BMW E46 Build Breakdown/FAQ! | Part 1 | 325i to 330i Conversion | Engine/Trans/Interior/Mods ETC

This is Part 1 of my build breakdown of my E46 325i (330i conversion). I'm answering most of the frequently asked questions I receive on my Instagram page, relating to my engine swap, 6 speed manual transmission swap, interior swap and mods, and more!
Special thanks to my friend, Kyle Dionne (KDFilms) for shooting some of the B-Roll footage used in the video.
Links To Items Frequently Asked About!
Revmatch Motorsport Stage 3 Tune: revmatchmotorsport.com/tunes/...
Use “E46KNGT” at checkout to receive 10% off your Revmatch Motorsport tune!
Angel Eyes: (Angel Eye Guy RGBW Chasing Halos): angel-eye-guy.myshopify.com/p...
Wheels (Exact Spec Like Mine): www.apexraceparts.com/store/w...
Tires (General GMAX AS-05 | 255/35/18 www.discounttire.com/buy-tire...
Interior Trim Vinyl Wrap (Metro Restyling Forged Carbon Fiber | 59in x 2ft): metrorestyling.com/products/m...
Coilovers (Godspeed Mono SS | E46 Non-M Fitment): www.ebay.com/itm/165235955826...
Catless Headers (Active Autowerke): www.bimmerworld.com/Exhaust/H...
Dinan High Flow Intake: www.dinancars.com/products/in...
3D Printed Rear Cupholders: www.ebay.com/itm/255246561141...
DEPO Clear Corners (Front) www.ebay.com/itm/173356801281...
DEPO R/C/R Tailights (E46 Facelift Sedan Fitment): www.ebay.com/itm/123126652185...
More info on other mods will be provided in future videos! If you want to see more now, check out my FAQ highlight on my Instagram page for direct links to other parts!
Instagram: e46knight?igshi...
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@e46knight
Thank you for watching!

[@1411MEDIA]

A brother in an E46. Much love

[@E46Knight]

I appreciate you! 🤝🏽

[@f33tv]

The first time you have a chance at

[@eXsJonot]

Very beautiful car. e46's are so old, but still look modern. Especially when they are kept well.

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!

[@MacLaw3084]

“Oem plus.” This guy gets it.

[@officialchopnation5220]

Buying an E46 with 135k miles well maintained for 3500 first BMW ready to get into Moding my Car

[@Aveofficialtone]

Buying one today. 2005 325i sedan. 125,000 miles. $2700. Been wanting this car since I was a kid.

[@vulturx]

Sick car, man. Been a fan for some time. The combination you got from car color, interior, and wheels is really a killer one. Really good job.

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!!

[@E36tyler]

Awesome build dude, just picked up a touring myself and stoked to start my build!

[@E46Knight]

Thanks! Congrats on your Touring purchase, too. I’d love to follow your build process.

[@y2ksierra]

Beautiful car! I’ve mostly had M3s but recently bought a 330i and I’m completely in love with it. Great all around daily driver. My only mistake was getting a SSG (SMG) car but I’m getting ready to swap it 😅

[@BMWarrior1]

loving the interior, absolutely sick :)

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!!

[@Tewheletat]

The interior is wild.

[@anthonytiller908]

Very happy I found this vid, just got an 01 330xi and this is the perfect build for it

[@joshica5006]

Just starting to build up my 03 325i hopefully it’s going to be a good journey 🔥

[@andyp91]

What you did with that car is just beautiful. E46 manual trans car with some power is a dream.

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!

[@MORI.P]

Thank you for sharing your awesome ride, especially the wheels part, helps a lot for my future planning.

[@VictorPitstop]

I picked up a ZHP last month and it was from Georgia prior to my ownership here in Texas. The P/O had the headliner re upholstered by someone in Georgia and I am willing to bet it’s the same person that did yours! It’s CHERRY. Anyway, I fucking love the e46. -Previous F87 Comp owner

[@bobafittness1346]

Clean e46. MT2 bumper has grown on me specially on sedans. Subbed.

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!! 🤙🏽

[@rocklicker639]

Nice car! All your hard work has paid off!

[@fonty30]

Great video and really helpful to have those links in the description 🙌

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!

[@guntrisstepins7380]

Beautiful car man! Love to see all the work you have put into it. Best wishes from Latvia :)

[@E46Knight]

Thank you. I appreciate the kind words. 🫶🏽

[@migz_e46]

I love the OEM+ build bro keep it up, got a E46 330i aswell with similar mods to yours so I can fully understand the time love and effort being put into this build please make more videos like this bro

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! Will do!!

[@benjamintchang3923]

Geez man, you put a lot of effort into this. And it shows :) Cool to see as a fellow E46 owner.

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! 🤙🏽

[@tcaudiobooks737]

A true gentlemans colour combination. Real nice!

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!! 🫶🏽

[@SirFrancoQ]

Fantastic video mate👏! Thanks for sharing. Gives me heaps of ideas for my 328i DownUnder 🇦🇺! Luv the wheels mate!👍

[@conedotexe]

Stumbled upon this video since I'm now planning to get an E46, nice build man 👍

[@E46Knight]

Thanks! I hope you’re able to get a clean E46!

[@budrobadre]

The color is stunning

[@likits1999]

Nice ZHP front bumper. Youve done a great job. Keep posting your videos brother!

[@E46Knight]

Thanks, I appreciate that!! I’ve been really busy lately. I hope to have new content to post soon for everyone. Stay tuned! 🤙🏽

[@metno_]

Dope video bro I’ve been following you for a minute on ig you seem like a chill ass dude

[@E46Knight]

Thanks man! I’ve got more content coming out at the top of the new year!

[@xkcash_238]

I’m a Mustang guy and wrecked my last Mustang and ended up picking this car up for pretty cheap just to get to work but for a 2003 this things pretty modern and comfortable ngl. Not the fastest or most fuel efficient car out there but it’s fairly quick especially at lower RPMs and it’s ok on gas.

[@lefrogjames354]

I think your build is absolutely beautiful and I take much inspiration from it, I hope one day to have my E46 this beautiful.

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!!

[@lefrogjames354]

@@E46Knight oh and broski.. that interior spray paint is working WONDERS right now.. 🙏🙏 paying 50$ soooo beats 500$ 😂

[@anniewilkes6011]

Beautiful ride!!

[@lefora87]

love what u've done with the car👌

[@E46Knight]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@cosminchiricuta4668]

What a great car man!!! Keep up with the good harware on that car, i like cars that look OEM.

[@E46Knight]

Thanks! 🤙🏽

[@christianhutchinson8554]

so good goddamn that looks so good I miss mine so much.

[@lavonne_brush_Howell]

Great video edits and car. I have a 1999 328i and a 2004 330xi. Love the wheels!!!

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! Nice on having two E46’s as well! M52tu and M54!

[@sneaky-rozzers]

Man your car looks awesome, WOW! I have a compact, will defined be stealing some ideas for mine.

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!! Keep me updated on any mods you do to your compact!! I’d love to see them!

[@afterlife7265]

i like this car setup ! its beautiful

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!!

[@MyzteryMedia]

Just found your channel and its dope, def gonna sub and follow the build ✊🏾

[@E46Knight]

👍🏽 Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. I have A LOT coming to the channel soon, so stay tuned!

[@marlonbaird6070]

E46 is life

[@Sf_Mason]

As a 330i touring owner, I did the swap from a 5 speed to a 6 speed manual, after i swapped out the final drive ratio from a 2.93 to a 3.23 ratio with a Gripper LSD The 6 speed and 3.23 mix gives you the same ratios as the E36 M3 Evo , it pulls well through the range while cruising on the motorway it'll regularly run at 2800rpm at 75mph, giving me on average around 35-40mpg.

[@E46Knight]

3.23 is the ideal ratio I’ve been looking for to pair with the 6 speed. They’ve been tough to find though, and whenever I have come across one, it was around the wrong time for me. But, if I do swap another B30 into this car (it’s currently down with a massive rod knock), a 3.23 diff will definitely be in it’s future.

[@Sf_Mason]

@@E46Knight I got mine built with the gripper internals and 2 diffs , one was a 2.93 from a 330i as the output shafts are different, and a Z4 diff for the ratio.

[@gevinduxrs2]

We need more content, stuff, engine into, modifications like this! Plz so we E46 owners can learn a lot.

[@E46Knight]

Once the rebuild begins on my sedan, I’ll produce more in depth videos!

[@stokedalbert2017]

So good bro, keep em coming.. . Surely document the rolling the .. but to do mine and with love some help

[@E46Knight]

Thank you, will do!!

[@DharmasGhost]

Finally picked up ma 330 cuh 😎 best colour (orient blue 😂) nice one for the content watched a lot of ur vids on way to picking this up

[@E46Knight]

Cool! I hope you enjoy the 330. There’s a lot of new content about to unleash about the status of my 330 build. Thanks for stopping by. If you have any advice to give me or, questions concerning my build, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. 🤙🏽

[@ranermita3846]

Love your video👍🏻👍🏻

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!!

[@thomaschipoh4375]

Lovely video.

[@Exzell0Racing]

I found an abandoned one, on a trailer in my neighbourhood, completely covered in moss, the engine is probably seized up, but, i really wanna buy it with my savings anyway

[@hristovargolomov2999]

Amazing wheels

[@ezzy1324]

this is like my dream car

[@B58luja23]

Can’t lie I might steal a lot of those interior mods for mine🫵🏽🙏🏽

[@E46Knight]

No problem. That’s the reason I share in my videos. We’re supposed to uplift each other. 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@artiskaimins7765]

Latvia haha yeah we love them here, i just bought one too

[@1998kid1]

About to buy an 03!

[@Arrozconchopsticks]

E90 guy here, I like this.

[@E46Knight]

Thanks! I’m a huge fan of the E9X line up, too. Awesome cars!! 🤙🏽

[@vs8127]

That shit is clean bro. I'm about to purchase my first E46

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! I hope your E46 purchase goes well!

[@svk.adam02]

I need that angel eyes 😭😭😭

[@rafaelontiveros3428]

Nice ride my e46 is running 275 on 18’s all around and people hate me for that

[@E46Knight]

Thanks for the compliment! As for others opinions of your e46.., if they’re not offering ‘Constructive Criticism’, pay them no attention! It’s your BMW, customize it to YOUR liking!

[@deblinedrifter]

The edits in this were great. xD

[@johnnyjay1047]

really do be. the "this" got a chuckle out me

[@deblinedrifter]

@@johnnyjay1047 heh. "Wait,"

[@prod.n0luvjahh]

yessir e46 gang ❕

[@mvc2177]

Currently bought a 2004 e46 wagon sport. I got 300k miles on the dash and still driving smoothly. Transmission currently acting up on 5th but nothing serious. Currently working on the exterior and once the engine goes, I’ll be LS swapping it. I just want raw V8 N/A power to daily

[@E46Knight]

If the transmission is an automatic, then kudos to you for making it to 300k. That’s rare. LS in a wagon would be sick.

[@mvc2177]

@@E46Knight it’s not my transmission lol. It turned out to be a clogged catalytic converter. Still driving tho

[@cagdas.kaya7]

I have e46 2002 330i manual i just buy today with $3000 and I wanna change something and I like your video thank you my brother , first time im using manual and really hurt but still funny :)

[@jcosta7967]

clean build bro I was curious where you got the rear cup holders and how they attach? I have a coupe not sure how center console differ but my front cup holders are kinda useless with a manual gear lever lol

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! I bought the rear cupholders from eBay. I have a direct link to them in the description on this video. They attach using the existing screws that are used to keep the original rear ashtray in place.

[@mylesekirby]

Also got my e46330ci Alpine white from mother. Lol. oem plus for the win

[@nixs7397]

when i heard you said mace from Latvia i was like "hold up what?"

[@ceelowww_]

We got the same interior 😂 Making me want to wrap my interior in forged carbon 😩

[@AmanSingh-si4hc]

beautiful

[@AmanSingh-si4hc]

Lots of inspo for my 320ci cabrio

[@E46Knight]

Thank you!!

[@ibbyth3bot46]

I hope you know I’m bout to bite the hell out of your car swag. Lol but good job bro this car looks beautiful gives me hope to restore my 335i

[@E46Knight]

LOL! That’s cool, I’ve combined ideas from other’s with my own so, bite as much as you want. We’re all Fam here, bro 🤙🏽. I’d love to see progress with your 335i.

[@hristovargolomov2999]

This e46 is build exactly like i would build it

[@brandonsever2576]

Clean car, but heads up man, you can't visually check for cracks at the subframe mounts. You have to grind away the underbody coating to see the cracks usually, so there's no checking for it or planning around it. If you've got stiff suspension, you just gotta get the reinforcement done

[@E46Knight]

Thanks for clarifying. I appreciate it. 🤙🏽

[@brandonsever2576]

@@E46Knight yeah for sure, good luck! With a bit of a KZbin following like you've got, you may get lucky asking around for sponsorships from a shop that could get it done for you in exchange for some views. Just a thought, idk what I'm doing lol

[@ahmedeletreby2994]

Amazing pro mashallah

[@judebubune6697]

much love

[@dongalang1152]

Hi bro,quick question about the switch on your pops and bang,how to make it in the cruise control button bro,tia🙏

[@davesuninterestingstuff5026]

Looks great, very clean E46... Did you need to do anything to the rear fenders to suit the 255's? Looking to do the 255's on a 9" Apex on my coupe at some point.

[@marlonbaird6070]

255 fit perfectly,just make sure ur offset is correct

[@E46Knight]

I did not do anything to my fenders. They’re still untouched. ET30-ET31 is the max offset to run with a 255 tire on a non-M body. Shaving the lip of the inner fender is recommended, but if you’re running coilovers, and the height that I’m running on my car, the only rubbing you’ll have is from major dips/rebounds in the road.

[@jpmorisset95]

Just stumbling on your channel! I got a ZHP in the ATL area. Would love the info on chuck porter for the headliner?

[@E46Knight]

If you haven’t already, join the ATLBimmers Facebook group! You’ll be able to find Chuck there, or search his name on Facebook. I believe his business name is King Stitchz. If you need more help getting his contact, just send me a message on Instagram or here! (If it’s possible to dm here).

[@bflax8817]

Nice !

[@E46Knight]

Thanks! 🤙🏽

[@ivanmartinez9074]

Great work and sick car man. How are those performance rotors for daily driving??

[@E46Knight]

I believe my front rotors warped, so I personally wouldn’t recommend these rotors (R1 concept). Perhaps a more reputable brand would do better. I have drilled/slotted rotors on my 135i (Zimmerman I believe), and those have been fine over the last 2 years.

[@AristoPeiOfficial]

As soon as he said "THIS..." I rolled my eyes and was about to hit the back button. LOL

[@E46Knight]

LOL!! 😂😉

[@Drewserr]

love the car! wanted to know what you did to the pillars on your car though as mine are falling off. thx

[@E46Knight]

Thanks! I added suede to them. I did the job myself… it was fairly straightforward.

[@maranata1222]

Great job, pal!!!! I am in the process of doing that to a recently bought 325ci 2002. I will be following youir video to learn more tips. I do have the same color leather sits, which I do love a lot more thand the boring beige ones. By the way you forgot to mention your swap in the radio screen. Maybe you can talk about that in another video and where one can buy those great rims. I got the same size, but they are the 666? but I am afraid they may not be the real thing. Let me know where could one buy original ones like the ones you got, pls. and get them shipped!!! for I am writing all the way from El Salvador. Take care and keep it up with your project. So far, so good and congrats.!!!!!

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! I apologize for not mentioning the radio. I will make a separate video on that soon. If you want to buy wheels like mine, I have a link in the description of the video. They’re the exact spec wheels like mine! As for your 666 wheels, I can’t say on that since those are F82 M4 competition wheels, and the only way to get originals of those would be to buy new, or 2nd hand from someone else. Good luck with your build!

[@valeryfuhngwa7828]

Hello E46Knight. Just a question about the style 68 wheels. I saw they were awesome for the look. I was just wondering what wheel sizes did you use front and rear, and did you use wheel spacers? If so what sizes? Thanks for your response. I did enjoyed you video.

[@E46Knight]

Hi! I used the factory staggered wheel and tire setup. The tires were 225/45 front, 245/40 rear. I did use spacers. 15mm front & 20mm rear. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Some updates on the car will be coming soon!

[@valeryfuhngwa7828]

@@E46Knight highly appreciate. I'm waiting for the new video. Until then, peace!!

[@saintpabloxo_]

Great video 👍🏽 I wanted to ask , where did you find the media player touch screen? I have a 04 325i and I’ve been looking for one , I’m in the process of modifying my own.

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! I bought my radio on eBay. I have a direct link to one like mine on my Instagram, in my FAQ highlight.

[@deckyrizkiadi]

Sick bro. Love the color you've got there. I am in the process of mod my e46. Those headlights are the pnp? Stay cool from Jakarta

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! The angel eyes are plug & play. I have a video on how I installed them.

[@marlonbaird6070]

My 330i going under M3 body conversion..but keeping the motor.

[@XKclassHater]

How's she holding up so far? I'm interested in getting one of these bad boys, they show up cheap but always high milage

[@Kutthroatrell2x]

I have the same car n this video was great I’m copying sum of ur mods 🤫😆

[@sabinislami8884]

Awesome build bro😮that front bumper is it painted or?i dont think color matches

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! The front bumper is painted & paint matched. It actually does match fairly well to the factory paint in person!

[@blk90s13]

nicely done, the rear sway bar on the XI is bigger than a rear on M ?

[@E46Knight]

The Xi not bigger than a M bar, but it’s the largest bar on the non-M’s & fits all E46’s without modification. The rear M3 bar will not fit non-M’s without extensive modification.

[@luis4gal]

I know its been a minute since you posted the video, but how much did it cost you to paint the car? I know prices vary by location and nowadays but just curious. Great car btw. I have an 04 325i that I have owned since 2006 and its 100% stock but always contemplated doing some upgrades. Thanks in advance!

[@E46Knight]

Thank you! The car still has the original paint. The only parts that have been painted are my front & rear bumpers, side skirts, and mirror caps. It’s great to see another long term E46 owner!

[@jrdtrue9805]

heyo, came across your e46 content and been getting inspiration for mine, was wondering what method did u take for painting the carpets, with the same dupli cover spray cover or with another method? thanks

[@E46Knight]

I masked my interior by sections & used the DupliColor spray can to spray the interior. Check out my 2019 highlight on my profile on Instagram to see detailed pictures on the job. I recommend taking your seats out to paint the carpet (I did this for my E46 convertible, where I didn’t on my sedan). Also, get a stiff brush to move the carpet fibers around between coats.

[@user-mm8mh1ck7t]

Hey Chief, how did you get your exhaust to pop and flame up with pushing just a button? Thanks

[@E46Knight]

Through the Revmatch Motorsport stage 3 tune! The link to the tune is in the description of the video.

[@draza3083]

What did you have to do to make 9s fit well on the front? I got some 9 wide +35s coming and ill be running 225s on it. I should be fine but im worried if I go lower ill hit the fenders and if i add camber ill hit the oem shock and spring..

[@E46Knight]

It’ll be easier to fit these wheels with coilovers, because my experience with running these wheels with 255’s on stock suspension was terrible. Lots of rubbing in the rear. I ran -2.6 camber front & -2.0 rear with my coilovers, and I had minor rubbing in the rear, only over dips in the road or with people in the back seat. I did not roll any of my fenders.

[@ellerysantos6455]

Great e46. What is your review of the Dinan Intake? Would you recommend?

[@E46Knight]

I bought mine used, and I’d recommend buying it, but only if it was used. The price point of it new for the “gains” isn’t really noticeable. It’s a nice piece to look at, and knowing you have a bigger air filter inside the box is neat, but it’s really there for show. It’s definitely better than any cone (hot air intake) filter that people like to install on these cars, since this is still enclosed in a box like the factory airbox.

[@JustVybin]

Hey bro how did you get active auto work headers because they are asking me if mines a track car or a off road car? How’d you get past that?

[@E46Knight]

I bought mine second hand, a while ago.

[@kikker6770]

very nice car

[@E46Knight]

Thank you. 🤙🏽

[@NotLowGi0]

i love my godpseed ngl

[@lordmaziofficial2438]

That’s Stn Mtn Park ❤

[@E46Knight]

Humm? 🤔☺️

[@TylerZeigler]

Was there a lot in the engine / transmission swap with respect to the computer and or tear end? Sounds like you bolted up to the existing diff and axles, did the driveshaft from the 330 work directly?

[@E46Knight]

There’s wasn’t too much modification done in terms of the swap. Everything is mostly plug & play. I did not use the 330 driveshaft. I instead kept my 325 driveshaft and had it modified (lengthened & rebuilt) to work with my 3.46 diff, which is a 4 bolt diff. The 330’s have 6 bolt diff, and I didn’t want to swap the diff. For the ecu, I just got an ECU from a 330 and had it tuned to go with my headers.

[@TylerZeigler]

@@E46Knight gotttcha, thanks for sharing. I’ve got a 325 with the 346 that I drift, have a 330 basically parts car that I was thinking of turning into a new build probably LS vs keeping the i6 and boosting

[@sameersyed5308]

not a bmw fan but this is the only model i buy in bmw if i want

[@Vgk36]

I want to upgrade my sway bars and suspension. But I don't need mega low I want MEGA OEM plus feel . Thinking biltstein b14's

[@E46Knight]

Bilstein is definitely reputable brand, can't go wrong there! As for sway bars, the aftermarket alternatives to my OEM bigger sway bars work well too!

[@sammcneely-lv1wf]

Your trim is painted? The upper trim closest to the window.. on my e46 it’s silver

[@E46Knight]

Yeah, I painted the trim.

[@tuckersmith2089]

Do you have a short throw shifter? I've been thinking about getting one but I don't know if it's worth. Also hows the daily driving with the sidewalls on those tires, I live around a bunch of potholes and wanna make sure I won't hit my rim on concrete.

[@E46Knight]

I don’t have a short throw, unfortunately. Daily driving with the 255/35 tires is fine for me, with the coilovers. No issues.

[@tinto_van_art]

Very well, but when we put bayern motor out, why not to put 2jz in? Just a question.

[@E46Knight]

I like to keep the car BMW, through and through. Just my personal preference!

[@ALEX-cx1kg]

I’m looking to switch to a touch screen instead of the original radio system Where can I get one like yours ?

[@E46Knight]

eBay! Mine is an Xtrons unit.

[@BMWarrior1]

nice car man, quick question, where did you source the bonnet/trunk badge from? are they genuine bmw? many thanks and much love from Australia!

[@E46Knight]

I bought them from Amazon. They’re not Genuine BMW, but the quality is just as good as Genuine, which surprised me when I received them.

[@BMWarrior1]

@@E46Knight yeah man, they look like the real deal - keep up the good work brother, the 46 is looking fantastic 👍