How To: BMW E46 Front End Removal

[@tommymccarthyracing5180]

Love that you mentioned all of the tools needed before you started. You have no idea the pain other channels give me

[@TheOnly33and3rd]

Great video! No nonsense or time wasting. Perfect for a quick reference. You obviously know your E46's. Thanks so much.

[@estebanbrian6832]

instablaster.

[@pontiff2]

Great Video, as someone else said, no BS talking for the sake of hearing your own voice... just got an E46 with some damage so your video has been perfect!. Thanks again!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thank you! Let me know if you have any video requests!

[@Usmanthemecano]

Is that a shot to 50skid?? Lol

[@RanaBanana92]

Thank you for such a great video! I've been looking for an e46 m3 for almost a year but no luck with anything clean. These are rare cars and I'm glad to see you're making these stick around longer.

[@randysorto3134]

you're great man, you seriously are a blessing thanks for your vids! keep it up. love your cars progression.

[@ShopLifeTV]

+randy sorto Thanks!

[@alexisescorza8104]

I just started workin on my E46 same year and model , but I wish I had seen this sooner it would’ve made it easier to take mine off ! Keep up the good videos !

[@dg7438]

Health care by day. BMW surgeon by night!

[@jdamore44]

Seeing the alpine e21 in the background brought back some memories, My first 3 bmw's were E21's! Fun little platform, but left a lot to be desired on power and handling. Using this Vid to start my m54b30 touring swap! Thanks!

[@DarkSim712]

I recently removed my front end on my E46 and I was blown away with how much dirt and debris was sitting right in front of my AC condenser. After about an hour or so of cleaning my car can breath again. I had no idea it was that dirty. I highly recommend thoroughly cleaning your AC condenser every 4 years.

[@diegom.9762]

Time to clean yours again 🤣

[@M4ZZY]

Hello ShopLifeTV. New subscriber here. I own a 2002 E46 330i for 3 years now but I always wanted an M-tech packet on it. As your vids are well explained, I think many of people who own this car without M-tech look would love to see step by step how to remove/replace the original bumpers with M-tech bumpers (orogonal or replicas aswell) and all parts that have to be bought to make it fit nicely (like those brackets for pre-facelift E46 cars) Also I envy all americans as USA is a car cuntry and all parts/tools/car related things are easy to buy on amazon and local autoparts. Unlike here in Czech republic :) Keep up with the good work

[@kylerettler1035]

That was a great video man, I don't think a lot of others making vehicle videos explain or show everything they did and could think of thanks, it's much appreciated

[@tonyveale2920]

excellent. took me 30 minutes to do this thanx to you. planning to remove the engine by bringing it forward. this does the trick.

[@MrMedicated]

Just got a E46 that is mint, except the front end needs some parts replaced, thanks for the guide dude, gonna make it super easy!

[@LeverPhile]

+1 nice video, makes it look easy. FYI, the airbox with filter & MAF sensor are more easily removed as one. Loosen the hose clamp holding intake boot to MAF, remove connector, then undo the 10mm bolts holding the airbox down & everything can be removed as one. Put aside in a safe place, of course.

[@rlymortal]

mines held in by the clamp, don’t even have my MAF in or those bolts into my tire well 😭

[@ItsMikeArre]

Not sure if ur a mechanic or a nurse with those scrubs but ur videos have been great so far U earn a subscriber 👍

[@ShopLifeTV]

Miguel Arredondo Thanks I appreciate it! If you have any requests let me know!

[@DivaniKingston]

dude, this video was amazing!! you need more subs!

[@328skidpad]

awesome video, well organized and learned about the finer details of the car..saved me money in the long run....

[@roderickmarble6652]

Hey bro ur garage is the boom

[@_B_A]

Hello and much respect for the videos 👍🏽 would you know what is wrong with my cars lighting bmw e46 coupe. The interior lights come on when driving and stay on when the car is parked up. I think it shows the door being open. Any help? Thank you

[@lucasgrover8642]

also thank you for all the videos and content the info is sooo much appreciated, ive been doing so much on my own saving so much money!!!

[@lucasgrover8642]

from 8:42 what size tools did you use to remove the 3 bolts and washers on the bumper bar before you pulled it off???

[@jesusrodriguez-sc1jp]

Saved me a lot of pain and trouble thanks!

[@ShopLifeTV]

jesus rodriguez No problem! Let me know if you need with anything else

[@KAPSGarage]

Any videos of taking off the radiator and fan to get to the front of the engine? (Doing a engine swap) this video REALLY helped me with the bumper removal but couldn't find the next step for the radiator and fan! Thanks again hope to hear from you!

[@ThatOneCatNyx]

Hopefully going to do this next week for a clutch change and turbo install :)

[@Dystopia95]

Thanks a lot man. Saved me some time for sure 🎉

[@tonypith811]

nice work.. going to work on my e46 today.. not going to pull the front off this time, but will have to soon!

[@s54jimmy75]

quik question...how do you disconnect headlight trims with the headlight washer feature? i tryed removing my light trim and the washer fluid started spilling out...can u post a quik vid for the owners with that feature looking to convert? know ur a busy guy but ive yet too see anyone post a video explaining the removal process

[@brainfleming8756]

Thanks for the video! It would really help though, when you are removing a part like the headlight support, if you would just hold and rotate it in front of the camera after removing it just so we could get a better look at it just so we could be sure of what you are removing. Thanks again!

[@fjwong7337]

All I wanted to do is to flush the radiator from the outside (front), to clear all the debris. I do see in your video, there are leaves, among other things, sticking to the radiator grille. If my purpose to to just clear the radiator front of debris, do I still have to go through what you did? Great job nevertheless! Love your videos. I'm almost addicted to your video, and your channel! Thank you!

[@guykviat]

6:37 DEEZ NUTS

[@Zander271]

He a car doctor ;) Great DIY's looking for more to come.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Alexander Ryseff Haha exactly! and thanks for watching if you have any requests let me know!

[@TheEliteShatter]

Hey just wondering if you have a video or know of a video out there with a front end assembly video? I took off my entire front end including the rad, a/c condenser and whatever else that was in the way of the engine as I had to put a new power steering and water pump pulley on and everything was bent against the engine.

[@shankness]

Fantastic tutorial man, thank you.

[@earlmoorhead5555]

Good to know I’ve never taken it off that way looks easier when refreshing the cooling system thanks 🙏

[@brainfleming8756]

Wow! Why was the Zenon ballast loose on the driver side?

[@chadgettys1294]

The 3 bolts with the washers on the front end , what size are they need to get new ones

[@sledgebeast]

Nice Video, Very Helpful... Have you made a video Replacing the Condenser. Can it be done from the front without pulling the Radiator?

[@kennyspringer6582]

is the bolt pattern the same on a 2001 E46 as a 2002 E46 complete front end bumper radiator assembly and fenders

[@Steve-bh3zg]

Do u have a video for a condenser replace ?

[@mattroche1377]

Wouldn't it be easier to take the two bolts out that hold the bumper carrier, then unbolt the bumper shocks? That way you can leave the lights in place. I'd also remind folks to fish out the plastic caps that attach to the ends of the bumper shocks (they fall off when you remove the shocks)

[@chrisfernando606]

Great vid dude. Bookmarked for future reference.. thanks.

[@truth6565]

What sizes are the nuts on the Radiator Support, and the bolts for it up top.

[@guillermocendejas382]

what kind of after market bumper do you have?

[@juanasoltveit5790]

Hi. I have a bmw e46 318 I. I have loosened all and every scures,bolts, wires ther is in the history of the car world. Still I cant moove the front bumper at all. Its so stucked its unbeleavble.What might be the issues here?

[@dbarbush]

Hi, I just ripped off the right side of my bumper a little. Any way to pop it back where it belongs?

[@JohnSmith-qy2rl]

You know where the grills attach, underneath, like the plastic behind the bumber? Well mine is broken, should i be worried?

[@phineparcon8909]

What tools u need to remove the safety catch

[@detonatorfd]

Great video, answers a couple of my questions. Ive an e46 '05 m sport (facelift) and need to get rid of the gap between the front bumper and the light trim (approx 10mm on either side). I can remove the lights and bumper with no issue now, thanks. I tried adjusting the white bumper holders on either side of the wheel arches as much as I could, does nothing. I tried adjusting height using the inner adjusting collars in the bumper shocks but they are jammed tight, (Go only knows why are they plastic). Is there any other way I can adjust?. What if I loosen the shocks themselves, is there any play with them vertically? Thanks Fred

[@ShopLifeTV]

+detonatorfd Hey you can adjust the gap by loosening the screws that hold the headlight support to the radiator support. They are 2 8mm screws that are adjacent to the bumper shocks. Let me know if you need more help!

[@JohnFaire]

6 years later... The gap is so common for people. I didn't know you could adjust the headlight bracket. That would definitely help. I used foam pieces I glued in place to push the bumper up when resting on them. Wish I knew about this sooner. Maybe a good future video

[@JoJo_00909]

Do you have to remove the lights on a e46 325xi ?

[@kuruption1983]

Great job! very informative.

[@oliverjonsson9741]

Love the video really good and easy understand, you should make a video on how to change from original bumper to m-tech 2 bumper! Cheers from sweden

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Oliver Jonsson Hey thanks for the suggestion, I will try to make one when I get some time!

[@David-yh5po]

Thanks for sharing this video.

[@AquaStevae]

I see the vid about removing the fender, but not the one where you remove the front bumper?

[@the_evil_thing2122]

How do we get the fender liners off? You didn't show that part.

[@kennyspringer6582]

I did the conversion I have 2 green wires hanging on the passenger side, where do they plug in?

[@channsongheng1686]

My E46 320i EML light on 🥺 can you make video fix it

[@truth6565]

hey can you add the nut and bolt sizes in the description

[@TheDooj]

Would this fit on my 99 328I e46?

[@kennyspringer6582]

on the 325 i is the bolt pattern the same on a 2001 is a 2002 can i interchange those I have a 2002

[@Robertpeace233]

Great Video man you helped me so much

[@VALDEMARDELIMA]

awesome vid, thank you it was of great help

[@TheKebabCompany]

I have an E46 323iA and I have a problem with my automatic transmission. When I put in Drive mode it automatically goes to Sport mode aswell, but I want it in Drive mode for better fuel economy. And I recently discovered that if I push a little bit on the gear lever so that the light for Drive mode turns off (so its like between D and N) it goes to normal Drive mode again. Do you have any fix for this or? :)

[@ShopLifeTV]

***** Sorry for the late response, your best bet would be to replace the shifter assembly, contact me on my business email located on the about page on my channel as I have one for sale. If you need a replacement diy video I can provide that as well. Thanks for watching!

[@TheMathewsman]

Have you ever adjusted the bumper up and down before? I have a pretty uneven gap from side to side on my ZHP E46 under the headlights and have seen the adjusters but have never adjusted them. Mainly just wondering if it was easy or a pain in the @*#$? Love your videos and thanks in advance!!

[@romanraicu7023]

Thank you men! You help me very much with this vídeo! 😎

[@RAMSFitness]

Hey bro, can you do a video on how to replace alternator belt. Please !

[@ScienceFollowsTheEvidence]

Your videos are always great and informative. But, like all people in tutorial/how-to vids from the USA, there is way too much use of this 'go ahead and' phrase. Watch this video back and count. It's an unnecessary phrase. Instead of saying "I'm going to go ahead and remove the front end", it is sufficient to say "I'm going to remove the front end". That you're 'going ahead and..' is obvious. Time only moves in one direction.

[@carslover3509]

GREAT WORK

[@silasmahlalelasobuza984]

YUOR VIDEO A GREAT MADE MY WORK EASY

[@donataspalevicius]

whats the easiest way to remove just the ac condenser?

[@elbassaraghii5744]

Thanks 😎

[@bengreenland9649]

can you leave the lights in .disconect the wire and remove the lights in the bumper

[@rebinny]

My Bentley Manual says you can. I’ll know this week. Have to replace hood cables and I see no way in except this.

[@haroldsgarageo4822]

hey bro you are awesome keep it up

[@suhailvaldez3837]

thank you for the video i love you work..

[@mariuslarisa6625]

you are the best!!

[@sonny878]

Fantastic. Thank you.

[@paulcampo1156]

Great instructions! Thanks

[@FukinArias13]

Can you make a video on how to wash/clean the engine on a e46 ?

[@ShopLifeTV]

Will try to make one, here is a quick walkthrough. Cover air cowl and alternator with bags. Use a degreaser (make sure not to get it on any painted surfaces) and spray down the engine bay(make sure the engine bay is not hot). Scrub with a soft bristle brush and then just rinse off using low pressure and do not spray in any one spot for too long. Just quickly rinse.

[@Ecristian19]

ShopLifeTV

[@howardanderson745]

Thanks for video well done. On my 2002 xi drivers side ambient air temp, passenger side small round disc size of half dollar any chance someone can tell me what it is? Thanks

[@mattroche1377]

For the record, that is the temp sensor for the windshield washer heaters. Only on cars with cold weather package.

[@TopChoice617]

hey is that what I would need to do to put a newer version front end.. I have a 01 and want to replace it with a 04...

[@Arek_R.]

You mean that you want turn prelift to after lift version? To do it you need also to replace fender, lights, and few more.

[@TopChoice617]

+Arek R. So the fenders, hood, lights, radiator support, and bumper cover? And thank you for the reply & help!!!

[@Arek_R.]

Yep. There are vids on others channels showing complete swap. Of course you want to put M3 bumper? ;p

[@TopChoice617]

+Arek R. Yeah M3 bumper cover is the plan 4 sure... Thanks Again!

[@Arek_R.]

np Also LED angel eyes will be installed? :D

[@mikecooper9669]

There's radiator. Is there ugh A/c condenser.

[@dannybaker8889]

hello what state are you in and would you be interested in replacing a motor in a 2004 bmw 325i

[@ShopLifeTV]

Hey I am in Alhambra, California. Let me know if I am near you

[@noahmaenza5803]

Is it the same process for a coupe

[@ShopLifeTV]

Noah Maenza Yes it is

[@dilanjey6550]

can you install a M3 bumper to a e46 sedan?

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Dilan Jey You can only install the aftermarket replica ones that are made for the sedan as the real M3 bumpers are too wide for the stock sedan front end. You may also need prefacelift bumper brackets if your car is a facelift.

[@leebagleystuntman]

Thank you

[@robbontiveros7130]

where is the springs/struts replacement DIY!?

[@nlouisf]

do you recommend eBay m-tech bumper?

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Lou F Mine is a mtech-2 and it fits like crap, but they are cheap... lol

[@reactor4]

thanks

[@rarefruit2320]

Bro you was kid in this video 😂

[@patoalcota2737]

I need to remove the radiator of mu bmw 320i e46

[@ShopLifeTV]

pato alcota I will be sure to upload a radiator removal and installation as soon as I need to do one.

[@seanguzman777]

Where are u guys located

[@ShopLifeTV]

Alhambra, CA

[@seanguzman777]

ShopLifeTV where in Alhambra I looking for parts for my e46

[@Durexik]

you said DEEZ NUTS :D

[@AmnMunoz389]

+Jakub Duroska all three

[@brainfleming8756]

Nasty looking black car in the background!

[@gauchegaucho]

Are u a part time nurse too?

[@winstoneubanks1282]

You are bad azz.

[@dantheman1337]

How to Perfection

[@scrinja]

The facelift headlight has to removed as a whole...There is no separate indicator Dude ..on M sport models anyway and the ends of the front bumper are raised and lowered by two plastic brackets totally different check one out...Good video on that model though Dude

[@John-e2c3i]

A klímahűtő tele van falevéllel. :)

[@maxwellmattison6224]

Jason, you da man! Thank you kind sir, #MWagon->

[@LuisAguilar-fd2eu]

does this work on a blue 325i

[@ShopLifeTV]

yes

[@cassiusnoyb6499]

too long but good information no need to explain how clips come out and whatnot pretty obvious