Fixing & Reinforcing Factory Weak Points - BMW E46 330i - Project Cologne: PT13

Track-car build continues with project Cologne, BMW E46 330i 6-speed Touring. In this episode, we are starting the complete E46 M3 rear-end swap: take apart the subframe and remove all bushings, overhaul and upgrade M-Variable Visco Lok differential, weld in rear subframe reinforcement plates, treat rust, install rear strut brace, replace brake lines, etc...
Yurkan, BMW strut braces (use code M539) - yurkancages.com/
Racingdiffs, E46 M3 clutch pack upgrade and clunk fix - racingdiffs.com/products/bmw-...
TB Motorsport, Drift training (use code M539) - tb-motorsport.com/discount/M539
Valerio, car buying and transport service, email: [e-mail]
Valerio's YT channel - / @valerio-andrej
New Merch shop! - m539restorations.com/
You can support me on Patreon! - / m539restorations
Follow me on Instagram - / m539_restorations
Performance brakes & more, use CODE: M539 - www.brakes-shop.com/
Video operator/editor services: orion.ozo?igshi...
Aqua (vapor) blasting cabinet 1215 - www.vaporblastingequipment.co...
Find Liqui Moly oil and additives for your car - www.liqui-moly.com/en/service...
BendPak lifts - www.bendpak.com/
Luuk, BendPak & Quickjack Europe - liftmotive.com/
Massive thanks to Radu from RT Design Studio for making new merch happen! - www.rt.md/
Email: [e-mail]

[@francoisbeaune3289]

Zero bullshit, zero annoying music, zero unbearable KZbinr gimmicks, perfect video quality, sound quality and editing. Thanks Sreten!

[@zbh926]

Really sticks to what all petrol heads enjoy watching and we learn a lot! The best 🙏🏼

[@warup89]

Somehow I still ended up buying Raid: Shadow Legends :(

[@florianflorian1385]

zero nordvpn/yfood/manscape/league of legends crap!

[@lollypop9580]

Best car youtube Channel. Just amazing, really. 👍🏼❤️👍🏼

[@frasercrichton76]

His outbursts and screaming are hilarious 😂😂😂😂😂

[@danutawawrzkiewicz62]

You can tell the guy from Yurkan cages is a real pro at his job - smoking a Marlboro Gold while welding. Total boss

[@mverbaan3381]

That is the way to check for cracks: by escaping smoke.

[@raviolisauce103]

a sissy’s cigarette

[@herbertlappert96]

His welding was really really fine

[@TheNorthernmunky]

I was totally thinking that!! Not a single fuck given!!! 😆

[@auriux330]

Why,not depressing brake pedal when doing brake lines, to stop dripping fluid.

[@McMaster1500]

You can only have tons of respect for the amount of effort and work Sreten puts into his BMW's and videos. Keep going buddy!

[@alexandreb.1101]

I'm quite literally someone who thinks BMW stopped making good cars in the mid 2000s, and even then I've always preferred Mercedes, Volvo and Audi. But still, this is one of my absolute favorite channels. Sreten's work and attention to detail are just second to none and should inspire any car guy, regardless of bias

[@housearea]

The only bmw owner, who I am admiring and following !

[@trystanneikes2843]

Oh absolutely. I've tried to keep up with him and I'm no where close. Man has a passion for his work

[@camarocharger8180]

The only problem with your videos is that it ends, that just shows the supreme quality of the content you put out. You are a legend man, a legend. Cheers 🍻

[@poplaurentiu4148]

Fully agree, when Sreten ads a new clip just grab a snack, fully enjoy and might even learn a thing or two along the way, so definitely worth every second ..

[@Doty6String]

This annoys me. If a car literally cracks apart it’s a poorly designed machine. Freaking bmw man

[@kimsgarage]

One tip for brakefluid dripping: put something to push the pedal slightly inn, then the cylinder is closed and it wont drip :) great content as always!!

[@bachasaurus]

Does this result in any air coming back into the system? Looking to do brake lines on my E92 here soon and don't want to make an enormous mess

[@TheMeChaNic55]

@@bachasaurusif you’re doing lines you are gonna need to bleed it anyways

[@aDaWaN]

​@@bachasaurus As said, you need to bleed anyway. But I have had good luck with no air coming in before the point where I opened the line(s).

[@tschuuuls486]

@@aDaWaN Same here, had good luck with depressing the brake pedal slightly. Better than letting the master cylinder empty itself and introducing air into the abs block. That's a major hassle to bleed then. Been there, not again lol.

[@stevewilson6390]

They say knowledge is king! Your knowledge and skills beat a university education. Your a very impressive mechanic/ engineer.

[@driftspecs13]

I'm so glad you reinforced the subframe. As soon as you said you wanted to drift this, I was hoping you would. It's absolutely essential to do it on this platform.

[@DashDrones]

We love you Sreten, absolute legend 👍

[@digital-music9571]

If ONLY streten had a twin brother with the same charisma and work effort we could get twice the amount of content! love you streten!❤❤

[@AdrianCMormoloc]

He has, Evil Sreten. He's made some appearances in the past!

[@muhamedb.5698]

I am pretty much the same Person in terms of work and precision on the cars. I am also a Mechanic in Germany and i am actually thinking about starting similar projects and videos but atm I don’t have any place to do any kind of work…

[@johannesgunterman5498]

The evil Mercedes twin😂

[@muhamedb.5698]

@@johannesgunterman5498 I am BMW and Audi fan Mercedes only V8 Biturbo C63 AMG the 2018 version 😄

[@sorekuk]

I really like seeing you more and more enthusiastic and happy with those mod projects. It is a deep rabbit hole as you encountered - there is always something to improve. But as track day touring car owner (although E36) I will give you advice - do not make same mistake as I did - treat this car as a track car. Don't think about making it daily or preserving. Make it for purpose, do not worry about any deadning or looks of interior. Maximise low weight and raciness. I think next in order would be roll cage and some proper seats (and steering wheel). I think it's also good time to think about towing trailer.. Have fun!

[@st3althyone]

I agree. Making a dedicated track vehicle is of the utmost importance if you can afford it, but know when to stop or you never will.

[@exclusivecarsimport]

I like the fact that you modify your car in a very sensible way. A lot of horsepower isn't everything. I would like to hear more why you choose for the different mods and what your considerations are for the parts and brands you choose.

[@joshuad1716]

Absolutely pumping these videos out lately, loving it!

[@Samson44444]

Yay no better way to start my day than with an m539 video!

[@Bavarian_M]

Seriously

[@st3althyone]

Indeed!🥰🥰

[@imidzovic]

Or to end a day, in my case 😅

[@yugo4576]

Besides being a very interesting video with several different topics, the sheer amount of work done is truly commendable. And as mentioned before, really happy to see all these different companies / individuals giving helping hand.

[@Jeekinz]

2:45 Wrap a small cloth towel/shop rag/old t shirt around the slide hammer, hold the ends of the towel and use it as a (sort of) whip to work the slide hammer. Its way more effective with zero pain.

[@user-ff2qk8dl3z]

spiny thing inside is called pinion, and Im assuming he didnt replace pinion bearings because its pain in the ass to put Pre-Load back on it, especially because its bmw... Typical pre-load is 2-2.8nm , but there is specific tool to set that load. Svaka cast brate, - keep up the best work !

[@pushitgently]

I know your videos is about going to extreme ... it reminds me about those dudes in Bristol UK. They're doing RACP ....rear axle carrier panel jobs for E46 and others but the level what they do in underbody works it's amazing...you should've check them out for your future projects 🙌🙌👍

[@gouldnj]

Sreten has taught me more about BMWs in 2 years than the last 10 years of tearing them apart on my own. Incredible!

[@octa..9100]

Because of you, all E46s around the world, will never die. Great work Sreten. I am your fan. :)

[@fraserthomson5766]

12:53 I love the simplicity of these parts, just a casing, and 1000 little bits. ;)

[@st3althyone]

Yet another wrenchfest, I'm so happy I saw this in my email as soon as it came out. There's nothing better than freshly baked Sreten in the morning. Thanks for all the amazing content you've been giving us lately. It's incredible how you're able to whip these up so fast and the quality is always top-notch. Seeing you mod the whole rear-end was eye-opening not to mention all the work on the diff and the refreshing you were able to accomplish! 🤌🏻🤌🏻 Thank you for always giving us your best, Sreten, it's greatly appreciated. Stay safe and we’ll see you on the next one, take care, my friend.

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you for always leaving such lovely and positive comments, Jose!

[@st3althyone]

@@M539Restorations It’s always a pleasure, Sreten.😉😉

[@albertocava3156]

Actually on my exams week and nothing better to disconect from university than hearing sreten uploaded new Video…Amazing work sreten, as always. Cheers man!

[@asdhakjd]

I like how you remembered to queue in the Spanish guitar music when VIXEN blasting. Never really understood why you stopped doing it in the more recent episodes. It's awesome!

[@kingbee1971]

I owned the same e46 325i touring in Prague, CZ. Same color, same everything. I had big plans for her but instead moved away during COVID times and sadly had to sell her. I am now living vicariously through you, Sreten. Your plans for the vehicle exceed my wildest dreams. All the best to you.

[@Bimmerbear]

Whenever I do subframe bushings, I heat the bores a little with a torch before I start removing them. It really helps with the initial release and they generally put up much less of a fight.

[@conangregory]

Amazing video yet again. Imagine a live feed from a corner of the Dojo whilst Sretan works his magic. That would be amazing.

[@_Hangman]

Just a tip regarding the powdercoating, any surface you don't want powdercoating sticking to i.e the bush mounting areas, a thin layer of copper grease, does the trick perfect. Stops the powder coat bonding.

[@mserica6487]

I've been wondering about the proper way to prevent rust under welds like that so it's good to finally see someone do it right. :)

[@musguelha14]

Probably better to prepare the surface with weld through primer first, look at how Redish Motorsport does it here on YT.

[@e36s50b30]

Thanks Sreten! After an god awful garage cleaning day and throwing tons of E30 stuff in the bin, this is the perfect bathtub experience!

[@Zodiam.]

Perfect timing.. i am about to pull the rear subframe on my E92 335i to blast and powdercoat the subframe + install all new bushing and an LSD.

[@miguelcollado5438]

Watching a Rear Diff being rebuilt was sooo satisfying, thank you for this!

[@sibbese3740]

Really good tip to avoid brake fluid poring all over is to apply the brake pedal slightly, this way the main hydraulic valve will close and minimal oil will spill =)

[@stormrider01]

I also used the Epoxy Brunox and Liqui Moly Seilfett to conserve my Mercedes W204. Yes correct, I am watching your videos as a Mercedes owner because I absolutely enjoy your work, no matter what cars!

[@danielbunton9581]

@0:45 thank you for pronouncing the letter Z correctly. Always nice to see videos that don't pander to the backwards yanks.

[@MrSHWP1]

Had a rough day at work today. Always good to come home and find that my favorite Serbian/American/German/Sreten has uploaded a brand new video full of visual goodies and jokes! Thank you so much Maestro!

[@larst121]

For the next time, dont buy a special press tool for the bushings, buy a universal kit. It suitable for all sizes and cost same 300 EUR. Thanks for content, Tried to did the same, but my friends always bother me while I fixed my cars, so I am unable ti film it properly)

[@Frankestein01nl]

Am i the only one that makes a noise like a seal whenever Shreten says "Seal" ? Well done man, always love watching your vids!

[@essexginge9167]

I have zero interest in BMW's but I like to see jobs done right and I'm addicted to this channel

[@putnikkavkaza9636]

this is one of the KZbin channels on which I do not fast forward the video, but often rewind it😅👍🏻

[@TheAa2000]

Nice work Sreten. It looked quite Diff-icult but by bearing with it, the result is excellent!

[@futuresymbol]

Another blissful afternoon with Sreten's adventures 💙

[@gustavlarsen5453]

Best KZbinr out there!

[@died4us590]

Thanks for reminding me, i need to order more of those carbon fiber towels lol. I love your humor, appreciate your attention to detail, and a few thing's I've picked up from you my brother. G-d bless you, the wife, and the fury kid.

[@Tanker4769]

What a legend, posted 4 minutes ago and there are already 40 comments…love this channel!

[@PBz420]

Streten is borderline fully blown 'loco' BMW MASTER! ❤

[@vyasadodson9614]

Entertaining, educational. One of the many things this channel has is a sense of community. Lots of volunteers and people eager to help. Just the absolute best youtube has to offer.

[@adelkheir]

Ah, my favorite car youtuber uploads another great video. You know thanks to you I'm going to set my own car repair youtube channel.

[@JoseLuis-ur3ho]

Nice to see someone with so much knowledge doing a great job in keeping such cars on the road . Love the channel and videos .

[@TougeTouring]

Really looking forward on how you and the car evolve together 🩵🏁

[@magnetysizer3400]

Seeing you working on this car, only enhances my love for the E46 ❤❤❤

[@MrTopgearnerd]

Hi A mechanic top tip: When working with brake lines or calipers, put a wood plank between the seat and the brake pedal. This closes the master cylinder and only the fluid in the line will drip out. Great videos as always!

[@pace628]

Inspireing episode. I really apreciate Sreten's skill and dedication.

[@howiemoth3847]

Love the "sleeper" aspect of this build.

[@STiBebi]

Great work Sreten! This car is now in better shape, than it was on the first day when it left the factory 😊 I'm really interested how far you will go with this.

[@SuperHDBob]

Sreten, as time flies by please promise you keep your oldschool style in you and in your videos! ❤🎉

[@I3urnHard]

hm hm hm , those blasted parts are just such a treat every time they come out of that magic machine. love it!

[@jtb9866]

Great video as always! You had mentioned that you intend on replacing the differential front shaft seal later but wouldn't that alter the preload of the differential? It is my understanding that the pinion shaft preload is set by torqueing the pinion shaft nut after the shaft has been pressed onto the bearings until a certain resistance value is achieved as measured from the pinion shaft nut which is why BMW does not provide a torque value for the pinion shaft nut. Part of the preload value is determined by the pinion shaft crush sleeve which is one time use and will no longer have the same tension after the pinion nut has been loosened so rotating the pinion nut back to the same location technically wouldn't result in the same preload. Too low of a preload value can result in the shaft vibrating from the pinion bearings and eventual differential failure, especially for track use.

[@renerobes30]

Very impressive, you're really flexing your car tech muscles as you progress and expand your repairs and mod projects. Plus information and entertainment, what more can one ask for in a professional presentation.

[@audi_anatomy]

Not only is this amazing car/automotive chanel to watch, but also great sense of humor throughout the videos! Really enjoying every single vid!

[@applehugger]

Glad to see I was not the only one with issues getting the rear inner upper control arm bushings removed and reinstalled. It took me longer to replace those two bushings than all of the others combined!

[@Roy_xp]

Recently bought an E46 328ci that also has some rear end clunk, probably trailing arm bushings and rear diff bushings, but I want to reinforce the mounting points just as you did because might as well, this video gave me confidence that I'll be able to do it with a little help, excited for the upcomming video!

[@davidjohnrees]

Amazing episode. I love any track prep work, especially when it includes your level of attention and detail. 👌😎

[@julianpritchard2558]

It’s the attention to detail that I love

[@Wallygoose]

Technical know-how mixed with off the cuff comedy comments. One of the few channels I constantly check for new videos. Keep it going brother.

[@L_v_D]

Loved the video as always! Have you ever thought about doing a meet of some kind? Would love to get to talk to you and see your cars!

[@tjthrelkeld8531]

my favorite car channel by far. thanks so much

[@jkhsdjkhfjkhh3]

Watching your video helps alleviate my constant future maintenance stress for my F87. I kind of want something to work on...

[@dgschindele]

Best auto channel I've seen on KZbin.

[@G4M3PL4YS4ALL]

As someone who welds structural steel for a living and have been a welder for over 10 years the reinforcement plates that have been welded on, was done badly, the welds aren't going to last since he tacked more than actually welded, this is pretty the weakest type of welding which is mainly for looks and should never be used in structural applications e.g car reinforcement, those welds will snap. Everything else apart from this, was a great video to watch and gave me ideas for my own similar type of project for my E46 I love your videos keep doing what you're doing. Thanks Streten!

[@AdrianCMormoloc]

It is always such a joy to watch your videos. Absolutely lovely work. Can;t wait to see the end result, and some track content!

[@stevemitchell8199]

Another masterpiece of automative transformation. Thanks for keeping us inspired, Sreten!

[@the_nameless2891]

The reason i love sretens vids is the effort he puts in and mostly the random noices and faces he makes. Its just funny to watch him scream for no reason and make weird faces as a grown adult😂

[@42Hertzer]

That snap-ring flipping away, "Houston we have a negative on that orbit trajectory".

[@Rushopium]

You always fascinate me with your professional work ! Well done !

[@MTGarage365]

Every project like pro mechanic , no one can maintain a car like an owner! Huge support from Serbia! 💪

[@user-hc1rk2nx5u]

Ich bin immer wieder begeistert wie der Mann seine Autos repariert.Einfach sagenhaft!!!👍👍👍💪💪💪💪

[@zbh926]

The best out there, sticking to what really is interesting for us and we learn a lot from you! Thanks for the videos 🙏🏼

[@justinrehm6839]

Small tip for seals with a spring on the inside - like the Axle seals you installed. Put a good amount of grease or even Vaseline along the inside/backside of the seal with the spring is that holds the lip seal (if that makes sense) These springs are known to sometimes come out when installing them and sometimes it can be hard to even notice. And if you do notice good luck getting the spring back in

[@ssstenning]

Streten is a barking mad genius, love the content and style of construction of it. Just brilliant!

[@jbods1998]

You're actually my favourite channel on KZbin. Much love from Australia!

[@sq2ofp]

Small tip for not having to deal with dripping brake fluid. When you have the lines open, push the brake pedal to the floor of the car and block it in this position. It will then only leak fluid from the lines itself and not whole container as the pump is blocked :)

[@bosmerfromcanada3878]

I'm leaning more and more about BMW from this guy then I would from any other instruction manual. and to think, I thought I'm never watching a guy pull out bushings and refurbish a differential.

[@EngineMisfire]

Who needs background music when you have the sounds of the Milwaukee tools, the welding machine and Sreten spitting dust from his mouth. Lovely!

[@Hari-rh1yw]

the best thing u can watch at 4:50am, simply love your videos!

[@klaoll]

My prayers have been heard! The spanish guitar when aquablasting is back 😄

[@adamhamilton3342]

awesome! cool to see upgrades. I had to do the diff in my sons M3 twice. needed a diff brace after sheering bolt.

[@fransb8543]

Sreten, my friend, I really urge you to use only hand tools close to an open fuel system as on of those sparky boys can quite easily ignite fuel vapours or any spilled fuel on your tool. No joke, it's a nasty surprise to be sure.

[@gamesandstuffbalcer5327]

Not one channel that’s even close to the quality of this one for BMW videos. I love your videos sreten, keep it up as long as you can. I may be buying myself a e60 m5 soon because of you.

[@chir0pter]

33:00 This is a great little 'primer' as it were on how to do modifications to sheetmetal safely!

[@alfredotovar8984]

Major props to you as always for a great episode, and also this welder who’s so skilled he’s casually dragging a cig in the process 😎👌🏼 can’t wait to see what’s next for the E46, saludos from Los Angeles 🙏🏼

[@piotrnod6489]

I've been looking for a comment about that dude. x) clearly, pro at work

[@super69ev]

What a great update! ❤

[@tupuxinguili]

22:46 i almost die of laughter. Great video, can’t wait for the next one.

[@Kridre]

FINNALY!!! Someone doing brake lines how they should be done. Not some garbage copper lines, but proper steel ATE brake lines. One thing that I would like to add when it comes down to rust removal and protection. Don't use seam seller on "bare" metal, but use it after spraying epoxy primer (Brunox is not good enough). Between the plates I would also used copper paste for welding to prevent rust forming between them. Also I tested Brunox and other rust converters on my car and nothing worked for more than a year. Only way to remove the rust is cut it or sandblasting. There was good rust converter called Dynitrol RC800, but was banned by the EU and there is no way to obtain it anymore. Amazing work as always.

[@tommyjohnsson1483]

As always legendary work and movies. A tip from sweden, if you put something to hold pressure on the brakepedal you will block the brakefluid from continuously drip from the mastercylinder. as soon the pedal is down it will block of the reservoir

[@leerogers9192]

These projects keep getting bigger and bigger.

[@johndiego1621]

the dangling Marlboro while welding is epic

[@qualityquentin5937]

"Im done messing around" i felt that lmao

[@Auffil]

To avoid dripping of breaking fluid when line is open you can press down brake pedal and keep it like that with some stick or something

[@manualgarage]

Great to see the rear end brace go into this car, always overlooked when it's repaired, great work✌️

[@amrhabdulhakeem5006]

Love the dedication and the content, keep up.

[@arfabarmcake2776]

It amazes me that you are self taught ? So much knowledge 👍