E46 Mountain Revenge

[Schaidhammer]

The most economical way to get more noise out of the car is have either the center resonator or the rear muffler cut out and replaced with a plain section of pipe. I did the center resonator and it gave it a very subtle increase in noise that could've been passed off for stock, but made you aware that there was an engine in the car. Removing the rear would be more aggressive.

Thanks for the tip, sounds pretty good. I'll definitely look into that more this summer. Lucy knows a place near him that does good work, so I'll take it down there this summer and see what they say.

[SlimKlim]

Any place that does exhaust work should be willing to do it pretty cheaply, about an hour's work or so. I think I paid $100 way back when to have mine done. You could also buy a generic magnaflow or flowmaster muffler (in the correct size) and have an exhaust shop cut out the stock muffler and replace it. It'd be more expensive than just doing a delete, but far, far less expensive than any of the name brand BMW aftermarket exhausts. Paying like $800 for an axleback or $2500+ for a full system is insanity.

[Schaidhammer]

Any place that does exhaust work should be willing to do it pretty cheaply, about an hour's work or so. I think I paid $100 way back when to have mine done. You could also buy a generic magnaflow or flowmaster muffler (in the correct size) and have an exhaust shop cut out the stock muffler and replace it. It'd be more expensive than just doing a delete, but far, far less expensive than any of the name brand BMW aftermarket exhausts. Paying like $800 for an axleback or $2500+ for a full system is insanity.

Yeah, I can't see myself spending more than like $500 haha. Especially if I want to save up for my top secret Miata project... Oops, I shouldn't even be talking about it right now!

[SlimKlim]

And it's a BMW, it'll be asking for plenty of money from you for repairs in the future, so it's always a good idea to be frugal with modifications.

[Schaidhammer]

And it's a BMW, it'll be asking for plenty of money from you for repairs in the future, so it's always a good idea to be frugal with modifications.

Exactly, speaking of which Dad just sent me pics of brand new suspension bushings and front a arm! Beginning a suspension refresh that should make it feel better than before the wreck.



"Unfortunately, from now on your car will only turn left."



My dad is retired and has lots of time, so he'll probably have these on before I get back.




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[Senor_Taylor]

IF YOU GET A MIATA BEFORE ME....

[Schaidhammer]

IF YOU GET A MIATA BEFORE ME....

Haha, well seeing as a nice Miata can be found for about $3500 and I just spent that on my bimmer... 1 or 2 years maybe.

[Senor_Taylor]

I know that feeling, but the things that took my money were due to my own stupidity.

[Schaidhammer]

I know that feeling, but the things that took my money were due to my own stupidity.

Don't worry; when I finally do initiate project top secret miata it will be worth the wait.

[Beej]

Aww yisss, e46. That's a handsome car!

- Replaced rear subframe and differential bushings (I have the tools if anyone needs to borrow them)

Once again, information that would have been useful to me yesterday!

I think I shot the shit with your old man at the autox last fall - he knew is stuff, great guy! Bummer about the mountain, but all in all, it doesn't look so bad. Good luck getting her back on the road, and I look forward to the updates!

[Schaidhammer]

Aww yisss, e46. That's a handsome car!

- Replaced rear subframe and differential bushings (I have the tools if anyone needs to borrow them)

Once again, information that would have been useful to me yesterday!

I think I shot the shit with your old man at the autox last fall - he knew is stuff, great guy! Bummer about the mountain, but all in all, it doesn't look so bad. Good luck getting her back on the road, and I look forward to the updates!

Thanks! Yep, he was at the autox and loves talking about cars. Wish I knew you needed the tools, they're expensive for something you'll likely never use more than once.

[Schaidhammer]

Guys who know E46s, since I'll need to get a new clutch over the summer, would you recommend upgrading or sticking with OEM?

[*insertusernamehere*]

If you don't intend to really use it for performance purposes i'd say just get an oem replacement. Change your flywheel too. Some aftermarket options will give you a clutch+flywheel kit that is cheaper than oem and can supposedly hold more power.

[BLINGMW]

Considering how long the stock clutch can last (both E46 325s I've had were on their original clutches past 160K), I would stick with an OEM replacement Sachs clutch kit unless you have some big power plans for the car.

[Schaidhammer]

Ok, that's what I'll do then. Clutch has been on its way out since I've had it, so I don't even know how it feels with a clutch that doesn't chatter occasionally.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Sachs all the way or Sachs + JBR flywheel.

[Schaidhammer]

Update 5/1/15:
My dad sent me a picture of the right side repaired!



Can't wait to get back in a week and see it in person before I fly to California. He said there is still some clunking that should be fixed when we put the new parts in, but he's leaving that to me. Also, on the way back from the shop he hit a milestone.

[SlimKlim]

Looks good! When are the new control arms going in?

[Schaidhammer]

Probably not until June because I'll be in California. Unless I get working as soon as I get back.

[Schaidhammer]

ECS tuning has BMW's performance muffler on sale for $200, so I hopped right on it and bought it. Should be here in June!

Some pictures from control arm and tie rod replacement, and cleaned up the skid plate. Who knew it was silver?! :lol: