(Part 2) Top products from r/BMW

I have an 86 325e, I've had it for 8 years now, they're awesome cars and will definitely take care of you if you take care of it.


Firstly:
Maintenance. Timing belt every 5yrs or 40k miles. Valve adjustment every 15k miles. Spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor every 25k miles. Oil changes every 3k. Get some "Hilton's Hyper-Lube" to go in with your oil changes, its great for high mileage M20 motors. You can do most of the work yourself if you pick up a Bentley manual from Amazon.. Get some basic craftsman tools and you'll be set.


Secondly:
Fun! Get a chip. GET A CHIP. The 325e motor comes to life with a chip, its so worth it, huge gains in horsepower and torque. Huge! Short shift kit, UUC makes a decent one for E30s, although I'm not a big fan of their other stuff. When you put on the short shift kit, upgrade ALL shifter bushings, and that includes (most importantly) the joint/knuckle that goes in between the transmission and the selector rod. I have a modest suspension on my E30. If you can get ahold of E30 M3 factory original springs, they're a great upgrade, that and some bilstein shocks, with new shock mounts, and you'll be in great shape. Its not too low and its a huge upgrade in handling. This can all come later though, maintenance first. Oh. and for a differential, just get a 2.93 limited slip, don't get anything more than about a 3.23 differential, you'll run out of gearing pretty quickly higher than that. Definitely not a 3.73 from the 325is.


Thirdly:
Brakes and tires. When it comes time for tires, get some 15s or 16s, you can't find any decent tires in 14" anymore. I like Kumho Ecsta ASX for all seasons, you can get something grippier if you want, but they're a good all around tire (and cheap to boot). For brakes, Axxis Ultimates are great pads, get some brembo blank rotors, and flush the brake fluid. Brakes will be great at that point.


Then you're done, enjoy the car, I love mine.

It's a great car. The M42/44 four cylinder is a great engine, and the rest of it is still an e36, though it's missing the rear end bit :P

The only things you may need to look out for is, if MT, a wearing clutch (4th gear clutch test, can tell you that), fuel pumps/hoses on the e36 break a lot, radiators and cooling system needs to be check constantly on older models, and on that note check the heater core(!), and listen for timing chain slap (rattling on the valve cover on the front of the engine), though that shouldn't present itself for another 25k miles.

It is a great car for commuting, regardless of what others think about it. I always loved hatchbacks. You could do some minor upgrades, exhaust and intake, to eek a little more power but don't expect it to ever be a road rocket.

Also, get a repair manual for it and learn to do things, not just the 'small things'. This is the best repair manual you can find. Don't be afraid of getting in over your head, there is no such thing.

Good luck and have fun! Let us know if you have any more questions.

50's Kid (Super Awesome): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCml-eeSLJZ38Q5_sUnUXrZw

Shop Life TV (Pretty effen gewd): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5jnm5CEnLSEmoQ-ktgAj6g

Well the people in the forums are the people with the problems, but that's not to say they aren't the most knowledgeable group of people about the e46. But the youngest E46 is 12 years old, so unless it's a garage kept car from an old couple, it'll have to be fixed a little soon into your ownership. You'll be advised to do $300,000 in preventative maintenance when on the forums, don't. I love my car but I only paid $3,000 for mine had I done everything the forum members suggested I would've spent another $3,000 in repairs. Keep up on your plugs and coils. If I'm not mistaken the 328s and 325s have transmissions made by GM and no one cares for them, so wait for a 330. I'm sure I'll get corrected on the transmissions but whatevs enjoy the plethora of links.

A Bosche fuel pump from Amazon is $130 and the gasket is $20.

Pump:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BZJE9C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gasket:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054JTTFO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The exact fuel filter $60:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Q7HDII/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

OEM plugs are $35, again Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DERDU44/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

DISA rebuild kit is $80 (DO THIS ONE ASAP, It's the one thing I always tell people, it'll prevent a steel pin from falling into a cylinder and ruining your engine) I bought mine from G.A.S. German Auto Sport I think. I love their warranty, if my DISA fails they'll give me that $80 towards one of their DISA units, like $400

Coolant system:
Expansion tank - $30 (Amazon) - known as the most likely failure

Radiator -$150 (AutoZone)
Lower radiator hose - $30 (Advance)

Temp sensor in lower hose - $8 (Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FU9H9PO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Upper radiator hose - $30 (AutoZone)
Water pump - $55 (AutoZone)
Thermostat - $55 (AutoZone)

Transmission intercooler thermostat - $16 (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-Cooler-Expansion-Thermostat-17111437362/dp/B074K8SXL8/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1522204403&sr=1-2-fkmr1&keywords=e46+transmission+intercooler+thermostat

I was able to remove the radiator without being about to tell the water pump had an issue. Installed the new radiator, gave my fan a wiggle and then knew I had replaced two hoses, an expansion tank, and a radiator for nothing. Cost: confidence as myself as a mechanic and an engineer and $295 (didn't replace the temp sensor or thermostat, and I was lucky enough to reuse the transmission intercooler thermostat!!!!!!11!1!!11!!)


I paid $90 for a pack of coils 40,000 miles ago. The entire CCV is $55, you guessed it, Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/11617501566-11611432559-11617504535-11157532649-11617504536/dp/B00I3RBDDK/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1522204499&sr=1-2&keywords=e46+CCV


One pair of HID headlights - $28
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GRTEMCO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1



For two years of ownership starting at 153,000 miles and currently at 197,000, 8 months of driving 110 miles a day, five days a week, and now I drive 800 miles a week.

The hardest on this list are the fuel filter (unless you have access to a lift, I hate putting my car on stands) and the CCV, to replace the CCV you have to remove the intake manifold.

The DISA takes 10 minutes if you take the time to drink a beer MAKE SURE YOU BUY A KIT THAT INCLUDES A NEW GASKET

If you have problems head to here or the forums, I feel like I've written a book, but I spent forever tracking a couple issues only to find out it was the plugs. Check the plugs first.




Essential tools:

OBD2 WIFI adapter: $20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W0SDLRY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Regular socket set: $73

https://www.amazon.com/Kobalt-64-piece-Standard-metric-Mechanics/dp/B00GR8WEDU/ref=sr_1_24?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1522203667&sr=1-24&keywords=Kobalt+Socket+set

(5mm to 16mm or so, and includes bits you'll really want a wide flathead, Torx 25 or 30 for the cabin air filter mounting screws, and Philips, double check what this one includes)


Torque wrench: $35
https://www.amazon.com/Tacklife-Calibrated-13-6-108-5Nm-Certification-Extension/dp/B073VLDLQR/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1522203362&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=torque+wrench&psc=1


6”-8" Socket extension: $10
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-4966-8-Inch-Extension-3-Piece/dp/B000NW85F2/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1522203436&sr=1-6&keywords=8%22+socket+extension


Fan removal tool set - $20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTV8EO4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc150=1


Including all tools that's $850 Hope this helps, the car is really easy to work on, I enjoy driving it. One last piece of advice never short trip your car, especially in cold weather, you could fill the CCV with mayo and it could lead to hydrolocking/self destruction of the engine. If you live South of Pennsylvania you shouldn't have to worry too much, some people put an ounce or so of Seafoam into the CCV a month. You don't need to follow these links to the tee but they should help.

UPDATE: (no video until I've worked this out)

GO BUY A DASH CAM. THIS IS THE ONE I HAVE AND ITS $21. Just needs an SD card. And an optional better mount. Mine is mounted behind my rearview mirror so you don't notice it and its hardwired in the same spot as my V1 so it automatically turns on with the car and starts recording.

UPDATE (cont.):

I seriously had to take a few hours to cool off and enjoy my vacation. Unfortunately I got back to the hotel after the managers had left.

Just spoke with the front desk manager who runs the show at night while the actual hotel managers are on during the day. He was super professional about it. Albeit, he's completely powerless in the situation but he took control, called everyone and setup a meeting for tomorrow morning.

Notes:

• He was completely shocked by the video.
  
• I had to tell the valet how to drive the SMG tranny is on tape.
  
• When another gentlemen comes up to the car and asks if its his, he responds with a laugh and says "Nope, but its mine for now!"
  
• He peels out of the hotel.
  
• The car goes airborne twice. Once entering the garage. And again as he goes down a slope and launches off a ramp that meets a right turn entrance a parking level.
  
• The wheels are burning at least 3-4 times.
  
• The valet laughs at the end to cap it off.
  
  New things:
  
  
• The valet turned out to be the supervisor.
  
• The valet is outsourced by the hotel and carries its own insurance.
  
• The other valets all knew about my car.
  
• The ramp he flew off, leads to another garage that I was able to park in tonight with another valet. Meaning that, he intentionally launched it off there instead of slowing down.
  
  Possible Solutions Discussed:
  
  
• Hotel
  
• Valet
  
• Food/Beverage
  
• BMW Inspection
  
• Repairs
  
• Future Stays
  
  The conversation went really well but again he's not the person in charge. Anyone capable of doing anything knows about it and will have a night to figure out how to appropriately respond.
  
  Sorry guys, no video yet until I have an answer. Another update will come tomorrow morning.

The N52/N51 in a 328i is a very reliable motor. Like you said, NA and not a turbo. Most everything on these can be DIYed, and if you end up buying one also go get a Bentley service manual. Those books are amazing and worth their weight in gold.

That being said, it is a BMW. Stuff that is easy to do on other cars, even plugs and coils, can be a PITA on this car. Some routine replacements, the electric water pump for example, require SEVERAL other parts to be removed before you can even reach it. The most common problem with these motors is definitely the gaskets, but hopefully those have been done recently and aren't currently leaking (Oil Pan Gasket, Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket). The Oil Pan Gasket requires the subframe to be dropped and the engine raised 10mm to replace. I have to do that on mine soon. Like I said - everything is in the way of everything.

It's really just down to the previous owners and whether things have been replaced or serviced on time. Gaskets, cooling system, brakes, suspension bits, ignition system, fluid changes, etc. could either be perfectly fine and fairly new or in dire need of replacement.

Ive got a high mileage E34 540i, which if you dont know requires constant work to keep it tip top. I highly recommend you find/download/buy a copy of Bentley's e36 m3 service manual. They are fantastic and designed for a DIY at home mechanics like your self. My E34 manual is about 600 pages with pictures and diagrams and are easy to follow so I assume the E36 M3 manual should be no different.

For gods sake though, she owns an E36 M3 .. she needs to take care of it.. fuck, Ive been looking for a nice one for the last 6 months but havent.. shes lucky to have such a nice bmw.

link: http://www.amazon.com/BMW-E36-Service-Manual-1992-1998/dp/0837603269

do it dude, seriously.

Good choice! You’ll likely never go back.

Let me find you a link... Slime 70005 Safety Spair 7-Minute Flat Tire Repair System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DZFZPG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5KVeAb71CYP1N

I keep it in the trunk in the little hollow on the right side. Have had to use it once and it worked great.

Got this HIMBOX for $30 and I can't really complain for the price. It's discrete and let's me pause/play/next on Pandora. It connects automatically and the sound quality is really good most of the time. Gripes: I find that in very cold weather the sound quality diminishes, which sounds weird but it happens. Also you do often have to open the app on your phone so it's not always 100% hands free, but usually you can open an app while you're walking to your car, pocket the phone and just hit play once you're seated

At that mileage you may want to have a look at your engine seals. In particular the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket.

If you're a DIY kind of guy, pick up a Bentley manual. It's basically the bible for your car.

Like someone else said, e90post.com. Great section of DIYs there. There's also a good section where you can get the BMW software for diagnostics and programming. A little finicky to get set up, but once you do, it can be a life saver. My e90 went into Transport Mode randomly and without the software, I would have had a trip to the dealer.

/r/bmwtech is a good place too.

The 3M kit is good, but the Meguires kit for $20 has a UV protectant spray. My buddy has used just about every kit on the market and says this is the best.

I'm not entirely sure if you it will work in a 2004 or not but I installed this bad boy amazon in my 2006 325ci about two years ago and it still works like a charm.

I use an OTG adapter for the OBD2-USB cable, that website sells them for $5 extra (Amazon also has this Carly kit: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Carly-BMW-Package-Micro-usb/dp/B00X3V4F3G but I've only bought the one from the site I linked you too, and I know for sure they test them before they ship it). It allows you to plug that cable into a tablet or phone with micro-USB. I think it's Android only, so it won't work with an iPhone. You plug in the cable to the obd2 port, then plug it into your android device, then hit connect in the app.

I think I had saved this one: https://www.amazon.com/Foseal-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B00W0SDLRY/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1487114327&sr=8-4-fkmr0&keywords=bmw+carly+dongle -- I had another Bluetooth dongle I used to use with another app but I misplaced it during a move a while back. That one worked with an app called Dashcommander but not sure about Carly. I ended up getting the cable instead of another one because I wasn't sure if the MHD app would work via Bluetooth.

Let us know how it works out!

For sparkplugs, engine air filter, and cabin filter you can DIY for much less if you're inclined, need a torque wrench and the bmw spark plug socket

total: ~130 + tax/shipping if any (amazon prime?)

Takes about an hour to do, maybe 2 if you're not mechanically inclined. These are all done at the same time in the same steps (you have to to remove the cabin air filter housing anyway to get to the spark plugs)

You need a socket wrench and socket for removing the cabin air filter and the torque wrench and the spark plug socket and thats it. Plenty of DIYs online you can just follow

plugs ~34

socket tool ~10

torque wrench ~$30

cabin air filter ~$27

air filter ~28

Rear brakes 277 seems okay, maybe a tiny bit high by a few dollars

So I have been running into something similar with my E46. I found that when my iPhone isn't plugged in to power, it works fine. But when I have my phone plugged in it will work, then it will fail switching back to radio after sometime and act as if the AUX doesn't exist when trying to select the mode (just goes between Radio and CD).

I found this online, again, not your car but could be of assistance BMW CCA, basically what I believe I am experiencing is a Ground Loop fault. I will be ordering this part Ground Loop Noise Isolator once I finish testing with the phone plugged in and then unplugged replicating the issue to be sure. But after searching many different forums, finding the same symptoms pointing to this same issue, I am really thinking this is the issue I am having, I will test again with the device before installing it... I just don't know how I am going to hide that bulky thing in the dash.

I hope that helps! Post back with any findings!

For anyone wondering, the material he used called 3M DI-NOC and it's pretty cheap and holds up well from what I've heard.

Try this stuff

I've been using it for the past couple of weeks and it's been working great.

I bought 2 OEM blades off amazon recently. Was $48 with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XPD75U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If anyone has questions about the install shoot me a message and I'll gladly help!
Here's a short video http://youtu.be/ccwPxygGydE

Parts List

Double Din Bezel- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CSVAEVE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

USB Car Charger - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RBSXJO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

USB OTG- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EB70PXA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

USB Hub- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003M0NURK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

USB Wire- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TH7GUU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Right Angle Stereo Jack- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008SFSIXU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bluetooth ODB Reader- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008U1MOM8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Diagram

http://i.imgur.com/LAqK0Ti.jpg

You want slime. TPMS friendly, unlike fix a flat.

If they do they are usually expensive or if they are complimentary then they are abused and could damage your paint / clear coat. I recently picked up a 12 pack off Amazon and am happy with the quality http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A8MZ7IA/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1412309266&sr=1&keywords=microfiber+towel

Remember to not use the foaming brush

>GO BUY A DASH CAM. THIS IS THE ONE I HAVE AND ITS $21. Just needs an SD card. And an optional better mount. Mine is mounted behind my rearview mirror so you don't notice it and its hardwired in the same spot as my V1 so it automatically turns on with the car and starts recording.

Here you go courtesy of /u/hyperoglyphe

http://www.amazon.com/Black-3M-DI-NOC-Carbon-CA-421/dp/B0062A7M2G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410301913&sr=8-1&keywords=di+noc

Or do what I did, buy this little guy for $30 and get the same deal. Seriously, this thing is even faster to connect than the bluetooth in that 328i I had today and has just as good sound quality as connecting my phone with an aux cable.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GJFGE0K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I found this MANN one on Amazon. Its compatible with my car. I just wanted to verify that Microfilter = Cabin Filter.

I threw this in the trunk, (https://www.amazon.com/Slime-70004-Power-Spair-Repair/dp/B000YMP1SA/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1473417189&sr=1-2&keywords=Slime+kit)

Haven't had to use it yet though.

$49 + $18 shipping in Canada

It was separate parts. The electronics and mounting were all purchased from the installer. The surround is this one - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CSVAEVE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

Here's Honey 30 day price history. https://www.joinhoney.com/shop/amazon/p/B00X6HHKH0/Dinan-D660-0045-BLK-Stainless-Exhaust#price-history

Shift Knob

E-Brake

You don't need to know anything! That's what the service manual is for.

$85 for which model?!

e90 blades $49

I've seen some custom built ones, but haven't seen one that's actually OEM.

What I do without RFTs is a can of this and a AAA card just in case.

I got this Slime kit for my car instead of the 4x cost BMW kit. It's rated pretty highly. If you use it though just realize the tire tech might hate you (at least warn him). I'd only use it if stuck in a risky area. Otherwise it's getting a flatbed.

Slime 70005 Safety Spair 7-Minute Flat Tire Repair System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DZFZPG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9lVOzbT0AJ94M

Personally, I would just go for the aux. Save yourself a ton of money, and don't worry about the bluetooth pairing. If you're dead set on bluetooth I apologize for not helping in that field. I don't know much pertaining to it.

Here is the aux kit: http://www.amazon.com/BMW-82-11-149-389/dp/B000PA00XM

All of them do this, you'll need a ground loop noise isolator. This works wonders!

http://www.amazon.com/PAC-SNI-1-3-5-3-5-mm-Isolator/dp/B001EAQTRI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426878588&sr=8-1&keywords=noise+reducing+aux+cable

Here's the link in case you missed it in the post:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X6HHKH0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And it will take you 2.5 minutes to get them dirty again.

Take a look at armorall wheel protectant, stuff is a bit expensive. But it does keep the wheels cleaner for longer.

edit: Ah crap I gave you the cheap option..

Harbor Freight Dual Action Polisher ~$70

4 x Harbor Freight Orange Compound Pads ~$5ea

1 x Bottle Optimum Hyper Polish

1 x 3" Backing Plate http://www.autogeek.net/3inch-dual-action-backing-plate.html ~$13

2 x 3" Griots Garage Compound Pads (also auto geek)

a pack of these http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-MIC_506_12-Professional-Microfiber/dp/B00A8MZ7IA

oh and btw, if you have a 2 series, this M performance shift knob on Amazon is the wrong part, won't fit.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YMP1SA

The one I got was only $20 and was simpler, but you get the idea. We have no spare and it's very important to have correct tire pressure. Grab a digital tire pressure gauge while you're at it. Try to check your pressure every couple of weeks, especially during seasonal changes such now.

On the oil, since we use pure synthetic, we only change our oil every 15k miles. The turbos apparently eat oil, and i usually have to add a quart about midway through.