* E46 Information Thread - Parts/Mods/DIY *

Service Codes
http://fritzdooley.com/bmw/_servicecodes6.html

I dont think Im gonna ever ask another question about my BMW... I just found the answers to all...

BMW Rear Lighting Service Bulletin (wiring design defects):

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B630306g.htm

or

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B630306g.htm

Possible recall pending. Please advise of your problems here; use the phrase "Formal petition for a safety defect investigation" here:

Safercar.gov
You can also report a vehicle safety issue to NHTSA online at our vehicle safety Web site: www.safercar.gov. Select “File a Complaint” within the Defects and Recalls section of the home page. The information you submit via the Web site is recorded in VOQ format, entered into our consumer complaint database, and provided to our technical staff for evaluation.

When you fill out a VOQ online, you will be given the option of checking a box to authorize or not authorize the release of your personal identifiers to the manufacturer of the alleged defective product you own. Again, while you are not required to provide such authorization, doing so can sometimes help facilitate the recall process.

U.S. Mail
To report a safety complaint to NHTSA by mail, send your letter to:
U.S. Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Defects Investigation (NVS-210)
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallprocess.cfm

p.s. If possible, send copies of your service receipts to the address above.

my pit stop for all my bits is www.rapidautoparts.co.uk and to fit well courtesy of this link which ill keep forever i can rebuild the damm car lol

I need help with something. I have a 2002 330ci, my zenon went out, not just the bulb... the bulb exploded. The new bulb is not working in it, the bulbs are fine i bought 2 6000k replacement and checked them boath on the working zenon. Is there something i could do, can the thing be repaired or has it be replaced completely as a headlight( i hope it aint).

Originally Posted by Adportas

I need help with something. I have a 2002 330ci, my zenon went out, not just the bulb... the bulb exploded. The new bulb is not working in it, the bulbs are fine i bought 2 6000k replacement and checked them boath on the working zenon. Is there something i could do, can the thing be repaired or has it be replaced completely as a headlight( i hope it aint).

Don't think this is the right thread to post this, but I'll give you an answer anyways. The HID system has 3 components: ballast, igniter and bulb. Sounds like you have a bad ballast or igniter (this only happens on one side, right?). To figure out which is bad, take the lights apart and swap the ballast (silver box) from left to right. If the problem moves, buy a new ballast, if it stays, probably an igniter (you can swap igniters after to confirm; need to open up the light).

Good Info and really helpful post....thanks Toni

Exhaust butterfly valve golf tee

Not what you think!

My friend had been in another 330 and noted that the exhaust was much deeper and louder than mine.

I did not have the golf tee "mod" done but I checked my exhaust anyway and noticed the butterfly valve was rusted closed. A few "gentle" taps with a rubber mallet and long screwdriver and the problem was solved. I subsequently removed the tube from the solenoid because the flap does not spin freely now (It's now frozen open). Just a warning to check your flap to make sure it's not seized closed, especially if you are in New England. If you don't know what any of this means search "Golf tee mod" (Does not apply to all makes and models)

It's nice to have the sound back, I honestly don't know how long it's been that way.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...t=golf+tee+mod

just trying to subscribe to this thread for future ref.

DIY: Water (Heater) Valve Replacement
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=617301

**kpeng's Guide To Proper E46 Maintenance**
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=595553

How to ask a question

I find this Microsoft KB article funny and appropriate. Especially when I search this forum and all the "PLZ Need Help NOW!!!" threads pop up.

http://support.microsoft.com/KB/555375


"When posting questions to a professional forum or newsgroup it is vital to format the question and it's content in a proper way in order to greatly increase the possibility for quickly receiving a good answer, and thus saving you time and frustration. "

Einbauanleitungen
OEM dealer Installation Manuals,


http://www.ow.no/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=34

any links to timing belt replacement, like a walkthrough.
in case anyone accidentally adjust the cams.
Don't wanna affect the VANOS.

I've changed timing belts on Hondas and Toyotas.
This is my first bimmer that I owned.

While I have not found a specific DIY for the E46 timing chain I just wanted to note that it is a chain not a belt so the typical 60k -100k replacement interval on cars with belts does not apply.

Originally Posted by e46bonestock

any links to timing belt replacement, like a walkthrough.
in case anyone accidentally adjust the cams.
Don't wanna affect the VANOS.

I've changed timing belts on Hondas and Toyotas.
This is my first bimmer that I owned.

Thanks to Kpeng
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=653162

DIY: CCV, DISA, ICV, Oil Separator. STEP BY STEP - PICTURES
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=643639

What is the typical mileage that the timing chain needs to be replaced on these cars?

Originally Posted by element

Car/Key memory options
http://www.**************/tech/glossa...keycfg_01.html

Does anyone else know of a good thread to replace this? Looking into the options we have w/ our key fobs..

Originally Posted by 500rwhp

Does anyone else know of a good thread to replace this? Looking into the options we have w/ our key fobs..

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/m5-...g-options.html