BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

tnguyen74

Thanks Shipo. I've always popped the plug but since this car is very low it's hard to get underneath. How well do oil extractors work and is there any downsides to using them? Perhaps it doesn't get everything and leaves behind debris. Any particular oil extactor brand/model works well?

I'm a BMW newbie but how do you reset the oil change indicator? Do I have to buy a reset tool or something?

I noticed the vehicle says pre-wired for alarm and there is a red light on the rear-view mirror. Is this a module I just need to purchase and the dealer programs?

shipo

"Thanks Shipo. I've always popped the plug but since this car is very low it's hard to get underneath. How well do oil extractors work and is there any downsides to using them? Perhaps it doesn't get everything and leaves behind debris. Any particular oil extractor brand/model works well?"

After I bought the oil extractor (I use the Pela 650 BTW http://www.pelaproducts.com/description.htm which can be found for about ~$60 on the street) I too was a bit skeptical. The first time I've used it in each of the four cars we've had since I bought it I pulled the plug as well and only got a few drips to come out. Worst case scenario as far as I can tell is that conventional draining leaves maybe a thimble full in the bottom of the pan, the oil extractor might leave a thimble and a half worth of oil in there. Not too shabby. ;-) As for the debris, it seems that the aggressive nature of the vacuum gets even more of the pan debris than conventional draining, not that this debris is much of an issue as the filter would get it anyway if it ever got picked up by the engine.

"I'm a BMW newbie but how do you reset the oil change indicator? Do I have to buy a reset tool or something?"

As far as the service indicator reset, I believe that there are a number of tools out there to do this, here are a couple:

http://www.thetoolnetwork.com/bmw_service_indicator_reset.html
http://www.peakeresearch.com/index.html

"I noticed the vehicle says pre-wired for alarm and there is a red light on the rear-view mirror. Is this a module I just need to purchase and the dealer programs?"

The alarm package can be purchased at your dealership or through one of the dealerships that have an online parts department. The installation is rather easy (a couple of hours and a beer), and then you need to take the car to your dealership to have them program it. That said, the alarm isn't much of a deterrent. Why? Because of the inherent goodness of the antitheft package already in your car, all the alarm does is add a motion detector and an alarm. I've had one BMW with the alarm, and one without, and personally I wouldn't bother messing with it.

Best Regards,
Shipo

venture

I went to the local watering hole tonight to try to relieve some cabin fever.

A guy and his wife were sitting next to me and he started telling me how he got a speeding ticket on the turnpike in his M3.

After a few minutes of conversation, all the time I was extolling the virtures of the M3, I realized he was talking about his Mazda 3.

Cripes!!! :mad:

sharn1

Oh my gosh....too funny!!

kyfdx

Went into my local hangout... Saw a new car sitting outside with temp tags...

Sit down with my co-workers.. one of them says..
"Hey, I got a new car"

"Really, what is it" (I knew..I'd seen it)

"I got a GT"

"GT? A Mustang GT?"

"Uh.. no.. an Escort GT".

"Cool... nice car.." :surprise:

kominsky

BMW filter and Mobil-1 5w-30 oil. While still under warranty, I used BMW oil just to be sure there would be no questions if a warranty claim was needed. The service meter will not reset unless you or a dealership reset it.

shipo

Yikes! You're not using Mobil 1 5W-30 in your E46 are you? Beware, that stuff doesn't meet the BMW LL-01 oil requirements (which is the proper standard for all E46 cars except for the M3), neither does the Mobil 1 0W-30. The only Mobil 1 sold here in North America that meets the stringent BMW Long Life 2001 requirements is 0W-40.

Best Regards,
Shipo

venture

"Cool... nice car.."

LOL It makes ya nuts!

kominsky

For real? I was using the recommended BMW 5w-30 during warranty. I just kept the same weight Mobil 1 when I made the switch. I guess I'll change to 0w-40 with the next change. The good news is that at ~115K miles, it's still running like a champ. Thanks!

rhmass

Shipo, I just had the oil change yesterday at the dealer (under free maintenance). I checked the oil level today and noticed it was about one quart low. Since I have a couple quarts of Mobil 0W-40, will it be alright if I put a quart of that instead of taking the time driving back to the dealer? I know dealer uses 5W-30 BMW synthetic. TIA

tnguyen74

Has anyone any experience installing the angel eye kits for the E46 3 series? I've seen kits being sold on e-Bay and they look very nice but I'm hesitant about installing them myself. Do the headlight lens come off pretty easy?

Mr_Shiftright

no, don't mix synthetic with non.

shipo

It would probably be okay to use your 0W-40, however, I'm not really a fan of mixing oils so early in the oil change cycle. Why? Honestly, I can't offer a rational explanation; it's more of a gut feeling than anything else. The flip side is that if you were 13,000 miles into a 15,000 mile oil change cycle and you needed a quart, I wouldn't hesitate to use the Mobil 1.

In your case, I'd probably just drop by the dealer and have them pour in another quart. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

"no, don't mix synthetic with non."

Ummm, a couple of points:

1) To the best of my knowledge, all generally available synthetic oils in the market today are compatible with conventional oils, and as such, mixing isn't an issue.

2) BMW's 5W-30 is a synthetic oil. If it weren't, then they wouldn't be able to go 15,000 between oil changes.

Best Regards,
Shipo

rhmass

Thanks, I'll just take the trouble to drop by the dealer for the quart.

motorcity3

Hello everyone. I have seen a number of posts about the Service Engine light being on but I wanted to ask if any of you have encountered the following: My Service Engine Soon light will go on, then after about 4-5 starts, it will reset(turn off). Then about a day or two later it will go on and then again after about 4-5 stats it will go off. It has been doing this for the last couple of weeks now. Could that be because my gas cap is not making good contact or is it something else? Has anyone experienced this? I have a '01 325i.

Thanks to all.

circlew

You are over your warrantee period, but I would check the gas cap effectiveness. I believe they can be tested. If it is not working properly, your symtsymptoms textbook for this or it may be a bad sensor.

Just make sure it is on tight first.

Regards,
OW

Mr_Shiftright

Well okay it's not going to BLOW UP or anything... :P ...but it's a bad habit to mix them and it certainly compromises how the oil works to some extent...they are, after all, different.

But in an emergency, sure, fine...point taken!

tcn2k

Guys,
I have a 2001 325i with about 58k miles. I noticed over the weekend while starting the car to back in and out of the garage to get my other car out; the engine was rather shaky during the start and after turning it off, the smell of the emission was bad. I didn't let the car warm up or anything and moved the car a few times when it was cold (starting it up and off). Well this morning my Service Engine soon light came on whilst in commute to the office. And the engine had a rough shaky start this morning as well. Now it just stays illuminated. I know it's not the gas cap since it half tank since last I filled. It has to do with the emission, can anyone possiblely give me an idea on what/how many sensors there are that would set this light off? And most importantly; does it go out by itself or do i need to get the code read and erased by a stealer?

shipo

IIRC, the two things that I've heard regarding the E46 engines that would dovetail with your described problem are:

1) Bad cam position sensor(s). I believe there is one per cam.
2) Bad igniton coil(s). I beleive there is one coil per spark plug.

Also, while I've never had to do either, it is my understanding that both jobs are fairly easy and inexpensive DIY tasks.

Best Regards,
Shipo

erickpl

From Post #24796 of this very thread, you CAN do this w/o going to the dealer (thanks Brave1heart):

From the Bentley manual:

To reset the indicator:
-The car should be off
-hold down the left instrument button (the trip odometer reset)
-while holding the key, turn the ignition to position 1 (radio)
-you will see a test menu
-keep holding the button
-after maybe 10 seconds, the word "reset" will appear
-let go of the button and press again
-THe indicator is reset!

In reading about the indicator, I also learned that BMW changed the way the intervals are calculated for cars post 6/2000.
For cars buiilt after this date, it is calculated based solely on gallons of fuel consumed (for example, 601 gallons for 328i manual).

Cars built prior to this date take into account other factors such as engine temp, # of cold starts, etc. I don't know why BMW bothered to change and simplify this-- if they already had the electronics, why not just leave it alone?

tcn2k

Do know of a website that have this as a DIY? Or do you know how I can diagnose which cam for sensor or which coil for spark plug?

shipo

I believe that AutoZone will lend you a diagnostic tool that will allow you to pull the codes.

I did a little digging and came up with this site:

http://danzee.angeltowns.net/BMW/IntakeCamSensor/intakecamsensorR_R.html

I know that I've seen others. Maybe someone else has a like or two saved up. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

fla528

Help...!
I have a 2004 330ci and last weekend I noticed that my running lights were on the the light switch was turned off. Then today my low oil indicator light was flashing and the oil level is perfect; in fact I had the oil changed three weeks ago at the dealership...Any ideas why I have this electrical gremlin...??

Thanks for any input

tcn2k

Thanks shipo. I went to autozone since I found on another site that they have a diagnostic tool for use for free. Come to a a 1350, engine miss fire. I erased the code to see if it happens again. I think it's just a fluke because it was cold and I start/stop the car several times and I did notice the engine idle rough at one point and I think it was trying to readjust itself when I stopped it. In anycase, so far so good.

venture

A month or so ago the light on the dash of my E46 ('05 325i) that indicated low coolant level would come on when starting the car, but after a few seconds of driving it would go off.

I checked the coolant level and it was a little low. Since I didn't have any of the whiz-bang BMW coolant I have seen people talking about I just put a little water in it to bring it up to level, (maybe 6 ounces as a guess) intending to take it to the dealer to have it looked at. The small amount of water did solve the problem.

I called the dealer to ask about it and the sales manager said he asked the service department what they use. They told him to use "any green coolant". :surprise:

Is that correct? No special coolant required as long as it's green?

I will probably get the cooling system drained and refilled at Inspection 1 in a few thousand miles, but I am wondering if it's OK to use this dealer.

circlew

Venture,

As long as you used only a little water, this should not be a problem as water is mixed with "the good stuff" anyway. You can check the effectiveness of your coolant but I am real sure you will not need to change it so soon. It should be good for 100K miles.

Regards,
OW

venture

So there really is some good stuff?

If there is, I wonder what this dealer does use if someone wants to flush and refill.

erickpl

I'd only use BMW coolant - or distilled wate rin a pinch.

-Paul

circlew

I don't know for sure but I'd gamble it's a 50/50 mix of BMW certified coolant with water, which could be distilled.

Does anyone know?

Regards,
OW

erickpl

Did BMW ever offer the ipod/aux plug in the E46's? If so, what year did that start? I know my 2002 didn't have it.

-Paul

akv25

I think this might not be the most relevant question but it is something that gives me great pleasure while I drive. I just LOVE the exhaust note from the e46 3s - I've driven the 325 and the 330 and the low rumble is music to my ears.

I test drove the new e90 325 a few months ago and the exhaust note was , at least for me, conspicuosly missing. I haven't driven the 328 or the new 335. Is it true or is this just me? Sadly for me, the driving experience is incomplete without it.

On erickpl's ipod question - I've got the dealer installed ipod adapter that plugs to the stereo on my '03 330.

erickpl

You have part numbers? Where is it installed? What functionality does it give you?

I know they have iPod adapters for the iDrive-equipped BMW's, but don't know much about the iPod interface for the E46's.

-Paul

kominsky

I'm getting ready to do some shopping for a brake pad and disk replacement on my '01 330Ci. I plan on going after-market on the components figuring I can get better performance for less $$. Anyone have recommendations on the pads and/or the discs? Lowering volume of brake dust would be nice, but not at the expense of performance. The setup is for spirited street driving and maybe the occasional school.

Also, should the wear sensors be replaced even if they have not been "tripped"?

thanks!

kyfdx

I've got this post bookmarked about brakes..

Brake pads

erickpl

PBR/Axxis brakes. Sensor should not need to be replaced if it hasn't been tripped. When I did mine, the sensor HAD tripped so I had to put the new one on. No biggie.

-Paul

kyfdx

LOL... that post is yours...

erickpl

Nice to know I've been a reference for somebody! hehe

-Paul

abfisch

Which of these units did you buy for oil extractors??? PL 6000 or the PL 650???

Thanks.

abfisch

shipo

The PL-650 I believe. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

I'll second the PBR/Axxis notion. I had them on my 530i and they were wonderful. Good stopping power and NO DUST. Did you hear that? NO DUST! :shades:

Best Regards,
Shipo

kominsky

Thanks guys! PRB/Axxis it is. You using the Metal Master or Ultimate? (the two choices on turnermotorsports.com)

Shipo, if there's "NO DUST", what am I gonna do with all that wheel cleaner I stocked up on?!

hgeyer

BMW and iPod came out with an adapter that you can install. BavAuto sells it as part number PA10BMW. It costs $140.

Two caviats: (i) you can't use it with a NAV system; and (ii) can't use it with a CD changer installed.

I installed it two years ago and I like it.

erickpl

No need to second it, Shipo. It was YOUR recommendation that drove me (literally) to put em on my 325xi. So I'll second YOUR recommendation!

I got em from some performance shop online and they got to me quickly and I think I used shipo's recommendation for THAT as well.

-Paul

shipo

Well, in that case... ;-)

IIRC I used http://www.importrp.com for my pads. Et tu, Brute? Just kidding. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

I used the Deluxe Plus pads as I wasn't going to be tracking my car. Around that time I actually talked with the PBR/Axxis head honcho here in North America and basically his recommendations were:

1) Use the Deluxe Plus pads for 100% street use.
2) Use the Metal Master (now called XBR Semi-Metallic) pads for mostly street use with a little track work. These pads do yield a little dust, but far less than the OEM pads.
3) Use the Ultimate (now called ULT Ceramic) on cars that see LOTS of track time. These pads yield considerably more dust than the OEM pads, and according to him, they are so aggressive that they might even outlast a set of rotors.

Best Regards,
Shipo

kominsky

brave1heart

Hawk HPS for street driving; PFC97 for the track ;o)

fedlawman

I've had great success with Mintex C-Tech pads on my M3 - both street and track. They have held up very well and have great bite, but they do dust and squeal.

My "normal-driven" Volvo wears Mintex "red box" pads. $38 per axle and very quiet/dust free. BMWCCA members I know love the "red-box" pads for their street-driven Bimmers too (that's why I tried them).

kominsky

We went from unanimous PBR/Axxis (all two people ) to most of the major pad manufacturers being covered. Where are the EBC guys? I guess it's a pretty good bet that I'd be happy with performance street pads from any of the reputable manufacturers. Thanks all!

Btw, nobody's weighed in on the rotors... any opinions? Brave, you put ATE's on your car if I remember correctly. Happy with them?