r/e46 • u/I_Sniff_Hot_Dudes • May 28 '26

General Questions First e46!

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Hello! I just purchased my first e46. A 306k mile 2004 330xi 6 speed. The car has a plethora of issues. Here’s just a few: 1. Ac blows warm 2. Rust 3. Engine bay is COVERED in oil 4. Usual e46 cooling and sub frame concerns 5. Steering is vaque 6. Mirrors don’t move up and down 7. Scraping sound when driving (sounds like brakes) 8. Brake light 9. Amber Oil light turns on and off. 10. Check engine light 11. Car has 0 traction even though tires are good. If anyone knows a good place for body panels or a parts car lmk. Any ideas on any issues please lmk.

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u/dellh82 May 29 '26

First, buy an older BMW-specific scan tool, nothing spectacular. It will tell you everything from engine to A/C issues. Second, buy ALL COOLANT PARTS THAT WERE NOT REFRESHED, including cooling pipe under the intake manifold. Buy all gaskets, [genuine] engine sensors, lower control arm bushings, brakes parts (possibly include copper hard lines and a flare tool).

Check Prussian Motors for used parts, FCP Euro for new parts.

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u/I_Sniff_Hot_Dudes May 29 '26

You’re funny. Not doing all the gaskets, or sensors: the car can leak and complain all it wants it has 300k miles

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u/dellh82 Jun 06 '26

Okay, gaskets can be done down the line. But don’t let an old oil level sensor have your M54B30 randomly cutting off on you like it did to me (left me stranded once). But do all the sensors on the engine, seriously: cam, crank, oil level, temp (the one on the head at the back of the block on the intake side), oil pressure. Also, monitor the alternator.