Common Problems With Your E46

[Greydog]

Morning Lauren

Welcome to the Forum

The ABS controller would be my educated guess here in the UK there are several specialist repair companies a couple offering 48hr turn around. Google should help you find someone near you.

A scan would definitely confirm it, either INPA/ISTA or BMW 1.4.0 will allow dealer level diagnostics for you E46 there are many others iCarsoft Carly for BMW (subscription) My personal choice would be BMW 1.4.0 cheap as chips to buy online loaded mine on an old laptop it will allow fault code reading and gives the code plus a description in plain English next would be INPA this is a real dealer level program with technical drawings and descriptions but can be fiddly to get going. A good code reader/diagnostic program will cost less than 1 session at a Dealer.

There is an online BMW parts list that will help if buying spares (new or second hand) www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model. Then search the sections for what you need.

Good Luck and Enjoy your Beemer

Dave

 

[USNChief]

On 7/20/2021 at 7:44 AM, Greydog said:

Morning Lauren

Welcome to the Forum

The ABS controller would be my educated guess here in the UK there are several specialist repair companies a couple offering 48hr turn around. Google should help you find someone near you.

A scan would definitely confirm it, either INPA/ISTA or BMW 1.4.0 will allow dealer level diagnostics for you E46 there are many others iCarsoft Carly for BMW (subscription) My personal choice would be BMW 1.4.0 cheap as chips to buy online loaded mine on an old laptop it will allow fault code reading and gives the code plus a description in plain English next would be INPA this is a real dealer level program with technical drawings and descriptions but can be fiddly to get going. A good code reader/diagnostic program will cost less than 1 session at a Dealer.

There is an online BMW parts list that will help if buying spares (new or second hand) www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model. Then search the sections for what you need.

Good Luck and Enjoy your Beemer

Dave

 

Thanks Dave! This is my second BMW, I had an 1985 535i back in 03/04 when I was stationed on Sicily and that is why I bought this one when I got here last summer. Question, if I load BMW 1.4.0 on a lap top, how do I get it to "read" the codes on the car?  Is there an adapter cable I need to purchase? Cheers!

[Greydog]

Hi Lauren

Yes you will need the interface and cable to connect to your car

I brought the Disc and Interface with cable as a complete set quite a few years back but they are still available online.

Google, Amazon Ebay normally from Taiwan (mine was) prices vary from £10 to £25 (the dearer ones often have postage included) Simple to load from the disc, then plug the interface into the usb port (doesn't need to be connected to the car) and load the drivers all the instructions are there. Then plug it into the OBD port and off you go.

I have even tried mine with a bluetooth adapter but the older tech in the car wouldn't play ball 

When connected the program will first identify your car if all correct press continue and the scan page will show, just hit scan and it will check every control unit in the car (up to 3 pages) and show the number of faults, double click the fault and the explanation of what is causing the issue will show. My last scan showed a PDC fault when interrogated the explanation was Rear Centre Right sensor failed.

Dave

[BRUMMIE DAVE]

check engine light has been on both bmws that ive owned e46 and e39

[MICK 330DCI]

Recent work on Vert includes Water pump which if you don`t know is a doddle to fit on a 330 petrol. 45 mins job done. Rear Discs & pads then N/S front brake caliper. New bonnet & Boot struts. 

 

Front wheel bearing next when i get a better idea of which one it is? Yes i know to chuck it left right etc but it`s not 100% yet.

[Greydog]

Looking Good Mick 

I had feeling about either front wheel bearing or drive shaft on the X5 4.6is more a feeling or noise at roundabouts I couldn't pin down. Disappeared when I went from winter tyres back to the summer Bridgestone's

Check the front tyres first 

Got a clonk on the front suspension of the E70 so that will keep me busy for a day or so

Enjoy the Vert

Dave

[R. Ligocki]

2003 325 Xi have been working through various vibrations.  Replaced tires (Michelin pilot sport as4+, liked my as3+ better), brakes (complete), rear and front driveshafts (complete), both front axleshafts, have replaced all fluids.  Smooth up to 55 then starts vibration driver side mid to front.  I'm afraid it could be the front of transfer case.  Vibration gets louder as faster, worse when I let up.

[Greydog]

Morning Randy

Welcome to the Forum

Depending on the model/year the type of transfer case changed and they don't use the same Fluid

You can check www.realoem.com (if you aren't aware) just put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model.

Early transfer cases the chain can stretch at high mileages or where incorrect tyres are or have been fitted which could be the cause of your vibration. I have rebuilt 2 Transfer cases (both on X5's both victims of incorrect tyres) there are parts available from several sources the job is straight forward but needs the case on the bench. Also worth checking the transmission mounts if they are starting to fail that is another cause. 

Hope this helps

Dave