slugg's "I finally wasted my money and look like a douchebag" 2002 BMW 330i thread.

[slugg]

Not a whole lot to see here, yet, but I figured I'd start the build thread. I'll take more time to add details later, but here are the highlights:

- 2002 330i
- 5 speed
- 120k miles
- Cooling system revamp (everything)
- Suspension revamp (everything except LCA bushings)
- New brake pads and rotors, but I hate the pads (explained later)

Preview:

It's on Bilstein PSS coilovers. It currently sits too low for my taste, so I'll be tinkering with the ride height next weekend. Pretty much, I'm going to set it to the maximum height and see how it goes. If I don't like it, then swapping it out will be on the to-do list, but I really like the ride/handling so far. Speed bumps are an issue, that's all. Also, the PO had brand new lower control arm bushings that he gave me, so those are going in. I'm going to set my ride height and do the bushings before an alignment, so I won't be driving the car a whole lot for the next week.

Also, the brake pads are nearly new Hawk HP+. Way too aggressive for the street and they sound like a school bus, not to mention the crazy brake dust. I already ordered some Hawk HPS and I'm really looking forward to putting them in!

The tires are low on life, runflats. I plan on trashing them at an autocross a couple times, then going for something better.

I won't be able to get started on it until next Saturday. Too bad, because I'm too excited to drive it!

 

[vshah]

looks nice! get rid of those stupid eyelids though.

 

[slugg]

looks nice! get rid of those stupid eyelids though.

Eye lids?

 

[JCH13]

looks nice! get rid of those stupid eyelids though.

Methinks that those are stock.

 

[manimal]

Methinks that those are stock.

I thought theu were stock as well so i googled 02 330ci front end and found this

made my day!



great ride slugg! Took a bit but you found what you wanted!


So cooling system was overhauled recently? make sure they did the return line behind engine and the expansion tank too. How does vanos sound? Is it noisy up there? Since your a DIY guy a you can rebuild your vanos on your own for 40 bucks in seals and about 5 hours of your time vs 600 for pump alone. The replacement pumps fail too gdi bmw. You can get the seals from a bunch of different spots.

Those Billies are not cheap and a HUUGE score. Instead of burning off the run flats list them on CL for a bit. Around here guys overpay for used runflats because they are cheap. Its usually flippers trying to slap together a car quick and cheap.

moar picts!

Nice score

 

[JCH13]

Manimal is right, PSS coilovers are decent $$, great thing to have.

Pick up some R4-S pads too!

 

[PricklyPete]

Methinks that those are stock.

They are not stock on a 2002. They are after market "angel eyes" made to look like the "corona" lights that come stock on newer trims of BMWs. I actually think they look good and serve a good purpose (clearly ledge able daytime running lights).

 

[JCH13]

They are not stock on a 2002. They are after market "angel eyes" made to look like the "corona" lights that come stock on newer trims of BMWs. I actually think they look good and serve a good purpose (clearly ledge able daytime running lights).

Hrm, I thought Vshah was referring to what looks like a stick-on bit on the headlight lens.

Like this, except it appears to be on the bottom half of the lens.

I agree that the angle eyes or 'halos' look good and serve a good purpose.

 

[PricklyPete]

Hrm, I thought Vshah was referring to what looks like a stick-on bit on the headlight lens.

Like this, except it appears to be on the bottom half of the lens.

I agree that the angle eyes or 'halos' look good and serve a good purpose.

Sorry, you are probably correct...that is what he is likely referring to.

 

[Throckmorton]

Coilovers are stupid on these cars. The rear shock mounts break even when just shocks on them, so it makes even less sense to add springs too. There are perfectly good spring mounts made for the springs. If I were you I'd lift up the carpet and inspect the rear shock mounts. It's an expensive welding job to fix the unibody.

 

[Mandres]

definitely check the rear shock mounts. But really, if the OP has read enough to know about the cooling system problems then he's probably aware of this issue too.

 

[halik]

Make sure you have it inspected for subframe cracks; I can guarantee you have some with that suspension.

My stock-suspension 50K mile M3 had them, my brothers stock-suspension 40K mile E46 coupe had them... yours will be cracked for sure.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Make sure you have it inspected for subframe cracks; I can guarantee you have some with that suspension.

My stock-suspension 50K mile M3 had them, my brothers stock-suspension 40K mile E46mile coupe had them... yours will be cracked for sure.

How much did it cost to get the M3 subframe fixed?

 

[SSSnail]

How much did it cost to get the M3 subframe fixed?

Should be free as there was a recall for the inspection and fix. I posted a thread about this a few years ago.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Noice.... Welcome to the BMW DoucheBag club. I'm a former member

And yes. As everyone else has said - definitely check the rear shock mounts.

Are you with the Coastal Empire Solo chapter?

 

[Vdubchaos]

Coilovers are stupid on these cars. The rear shock mounts break even when just shocks on them, so it makes even less sense to add springs too. There are perfectly good spring mounts made for the springs. If I were you I'd lift up the carpet and inspect the rear shock mounts. It's an expensive welding job to fix the unibody.

No way, BMW would never do such a thing.

How dare you bad mouth them!!!

 

[SpatiallyAware]

No way, BMW would never do such a thing.

How dare you bad mouth them!!!

Who could have guessed that our resident BMW troll would be here to chime in!


I love how you "dog" BMW when they pay to fix these cars.... Compared to many other brands who deny there's a problem until forced to issue a safety recall.

 

[SSSnail]

Rear shock mount problems are prevalent on E36, not so much on E46,, subframe however, is another problem.

 

[vshah]

Hrm, I thought Vshah was referring to what looks like a stick-on bit on the headlight lens.

Like this, except it appears to be on the bottom half of the lens.

I agree that the angle eyes or 'halos' look good and serve a good purpose.

yeah, i was referring to what I thought was the stick-on bit. after careful google image persual it does seem like that is part of the stock bodywork, and that it was perhaps tweaked from earlier e46 cars

 

[halik]

How much did it cost to get the M3 subframe fixed?

~1200bucks at vs motorsports, you might have some luck getting BMW to pay for it.

 

[SSSnail]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=301316 my past thread about the subframe issue.