Not to threadjack, but this guy filled in the holes with epoxy putty, sanded, and vinyl wrapped the rails. Looks pretty great, and definitely low cost.
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...elete.1278852/
Emma - 2005 BMW 330ci ZHP 6MT Estorilblau Individual
Sportline 8s 18x8.5F - 18x9.5R | APEX ARC-8 18x8.5 Square | aFe Intake | 135i Brembo F/R Calipers | 26mm Front/20mm Rear Sway Bars | Z4 Mirror
M3 Dead Pedal | Lexus ES300 Yellow Fog Light Retrofit | Koni Yellows/H&R Springs | Llumar CTX 40% | Coby Tri-Stitch Wheel & Boots
Awaiting Install: M3 Wing Mirrors
I really like the fact it has a roof rack and sunroof delete. Looks really sleek.
New parts!
Continuing from gummed up plugs and smokey exhaust, I attacked the CCV.
Removed with destruction without removing the manifold.
New.
Found that the return line on the oildipshit was completely clogged! That means CCV wasn't working at all and would explain why it was burning oil.
Some chemicals and compressed air and it finally let go.
Overall pretty easy job. While I was there, decided to do oil filter housing gasket.
Lighting charger removed.
And that escalated to me wanting to knock out the cooling system in one go as well.
Someone before me used sealant there. Cleaned up and put a new gasket in.
The radiator was busted so out it went.
Old cooling system parts.
New pump and tstat.
New Mahle/Behr radiator.
Bolted on the engine.
New pulleys.
Expansion tank.
Coolant hoses.
PS tank and lines.
Reassembled.
Next is to flush the engine and then pop the valve cover off and overhaul Vanos.
I can't tell you how much I missed working on M54. After working on all of those V12s where there isn't space for anything in the engine bay, this just so feels nice and breeze in comparison.
I really want to get myself a 90° ratchet like that, but can’t bring myself to buy into another brand’s battery system.
Also nice work all around. Your updates are always so detailed yet so concise.
Emma - 2005 BMW 330ci ZHP 6MT Estorilblau Individual
Sportline 8s 18x8.5F - 18x9.5R | APEX ARC-8 18x8.5 Square | aFe Intake | 135i Brembo F/R Calipers | 26mm Front/20mm Rear Sway Bars | Z4 Mirror
M3 Dead Pedal | Lexus ES300 Yellow Fog Light Retrofit | Koni Yellows/H&R Springs | Llumar CTX 40% | Coby Tri-Stitch Wheel & Boots
Awaiting Install: M3 Wing Mirrors
+1 on the ratchet. 2 years ago I bought the Milwaukee version after watching 50sKid E46 DIY videos and it has become the most used tool I own. You'll find that every job that needs a socket is faster and easier with that tool
https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-245...6-0e075d587cf2
Pete