E46 manual gearbox questions

Leonard Hofstadter

Just wondering, does anyone know what the story is with E46 manuals? Excluding the M3, I think most of them have 5 speed gearboxes, but a few models have 6 speeds.

I think the 330d/330Cd (all bodystyles) and 320d/320Cd/320td, as well as the 330Ci (Coupé and Cabrio only) and 325ti (Compact only) got the 6 speed box in late 2003, the same time as the LCI Coupé and Cabrio were introduced. In other words, there were LCI saloon and Tourings with these engines but still had the five speed box (I know for a fact that there are LCI 330d saloons with the older gearbox around).

Is that right? I don't think the 330i saloon or Touring, or any 325i/325Ci (bar the Compact) got the six speed box.

Also, don't they all come with a centre armrest as standard? I've seen photos of a few otherwise very high spec models (Sports) with that feature missing and I don't think it's right.

high horse

I have a face lift 320d touring from 2003 and it has a 5 speed gearbox. As far as I know, the later ones got the 6 speed box

selectamatic

high horse wrote: »

I have a face lift 320d touring from 2003 and it has a 5 speed gearbox. As far as I know, the later ones got the 6 speed box

I've a facelift 03 320d too and its five speed.
it's an Irish SE spec but it has a few extras ticked from factory msport kit, Msport suspension and air conditioning. It's pretty unusual it has the 150bhp engine but it has a different swirl flap design that isnt mounted above at the intake and is a way better design than the normal design. Six speed facelift 320d's are way more common even 2003 reg ones be they es or se specs, msport 320d's all have six speed boxes.

testarossa40

My '03 320D had the GM 5-speed 'box too - I believe the 6-speed became standard when they started shipping the EU4 engine during 2004

Leonard Hofstadter

Thanks folks, that clears up the diesels.

Anyone know about the petrol ones though?

Alanstrainor

2001 325ci with a 5 speed here. I saw lots of 325ci's from 2001, to 2003 and none had 6 speeds. Cant be 100% on whether that was across the board though!

Leonard Hofstadter

Alanstrainor wrote: »

2001 325ci with a 5 speed here. I saw lots of 325ci's from 2001, to 2003 and none had 6 speeds. Cant be 100% on whether that was across the board though!

Thanks Alan. I'm on the prowl for an E46 (drove a few recently and I was smitten despite the lack of oomph from the 320i) so I'm curious.

Do you know if there is much of a difference between a 320i and a 325i for performance? I've driven manual and automatic 320is (with the M54 engine) and while they're a lovely car in many respects, including that silky smooth, sweet sounding six cylinder engine, they just didn't rock my world for performance, especially the automatic. I really thought there would be more go in it, I presume a 325i is rather better.

high horse

selectamatic wrote: »

I've a facelift 03 320d too and its five speed.
it's an Irish SE spec but it has a few extras ticked from factory msport kit, Msport suspension and air conditioning. It's pretty unusual it has the 150bhp engine but it has a different swirl flap design that isnt mounted above at the intake and is a way better design than the normal design. Six speed facelift 320d's are way more common even 2003 reg ones be they es or se specs, msport 320d's all have six speed boxes.

Mine is a UK spec m-sport with a 5 speed gearbox, where are you getting your information from about the m-sport all having 6 speed gearboxes? I assume that mine came from the factory with the 5 speed gearbox

millington

There is a few 5 speed '03-05 320d around. Friend of mine has a late '03 320d Msport with a 6 speed box. Irish car with no electric rear windows and 17" alloys.

I've never seen a 5 speed 330d with the newer 204hp engine, fairly sure they only came 6 speed after '03

Foxhole Norman

captainspeed wrote: »

Thanks Alan. I'm on the prowl for an E46 (drove a few recently and I was smitten despite the lack of oomph from the 320i) so I'm curious.

Do you know if there is much of a difference between a 320i and a 325i for performance? I've driven manual and automatic 320is (with the M54 engine) and while they're a lovely car in many respects, including that silky smooth, sweet sounding six cylinder engine, they just didn't rock my world for performance, especially the automatic. I really thought there would be more go in it, I presume a 325i is rather better.

Well worth going for the 2.5 over the 2.2. I have owned a 2.2 Manual and my own 2.5 Auto E39 and even though mine was auto it was noticeably quicker. It's the extra torque that makes it.

Alanstrainor

captainspeed wrote: »

Thanks Alan. I'm on the prowl for an E46 (drove a few recently and I was smitten despite the lack of oomph from the 320i) so I'm curious.

Do you know if there is much of a difference between a 320i and a 325i for performance? I've driven manual and automatic 320is (with the M54 engine) and while they're a lovely car in many respects, including that silky smooth, sweet sounding six cylinder engine, they just didn't rock my world for performance, especially the automatic. I really thought there would be more go in it, I presume a 325i is rather better.

I was never a fan of the autobox in the e46, so manual was the only choice for me. There's 20bhp more in the 325i (from the factory at least!), so it should feel a bit quicker, but it wont be earth shattering tbh. I love mine, and find it plenty quick for what it is. Quicker than a lot of other cars, and pulls well at any speed. The main thing that drew me to the 325 over the 320, was the power increase and minimal tax difference. The 320 is a 2.2, so tax is in the 900 range, whereas the 325 is 1080.

I remember when I was buying, I was a bit miffed that there were no 6 speeds that I could find. But 5th gear is quite tall and it'll cruise happily at 120km/h without issue.

An Ard Ri

If you are on the prowl for an E46, i may be able to assist!

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-320ci-msport-2004-for-sale/13667689

captainspeed wrote: »

Thanks Alan. I'm on the prowl for an E46 (drove a few recently and I was smitten despite the lack of oomph from the 320i) so I'm curious.

Do you know if there is much of a difference between a 320i and a 325i for performance? I've driven manual and automatic 320is (with the M54 engine) and while they're a lovely car in many respects, including that silky smooth, sweet sounding six cylinder engine, they just didn't rock my world for performance, especially the automatic. I really thought there would be more go in it, I presume a 325i is rather better.

Leonard Hofstadter

Thanks all for your help. If a 2.5 auto E39 is faster than a 2.2 manual E46, then it sounds like a 325i manual will have the oomph I'm after. A manual 320i certainly isn't a slow car, but it's not a terribly fast one, either. To me it felt as though it had about 150 rather than the 168 bhp it's supposed to have if that makes any sense. The 320i auto is just not fast enough for me, I definitely noticed the difference compared to the manual and while the box itself is perfectly smooth, it's just not suited to the car. I'm hoping the 325i will have the power I'm after, I'm not expecting a rocketship, but I hope it's going to be a good bit quicker than your average 140-150 bhp 2.0 litre petrol or diesel saloon.

On the tax issue, I'm in the UK so that's not a concern of mine, the reason I was looking at 320is is because I wanted a six cylinder petrol and it was just very hard to find a manual 325i let alone one in good condition and in Sport spec, I figured the 320i would still have that lovely engine and enough grunt. I could live with the performance of the manual 320i but I'd definitely like a bit more oomph. 330is are the most common of the six cylinder models, but I don't want one because if I was to move back to Ireland with the car I simply couldn't stomach giving the Government €1,500 a year in tax, the amount for a 320i or a 325i is enough, so that leaves me with the 320i/Ci or the 325i/Ci. Unfortunately An Ard Rí, that means I'm not interested in your car even though it looks like a really good one and a decent spec to boot, it even has that weird (to Ireland) thing called service history! If I was living in Ireland I could easily have bought that car off you!

I actually almost bought a 320i several weeks ago, I came across a really mint one in orientblau with the alcanatara seats and all. At the risk of sounding like Mike Brewer, some cars just talk to you, and that one did. I knew it was a good one, but since it was the first E46 I'd ever driven, I wanted to drive a few others before committing to buying it. I'm a firm believer that you should never buy the first car you drive. It was only afterwards I realised how good the first one I drove was, but alas in the 3 days between me driving that car, trying a few others, and going back to the owner and saying I wanted it, it had been sold. I was so cheesed off with myself at the time, but it might have been for the best as I think a part of me would have kept saying that I should have held out for a good 325.

Perhaps I will regret going for a Sport but I've test driven a few at this stage; my biggest concern was the ride but I had no issues, it's firm but still comfortable and they look so much nicer, inside and out, plus the seats look much better and more supportive than the standard seats. That said, I have read that the seats can be uncomfortable for long journeys (I certainly hope not, as I've also read that standard BMW seats aren't good and one needs to get sport or comfort seats for decent comfort and support). Anyone got opinions on whether the SE or Sport is best?

One last thing: how can I test whether it's an oil burner? I know that while M54s are generally bulletproof, they can be fond of a drop and I don't want to unintentionally buy one that's developed a thirst for it. I'm hoping that if I end up getting a 325i I won't have to worry about it (I understand if an M54 is going to burn oil, it's most likely going to do so on the M54B22), but other than looking at MOT reports and trying a bit of hard acceleration during a test drive, is there anything else I can do to check?

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

high horse wrote: »

I have a face lift 320d touring from 2003 and it has a 5 speed gearbox. As far as I know, the later ones got the 6 speed box

Confirmed. Exact same car 04' has 6 speed.

Foxhole Norman

captainspeed wrote: »

One last thing: how can I test whether it's an oil burner? I know that while M54s are generally bulletproof, they can be fond of a drop and I don't want to unintentionally buy one that's developed a thirst for it. I'm hoping that if I end up getting a 325i I won't have to worry about it (I understand if an M54 is going to burn oil, it's most likely going to do so on the M54B22), but other than looking at MOT reports and trying a bit of hard acceleration during a test drive, is there anything else I can do to check?

The 2.5 is far better with oil usage than the 2.2 but can still use some. If you get one what I'd recommend doing if they haven't been done before is the Rocker Cover Gasket (~€50), Oil Filter Housing Gasket (~€6) and the entire Crankcase Ventilation System (~€200), these are all very handy to DIY. Once these were done on mine it was perfect.

Agricola

Late '03 320d with a 6 speed here.

selectamatic

high horse wrote: »

Mine is a UK spec m-sport with a 5 speed gearbox, where are you getting your information from about the m-sport all having 6 speed gearboxes? I assume that mine came from the factory with the 5 speed gearbox

Are you sure it's a full proper msport and not an se with some extra options ticked? Has it the black roof lining?
Only asking as ive never seen a facelift msport 320d without a 6 speed box and I've seen quite a few. My own car is an early 2003 Irish SE so that'd explain mine having a 5 speed.
That said I've only ever been in facelift msport saloons and coupes so perhaps a UK spec touring may differ

millington

selectamatic wrote: »

Are you sure it's a full proper msport and not an se with some extra options ticked? Has it the black roof lining?
Only asking as ive never seen a facelift msport 320d without a 6 speed box and I've seen quite a few. My own car is an early 2003 Irish SE so that'd explain mine having a 5 speed.
That said I've only ever been in facelift msport saloons and coupes so perhaps a UK spec touring may differ

I've seen countless '02 facelift 5 speed 320d Msports and my mate has a '03 320d Msport with a 5 speed

C0N0R

Op what's the availability of E46 petrol coupe m-sports in the U.K.?? It's a car I've always wanted and will soon be in a position to purchase.

high horse

selectamatic wrote: »

Are you sure it's a full proper msport and not an se with some extra options ticked? Has it the black roof lining?
Only asking as ive never seen a facelift msport 320d without a 6 speed box and I've seen quite a few. My own car is an early 2003 Irish SE so that'd explain mine having a 5 speed.
That said I've only ever been in facelift msport saloons and coupes so perhaps a UK spec touring may differ

It's a real m-sport alright, black headlining, m badges on everything, leather sport seats and the carbon fibre effect trim on the dash and doors.

I must stick the VIN number into one of the websites that give you all the information for your car. Anybody recommend a website?

Foxhole Norman

high horse wrote: »

I must stick the VIN number into one of the websites that give you all the information for your car. Anybody recommend a website?

http://bimmer.work

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Touring msport here. 320d, 6 speed manual. Never seen a 5 speed m sport 320d...

selectamatic

Hugh Mungus wrote: »

Touring msport here. 320d, 6 speed manual. Never seen a 5 speed m sport 320d...

I was the same, its good to know. I was blue in the face trying to explain to bucks round here that 5 speed 150bhp 320d's existed at all. Some demonstrations had to be provided to dispell any doubt

Leonard Hofstadter

Hugh Mungus wrote: »

Touring msport here. 320d, 6 speed manual. Never seen a 5 speed m sport 320d...

How about this one;)? 320ds were 5 speed until late 2003 (regardless of trim level) then they switched them for Euro 4 to 6 speed.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

captainspeed wrote: »

How about this one;)? 320ds were 5 speed until late 2003 (regardless of trim level) then they switched them for Euro 4 to 6 speed.

I may be wrong but I thought there was differences between "sport" and "msport" e46s. Suspension, gear box, trim etc....

Leonard Hofstadter

Hugh Mungus wrote: »

I may be wrong but I thought there was differences between "sport" and "msport" e46s. Suspension, gear box, trim etc....

There is a difference in that one spec (Sport) exists for the E46 (and the E39), and the other does not (M Sport):D. Sport spec E46s and E39 are often referred to as M Sport, that is true, but there was never such a thing.

In the mid 2000s BMW decided to rebadge Sport to M Sport, but that's not the end of the story. If you look at a new 3 series (and some of the other BMWs), you'll see that there are Sports and M Sports - but these are different trim levels and the Sports have much more subdued styling than the M Sport models (there are other differences as well, for example in the F3x 3/4 series, a Sport spec has red lower inserts on the interior trim strips, whereas an M Sport has the lower trim inserts in blue).

bertie4evr

An Ard Ri wrote: »

If you are on the prowl for an E46, i may be able to assist!

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-320ci-msport-2004-for-sale/13667689

Quick question for you! When you put that new head unit in, did the Air Conditioning need a special bracket to fit down there? I've read conflicting things.

Leonard Hofstadter

C0N0R wrote: »

Op what's the availability of E46 petrol coupe m-sports in the U.K.?? It's a car I've always wanted and will soon be in a position to purchase.

Not great to be honest, unless you want a 318 (which you shouldn't, because those N42 engines are junk). I'm not in a rush to buy, it's just I've developed an itch for an M54 engined BMW, and it needs to be scratched! Like I said earlier, I nearly bought a 320i a few months ago but missed out because it was the first one I drove and I wanted to try a few others before buying (a saloon as it happens, saloons with the six pot engine and Sport are even harder to come by, and frankly for an E39 it would be easier to find one in Ireland, the 5er is nowhere near as popular as the 3er is in the UK).

There's plenty of decent looking 330s out there if you're after one. There's a good few 320s but fewer 325s. I probably could find a decent one within a week if I wanted to, but because I'm not in a rush, I'm being extremely fussy and I'm keeping a padlock on my wallet till the right car comes up. For me, that's now evolved into an LCI 325i with alcantara seats and MV2s (I've seen LCIs with MV1s and I think the style of the MV2 is far superior). I'm adamant that I will not buy one with leather now as hardly anything comes with alcantara these days so I might as well enjoy a car with it while I can and it is so much nicer than leather anyway. Sadly BMW doesn't seem to offer it any more (or else nobody buys a Sport or M Sport BMW with it these days.

Just because it's the UK doesn't mean there aren't bad cars out there, appearances in photos can be deceptive at times, no different to buying a car in Ireland I suppose! Watch out for rust around the arches if you're buying one in the UK, I've lost count of how many times I've seen rust develop around there at this stage. Also read dealer reviews if buying from a dealer! The main advantage of a UK car obviously is the spec, it was only from 2004 onwards that Irish and UK spec BMWs were harmonised (only difference is whether they have mph or kph clocks), so all UK M Sports will have MFSW, climate and cruise control as well as an auto dimming rear view mirror. Many have leather and electric seats as well.

Foxhole Norman

bertie4evr wrote: »

Quick question for you! When you put that new head unit in, did the Air Conditioning need a special bracket to fit down there? I've read conflicting things.

Yeah you have to buy a relocation panel, cheap enough from BMW if I remember and an easy job to do.

An Ard Ri

Hi,

Yes it did, the part number is B51.16.7.001.411 and is cost €82.

bertie4evr wrote: »

Quick question for you! When you put that new head unit in, did the Air Conditioning need a special bracket to fit down there? I've read conflicting things.

Idbatterim

the only ones that had 6 speed, were the diesels, m3 and 330ci...

bertie4evr

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

Yeah you have to buy a relocation panel, cheap enough from BMW if I remember and an easy job to do.

An Ard Ri wrote: »

Hi,

Yes it did, the part number is B51.16.7.001.411 and is cost €82.

Just seeing these now, cheers.

Leonard Hofstadter

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

Well worth going for the 2.5 over the 2.2. I have owned a 2.2 Manual and my own 2.5 Auto E39 and even though mine was auto it was noticeably quicker. It's the extra torque that makes it.

Just to add to this, I drove a 325i for the first time today, and I couldn't agree more with the above post. There really is no comparison between the 325i/Ci and the 320i/Ci. The 325i has a lot more torque and oomph - more so than the theoretical 21 bhp and 26 lb ft extra would have you believe. For anyone considering a six cylinder E46, I'd very strongly advise looking at the 325. I'd also strongly recommend the manual gearbox - now perhaps with the 325 it doesn't matter so much, but with the 320i/Ci the automatic is quite a bit slower than the manual. The 320i is a very good car in isolation, and I'd have one in a heartbeat over a four cylinder E46 - it still has that fantastic six cylinder engine after all (no comparison between that silky smooth six cylinder engine and a four cylinder engine in terms of noise and refinement), but the added performance of the larger engine is very noticeable and it's worth every last cent, especially when you consider that there is no fuel consumption penalty for choosing the larger engine and it's less prone to oil burning as well. A 325i feels like it has its claimed power output, a 320i feels like it's got about 150 bhp rather than the claimed 168 if you know what I mean. I've driven a few 320is and they just don't feel all that fast to be honest, that I can assure you is not a complaint you'll have if you've got the 325:).