Subject: Start with maintenance, if your car has higher mileage you may want to consider Author: albo as the following....albo : member since October, 2004 : 1404 posts Posted on: 2008-04-30 12:33:55

How many miles on your car? Did you recieve maintenance records for the car on purchase?

Here's a list of stuff I would probably check out before I begin modifying.

1)Front Lower Control Arms and associated bushings

2)Cooling system (Radiator, Expansion Tank, Hoses, Fan Clutch and Fan)

3)Suspension...I guess you can get your "mod" on at the same time as bringing the car back up to snuff. If your anywhere near 100K miles, you may want to think about replacing the shocks/struts along with some new springs (good time to lower if you want to go that route)

On the front, definitley replace the strut mounts. The bearings on the inside of this mount can begin to sieze at higher mileage.

Also...when working on the rear..pay special attention to the Rear shock mounts. The originals were total crap and fail prematurely. There are updated ones made by Meyle along with numerous urethane versions out there (check bimmerworld.com or turnermotorsports.com)
They are cheap so definitley replace them when replacing shocks.

As for modifications...I'd start with the suspension, then an upgrade in rolling stock (wheels and tires).

Go to Ebay and type in "E46" in the search function. You'll find a wealth of products there (not all of great quality though).

Also take a look at some of the sponsors here and on E46fanatics.com there are a lot of options for these cars.

Mostly....enjoy the drive!

Albo

2002 325xi

• Some new pics of my E46....;-) (url) - .....albo 2008-04-02 16:27:09 (420 views)
  • Re: Some new pics of my E46....;-) - sepzbmw 2008-04-28 19:59:14 (110 views)
    • Start with maintenance, if your car has higher mileage you may want to consider - the following....albo 2008-04-30 12:33:55 (171 views)