If youre down for it I can offer a helping hand every once and awhile, I think itll help me learn. I also see you did your rear subframe/diff bushings. Mine are cracked so I definitely have to do it but looks like kind of a hard job, would love some tips there.
Update this week:
Small vacuum leak code went away, was able to pass NJ inspection, dont have to deal with that for 2 more years.
Did the manual trans and diff fluid earlier today. New to this home mechanic stuff so took longer than I thought. Getting used to jacking up the car in my small garage, and other small stuff like:
-making sure I have all the required tools next to me once I get under the car
-learning how to deal with stuck bolts, my diff fill plug was stuck, took me forever but eventually got it by tightening and loosening slightly over and over again to release the rust, then it popped right out. Felt so good lol
-overtightening is definitely a thing, I stripped a brand new trans drain plug by overtightening. Have to let go of the tighter is better mindset that I had before
-having rags handy to deal with oil
Getting in and out from under the car sucks, I didnt get a crawler because Im concerned of it moving around while under the car and me bumping into stuff, i'll get used to it.
Gear oil smells like complete dogshit, I can still remember the smell.
Drove around today with the new trans fluid, shifting felt a bit easier but not as big of a difference as I thought. And old oil was pretty dark. Maybe need to break it in a little more. Second gear still feels a little stiff but I think that is common on the e46.
More problems discovered on the car this week:
-Tank doesnt seem to fill above half. Checked the OBC settings for the fuel tank and the left tank either shows as 00 or --. Not sure if its the fuel pump, or driver side sender. I have a new fuel pump and fuel filter ready to go, sender should arrive early this week.
- Knocking sounds under the car, forgot to check but it's probably sway bar links or control arm stuff.
Will probably do fuel pump and fuel filter tomorrow but I didnt get any new vacuum line, and I dont know what the right size is. Will try to find the answer online today. Will likely save the cooling system for the weekend after unless I think I can tackle it during the week.
Still deciding whether or not do the M56 Valve Cover or the GAS CCV. I am sorta leaning towards the GAS CCV since it's easier to maintain when doing oil changes and Im kind of a sucker for supporting small businesses. I am going to preorder regardless (He has a cutoff for July 31st for this next batch if anyone is interested) and If I dont use it i'll just sell it.