so i saw a couple post on instagram about a company named tech-53, they apparently make parts for some bmw models and couple volkswagens. Anyone ever tried their products? I am not quite sure about these instagram companies. Prices are legit but i dont want to end up scammed or with a chinese...

Hello everyone!!! So some many months ago I changed the diff bushing because I felt a lot of slack when taking off or changing low gears. I recorded the movement because I was afraid it was the subframe mounting points failing (I had just bought the car). But it was clearly the diff bushing, and...

Vincebar Group Buy (2021) Starting a 2021 Group Buy for the Vincebar. In this group buy, Vince at Practical Performance RnD is offering the “Simplified” Weld-in and “Simplified” Epoxy/Rivet version of the Vincebar. The Vincebar is designed to reinforce the topside of the RACP on the E46 coupe...

Hello guys, new to this forum. I'm 18 and am looking to buy an e46, because my funds are limited due to my age, I want to make sure the car I get needs very little initial work. I've already put aside money to preemptively install a brand new cooling system as well as just general maintenance...

In the near future I'm changing my subframe and differential bushings, and while I'm at it, I was thinking of replacing the bolts and nuts that go through the bushings. The problem I have is, most of the bolts are non-standard dimensions, fine threaded and coated, and it's almost impossible to...

G'day everyone I'm Eliot and I own a 330xi manual from 2002. I really need your help on that one. Here's the problem, I have a knocking noise coming from the rear left. It appears when I put some gas in first and second at low speed. Same knocking noise as a diff bushing It first appeared...

Just bought a 328i. Clunking noise coming from rear end when putting it into first gear, when shifting from first to second hard, and really whenever a load is put on it. went under the car and the axles have some pretty decent side to side play. differential bushings dont appear to be destroyed...

So I was driving my 2004 BMW 325i, and I lost traction over a hill, which is nothing new because of the RWD, but once i went into a slide, the rear right sub frame mount ripped away, and the rear right axle just snapped. That sent me into a spin in the ditch, i did 2 full spins, and yet i...

Hey! Hope everyone is doing okay with COVID-19 outbreak. Anyway, I bought my 330xi about 1 month ago. I have been doing various repairs such as: -CCV system -Spark plugs -Air ducts from intake box to manifold -Rust work The car was leaking from somewhere and I thought it was the oil pan...

At 170k I've finally been afflicted with the dreaded subframe tearing. Boooo. Pics below in link: https://imgur.com/a/zUcGDmd Has anyone had luck selling E46's in this condition? I was planning to sell it anyway before this happened, due to a move & job change. The car is in immaculate...

As most e46's my car had a cracked subframe. It was only cracked on the rear driver's side (1/4 mounting points) and the crack wasn't too big. It was repaired. Probably not the best job ever (see photo). The subframe was then installed with new poly bushes. I got an alignment and the car...

Hello Fanatics, I had this idea researching subframe reinforcement, while my 325i auto is lower risk of cracks, I wanted to do something about it. Plates are off the table as 1: I don't have the money to pay a shop to do it and 2. I would be terrified of dropping the subframe in my garage, and...

I know there is a search function, but literally with any forum i can never find anything useful by using the search bar. I know there are good thread out there, just cannot seem to find them. I need something on welding techniques, or any in depth info on subframe repair. I really...

Quick question. Is the rear subframe on the convertible the same as that on the coupé? My vert subframe is quite rusty and I can replace it easily with a coupé part. TIA

Hey guys, im new to the forums and had a few questions and wanted to share my experiences. I just had the exhaust installed and it sounds amazing but at highway speed it does drone just a little. Its only when im on the gas i dont know if that means it drones or if thats just loud. The cat-back...

Hey everyone! i have tried searching all over the world wide web without succes :facepalm: as the title state i want to replace my old diff with a higher gear, i'm driving with the stock 2.93 want to upgrade to 3.23. both the 323Ci M52 runs with 3.23 and 316 M43 runs with 3.23. what i know...

Hey everyone. Of course you know there are some big maintenance items for the E46 like the subframe reinforcement, rod bearing, and VANOS but there are a few others as well. I wanted to put together a list of issues here so it's kind of a one-stop for all things maintenance. I've done pretty...

This write-up aims to help new or existing BMW E46 owners assess the level of risk of total failure of their E46 subframe mounting area. As you may know, the BMW E46 subframe design is too narrow for the job and size and weight of the car. The repeated loading and unloading of the drivetrain...