E46 guys HELP (or any BMW peeps)

NYSpeed Automotive
1

OK jerks …

I just picked up a 2000 323i and I need help trying to figure out a CEL on my dash

I got a EXCLAMATION POINT on the gear display. My owners manual says this should only be on auto trans’s and I have a 5speed …

This is different than the triangle with the exclamation point … I know thats when I have codes… which is not on and yes it works… I put a new O2 on and had it cleared.

Image below is what I have (yes I know that’s on a auto dash but google is easier than getting off my ass)

I have searched for almost a week and cant find a dam thing for 5 speed tranny’s … The car shifts strong and still has reverse …

Now I DO currently have a caliper freezing up on me … I’m putting a new one on when that gets here from fed ex … could this light be a brake issue and not a trans issue, and throwing the code since its “hanging up”

when I got the car the FGGT said it was a traction control issue

http://wilbertchambers.com//errors/photo.JPG
photo.JPG1296×968

2

It means you have a brake fault.

3

Some sort of brake fault. See if it goes away after the caliber change

4

Fail safe mode symbol. Check your MAF.

5

fail safe usually limits the revs though. He said it pulls strong stilll.

6

Yes the car has no problem driving at all … mindless had it sideways last week just fine

**Once I put on all new brakes how do I reset that light ?? Any ideas

I also just discovered last night that the rear driver side is hanging up (well I assume as the rim was very hot and rotor smoking) … So I’m going to order the rear set of calipers

I thought I got a good deal on this car … I paid $4050 it has 117k on it

I also picked up a new water pump, due to the kid I got it from did not know when it was replaced … and I got a new set of rear shocks the driver side looked blowed up

7

Stock suspention was most likely shot at 60k. Replace it all please. BMW has stiff springs and the shocks and struts prob seem ok but they are not.

That light should reset itself after you fix the problem. Hopefully. If I was you I would order pa soft for all your coding and diagnostic needs.

8

I got these for the back SENSEN Part # 32120182 and the fronts looked new

next question … Where and what antifreeze should one use in BMW’s? I was told “blue”

9

Honestly no idea. I’d check ecstuning. But in your car and it will list all the stuff only for your car. I still have to do my cooling refresh. I’m at 143k with the original water pump, radiator, overflow and hoses. Finishing up my suspention overhaul right now.

10

Yea, I’d do the expansion tank too when you have it all apart.

It’s easy to get carried away with maintenance with these cars. They usually need it and it makes them drive a lot better.

edit:
Get some new brake fluid for a full flush (I use the super blue) and stainless lines (clutch too).

even though it’s got barely 100k miles, it is almost 14 years old, fluids, bushings, etc are all on their way out. Nothing worse than a BMW that is a pile due to lack of maintenance…

one more edit: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/search.php?do=getnew

11

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=914109 look in this guys Sig. Will show most maintenance for your bmw