[driftwoods]

Hey, I own a 1999 e46 323i that is practically in mint condition. 78,000 miles, brand new everything when it comes to mechanical parts. I'm looking to do some decent cosmetic work to it (lowering, new wheels, wrap, potential m-sport bumpers etc.) but when it comes to fitment, I'm not sure if every pre-facelift 3 series part is compatible with my car. Also, when the time comes, I want to get rid of the code that makes my car a SULEV (super ultra low emissions vehicle) would I just swap in a 330i ECU and call it a day? If anybody can help me with figuring out how I should move when it comes to upgrades, please let me know!

 

[Effduration]

Why do you think your car is a SULEV? They came with a modified engine and other tweaks (called the M56) but was only sold in 2003 and 2004 or thereabouts.

you’re ‘99 323i is not a SULEV unless I am missing something.

 

[Bali]

First thing you should do is search and read in both the General and DIY forums. All of that has been covered in detail.

As Eff mentioned, your 1999 323i is not a SULEV.

 

[driftwoods]

Why do you think your car is a SULEV? They came with a modified engine and other tweaks (called the M56) but was only sold in 2003 and 2004 or thereabouts.

you’re ‘99 323i is not a SULEV unless I am missing something.

Oh, I was told by my mechanic that it was a SULEV but I guess not... Oh well, I would still like to do some modifications to it, as the car does 0-60 in around 6.6 and as a dude who likes the 5 second feel, that's the goal for now. Any suggestions?

 

[driftwoods]

First thing you should do is search and read in both the General and DIY forums. All of that has been covered in detail.

As Eff mentioned, your 1999 323i is not a SULEV.

I'll make sure to check those threads. Thanks for giving me the note!

 

[M.Blacktree]

Oh, I was told by my mechanic that it was a SULEV but I guess not.

It's easy to tell, just by looking at the engine. SULEV has an aluminum valve cover; the M54 has a black plastic one. Also, the M54 has a CCV system (with all its pipes and hoses), whereas the SULEV has that built into the valve cover.

 

[Alex323Ci]

first off you have an M52TU engine. that’s classified as an ULEV not the SULEV. the M56 in the middle years of generation run (in limited states) is classified as an SULEV.

next before doing any major mods to improve the 0-60 you need to make sure your RACP (rear axle carrier panel) aka “subframe” has been replaced or reinforced.

if you have an automatic 323i it’s gonna be real expensive to mod and get the performance you desire.

 

[M.Blacktree]

next before doing any major mods to improve the 0-60 you need to make sure your RACP (rear axle carrier panel) aka “subframe” has been replaced or reinforced.

To be more specific, the rear subframe is bolted to the RACP. The RACP tends to crack / rust / etc around those attachment points. So yeah, it's a good idea to check that and get any damage fixed BEFORE you start the performance mods. It's also a good time to check out the driveshaft (specifically, the center support bushing and the flex disc, aka "giubo"). And check out the motor / trans mounts as well.

 

[Alex323Ci]

as the car does 0-60 in around 6.6 and as a dude who likes the 5 second feel, that's the goal for now. Any suggestions?

sell car buy an M3.
the stock ‘99 323i does not do a 0-60 in 6.6 sec. the manual does it in 7.1 sec. while the autotragic does it in 8.2 sec.
the stock 330Ci-zhp manual officially does it in 5.9 sec.

best bang for buck is a diff swap if manual.
if you have an autotragic just sell the car or be content. other than FI you aren’t getting there without big money spent.

 

[M.Blacktree]

A diff swap will help with the auto box as well. But the auto box doesn't have any headroom for more power. You will exceed its power capacity very quickly. And that means broken parts.

 

[Alex323Ci]

A diff swap will help with the auto box as well. But the auto box doesn't have any headroom for more power. You will exceed its power capacity very quickly. And that means broken parts.

yeah a diff swap (like the 3.64) could be done. but the autotragic platform is not worth delving into was my reason for not wasting time including it. you could also FI a 323 slushbox but you’ll spend big $$$ and have to use less boost because of the automatic.
OP hasn’t stated his transmission yet so it’s all for not anyways.

 

[driftwoods]

sell car buy an M3.
the stock ‘99 323i does not do a 0-60 in 6.6 sec. the manual does it in 7.1 sec. while the autotragic does it in 8.2 sec.
the stock 330Ci-zhp manual officially does it in 5.9 sec.

best bang for buck is a diff swap if manual.
if you have an autotragic just sell the car or be content. other than FI you aren’t getting there without big money spent.

That's the thing. I'm looking to spend.

 

[driftwoods]

A diff swap will help with the auto box as well. But the auto box doesn't have any headroom for more power. You will exceed its power capacity very quickly. And that means broken parts.

Sounds good, looks like a new box is my first step

 

[driftwoods]

yeah a diff swap (like the 3.64) could be done. but the autotragic platform is not worth delving into was my reason for not wasting time including it. you could also FI a 323 slushbox but you’ll spend big $$$ and have to use less boost because of the automatic.
OP hasn’t stated his transmission yet so it’s all for not anyways.

Things aren't looking too up based on the responses i've been getting. I'll just do what I can over time, maybe a stiffer suspsension will give the car a better feel when I hit the accelerator.

 

[driftwoods]

Alright, In general things aren't looking up for this potential build, as much money as I am looking to put into it, I just feel like the money could go to another car that would have more potential for the bucks I'm gonna put into this one. I'm just going to keep it as is, do some cosmetic work and call it a day. Thank you all for your advice, much appreciated!

 

[Alex323Ci]

That's the thing. I'm looking to spend.

is this 1999 323i an automatic trans or a manual transmission?

 

[driftwoods]

is this 1999 323i an automatic trans or a manual transmission?

It's an auto lols, nothing special

 

[M.Blacktree]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to discourage you. You can still enjoy the car, if you accept it for what it is. It's a compact sedan with good handling. You can mod it to look cool and handle well. But it won't win many drag races.

 

[Blu302]

I have a 10/98 323i. My biggest gains were from Schrick 248/248 cams and headers + exhaust. Need a good tune to match.

The first thing I did was a tune. I had a best economy of 4.5L/100Km (~52MPG) and I could easily keep up to a stock 330i.

Mine is a manual.

 

[Alex323Ci]

The first thing I did was a tune. I had a best economy of 4.5L/100Km (~52MPG)

you’re saying your 323i got 52 Miles Per Gallon??