← Older revision

Revision as of 12:05, 15 May 2013

(7 intermediate revisions by one user not shown)

Line 1,053:

You should always use BMW coolant (mixed 50/50 with distilled water, of course)

+

DIYs for individual components can be found in the Maintenance section above.

A very thorough write up on the cooling system refresh (including proper bleed procedure) can be found [http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=914109 here]

Line 1,224:

Line 1,225:

On 9/04/2011, NHTSA announced a recall of MY 2002 - 2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi models built between 9/01/2001 and 3/01/2005 to repair the open ground connection at the 8-pin connnector of the tail light assembly. A total of 241,000 vehicles are affected. The recall identification number is 11V438000. Repairs will be made free of charge. Owner notification is expected to begin in October of 2011. Owner's may Google 'NHTSA Recalls' and enter the appropriate model information to view documents as BMW submits them to NHTSA.

−

====Electrical systems going whack?====

+

====Electrical systems going whack? (Failed iBus device or Dying Battery)====

There are two problems that affect all of your electrical systems. Symptoms include steering wheel buttons not working, turn signals or gauges not working, radio not turning on, etc.

* The most common cause is a failed device on the iBus: try unplugging your cd changer, ipod adapter, satellite radio, etc.

−

* The second most common cause is simply a bad battery. Batteries on the E46 are known to only last about four years. A cheaper than OEM replacement battery is the "49DL" available from autozone. Although this battery is of different size and dimension of the OEM battery it can be made to fit and functions properly. Here's a thread with some details: [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162476 Thread 1]. Many festers have also had luck with an Everstart MAXX 94R or RN found at Walmart, which is the correct original size and dimensions as the OEM battery. You can read the details in this thread: [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417105 Thread 2]

+

* The second most common cause is simply a bad battery. Batteries on the E46 are known to only last about four years. Using the Hidden Onboard Computer Functions directions above, you can monitor your system voltage. A healthy battery will show around 12 volts with the car off, and around 14 volts while running. A cheaper than OEM replacement battery is the "49DL" available from autozone. Although this battery is of different size and dimension of the OEM battery it can be made to fit and functions properly. Here's a thread with some details: [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162476 Thread 1]. Many festers have also had luck with an Everstart MAXX 94R or RN found at Walmart, which is the correct original size and dimensions as the OEM battery. You can read the details in this thread: [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417105 Thread 2]

* Convertibles have a smaller battery tray in the trunk and are unable to use the 49DL and must use the 94R sized battery.

"49DL" and "94R" are standardized battery sizes that will have specific height, width, and length dimensions. See the threads above for further information.

+

====Problems Starting with possible other odd electrical behavior====

+

See [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=596758 this thread] for symptoms and ignition switch replacement DIY. Problems with the ignition switch are usually characterized by the starter not engaging every time the key is turned and/or a long delay between turning the key to the start position and the starter actually engaging. Note: starting problems can also be associated with fuel/spark problems, a weak/dead battery and/or problems with the starter itself.

====Remote lock/unlock on your key not working?====

Line 1,251:

Line 1,255:

====DSC, ABS, and BRAKE lights all illuminated?====

−

This happens when the car has detected a fault and has disabled the DSC and ABS systems. If you recently drove on ice, a dynamometer, or on another very slippery surface, the car may just /think/ the system has malfunctioned. Driving a few miles on a regular surface should fix the problem.

+

This happens when the car has detected a fault and has disabled the DSC and ABS systems. If you recently drove on ice, a dynamometer, or on another very slippery surface, the car may just /think/ the system has malfunctioned. Driving a few miles on a regular surface should fix the problem. Sometimes a dying battery will produce odd errors like this as well.

Another fix is to slowly turn the steering wheel from completely left to completely right, then back again.

Line 1,265:

Line 1,269:

The steering angle sensor is accessible from inside the cabin. You can find a picture of its location by searching for it on www.realoem.com/bmw.

+

An in-depth test of the ABS module and possible loose wire fix is discussed in [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7585674#post7585674 this thread]

==Engine==

BimmerWiki - Recent changes [en]

BMW E46

@@ Line 1,053: / Line 1,053: @@
 You should always use BMW coolant (mixed 50/50 with distilled water, of course)
 A very thorough write up on the cooling system refresh (including proper bleed procedure) can be found [http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=914109 here]
@@ Line 1,224: / Line 1,225: @@
 On 9/04/2011, NHTSA announced a recall of MY 2002 - 2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi models built between 9/01/2001 and 3/01/2005 to repair the open ground connection at the 8-pin connnector of the tail light assembly. A total of 241,000 vehicles are affected.  The recall identification number is 11V438000.  Repairs will be made free of charge.  Owner notification is expected to begin in October of 2011.  Owner's may Google 'NHTSA Recalls' and enter the appropriate model information to view documents as BMW submits them to NHTSA.
-====Electrical systems going whack?====
+====Electrical systems going whack? (Failed iBus device or Dying Battery)====
 There are two problems that affect all of your electrical systems.  Symptoms include steering wheel buttons not working, turn signals or gauges not working, radio not turning on, etc.
 * The most common cause is a failed device on the iBus: try unplugging your cd changer, ipod adapter, satellite radio, etc.
-* The second most common cause is simply a bad battery.  Batteries on the E46 are known to only last about four years.  A cheaper than OEM replacement battery is the "49DL" available from autozone.  Although this battery is of different size and dimension of the OEM battery it can be made to fit and functions properly.  Here's a thread with some details: [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162476 Thread 1]. Many festers have also had luck with an Everstart MAXX 94R or RN found at Walmart, which is the correct original size and dimensions as the OEM battery. You can read the details in this thread: [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417105 Thread 2]
+* The second most common cause is simply a bad battery.  Batteries on the E46 are known to only last about four years.  Using the Hidden Onboard Computer Functions directions above, you can monitor your system voltage.  A healthy battery will show around 12 volts with the car off, and around 14 volts while running.  A cheaper than OEM replacement battery is the "49DL" available from autozone.  Although this battery is of different size and dimension of the OEM battery it can be made to fit and functions properly.  Here's a thread with some details: [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162476 Thread 1]. Many festers have also had luck with an Everstart MAXX 94R or RN found at Walmart, which is the correct original size and dimensions as the OEM battery. You can read the details in this thread: [http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417105 Thread 2]
 * Convertibles have a smaller battery tray in the trunk and are unable to use the 49DL and must use the 94R sized battery.
 "49DL" and "94R" are standardized battery sizes that will have specific height, width, and length dimensions.  See the threads above for further information.
 ====Remote lock/unlock on your key not working?====
@@ Line 1,251: / Line 1,255: @@
 ====DSC, ABS, and BRAKE lights all illuminated?====
-This happens when the car has detected a fault and has disabled the DSC and ABS systems.  If you recently drove on ice, a dynamometer, or on another very slippery surface, the car may just /think/ the system has malfunctioned.  Driving a few miles on a regular surface should fix the problem.
+This happens when the car has detected a fault and has disabled the DSC and ABS systems.  If you recently drove on ice, a dynamometer, or on another very slippery surface, the car may just /think/ the system has malfunctioned.  Driving a few miles on a regular surface should fix the problem. Sometimes a dying battery will produce odd errors like this as well.
 Another fix is to slowly turn the steering wheel from completely left to completely right, then back again.
@@ Line 1,265: / Line 1,269: @@
 The steering angle sensor is accessible from inside the cabin.  You can find a picture of its location by searching for it on www.realoem.com/bmw.
 ==Engine==