E-46 DIY Projects
 

Good Afternoon everyone,

There is a ton of mixed information on the Internet for DIY projects on the E-46, some of which is flat out unsafe.

We would like to take a poll of the different issues E-46 owners have with the car that they would like to fix themselves and a poll on what maintenance DIY projects each of you would like to learn about.

If a lot of requests are made for particular projects Pelican may conduct step by step DIY articles so don't hold anything back.

PCV service would be helpful to a lot of people. Anything to make that job less of a PITA.

I personally would like to know how to change the gear ratio of the rear end.

I had one before and I'm thinking of getting another E46 (ideally a ZHP); I too always wanted to do a diff swap on mine, and I'd say all the stuff people know effs up right after they're out of warranty - radiator and water pump replacement. If you're including the M3, a tutorial on valve adjustment.

Sounds like some good stuff. There is a lot of incorrect DIY information available on the Internet and people generally don't think about the source of the information. In many cases we have read and watched how to content on E-46's that is dangerous. Our objective is to show our fellow enthusiasts how to safely and properly work on there cars which saves a lot of money and creates some fun memories, especially when you get friends involved to help out.

Were currently are shopping for a E-46 to get started on. The more requests we get for what "you guys" want to learn about the better so we can make sure the information we put out is relevant and useful.

I'll post a couple pictures of the car once we get it.

I have a RHD 4 door M3 convertible, I would like to convert to a LHD. any tips?.......Just kidding guys.........Cant wait for pelican 101 book for the E46!!!!

I'll contribute my personal experiences:

* PCV is a good one
* I think some basic suspension work would be helpful - it is eventually necessary on all of the cars. Control Arm Bushings, Struts and Shocks
* Valve cover gasket, even if just as part of the Vanos seal refresh (which I'm told is required eventually)
* Cooling system refresh (hoses, expansion tank, pump and thermostat)
* Window regulators!!!

Pads and rotors while your at it, but there is not much unique here versus so many other BMW years, or even other similar cars.

If you hit that, I think you've got ~90% of the projects covered.

DIY project writeups
 

1. window regulator replacement / repairs
2. radiator replacement - water pump replacement > cooling system upgrade
3. brake pad/rotors
4. headlights - regular to HIDs
5. suspension upgrade - bushings, sway bars, braces
6.