2004 BMW E46 M3 Estoril Individual
- Thread starter TSPORT
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TSPORT
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- Thread Starter
- #27
Its actually minging lol Its been used on and off over the last 2 weeks but always looks clean in pics which is a bonus.
The guy working on the aircon today was explaining how the machine tests for leaks, its creates the vacuum then tests to check the system holds the pressure before it recharges the system with gas. He did say if there is a tiny leak it can take weeks or months for the pressure to drop to the point where the system stops working but the test passed fine and it charged normally so that's a good sign.
Did the R32 loose gas over weeks or right away? Im surprised the Golf had an issue, my 2007 GT TDi with nearly 150k miles has ice cold aircon.
The guy working on the aircon today was explaining how the machine tests for leaks, its creates the vacuum then tests to check the system holds the pressure before it recharges the system with gas. He did say if there is a tiny leak it can take weeks or months for the pressure to drop to the point where the system stops working but the test passed fine and it charged normally so that's a good sign.
Did the R32 loose gas over weeks or right away? Im surprised the Golf had an issue, my 2007 GT TDi with nearly 150k miles has ice cold aircon.
Neil_M
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At least you are using it
The AC wasn't holding pressure or near it unfortunately.
Supposedly the Mk5 Golf's AC systems are poo! Hopefully just a condenser!
But it's booked in for diagnosis next week.
Aircon recharge with Autoradz in Lisburn now that the weather is finally getting a bit better. The aircon wasnt preforming very well and was due a bit of TLC.
View attachment 232480
I was very impressed with this machine the Ecotechnics ECK1800, It vacuums the air conditioning system and tests for leaks, replaces the oil and charges the system, Takes around 30 mins and the aircon is ice cold now
View attachment 232481
You won't have been lonely for those 30 minutes with Marty and Co about anyway, they can talk!!
Car looking well, must get mine dug out of the shed for a spin or 2. Seeing one with CSLs just tempts me so much to get a set, really are the best wheel for them.
TSPORT
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OP
- Thread Starter
- #35
M Track mode enabled ☑
Ok, So during 2003 BMW changed the DSC module from the MK20 to the MK60 with this change came some extra functionality that was only enabled from factory in the E46 M3 CSL and CS Models. However, All MK60 equiped E46 M3's can have M Track enabled with some software changes
M Track is a dialed back version of DSC allowing for a greater angle of slip before the traction control comes in.
The good news is even the instrument cluster has the LED for M Track Mode, Here it is illuminated for the first time in my car.
To make the changes in the DSC software you will need NCS-Expert ideally with the newer daten files installed.
NCS Expert has a series of profiles some allow you to edit and make changes to the profile and others are read only. So you need a profile which allows the profile to be edited.
I used the profile "Expertöffnen" (öffnen meaning "open"in English)
With all that out of the way you are ready to code your DSC ECU
Nearly done, Unless you have a purple tag rack and CSL brakes you will need to make some changes for the standard cars steering rack and brakes.
So now when you press the DSC button this enables M Track mode with the symbol on the cluster and another press turns M Track Mode off, A long hold will now switch off the DSC and allow SMG Mode 6 with launch control.
Being more of a polisher than a driver it would take someone with more talent than myself to actually get the benefit of M Track mode from the car but it was interesting to add the function anyway
Ok, So during 2003 BMW changed the DSC module from the MK20 to the MK60 with this change came some extra functionality that was only enabled from factory in the E46 M3 CSL and CS Models. However, All MK60 equiped E46 M3's can have M Track enabled with some software changes
M Track is a dialed back version of DSC allowing for a greater angle of slip before the traction control comes in.
The good news is even the instrument cluster has the LED for M Track Mode, Here it is illuminated for the first time in my car.
To make the changes in the DSC software you will need NCS-Expert ideally with the newer daten files installed.
NCS Expert has a series of profiles some allow you to edit and make changes to the profile and others are read only. So you need a profile which allows the profile to be edited.
I used the profile "Expertöffnen" (öffnen meaning "open"in English)
With all that out of the way you are ready to code your DSC ECU
Nearly done, Unless you have a purple tag rack and CSL brakes you will need to make some changes for the standard cars steering rack and brakes.
So now when you press the DSC button this enables M Track mode with the symbol on the cluster and another press turns M Track Mode off, A long hold will now switch off the DSC and allow SMG Mode 6 with launch control.
Being more of a polisher than a driver it would take someone with more talent than myself to actually get the benefit of M Track mode from the car but it was interesting to add the function anyway
TSPORT
RMS Regular
OP
- Thread Starter
- #36
Another job completed yesterday.
The Differential had a slight leak at the input pinion seal. Fairly common on BMW's
This is a technical job so I left that to my mechanic to sort out, I did manage to convince him to take a few pics.
Parts required - Castrol Syntrax 75W 140 Previously knows as SAF-XJ and Redline FM Booster along with a new Pinion seal and lock plate for good measure.
And a handy pump
The problem
New seal then fitted, all put back together again and filled with fresh oil and FM booster
The Differential had a slight leak at the input pinion seal. Fairly common on BMW's
This is a technical job so I left that to my mechanic to sort out, I did manage to convince him to take a few pics.
Parts required - Castrol Syntrax 75W 140 Previously knows as SAF-XJ and Redline FM Booster along with a new Pinion seal and lock plate for good measure.
And a handy pump
The problem
New seal then fitted, all put back together again and filled with fresh oil and FM booster
Eamo_vxr
RMS Regular
That's cool as a cucumber, the colour is lovely
TSPORT
RMS Regular
OP
- Thread Starter
- #45
After almost selling this then deciding to hang onto it I contacted Royal Steering wheels for one of their fantastic wheels.
I went for the - Padded, smooth printed leather all round, M stitching.
The original wheel has some wear at the top of the wheel and after a airbag recall replaced the airbag with a new one it really showed up the steering wheel itself
And the replacement from Royal
So best get cracking
The two side by side to swap over the paddles, controls and plastics.
All ready for fitting
Stickers showing original date of manufacturer
And all fitted
It’s so nice, really lifts the interior and smells awesome.
I went for the - Padded, smooth printed leather all round, M stitching.
The original wheel has some wear at the top of the wheel and after a airbag recall replaced the airbag with a new one it really showed up the steering wheel itself
And the replacement from Royal
So best get cracking
The two side by side to swap over the paddles, controls and plastics.
All ready for fitting
Stickers showing original date of manufacturer
And all fitted
It’s so nice, really lifts the interior and smells awesome.
TSPORT
RMS Regular
OP
- Thread Starter
- #47
After deciding to keep the car and treating it to a new steering wheel the starter motor decided to stop doing its job.... Great.
The starter lives on top of the gearbox bell housing so its a nice stripping match to get too.
Here it is
The starter is held in with 2 x E12 bolts which are positioned almost underneath the firewall, Access is very much limited.
After a lot of swearing I managed to get the bolts and the old original BMW (Valeo) starter out.
New (Bosch) started bolted in and getting wired up.
Part of this job requires the SMG fluid to be changed as the reservoir for the SMG pump needs to be disconnected when removing the inlet manifold.
It requires Pentosin CHF11s oil.
Finally all back together, New genuine pain in the ass intake clamps too.
And a new scuttle panel
Time for a bath
All good, I hate working on cars but it is very satisfying with a job well done.
The starter lives on top of the gearbox bell housing so its a nice stripping match to get too.
Here it is
The starter is held in with 2 x E12 bolts which are positioned almost underneath the firewall, Access is very much limited.
After a lot of swearing I managed to get the bolts and the old original BMW (Valeo) starter out.
New (Bosch) started bolted in and getting wired up.
Part of this job requires the SMG fluid to be changed as the reservoir for the SMG pump needs to be disconnected when removing the inlet manifold.
It requires Pentosin CHF11s oil.
Finally all back together, New genuine pain in the ass intake clamps too.
And a new scuttle panel
Time for a bath
All good, I hate working on cars but it is very satisfying with a job well done.
Last edited:
southsky sunrise
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That’s lovely