The "WTF is wrong with my E46 now?" thread.

[pablo]

so could be the rack, the lower, or upper joint.

lower joint is most common as its rubber and not too dear (40 quid ish). upper joint is over 100 quid but a proper UJ so less likely to go.

 

[Gavlar]

Guys,

My car sometimes feels like the front wheels aren't attached or have a mind of their own - particularly going over bumps or potholes its as if they wants to go all different directions.

Also sometimes get a clunk when going over bumps.

Car also pulls to the left even after 2 alignments with Kerrs

Google suggests steering rack is lose or knackered - anyone else experiences the same in an E46 or any other car and can suggest something? Its going to the mechanic sometime (hopefully this week) but I like to have an idea myself even if I wont be fixing it personally.

Did they not ask or check why you were coming back for another alignment? Assume it was soonish after the last one? Place I use always asks why I want alignment and checks over all bushes etc for play even if I say its only because I fitted a new track rod end etc

 

[moorsojr]

mine has started doing the Hot start thing, starts first thing in the morning or after being left for long enough to be cold but wont start when its warm, according to much reading of the internet its likely to be caused by a faulty relay for the fuel pump under the passenger seat, or a leaky injector(s). Have ordered a new relay so hopefully that will sort the issue...

 

[Coog]

Thankfully mine has been 100%. MOT'd on Friday there and have been driving away at it with no issues at all. Hardly uses any oil either which is a bit unusual for them.

Wonder scud on myself there now lol

 

[davey-dimples]

Thankfully mine has been 100%. MOT'd on Friday there and have been driving away at it with no issues at all. Hardly uses any oil either which is a bit unusual for them.

Wonder scud on myself there now lol

Thanks for rubbing that in lol

Can you not lock yourself from this thread

 

[ewok]

I snapped the door handle off mine ffs now i need new inner and outer door handle also know anyone cheap for fixing replacement keys

 

[davey-dimples]

I snapped the door handle off mine ffs now i need new inner and outer door handle also know anyone cheap for fixing replacement keys

Do you mean the key fob unit?

 

[ewok]

yeah key is bucked and need new door handle too [got one from Davey railway autos]

 

[ewok]

i was ajusting the grub screw and snap then few days later i was pulling on handle to open her and it broke lol

 

[davey-dimples]

yeah key is bucked and need new door handle too [got one from Davey railway autos]

I was going to get mine fixed by a guy on eBay ... Dunno how good it will be but when I get my finger dislodged and do it I will report back

 

[da.murf]

Guys need a big favour... Anyone have an e46 with Bluetooth? Need to borrow a pairing button for 30 seconds to pair my phone to my car. Only need to set it up the once and the buttons and trays are a fortune lol...

Anyone help at all?

 

[chapletown]

Right guys wondering if anyone has any experience of this problem. I have the problem as many have described of a vagueness in the steering. Have had this for some time. In the last 6 months the car has had all new shocks and top mounts. New wishbones. New steering arms. Countless alignments. But nothing has ever corrected the problem. I'm starting to worry that it is new rack time but am worried that I'll put a rack in and it make no difference lol any advice...?

 

[pablo]

see my posts above mate. steering column coupler is real common to wear.

 

[chapletown]

Oh yeah that's been done too lol

 

[Coog]

Decent tyres?

 

[pablo]

there is an upper joint too, much stronger but doesnt mean it wont go. just before the bulkhead in engine bay. really hard to diagnose in the car tho, easy on the bench in a vice.

 

[davey-dimples]

@chapletown mine is with the mechanic at the minute so ill report back later

 

[ilovequo]

Guys need a big favour... Anyone have an e46 with Bluetooth? Need to borrow a pairing button for 30 seconds to pair my phone to my car. Only need to set it up the once and the buttons and trays are a fortune lol...

Anyone help at all?

If it doesn't have a pairing button then I don't think it will be equipped?
If your car is Bluetooth equipped it will have a 4 digit code on the comms box (in the boot) which you'll need...

 

[da.murf]

If it doesn't have a pairing button then I don't think it will be equipped?
If your car is Bluetooth equipped it will have a 4 digit code on the comms box (in the boot) which you'll need...

No it Def has Bluetooth as module etc is there. The previous owner stupidly removed centre console that included the link button.

 

[chapletown]

guys need a dsc pressure sensor, but seems to be a delaer only part and £100+

Anyone recommed any breakers i could try to get one...?

 

[Coog]

Used ones on eBay for about £30

I had to replace one and ended up just getting it from Bavarian in the end.

 

[davey-dimples]

@Coog @pablo @chapletown @Gavlar

All sorted it seems and I am £250 lighter - £105 was for the service I think though.

 

[Antoin]

A new wishbone arm is the guts of £100 so doesn't sound too bad.

 

[davey-dimples]

A new wishbone arm is the guts of £100 so doesn't sound too bad.

Talk of needing (at some point in the future) a new centre driveshaft as it thuds when taking off and sometimes changing gear...

Also the handbrake needs a lot of work as its squealing as I drive and apparently rotten - quoted 2 hrs labour each side plus parts - reasonable? Apparently they should be able to get it off without disturbing the bearing on the rears but If they cant its big dolla $$

 

[Coog]

The handbrake is dead easy on them. Wheel off, caliper off and disc off and you're in. Shouldn't need to do anything with the bearing. I've had mine apart to clean them up.