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In this video I go through the most common BMW E46 problems. 330i, 323i, 325i, 328i.
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List of Common Problems:
1. Valve Cover Gasket
Video: • E46/E39 M54 Valve Cove...
2. CCV
Video: • Part 1: How To Replace...
3. Vanos Seals
4. Oil Filter Housing Gasket
Video: • E46 Oil Filter Housing...
5. Vacuum leaks/ Air boots
6. Secondary Air System
7. Disa Valve
Video: • BMW E39/E46 DISA Valve...
8. Plastic cooling system
Video: • E46 COOLING SYSTEM REP...
9. Burning Oil on 330i's
10. Headlight bulb burning out
Video: • BEST BUDGET LIGHTING S...
11. Kidney Grills
12. Windsheild Cowl/ Rubber seals/ air noise
Video: • How To Replace BMW E46...
13. Water Leaks
Video: • MOST COMMON INTERIOR W...
14. Door Lock Cylinder
Video: • How To Remove E46 Door...
15. GM Module
16. Ambient Temperature Sensor
17. Headliner Sag/Pillars/Sunroof shade
Sunroof Video: • How To Fix Common BMW ...
Headliner Video: • How to Remove E46 Head...
18. Seat Occupancy
19. Cluster Knobs
20. Window regulators
Video: • BMW E46 Window Regulat...
21. Control Arm Bushings
Video: • BMW E46 Suspension Com...
22. Oil Level Sensor
23. Wheel Speed Sensor
24. Differential bushings
25. Subframe Mounting Points
Video: • Quick Check: E46 Subfr...
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50% of the comments are like "i've driven my e46 for 300 years and never had a single problem" other 50% are like "im buying me e46 tommorrow and i've already replaced 137% of the car, biggest mistake of my life"
You have two types of people there’s some that are neat freaks to their cars and you got the ones that aren’t
Just bought an e46 and this is me
@Greta Ragnak its been 1 week. your honeymoon should be over. Are you ready to sell yet?
@@gregh7457 lmao so true man worst feeling
I mean 1 owner bmw is better because at least u know it wasn't messed with too much unlike bmws with 8 owners
replaced on my e46 about 55% of items he said. He pretty much talked about every part of the car lool.
He is right on it
Any idee of the cost you put in to it ?
@@Nerohhkingz faarrrr too much!! I'm in same boat with these cars
I have a 2002 330ci with 87k miles Around what mileage does vanos seem to fail?
for real im 3 years too late for this but a great video which i hope i never have to use again ;)
I own a 2000 E46 sedan and I was like, "That happened. That happened too," the whole video. I think sub-frame issues might be the only thing mentioned that I haven't experienced yet. That being said, I sure have enjoyed driving and fixing my E46 the past 18 years I have owned it.
Wow today Iam going to see e46 2004 convertible , I like the look and how it comfortable more than normal sedan e46 , but Iam afraid my wife will tell me why you are always working on that car as e39 😅 once you fixed an issue next month another issue every month there is something should go wrong I thought e46 is better than e39 as they said e46 is the corolla of bmw 😅😅😅 but it seems not
@@Sroor2023 you tried upgrading the cooling system? I feel like all the plastic parts are ticking time bombs with my super hot m54b25 :(
Ok I just got a e46 it makes a sucking sound when I cut the car off is that a problem. It runs great!!! It does it real quick then stops.. help
Congratulations, You have just purchased one of the finest automobiles ever made. To help you enjoy your new purchase, please use the following guidelines. Do not park it in direct sunlight nor shade. Do not operate it in an environment that will allow it to get wet or dry. Do not touch it or look at it wrong. Following these suggestions will allow you to have many years of enjoyment admiring your BMW from a distance. In the event you have actually entered the vehicle and attempted to operate it, you will find service center and towing business numbers in the trunk that you promptly can call at your own expense. You also will find a full tool set and massive towing hook that the tow truck driver will find useful.
Absolutely underrated comment.
This is brilliant jajaja
Wipsplash dick head
Wipsplash True dat, true dat. And I’m speaking from personal experience. BMW’s are JUNK.
This video helps me to not buy a BMW because of all these problems.
Love ShopLifeTV!!! I have 2002 325I and thanks to your videos ive done alot of the repairs myself. Being a woman, it makes me laugh to look over &see my dad & my boyfriend watch me in amazement working on my car, and that i know what Im doing!! 😆
You go Girl!
🙌🏾
Thank you for this energy. Girl here, too.
The extensive use of plastics in newer cars in general will eventually cause more problems. Plastic manifolds, thermostat housings, gears, chain guides etc etc in a high heat environment doesn't bode well.
I can't believe how inexpensive parts are for the E46. I just bought one...my first BMW, and yes to all this video.
I'm an old dealer mechanic now retired. E 46 was my favoritecar. I have 40 years experience. Retired now. Btw never bnever never buy a mini Cooper. Please
Why ? The Mini has all the BMW technology built in ...
Recently went from a Mini S to an E46 and I'm really starting to doubt my abilities in choosing cars.
Jeez, this model of bmw sounds like it’s a piece of shit.
@@djmill they all are lol
@@philosophin9893 because the brake lines run through the fuel tank . Literally through the fuel tank . So simple repairs become incredibly expensive .
Congratulations and Thank You....just found your informative site. I am the Original Owner of one of the very first E46's 330ci in the USA. I ordered it On-Line (wow, in 2000) from the German BMW factory....I was a Soldier stationed overseas, and took delivery at a Dealership in Colorado on Nov of 2000 of a 2001 model year. The Dealership had not appropriated yet for one and had it on display when I came into the US to pick up my car. Your video is spot on for all the repairs I have had accomplished over the last 20 years (a little too much plastic). With the addition of my Check Book, this E46 has been bullet proof and is still the most dependable car I own. It has followed my all around the globe, and luckily there are BMW techs/Dealerships available to perform repairs. OK, could I have purchased a 2001 Toyota or Honda and had great transportation for the last 20 Years, YES. ....but this BMW has style, comfort and grace, has never let me down, still looks classic, and it loved at car shows. So I'll keep it another 20 years. VIN: WBABN53461JU32560 ....my daily driver is a nice...newer M5. Joe
I have an e46 and an e36 and your channel has literally kepts my cars on the road. Thank you so much!!
Cooling tip, replace the water pump with an aftermarket steel impeller pump and at the same time replace the expansion tank with an oem tank.
Wow!
Tip: replace thermostat and all hoses while you're at it
@@dumbthingsyousee6969 wow ok damn
Agreed
Saw a video saying that you shouldn't replace it with a steel one. Stick with plastic. It causes more problems
Loved the vid. Just got an 04 325i, and already spent what I spent on the car for parts. Lots of deferred maintenance, oil filter housing seal, window regulators, etc. manual trans makes it fun to drive
I just happened to come in possession of an E46 a couple years ago. It needed a lot of work so I started looking around and found so many videos on KZhead about fixing them. That had me a little worried, because I figured it meant they had LOTS of problems. But actually I think it is because people really like them, and working on them isn't all that hard. I've done so many DIY repairs to it over the years and have been really happy with it. The only thing I haven't been able to do (probably COULD have, but didn't want to) was replacing the transmission. I had that done at a local BMW shop that I really like.
Another great video bro. You should do a E46 Sedan vs Coupe Pros and Cons Video. Oh and stay with the E46's..
Thank you so much for these videos. I have a E46 M3 and it's a blast to drive. Your DIYs has helped me save a lot of money as well.
I have had a 2003 E46 330ci for 15 years. Fairly easy car to maintain on your own. I have replaced the cooling system (radiator(changed to aluminum), pump, and hoses), air intake boots, fuel pump and filter, DISA valve, and valve cover gaskets. Parts weren’t that expensive and they all were fairly easy to work on. I love the lines of the car and enjoy driving it (5 speed) and overall maintenance has not been bad for a 17 years old vehicle. Now my e46 M3s, great cars but definitely needs more maintenance. And for those who are wondering, no, I don’t owned these cars because I can’t afford a newer vehicles. I owned them because I like how they look and they are pretty straight forward to work on. Also, I am not really all that I impressed with the looks of most of the newer cars that are currently available; well not impressed enough to give up my funds for one, LoL.
Absolutely agree with you about look of new cars.
Bravo, Dude!!! Outstanding collection of information! Thank you very much!
Keep them coming your videos have saved me so much money and given me so much knowledge
Nice video, I have had my E46 328Ci for 6 years now and have taken care of all the things you mentioned under the hood except the oil filter housing gasket, which of course is leaking like a sieve. Great memories of countless hours and small fortunes spent in the garage!
Much LOVE, my man! We appreciate you!
Yup, I've got a 2001 E46 w/ ~100K miles. It's beginning to show its age. Now I know what to watch out for over the next few years. Thanks for the great video.
Love your video! Thank you for sharing
this car has made me a great mechanic. It has also given me more things to talk about at the bar. I love my E46 so much, But its really getting down to working on it every month... Im changing my cats now. If you guys have a bad thermostat, CHANGE IT ASAP. Other wise be ready to melt your cat. converters
I had an E30 325i and it turned me to a home mechanic too. Fixing an old Toyota and maintaining an ‘09 Lancer is so much easier because of the BMW experience.
I heard some i was wondering about, so thank you for making this video!
Thanks for your professionalism. Love your videos. Great camera work also.
My friend. You are the best. Thank you for all your hard work and the amount of time you've spent with this car. It's what I own and I can't afford to pay anyone to do the work but me. So thank you thank you.
Awesome video. Thanks for all the info! Will be checking your videos
Again thanks for the information... you're doing great work!
Nice video, super thorough. I think the only issue you didn't cover was the HVAC system. Mainly the blower motor resistor or Final Stage Unit as bmw calls it
Great video as usual! I have 2 E46's; a 325i sedan automatic (daily) and a M3 coupe 6MT (project car). It really helps to have such great content from channels like yours!
Thank you for making this video! You are very knowledgeable and this video is super helpful. I just bought a 2003 320i with 83000 km as a project and this video gives me a direction to diagnose the potential issues on my car. I will start to look at the issues you pointed out first. Hopefully, there won't be too many issues to be fixed...
great video man!!! tuns of helpful infos!!! I've got a question though, which car has a more reliable engine? the 325i or the 330i? if they are both reasonably maintained in my case I'm choosing between these 2 cars.
Best presentation and coverage of common BMW 3 series issues on KZhead. Thanks for sharing. Where is your shop or garage?
Good video.. damn there are so much.. but got it pretty much repaired thanks to you bro. I ended up buying another e46.. now i got three.. its awesome though
A year later and I’m using every video for reference. Very helpful man. And I think it’s safe to say I have of few 323’s in great condition.
great video. thank you for doing this. really appreciate it!
Awesome video! You really do know your BMWs. Thanks for the very detailed walk though.
glad it was helpful!
Great video! I've been looking at sub-$2000 manual e46's, and you didn't scare me off. All older cars have problems, and most of what was mentioned here isn't too tough or too expensive to fix. I almost didn't watch because your hair looked so ridiculous, but if I buy an e46 and your vids are all this good, I'll juat have to get used to it, LOL.
Awesome vid, very knowledgable, thanks for all the tips!
All videos are Very good and informative from from this channel. Keep it up young man
For the DISA I recommend you swap it out for the DrVanos version which is an upgraded version and will give you piece of mind. Also there’s a nut mod for the oil pump which I don’t think he mentioned but that’s mainly on the 330 cars and it’s highly recommended to get the upgraded/mod version which is guaranteed not to come off
A video on changing the Transmission Oil Cooler lines would be cool. Yet to see anyone on KZhead do such a video.
For real man. Your videos are super helpful. 🤙🏼
Great video. thanks for all your knowledge. Very valuable.
Nice and comprehensive video. Tip for interior cloth on pillars is to use a glue stick (like the ones you used in grammar school) to re-glue the cloth back to the pillars. I never had problems with my headliner so that might take a little more time. A, B, and C pillars are easy to re-glue especially if you taken them off the car first. My vanos never went out and it might be due to various treatments done to the car such as a double oil change to reduce buildup in the vanos and increase the clearance on the metal bushings. The timing belt tensioner which is a plastic plate that the chain runs on gets worn over time as well. Nice vid
Thank you for making my decision for me. 350z enthusiast or touring it is.
That was fun to watch and you covered a lot of ground in a very quick overview. great job. Being a long time E46 owner I could almost predict what you were going to mention next as you went around the vehicle. I was familiar with 24/25, lucky me my cluster knobs still work.
Great job, Jason, as always. When you get a chance, please do a video on every single thing that you've customized or modded on Snowy!
Dude you're awesome bmw teacher
You’re telling me brah. The father I never had
Very informative bro
Hello Jason, Excellent video, very helpful & informative. What did you say about the bad check oil light at 18:30? It wasn't very clear to me, could you please explain more in details? Thanks a lot & great job.
Very clear and informative, thanks man
Great video, thanks for all the links! Just got my first BMW, a $1500 2001 325i 5-speed w/ sport package, on which damn near everything works. This info will be invaluable! I'll be replacing the rear brakes, then will have to track down a water leak and replace the windshield cowl. The car has a little rocker surface rust but everyone I've shown it to is amazed at the condition for the price and age (and I LOVE driving it, haha).
19:45 the dog made me LOL, the look on his face was priceless. Nice break in this serious video.
Great video bro, thanks for the heads up info
Bro!! I've owned the coupe and now sedan and your on point!Thanks man definitely subscribing.
E90/E92 Common Problems: kzhead.info/sun/dKaIYtl6m4WZnX0/bejne.html BMW M3 Common Problems: kzhead.info/sun/bNptmpplpXqBaIk/bejne.html Check Out My Vlog Channel: kzhead.info/tools/LSzYSOa2LIAHmuYgefMQlg.html
ShopLifeTV, thanks for subbing to me on Instagram a while back! I'm grammariannazi. Keep up the great videos, I love them!
Dude ,you are the man. I've been a mechanic for over 35 years and I was always afraid of working on BMWs. I purchased an e46 and love it. Everything you said that would fail did. I've been maintaining the 2004 325i that I purchased for my wife with online parts and so far it's been cool and cheap. The BIG ISSUE IS THAT ITS A SULEV WITH THE NON SERVICEABLE FUEL PUMP. It hasnt failed yet, but I would love to see your thoughts on this expensive journey incase this pump would fail. Please make a video on a sulev pump fail and a fix for it. I think your subscribers would love to here the history and theory of what's going on with the m56 engine no one seems to talk about.
kzhead.info/sun/g8uQYdOPqmmZmaM/bejne.html
Dude, You Are The Best! Thank You for what you do.
I really enjoy watching your videos and I think that you have done a really good job here.
What about the rusting on the rear fenders/wings about the wheels they seem to be pretty common over here in the UK?
Yes! Finally!!! Thank you! After I have replaced about 3/4 of my E46 LOL.
Brilliant video so thankfull to your knowledge I'm slowly working my way thru your videos as a check list of jobs to do on my car which is new to me. Thanks again for such informative videos.
This dude is a blessing I just bought a 330i coupe and it needs work transmission interior probably engine work too but this guy right here will get me going 🙏🏽
Great video! In my experience for the E46 vs. E90, the E90 breaks less, but the issues are more expensive to fix when they do break, such as the electric water pump. I'm comparing the naturally aspirated E90s such as the N52/N51, the N54 335i is in a completely separate league of maintenance. The E90 also has more electronic stuff like the battery programming, where the E46 is more analog. Also, could you do a video about using INPA for diagnostics? That might help a lot of people who are scared of the electronics. I seem to hear about many people who shy away from them because of "dealer only" stuff which could really be fixed by using INPA.
having owned both a 325ci and a 335i... the 325ci has been the lowest running costs of anything I have ever owned and the 335i the highest... was crazy....
love working on e46s
you're a life saviour brother. cheers!
Just bought a 2005 330CI ZHP and this is really incredibly informative and helpful - so Thank You!
The Cheap fix for burning oil is the catch can , The Best and most expensive fix is the M56 valve cover swap, this completely fixed the 3.0 I swapped last year from using oil, good video guys I am glad to see others doing videos about these cars, I wish you luck with the channel , I subbed and maybe we can work together in the near future.
Thanks and yes the m56 valve cover swap is directly bolt on for most m54b30 with the newer style coils. If you have the square coils you would need to swap to the newer style harness and make a few modifications for it to work 100%. And same to you!
but thats if the valve cover is at fault , my engine had bad piston oil rings and valve stem seals at 70k which I replaced with m52 oil rings and supertech valve seals
Nathan subs you must be a rock star...Nathan is da M54 bomb
Nice video! U really know the e46. Alot of those problems i had myself. Keep it up!
great vid as usual. Is the fsr (final stage resistor) in the hear/ac fan a common prob? just had to do mine. my coolant tank failed catastrophically yesterday. gonna do the whole coolant sys refresh thing. by the way, have you heard of LPR water pumps? is lpr a good brand? its what theyre selling here in japan.
Good video man! Great advice
I have done every one of these repairs one my wife's 325xi. Thank you for your great videos and honest assessment of the e46. Don't let life get you down! You are an extremely talented tech and you never cease to amaze me. Tons of love from Canada.❤
Great vid! Some other common problems with mine were (Xi model): 1) fuel pump failure 2) sunroof cassette failure (cables entwine) 3) real coil springs broke 4) FRONT AXLES, mostly outer CV boots and joints 5) transfer case mount 6) Front and rear axle seal leaks 7) E-brake cables loose or pads worn (manual) Plus more. The E46 is a great gen and not too complicated to work on since its age will need the maintenance. Great car to own if you dont mind getting your hands dirty a bit.
i prefer the e36 or e30
fuel pump failed today left me stranded 😓
Great videos you share with all of us. Thanks.
Amazing job, very informative. Thanks for the recommendation to check out e46 fanatics as well.
my wallet just sharted a little
Very accurate !!! i have all those issues... and now i had to rebuild the gearbox , also known issue after 100K miles
Auto or manual?
Die hard fan of E46 325i ,330i and M3 ... Although check engine lights are very tricky,especially for someone like me who's not a mechanic. Just another DIY fan. Thanks for your videos.
Thank you man you're a life savior!
Great video man, thanks for killing my desire for E46 =)
Mickey Bauer if you find one with a clean car fax, with a good service history you’ll be okay. The reason BMW gets the bad rep it does is because most owners TRASH these cars
Run while you can..... unless you are a great DIY mechanic
Hell mine has 330xx miles and still going strong lol
@@loganballabina5633 yeah the entire subframe falling apart has a lot to do with periodical services
@@jimlucas0 get it reinforced before it fails
Great video, thank you! Could you do VANOS rebuild/Timing chain replace/head gasket replace video, please?
ML888 yes
Is there anything on the motor that doesn't malfunction?
Great informative video!!Thanks for sharing
You are very good in your job. Very very very brilliant education on BMW e46 . Thank you. Good job
You are the man bro love my e46 will never sell it had most of them problems with mine but running nice now cost abit for parts in new Zealand but oh well
25? Sounds like hundreds. Holy hell. You are very cunning on the cars though.
You know your stuff... Great video!
My man I just bought a a 2000 e46 this is such a time saver for all of the problems! thanks so much.
E46 hands down - & they hold there value
When you doing the next 75 other issues lol.
Thanks! I've encountered quite a few of these and good to know about others. I wonder if people go through expansion tanks because they over fill the system.
These videos are awesome! ive got a lot done to my car by myself just from learning from you. Recently though, Ive been having this problem where my car will stall out on me. Its a very gentle but sudden loss of power. Almost dont feel it right away. I get my red battery and oil lights coming on. I have to pull over and wait a few minutes before i can start it again, otherwise it just cranks and wont turn over. Any ideas of where I could start looking??
I just picked up an 02 330ci... 23 or 24 of your 25 issues LMAO
I'm looking to buy one myself, please say the one you didn't have is the cracked subframe
@@maschou333 so have you bought one yet?
No I ended up deciding to save up for a newer one
I got an 1999 E46 328Ci with pretty much exactly 100.000 miles and i have had 0 issues in the engine bay. I replaced some stuff preamptively like the water pump, the engine coolant container and the spark plugs. Other than that I only had to replace most of the bushings underneath the car and that's it. Engine is in top shape, don't know about VANOS but I'll check on that lateron. Still thanks for making this video and sharing your knowledge with us, I will definitely check the VANOS seal as I stated above now that you mentioned it
Hi, Do still have the this BMW ? Is it still going strong?
@@marioosa Damn, it's been 4 years already lol. Yeah I still have it and yes it's still going strong. Only engine related thing that happened was the car throwing a fit once because of the throttle body, that went away by itself though. Two years without any issue regarding that. Otherwise it's the usual E46 headaches. Rust, drive-shaft, axles and the general maintenance items ofc.
@@allhailthecore3136 Thanks and all the best with the car 🙂👍
@@marioosa thanks mate
Great video! Found some news to look out for
Great video! Thank you
Main problems I've had in the year ive owned my '04 330i are 2 window regulators going out (back passenger side both times), pcv value, valve cover gasket and rear main seal leaks. Sitting at 193000ish miles 15k are mine
I have the same car, did you have any transmission issues?
B M W. Broke my Wallet
Or.. or, hear me out... Becoming mechanical worker.
At work rn slaving away for my bmw 😪
Bitch in My Wallet BMW
@@ramgoowy or... or... hear me out, UNREALIABLE.. HAHAHAHA
Behold my wheels. Bring money with. I heard a lot of those during my time working at the dealer
One the best pro issues highlighting video Bro Nice work...
You're the man, thanks!