BMW 330i 325i E46 Common Repair Steps DIY

To buy the special fan wrench & pulley holder:
amzn.to/2j4dHMW
Whenever you do just about any job on an E46 3-series BMW, such as my 2002 330i, you have to do at least some of these at the beginning of every repair job. I figured I'd do a video that just contained all of these steps in case you are unfamiliar with any of them. This video should help get you up to speed and comfortable with what I call "the usual suspects" on the E46 such as:
Jacking up the car
Removing the air scoop
Removing the fan & fan shroud
Removing the micro filter and filter housing
Removing the engine covers
Removing the air filter box
Removing the upper intake boot
Removing the DISA valve, also called the Intake Adjuster Valve
Removing the heat shield that protects the brake booster & electronics box area
Removing the lower intake boot
Removing the accessory belts
I used the rebuild kit from German Auto Solutions to rebuild my DISA valve:
www.germanautosolutions.com/bm...
Thanks for watching!

[@kimearly1145]

Thanks so much for all the videos. You have helped me keep my bimmer going without having to take it to the shop!!! I do all the work myself. 60 year old woman. haha!!

[@wjohnsonism]

Two weeks ago I bought a 05 330ci. Part of the decision to finally buy my first BMW, was watching your videos and realizing how relatively easy it is to do maintenance on the M54 engine. I plan on doing as much as I can thanks to your clear and concise videos. They are very well done and well lit. Please, keep up the great work. Billy Johnson

[@50sKid]

thank you very much! glad you found my videos so useful. good luck in your repairs

[@Assasain31]

The M54 is a really great motor. The maintenance on these cars are not difficult at all, they are just very tedious.

[@ytfeverguy8367]

He really is awesome. Doing my disa valve this am and cannot for the life of me figure out how to get the damn plastic heat shield out of the way. Thanks 50s k you are a resource!

[@rubenmartinez5732]

Your videos made me look smarter than my dad.. Who has over 20 years of car experience lol keep up the good work m8! You have helped me a lot!

[@Purvis513]

I can relate to this. I've been plugging away at my 325i and slowly removing codes/eliminating problems. Still plenty of work to do, but it runs much better than when we got it. My Dad wanted to replace the whole engine at first, but now he pays attention when I open the hood.

[@Tootszee]

Well taped with no background noise. Instructions are clear and concise. Well done.

[@mistacharleston6314]

I parked my 2002 330Ci for 5 years and was going to sell it for almost nothing. I didn't have time to work on my car before I parked it but now that I have a spare vehicle your videos are amazing. Just wanted to say thanks again for all your E46 videos!

[@KKE1978]

Your explanation and tutorials are the best. I have an e39 and i am almost becoming a bmw master tech. Thanks to you.

[@phillloyd8625]

These are an excellent set of videos, thanks for explaining everything in clear easy steps. I have a right hand drive version in the UK. The brake booster is on the right side, and there is an additional pipe clipped to the cabin filter housing. Just thought i would mention this for completeness.

[@naomin504]

Thank You for your videos, great detail, helped me out a ton. I got a e46. First time through was a grunt (CCV) I pulled the intake. I can't thank you enough!

[@2Phast4Rocket]

While I don't have the same BMW as in the video, the instructions are very helpful as reference when I perform general maintenance on the car. Thanks.

[@TheOutdoorLife]

I used the same kit to rebuild my disa valve about 40,000 miles ago. High quality. I'm very happy with it. Great video

[@danielmuller8125]

Really love your videos. You saved me so often from expensive shops. Thank you 1000 times. Regards from Germany

[@seanvigneau1076]

great video I was having a hard time pulling the DISA because that heat shield wall was in the way. All is good now. Thanks for the video.

[@lincoln506echo]

This video is exactly what Ive been searching for a long time. Thank you, and Keep up the good work!

[@GetRolled93]

I love your E46 Videos.

[@jdabrahams8020]

Awesome Videos, huge help for me. When I did this job just now, my tensioners were a T50 and were covered by dust caps. So you juts pop off the caps and do the exact same process except in a different spot with a T50 and it works great. Looking forward to learning a lot from your CCV video next!

[@alexfrench8142]

i followed your seadoo carb videos to fix my gtx. we bought a 330i yesterday. you are my money saving machine.

[@herrerafoto]

Hey Jason, I just keep re-visiting your videos, you da man!

[@gtagats7574]

Most in-depth tutorial with awesome camera views, thanks

[@gilbertovilorio7085]

Thank for your videos they are very helpful and you cover every detail and easy to navigate through please keep making more videos.

[@ircraig2]

Excellent job! Very well done. Pls keep up the good work...

[@bethoshaughnessy8160]

Dude, you rock! Just "inherited" a 330xi from my sister (for my 22 yo daughter) and will be doing most - if not all - of this. Thank you (from Canada).

[@camgreer]

Now that I'm working on one of these cars, I find your advice very valuable. Your videos are clear to see, your explanations are concise, and you don't mess around with introductions and music, etc. Thank you very much for all your hard work. Now, one piece of advice for you: a set of picks is very handy for removal of hoses.

[@user-cg7tl]

It sucks that mechanics who charge $120 per hour don't know what they're doing and watch youtube videos and still charge $120 per hour as if they knew what they were doing.

[@damianpowell4658]

Love your vids, learned so much about my 330i from you thanks

[@kniksman]

You are a godsend 50sKid! This is brilliant. I've been searching for this my whole life. Till now Mariah Carey was my most favourite person in the world. No word of a lie...but you are now my favourite person. Just that tool to get the fan off was enough for me. Its opened my eyes and hopefully so many doors to come. Please keep posting stuff like this for the M54 engine. Brilliant stuff. Now I'll be on my way to go find me that tool. 👌🤛

[@ericrigoroso4445]

You are the Man, bro! excellent job for showing it. thank you.........

[@ThePROFITS]

Great videos most helpful and very clear, Thank you

[@curtdawg4435]

I was given a 01 330ci by a friend that's well off. It had problems that were pretty much covered in your videos. Thank you

[@jeffstewart9503]

I fixed my vacuum leak thanks to these videos, and plan on updating the cooling system soon. Thanks for helping all of us non mechanics safely do basic maintenance on these cars. You are the man!

[@NakaiSan.]

How u fixed?

[@yoyomin]

Very helpful video! Thanks for posting this.

[@PTDoug011]

Thank you, 50'skid, for these videos, and this video is such a great idea! Your explanations are clear, and very useful. Thank you. PS... You've already saved me a lot of money!

[@50sKid]

+Doug Clark Great to hear, thanks so much

[@markdesrosiers9179]

These videos are a life saver. My '05 325i thanks you!

[@merajasari]

Hey Buddy thanks for uploading these very helpful video's. I was wondering if you could do one on replacing the power steering hoses that go from the reservoir to the cooler on the 2004 E46 330ci. Thanks again

[@krak-kingkrak3n943]

Kudos to you! Your channel is one of the best I've ever seen on auto repair. We have a 04 x3 that had the codes 171,174 show up. I replaced the intake boot and disa valve. Both bad. Very easy thanks to you. Car is running great again and I have a happy wife. Thanks again.

[@50sKid]

awesome, thanks for watching!

[@Jbg1217]

your videos are great. So much helpful information. Thank you so much this will save me a LOT of money!

[@50sKid]

+Jonathan Garrett Thanks!

[@cyrexccc]

man i love your vids. thanks BIGTIME!!!

[@345weehrs]

Excellent video, Thanks

[@chuysxo]

Damnnn 9/20/2023 I should’ve watched this before ordering a bilstein Disa valve the rebuild kit is dope

[@anyhootyepo654]

I have watched almost an hour of your repairs to ccv! I am so impressed! You are awesome! May I bring my BMW to you for repairs when needed? Awesome!!!!!

[@50sKid]

I'm afraid I don't work on other people's cars as I don't do this full time so I basically only have my weekend time to work on my own car.

[@deshonlucious]

Thank you for your very detail video. I have 2000 330ci and 528 that I plan on diy-ing in the future and your video's will be very helpful. Again, thank you for sharing your experience and skill.

[@50sKid]

+De'Shon Lucious You're very welcome, thanks.

[@AndyNav1]

Hi and thanks for your videos. I'm planning to install a new starter on my 2004 BMW X5 3.0i. I'm only going to dislodge the air-intake and tilt it away from the block and not remove it completely. First, do you see a problem with this method. And also when you have access to underside of the manifold what parts would you change? Thanks

[@libyancitz6108]

I really like your job MAN! your videos are like a reference, A LIBRARY to me.

[@50sKid]

thanks, man. got quite a big library at this point!

[@GoRuckYourself]

Spot on dude!

[@sambrown5538]

Such a huge help to us, thank you so much

[@bettykent426]

Great videos love your details so helpful!!

[@MrSINGHvlc]

o at last found a great channel and no doubt its full of knowledge and information.helped me a lot to fix my basic things..god bless you Sir

[@50sKid]

+Moreno Singh right on!

[@daniellee9382]

Hey there! First, thank you for doing this. I follow your guides and they have helped me so much! I’m following your pulley replacement guide now, but haven’t seen a way to reinstall the fan.. you stopped at “it’s a bit tricky to thread it in”.. I’m not at that step yet... but is it a simple threading in? Or are there additional steps?

[@Bm330ci]

Hello boss you the best teacher on m54 engines, i have my 330ci and when i start it its like rough the engine the first 2mins, when i start it if i press the acelerator is like coughing and shaking a bit, but after 1,2mins gets normal, is it possible to be the o2 sensors? As i dont have any code on the obd2, thanks in advice

[@27auswin]

Thank you for all the videos you have made. I keep on following your chanel for a year and I have a question to ask you and hope you can help me about it. My car is 2002 BMW 323i with M52TU. I had a problem with fuel regulator and I replaced it already. And I found that the hose that connect to the fuel regulator need to be replaced too. But I don't know where it's end up with. I can't see it. Would you my showing me how to replace it, please? Thank you in advance.

[@corneliuseybers1254]

Awesome informative I use your videos for al my repairs...

[@willshamanena5596]

your work is super!!! can i use Seafoam to clean the intake, injectors and entire engine if would you do video?

[@1BMWdrvr1]

Great explanations during the step by step process. Do you reccomend a fuel additive to keep things clean, or is that stuff just "snake oil"?

[@sjhart14]

Hey 50skid, I love your videos. They've helped me a ton. I recently replaced the intake boots on my 325i, and while doing so, dropped one of the clips that holds the brake master cylinder heat shield on. I'm a bit picky, and would like to replace it, but can't seem to locate them online. I even tried finding the part number on RealOEM. Do you happen to know what they're called/where to find them?

[@dtalley8388]

Thks Kid. These videos have taught me allot about how to do things on my BMW. I Appreciate it. I thk my 99 328I may be at it's end tho.. I can't figure out my problem

[@mfagus]

Great video! Where is the Throttle position sensor on this engine?

[@jimmybeee5]

Very helpful. 6mm socket for hose clamps on lower intake boots. My clamps were a real challenge. Replacing starter. Thanks!

[@darrenlomax1283]

Jim Brown the socket on my intake boot is facing the wrong way and I can't remove it, any tips on how to get it off?

[@ftby59mikeD]

50's kid excellent video!.one word of caution, sticking a rag in the intake boot will help should you drop the DISA valve bolt, don't ask how I know!

[@damianspears2469]

I have a 2003 325i. One day it was running rough when I was waiting at a light. Got gas and it was fine. Few days later in the morning it was running rough until I got off my dirt road. It runs ok at high speed but sometimes at lower speeds or idle it spitters a little. Fuel economy went down as well. Where would you start first?

[@disgruntledvet11b18]

At 3:33 when you are showing how to disconnect the sensor, (I'm not sure if you said "aux" sensor or not), but my 2003!BMW 330i (automatic transmission) does NOT have one of those, nor do I see any connectors for it. I bought the car used and haven't driven it yet. Is this something my car is missing? Or were some models made without it? Hope you can help me answer this. Thanks for all of your great videos!

[@Static35]

best diy video i ever seen !

[@veritasvincit4178]

Damn I guess nobody has had anything E46 repairs for 6 years? Your videos got me thru some confusing crap………the first time😅

[@ronib2508]

Dear 50sKid I wished I knew your name. I am now more than 3 years happy owner of an E46 330ci. I touk my car on regular basis to a friend garage. Until a while ago my son told me why I dont watch youtube and learn how to do it myself. And now there we are I am not only a happy E46 330ci owner also a repairer. Thanks to friendly papole like you and two or three more other youtubers. Apart from praising you guys I have one wish. Would it be possible to ad either vocale or edit some more explanation about all connectors visible in your video " COMMON ITEM REMOVAL ". Specialy the electrical connections and all thse vacuum pipes deapear somewhere around and behind or under the engine.??? It would be realy realy great. Many thanks from UK Hemel Hempstead. Roland Bolbolian

[@antoniolares1115]

I did the CCV valve replacement and when re-installing the oil dipstick tube, I find it does not go in all the way, in fact, there is about 1/4" difference in height between the fixed bracket with the 13 mm bolt and the dipstick tube bracket - so I cannot bolt it down. I tried wiggling the tube, hammering it down and it does not budge - any thoughts? I'd appreciate some input, thank-you.

[@jackthesnipper7433]

You alright mate. I'm having a problem with throttle position sensor and was wondering if you have any video's on how I can fix it or how the clean the throttle body??

[@laoboy1]

I done gave up on mines. I took it to 2 shops after my transmission went bad and the second shop I took it too. Kept my car for over a month just for them to mess up my battery wires and my transmission not wanting to grab in gears. It does a big pop when it does goes in gear. Wish I had help and find a new transmission or rebuild it.

[@bocon007]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@davida4743]

I Love your videos! Thank you so much..

[@Ryaniwk]

Really helpful video :) Pretty sure if it was me doing this some parts would be left out lol Thanks for the video!!

[@50sKid]

+Ryaniwk lol

[@jesseortega8598]

Very well done!

[@namle-br8ju]

Great video. Love it. I have a question about MAF sensor without plugged in the car start, MAF cable plugged in the car try to start then stall. Reading from the forum, this guy replaced the clean the MAF, also replaced the MAF not resolved the issue. Finally, he fixed it by .... saying, " the problem ended up being the connection from the intercooler output to the engine intake had separated from the boost pressure". Here is my question, where are these connection? Thanks

[@50sKid]

he's talking about a different car that has a turbo system

[@joeyfooch9043]

I have a problem removing the lower intake boot (like at 12.02) the hose clamp for that small elbow is facing down and i cant get to it to losen it, so what should i do now?

[@niveselva4373]

the small hose connected to the f-connector from the intake boot has come off as the rubber hose became brittle. How important is its role and can i drive without it? i have a 330ci covertible

[@juanulloa3367]

Excellent viedio!! Thanks

[@shirzadrafieha9271]

Thank you.

[@jackblack4110]

this is unrelated to this video, but my e46 has a traction control light (the one with the exclamation mark surrounded by an an arrow) and a yellow brake light after I had the mechanic change the car's brake pads. I asked him to fix it, but he can't find the problem. Do you know of any fixes to the problem?

[@josebracero8602]

Great jobs, thanks

[@bmr4106]

Researching two lean fuel codes brought me to your channel. Excellent videos, thanks for all of your hard work making these videos. Regarding the DISA valve repair, did you buy the repair kit or the whole assembly? Thanks again. Bill from SC

[@50sKid]

Thanks! I bought the repair kit from German Auto Solutions I believe. Aluminum flapper.

[@gheorgheb8876]

2004 bmw 325i, 2,5l, Some problems. The battery was 3 years old, low voltage in the morning. I parked the car, and I realized that the instrument cluster didn't turn off like I had the key in the ON position, and the lights are on. I replaced the battery and I have the same problem. Starts, drives but don't turn off the cluster, and the lights

[@lorenzowhitfield6196]

Wonderful video but how do you remember where everything goes?

[@toyotoe3732]

Excellent video. Thank you. Re: "disa" valve you referred to - what does this do? Appreciate if at some future date, you could give a guide on how to replace starter motor on a BMW

[@jasonryan6133]

The DISA valve modifies the intake runners, decreasing their length at lower RPMs, which develops higher torque.

[@jasonryan6133]

I will put the starter change out on the list!

[@BaerliOfficial]

@50sKid - Thanks so much for these videos, I was wondering, You mentioned getting the DISA out that you should be careful not to drop the pin down into the intake? Is that only if the pin itself has broken and there's a rattle? Or should you be really cautious removing the DISA regardless? I kinda want to do the rebuild but I'm a bit worried about dropping the pin into the intake.

[@herrbrahms]

I pulled my DISA valve out tonight in order to replace the lower intake boot below it. I was careful to tilt the valve downward during removal but didn't encounter problems. At worst, if the pin falls out, get a telescoping magnet and nab it from the intake. The pin doesn't have far to go.

[@sasukeuchihaanbucapt]

Everything on a bmw E46 is easy and self explanatory, alot simplier than most cars, everything is easy access, only problem im having with mine is the nut thats on the clutch that holds the fan in place, acts like its seized, I beat the hell out of my wrench and even with a hammer, even with the specialty tool it acts like the water pump want to turn with it too, and yes I know its reverse thread and I am doing it the proper way, that nut is stuck, I wanna eventually change it to the electric fan that the manuals come with, so much easier than that clutch bs, I dont know why bmw didn't just transfer all the e46s to a electric fan, im trying to fix a coolant leak, have all the parts, radiator, upper hose, O rings, and expansion tank, even went to the ends of buying a master 60 piece torx kit and a hex kit for my socket wrench, I wanna get this done before it starts to get cold out

[@jasoncrouch8080]

Great job on all your videos 50sKid! I am learning so much from watching your channel. Thank you. I am having an issue with my 04 325i E46. I'm getting the DTC P0411, which says incorrect air flow detected. I've checked the air pump is working at 1st start up, I am not 100% sure that the check valve is getting vacuum. I have checked the valve by sucking on the small vacuum line and crimping it, then blowing air through the bigger port and it allows air through. When I uncrimp the small vacuum line and blow through the bigger port, no air goes through. Is it safe to say that the check valve is working properly? Next thing to check would be the check valve solenoid at the rear of the intake correct? Will I need to remove the intake manifold to do this? If so, Is there anything else I should do maintenance wise while I have the manifold removed. I have just bought this car with 100,000 miles on it and no 100,000 mile service was done. I have been having all of the typical problems we all experience with these cars. This is my first BMW and just picked it up in March of 2016. Since then I have replaced 3 window regulators, the power steering pump, the lower control arm bushing, the thermostat housing, the downstream O2 sensor, new spark plugs, air filter, 1 coil, and some how I was able to repair the circuit board to the passenger seat so it is completely functional again. I am also getting the DTC P2096, P2270, P0153, P0137. I have a oil leak that leaves drips in my driveway and smells and smokes when the car is stopped. I need these codes to clear for good so I can pass smog test and register. Can you give me any advice that may prevent me from having to spend a bunch of money at a repair shop where they get to charge me up the ass for words like Diagnosis and Ruling it out, and my favorite, "I don't know if this will solve the problem, you'll have to drive around for a while and see!" No offense but isn't that the point of the diagnostic procedure I just paid for? Sorry for the rant. Please help if you can, and thanks again for all you do.

[@50sKid]

Yes check the solenoid--and check that the vacuum line going into the air valve runs back to that solenoid. Should be a simple solenoid that clicks on an off with 12v power. Yeah it's best to remove the intake because the solenoid is bolted to a bracket which is bolted to the intake. You can see what it looks like in part 2 of my intake manifold removal videos. The other 4 codes are all related, check/replace the downstream O2 sensor on bank 1--it's likely dead. I've recently done a video on how to replace them.

[@nonagreeable]

Does anyone know the name or pn of the hoses that come off the F connector on the air intake boot?

[@ericwalz2344]

Great job on this video!

[@50sKid]

+Eric Walz Thanks!

[@hectolopez8364]

tengo un bmw 2005325i que antes de 25 millas se jalonea y pedorrea, pasando 25 millas todo bien, sera en valvula disa?

[@nholloway23]

Does the fan and shroud have to come out to change oil pan gasket. If so, why? Thank you for your videos. They are very helpful, and save me a lot of money! -Nick

[@50sKid]

No it doesn't

[@MsTj2cool]

Great video. My adjuster flap broken off and fell inside the intake manifold cover. Is it crucial to open it up and have it removed? Can I just have the DISA Valve replaced ... the pin was intact and removed safely. I am thinking the flap is too big to create any damage. Please let me hear your thoughts... much appreciated it. Thnx again. I have 5 days to decide before my ordered parts arrived. 10/23/17.

[@50sKid]

Nah don't take that chance--pull off the intake and shake out the flap.

[@jamesgraf6701]

I have a 04 325CI my car cranks but won’t start. I already had the DME redone. Fuel pump is fine. Just don’t know why it won’t start?

[@abenjacan100]

Do you recommend to clean the MAF, Idle CV and body throttle? I saw another of your videos where you only recommend to clean the MAF (with a MAF cleaner) as the last resort. Why? What about the idle and body throttle? Thanks a lot! Your videos are the best.

[@50sKid]

abenjacan100 I actually wish I could take that back--I DO recommend cleaning a MAF sensor with the proper cleaner. As long as you never touch it, you're good. A MAF needs to be clean to do it's job properly, same as the ICV and throttle body.

[@jocevi1773]

Good video man, if I have a air leak in the disa valve what I have to do is just pull the disa out change the round seal and that's all or I have to get a new disa? Thanks

[@50sKid]

+jocevi1773 you just need to pull it out and scrape out the old molded in seal and install a new o-ring which you can get on eBay. There is no bmw part number for it though

[@chiralhome]

I love your Videos.

[@Salabung]

Great video

[@steventreloar1185]

Love your videos, very helpful for someone like myself. I do have a question. I have a 02- 325ci and sometimes the throttle will just stop working while driving. It just does not respond. do you have any clue what the cause is?

[@50sKid]

The throttle pedal is a potentiometer so it's got electrical contacts inside. It's entirely drive by wire so it's possible the pedal is having electrical issues. It's also possible that the throttle body is having issues. If you hooked up a BMW scan tool and used INPA to read the errors, you'd find out more info.

[@steventreloar1185]

what's a good scan tool for this car?

[@barisozgur5140]

Hi, I am Baris (peace). I'm writing from izmir Turkey. I have an E46 318i N46 engine automatic car ( 200.000 km ). After 300 - 500 km of use Orange cogwheel light on,( A faulth as caused the transmission to switch to the emergency - run program. this indicates a transmission system malfunction. All lever positions can still be selected, but in the forward positions only certain gears are actually available when the car is driven ) , The MAF and Valvetronic engine adaptation error is given. Electrical wiring was checked. 4 ignition coil, MAF sensor (2 times), Valvetronic adjustment motor (2 times) eccentric position sensor changed. timing cain adjustment (2 times). now 500 km after the same failure, the automatic gear shifts to the emergency - run program (the center of the exclamation point is lit). Do you have any idea? the oxygen sensor, throattle body or vanos solenoid and oring can do? thanks.

[@xioping7936]

Hi, I have a 540I bmw , It constant stalled at slow speed especially at the intersection ,heavy traffic. I replaced intake camshaft position sensor at the passage side, Till have the same problem. any body know how to fix this problem... please give me the advise. Thanks

[@anyhootyepo654]

You are thorough! Love it! I wish all technicians were careful and meticulous like you! It would make it easier to trust that they are taking good care of your car during repairs.

[@uncommoncents992]

Thanks for pointing me to this video. Solved my issue. I do have 1 last question..... My disa is dirty so is the inside of the manifold (gassy oily smell)... how can I clean that an easy way without taking it all apart? Any sprays out there?

[@50sKid]

There's no point to cleaning it, it will just get dirty again. Ignore it. :-)

[@Steezyloud510]

Would you be able to show us the inside of the disa valve where the said bolt is. Curious to know and also possibly link where to get a rebuilt kit for the disa valve along with the aluminum flapper. I’m in need of this 11:16

[@Steezyloud510]

Just looked at your video description

[@joshr213]

11:42 that specific line broke broke when I pulled it the bottom end was brittle af 😭 I wanna replace it but I don't know where the bottom end is supposed to go 💀

[@Viperoloff01]

I was wondering, is it possible to replace the mechanical fan in the auto transmission to an electrical fan like the manual transmission's have. I have a 330 manual so does my dad and mom has a auto. It would just be so much easier to work on and less of a risk of destroying everything should the fan go on the mechanical one?

[@BadPandaRacing]

Sure can I have 1 on my daily e46 wagon ull lose your ac fan tho