I recently picked up a 2001 330ci w/ 125k miles as my DD. Clean Carfax, but no detailed maintenance history. I really like this car, but I know I've got some work ahead a me. Fortunately, I'm familiar with the common e46 issues and how to diagnose and fix them thanks to these forums!
I've been driving the car for about a month now and put on about 1000 additional miles, and so far so good. No obvious driveability or handling issues. Engine runs strong and auto transmission shifts smooth. No oil noticeable oil consumption. There don't appear to be any VCG, OFG, PS, coolant, differential or rear main seal leaks. No cracked intake boots. No CELs. Based on the mileage, I assume the WP, t-stat and/or any other piece of the entire coolant system can go at any time, along with the idler or deflector pulleys. I'll be watchful on that front. I've already ordered a fuel pump, fp relay and fuel filter to change out as preventative maintenance. Going to service the trans and diff fluids soon also.
Here's where I'm looking for advice: Even though the suspension feels ok and there isn't noticeable play in the tie rods, ball joints, CA's, FCABs, RTABs, Diff & SF Bushings, the appearance of the struts, shocks and springs (see attached pics) tell different story. The rear springs look like they could snap any day now and the strut/shock housings look like they car was parked in salt water for several of the past 16 years. I want to refresh this ASAP. VIN decoder says I have 226 Sports Suspension Settings and production date is July 2000. I'm fine with the stock ride height, but would consider going slightly lower since I'm going to need springs and struts/shocks.
The Bilstein B4 struts/shocks for sports suspension look like an affordable option, and I think that's what I've read others recommended. Would I need to stay with stock springs, or can H&R Sport or Eibach Pro Kit springs be used? Or for slightly more money than a B4 set-up, what other options should I consider comparable or slightly better than the stock sports suspension?
I've been driving the car for about a month now and put on about 1000 additional miles, and so far so good. No obvious driveability or handling issues. Engine runs strong and auto transmission shifts smooth. No oil noticeable oil consumption. There don't appear to be any VCG, OFG, PS, coolant, differential or rear main seal leaks. No cracked intake boots. No CELs. Based on the mileage, I assume the WP, t-stat and/or any other piece of the entire coolant system can go at any time, along with the idler or deflector pulleys. I'll be watchful on that front. I've already ordered a fuel pump, fp relay and fuel filter to change out as preventative maintenance. Going to service the trans and diff fluids soon also.
Here's where I'm looking for advice: Even though the suspension feels ok and there isn't noticeable play in the tie rods, ball joints, CA's, FCABs, RTABs, Diff & SF Bushings, the appearance of the struts, shocks and springs (see attached pics) tell different story. The rear springs look like they could snap any day now and the strut/shock housings look like they car was parked in salt water for several of the past 16 years. I want to refresh this ASAP. VIN decoder says I have 226 Sports Suspension Settings and production date is July 2000. I'm fine with the stock ride height, but would consider going slightly lower since I'm going to need springs and struts/shocks.
The Bilstein B4 struts/shocks for sports suspension look like an affordable option, and I think that's what I've read others recommended. Would I need to stay with stock springs, or can H&R Sport or Eibach Pro Kit springs be used? Or for slightly more money than a B4 set-up, what other options should I consider comparable or slightly better than the stock sports suspension?
