WIBIMMERS

Thanks. Already have the posting update set on FBM. Not a surprise that more common listings for the e46 xi models show up for Minnesota and Michigan There have been a few for WI though more often for full cars in the $1.5 to $3k range. Working on this thing I can see why, everything up front is much harder to deal with than the RWD models.   

LKQ in MKE allows yard access ($3 entry fee) and much to my surprise in November they did get a more recent addition of a 2004 330xi that I managed to get to a few days after it showed up. I picked up the driver's fender and lower fender liner, as well as a driver's side front door. Passenger side on that car had taken the hit, suspension was stock/blown, and driveline bits went early. Prices are not too bad, and you can waive the 90-day return guarantee add-on fee and, in some cases, return a "core" which drops the parts cost further.

Good to see the site is still here. Not sure how much traffic there is these days but figured I would try posting.  

I recently picked up a 2003 330xi MT as a winter beater/project and could use a few things. Parts I need are interchangeable between the 330xi and 325xi models. If anyone might have them, know someone who might, or where there is one in a WI salvage yard let me know. I checked out the 2003 325xi at the MKE LKQ and it is pretty picked over.

Parts needed: UPDATE

-WENT AHEAD AND PURCHASED NEW: plastic undertrays /splash panels. The xi models of course have their own versions compared to other e46 models. There are three panels -- under engine, transmission and transfer case. I need all of them but especially the first two since this will be winter driver.  

 -FOUND: driver's side lower front fender liner (PO met a tree). Again unique to the xi models

-FOUND: driver's front fender (see tree reference above), black would be ideal. 

-STILL NEEDED: driver's front seat (comfort/nonsport) forward/backwards adjustment motor. 

-FOUND: Not junk yard fare but I could also use a decent set of four all-season tires in either 225/45/17 or 205/50/17, as well as a single 205/50/17 spare. Car actually has a full-size spare but with the original 2002 build date tire.

It could use other things but I need to remember this is intended as a beater and not a rescue. 

Thanks!

Granted this is a longshot but I'm looking for a Speedline Type 2116 wheel (also known as Chrono or maybe Super Turismo). Specs stamped on the wheels are 17x8 and ET40. What makes these a bit more unique is that they BMW fitment 5x120 with an e36/46 centerbore (72.56). A few years ago, I picked up a used set of four. Three of the wheels were in good condition. One wheel though has two repaired cracks on the inside edge that look have been professionally done, but ideally I would like to find a clean one.

Let me know if you have or happen to come across one or more of these.

Thanks!

Here is what the Type 2116 wheel looks like:

So I have a used set of BMW Style 44 wheels that I picked up around five years ago that has seen better days. Aside from all wearing 2011 build date snow tires, one wheel is bent and another is cracked. Fine that's what you end up with sometimes. But here's the question. Although all the spoke stampings and casting marks are the same on the four wheels (size, offset, BMW, etc.), I noticed that the bent one has a different inner lip (an actual lip) than the other three (flat surface). Are there different versions of Style 44s, have I got the style wrong, would a replica have a BMW casting, or is this just a thing?

Any insights from BMW tech gurus?

Back to this again. Looking for an affordable e46 in good shape for a winter daily. Ideally a 330i/ix MT but willing to consider a 325i/ix, and maybe AT versions if good transmission service history.  Higher mileage close to either side of 200k is OK again if there is a good service history. Also, since the car will be residing in Waukesha County it has to be able to pass WI emissions so no gutted cats or headers. Thanks!

Car is sold

Rekpoint said:

I don't think there will be any ice racing this year.

True, weather has not been conducive. On a positive note, that means more time to work on an ice-racer build.

KaiserRolls said:

Must ignore the overwhelming urge to purchase this for an ice racer 

Believe me the thought has crossed my mind as well! Years ago, I took the car to an Audi ice-driving school in Hutisford, and also tried the ice-autocross the SCCA used to hold at the Mile. Both days were a lot of fun. RWD with a good set of snow tires. Having two race cars though is a no-go for me unfortunately.

I've gotten some requests for additional pics: rear trunk wells, diff, passenger axle boot, transmission cross member slot 

To continue full disclosure some other things I remembered: rear seat back top next to parcel tray is worn (I think one PO had a dog), turn signal flasher has an occasional freeze issue, brake pad wear sensor light is on even though I have sensors removed and wires connected, rear driver's side seat belt is missing.  

Remembered one more: central locking works only from the trunk

Think that's it.

Ain't old cars grand!

Some underside pics

Interior, engine bay, trunk

Exterior pics

BMW 1991 318is coupe slick top (for project car/parts)
VIN: WBAAF931XMEE68385

Selling my 1991 318is coupe, BrIllantrot, rare slick top, 5-speed, m42, 4.10 LSD, Red46 skid plate, Stromung catback, sport seats, and more. The front subframe cracked recently on the passenger-side and the motor mount is now resting on steering arm. Radiator fan now rubs on bottom of fan shroud. Needs a new front subframe to be safe to drive beyond driving the car onto a trailer. Body rust and other issues mean it is time for me to move on and put funds into other projects. Best for parts or could be a good repair project for someone with welding skills. Selling the car ‘as is’ for $2,500 obo. 

I’ve owned the car since 2012 as a four-season occasional daily, parked outside in driveway. I am the seventh owner. Car has lived entire life in IL and WI. Estimated mileage at 275k.  The odometer stopped working at approximately 235k and new odo gears didn’t fix it (2015).  Regular oil changes with Castrol GTX 10-40 and Mahle filter kits; radiator fluid changes with BMW coolant (last in July 2023).  

Rust issues include rusted through areas on front floorboards (drivers side repaired but rough), front pinch welds, rear trunk wells (battery side well repaired poorly), frame rails (passenger-side rail repaired with welded sleeve in 2020), and transmission bracket support slots. Additional rust on doors (drivers-side door replaced, Zinnoberrot clear coat peeling), bottom of trunk lid, front valance (repaired poorly), hood is good rust wise but needs a strip and repaint, some rust spots on rear quarter (bubbling near wheel well on driver's side and more extensive on lower rear passenger side). Overall paint is faded except for driver’s fender replaced by PO after minor accident (2007). Front plastic bumper cover is cracked and valance bent due to a low-speed on-ramp spin incident (October 2023) that I expect also weakened the subframe (cracked as noted above, December 24, 2023).   

Engine bay: Original M42 engine runs and pulls well but has some timing chain noise.  Chain, gears, guides, tensioner, water pump replaced (2014; two rear valve cover bolts are loose). Other maintenance includes: Bosch alternator, ground strap and belt (2021); air filter (2021); purge valve (2021); plastic coolant pipe on engine (2018), OFH gasket and oil pressure sensor (2018);  mess under the intake mod (2018), fuel line hoses to fuel rail (2018, 2022); heater core and pipes replaced (2016), radiator and fan clutch (2016) and hoses (2014), engine mounts (2014), intake boot and hoses (2014); plugs, plug wires, loom (2014), lower oil pan (2013), Red46 Sump Armor Skid Plate (2013). All AC components removed and PS pump and lines removed and rack plugged (2013).                                              . 

Transmission/driveline: original G240 transmission, I also have a used spare 240 included (unknown condition); guibo and center support bearing replaced (2016); transmission mounts (2014); small case 4.10 LSD installed (2018), diff whines and exterior is rusty; passenger side axle outside boot is torn. Driver’s axle replaced by PO #6 (2010); clutch and driveshaft replaced by PO #5 (2008-09)

Exhaust:  Stromung catback (2017); used OE downpipe cat assembly (2016), heat shield rusted out, possible pipe/cat leaking, I have a used spare downpipe cat assembly which will be included; exhaust hardware (hangers [driver’s 2023, passenger 2016), manifold to down pipe bolts 3 of 4, new nuts, gasket; catback springs, bolts and nuts (2016); O2 sensor (2014).

Suspension:  Bimmerworld rear shock mounts (2016); Lemfoerder control arms and M3 CABs; front sway bar bushings, brackets, endlinks (2015); Bilstein Sports front and rear (2014); used H&R OE Cabrio Sports Springs (2014); OE subframe bushings (2014)   

Brakes: stock calipers, Textar pads (2022), Zimmerman rotors (2022); driver’s front caliper carrier bracket (2022); replaced main hard brake line to rear and hard line from ABS pump to bias valve with NiCopp (2023); rear T-junction replaced (zip-tied to old), rear trailing arm hard lines, rear inner soft lines, rear passenger outer brake line replaced (2018, DIY w/o dropping subframe, NiCopp); parking brake nonfunctional /parts removed (2013).  Stainless steel brake lines on the car installed by PO (2005-06). Brake pad wear light remains on (sensors removed and wires connected, so short somewhere). 

Other: Ellipsoids with Stern Lighting HIR2 9012 low beam bulbs (2023); Interstate battery (2019); wiper blades (2019); headlight switch (2018); windshield washer plastic-T connector (2018), driver’s side washer nozzle (2018); E36 Z3 antenna mod (2017); new gas tank, fuel pump, hard fuel lines, fuel filter (2016)

Wheels and tires: New General Altimax RT45 195/60/14 on basket weaves (November 2023); old General Altimax Arctic snow tires 185/70/14 on basket weaves (installed 2013, with 2011 build date) 

Interior: sport seats with black vinyl (?) seat covers installed by PO, tear on driver’s side seat cover bottom cushion; Analog clock with e30Love harness (2021); driver’s dome light (2019); Bavarian Auto Hexomats (2014); Panasonic MP3/CD head unit with detachable face, Panasonic speakers (CQ-C1333U) came with car. 

For additional detail do not hesitate to contact me. Pictures coming shortly.

KaiserRolls said:

Done as in….?

Project car for sale/parts time. I’ll post with details in a few days.

Update: looks like hit also weakened the front subframe.  The potholes in downtown MKE yesterday were enough to finish the job.  On the way home car started making unhappy noises, including the fan rubbing on the fan shroud. Turns out the front subframe is cracked and the passenger-side motor mount is now sitting on the steering rack. I think we are done.  

Putting this on hold for a bit. Rust issues on the car are making me rethink how much more I want to put into it.

Thanks!

Looking for a late model e30 front valance. Crunched mine Thursday night on the 318is. Could also use a plastic bumper. Thanks!

This might be useful:

Understanding E30 speaker and amp wiring - R3VLimited Forums