OEM. Unless a coil is bad, just put the old ones back in. You'll know right away if a coil is bad with misfires and stuff, no need to replace these unless there's an issue. The high performance ones won't get you anything anyway, there's very little extra juice to be had out of the M54 unless you go FI.
Fuel Filter - I'm going to go ahead and replace this once I get the part in. I also need to get new vacuum hoses and clamps to go with it. I hear it is quite difficult to keep the old ones in working condition during the removal process since they're so old. Yes, just buy some just in case. I did the same but ended up not needing it when I got in there. Make sure you dry the fuel line before you pull the filter...
Tools - Any specific tool sets/tools you recommend I invest in? I do want to do as much of the work myself as possible. I am by no means a mastertech, but I can do most of the basic jobs thanks to some YouTube and DIY guides. Get a 36mm 12pt socket to remove the oil filter cover and some 14mm and 17mm male hex sockets for the trans and diff drain/fill plugs. You have a manual right? If no, get a fan clutch removal tool. If you have a manual, it's an electric fan so you're all good.
I know I am still missing some stuff, but that is all that comes to mind right now. I'm going to be taking my sweet time with this whole project, so unfortunately I won't have quick updates.
Cooling system - I was going to pick this kit up from ECS tuning, let me know your thoughts on it: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...7119071518kt2/ This is next level crazy, you don't need most of this stuff unless there are actual issues with what is in your car right now.
- Water pump with composite impeller - Yes
- Water pump pulley - Yes, you'll break the old one getting the bastard off of the drive stud since you have to remove the pulley to get to the bolts to remove the pump.
- Fan switch - Probably not needed unless there's an issue.
- Thermostat & housing - Yes
- Sealing gaskets - Yes, but the components usually come with them preinstalled...
- Expansion tank & cap - Absolutely
- 1 Gallon Coolant - You'll probably need this...
- Upper & lower radiator hoses - Absolutely, the lower hose is a lot of fun removing from the radiator.
- Accessory drive belts - Depends on how the belts are right now.
- Radiator drain plug - Nah, reuse the old one.
- Coolant level sensor - No unless there's an issue with yours. Just make sure you reinstall it to the new tank before you fill it up. Don't ask how I know this.
- Level sensor clip - Same as above. Doesn't hurt to buy a spare just in case you break the old one though.
- Radiator - If your radiator itself isn't leaking, you don't need that.
- Idler pulley - No unless it's broken
- Hydraulic Tensioner and pulley - Probably fine, unless you've noticed issues I'd leave it be.
- A/C Belt Tensioner assembly - Probably fine, unless you've noticed issues I'd leave it be.
Washer fluid pump - This is broken, and I ordered a new one which I simply need to throw on. Sweet, make sure you unplug the pump for the headlight washers while you're in there. All they do is make a big mess and waste solution.
Coils/Spark Plugs - I figure I should go ahead and do the plugs since I'm almost at 100k and they're relatively easy to do. I was thinking of picking up the Bavarian Autosport High-Performance Ignition Coil Set and throwing them in while I'm in there, what do you think? Stick with OEM. Unless a coil is bad, just put the old ones back in. You'll know right away if a coil is bad with misfires and stuff, no need to replace these unless there's an issue. The high performance ones won't get you anything anyway, there's very little extra juice to be had out of the M54 unless you go FI.
Fuel Filter - I'm going to go ahead and replace this once I get the part in. I also need to get new vacuum hoses and clamps to go with it. I hear it is quite difficult to keep the old ones in working condition during the removal process since they're so old. Yes, just buy some just in case. I did the same but ended up not needing it when I got in there. Make sure you dry the fuel line before you pull the filter...
Tools - Any specific tool sets/tools you recommend I invest in? I do want to do as much of the work myself as possible. I am by no means a mastertech, but I can do most of the basic jobs thanks to some YouTube and DIY guides. Get a 36mm 12pt socket to remove the oil filter cover and some 14mm and 17mm male hex sockets for the trans and diff drain/fill plugs. You have a manual right? If no, get a fan clutch removal tool. If you have a manual, it's an electric fan so you're all good.
I know I am still missing some stuff, but that is all that comes to mind right now. I'm going to be taking my sweet time with this whole project, so unfortunately I won't have quick updates.