Do-it-yourself bmw repair e46

cooling system

engine compartment

fuel system

replacement of working fluids

brake system

P.S. found a list of links on the internet. I think it will be useful to have it on hand for review.

Post has been editedMaximusmas: 14 July 2014 - 02:32

sentenced the stabilizer struts, so I'm looking for how to change it myself (since I started climbing everywhere)

Is everything so simple in practice and is it realistic to do without the presence of a pit

sentenced the stabilizer struts, so I'm looking for how to change it myself (since I started climbing everywhere)

Is everything so simple in practice and is it realistic to do without the presence of a pit

There is no difficulty in replacing the stabilizer struts, provided you have a tool, a bright head and hands growing from the right place.

A pit is not needed to replace the stanchions.

In general, since an error periodically appeared on the "Additional heater" I decided to remove it.

Having climbed on a bunch of sites, and finding that one of the transsyuk could be burned there, I decided that I had the same thing.
But, an autopsy and measurement showed that everything is alive!

But! it was noticed that the temperature sensors, or rather one of them, does not fit tightly to the body. This means that it measures the temperature incorrectly.
After reading WDS and TIS, it became clear that, depending on these sensors, the duty cycle of the transits is regulated from 5 to 95%.
Purely theoretically, if on 2 sensors the temperature is OK, and on the other it is very different, then the ECU may think that there is a short circuit on one of the transducers. Hence the short circuit error on the heater.
This is just a guess! Haven't tested it yet!

What I've done:
1. missed all contact surfaces with thermal grease.
2. Seal the seat for one of the sensors with a metal plate.
3. I made an additional emphasis for the entire platform with sensors and glued it.

How it will work later - I'll check later.

videos with limited access elsewhere?

Repair BMW E46 (3 series, 1998 - 2005)

Transmission and chassis

The BMW E46 generation is quite widespread on the territory of our country, therefore, the specialists of the BMW Autoservice network of technical centers often face the need to maintain them. Like any other car, the BMW E46 is not devoid of flaws, the list of which is compiled on the basis of the experience of our masters and is presented below.

The automatic and manual transmissions with which the BMW E46 is equipped are very reliable and require modest maintenance attention. As well as on the BMW E316, transmission repair on the E46 is limited to changing the oil and filter. Regarding the BMW E46 and BMW E316, repairs that require an oil change in the mechanics may not be necessary, since the manufacturer installs maintenance-free boxes on these models. However, when buying a used car that has driven 90 or more thousand kilometers, it is highly recommended to update the lubricant in the system.

The steering is reliable and does not cause any complaints, only occasionally a rail leak is found on vehicles of the class in question. It should be noted that repairing a BMW E46 to eliminate "snotty" is relatively expensive, so you need to be extremely careful in the operation of this unit. We can offer the most affordable prices for components and consumables for BMW E46 repair, therefore we enjoy a worthy reputation among many customers.
Most of the problems with the repair of BMW E46 arise from the relatively low reliability of some suspension elements. In particular, the front stabilizer struts and ball joints on the E46 may require replacement by 50-60 thousand km of the distance traveled, which, frankly, is not very encouraging in terms of material costs.

The network of technical centers "BMW Auto Service" - a wide range of diagnostic and repair services for all models of the German manufacturer.

The production of BMW E46 cars began in 1998. Initially, they could be purchased as a sedan, but a year later the Bavarian manufacturer offered cars with coupe bodies. Since 2000, the model has been produced in a station wagon body.Cars can be equipped with diesel engines M47 and M57, as well as five-cylinder gasoline engines M43, N40, N42, N46 and six-cylinder power units M52 and S52.

Three years after the start of production of the model, the automaker restyled the third series. Updated headlights appeared in the car, the glass of the bends became transparent. At the same time, the manufacturer began to install updated advanced power units. In 2003, the exterior of the convertible and coupe changed. Many owners of the model appreciated the new body colors and bumpers. From the same year, the M3 sports series began to be produced. A power unit with a capacity of 343 horsepower was installed in the car.

Key benefits of the BMW E46:

• ADB system is responsible for automatic differential braking and helps to get additional traction;
• HDC - lift control system, allows you to adjust the speed, which makes it easier to move uphill;
• six airbags;
• ASC - automatic stabilization system;
• DSC - Dynamic Stability Control and Integrated Traction Mode increase the grip of the vehicle's tires on the road surface;
• front power accessories;
• on-board computer.

Of course, German cars are considered one of the best in terms of quality. However, something breaks in them from time to time. The weak point of the BMW E46 with six-cylinder engines is the oil measurement sensor. In addition to it, the air flow meter, the fuel sensor and the position of the camshafts are susceptible to breakdown.

In the manual transmission drive, the plastic bushing of the rocker can loosen, as a result of which there are difficulties with the inclusion of the first and reverse speeds. After a car has driven 150,000 km in the manual transmission, the shanks and oil seals of the source of the speed change may leak. The stabilizer struts must be replaced every 50,000 km.

ABS sensors are equipped with a plastic housing, in the future it may crack, and the ABS itself will break. Together with this system, difficulties arise with the traction control and stabilization system. After 80,000 km of the distance traveled, a backlash appears in the steering rack, if everything is left as it is, then after another 50,000 kilometers there will be a knock.

The Valvetronic throttle-free system in four-cylinder engines is sensitive to oil quality. If you use low quality formulations, there will be problems with misfiring in the future. Six-cylinder powertrains after 4000 rpm may not be able to achieve maximum power. When idling, you can hear the chirping of the system damper, which is responsible for adjusting the length of the DISA intake tract. To correct this fault, the actuator must be replaced.

It is recommended after 10 thousand kilometers to replace the fuel and oil filters, as well as the oil itself. In the cooling system, sometimes there are difficulties with increasing the temperature of the coolant. This can be caused by the rotating plastic impellers of the water pump in cars that were produced before restyling, as well as the low reliability of the fan clutches.

You can eliminate all of the above and other malfunctions in our service. Our masters specialize in the repair of BMW products exclusively. Today, there are several conveniently located posts, which allows each motorist to choose the most suitable one.

By ordering repair BMW E46 in our company, the client receives valuable benefits:

• Narrow specialization - there are special workshops that focus on the maintenance and repair of automatic transmissions and engines.
• Impressive experience of specialists - each master of the company has many years of experience in working with BMW cars.
• Using the best equipment - advanced devices help in programming electronic control units, diagnosing faults and performing other technological operations.
• Convenience of payment - You can pay in cash or by bank transfer.
• A wide range of services provided - we make detailed diagnostics of the state of various car systems, provide recommendations for eliminating breakdowns, as well as perform maintenance and repair of BMWs.
• Convenient work schedule - the technical center works without holidays and weekends from 9:00 to 21:00.
• High speed of service - in our store you can purchase all the necessary parts that will be installed on the client's car without delay.
• Guarantee - all our services are guaranteed.
• Discounts - every regular customer of a car service receives a pleasant discount on services.

The technical center "BMW-E" provides a range of car maintenance services. Contact us! Our experts will bring your four-wheeled friend to perfect technical condition!

The steering racks on the famous "boomers" are those integral parts that require regular complex repairs and maintenance. Fans of a "sporty" driving style are especially affected, but this should not be surprising, since the steering mechanism in such a situation is exposed to excessive loads.

Of course, the most important thing in a renovation is its cost. We did a little research and called both local "Kuzmichs" and normal salons. The cost is about one - starts from 5,000 rubles, ending with 90,000 rubles.

And if you order the racks on Ebey yourself and give it in the salon, you can keep within 20 thousand rubles. The rake itself will cost 15 thousand rubles, and the installation will cost 5 thousand rubles.

To carry out repairs on these models, the steps should be similar. First, the rail is dismantled and cleaned of the existing dirt. After that, it is visually inspected and tested on a stand that artificially creates working conditions.

The repair itself may consist of replacing:

• faulty parts,
• bushings,
• seals,
• as well as surface grinding.

At the end of the work, the rack is mounted back, hydraulic fluid is poured and tested. Sometimes such repairs can be done by yourself if the violations are minor. When sanding is needed, a service center is indispensable.

1. Raise the car higher to make it easier to work.
2. We drain the liquid.
3. We remove the wheels and unscrew the rods with levers.
4. Let's raise the engine.
5. We unscrew the pillows and stretcher.

Then we remove the rail by disconnecting the hoses. It only goes to the right.

We unscrew it from the traction rail and wash it.

On the E60 fives, the most sore spot is associated with the rail:

Because of her, appear clang and knock when crossing irregularities. The repair consists of a complete disassembly, replacement of bushings (and it is advisable for domestic realities to install not factory ones, but self-made ones with reinforcement), replacement of lubricant and fluid.

An example of a new and clean steering rack. Focus on them - it's better to pay a little extra than to buy the part again later.

Here is a video, maybe some tricks will help you:

We drain the liquid, then remove the rail. In general, we do everything according to the photo gallery:

Before removing the centering plastic sleeve from the worm, remember its location. Remove the retaining ring and unscrew the worm cap and nut. Dismantle the worm. From the right rack and pinion end, remove the flange that has the gland and bushing. Mount the new parts in the same way.

A typical BMW E30 steering rack is as small as the car itself.

After removing the rail, knock out and unscrew the cover equipped with an adjusting screw. The bushings are pressed in by the factory, so you need to pick them out. Better to change to homemade (from caprolon) sliding fit.

To fix them, drill a hole in the housing, cut the threads and screw in the retainer. After installation by punching, fix the cover.

Drive on good roads! No other way - a German made a car specifically for high-quality highways, not ours ...

Therefore, BMW enthusiasts should think about the consequences of ill-conceived races on rough terrain.So that.

Comments on article 5, leave yours:

I still didn't find a man, but your instructions helped my e36 boomer a lot!)))

Thank you for the detailed instructions with photos, otherwise I was tormented with these slats. Of course, when I bought the 2004 X5, I knew that I would run into some problems, but not with the steering wheel -))

Thank you very much for such a clear instruction, thanks to you, I refrained from going to the car service and saved a lot of money, I recommend everyone to repair the steering racks on their own - there is nothing complicated about it.

As they say, the eyes are afraid, but the hands do =)

in general, it is not safe to carry out such repair work yourself, it is better to take the car to a MOT or to some kind of car service, than later it turns out that it is three times more expensive to restore what you have thought up there than a simple repair of rails

One of the specializations of our stations is the high-quality repair of BMW E46. In our car workshops there is a specialized tool for repairing BMW E46. Consumables, oils and fluids are available for routine maintenance. Within a couple of hours, from the main warehouse, we will bring any spare parts for the repair of BMW E46.

Before starting the repair of BMW E46, we will make free diagnostics suspension, engine or electrics (free diagnostics in case of repair at our service stations). We do not recommend doing DIY BMW E46 repairs. Everyone must do their job. You need to entrust the repair of your car to those who do it every day.

BMW E46 repair cost:

It is recommended to carry out routine maintenance and maintenance of the BMW E46 every 7-10 thousand km. mileage. This necessarily includes changing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter and cabin filter. When carrying out scheduled work, we will make free diagnostics of all vehicle components and draw up a list of recommendations.

Every 60 thousand km. mileage, we recommend changing the timing belt with rollers, and if the motor is chain, then it is better to replace the chain every 120 thousand km. It is better to replace the candles every 40 thousand kilometers on gasoline engines and 100 thousand kilometers. mileage on a diesel engine. On BMW E46 models with adaptive throttle valve, it is recommended to clean and adapt the throttle valve every 60,000 km.

The most famous problems and malfunctions of the BMW E46:
- acidification of the caliper pistons with subsequent uneven wear of pads and discs;
- unsuccessful design of the fuel filter - the car jerks, stalls, troit;
- creak in the car interior due to low-quality plastic - gluing with anti-creak material;
- a problem with the box - early failure of bearings and primary shaft oil seals;
- in standard cooling radiators, leak at the junction with the side part;
- tight steering wheel - a problem with the power steering of the car - a bulkhead or replacement, according to the result of diagnostics.

The degree of wear of the BMW E46 hub bearing can only be determined during diagnostics.

Warranty for all repair work BMW E46 - 6 months.

Selling steering rack with e36-e46. Changed Rem-kit, no backlash! I see the price 12500 bargaining is possible! +79615121021

Greetings! In general, I bought an E46 American in 2000, began to register it, and it was 2005 and the glass was cut off, it was refused registration, now I sell it for spare parts, at least get something back. territorially Krasnodar + 79184228900 Vadim

Well, I would not say that the procedures have been greatly simplified. For example, replacing the air filter is not at all trivial the first time, I spent 30-40 minutes I changed the spanking, and in the e36 everything is much simpler, the whole procedure takes less than a minute.

Changing the oil the first time did not work out for me at all, since I could not unscrew the oil filter cap. And you can't buy a normal tool for this in a store.

I liked that you can reset the service interval yourself, without connecting diagnostic equipment.

Changing the cabin filter takes less than a minute.
wet wrote:
For example, replacing the air filter is not at all trivial the first time, I spent 30-40 minutes I changed the spanking, and in the e36 everything is much simpler, the whole procedure takes less than a minute.

I would not say. the same as on the E36.

Just in case, what I have on my typewriter:
Dima318
There is also about resetting the service interval.

• You can close all windows of the car, including the sunroof, not only by holding the key in the door lock when closing it, but also by holding down the button for closing the standard immobilizer! Likewise, you can open the windows and the sunroof by holding the open button on the key fob.

• During rain, when the wipers are turned on in position 2 - continuous operation, when the car stops (for example, at a traffic light), the wipers automatically switch to mode 1 - after one, and when the movement starts, they return to position 2 - continuous.

• When the outside temperature drops below 3 degrees, the rear window heating automatically turns on (programmed if there is none).

• For those who have a rain sensor: The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be adjusted with the switch for the frequency of operation of the wipers (for one mode), located on the steering column switch.

• If a side light bulb in the front (or rear) headlight burns out, then another one in the same headlight will light up instead (for the front one - a turn signal). The same is true for brake lights - another light will come on.

• The external light sensor, which is responsible for adjusting the brightness level of the illumination of the instrument panel, ashtrays, etc., is located on the left side of the steering wheel where the lights and side lights are turned on. It looks like a small glass dot.

• On 330xi Touring 2002, there is a magic button “controlled descent from the mountain”, you press and the car itself, when descending from the mountain, maintains a speed of about 10 km / h.

• A pause is programmed when the rear window wiper is working, it is very convenient when you are driving on the highway, you can adjust the wiper's work to the intensity of the rear window pollution.

• If you press the pimp on the right (not to be confused with the one you need to press to zero the mileage) - Celsius will turn into Fahrenheit (at the current temperature reading on the panel). In a similar way, you can convert the clock from 24 to 12 hour format with displaying AM PM.

• And I found that one of the two exhaust pipes (the one that is closer to the center) is closed by a damper at low revs. Opens approximately over 3000 rpm - then the engine breathes deeply, this can be seen if you look at the car from behind.

• More: if you accidentally forgot to release the hand brake, the car first beeps and swears, then reduces the fuel supply

• I recently discovered that if you leave the door open for a long time, the interior lighting goes out after a few minutes.

• As the speed increases, the volume of the music increases. Can anyone know where in Mona's menu to adjust this? (Turn on, turn off, adjust the volume) function in the menu of the radio tape recorder SPEED VOLUME from 1 to 6. And my function is called GAD (if with Navi, then hold down mode and hold for 10 seconds) - BMW Traffic Pro by Becker radio tape recorder

• And also, if the wipers were in constant operation (that is, not after one), then when they stopped, for example, at a traffic light, they go into the “once” mode. At the beginning of the movement, they begin to wave constantly.

• insert the key into the ignition, turn it but do not start
we see "XXXXX km Service", press the button / lever to reset the daily mileage
in place of “XXXXX km Service” appears a “watch” sign and “09.07” is the date of the next brake fluid replacement

• How do you like it, if you open the door in the salon the light comes on. So that it doesn’t turn on every time you open the door, you turn it OFF and hold down the lamp button in the passenger compartment for a few seconds. ” To return everything back to do the same, only the light has to be turned ON.

• If you remove the keys from the ignition, and press the high beam turn on lever (towards yourself), then for 30 seconds. the dipped beam will light up. (in any case, on a car with xenon for sure)

• It is possible to completely deactivate the DSC system by keeping the button pressed for about 5 seconds.

• When the light is turned on, the headlights rise (especially audible in a muffled car).
• If you turn on the turn signal when the emergency gang is working - the emergency light turns off - the turn signal turns on.

• The first aid kit is located under the passenger seat

• I know if you press the left black button on the dashboard, the one that is closer to the glass and hold, then turn the key in the ignition to position 1 and then hold it, then a test will appear after oil service after resetting oil service =) That's how Mona ask the oil service back to 25.000 thousand at any time =)

• Shake out the ashtray - open the lid that covers it a little wider than it opens, the ashtray will slide out towards you

• But it turns out if, after closing the car, press the close button on the remote control again - the light in the cabin will come on.

• If you turn off the car and blink the high beam before going out, the low beam will work for some time in order not to get stuck in anywhere at night.

• When the car is closed: press on the key fob “open” and hold it: all windows and hatch open! (if you let go - at this moment they stop closing). The same must be done to close them (the "close" button respectively)

• The battery needs to be recharged urgently when the headlights are turned on when starting the car (rotating the starter). Usually, in severe frosts, it is often observed (then the capacity and voltage of the battery drops), otherwise soon with a critical voltage drop. the protection will just work and the starter will not even turn.

• The ignition key is charged by the car while driving.

• With the engine off, turn on the turn signal, the dimensions of the corresponding side light up.

• Toka now learned that the steering wheel is adjustable not only up and down, but it also MOVES FORWARD

• Regarding the sweep of the wipers:
One short-term pull on yourself - only splashes
Simultaneously down and splash only TWO sweeps of the wipers (and not THREE as in zero mode)
Simultaneously down and short-term splash ONLY ONE swing.

• If you did not turn off the navigational light and put on the alarm (not native), it says that the hood is not closed and starts yelling. Damn, while it dawned on me that what was what, probably five minutes poked.

• And if you hold down the reset button for the daily mileage, you will enter the bk service functions. You can find a lot of interesting things there.

• Unlocking the TV while driving (The firmware must be updated to 28 ALL AT YOUR OWN RISK)

To view teletext, use the same procedure, but instead of “contrast”,
use "brightness".

• Service menu: dashboard as on-board computer E39 / E46

ATTENTION: Only for those who are not afraid to experiment with their car. (AT ONE'S OWN RISK)

Translated from German. Many points are not entirely clear, I apologize in advance. They are marked with “??” I will be grateful if someone clarifies.

The author does not bear any guarantee for the accuracy of the data and responsibility for the on-board electronics damaged as a result of misunderstanding and incompetent actions.

In Germany, many are now trying to sell this information in auctions under the guise of a "secret menu" Let's leave it on their conscience. There is nothing secret about these functions, and many of them are quite useful, although they were provided for “official use”. Everything is controlled by one button - reset of the day run. a prerequisite (according to unverified data) is the presence of a climaautomatics in the car.

1. Press the mileage reset button and without releasing turn the key to position 1
odometer indicator shows “test1.”
(option 2.if the key is already in position 1 or if the indicator is on, press the reset button and hold
until it switches to “test 1.” - about 10 seconds - side effect: the current daily mileage will naturally reset)
2. In this mode, functions 1 and 2 are available.
to activate any item, press the button until it appears and wait
1 sec. until it turns on.

Function 1.Factory data
1.0 VIN - last 5 characters
1.1 K-number of the speedometer
1.2 dashboard own ID number
1.3 coding / diagnostic / bus index
1.4 Vehicle build date (week / year)
1.5 current versions of hardware and software
1.6 Injection status / number of cylinders / motor factor

Function 2.
combined test
2.0 Full test of the dashboard (all lights come on; all arrows are set to the extreme
position). Don't be scared - the test lasts 12 seconds and allows you to check. whether any important light bulb has burned out for an hour - for example, overheating or oil pressure.

All other functions 3-20 are activated after 19.0. For this :
a. Press and hold the button until you switch to the 'test' function selection mode
b. Select “test19.” By short pressing of the button. and wait 1 sec. while it is activated.
v. In this function, the _on / _off modes are switched at a frequency of 1 sec. Press the button in the state
“_On” and hold up and hold until switching to “test 19” _
d. Then quickly select the required function by short pressing of the button and wait for its activation for 1 sec.
e. The transition between the points of one function is exactly the same - selection by short presses +1 sec. - function
active. The selected function remains active even when the motor is running.
e. Switching between functions - long press until switching to the test function selection mode and
similarly, selection by short presses +1 sec.

Function 3. Service interval
3.0 Coefficient of conversion of the service interval into liters
3.1 Number of days remaining until next service inspection

Function 4.
Fuel consumption
4.0 Instant consumption (at the moment) l / 100 km. for example 0154 = 15.4 l
4.1 The same in l / h

Function 5.
Travel distance
5.0 Average consumption l / 100 km.
5.1 Travel distance. km

Function 6. Fuel tank
6.0 Separate sensor readings e.g. 015234 = 1.5 l left 23.4 right
6.1 The total content of the tank (just the sum of the left and right in section 6.0)
6.2 Average value for the fuel gauge and the state of the sensors (last digit) if 1 - both are ok. 2- defective sensor. 3rd - inadequate signal. Assessment impossible

Function 7. Temperature, etc.
7.0 Coolant temperature
7.1 Outdoor temperature
7.2 Instantaneous engine speed
7.3 Instantaneous speed km / h

Function 8.
8.0 Same as 7.0-7.3 in hexadecimal

Function 9.0 Vehicle electrical system voltage. V

13.0 Gong test (I did not observe anything except the word “gong”)

15.0-15.3, 16.0-18.0 are not used

19.0 Activation of functions 3-20, described above

Function 20
Fuel consumption correction factor in thousandths (ppm)
20.1 10th digit
20.2 100th and 1000th digit
20.3 Save and display setpoint

Function21.0
General reset of set data
(including error memory, clock readings, etc.)
the action is the same as disconnecting the battery.

On some models, using the above functions has the side effect of • switching the temperature reading to Fahrenheit. Eliminated for example by reset (21.0)

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In this publication, we will describe the installation and removal of the rear arm in the Bmw E46. If you have it broken and want to replace it, then our video tip will certainly come in handy. What difficulties arise when replacing it?