323i Touring (Selena)

72419 Views 535 Replies 37 Participants Last post by JackJoachim, 23 d ago

tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · Oct 19, 2018 (Edited)

Hey Guys! Here's my E46 323i Wagon (2000)! She's been in the family since around 2003 with 49,000 miles on the ODO when my parents purchased it for $19,000USD. It has been sitting since 2014, drove probably couple times in 2016. But it's been sitting for quite a bit. (This is an issue when your dad has 7 cars in the driveway). I'm beyond thrilled that it has been passed down to me. I grew up in the back seat. I always loved the E46 chassis, but specifically the touring. Currently has 119,200 miles. Everything is original. There's quite a bit of work that needs to be done. Already dumped 1,500 miles since late August. I will be putting her in storage for winter, living in Upstate New York is brutal on vehicles during Winter. Anyway here is the current projects and future project!

Some Info:
Paint is quite rough, there is a couple dent's on the roof from an outside garage collapsing on it one winter, pretty deep scratches around the rear and front.

Current Repair List:
- Replace Brake Light Switch
- Replace Struts/Springs
- Fluid Flush on Everything

Completed Repairs:
- Change Front Right Corner Light Socket (it got corroded)

Change Wiper Blades haven't been changed since actually not sure

Radio not turning on (fuse behind radio was blown)

Future Plans:
- Double Din Radio

Remove Roof Rack

Bit of bodywork to do, might need a good paint correction and some spots resprayed, including some surface rust to deal with.

Give the interior a good clean, including leather seats.

Change Corner Lenses, Side Markers, Rear Tail Lights to Euro Spec

E46 Sport Steering Wheel, Current looks outdated.

New set of wheels, current ones are a bit curbed rashed, and I never really them.

replace front bumper with MTech 1 or 2 Front Bumper.

Coilovers

Onto Images;

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #421 · Jan 27, 2022

3

Finally done about 2,000 miles or so, since Manual Swap! I still have a few things to sort, however its been doing rather well! I am definitely getting more comfortable driving with three pedals. Makes it quite more enjoyable to drive for sure. Also getting used to this heavy DKM Stage 1 Clutch.

Speaking of which..

Power Steering Leak from Lines & Reservoir is getting worst.. (I do have replacement) Its just damn too cold and have zero motivation to fix it..
Exhaust Leak is getting worst from where my dad flipped the flanges and did poor welds (will be fixed soon and hopefully wont leak ever again)
Squeaky Clutch Pedal (Will investigate once its warmer out)

I also decided to ditch getting M3 Trailing Arms... I'll get a friend to merge 323i and E36 M3 parking brake shoe so I can run E36 M3 Rotors and retain E-Brake w/ Z32 rear calipers. When I was looking at the cost, it was a bit absurd. With that said, this might be the best route.

Lastly, I will probably wait till 2023 to do my subframe reinforcement, and might do a LSD too in the process? We shall see!

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #422 · Feb 5, 2022

Wagon almost got totaled Friday night from an absolute moron. Roads were a sheet of ice, and he decided to not stop. Thankfully I avoided him.

http://imgur.com/haF2WKR

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Next Weekend I am planning on getting my exhaust fixed, and dealing with leaking power steering fluid. Wagon should be all ready for Spring/Summer. Knowing my luck? Something is probably gonna break again lol!

Finally installed AVIN 4 w/ INDUKTIV Wireless Charger thing. Beyond happy with how this turned out. Definitely more OEM+ compared to my previous head unit.

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #423 · Feb 14, 2022

4

I replaced my original halogen license plate bulbs (passenger side one burned out) w/ LED ones. Link
I believe @///Mark_D is running something similar on his wagon or sedan? Stumbled upon a post from ages ago.

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Replaced my Halogen Reverse Bulbs w/ LED bulbs. Definitely helps when reversing in pitch black. Link

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Finally replaced power steering lines, and vanos line (again).. However the power steering pump decided it had enough, so waiting for a new pump to show up and replace it. Speaking of failed items, my valve cover gasket is already leaking. The gasket that came with the M56 VC was a Victor Reinz, which is pretty terrible. Bought an genuine oem VCG... So.. hopefully my issues with leaks are dealt with for a bit haha?

Went to my friends house yesterday and we pulled the borla catback off. He cleaned up the welds, and we slapped it back on. Theoretically should have no more exhaust leaks for about a month? Haha.

Speaking of which, my friend has a pretty rad Single Turbo LS E30. It got tuned at Kassel and made about 600 to the wheels? However, that wasn't enough so he wants more out if it. I would be terrified sitting in the passenger seat.

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kylanjohnson

· #424 · Feb 14, 2022

tbouchard991 said:
replaced my original halogen license plate bulbs (passenger side one burned out) w/ LED ones.

I just did something similar with my car recently, it really made the car look better.

Reactions: 1

///Mark_D

· #425 · Feb 14, 2022

tbouchard991 said:
I replaced my original halogen license plate bulbs (passenger side one burned out) w/ LED ones. Link
I believe @///Mark_D is running something similar on his wagon or sedan? Stumbled upon a post from ages ago.

Hey yeah! I got a similar set on Amazon for my sedan a while back. Here was when I posted about them a few years ago.

www.e46fanatics.com

LED License Plate Lights - Recommendations?

One of my old LED license plate lights that I had gotten over 13 years ago from an old vendor burned out. Does anyone have a pair they like? Having a really hard time finding these online from anywhere other than just a few vendors. Looking for something subtle and not too bright since some...

www.e46fanatics.com

www.e46fanatics.com

I was fed up with the salt eating away at the wiring and bulb housings so swapping to the led's was supposed to be the long term solution. The LED's didn't last as long as I hoped though and died this winter again. Even after potting them in epoxy to try and prevent water from getting in they still failed. I haven't dug into exactly what went wrong, but I've got a replacement set to install. Here's how bright they were when new:

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #426 · Feb 20, 2022

I think the power steering pump shaft has seen better days.

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #427 · Mar 1, 2022

Catastrophic Failure... Part III, maybe IV at this point?

(Wagon is definitely bi-polar)

Clutch Pedal got soft, and wouldn't go into gear. I'm hoping its slave cylinder? Getting it towed to friends shop who did the swap and he'll deal with it. I ain't diagnosing this on my quick jack, since its there ill let him do my front wheel hubs both sides, and deal with my very crusty rear brake lines.

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #428 · Mar 2, 2022 (Edited)

No update as of right now.

Got it towed over to my friends shop this morning. Hopefully he'll get to it tomorrow, or the following day. He does have a few customer cars that are on a tight deadline. Had to replace a N52 on a E90, and a blown transmission in a MK5 GTI.

I did add a few things since its there;

Replace both rear brake lines. (the brake line nut to the soft line is seized from rust, still running my factory soft line) so might as-well replace them and not have to worry about them for the future. -- Replacing the rear soft line with Stoptech Stainless Lines.
Replace both front hubs w/ bearings. I'll finally be able to use rotor screws since my current hubs have seen better days, and the threads are nonexistent. Its a nightmare taking my wheels on/off.
Figure out why clutch pedal decided to become soft, hopefully its slave/master cylinder and not the pressure plate.

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///Mark_D

· #429 · Mar 2, 2022 (Edited)

Hope you get it figured out and back on the road soon. I had a similar failure once (non E46) and it was the clutch slave seal that had failed. The fluid eventually leaked down enough that the master cyl reservoir went dry and started sucking air. Then the pedal turned to mush. I didn't notice any fluid leaking since the slave cylinder was on top of the transmission, and it all just sort of pooled there.

Since the slave cylinder is on the bottom of the E46 trans you might be able to poke your head under the car and see if it's wet.

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #430 · Mar 5, 2022 (Edited)

///Mark_D said:
Hope you get it figured out and back on the road soon. I had a similar failure once (non E46) and it was the clutch slave seal that had failed. The fluid eventually leaked down enough that the master cyl reservoir went dry and started sucking air. Then the pedal turned to mush. I didn't notice any fluid leaking since the slave cylinder was on top of the transmission, and it all just sort of pooled there.

Since the slave cylinder is on the bottom of the E46 trans you might be able to poke your head under the car and see if it's wet.

Unfortunately was much worst! However, I ain't "that" mad, considering I actually really hated this clutch. It was awful to daily drive with, considering how heavy the clutch pedal was! In traffic, it was miserable. Speaking of which, this exploded at 2600 miles, which is insane! I honestly believe this is a manufacture defect? It's a bit funny cause I was talking to some friends, and mentioned how I hope this clutch blows up so I can go OEM.... Guess my wish came true!

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #431 · Mar 13, 2022 (Edited)

2

Ended up going with this clutch -> BMW Flywheel Conversion Kit. It is definitely an adjustment going from a very stiff clutch pedal, to a softer pedal (more OEM like) and a tad higher biting point. However, It's much more tolerable to daily drive! With that said, the starter is sticking a little bit. I'll have to order a new starter and replace it before it fails

.

I did confirm as-well there is no more leak from the front end.... Well minus the VCG seeping from one of the half moons. I have a new VCG, and I'll do it properly. (its seeping because of my lack of experience when I did it last year).

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Ended up snagging a toolbox cart from Harbor Freight, got a bit annoyed being disorganized, so this will definitely help with future projects!

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Al_Bundy

· #432 · Mar 13, 2022

tbouchard991 said:
Ended up going with this clutch -> BMW Flywheel Conversion Kit. It is definitely an adjustment going from a very stiff clutch pedal, to a softer pedal (more OEM like) and a tad higher biting point. However, It's much more tolerable to daily drive! With that said, the starter is sticking a little bit. I'll have to order a new starter and replace it before it fails .

I did confirm as-well there is no more leak from the front end.... Well minus the VCG seeping from one of the half moons. I have a new VCG, and I'll do it properly. (its seeping because of my lack of experience when I did it last year).

View attachment 947977

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Ended up snagging a toolbox cart from Harbor Freight, got a bit annoyed being disorganized, so this will definitely help with future projects!

View attachment 947980

That’s the same kit I’ve got for my manual conversion. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to put in any time behind the wheel to give you a review. Nice box!

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #433 · Mar 13, 2022

CornerGrorillaPit said:
That’s the same kit I’ve got for my manual conversion. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to put in any time behind the wheel to give you a review. Nice box!

I've only driven like 50-60 miles with it ish? Its a easy clutch, and rather enjoyable! Still in the break-in process, however I enjoy it way more then the DKM Clutch I had.

yjsaabman

· #434 · Mar 13, 2022

We put one in my wife's R53 Mini Cooper S about 2 years ago and love it. I have one to go in my touring with the ZHP drivetrain when I get to it.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #435 · Mar 13, 2022

yjsaabman said:
We put one in my wife's R53 Mini Cooper S about 2 years ago and love it. I have one to go in my touring with the ZHP drivetrain when I get to it.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

My dad had a R50 few years ago, that he converted to a 6 speed! Such a great car to drive, such a bummer he sold it.

tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #436 · Mar 19, 2022

2

Welcome Stella to the fleet!

Its a 2000 323ci w/ around 133k miles paired with a 5 speed (Fern Green Metallic w/ Tan Interior). The second owner bought it in 2003, with 23k miles and it has been dealer maintained since! Two options that stand out is (Harmon Kardon and Auto Dim Mirror w/ Garage Door Opener). It drives insanely well, and the M52TU sounds super healthy and not a spec of rust on the body either! It's going to be a fun new daily, and especially during the middle of summer!

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Gottalovethexi

· #437 · Mar 24, 2022

tbouchard991 said:
Speaking of which... I saw @Gottalovethexi Sedan with Eisenmann Muffler with Meisterschaft DTM tips. Sure it might stick out a bit, but Iove it. I could staggered a little too like the Borla Tips are. My wagon is aggressive as it is, and I feel like this would be a great touch. Probably won't be liked by many but thats okay!

First time logging on in YEARS and I see I have notifications 😂 can't believe it thanks for the tag!

I JUST sold this car a couple months ago and it was a sad day 😔

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #438 · Mar 24, 2022

Gottalovethexi said:
First time logging on in YEARS and I see I have notifications 😂 can't believe it thanks for the tag!

I JUST sold this car a couple months ago and it was a sad day 😔

What a bummer! Hopefully you enjoyed it during your ownership.

Gottalovethexi

· #439 · Mar 24, 2022

tbouchard991 said:
What a bummer! Hopefully you enjoyed it during your ownership.

The last few years it was a real money pit...but alas I have 18-19 years of ownership to thank for landing me here at E46Fanatics where I met some lifelong friends.

Best of luck with your E46s

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tbouchard991

Discussion Starter · #440 · Apr 12, 2022

3

Nothing really new, finally broke in the new clutch.

Still procrastinating on;

Valve Cover Gasket
Starter
Front Wheel Hubs / Bearings
Stud Conversion
Fuel Pump

Then dealing with the rear subframe.

However.. My funds have been stolen with my 323Cic which needed some love. Speaking of which I could've done my subframe and have a LSD with the amount I invested into the Vert already. Oops. So it will have to wait till like next year!

I do want to redo my CCV Breather Hose from the M56 Valve Cover, fix my cross threaded O2 Sensor on Bank 1, and do a whole checkup. Have to figure out why the Wagon get barely 17-18mpg, and the Vert is getting 23mpg. Def got some blues clues to do! (Probably my stupid aggressive tune, which I might flash my previous tune, and compare fill ups)

I did end up replacing my inner tail lights back to OEM, snagged a brand new set of inners for like 110$. Definitely like the look of these inners compared to the aftermarket ones.

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