BMW E46 M3 Common Problems/Issues!

This video goes over the common issues of the E46 M3. I talk about the VANOS system, subframe cracks, throttle position sensors, valve adjustments, rod bearings, SMG conversion, limited slip differential issues, misdiagnosed oil leaks and more. I have linked the videos pertaining to each topic as well as where you can buy the parts to repair and upgrade many of these issues. Thanks for watching!
Links to parts:
ECS Vanos Rebuild Kit:
click.linksynergy.com/link?id...
Upgraded Vanos Parts and Procedures:
www.beisansystems.com
ECS Upgraded Rod Bearing Kit:
click.linksynergy.com/link?id...
Valve Adjustment Kit with Tool and Shims:
click.linksynergy.com/link?id...
CPV Replacement Kit with Upgraded O-Ring:
click.linksynergy.com/link?id...
Differential Service Kit:
click.linksynergy.com/link?id...
Videos related to the vanos system:
S54 Vanos symptoms: • S54 Vanos Symptoms/Com...
Part 1: S54 Vanos Solenoid Cleaning & Replacement: • E46 M3 S54 Vanos Solen...
Part 2: S54 VANOS UPGRADED OIL PUMP DISK: • E46 M3 S54 VANOS UPGRA...
Part 3: S54 Vanos Seals DIY: • BMW E46 M3 S54 Vanos S...
Part 4: S54 Rattle Kit Repair & Sprocket Bolts DIY: • BMW E46 M3 S54 Rattle ...
Part 5: S54 Vanos Rebuild Video: Putting Everything Back Together: • Final S54 Vanos Rebuil...
SMG To Manual Vlog: • HOW A BMW M3 SHOULD BE...
BMW E46 M3 Starter + Intake Removal DIY: • BMW E46 M3 Starter + I...
Videos related to the rear subframe:
BMW E46 Rear Subframe Reinforcement DIY: • BMW E46 Rear Subframe ...
Checking E46 Subframe Cracking/Tear: • Quick Check: E46 Subfr...
How To Remove BMW E46 Rear Suspension: • How To Remove BMW E46 ...
How To Change S54 Valve Cover Gasket: • How To Change S54 Valv...
CPV O-ring: • MOST Misdiagnosed Oil ...
15 BMW M3 COMMON PROBLEMS: • 15 BMW M3 COMMON PROBLEMS
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Disclaimer: Some links will contain affiliate links. Due to factors beyond the control of ShopLifeTV, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ShopLifeTV assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ShopLifeTV recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ShopLifeTV, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ShopLifeTV.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Don't forget to check the description for the linked videos as well as where you can find the parts discussed! You can buy the shirt I am wearing at www.shoplifetv.com and can also get one on one diagnostic help on my website! Thanks for watching!

[@richardkim5095]

Huuuuge shout out to you man. Picked up an E46 M3 the past year and went from never having done an oil change to just recently doing valve adjustment + vanos replacement by myself thanks to you & your videos!

[@ShopLifeTV]

This is always nice to know! Glad the videos helped! Goodluck with the m3!

[@PadmaDorjee]

I love how generous you are with your advice and time. I have so many videos of yours bookmarked for repairs on my M3. Thank you from Australia

[@andrewkamin-lyndgaard594]

Look forward to the rod bearing DIY. Would specifically appreciate your take on OEM bearings vs coated bearings and OEM bolts vs ARP bolts. I'll be tackling this project on my 04 e46 M3 in spring 22' using just Quick Jacks. Love all the content. Keep it coming!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Honestly it depends on the application. The updated OEM bearings will hold up just fine for a daily driver and will likely need to be replaced again in the future. I would definitely go with ARP bolts on the newer s54 since the ARP bolts are reusable as opposed to the newer M10 OE bolts which are torque to yield. When using ARP bolts I highly recommend using a stretch gauge to get it torqued correctly as this is the most accurate. I also prefer to use coated bearings for peace of mind, but I haven't had a failure with the updated replacement OE bearings either.

[@andrewkamin-lyndgaard594]

@@ShopLifeTV Thanks dude.

[@11Xshadowolf]

Yeah did this last summer the either bearings will work I went with the WPC treated but the ARP bolts are totally worth it ! I would suggest you find out what your motor has because there are two different size connecting rod bolts they used on S54 also ECS tuning has a great write up for rod bearing replacement with a nice print out.

[@arinb12]

When's it coming? CAN you do an E46 M3 timing DIY too please!

[@11Xshadowolf]

@@arinb12 Timing is super easy with the tool on a S54 perfecting timing and utilizing healihex cut sweet spots is not Fatboy's Garage has a how to video for finding the sweet spot made my S54 have way more power and response just doing that !

[@Khan_Art_]

Looking forward to seeing more diys on the e46 m3 like rod bearings. Need to go back and see what you have on vanos and sub frame reinforcement.

[@sonnydayz1745]

194k on m3 daily driver , zero problems Warm up, oil changes and shell gas Cheers!

[@11Xshadowolf]

Used your videos over the last two years to do a ground up restoration on a 2003 bmw m3 e46 6/MT replaced every, nut, bolt, rebuilt the vanos, motor, transmission, and rear end reinforcment ect ect repainted it interior . thanks for the help !

[@ShopLifeTV]

NICE! bet it runs amazing!

[@jalloor]

Dude you are so knowledgeable about this car, it’s amazing!

[@Sam9wilson9]

Wish you could do a vid on E30 lol great job man!

[@jstanandthesavages558]

Amazing man thank you for the info. Every time you share some niche secret no one else mentions.

[@herrerafoto]

Very informative and well done as always! You're the best!

[@soplim8632]

If your shop was in Australia, my e46 M3 would definitely be going to you. I purchased mine back in 2013 and still love it.

[@Peapodmaster]

I’ve had a 323i, 325i and 330Ci Msport. They all had oil leaks and all had lean fuel issues- moved onto a E82 123D now but i still love the E46 and would love an E46 M3

[@MZMotor95]

Even though I've considered myself a walking E46 encyclopedia (not really), I still learn new stuff from you. Thanks for the good info 👍

[@ShopLifeTV]

haha that's awesome!

[@Reddwarf1994]

Jason, this video couldn't have come at a better time for me. I'm laughing watching it as my 2005 M3 CS is currently in workshop for throttle position problem and a new rear diff 😅 100k miles I won't be laughing if I ever discover sub-frame issues but it's good to know that can be fixed too. Great insight. Cheers, from the UK

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thats an unfortunate coincidence lol Hopefully the repairs go well and are quick!

[@vladimirchervenkov6949]

Great video, this is a very thorough analysis of the E46

[@Nico_335i_DCT]

Great info guys! Thanks for sharing! Dutch regards, Nico.

[@razorrich]

Fantastic analysis guys! Tbh - what’s makes the E46 M3 legendary is the engine. S54 is arguably the best I6 NA ever made; 105 hp/ liter and 8000 rpm redline.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks Rich, I probably should have clarified the redline situation. These engines are capable to rev up to 9000 rpm on stock components, but the factory redline is set at 8000 for longevity.

[@razorrich]

@@ShopLifeTV Yes, you’re always correct. I recall BMW NA lowering the redline in their attempt to address the rod bearing failure before the eventual recall. Btw, extremely clean M3. Look forward to future vids.

[@PaleD]

Im up to about 125bhp/L NA, its a beast. Hopefully cams and some other bits will yield over 450bhp.

[@PaleD]

@@ShopLifeTV 9k RPM on stock components has never been done to my knowledge. I've seen destroked engines to 3.0L rev to 9.5K but nothing inside them was stock. VAC destroked motors. Stock, with cams 8600rpm is safe, anything beyond the valve springs cant keep up. Also at stock size 3.2L the S54 has the 4th highest piston velocity of all time. Increasing the redline to 9k stock is not advisable. Imagine having a piston that due to forces weighs around a 40lbs bag of cement being constantly accelerated and decelerated at insane speeds. You'd need some special componentry to reach 9k on stock engine size.

[@razorrich]

@@PaleD If my math is correct, 125 hp/ liter equals 400 bhp. May I ask how did you achieve such an awesome feat? I recall seeing stock S54 9000 rpm redline on dyno runs many years ago. It’s possible, but for longevity, not advisable. Also, if memory serves me right, initially Conforti increased the redline to around 8700 rpm on his standard flash. I believe he since reduced rev limit after all the failures associated with bad rod bearing design and folks not maintaining their motor oil.

[@mickeywakefield]

Great videos! If I was still at home in the Carolinas, I’d be a client- but I’ve been living in Munich for over 20 years. I love my m3 convertible. The coupes get all the love, but a trip to the Italian lakes with the top down in summer is about as good as it gets. All these issues can and do happen, but it’s also important to note that these cars are approaching 20 years of age. They require a fair bit of maintenance - but this is not bad compared to other high performance cars of this age. Still - I cringe a bit when I see kids wanting to make them daily drivers. I love them - but I hope they have a bus ticket! 😁

[@peterw5568]

Had my e46 M3 since 2004 and aware of the rodbearing issue i decomissiond the car at 200k kilometers currently restoring it to perfection. VANOS rebuild and upgrade and amongst other issues the rod bearings. I stopped driving just in time. Other issue check the rear jack points they get crispy underneat the jack blocks. Further. Another rustpart is the metal cross section just below the rear booth lid. As for the Getrag transmission .we rebuild it because of a worn synchromesh from 1to 2 and 3 to 4 .my advice do not try this at home .we had to manufacture special pulling plates and order a huge tri arm puller.. Long scentence short answer. Forget your local gearbox shop. Good video

[@codybowers9051]

Thank you so much, looking for one now you are such a help!

[@randygeyer8849]

Love your videos!

[@Sergeant_Gun]

Forreal thanks for this video, buying one soon and wanted to check this out to aid my purchase since the e46 I'm looking at is an 03 Convertible

[@ShopLifeTV]

Awesome! Good luck and thanks for watching

[@JILANI786786]

This is/was my dream car however I have MR2 Rev 3 10th anniversary edition 144k miles. Not a single thing has gone wrong. You are talking about major engine failure and chasis failure.....why is this car so hyped!!

[@paulp7692]

Hey, love all of your videos! I have one small suggestion on the M3 radiator plastic end tanks failing. It's been my experience that 100% of the time, it's actually bad motor mounts allowing too much play and stressing the end tanks until they fail 🙂

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks Paul! That is definitely a possibility and a good observation. Will mention this on the next video I do regarding common issues. Thanks!

[@kulafu808]

Love all your videos bro. I’m restoring my e46 m3 and all your videos help. Maybe you can make some tuning videos on how to add burbles on exhaust 😬 Thank you 🤙🏽

[@ShopLifeTV]

thank you! and yes tuning videos seem like a good idea

[@teedawg64]

What a beauty!

[@mehmethussein5048]

Hi love your video keep up the good work what make rod bearing would you recommend kind regards mem

[@peterw5568]

Jason good channel. always nice to see you hit the rightt things. In my case. 2001 E 46 M3 owned as of 2004 As a father son project we rebuild the whole car..Besides a new rear floor done by BKW a rear brace and front csl brace and limiter reprogrammed its as close to standard as we want, Six speed manual with new synchro mesh after 300.000 kilometers. Bearings acl and bolts arp.turned out just in time. Pictures available. Send me that M3 T shirt. to europe.

[@bigmuvver]

I have an E46, 330ci Convertible manual 2004, with a M54 engine and M spec running gear what was the purpose of that from BMW? Love the videos, always looking forward to the next one.

[@OriginalSarn]

The first Ferrari to use the F1 single clutch paddle transmission was the 355 back in 97. It became extremely common by the 360 and by the 430 99% were F1.

[@CheferDutt]

Another awesome vid

[@ShopLifeTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kenttremblay1708]

I really like your video and I hope you could help me with a problem I have with my 2001 Z3 3L. There is loose in the rear differential and sometime it knock at the acceleration. Do you have any video that can explain that issue? Or do you have any recommendation for me? I can do some light mechanical repair.

[@tommytenzo]

Ironic timing. Just purchased first e46 M3 and watched/completed your 5 part series on Vanos rebuild last night. Now just need to do rod bearings and subframe 😃

[@ShopLifeTV]

Haha congrats on the purchase! Hope the vanos rebuild was not too bad. Should have rod bearing replacement videos soon!

[@tommytenzo]

@@ShopLifeTV messed up the timing on exhaust cam, but think I got it fixed now.

[@PeterPounders]

Yup. Checked all the boxes. I've had mine for 15 years and it's an expensive car to own. Just recently threw codes at me for misfires so I am replacing the fuel pump, cleaning injectors, etc etc.. Its a love\hate thing with this car for sure.

[@__Charlie__]

My 07 Z4M coupe rod bearings were down to the copper at 70k miles. Regardless of year change them out

[@BeefyMon]

6-speed manual ZHP prices have been thru the roof in the last year or so, even outpacing the E46 M3’s prices in some cases. I have a low mileage fully loaded manual ZHP (72k), and want to make sure I keep it in “insane selling price” condition. 🤑 I would love to see a similar video describing issues specific to the ZHP… although I’m sure they are largely similar to the standard E46’s, there are certainly some key differences.

[@PierceGomez]

You are correct, pretty much everything is the same as a standard E46, but the problems are slightly "elevated" (if that makes sense) due to the nature of the ZHP specific changes. If I was looking to get one, I would pay a little more attention to the whole rear subframe with the slight bump in power, the oil pump nut has a greater chance of coming off with the redline increase, and I would check all the bushings/ball joints/struts and shocks as they were sprung a little stiffer than a non ZHP so they will wear at a faster rate. Besides that, everything else would fall into the standard coupe/convertible/sedan body issues and then e46 issues in general. If all these problems were taken care of then that would probably (in this market) increase the price to at least what you paid to fix the issues or probably even more with prices continuing to go up. Good luck with your ZHP!

[@autobarn3793]

I have one too, I love it and to have a daily driver that is appreciating is nice. 2004 “Silver Gray” coupe w/ 6mt. Just hit 180k, unfortunately it’s my only car so the miles will keep racking up, but I love driving it so that’s ok :). Bulletproof reliability too.

[@johncoss5604]

Yes I have 3 e46’s. Great car.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Couldn't agree more!

[@cjwaller8001]

I have an 325ci e46 manual and I am in love with my car!

[@bluedemond5332]

when you do the vid for the rod bearings , can you explain how to select the right size of bearings?

[@alexanderrios995]

Hey that’s some good points review 👌🏻, I need some help with my E46 M3 2004, I’m having problems when I push the car hard I got overheating readings both water and oil it goes 2 o’clock every time I pushed hard and it goes down when I slow down, do you have an explanation for this issue?

[@chrisa3475]

Can you do a video like this on the non-M e46 like the M54B30 engine

[@m3izzy779]

Whens the best time to switch out the cpv ring? Like with what maintenance

[@unknownplauer9941]

My dream car 😩

[@uzi4122]

Same

[@lp2565]

That motor. Damn, the sound is intoxicating.

[@ShopLifeTV]

It sure is! With a proper exhaust it almost sounds like a F1 car at high rpm

[@thetoughcookie3665]

I'd say more modifications for a classic car, less value. The value best as it was from the factory. As like a new = mindblowing to find. Atleast if I would be looking for these, I would want as stock as it can be, just repairs done. But nice video.

[@mrgizmo7975]

Consider rod bearings a maintenance item around 100k miles (even if dealer replaced in early 2000s).

[@ShopLifeTV]

Definitely a great idea to replace them at 100k! Most of the aftermarket coated bearings should last longer than 100k as well.

[@blackpassenger]

Hey, long time. I'm back in Japan about 7 months ago, and coincidentally i have the same e46. I am replacing the throttle body and cleaning the ICV while im at it. Got everything off, and finally got the new Hella TB I ordered online from bimmer world. But i CANNNNNNNOT get the throttle body connector back on. the m52 uses a barrel connector and once its removed, it locks. So you have to unlock it to fit it onto the new throttle body. Actually, i tried refitting it to the old throttle body and couldnt. thats when i realized the problem is the locked barrel connector. does this very very very simple procedure require a special bmw tool, or something?

[@alfyer5]

I had to replace the floor panel on my e46 m3. Was not cheap but it was bullet proof afterwards and the guy built something like the Vince bar onto it

[@ShopLifeTV]

I am curious to see how well the Vince bar will hold up in the long run at higher HP and Torque. We have it installed on Selena's LS3 swapped E46 sedan and will be thrashing on it here shortly. Videos on that coming soon!

[@alfyer5]

@@ShopLifeTV my car was supercharged so maybe that’s why it went out but from an engineering perspective the subframe floor is placed about 1-2” too low so it doesn’t mate with the frame rails and that’s why it rips. The Vince bar addresses the issue by essentially mounting the subframe to the frame rails.

[@peterw5568]

Does your shop send to Europe? And btw the xenon transfomers will get dodgy with age. Solutions available. From the Netherlands.

[@djeriejr3783]

What is the best way to contact you if we have a question I tried Instagram but didn’t get a response

[@LesterSanchez]

hey my man I have a 06 bmw 330ci 6speed manual I recently had to change the alternator on it because the steer fluids hose pop right on it so seems I had to the car is 163k so I decided to put a new radiator, new hoses new expansion tank new belts new thermostat new water pump new plastic hoses under the intake the ones that like to pop and cascade in-between the engine and intake, new throttler body, new intake valve, a crank chaft sensor the intake and the other for the exhaust i forget the name, new coils new spark plugs, new gasket for the intake, new idle control valve, plug everything correctly everything is responding fine but the car is not accelerating pass 1500rpm all the gears pass fine but rpm nidle just jumps from 800 to 1500rpm and it will clunk and will die after 20 min of riding, computer shows random misfires and system to lean battery doesn't maintain charge its new and the second one 2 alternator also belts are tight, also show problems with the instrument cluster top use to work, now it doesn't and no connection to the ecu please help mechanic's here suck no one knows anything West palm FL

[@k-highlight-]

My 3 series e46 has Code P0456(EVAP Very small leak detected)... what do i need to take a look????

[@maxrez2496]

What causes an e46 m3 to randomly shut off with steering wheel locked and oil n battery light goes on?

[@rufiorufioo]

my e46 has 185k.. I'm wondering how long it will last :P

[@stillrecklessdriving]

Ah yes, the classics.

[@matthewnicholas6365]

Is no one there doing SMG pump fixes over there? Saw (English) Wheeler Dealers convert an SMG to manual recently citing the $4k cost to fix. I'm sure people here fix it for a fraction of that now.

[@profuse007]

Does m3 starter a Denso?

[@Iseekoutthetruth]

I See A lot Of Nice BMW's Here On Facebook, But They All Either Have Starter Problems or Transmission Problems, I See Them For Sale here Cheap Tho.

[@Bmwisaac]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@jameslatimer1432]

Oil and filter every 4 to 5000 miles without fail and only use good oil I use BMW oil

[@bamsblanks]

Shop is life almost have enough to buy an M3 😃🥲

[@bence.gabor.slezak]

Decent power? 333hp from a 3.2L is a bit more than decent. GM needed a 5.3L to make that kind of power.

[@micjvic]

Why say the smg pump is 4K . Might of been 10 years ago. Fully rebuilt one is around 600

[@ShopLifeTV]

Not sure where you are getting them for $600 fully rebuilt, but I would be curious to try one out and see how long it lasts

[@abrahamcarrera7846]

When my Smg pump went out three years ago. It was around 4K, so did a manual swap instead.

[@jonashedman131]

@@ShopLifeTV what about Burkhart?

[@putinisgod6814]

My starter works since 180000miles with no problem. so i can't agree

[@Bmwisaac]

E46 m3 verts don’t suffer from cracked subframe floor

[@ShopLifeTV]

Not entirely true, if you look on the forums there are several cases of convertible m3 having cracks as well. Although they are known to be less prone to cracking due to added structural rigidity of convertibles.

[@Bmwisaac]

We’ll from my personal view and 1st hand experience I have been lucky all 10 verts I have had and checked not a single issue with cracks. (Subframe dropped and visually inspected) But at the end of the day it depends how hard it was driven as well as previous maintained with bushings being changed before the actual problem starts

[@seppmeier9961]

Smg is a Getrag trans. bmw afaik never made their own.

[@ShopLifeTV]

This is true. Not many manufacturers make their own transmissions but they work closely with whoever is producing their parts. The Getrag 420g trans was made specifically for BMW

[@bmwm3681]

Best way to avoid all these problems is so easy…. E36 M3 Euro….. proper m3. Problem solved.

[@houseofno]

Nothing wrong with another 93 hp over the US spec E36 M3, a better chassis and powertrain as well as seven years of engineering development. Some like a more comfortable and more advanced platform. Nothing wrong with that either. The E46 M3 is much more widely available than the E36 M3 Euro. Or you could pay more money for an older, slower, less comfortable, harder to find car like a E36 Euro M3.

[@ivanmartinez632]

Sorry dog every bmw fan can agree e30 and e46 are the best m3 from a fan standpoint

[@abrahamcarrera7846]

@@ivanmartinez632 I’ll say those 3 are legendary in their own ways!

[@jjohn56]

@@houseofno if I could've afforded one here in the states I would have got it over the E46 I bought.

[@jonashedman131]

I've had both. The E36 M3 is a good car, but it lacks in every aspect against a E46 M3. Maybe not in maintenance costs.. but everything else

[@Smokey-mt6ye]

The most common problem is not being able to stop spending money on mods! Lol

[@user-rd3lz4ty5r]

Just put a 2jz in and your done or 1jz period

[@hoey3510]

Over engineered shitboxes endless money pits

[@chrisbutler2636]

The best M car ????????? With the most problems, very overrated to me !