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2001 E46 M3 (203k Miles) – Need Some Guidance on Bringing It Back

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    2001 E46 M3 (203k Miles) – Need Some Guidance on Bringing It Back



    Hey everyone,
    Honestly, I’m starting to lose a little hope with my E46 M3, but I’m not going to give up on it. I’ve always wanted to enjoy this car the way it’s meant to be enjoyed, and right now it feels like I’m constantly fixing one thing only to find another issue.
    So far I’ve done the flex disc, shifter rebuild, thermostat, coolant flush, power steering reservoir, belts, pulleys, tensioners, and spark plugs.The car currently has a brief clicking noise when turning, a clunk/thunk from underneath when stopping and taking off, and after changing the spark plugs it occasionally runs rough before going back to normal.I know it’s a 203k-mile car and I expected some work, but I’m at the point where I could really use some guidance from people who have been through this before. I don’t want to throw parts at it—I want to build a plan and slowly bring the car back to where I can trust it and enjoy driving it again.
    What would you guys focus on next?
    Thanks for any advice. It’d mean a lot.

    #2
    Questions:

    1. Has the RACP been reinforced with plates?
    2. Have you inspected the RACP for cracks?
    3. Is this the original diff?
    4. Do the diff bushings looks original? (front/rear)
    5. Have you torque checked the front and rear diff to subframe bolts?
    6. Have you pulled codes?

    Front diff bushing is number 8 in this diagram.

    Rear diff bushings are located in (and built into) number 1 from this diagram.
    Checking for Cracks, etc.

    Last edited by oceansize; 06-13-2026, 11:11 AM.
    2003 | 3.91 | CMP Subframe & RTAB Bushings | SMG (Relocated & Rebuilt) | ESS Gen 3 Supercharger | Redish | Beisan | GC Coilovers & ARCAs | Imola Interior | RE Rasp | RE Diablo | Storm Motorwerks Paddles | Will ZCPM3 Shift Knob | Apex ARC-8 19x9, 19x9.5 | Sony XAV-AX5000 | BAVSOUND | CSL & 255 SMG Upgrades | Tiag | Vert w/Hardtop

    2005 | Slick top | Manual | Mystic | Stripper | ZCP Brakes

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