Best products from r/BMW

Yeah, 87,000 is close enough that it wouldn't hurt to do the spark plugs now. With that bad vibration/check engine light it's hard to say what might have caused it.

Over the years I've had a few occasions where I've had something similar, but it's been so few and far between that it's usually easiest to chalk up to a computer glitch that's resolved by the restart and not something with a mechanical cause. If it happens again try to read the code. An inexpensive code reading solution is any cheap ELM327 bluetooth OBD II adapter from Amazon (around $10) and the Torque app for an Android phone. A more powerful solution that can give you BMW specific codes and also lets you do lots of coding to customize features in your car is to buy the Carly adapter (Android adapter, iOS adapter) and their app.

They're all DIYable, some with a higher skill level than others of course. If you have a place to do it and can read and follow instructions you can do any job and save lots of money even if you need to buy the tools first. Lots of people are intimidated by it but with just a bit of care it's something anyone can handle. One of the big things I follow that solves the biggest problems new DIYers face is using a torque wrench when tightening fasteners. If you do that you won't need to worry about overtightening anything and breaking off a bolt, or undertightening and having it come out. If you aren't comfortable with it or you can't afford to take the time to do it yourself, a good independent shop will be a much better bet than the dealership.

Here are DIYs for the ones I mentioned:

Spark Plugs (Easy)

Ignition coil removal - Part of spark plug DIY.

Valve cover gasket (Challenging)

Motor Mount (Moderate challenge, but more in the getting to bolts way than complexity) Couldn't find a Youtube video I liked, this has lots of pictures and good step-by-step though. The only thing I would change from their DIY is to use this or similar engine support bar rather than supporting the engine from below.

I'd say the spark plugs and coils are absolutely something you can do yourself but read and watch the DIYs on the motor mounts and VCG carefully before deciding to tackle that. If you see no oil down in the spark plug you likely don't need the VCG anyway, and the motor mounts would just cause you to feel the misfires more and you can actually see it on the tach.

It's a great car. The M42/44 four cylinder is a great engine, and the rest of it is still an e36, though it's missing the rear end bit :P

The only things you may need to look out for is, if MT, a wearing clutch (4th gear clutch test, can tell you that), fuel pumps/hoses on the e36 break a lot, radiators and cooling system needs to be check constantly on older models, and on that note check the heater core(!), and listen for timing chain slap (rattling on the valve cover on the front of the engine), though that shouldn't present itself for another 25k miles.

It is a great car for commuting, regardless of what others think about it. I always loved hatchbacks. You could do some minor upgrades, exhaust and intake, to eek a little more power but don't expect it to ever be a road rocket.

Also, get a repair manual for it and learn to do things, not just the 'small things'. This is the best repair manual you can find. Don't be afraid of getting in over your head, there is no such thing.

Good luck and have fun! Let us know if you have any more questions.

50's Kid (Super Awesome): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCml-eeSLJZ38Q5_sUnUXrZw

Shop Life TV (Pretty effen gewd): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5jnm5CEnLSEmoQ-ktgAj6g

Well the people in the forums are the people with the problems, but that's not to say they aren't the most knowledgeable group of people about the e46. But the youngest E46 is 12 years old, so unless it's a garage kept car from an old couple, it'll have to be fixed a little soon into your ownership. You'll be advised to do $300,000 in preventative maintenance when on the forums, don't. I love my car but I only paid $3,000 for mine had I done everything the forum members suggested I would've spent another $3,000 in repairs. Keep up on your plugs and coils. If I'm not mistaken the 328s and 325s have transmissions made by GM and no one cares for them, so wait for a 330. I'm sure I'll get corrected on the transmissions but whatevs enjoy the plethora of links.

A Bosche fuel pump from Amazon is $130 and the gasket is $20.

Pump:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BZJE9C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gasket:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054JTTFO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The exact fuel filter $60:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Q7HDII/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

OEM plugs are $35, again Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DERDU44/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

DISA rebuild kit is $80 (DO THIS ONE ASAP, It's the one thing I always tell people, it'll prevent a steel pin from falling into a cylinder and ruining your engine) I bought mine from G.A.S. German Auto Sport I think. I love their warranty, if my DISA fails they'll give me that $80 towards one of their DISA units, like $400

Coolant system:
Expansion tank - $30 (Amazon) - known as the most likely failure

Radiator -$150 (AutoZone)
Lower radiator hose - $30 (Advance)

Temp sensor in lower hose - $8 (Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FU9H9PO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Upper radiator hose - $30 (AutoZone)
Water pump - $55 (AutoZone)
Thermostat - $55 (AutoZone)

Transmission intercooler thermostat - $16 (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-Cooler-Expansion-Thermostat-17111437362/dp/B074K8SXL8/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1522204403&sr=1-2-fkmr1&keywords=e46+transmission+intercooler+thermostat

I was able to remove the radiator without being about to tell the water pump had an issue. Installed the new radiator, gave my fan a wiggle and then knew I had replaced two hoses, an expansion tank, and a radiator for nothing. Cost: confidence as myself as a mechanic and an engineer and $295 (didn't replace the temp sensor or thermostat, and I was lucky enough to reuse the transmission intercooler thermostat!!!!!!11!1!!11!!)


I paid $90 for a pack of coils 40,000 miles ago. The entire CCV is $55, you guessed it, Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/11617501566-11611432559-11617504535-11157532649-11617504536/dp/B00I3RBDDK/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1522204499&sr=1-2&keywords=e46+CCV


One pair of HID headlights - $28
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GRTEMCO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1



For two years of ownership starting at 153,000 miles and currently at 197,000, 8 months of driving 110 miles a day, five days a week, and now I drive 800 miles a week.

The hardest on this list are the fuel filter (unless you have access to a lift, I hate putting my car on stands) and the CCV, to replace the CCV you have to remove the intake manifold.

The DISA takes 10 minutes if you take the time to drink a beer MAKE SURE YOU BUY A KIT THAT INCLUDES A NEW GASKET

If you have problems head to here or the forums, I feel like I've written a book, but I spent forever tracking a couple issues only to find out it was the plugs. Check the plugs first.




Essential tools:

OBD2 WIFI adapter: $20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W0SDLRY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Regular socket set: $73

https://www.amazon.com/Kobalt-64-piece-Standard-metric-Mechanics/dp/B00GR8WEDU/ref=sr_1_24?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1522203667&sr=1-24&keywords=Kobalt+Socket+set

(5mm to 16mm or so, and includes bits you'll really want a wide flathead, Torx 25 or 30 for the cabin air filter mounting screws, and Philips, double check what this one includes)


Torque wrench: $35
https://www.amazon.com/Tacklife-Calibrated-13-6-108-5Nm-Certification-Extension/dp/B073VLDLQR/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1522203362&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=torque+wrench&psc=1


6”-8" Socket extension: $10
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-4966-8-Inch-Extension-3-Piece/dp/B000NW85F2/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1522203436&sr=1-6&keywords=8%22+socket+extension


Fan removal tool set - $20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTV8EO4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc150=1


Including all tools that's $850 Hope this helps, the car is really easy to work on, I enjoy driving it. One last piece of advice never short trip your car, especially in cold weather, you could fill the CCV with mayo and it could lead to hydrolocking/self destruction of the engine. If you live South of Pennsylvania you shouldn't have to worry too much, some people put an ounce or so of Seafoam into the CCV a month. You don't need to follow these links to the tee but they should help.

haha nice and good luck!! oh christ you sure your making a good decision?

Also check out the blackvue cam, it continuously records and has motion detection on camera feed, so if it "sees " something move itll activate and start recording

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CNBF3MM/ref=twister_B07CXY3YRJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

UPDATE: (no video until I've worked this out)

GO BUY A DASH CAM. THIS IS THE ONE I HAVE AND ITS $21. Just needs an SD card. And an optional better mount. Mine is mounted behind my rearview mirror so you don't notice it and its hardwired in the same spot as my V1 so it automatically turns on with the car and starts recording.

UPDATE (cont.):

I seriously had to take a few hours to cool off and enjoy my vacation. Unfortunately I got back to the hotel after the managers had left.

Just spoke with the front desk manager who runs the show at night while the actual hotel managers are on during the day. He was super professional about it. Albeit, he's completely powerless in the situation but he took control, called everyone and setup a meeting for tomorrow morning.

Notes:

• He was completely shocked by the video.
  
• I had to tell the valet how to drive the SMG tranny is on tape.
  
• When another gentlemen comes up to the car and asks if its his, he responds with a laugh and says "Nope, but its mine for now!"
  
• He peels out of the hotel.
  
• The car goes airborne twice. Once entering the garage. And again as he goes down a slope and launches off a ramp that meets a right turn entrance a parking level.
  
• The wheels are burning at least 3-4 times.
  
• The valet laughs at the end to cap it off.
  
  New things:
  
  
• The valet turned out to be the supervisor.
  
• The valet is outsourced by the hotel and carries its own insurance.
  
• The other valets all knew about my car.
  
• The ramp he flew off, leads to another garage that I was able to park in tonight with another valet. Meaning that, he intentionally launched it off there instead of slowing down.
  
  Possible Solutions Discussed:
  
  
• Hotel
  
• Valet
  
• Food/Beverage
  
• BMW Inspection
  
• Repairs
  
• Future Stays
  
  The conversation went really well but again he's not the person in charge. Anyone capable of doing anything knows about it and will have a night to figure out how to appropriately respond.
  
  Sorry guys, no video yet until I have an answer. Another update will come tomorrow morning.

I actually had this one originally:

https://www.amazon.com/Bovee-Wireless-Bluetooth-Interface-Integration/dp/B00B52LLJ6

and that was great because it hooked straight into the iphone connector in my Audi but since the BMW is looking for a usb and aux cord I had to buy a cord to adapt it (https://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Audio-30pin-Cable-Iphone/dp/B00490OVM0).

I would go with the wma3000b as it's all ready to go without the adapters.

This works incredibly well. Sound quality is absolutely perfect. Sounds like it is coming from a wired connection not bluetooth to aux.

The N52/N51 in a 328i is a very reliable motor. Like you said, NA and not a turbo. Most everything on these can be DIYed, and if you end up buying one also go get a Bentley service manual. Those books are amazing and worth their weight in gold.

That being said, it is a BMW. Stuff that is easy to do on other cars, even plugs and coils, can be a PITA on this car. Some routine replacements, the electric water pump for example, require SEVERAL other parts to be removed before you can even reach it. The most common problem with these motors is definitely the gaskets, but hopefully those have been done recently and aren't currently leaking (Oil Pan Gasket, Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket). The Oil Pan Gasket requires the subframe to be dropped and the engine raised 10mm to replace. I have to do that on mine soon. Like I said - everything is in the way of everything.

It's really just down to the previous owners and whether things have been replaced or serviced on time. Gaskets, cooling system, brakes, suspension bits, ignition system, fluid changes, etc. could either be perfectly fine and fairly new or in dire need of replacement.

Ive got a high mileage E34 540i, which if you dont know requires constant work to keep it tip top. I highly recommend you find/download/buy a copy of Bentley's e36 m3 service manual. They are fantastic and designed for a DIY at home mechanics like your self. My E34 manual is about 600 pages with pictures and diagrams and are easy to follow so I assume the E36 M3 manual should be no different.

For gods sake though, she owns an E36 M3 .. she needs to take care of it.. fuck, Ive been looking for a nice one for the last 6 months but havent.. shes lucky to have such a nice bmw.

link: http://www.amazon.com/BMW-E36-Service-Manual-1992-1998/dp/0837603269

do it dude, seriously.

My dad had this for awhile and I decided to use it. But if I had the choice I definitely would have gone with this only because it's much easier. If you do end up going with the 3M one make sure you have some type of UV Protectant or sealant to coat the lights with afterwards so they don't get foggy again too quickly. The one I had included the sealant and the instructions were pretty straightfoward on the box.

I have a 2011 535i. I'm very happy with ViseeO Tune2Air WMA3000B Bluetooth Adapter, you can connect your iPhone via bluetooth and still see track information on iDrive. All other functions (receive calls/skip tracks, etc) work perfectly as well.
For me now it's almost as my bluetooth connection was native to the car and I forget I'm using an adapter.

This is what i use for my 08 328i. Great sound quality imo and I think the best perk is the buttons it has on it so I dont have to look and fumble with my phone to change songs.

At that mileage you may want to have a look at your engine seals. In particular the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket.

If you're a DIY kind of guy, pick up a Bentley manual. It's basically the bible for your car.

Like someone else said, e90post.com. Great section of DIYs there. There's also a good section where you can get the BMW software for diagnostics and programming. A little finicky to get set up, but once you do, it can be a life saver. My e90 went into Transport Mode randomly and without the software, I would have had a trip to the dealer.

/r/bmwtech is a good place too.

I don't know if anyone mentioned this yet, but I just got a tune2air with the BMW y cable for my 2011 335 and it works great!!

http://www.amazon.com/ViseeO-Tune2air-WMA1000-Bluetooth-Integration/dp/B00B52LLJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420515676&sr=8-1&keywords=tune2air
http://www.amazon.com/Goliton%C2%AE-ADAPTER-MASERATI-61120440796-61120440812/dp/B003P6DGMK/ref=pd_sim_cps_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0AAQZPAYGNBX4710FESZ

I have had zero repairs on the top and the only maintenance I've done is to put some Gummi Pflege on the seals every 6 months ( https://www.amazon.com/nextzett-91480615-Gummi-Pflege-Rubber/dp/B004B8GTQG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1IXM3TJ577A2&keywords=gummi+pflege+rubber+protection&qid=1563411869&s=gateway&sprefix=gummi+pf%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1 ). The top works great and has never given me a problem. I live in Arizona and put it down A LOT.

I really like this. Especially of you have USB and Aux in your center console. You just run the remote/mic out from there and stick it flat somewhere easy to reach.

Kinivo BTC450 Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit for Cars with Aux Input Jack (3.5 mm) - Supports AptX https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NLTW60/

I use an OTG adapter for the OBD2-USB cable, that website sells them for $5 extra (Amazon also has this Carly kit: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Carly-BMW-Package-Micro-usb/dp/B00X3V4F3G but I've only bought the one from the site I linked you too, and I know for sure they test them before they ship it). It allows you to plug that cable into a tablet or phone with micro-USB. I think it's Android only, so it won't work with an iPhone. You plug in the cable to the obd2 port, then plug it into your android device, then hit connect in the app.

I think I had saved this one: https://www.amazon.com/Foseal-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B00W0SDLRY/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1487114327&sr=8-4-fkmr0&keywords=bmw+carly+dongle -- I had another Bluetooth dongle I used to use with another app but I misplaced it during a move a while back. That one worked with an app called Dashcommander but not sure about Carly. I ended up getting the cable instead of another one because I wasn't sure if the MHD app would work via Bluetooth.

Let us know how it works out!

Restored my headlights about 6 months ago using this 3M Headlight Restoration System (Works GREAT)

These Predator Orion V2 LED Angel Eyes w/ Remote angel eyes from umnitza (Would NOT recommend them! However the angel eyes are awesome)

Clear Corners (Clean fit and no problems)

Stealth Bulbs (A big pricey however they look AMAZING)

Have clear side signals on the way, along with some Langka blob removal for some touchups.

http://www.amazon.com/ViseeO-WMA1000-Tune2air/dp/B00B52LLJ6

These work great, high quality, hence the premium. You use your y-cable with 30 pin connector. As long as it is an iPhone, you keep your steering wheel controls and audio descriptions on the control display.

I always recommend them to customers, everyone loves them. Avoid the other cheap ones available, they just don't work or sound horrible.

This is what I got:

OBD transmitter:
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Carly-BMW-Adapter-Generation/dp/B00X3UYXM0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492533694&sr=8-1&keywords=carly

App:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/carly-for-bmw-pro/id467343427?mt=8

I loved the app, it let you program a bunch of different things (including folding the mirrors when the car is locked). It also would let you see live information from the ECU when the car was running.

I'm so sorry! It's a 2009 non xdrive?

So I think I can get any cable, but it had to have an adapter change the media from digital to analog?

Or I can get a y cable with a blue tooth adapter

So either this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=61122287642&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS670US670&oq=61122287642&aqs=chrome..69i57.1009j0j8&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgdii=xA4SkwZu0AQB9M%3A%3BGEJ0fzEmoH_8ZM%3A%3BGEJ0fzEmoH_8ZM%3A&imgrc=GEJ0fzEmoH_8ZM%3A

Or this:
ViseeO Tune2Air WMA3000B Bluetooth Adapter for Streaming iPod/iPhone/iPad to BMW/Mini with original AUX/USB Y-Cable Connection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R3ABHXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iI0zybCRT7T7K

Either of those work?

If your car came with the 30-pin iPod connection, you can just buy this adapter and be able to listen to music from your phone via Bluetooth. I have it in my E90 and it works great.

http://www.amazon.com/ViseeO-Tune2air-WMA1000-Bluetooth-Integration/dp/B00B52LLJ6

Not a trick so much as a way to get modern bluetooth audio in your "dated" 2009 BMW nav. Check out http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R3ABHXY -- it works brilliantly if you have ipod integration already.

Haven't tried it personally, but heard good things about this. https://www.amazon.com/Tune2Air-WMA3000B-Bluetooth-Streaming-Connection/dp/B00R3ABHXY

You're going to want this exact model, and plug it into the aux USB dongle.

I've got a 2011 328i with no iDrive console and came across the same issue: Bluetooth pairing is limited to calls, and the USB dongle uses up my phone's connector (and provides little to no charge for my phone). Other standard Bluetooth adapters will only transmit audio, and the wheel controls / song display won't work. The Tune2air works perfectly: bluetooth connection for audio + calls, track names and wheel controls can change volume and skip, while freeing up my phone's connector to charge via the cigarette lighter.

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: This


|Country|Link|
|:-----------|:------------|
|UK|amazon.co.uk|
|Spain|amazon.es|
|France|amazon.fr|
|Germany|amazon.de|
|Japan|amazon.co.jp|
|Canada|amazon.ca|
|Italy|amazon.it|




This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

>GO BUY A DASH CAM. THIS IS THE ONE I HAVE AND ITS $21. Just needs an SD card. And an optional better mount. Mine is mounted behind my rearview mirror so you don't notice it and its hardwired in the same spot as my V1 so it automatically turns on with the car and starts recording.

Did you put gasket treatment on the door seals to help prevent the doors from sticking?

http://www.amazon.com/einszett-914806-Gummi-Pflege-Rubber/dp/B004B8GTQG

Yes I just did this. https://www.amazon.com/ViseeO-Tune2Air-WMA3000B-Bluetooth-Adapter/dp/B00R3ABHXY

I use that. You may need a different model so do some research.

Thank me later

http://www.amazon.com/Kinivo-BTC450-Bluetooth-Hands-Free-Input/dp/B009NLTW60/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1395623512&sr=8-3&keywords=kinivo

This one is very highly recommended.

Check out /r/AutoDetailing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R3ABHXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8HUbzbJS9VH5Y

I added this to my 135i and it worked. Make sure it works with your i drive

I can control music with the stock head unit and it routes phone calls to the incar speaker. Also it shows artist etc

https://www.amazon.com/Tune2Air-WMA3000B-Bluetooth-Streaming-Connection/dp/B00R3ABHXY

I have an 09 non-iDrive 328i, and this is exactly what you need. Works well.

Amazon is: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Carly-Adapter-Generation-Iphone/dp/B00X3UYXM0

I currently use this and have just music stream over while calls use the built-in bluetooth in the car. the little puck lets you start/stop and skip tracks, and music pauses when a call comes in.
I have it plugged in to the armrest with the puck by my idrive knob, and while I usually don't bother, the plug has a USB in that you can use if you need to also plug your phone in to charge.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NLTW60/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you don't have Bluetooth for streaming but do have iPod integration in the centre console you need https://www.amazon.co.uk/ViseeO-Tune2Air-WMA3000B-Bluetooth-Adapter/dp/B00R3ABHXY

Amazon link

This.

http://www.amazon.com/einszett-914806-Gummi-Pflege-Rubber/dp/B004B8GTQG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1452529162&sr=8-3&keywords=gummi

now you can have it as well

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X3UYXM0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$82.90

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R3ABHXY/

It's not perfect, but it works. I've used it for 3+ years.

I've heard of some folks installing small USB bluetooth adapters in the car's USB port....do you have a USB port?

EDIT: If you don't, something like this is also an option

I feel your pain, as I had a BMW that didn't have enhanced bluetooth. (So I couldn't listen to music through my phone.) There are so many products that claimed to work, but didn't deliver. The cassette/bluetooth things are a pain, those Android systems LOOK cool, but it's a crap-shoot about how well they actually work (not to mention take away from the stock look of the car,) and who still uses auxiliary cords anymore? I can relate.

Sadly, I too admitted defeat and was only able to solve the problem when it was time for me to get another car.

FYI: Don't waste your time on this (or anything that looks like it.) It won't stay connected, and will be more trouble than it's worth.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R3ABHXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1