Here's Why I'm Scared to Drive My BMW E46 M3 And Why You Should Be Too..

It's been nearly 90 days since I last uploaded a video on my BMW E46 M3 and there's a reason why. A very important reason. Something all E46 owners need to know about. I'll explain what that is in this video and take care of a few things that need to addressed on the M3, that are well overdue.
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[@MrFabioSsousa]

So you spent ~$9k on suspension and aesthetics but don’t ride the car because you left rod bearings for last? Right to-do list, wrong order

[@USM3C]

"maintenance first" LOL

[@joeladzim1225]

Just typical hipster bmw driver what u expect? 🤷‍♂️

[@vishnun3184]

i think it's implied he didn't figure the rod bearings were bad until later

[@BboyAMD]

^maybe so but the- 'check before you buy' list on an E46 is pretty old... even if M3Forums is gone.

[@vincecarlo]

Genius

[@thekid6524]

It would be so cool if BMW reproduced their older model M cars with improvements of course. Probably too niche of a market but still!

[@raremage]

If they announced an E46 with an S55 and the new DCT they can have my money right now. I love that body style.

[@thekid6524]

@@raremage 100 percent with you on that!

[@Big_Panda_]

Well Nissan has the restoring program for all old GTR. So it possible but expanse.

[@CrazyOneToo]

Why niche? They rebooted the Charger, Mustang, and Camero.

[@DkingE39]

This would be so dope only issue with bmw was the plastic parts they used. Unfortunately the real m division is no more. Last car/engine they design was the v10m5 e60

[@riseupstudios12]

When I was 19 it was 2003 and these where new and really expensive but they where a dream car for me and damn they still look damn good in 2020

[@Efortysicks]

Bro I just bought mine two weeks ago lol I have a coolant leak I haven’t checked where but I’ll figure it out I think it’s the expansion tank like most of these

[@V0YAG3R]

no

[@nikoladimitrov5795]

They will look damn good in 2040 as well.

[@USM3C]

Come on man, how can you say "maintenance first" when you first spend thousands on the exhaust system, wheels, and coilovers, and completely ignore a known issue with the S54? The rod bearings. SMH.

[@SupraR7]

Lmao right 😂

[@kristofferlindqvist4185]

Probably because he was not aware of the issue in the beginning.

[@USM3C]

@@kristofferlindqvist4185 right. He takes a $3K M3 to a reputable shop. ANY BMW shop knows the 3 big issues with this car, which includes rod bearings. He knew, he just rather spend his money on cosmetics than maintenance, because cosmetics have more value for his channel.

[@kristofferlindqvist4185]

@@USM3C i was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, but thats absolutely true, they should have heavily warned him.

[@grayantihero6059]

@@USM3C yep. Cooling system and oil weeping for every BMW and subframe, RB and SMG for the E46 M3.

[@TheBmarshall15]

You dropped $4500 on coilovers & $3000 on the wheel setup but havent touched the rod bearings or the vanos. Both of which can be addressed DIY for the low. I know your new to the e46 m3 platform but you cant preach maintenance first when you went this route. But big ups to the channel and keep doing your thing

[@the_end_boss]

Was thinking the same.

[@davidc4162]

Hey, 7mins in and finally getting to the point! That’s got to be a new record.

[@rcz3349]

If you had known these were the common issues from the jump, why not start with the rod bearings, vanos, subframe, rtab and then manual swap considering its high mileage? Sounds more like Maintenance is third/fourth but hey...it’s coming along nicely 🤙🏾

[@albertj2459]

I just changed my valve cover gasket on my '05 M3 last month, and the coil packs and spark plugs earlier this year too.

[@glitchy4443]

Love the m3, this is some quality content!

[@alexrico9989]

Nice video dude. I am going to continue watching to live out my passion vicariously through you to secure an older gen m3 as a project / track car!

[@andreipetrescu9704]

Dude.. I love the fact that your content quality increased so much. Keep going!

[@ijoshie3659]

Yesss this is what we signed up for right?😁

[@VehicleVirals]

Glad you guys noticed!

[@igappleg3]

I love your M3! I had a 2004 Jet Black M3 stick shift with Dinan Cold Air Intake Exhaust system from the dealership ! I totally miss it 😬. This video brings me back to my younger days with my M3 that I leased for 4 years !! Thank you for sharing.

[@chrisbarnhart4178]

pogchamp i have a ZHP!! and e34 prepping for turbo. love the longer vids keep em comin!

[@miketurin5233]

One of the best platforms E46. I loved mine, such a pure driving experience!

[@SavageBunny1]

I can tell you by experience that rod bearings can go out by just getting on the onramp, but its honestly something that can be done on a weekend.

[@jonnybravo3055]

If your M3 gets a paint correction and full detail I hope you make a full video on it. Something satisfying about cars been snow foamed, wheel fallout removers , shampood , waxed/sealants and tyre dressing been applied. 👍🏼

[@aznerol0770]

I absolutely love that car. It looks great and is getting better as time passes. Great content.

[@holderproduction6968]

Damm... a Shell sponsorship, great work man.

[@chevyboa8950]

Facts

[@victomeyezr]

That he didn't notify viewers of. Classic violation of KZbin TOS

[@CrazyOneToo]

It depends on if you're the racing type or not. I just love the way BMWs are styled and setup. Most of them are just downright beautiful cars.

[@JUNKYARDGTO]

Awesome video I just swapped an e46 rear end into my GTO and am looking up suspension parts thx subscribed

[@RantzCore]

I get enjoyment watching your interaction with everyone at PSI. The merchandise is awesome especially since I too am rocking my own VV hoodie. The best teacher is the information we learn from your experience with vehicles as you find new issues doing routine maintenance. Great video Cristian and thanks for the entertaining restoration bits. (Pushing in the clips made me smile 😃) Best wishes brother!

[@VehicleVirals]

My man 👊🏼

[@MrSpaz12]

Maintenance first! But does it last. You might want to swap out that mechanical fan before it takes out your radiator and hood. I'd suggest a good SPAL fan and a soft start pwm.

[@mayankvora1366]

Bro thank god you posted this - I just got one with 92K miles and gonna do the subframe in the upcoming weeks. Post more of this car!! It helps

[@VehicleVirals]

I have like 4 videos filmed on the M3. Keep an eye out!

[@PHFilms3]

Get ready to drop 5k

[@ALKOHOLIC45]

Welcome to the endless moneypit family 😂. Ive put 2K into my car in just maintenance. Haven't even hit performance upgrades yet.

[@mayankvora1366]

@@ALKOHOLIC45 hmm I bought it for 9.5k one owner garage kept family friend - did coils and plugs and brakes and filters so far - but I think I got a killer deal. Manual trans as well lmao

[@hostage3619]

Car looks amazing man!

[@jskallingtin]

Bro I just got my sweater yesterday on Saturday and I love it! I thought it was gonna be tight but its perfect!

[@VehicleVirals]

Awesome man! Glad you like it.

[@Housedelarue22]

Wish I had a M3, but I got a 325ci :) still happy tho

[@ikuoni]

Aye, same! It’s lit tho.

[@chevyboa8950]

Nice

[@Housedelarue22]

@@ikuoni yesssir !!!

[@Rafbtw]

i just bought my first car, a 328i. Hopefully gonna get it good enough to daily. I would love a M3

[@mikebutler3846]

Had a ‘99 e36 M3 convertible and loved it...sold it for some unknown reason. Have a ‘06 325ci with 58k on it and love it too...not as fast but just as much fun! I’m retired and live on the South Carolina coast, so it’s the perfect car for me.

[@clintonkisting1594]

WOW,its been many moons back that the E46 has been in a vlog.always enjoy seeing content of this Beemer.

[@benjohannsen7208]

Maintence 1st huh? Why drop all that cash on suspension and wheels before sorting the rod bearings then 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@cutc2k764]

Bc it’s his car lol

[@RiyuXDs]

he preaches bullshit and downplays or gives misinformation for views .

[@jasonscott1502]

I'm a local European car mechanic. Familiar with psi. I work at all german motorworks in leesburg. I service a lot of bmw m cars and I have to say seeing you using elring gaskets hurts my feelings lol. The oem bmw ones dont cost much more. But if you do the oil pan gasket each rod bearing is only like an .5 per bearing additional labor on top of the 6-8 hrs for a pan gasket.

[@christopho3255]

I've had mine for 8 years and put 100k on it. Even compared to newer Ms and other performance cars the E46 M3 just feels special. Did you check valve clearance specs while swapping out the spark plugs and valve cover gaskets?

[@sleepeasysounds1676]

Wow 100k??? Was this main dealer?

[@ericgon46]

I miss driving mine, also haven’t driven mine due to rod bearings. My rod bearings were replaced under the recall but idk if those corrected the issue. Been too busy and it just sits looking pretty haha

[@RC-fh5mq]

That e46 is awesome bro keep up the good work

[@cwhitty05]

Not sure if it’s been done recently, but it would’ve been a good idea to check the valve clearances while you had the valve cover off. It’s very easy to check them. Maintenance first! Great looking car and awesome build! Almost makes me want one!

[@blackcoffee6068]

Wheels, tires, coilovers before spark plugs?

[@SimplyCarThings]

I don't blame you at all for feeling hesitant to drive the car hard or track it given its mysterious history haha. I've heard the rod bearings can become significantly worn if the car is not warmed up properly and then driven hard due to the tight tolerances of the bearings themselves. Love the way you've modded the car so far, quality parts and it looks so clean! Excellent video as always

[@antfou2]

I bought one of these in 2014. People still really didn’t know how great these engines were back then. Now you can find them all over the place with damn near 200k miles. Amazing engines they’re turning out to be. For those wondering I now drive an e63 m6 😅

[@dogdog4173]

I’d like a combination of a car that looks good and is also fast

[@nathanhoxie523]

I have to find a first car for myself and it needs to be a AWD and automatic :( so should i settle on a WRX? or are there better choices?

[@rabmc]

I’ve owned one for a good few years now and in the uk 2004 model, she is on 130k now and done bearings last year at 128k and the rod bearings were perfectly fine and had another probably another 30k+ on them, but peace of mind I suppose. One of the issues I’m tacking just now is play at 12oclock in my steering wheel, replaced the lower coupling and still not fixed. Really really annoying, have a purple rack steering rack and new track rod assembled to go on next.

[@Marcini007]

You are so lucky to have a friend like Ali to help you out with the cars:)

[@mikebutler3846]

Always used Shell V-power in my past e36 M3 and use in my present e46 325ci. Was recommended by a friend who knows more about cars than I do.

[@AndyPilot]

Check the valve clearances while the valve cover is off. shimms and picker tool also made by wiseco so you dont have to pay dealer prices intake 0.18mm - 0.23mm exhaust 0.28 - 0.33 mm clearance. doing this will reduce valvetrain noise and you might even find one that has zero clearance well worth the job ))

[@fernandolopezjr4583]

Man I just started watching your videos cuz I got me a 08 335i twin turbo & was ready to dump it to the trash, but by watching your channel and reading comments ima give this car a chance

[@stephanelouvet1113]

Hello. About rod bearing, I noticed BMW recommend Castrol Edge 10-60 "Supercar" for M models. I just brought a E92 335i (you are for something in my choice ;) ) and the previous owner was using this oil. So you think it's a good idea to extend the rod bearing life ? Do guys at PSI, or you, are having experience with this oil on M and non M engines ? Thank you.

[@jbelc]

e30 update? That s54 build would have been something else, looking forward to more e46 content (and hopefully e30 content).

[@paranorml]

Same issue here. Been sitting my E46 M3 since I got my Blackstone reading. Definitely do that first when buying an M3.

[@jnx6650]

Power over anything 🤧💯💯

[@spiriitualminded]

Awesome video dude... sorry abt the unfortunate issue bro

[@stubbk3]

maintenance first is good advice , my 330ci needs a few things fixed so i took it off the road to force me to not drive it till i have time to fix things

[@AgSherr]

...ok...second... Ohhh, my! An E60 Baby! 15:51 Great Stuff! #SquadetteOutForNow

[@smokingasphalt8050]

Great content bro👊🏼👊🏼

[@Marcini007]

I really enjoy your videos mate :)

[@johnathangraves242]

I have a 02 330ci and I’m thinking about getting a manual swap done how much should I look at saving up?

[@mjhahmak]

On most channels I watch, the sponsorships can be annoying, and I usually skip them. But when you explain shell gas, its actually interesting, and I feel like I benefit!

[@VehicleVirals]

Glad to hear it man!

[@pugs1377]

I would do an oil analysis and go from there on the rod bearings

[@dposney]

I mean I would be scared too if I bought the cheapest available one around. I paid around 12k for mine in 2018 and I knew I would have to do some good upfront maintenance and that’s just what it is. If I bought a super cheap one I would expect to pretty much rebuild the whole car.

[@LAEdgar]

Just came across a 2002 6speed m3 that’s been “total loss” bc a fender bender but no “frame damage” for stupid cheap. Been watching videos debating if it’s worth it. Thanks

[@joeholland4144]

Really enjoyed my 2000 318i E46. Used to wrench on it all the time.

[@shownee1]

I have a 2006 330xi . it was taken care of by the last owner, I am very happy with it . what do you guys say about the 330i or 330xi .

[@user-rc2ko6vi2w]

If you coat the plastic trim pieces with some of the ceramic coating stuff (like Avalon king) it brings it back to life - no need to replace! Maybe they’ll even sponsor you to do it

[@mro4ts457]

01 M3 owner here. My new vanos rebuild, parts from Dr Vanos and labor, were all $3200 total. New BE Bearings cost around $300, we’ll see on maintenance. You should’ve done these, then a subframe re-inforcement before anything else

[@azzanal-sinani3413]

in my opinion, this is the best looking car of BMW with respect for new models

[@wgreen340]

Hey I’ll take that wheel sir. Great retrofit for my E38.

[@TenzaMotorsports]

What did you do with the style 67 wheels?

[@oSinoda]

In regards to the interior trim. The clips should be put in the wrong way to fit in perfectly then you turn it to the correct position. I used scissors to fit inside the hole of the trim clips to turn it.

[@nikosgeorgakopoulos93]

“Quality stuff right there” and puts rubber floor mats. In a M3. Oh my gosh 😢😢 Anyways, you should immediately check the rod bearings, and every time you drive this car try and let it warm up. And when I say warm up, I mean oil temp at 95 degrees minimum. It is the best way of treatment to these bearings. Can’t wait for the next one 💪💪

[@sarcastixx74]

Stick to 5k oil changes and making sure the car is *fully* up to temp before nailing it you needn't worry about the bearings. Good to replace the bearings as preventative maintenance but the only guaranteed way of killing the S54 is booting it when cold. 145k on my own one and no signs of issues yet, oil analysis shows it is still keeping within specs.

[@harrisonsibusiso503]

Hey it's a old video but I need to know what paint did this car have it looks super black and that's what I'm looking to do to my E46 330i

[@VehicleVirals]

Jet black

[@dfrankenbach1]

just inspecting the Vanos is not good enough. high mileage, and if it's never been done before... you should do it. Guaranteed your guide is broken which you cannot see until removed. The oil pump disc has more than likely worn out even more which puts huge stress on the hub and can break it off. Look in to Beisan or Dr.Vanos for improved parts. They also have updated bolts for the hubs. Might as well also put an anti rattle kit in it while its apart

[@leedaugherty6682]

Interior clips are less stubborn when they're rotated 90° before installation then- "like a door key turn" rotated back 90° to lock into their respective slots.

[@kriszg5836]

I used to feed Shell to my S52 and constantly had knock due to carbon build up. Switched to Chevron and never had that problem again. My 2 cents....

[@ezrawhittenberg6162]

As a BMW tech. I strongly agree with you about the quality of gas being important to the overall performance of the vehicle. But there's one thing that you said that isn't exactly correct. You referenced the issue of the n54 (or any other n5x engine for that matter) having and issue with carbon build up in the intake. Yes. V power does run cleaner than most pump brands the issue with those engines as well as most modern engines is the direct injection. With direct injection. The fuel never touches the back side of the intake valves where they seat into the head like traditional port injection. So in that case the extra additives for cleaning the valves are not applicable. At dealer we regularly pull the intakes off and walnut blast the intake valves to clean them and maintain performance. Great content but just saw that and it bothered me to not inform.

[@Julianklaus]

Is Ali shop fair priced? Thinking of bringing my car over for maintenance.

[@somertechdroid]

Update the headlight cluster of this bad boy with some nice angle eyes, and wire them into the interior lights circuit so that they trigger when you unlock the car with your remote.

[@Rekadista]

Good

[@chrisdalton5521]

My rod bearings just blew in June (‘02). Like you said, destroyed my engine. I bought a new lower mileage M3 and swapped all the parts I had invested (thousands of dollars). The current car has 60K (other car had 150K).. I didn’t know that was an issue with these motors until it was too late. I’m still going to do the RBs for my own piece of mind in Summer 2021. You should see if your car had the rod bearing service done already. There was a complimentary recall from BMW. Just give your local BMW dealer a vin and they can look it up.

[@VehicleVirals]

Wishing you better lucky this time around!

[@navedukes9592]

E46 M3 ❤️👍🏽 watching from California

[@dogdog4173]

Great video Christian. Take the 335 to a car meet and get some video of different cars

[@ChrisTyroneDrip]

I’m almost certain that you will get some really good content with the e46 and e30 if you snag the f10 M5

[@nickc4853]

Should have done the rod bearings first

[@blackcoffee6068]

The accuracy!

[@iamhamzaamin]

Seriously. That was his biggest mistake.

[@realMaverickBuckley]

On an E46? I though they weren't qn issue on those?

[@jobelewis6416]

@@realMaverickBuckley yeah I also thought it was only E92 M3 S65 but perhaps not

[@nickc4853]

Bmw engineering is usually based off previous design almost series like n52 to n54 eventually leads to current b58 etc. The m platform usually has the bigger problems because of tolerances, higher rpm but most bmw suffer from rod bearings

[@chandlerjones7578]

i always do looks over performance first, but can we take a second to talk about why the heck your fingers are so bendy lol great content

[@NathanKopilec]

Rod bearings are pretty much a given maintenance item on N/A M cars. Just replace them every 100k and drive like normal. Don't forget to do any VANOS + VANOS line maintenance while you're interested there.

[@domkraggp9944]

Those rims though 😍 👌

[@No_Track_Limits]

Daily drove mine for two years for around 15k miles - before converting it to track car for 30+ Trackdays (see vids for the beating it took), the only issue I ever had was the plastic locating cup under the gear level failed, cost me £15 ($20) to replace..

[@jorisp9317]

When you get your new custom steering wheel can I buy your old steering wheel?

[@drewe46-m3]

I see a lot of comments saying rod bearings. Vanos is just as important. I did the same thing with my M3 made it look good until something failed. I thought it was rod bearings so I went In checked them thank God it wasn't them .changed them anyway. In my case it was the vanos exhaust hub had a broken tab. If this happens it sounds like a spun Bearing. S54 engine is a legendary engine just have to know you way around it .to keep it running to the best level

[@thisguyshorty3554]

Loving those wheels! Details please!

[@OGmarktorres]

So you fixed the leaking oil pan but didn’t bother to do the rod bearings while under there??

[@michaelmeanswell]

I get that the aftermarket tires and wheels are performance upgrades however in terms of esthetics I prefer the stock wheels.

[@davidsalem2896]

Can’t wait for you to get your new car!!!

[@JAIROCLASH]

I love these long videos!

[@VehicleVirals]

Glad to hear it!

[@jetfighterf1681]

What’s up with the 340i Don’t u want to try one?

[@jaroslawtheoneandonly.1803]

Looks good!

[@gusm4520]

interestingly e90 330i's and 325i's do have metal valve covers, sucks they went with plastic afterwards

[@prontopac]

What about the cooling system?

[@claycrawford9009]

In all my M cars I run redline 5w50 and with 1 quart of Motorkote. My oil analysis always come back way under average in wear. If I were you I would definitely run this especially if your worried about rod bearings.

[@jojomon9861]

What wheels are the aftermarket ones?

[@fromthegods78]

What oil do you use in it?

[@Geniusforeal]

Nice vibe brother

[@kevinansah1234567891]

What tint do you have on there?