# Tell me about e46's **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [June 10, 2009, 8:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972 "2009-06-10T20:39:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Devioustsi](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/devioustsi/32/7406_2.png) [@Devioustsi](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Devioustsi)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 8:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/1 "2009-06-10T20:39:52Z")
I don’t feel like searching and don’t know the good forums so I’ll put my trust in you guys for now. I have a 01 330ci. It needs a hood, front bumper cover and possibly a fender. Can I use m3 headlights? Will the parts intermatch, like m3 headlights with normal 3 series hood and fenders? What forums should I look to for good information? If you have any suggestions or things to watch for please let me know. Tia I appreciate it. ---
**Author:** ![MPD47](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mpd47/32/7383_2.png) [@MPD47](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MPD47)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 8:42pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/2 "2009-06-10T20:42:53Z")
Rear subframe ripping out of the floor. Broken welds on sway bar mounts. > **[Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum for News, DIYs, Technical Talk and More!](http://www.bimmerforums.com/)** > > Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. At Bimmerforums, you will find technical how-to information maintenance specifics audio advice wheel and tire combinations and model specific details not found anywhere... [e46fanatics.com](http://e46fanatics.com) Roadfly is a bunch of old men and not worth your time. Get Depo headlights. ---
**Author:** ![95dime](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/95dime/32/7514_2.png) [@95dime](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/95dime)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 4:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/3 "2009-06-11T04:52:41Z")
^^^defineatly check out those sites. i just picked up a '99 323i and ive been brosing those. lots of information and DIY’s. been reading up on the rear subframe issue, wonder if i can just pop in at a dealership and have them look. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 5:13am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/4 "2009-06-11T05:13:16Z")
Here is everything I have bookmarked for e46’s. lol [http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php?title=BMW\_E46](http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php?title=BMW_E46) [http://www.europeanautosource.com/](http://www.europeanautosource.com/) [http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/articles/e90comparo](http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/articles/e90comparo) [http://www.my330i.com/](http://www.my330i.com/) [http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store\_Code=RE](http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=RE) [http://e46.mit.edu/BMW\_OEM\_E46\_M3\_Engine\_Transplant.htm](http://e46.mit.edu/BMW_OEM_E46_M3_Engine_Transplant.htm) [http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi](http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi) [http://www.jlevistreetwerks.com/BMW-E46-3-Series/c30\_33/index.html?osCsid=sjbsfufm7mqev47fu7m2icedc1](http://www.jlevistreetwerks.com/BMW-E46-3-Series/c30_33/index.html?osCsid=sjbsfufm7mqev47fu7m2icedc1) [http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/index.htm](http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/index.htm) [http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/pbc/fitments\_E46\_330\_Z4.htm](http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/pbc/fitments_E46_330_Z4.htm) [http://www.drvanos.com/index.htm](http://www.drvanos.com/index.htm) [http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=420847&](http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=420847&) [http://www.x5world.com/articles/x5/general-information/9481-car-key-memory-configuration-information.html](http://www.x5world.com/articles/x5/general-information/9481-car-key-memory-configuration-information.html) [http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?Screen=PROD&Store\_Code=6134&Product\_Code=M54ALUTHERM&Category\_Code=CCSE46](http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=6134&Product_Code=M54ALUTHERM&Category_Code=CCSE46) [http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/catalog/shopcart/BE46\_catalog.htm](http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/catalog/shopcart/BE46_catalog.htm) I also lurk on e46fanatics, I hope to get a bmw after I graduate from RIT in a few years… ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 5:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/5 "2009-06-11T05:16:41Z")
dispite your will to be lazy, you’re going to have to do some research of your own on what parts are interchangable and what are not. Even a lot of coupe/sedan parts are different within the 330 and aren’t interchangable as you would expect. ---
**Author:** ![93dx\_hatch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/9/90ced4/32.png) [@93dx\_hatch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/93dx_hatch)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 5:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/6 "2009-06-11T05:53:17Z")
the rear subframes are not as bad on 01 and up as they are on 99-00s ---
**Author:** ![LowlyOilBurner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a6a055/32.png) [@LowlyOilBurner](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LowlyOilBurner)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 2:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/7 "2009-06-11T14:27:48Z")
I thought it was the e36 chassis that had this issue. Turner Motorsports or some shit had a “fix” kit for it. ---
**Author:** ![MPD47](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mpd47/32/7383_2.png) [@MPD47](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MPD47)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 2:31pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/8 "2009-06-11T14:31:10Z")
They did as well, both did. Even the motorsports ones :picard: ---
**Author:** ![Coldaccord](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/coldaccord/32/7272_2.png) [@Coldaccord](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Coldaccord)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 2:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/9 "2009-06-11T14:34:25Z")
I’m still bummed they never made a 4 dr e46 m3. I would probably own one right meow. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 3:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/10 "2009-06-11T15:53:04Z")
> [@Coldaccord](#): > > I’m still bummed they never made a 4 dr e46 m3. I would probably own one right meow. [http://e46.mit.edu/BMW\_OEM\_E46\_M3\_Engine\_Transplant.htm](http://e46.mit.edu/BMW_OEM_E46_M3_Engine_Transplant.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Coldaccord](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/coldaccord/32/7272_2.png) [@Coldaccord](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Coldaccord)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 3:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/11 "2009-06-11T15:56:51Z")
my back is effed. couldn’t even finish swapping my e30. def can’t get into any new projects ---
**Author:** ![bracketracer](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bracketracer/32/15592_2.png) [@bracketracer](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bracketracer)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 6:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/12 "2009-06-11T18:55:38Z")
> [@LowlyOilBurner](#): > > I thought it was the e36 chassis that had this issue. Turner Motorsports or some shit had a “fix” kit for it. My wife’s '00 323, when we bought it: Why is the rearend out? What the hell is that thing on the rear subframe mount? Damn…it used to live up there: See? After about 3 hours of cutting and welding in Turner mount plates: And there it was when I brought it home: And what it looks like now. We’re putting coilovers in some Sunday that she doesn’t have work to do ---
**Author:** ![Willybeen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/willybeen/32/7351_2.png) [@Willybeen](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Willybeen)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 7:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/13 "2009-06-11T19:43:02Z")
^nice… so scary they can be “that” broken and still look sooo clean. ---
**Author:** ![95dime](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/95dime/32/7514_2.png) [@95dime](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/95dime)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 7:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/14 "2009-06-11T19:47:20Z")
this scares me. i need to get mine on a lift asap. ---
**Author:** ![Violator](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/violator/32/7278_2.png) [@Violator](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Violator)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 8:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/15 "2009-06-11T20:29:50Z")
I havent even looked at mine. Gary CHANGE the water pump. \<–REALLY important. the 2 idler pulleys bearings tend to come apart as well ---
**Author:** ![bracketracer](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bracketracer/32/15592_2.png) [@bracketracer](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bracketracer)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 5:01am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/16 "2009-06-12T05:01:29Z")
> [@95dime](#): > > this scares me. i need to get mine on a lift asap. > [@Violator](#): > > I havent even looked at mine. > > Gary CHANGE the water pump. \<–REALLY important. > > the 2 idler pulleys bearings tend to come apart as well Yeah, for both of you, take a good look at the left rear. This is where the majority of the torque causes fractures in the unibody. And yes, agreed about the pump, also do a thermostat/housing for good measure. Real common failure item, commonly accompanied by a P0128 code. ---
**Author:** ![turbociv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dfb087/32.png) [@turbociv](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/turbociv)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 8:56am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/17 "2009-06-12T08:56:14Z")
wow. that 323 looks like its had some serious abuse. I have yet to experience any of these issues and im pretty hard on my car. ---
**Author:** ![Jam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jam/32/7235_2.png) [@Jam](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jam)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 9:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/18 "2009-06-12T09:36:15Z")
jesus jason i had no idea you purchased that car like that. that must have been scary when it broke… ---
**Author:** ![MPD47](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mpd47/32/7383_2.png) [@MPD47](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MPD47)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 10:03am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/19 "2009-06-12T10:03:43Z")
Jam, usually they just make a clunking noise and you keep driving them :lol: ---
**Author:** ![snowracer101](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@snowracer101](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/snowracer101)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 10:13am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972/20 "2009-06-12T10:13:24Z")
[http://www.girardgibbs.com/bmwe46.asp](http://www.girardgibbs.com/bmwe46.asp) > On October 24, 2006, Girard Gibbs and Wasserman, Comden & Casselman, LLP, filed a class action complaint against BMW of North America, alleging that 1999-2006 BMW 3 Series vehicles suffer from defective sub-frames. According to the complaint, the constant loading and unloading associated with normal driving can weaken the sub-frame to the point where it cracks and separates from the chassis, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to the vehicle. The complaint alleges that BMW was aware of the alleged sub-frame defect, but failed to notify consumers or pay for sub-frame repairs under warranty. > > On March 3, 2009, Hon. Judge Dean D. Pregerson granted preliminary approval of a proposed class settlement, under which BMW will reimburse E46 owners or lessees in full for their sub-frame repair expenses. As part of the settlement, BMW has also agreed to implement a National Sub-Frame Inspection and Repair Program. All current owners and lessees of a 1999-2006 BMW 3 series vehicle will be notified of the sub-frame problem and will have one year to present their vehicle for a free inspection and repair (if needed). The Court is scheduled to decide whether to finally approve the proposed settlement on August 3, 2009. > > If you would like more information about the BMW sub-frame defect class action lawsuit or proposed settlement, please fill out the form on the right or call us toll free at (866) 981-4800. Thank me later. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tell-me-about-e46s/68972.md?page=2)