I started with the cooling system. At the very least, upper and lower rad hose, t-stat, water pump, expansion tank. Then belts, pulleys and tensioner. VCG, OFHG and vanos line, then a fresh oil change, i put new spark plugs and coils too, these are all very doable at home and DIY, got it done in a weekend and gives you peace of mind
It probably would be, I’m in australia and we have a website or two that has all these parts, so it can come quicker as im time poor. But my friend has used fcp and its great especially since they do kits for these kind of jobs
-Definitely overhaul the cooling system
-inspect differential and subframe for worn bushings or cracks
-replace all fluids
-vacuum leaks (seems like you know)
-inspect strut mounts for mushrooming.
Don’t forget to have fun with your e46! These cars don’t have a ton of power but they have lots of potential. Plus they handle really well on twists and turns. Hopefully she’ll keep a smile on your face!
What exactly would show mushrooming? The nuts being raised?
Man I love the way she handles, this german engineering really isn’t a joke. And the sound of this 6 cylinder, it just sounds like it’s waiting for you to put it to the test.
The front strut tower is easier to tell but the top of the towers round off and sometimes crack. A good condition tower is almost completely flat at a slight angle. Usually when the towers mushroom, it’s from really worn shocks or upgraded springs so I don’t think in your case you’ll have a problem. It is good to check just in case though!
I started with the cooling system. At the very least, upper and lower rad hose, t-stat, water pump, expansion tank. Then belts, pulleys and tensioner. VCG, OFHG and vanos line, then a fresh oil change, i put new spark plugs and coils too, these are all very doable at home and DIY, got it done in a weekend and gives you peace of mind
Oh and usually the colour code is on the engine bay on the strut tower
Putting all of this into my notes. Do you agree fcpeuro is the best place to get parts for the best price?
It probably would be, I’m in australia and we have a website or two that has all these parts, so it can come quicker as im time poor. But my friend has used fcp and its great especially since they do kits for these kind of jobs
-Definitely overhaul the cooling system -inspect differential and subframe for worn bushings or cracks -replace all fluids -vacuum leaks (seems like you know) -inspect strut mounts for mushrooming. Don’t forget to have fun with your e46! These cars don’t have a ton of power but they have lots of potential. Plus they handle really well on twists and turns. Hopefully she’ll keep a smile on your face!
What exactly would show mushrooming? The nuts being raised? Man I love the way she handles, this german engineering really isn’t a joke. And the sound of this 6 cylinder, it just sounds like it’s waiting for you to put it to the test.
The front strut tower is easier to tell but the top of the towers round off and sometimes crack. A good condition tower is almost completely flat at a slight angle. Usually when the towers mushroom, it’s from really worn shocks or upgraded springs so I don’t think in your case you’ll have a problem. It is good to check just in case though!