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Jon's Saphire Black E46 330Ci
- Thread starter Jon.G
- Start date
I think OEM glass is close to £80 per side! I took mine from the Topaz 330.
Weird isn't it. Pretty sure they are all black though, to match the center console.
130i
Wow, very similar to us in terms of car and plans! Ours has exact same spec, pre-facelift in black with the MV I alloys. We had the wheels refurbed at the Wheel Specialist last week. I’ve opted to do the paint correction myself (just ordered a machine polisher) and have contacted a few dent removal places for quotes. We went for the Eagle Eye smoked LED’s… just fitted them on Sat.
Before
After
Before
After
Paul.M
ClioSport Club Member
Looking forward to see this after a freshen up 
I fancy another E46 myself next year I think.
I fancy another E46 myself next year I think.
130i
I did read a few bad reports also, but then others have had them years without any probs - it's a bit of a gamble but it really has freshened up the rear of the car.
I don't have any close up pics of the wheels i'm afraid. They are an excellent finish though. The Wheel Specialist are a little more expensive than most places but they did a great job on my 182 wheels and they generally get a good press. We went for OEM silver. We did consider getting them a little less 'chrome' and opting for the TWS Sport 2 finish, but happy we stuck with OEM now.
I don't have any close up pics of the wheels i'm afraid. They are an excellent finish though. The Wheel Specialist are a little more expensive than most places but they did a great job on my 182 wheels and they generally get a good press. We went for OEM silver. We did consider getting them a little less 'chrome' and opting for the TWS Sport 2 finish, but happy we stuck with OEM now.
Looking forward to see this after a freshen up
I fancy another E46 myself next year I think.
What are you think of getting? Bored of the 182 already?
Ohh, Maybe. I'll keep an eye out for some pictures of it.
Good to know what finish you went for as well. I'll remember to tell Matt what I want when I hand the car over to him. I had my turbines done by TWS several years ago in white and they were fantastic, which is why I've chosen them again. I've also agreed with Matt to Gtechniq C5 them
Paul.M
ClioSport Club Member
I'm struggling size wise with the 182 it isn't really practical for chucking stuff in, I've just had the belts/dephaser done though so I'll be keeping it for now until I feel I have got my moneys worth out of it then sell it on and buy something bigger again.
Sir_Dave
ClioSport Trader
Armrest is an option, & does normally match the rest of the interior.
Jon's is probably different as (i assume) its an individual.
It's not actually an Individual, Dave. Also, I think the armrest is standard equipment on 330's (like leather), but an option for the rest?
Looking at google images all e46's with Natural Brown leather have a black arm rest. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=e...Dg7QaNzYDYBA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=985
Looking at google images all e46's with Natural Brown leather have a black arm rest. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=e...Dg7QaNzYDYBA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=985
Sir_Dave
ClioSport Trader
Wrong im afraid, neither leather or armrest are standard on the 330, still an option
Never actually seen another natural brown interior, so assumed it must be individual!
You checked original options via VIN number?
Wrong im afraid, neither leather or armrest are standard on the 330, still an option
Never actually seen another natural brown interior, so assumed it must be individual!
You checked original options via VIN number?
Yep, under standard options it says 'arm rest'
Sir_Dave
ClioSport Trader
Yep, under standard options it says 'arm rest'
How'd you explain this then:
'52 plate 330ci Sport, no armrest :rasp:
Leon Cupra 300
I've always wonders that Dave.. All my E46 have had the arm rest, although the current one is the only one I've vin checked, it doesn't mention it on there as an option.
i had in my head that it was a standard item on saloons/touring but optional on the more 'sporty' coupes as it could baulk a gearshift?
i had in my head that it was a standard item on saloons/touring but optional on the more 'sporty' coupes as it could baulk a gearshift?
130i
Some pic's of the wheels Jon.
'Tis an excellent finish. If you do go TWS don't take their first quote. I've had 15% off both times now.
'Tis an excellent finish. If you do go TWS don't take their first quote. I've had 15% off both times now.
130i
Happy days. I do wonder after cleaning them today whether I should have spent the refurbishment money on replacing them. They are a SOD to clean.
These came this week in prep for the full correction and wheel refurb in a few weeks.
All genuine parts, of course.
4x Wheel badges
4x M sport badges
4x TPMS valves
2x TPMS modules
330Ci bootlid badge
Jacking point cover
Genuinely have no idea why I was missing a jacking point, but thats fitted now.
Also got the lower grill from the Topaz re-spray black to replace whats on there now.
Still waiting on my private plate retention certificate to come back so I can put some clean plates on it!
All genuine parts, of course.
4x Wheel badges
4x M sport badges
4x TPMS valves
2x TPMS modules
330Ci bootlid badge
Jacking point cover
Genuinely have no idea why I was missing a jacking point, but thats fitted now.
Also got the lower grill from the Topaz re-spray black to replace whats on there now.
Still waiting on my private plate retention certificate to come back so I can put some clean plates on it!
As I mentioned above, I had the car booked in with Matt at Magic detail for a full correction. Mighty impressed with the results. Whilst with Matt the wheels were sent to The Wheel Specialist in Manchester to have the wheels refurbished.
Matt added a new 330Ci bootlid badge for me, whilst TWS added brand new OEM new tyre pressure monitors to the wheels, valves, roundels and M sport gel badges.
Full correction with Swisvax Best of Show, wheels sealed with Gteqnic C5. I've since added Amigo, Z2 and then Z8 before the below photos.
New plates will be on next week at the latest.
Matt added a new 330Ci bootlid badge for me, whilst TWS added brand new OEM new tyre pressure monitors to the wheels, valves, roundels and M sport gel badges.
Full correction with Swisvax Best of Show, wheels sealed with Gteqnic C5. I've since added Amigo, Z2 and then Z8 before the below photos.
New plates will be on next week at the latest.
The car came with a Nokia hands free kit, which I've never intended to use as I don't take calls in the car. So tonight decided to rip that out, pretty happy that its not been spliced into anything and its out as a whole.
image
Partly the reason for taking this out is because I bought another bluetooth unit, that allows me to stream music from any bluetooth device. I can also control it via the steering wheel and the Nav screen. Decent bit of kit. Having a little issue with it, which seems to be related to the in-car phone. Hopefully I can get that resolved, or it'll be going back.
This is the Xcarlink bluetooth unit I've now fitted:
image
Partly the reason for taking this out is because I bought another bluetooth unit, that allows me to stream music from any bluetooth device. I can also control it via the steering wheel and the Nav screen. Decent bit of kit. Having a little issue with it, which seems to be related to the in-car phone. Hopefully I can get that resolved, or it'll be going back.
This is the Xcarlink bluetooth unit I've now fitted:
BMW M4; S1000 RR
5 keys wtf?
Finally sorted out the Xcarlink. It's not perfect by any means, but I can now stream music in the car which was the goal. As it replaces the OEM CD changer in the boot I bought a bogo-spec boot tray for those who don't have CD Changers. (Genuine part of course)
I've been mega busy recently so the car has been a bit neglected, Going to the 'ring on the 1st of October and the Oil will need changing just as I get home, so I decided to do the service 1k early. This is the first service I've done to the car, so I've done the Pollen filter, Air filter, Oil filter + new o-ring and sump washer along with Castrol 10w40, which I used in the Topaz. Once again, all Genuine parts.
I've got pretty sick of looking at the useless phone in the car, so thats come out and replaced with cup holders, again genuine parts.
Phone:
Cup holder and coin wheel installed
Now, I've wanted LED's for a while now, but cannot stand the aftermarket ones because of the horrible black border and the fact the LED's are prone to failing. I've been watching eBay for some Genuine LED's to come up and got the outer lights + Conversion leads for a very cheap price. The I also found someone selling genuine inners for cheap, so got them too. Now I knew they needed coding but having most of the software I was happy to take on the challenge.
Before:
After:
I've just thrown a video together of the comparison. I noticed that its picked up the sidelights pulsing, which I've now coded out with a simple module flash.
Super simple stuff using NCS Expert and NCS Dummy. Whilst there I programming in comfort closure power fold mirrors. No idea why this wasn't in form factory but its handy.
I've also been having some issue with my PDC (Rear parking sensors) so just ran INPA to figure out the root cause, it would seem the right inner PDC is playing up, so I'll get that replaced soon enough.
Lastly, I went down to Retro Rides on sunday and whilst waiting to get in my low coolant light came on, after the show I checked the coolant level and it was very very low. Topped up with water till it was at a stable level and headed home. Its been dropping everyday so after an inspection it looks like the expansion tank has a hairline fracture that runs halfway down the bottle. So I'm ordered a new expansion tank, automatic transmission thermostat and cap to be fitted before the 'ring.
You can just make the fracture out in this picture
I've been mega busy recently so the car has been a bit neglected, Going to the 'ring on the 1st of October and the Oil will need changing just as I get home, so I decided to do the service 1k early. This is the first service I've done to the car, so I've done the Pollen filter, Air filter, Oil filter + new o-ring and sump washer along with Castrol 10w40, which I used in the Topaz. Once again, all Genuine parts.
I've got pretty sick of looking at the useless phone in the car, so thats come out and replaced with cup holders, again genuine parts.
Phone:
Cup holder and coin wheel installed
Now, I've wanted LED's for a while now, but cannot stand the aftermarket ones because of the horrible black border and the fact the LED's are prone to failing. I've been watching eBay for some Genuine LED's to come up and got the outer lights + Conversion leads for a very cheap price. The I also found someone selling genuine inners for cheap, so got them too. Now I knew they needed coding but having most of the software I was happy to take on the challenge.
Before:
After:
I've just thrown a video together of the comparison. I noticed that its picked up the sidelights pulsing, which I've now coded out with a simple module flash.
Super simple stuff using NCS Expert and NCS Dummy. Whilst there I programming in comfort closure power fold mirrors. No idea why this wasn't in form factory but its handy.
I've also been having some issue with my PDC (Rear parking sensors) so just ran INPA to figure out the root cause, it would seem the right inner PDC is playing up, so I'll get that replaced soon enough.
Lastly, I went down to Retro Rides on sunday and whilst waiting to get in my low coolant light came on, after the show I checked the coolant level and it was very very low. Topped up with water till it was at a stable level and headed home. Its been dropping everyday so after an inspection it looks like the expansion tank has a hairline fracture that runs halfway down the bottle. So I'm ordered a new expansion tank, automatic transmission thermostat and cap to be fitted before the 'ring.
You can just make the fracture out in this picture
Last edited by a moderator:
Megane r26
That cracking expansion bottle is a fairly common issue, I've changed quite a few over the years and now the cars are getting on a little I'd imagine there getting brittle.
Either way it's a nice car you got there?
Either way it's a nice car you got there?
Cheers, I really like the LED's and they suit it better than I thought they would,
Yep, coolant systems on these are prone to failure. I'll be swapping some other bits as well for preventative maintenance whilst there.
I've now got the cooling system back in order after a close call. I got home from work one night to find a puddle under the rad. Quickly got my jack and stands out to inspect, expecting a leaking rad. Thankfully it was just the expansion tank and the fracture was more obvious and a small jet of water was coming out. Parked it until the parts came.
Saturday morning went to BMW Manchester to get some coolant as I forgot to order it. When I replaced the thermostat when I bought the car I bled the system with some generic pink anti-freeze and there is a small possibility that mixing this with whatever was in before has decrease the expansion tanks life.
Anyway, All genuine parts ordered.
Expansion tank for automatic transmission: 17117573781
Coolant level sensor: 17137553919
Automatic transmission thermostat: 17111437362
Rad cap: 17111742231
Anyone with an 'auto box I would strongly recommend changing their ATT. Majority of times it'll break removing the expansion tank, if you don't it'll be very brittle. Mine ended up like this when I finally removed all the bits left, and what it should look like.
Fitted at the bottom of the expansion tank, this leads into the automatic transmission oil cooler.
Revised coolant level sensor:
Additionally bought 2 interior boot lights. The LED's i bought didn't come with them, and the old ones are bulb holders. Still awaiting 1 to come.
Also, I need to get my AC sorted before going to the 'ring next week. It's got a leak in the condenser but I've not had time to find a suitable replacement.
Had my alignment done for the first time since buying the car, It was a touch out and as you can see pulled to the right a bit.
Lastly went up to North Wales yesterday car feels great on a long drive happy that its ready to head into Europe.
Saturday morning went to BMW Manchester to get some coolant as I forgot to order it. When I replaced the thermostat when I bought the car I bled the system with some generic pink anti-freeze and there is a small possibility that mixing this with whatever was in before has decrease the expansion tanks life.
Anyway, All genuine parts ordered.
Expansion tank for automatic transmission: 17117573781
Coolant level sensor: 17137553919
Automatic transmission thermostat: 17111437362
Rad cap: 17111742231
Anyone with an 'auto box I would strongly recommend changing their ATT. Majority of times it'll break removing the expansion tank, if you don't it'll be very brittle. Mine ended up like this when I finally removed all the bits left, and what it should look like.
Fitted at the bottom of the expansion tank, this leads into the automatic transmission oil cooler.
Revised coolant level sensor:
Additionally bought 2 interior boot lights. The LED's i bought didn't come with them, and the old ones are bulb holders. Still awaiting 1 to come.
Also, I need to get my AC sorted before going to the 'ring next week. It's got a leak in the condenser but I've not had time to find a suitable replacement.
Had my alignment done for the first time since buying the car, It was a touch out and as you can see pulled to the right a bit.
Lastly went up to North Wales yesterday car feels great on a long drive happy that its ready to head into Europe.
Good stuff, just how a BMW should be maintained. Nice to see they sorted the tank cracking issue from the E36 when the E46 was designed.... or not.
NCS is great, even on the earlier models. There is some very similar software available for advanced ECU diagnostics, data logging and reading/writing calibrations doing the rounds, but not sure if its been taken over to E46 yet. Hoping to use it to swap to a 3.0L map.
NCS is great, even on the earlier models. There is some very similar software available for advanced ECU diagnostics, data logging and reading/writing calibrations doing the rounds, but not sure if its been taken over to E46 yet. Hoping to use it to swap to a 3.0L map.
I looked into trying to get an upgraded one, but nobody seems to rate any of them out there. The one that came out looked original, so I guess its lasted 12 years.
Yeah, NCS is great when just forget about all the idiots and their horror stories. It's plenty usable if you have common sense and just keep a log/backups. Any idea what this other software is, wouldn't mind having a look. I know of a few other bits out there but they were merely reading/writing modules i.e. via ibus.
Yeah, NCS is great when just forget about all the idiots and their horror stories. It's plenty usable if you have common sense and just keep a log/backups. Any idea what this other software is, wouldn't mind having a look. I know of a few other bits out there but they were merely reading/writing modules i.e. via ibus.
