E46 BMW- A Guide to Tuning and Modifying 

Thanks everyone for watching! A few things to clear up: Yes, I know the music is too loud. The video export compressed the sound in a weird way, and when I released this video, I didn't think I would be making a full channel! (Or I would have been more careful). On to the BMW... There are other maintenance things do to, that will greatly help you get the car up to tuning standards. You should look into re-doing your VANOS seals. This will re-gain lost low end torque. There are also a few bushings that are probably shot. Replace the rear trailing arm bushings, and replace the front control arm bushings at least. Replacing the small bushings in the shift linkage will sharpen the shifter feel up as well. On to performance... Once you get proper tires and brakes, consider looking into a real alignment. Front camber plates will help you get the front to grip, and the factory camber adjustment is minimal. Front camber plates will get you between -2 and -4 (ish) degrees of camber. There are lots of options to look up. Once you have those, have a proper alignment done. This will drastically chance the way the car handles if done properly. If you have any questions feel free to leave it here and I, or someone else will hopefully answer it for you. NO QUESTION IS STUPID. ASK AWAY.

took an acid trip on 2023 and ended up watching young Thomas on his solo days!

but why the 80's porn music in the background?

I like your advice, start with all the fluids and filters and work up. Mods for these are going to be like modding any NA engine, CAMS, ported headers, test pipe, better flowing exhaust, CAI will make power if installed to a colder location, chips will help to an extent, standalone ecu and dyno tune will always make more power, lightened flywheel, lighter pulleys, porting head, then polyurethane control arm bushes, sway bar, bushes, links, camber bolts etc.

my first problem was valve cover gasket than oil filter housing gasket whit o-rings.. oil was everywhere :) thanks to youtube i fixed it :D im learning a lot about service since i have e46 and i love it.. :)

i have been driving bmw for the last 26 years. now driving a e46 325i man gotta love the buttery smooth inline 6 in this car feeels so refined.

For 330i you can do:Port and polish head and Throttle body.Cold air intake K&N,Light flywheel,Underdrive pulleys,New camshafts or camshaft reprofiling (cheap),Exhaust manifolds,New exhaust,,Shorter diff ( is good to be LSD-because LSD gives good start from 0 mph) and all this things needs good remap - its stage 2 remap.From this you got -50-60 hp on crankshaft..You got 330i stage 2.

I'm a BMW Tech...I wont drive anything else. Im not sure what car out there requires NO maintenance, No repairs, and never has any problems EVER? But when BMW's have an issue (usually caused by blatant neglect)...people use that to dog on it's reputation. You want to talk about cars with serious problem? Go buy a Pontiac FIero, or a Chrysler LeBaron, or a Range Rover....just make sure you have a fire extinguisher riding shot-gun!!!

Getting my 2002 BMW E46 325i Sport manual with 140k miles decarbonized tomorrow and remapped on Wednesday! Also did throttle reset hack today so results will be interesting!

Thanks.......... Nice video. You've just convinced me to buy a Honda. :)

bro loved the video and you're wrong BMWs are not that much money to own if you know what you're doing with them but still great video and you are absolutely right about the maintenance first then fun later got myself a 2001 bmw325xi with only 76,000 miles on it some maintenance done and a lot of modifications done under the hood 2.5 inline 6 first Beemer ever and I love it because of your video I made sure maintenance was done right away one owner car no service records oops my bad should have made sure but came with two keys and no issues today bought it 6 months ago once again great vid

Greatest guide on RU-vid!

thanks for the info I just found your videos today and I learn a lot about e46

Very nice! I have an e46 with those rims too, keep uploading.

I came here for a quick recommendation for maincametenance, and ended up getting something that the OP of this channel called ( something right out the back ) and it's to, replace anything that's bolted down. Replace all liquids , oils etc. I was waiting for the punch line, ( to replace the head gaskets )

Just got my seconde46. Defnitely has its flaws but its worth it. Had a zhp awhile ago and it was incredibke, now i got the 325 sedan in oxford green

I will tell you how we modify our e46 in europe. Buy 330diesel 204bhp. Then bigger turbo gtb2260vk from 330d e90 , e60 335d injectors, new bigger intercooler,cp 3 fuel pump , remapping and custom ceramic clutch set up. We get ~350hp-380hp and 600-700nm. All costs around 3000euros, so it is like 3500 dollars. So yea, good luck "tuning" your atmospheric petrol engines with cold air intakes +15bhp ;DDD .

For engine stuff you need exhaust, cams, procharger and cooling. Also you need stronger a stronger head gasket, like for example carbon fibre so it can hold the higher rpms. The reason I said procharger is because it is a lot cheaper, waaay easier to install and it still makes a lot of power!

Wishing they could rerelease another e46. I love e46 especially m3 which is my ideal car

i think most timing chains last 300k miles or more they have automatic tensioners that take up slake in the chain as it gets worn. changing the oil every 3000 to 5000 miles instead of 15000 miles like bmw suggest. keeps timing chains and the rest of the engine in good shape also keeps gaskets from getting hard and leaking, and the vanos from getting clogged up with dirt. this guy in the video is mostly correct about all the things that need to be replaced to keep these car running. the power steering pumps fail around 100kmiles. waterpump and thermostat must be replaced every 60kmiles. the engine cannot ever be overheated or run hot, or it will blow a head gasket, so all cooling system items must be kept in good working order. radiator and coolant recovery tank and hoses must be replaced every 120k miles. belts and belt tensioners and idler pulleys need to be replaced every 75k miles.

lsd? weld the diff instead. and cold air intakes do work. you don't get a big gain in hp, but it helps, and is healthy for the engine. your letting it get more air it CAN already get. factory filters restrict. now its getting more air in you headers, can get wider diameter exhaust so all that extra air can move. hell you can even go a little bigger with injectors too. and colder air is more dense. only if you have it done right. pipe going down towards front lower area of engine bay, away from fan areas where its blowing warm air around, usually filter located around fog light area where bumper grill let's air in. BUT, you don't want to go too low, especially if you don't have engine cover underneath. when its raining your engine will become a shop vac and suck water getting splashed around. you want to have it in that right spot so it can get the cool air coming in by bumpers grill by fog light. I believe it's the e46 csl it has another Hole by the fog light on the left side only specifically for the air to go in through a tube to the filter.

We have had our 2004 325xi for 15 years now, my dad is the first owner. In just over a week the car ended up in the shop twice! Brake and oil lights both went on, only to find out that our brakes are gone, our oil gasket is leaking (we also had to get an oil change, my dad accidentally poured ATF into the oil!), and the worst part, the rear coil springs were cracked and the rear struts were leaking. Very expensive repairs, and probably the last repairs my dad will do. Because next year, this car will be MINE, and I am NOT COMPLAINING.

Very good advice

Hi.i am new here have a BMW E 46 it is 2000 year model thank you for advise .I do the old fluid flashing it and only I need to replace some of the lower parts bushings cut off a lot af sound i heard once i hit the small hall in the street.buy anyways thank you for your video giving me an idea how to make my car in good condition but I don't want to modify i want is only like nice but everything in my car I want is stock i just a lips to my front bumper and that's it no more modification.Thank you so much.

Performance mods 101: 1) go forced induction or don't waste your money 2) become a damn good mechanic because paying someone else to work on your car will cost you more than just buying a better car in the first place

Can I put some vix in the entrance of the cold air intake pad filter for extra cold air? Or will the engine ignite and explode ?

Forum Veteran here. Well said lol.

5 things you don't need in throttle and getup and go, Header's there nice, but not necessary, use straight thru , catlac covertor, and easier flow muffler, preferred partially stuffed, you need packing get out of mufffler. don't be afraid to turbo but don't turn it up why it stales, add nos thru not injectors but air flow works better and performance is better, but do's require a electric or pulley driven turbo do's not matter how big bigger more blown engine. look at pressure was it made in europe to standards of car or to standards of pound verse's air flow or FLR- FR-FL difference's are pretty good since each one can actually blow engine from in normally done with NOS to pound but not pound to inch less you have a big block and large intake. how to modify but hey don't make one go carburator instead of injector and have tab and screw on setup or drill smaller then size you need and add side cut piece of bronze and lock tight or brazen it on with brazen weld when done funny look wax stuff do's on to trap heat in so it can finish can take up to 48 hours to cool and set if you use wax stuff no cold water. Injector to gas ratio often enough hard starting cars have to much NOS ratio is 0005 to .0008 but lets say boost to gain no sport then just sayed what you need then. now ratio on average runner is going to be gas ratio .005 to .030, spray, hard to find mircro injectors, why air intake is better button you can hit get boost, done correctly at .02 ratio to .05 ratio you will see boost at injector rates is lesser number, 1 pd of NOS and it's over 456 injector to 1500 injector squirts of NOS just for cooler on heat level and boost control if just looking for boost in passing use .015 to .025 ratios so this doesn't damage engine, Do not set injector behind mass air flow sensors. you mess up sensor if it back fires into filter.

Tires-> suspension and brakes-> a proper LSD-> then everything else.

Hahah everything he said to do for maintenance im actually doing right now. As I just bought it and it needs everything

Turn the f***ing music down. it should be background noisr, but I couldn't hear half of what you said

haha most of things you you mentioned i had to do buying mine. cracked expansion tank, cold air intake oem boot torn, changed vanos seals leaking like a bitch, blow the rear diff up and now a rear output shaft driving a bmw like a bimmer should be driven haha going for a rear set up off a 330d will be bullet proof.

great advice; thanks

I drive an e55 now but I used to own a 330i and trust me buying a 325 and bringing upto the power of a 330i IS pointless! Maybe for your next project you could get a 318 and bring it up to the power of a 325 😂😂

Cool video. Lots of help. Roughly, how much do you think those maintenance areas you named off might cost just for the parts? Have my eyes on a 325i at the moment or save up for the E90 335i...

Don't forget to check if timing chain was recently done before you buy. If not, it could cost you about $1,000 to sort.

I like your headlights I have same car but mine are different. Where did you get your head lights

Everything cool but this background music plays louder to me after 4th beer. so next time vid with no background music please. :)

This guy makes me not want to buy an e46. Ever.

I understand you blurred out the license plate but you can see it at 0:31

Well said

Noticed your plate says Ontario and that you're wearing shorts. Can't tell if good weather for shorts or if you're just really used to cold temps...

You forgot to blur your license plate for a few frames. Not sure what somebody would do with it..

Where can I get an LSD for e46?

1. Water pump 2.engine oil 3.trans/diff oil 4.gaskets all of then 5.transmissiom gasket the round rubbery thingys both of em 6. All filters 7.adjust chain tension in engine 7.5 Change pulleys & thermostat 8. NOW ENJOY YOUR CAR klick like

A 6 minute guide of how to make a $5000 car cost $15,000 without doing single mod lol

Change your bmw blinker fluid

please don't use background music while you talk, it is very annoying.. Anyways thanks a lot for interesting vids!

I have owned three consecutive BMW e46s (all 325xi). I buy them used with 150k+ miles for $3500-4500 and run them hard until they aren't worth the maintenance and then they become parts cars. They are a riot to drive, especially in the winter. They have the most wonderful awd system (60/40 rear/front) power distribution. They are meant for hitting that little button that turns the warning lights on and the traction control off. Living in northern Michigan driving in the snow has become my favorite winter sport, 60mph and sideways and being well in control is a damn good feeling. I keep these cars generally stock aside from fitting a better stereo in and some after market rims for my snow tires. Maintenance is minimal in my opinion, no more or less than most cars... and I run these things hard. Many valid points in this video, one thing to add for more performance is weight reduction. One of my parts cars is being turned into a hillclimb rally mobile so I am in the process of removing as much as possible, ie speakers, door panels, seats, etc. If you have ever wanted a fun, inexpensive car to rip around in, just buy an e46.

you can drive bmws for a long time without maintenance, but if you keep up with it they are driving machines

Wow. This is what I was looking for on youtube. Please continue to let us e46ers know what is important to pay attention to on our builds. Currently making a to-do list based off your videos.

You are exactly right. Maintaining an E46 is very satisfying. I've had my 325xi for about 3 yrs now and started with an engine replacement (last owner sucked with oil changes), replaced everything during that; coolant system, belts, OFHG, PCV, plugs, fluids, bushings. Replaced 3/4 axles and some diff seals, and miscellaneous along the way, but you know what? Its nice to have a car that is RELIABLE from maintenance, especially in -40 below winters in MN. The E46 is a very nice base to have a clean looking car, and adding some subtle mods - angel eyes, smoked corners, etc. - go a long way, and have gotten plenty of compliments. Is maintenance pricey? Yea, with any car it can be. But I have also learned a lot from owning this one car and enjoy working on her, makes me appreciate it that much more. This coming Spring gotta replace the rear suspension!

I googled something for my E46 and it brought me here, now you're saying to Google again. WHAT???

everyone must follow these steps, i agree.

lmfao, guess what popped on me first, that damn expansion tank, good advice folks.

good job on covering the license plate xD, you can still see it on 0:31

So interesting to watch these old videos. When did you realize you're funny? I know it's part of the "script" of the new videos, but you're so naturally hilarious/charming throughout all the new videos. Like I said, interesting to watch!

Change the title, nothing about tuning here, its all maintenance, iv'e always driven bmw's and most of the problems are down to very poor maintenance, these machines will drive forever once they are looked after, better than any other road car fact.

just got my 02 330ci with 110k kms, already replaced the thermostat, alternator, waterpump. Changed to liqui moly oil, will do the differential oil change soon, next spring will do a fully swap to a manual transmission(now it's an auto), luckily I got my buddy who's a mechanic help me, saved tons of labor cost XD

I came here contemplating buying an E46 M3, I'm leaving content with my '10 Forester XT

Good video, another tip: If you want to combine proper maintenance with a potentially real power increase, replace or repair the VANOS unit and replace both cam sensors (intake and exhaust). On any E46 with a six and close to 100k this will be worn out. Doing this had an incredible effect on my 328Ci's power output. I did not do an actual power test but I would estimate at least 20% power increase at certain RPMs, close to factory level, judged from acceleration numbers. It also dramatically decreased fuel consumption (by 20%!). It also took care of some weird behaviours like stumbling at idle, power dip at 3000RPM etc. This will make the car much better and cheaper to run. Also vacuum leaks, like you touch on (DISA, intake rubber parts) is gold for performance.

I am a 6 yr bmw tech and I own a e46 1999 323i, the worst year ever yet i have 307000 on the dial. Maintenance is a big thing. This video is wrong in a few areas for a person with an e46. If you need to do a clutch get rid of the damn dual mass fly wheel, very large problem. Valve cover gasket and oil filter gasket a must on these cars so I do agree. Replace the rear main while doing the solid flywheel and upgrade the clutch...... I wont name the brand I went with but night and day difference. Also if you want some power this car will take 8ish psi of boost safely and a 100 shot of N.O. really well. Any questions hit me up

too many plastic parts, always need changing, especially if you live in a colder area. The biggest pain in the ass with these cars, is the damn vacuum leaks, that orange service engine light will haunt you in your dreams,especially codes P1347, P1353, UUUUUUGGGG!!!! the very best mod, and it's cheap,giving the engine a little more spunk, is deleting the crankcase ventilator (ccv), and changing it to an oil catch can, it's the best 25.00 you'll ever spend. changing that stock ccv, instead of doing the delete, will give you a guaranteed case of tourette's syndrome, and will add the bmw engineer, to your top 10 most hated person on the planet list.

Damm this was the start

could turn off the music while you speak!

I bought my 2002 BMW 325ci in 04 its now 2024/25 just had engine rebuild, replaced everything, replaced plastic parts resivior tank radiator and water pump with all aluminium, new clutch and flywheel. Car runs better now then when I first bought it. It still needs a few things, oil sensor, fuel sensor, transmission and Differential fuel changes, its been electronicly tuned, it runs like a new BMW

Bought mine (03 plate, convertible, 0 rust, slight oil leak, 90k on the clock) for £2.5k - fantastic motor and every time I drive it is just as fun as the first time I got in it

I got a question I have 170,000 miles should I change the transmission filter and fliud,, I dont slip or nothing,, the only thing when I first start in the morning,, I have to let it warm up cause if I out it in drive right away it won't go anywhere,, its almost like the fluid has to warm up or some thing, but after a few minutes it drives nice and shifts very good,, I asked 3 different people and 2 of them said DONT change it, and the last guy said change it and that problem will solve it selve and u won't have to wait 5-10 minutes to take off,, SOMEONE PLZ GIVE M.J E UR HONEST OPTION PLZ

I love old school Throttle House! 10/10 bad porn music and bare bones production! “Throw a bag over the camera!” LMAO! It’s awesome watching you guys grow. PS, help convince my wife to let me get an E46 330 as our second car. Autocross and it fits two car seats, the ultimate driving machine?!?!

nice vid i have a 330i with 3.46 gears and its pretty easy to reach top speed. I want to say top speed for 5 speed manual with 3.46 is about 140mph, might be a little off but thts what ive hit and rpms are over 6k.

I think tunning is bad for cars because if a car has for ex. 300HP, why would you make it 325HP, engine of the car is made for 300HP and if you tune it then in couple of years 1-2 you will see how tunning fucks ups your car. It happened to my BMW.. Luckelly i fixed it

A Guide To Tuning: Do Not Tune. Awesome lesson on chip tuning these. I will definitely share this informative tuning video. Thank you ❤.

Guide for N/A e46 tuners *Cai, Headers, exhaust, m50 intake manifold, power pully kit, mechanical fan delete, and lastly zhp cams.*

It's now possible to DIY tune your MS43 computer, as seen in early e46/e39/e53 I6s. Look up some RU-vid videos, and check out the MS43 wiki.

I have a 2000 328i and it seems like finding performance parts for it is hard none of my questions get answered is the m52b28 just an odd motor? I can’t find an ECU, i can’t find bolt ons for it and I can’t seem to find anyone that actually knows how to tune them I wanna make the car a monster but I can’t when parts aren’t available for that motor

lol... do the oil, waterpump, thermostat and those important bits. Then tune. Does a expention tank burst? It starts leaking oil? Switch off the car and fix it. Maybe unpopular opinion, if it aint broke. don't fix it.

just got done installing an ebay supercharger on my 316i compact but it runs really bad now. should I consider doing my first oil change?

Very nice helpful video. I'm going for a M3 shortly here so these are great tips on what I should start with upon initial purchase thank you.

i'm sure you said great things, but I could not hear a word over the cheezy 70's soundtrack cranked up to 8.5... I guess I could have used CC

nope, mine is 2004 and only 47k miles or less. I'm the original owner but curious if i should beef it up or change the grill black and or change the wheels to black too to see if it looks updated with all that.

Do do do do doe wang wang wang 🎷🎺🎸 this music 🎶

Must must must do maintenance. O4 e48 passing 290,000 miles today. 07 e90 passing 150,000. Both getting same things done at same time lol

So you basically clickbaited people to watch you telling them to do anything but tune and modify their car?

Maintenance on bmw never ends, I have one for two years and there's always something needing fix. The light at the end of the tunnel always seems one step away

Worn oot, replace it. Worn oot, replace it. The bmw is worn oot, replace it. Buy a Subaru. A real drivers car 👍

10 years old 😅

5000? Is this a joke i bought my 328 with low milage in good shape for 800 lol

Man...crazy watching these older videos now lol

Not boring at all.. very productive.. keep them coming 💪👌

Biggest advise is buy the$400-$700 maintenance packages that come with all the parts. Don't buy parts separately. Saves you so much time over a lengthy ownership.

we can see your license plate at 0:30 bro

I do not know why, but I really don't like this video. I didn't dislike though…

4min in and i just realized that its the guy from throttle house

Bmw works with mobile 1 so i would use it

I'm sorry, i just cant handle the sound delay on this video...

my wife wanted one cause for 5k they look awesome great but with all the coments and info gathered there moneypits,so moving on to next car

S85 swap. Your argument is invalid.

Ive always wanted to get the shark card the that raises the rev limiter to 7k, but I feel like thats really not great for the engine.

Drive it till the wheels fall off! Throw it in the gutter and go buy another!

NOPE NOPE , buy bbs and sport suspension, Weld/Lock the rear diff, make an manual button for auxiiary fan!, weld the clutch fan, mount an drift hanbrake, take out rear seats, everething that is extraweight, DO AN OIL CHANGE! buy an K&N filter, buy an remus exhuast! and go to drift!, IMPORTANTLY for e46 remove clutch protection.