BMW 328i E46 - DIY Engine and Transmission Bushings

This video includes replacing the Motor Mount Bushings and Transmission Mount Bushings. We also discover that the Passenger side Motor Mount Bracket is broken.
Here are the items that I used for this project:
Motor Mount Bracket : BMW Part Number 22111094694, we found a used one for $10 at a local Pull-a-Part.
Motor Mount Bushings (L/R): amzn.to/2pDCj2V $47
Trans Mount Bushings (2 pcs): amzn.to/2p3Wx49 $16
The results of this fix were extremely apparent. After the installation of the Engine and transmission Bushings and replaced the broken Motor Mount Bracket, this car is vibration free. What a difference.
UCanDoIt2 Website: www.ucandoit2.club/
UCanDoIt2 Contact: [e-mail]

[@negritorican]

I just want to say...thank you thank you thank you! After about 1 hour trying to get that passenger mount back on I ran into your video and it worked! I tried every other method mentioned here by other youtubers but none of them worked except yours. Also for those wondering the heat-shield on the passenger side can be used with this method. In the video here it doesn't show them putting the heat-shield back on so in my mind I thought it meant they didn't cause it didn't fit but Im here to say it does in case someone was wondering.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Sweet!!!! Glad you found it useful. Glad you were able to get it figured out.

[@darkoz1692]

I recently had this done, engine and transmission mounts, by a mechanic for $1200 :( The drive and idle now is smooth as butter, huge difference.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

We also found that there was a huge and very noticeable difference in the drive. Very smooth.

[@charlesmckinnis2718]

This is a great video, with lots of useful information for the DIY mechanic! Thank You!

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Thank you Sir! It really reduced the vibrations that we were experiencing. Cheers! Mike

[@antsh1985]

I agree, this is a fun car to repair, I am doing it for 7 years already :)

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

It is awesome that you and your kiddo are wrenching together. Nice repair!

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Thank you buddy! I really like sharing this with them, spending the time together, and for the most part letting them do the repair. This is my youngest son and he didn't originally show much interest in cars. This is our 4 little project together and he is starting to take ownership of the repairs and I believe he appreciates the vehicle a little more. I am having a blast!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!

[@stephenmetz-lago7932]

I found that disconnecting the exhaust makes replacement of both transmission and engine mounts much easier. New exhaust flange gaskets and nuts were only about $10 and it's easy to do. Awesome thorough video!

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Sounds like a great ideas... Cheers!

[@SteveRobReviews]

Mike you thought it out just terrific . That's the best part of vids like this is not just the repair but how you figured it out. Well done.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

You know what???? You just made me think through it and "How you figure it out" is exactly what fuels me. I love to learn new things and come up with a plan and execute it. The reward is the finished result... I judge my success on how many bolts I have left over!!!!!! This on get my thumbs up!!!!

[@ashtonhutchason3038]

Just stumbled upon your channel and wanted to let you know how great of a job you have done with these videos! Excellent, and extremely helpful for anyone with an E46. They are amazing cars if taken care of and fairly simple to work on.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Lavish Ashton Thanks for the compliment. These are great cars. They are starting to show a little age and do need attention. Very easy to work on. Cheers and enjoy yours!!!!!

[@HV71851]

Thank you for a good video! I get my parts from Pelican Parts in California, in their tech article for this issue, they do say to only remove one side at the time. This is going to be my next project... Thanks again!

[@bustin_arown]

Thanks for posting. I followed all of your suggestions and had no issues! (other than my mounts were completely broken...almost 400k on my car)

[@Maximilian0011]

You speak beautifully without a doubt yet the main cause of the vibration was the metal bracket, sure harden mount bushing were to go too, great vid !

[@sadiel1]

excellent video and well explained. i got some poly mounts for the engine and transmission i be putting on soon

[@guidomende5470]

Thank you from Germany for this helpful video. My E46 got new motormounts after 320k Kilometers, it is the first Diesel engine M47 with 136 horse power. Same challenge, the engine mount on the right hand side got not free after lifting the engine. Your solutions in steps made the project become successful. Thank you so much. Where in America are you at home, guys?

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Excellent! Glad you were successful and that you found the video useful. We are in Georgia. Cheers!

[@mavricxx]

Man love your videos! You and the 50sKid are awesome!

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Thank you! Yes, the 50sKid has a great collection as well. Hope this one helps you. I would have to say again how surprised I was to the difference this made to the "Ride" of this car. Cheers!

[@briang3033]

Looking to install headers on my 2005 e46 BMW 330xi and figured when I'm down I'll replace the motor mounts. Great video! Thanks!

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

That is a great idea! Just before you do, pay attention to small vibrations that are consistent to the RPMs of the engine. Compare those to how it feels afterwards. I was shocked at the difference. Granted ours were shot (Compressed and Dense) and doing nothing. A cheap solution to restoring the new car feel of this car! Have fun with yours!!!!!!

[@tarzan30809]

Parts on the way, thank you very much for such a great detailed video!

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Sweet !!! You are going to love the difference. If you get a chance, let me know if you notice a difference.

[@robdude1969]

Great project for you two. I see you learned the socket/wrench tip as well.... suspension & bushings parts on order....

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

I hope you experience as much of a noticeable change in vibration dampening as we did. Cheers!

[@DoubleRRestorations]

Great job guys. I really enjoyed the vid Mike. Thanks for sharing the issues you guys ran into and the solutions.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Thanks Russ! This car has just changed ownership from my older son to my younger son. This was Austin's first major project on his car and he really enjoyed it!

[@David-yh5po]

Thanks for your time and help with this matter. I have to do this Saturday.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

David Blackwell As I mentioned, it removed tons of vibrations coming from the engine. My ride is so much smoother. Hope you experience that same benefits.

[@dvinci9859]

you saved my ass. had no idea what to do about the passenger side, and you just saved me! Thank you, you beast of a man!!!

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Glad you found it useful! Always fun to share... Cheers!!!! Mike

[@hakukuze7947]

Really good video, loved the close ups, the old parts and how things fit together and seeing the problems. The only thing I would say is the cherry picker which many of us don’t have as we have to go the jack stand way but you showed enough. My next project but not looking forward to crawling under the transmission part under jack stands. The car is pretty low even with the stands.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Glad you enjoyed and found value. I agree with not everyone having a cherry picker. But it shows that you just have to get resourceful. Figure out an alternative way with the tools that you have. And be safe about it. Cheers.... Mike

[@wjohnsonism]

@27:00 I totally agree. I have a 05' 330ci and it's the most well thought out car I've ever worked on. Btw... nice camera and lighting. Cheers.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Thank you for the feedback Billy! We have 3 BMWs (328, 335, and 740) and enjoy working on them all. I cant remember ever saying, "Why did they do that?"... It's more like, " Ohhh... that's a cool way to do it!". Cheers to you!!!

[@myxipitlik2]

Great tips Guys! Thanks for making this video. Very informative

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Glad you found it useful. Best of luck with your project!

[@bcgelandewagen]

Great video! I will be doing this very soon.

[@gerryreggea]

Another great DIY,, Thank you,, my E46 project will be more simpler with your videos. Thank you once again Mike.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

This project was easier than I thought it was going to be and I just can't express how different my car drives from before to after. The vibrations before were irritating. Very cool cars to work on! Thank you Gerry!!!!!!

[@christinegrover3881]

Move your jack with a piece of wood on it to the oil pan. Move it more to the side that you are working on so that it lifts that side more than the whole motor. Easy peasy. I love my bimmer.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

They are fun and easy to work on for sure.

[@ericrigoroso4445]

You guys are awesome and did a fine job! thank you for sharing it.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you Sir!!!

[@Chuckjohn12]

thanks for all the knowledge keep up the great vids

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!!!!

[@Dannywaffels]

What I did and it worked flawlessly was to drop the subframe slightly with the engine jacked change passenger side last bc if you do driver side it will lift properly, hooking a strap will help but you can't be jacked up all the way only partly but just lower the subframe and you'll slide them in then tighten subfame back in and bushing will be lined up perfectly

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Sounds like a good option! Cheers...

[@jeanbeauvoir7751]

Nice video. I like that you are real thorough with your explanation. DIY helps me save thousands off of repairs.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Yea... this one was actually a relatively easy repair and I was very shocked at the noticeable difference before and after. It was crazy!!!!!!!!

[@jongkeunlee]

Great video.

[@fjwong7337]

Thank you very much! Between 50skid and you guys, I think I can do it!

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

This upgrade made the largest noticeable change to this car!

[@etemcetin3781]

Very good Job 👍💯

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Thanks for the feedback! Mike

[@MrProTwiX]

very good video man, greetings from germany

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Glad that you enjoyed it! Hope it helps with your project. Mike

[@libyancitz6108]

nice job guys

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Thank you sir!!!!

[@JONNYCABANI]

Great video

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Glad you enjoyed it! Made a world of difference.

[@jongkeunlee]

great tip. thx.

[@3706601]

thanks a lot

[@NEWAGenTChannel]

Thanks for the clarification at the end. I was getting nervous but now i know the trick. One at a time, just leave one slightly threaded so it tilts. Right?

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Exactly! Cheers!

[@fstlnj29]

Great video. Any thoughts on what would happen if you removed the trans mounts and let it sit on the jack? It lowers the rear and would allow the engine (front) higher. Liked your solution as well. Have to tackle this soon

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

That might work pretty well. Like you mentioned, it might allow the engine to raise with less restriction. You would just need to manage the position of the Trans so that it still lined up. Nice creative thinking!!!!!

[@Namesi]

CAT! Awesome video brotha

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

The CAT loves to make small cameos in some of my videos. Always looking for attention! Cheers!!!!!

[@BoujemaaGourzane]

Thankou

[@Steff320i]

This is a great video. Just a question: did you remove the fan and the shroud before lifting the engine?

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

No! My car has an Electric Fan that is attached to the radiator. If yours has a Mechanical Fan that is driven off the engine, it will need to be removed in order to lift the engine high enough to get the bushings in. My engine lifts without any movement of the cooling fan. That is a great question though!!!!! Thanks for watch and your feedback!

[@Steff320i]

Thanks for that. How about the big rubber water hoses from the engine to the radiator? Won't they stretch or break when the engine is lifted so high? Just asking because I don't want to break anything. Same goes for the A/C lines and hoses.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

I did not make any special adjustments or considerations for any of the Coolant Hoses or A/C Lines. From the normal/final engine height, you are only lifting the engine 1 to 1-1/2 inch above the normal/final height. In my case, the engine started some amount below the original height. Bottom line, I do not believe any of the hoses will be an issue.

[@tedhargiss1056]

Good detailed video guys. Has Project Rowdy taken a back seat to the Beamer?

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

I almost feel obligated to create a video to share what is happening. We have too many cars and I had put their repairs on the back burner. The list of repairs never seemed to get any shorter. In order to prep the garage for the longer term Project Rowdy "event", I thought I would quickly tackle the other car's needs. We are Talking 1) All new brake system on my classic Camaro so that I could enjoy it this summer in place of the Jeep, 2) New pads rotors on the wife's car, 3) New Water Pump (electric) on my older sons car, 3) This Engine Mounts (in preparation to upgrade this car, 4) Tubes on both rear tires of the Riding Lawn Mower.... ..... .... You know the drill. I greatly appreciate you hanging in there. I do see some light at the end of the tunnel and there is a Jeep right in the middle of that picture !!!!!!! THANKS!!!!

[@tedhargiss1056]

I hear you brother. I have five vehicles that all need work, plus a 225 Slant 6 engine that I'm rebuilding. I'm a bit anxious about Rowdy, however, because I just bought an old Jeep Wrangler as a project vehicle and I'm planning on an engine swap. my biggest anxiety is how to actually pull the old engine...lots of components in there. And, I've never done it. I look forward to seeing how Rowdy's engine comes out. Thanks for your videos.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Awesome!! I have had this engine out before, so that makes me an expert right???? That will be fun. Just so you know, I plan to do a bit of Body Work with the Drivetrain still in the vehicle so that I can pull it in and out of the garage (Dust and Fumes). My driveway is on a hill, so I need the engine to get it back in the garage at night. The Engine Removal video will be fun to shoot and edit. Cheers!

[@becomematrix]

Reading up to do this job on my e36 but the thing I'm concerend about are the p/s lines to the rack. Wont they stretch when lifiting the engine?

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Because they are perpendicular tot he lift, the will flex but not stretch. This should not be a problem. Cheers!

[@David-yh5po]

I have a 2000 BMW 323 I I paid 1500 Dollars for my son to learn how to drive a stick. Yeah it's old But Fun to drive and parts are cheap. Thanks for your video

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

The car in this video is a 5 speed and we purchased for my older son. Then it was passed down to my younger son all for the purpose of teaching then both to drive a stick. They both love it!!!! Something everyone should learn to do.... Cheers!!!

[@flexiblestrategist9922]

I miss my 2001 325 I which was a stick. I never had to replace any mounts even when I racked up 170K. It got smashed last year and only got $980 for it (buy back deal from the insurance co. from the kid who hit me)

[@eastsideofthetracks8311]

Are poly transmissions mounts better for aggressive canyon driving ?

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

I believe you are correct. I believe Poly would last longer, but are typically stiffer. Our E46 was 23 years old and we were not looking for a solution to last another 20.

[@jayparnes]

After you positioned the new driver side mount, you said the upper stud didn't line up with bracket because the new bushing was taller. You then tackled the problem with getting the passenger side out, but you never said how you got the stud and bracket to line up on the driver side. How'd you do that?

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

There was a larger gap on that side and it went in without issue. Having that side in. allowed my to pivot on it to open up the other side.

[@markperez6195]

Great video Is it safe to use a jack to lift the engine via the oil pan?

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

If the engine is detached from the car, I would say it would be OK as many people sit an engine that is pulled from the vehicle on the Oil Pan. I would not lift there in an attempt to raise the engine AND the car.

[@mehmetsahin9103]

Danke für wideos.Ich habe das motor von unten augehoben solche probleme nicht gehabt es ist leichte gegangen bei mir.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Ich freue mich, dass Sie es nützlich fanden und dass Sie erfolgreich waren. Beifall!

[@eduki]

Nice vid. Just add something under the wheels for safety, guys. jack stands is not enough.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

We never lift a car without Chalked tires and Jackstands (see this video @ 4:37) Later in the video, the Jack was additionally being used to lift/support the engine. Cheers!!!!

[@besofacacia6103]

omg dude i just bought second e46 and just finished doing all the stuff with engine and electrics - its a long list. today i was sitting in my car watching for perfect air-fuel ratio on scanner and was wondering why after all the work i did my idle became even stiffer. mine is att and i do hear door noise when i put in in drive posistion and hold brakes. i thought lets google for engine mountings symptoms :) so you say car is like new after you changed those ?

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

beso facacia my issues where broken motor mount bracket and very old and stiff bushings. Replacing these item Completely changed this car. All engine vibrations where gone. If you do it yourself it will be. The most improvement you can make for the dollar !!!!!!!!

[@FoxFaderWorld]

With the jack under the oil pan supporting the engine, I loosened the top bolt of the drivers side mount to the top of its stud, then I used a 6x8 block under the ac tensioner to lightly jack the engine and tilt it to make room to RR (remove and replace) the passenger side mount. Too simple.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

That sounds like a great plan. The key is that you do have to find a way to lift and tilt the engine to make room to R&R that mount. Cheers! Mike

[@Wipsplash]

E46 is a great driving machine but it's murder trying to keep it running properly. Something breaks on mine weekly and I drive it kindly. Mines 18 years old, so I understand everything needs to be replaced twice.

[@cooltech142432]

THE MOST EASY WAY TO REPLACE THE LEFT MOUNT IS TO REMOVE THE FOUR BOLTS OF THE MOTOR MOUNT BASE, BEFORE YOU ALREADY RELEASE FIRTS THE MOUNT, I TRY THE WAY YOU DO BUT DONST WORK

[@henrylj2660]

u made me realize holding it with wood block and cherry picker and removing bottom brace and put it up there. I thought my bushings were just to tall guess not

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Sometimes you just have to get creative. Cheers!

[@henrylj2660]

lol now I know how I cracked my washer fluid resevoir

[@MultiTerpen]

I can also feel the shifter shaking really badly

[@davehedgehog4391]

We could all use an extra quarter inch.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

I know that’s right!

[@adomasz.3958]

Those tyres look worn out a bit... especially on sides...

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

They are stretched on some Style 5 Wheels from my 2001 740iL.

[@adomasz.3958]

From that angle it looked like worn out tyres lol! Also e38 driver!

[@theseal666]

German engineering - sometimes you love it, some times you hate it...