Steve's 2000 E46 Touring Dog Transporter Project

[Tbonem3]

Great Job, inspiring! The m3 bumper made a huge difference

[liam821]

Love this project! Such a cool car. I'm really glad you were able to save/post this build thread.

[Steve]

Finally got to drive the car again after replacing the RTABs, rear diff cover and front diff mount bushing. I can't believe how big of a difference it made replacing these items, but wow, it is like a different car now!

The front bushing was pretty loose and the driver side rear one fell out when I removed the bolt...



Also,

I'm a complete idiot and didn't tighten the big bolt correctly the first time I pulled it off after replacing the front seal. Big thanks to George for explaining the proper procedure to me!

[01M3Fan]

Awesome project - one of my bucket list items. Congrats!

[MrClutch55]

Finally got to drive the car again after replacing the RTABs, rear diff cover and front diff mount bushing. I can't believe how big of a difference it made replacing these items, but wow, it is like a different car now!

The front bushing was pretty loose and the driver side rear one fell out when I removed the bolt...



Also,

I'm a complete idiot and didn't tighten the big bolt correctly the first time I pulled it off after replacing the front seal. Big thanks to George for explaining the proper procedure to me!

what diff bushings did u use?

[eforty6_m3]

This thing is sick...nice work, man!

[Steve]

Thanks all, the comments are appreciated!

what diff bushings did u use?

I ordered a new diff cover with bushings already installed. I was originally going to do the E36 bushings but decided to just do it right.

[0-60motorsports]

Amazing build thread. The only thing........ The M3 bumper looks out of place without the fenders. Maybe you can get an aftermarket m3 fender that'll fit the wagons fenders? Best thing is to go M3 OE widebody

[Steve]

Amazing build thread. The only thing........ The M3 bumper looks out of place without the fenders. Maybe you can get an aftermarket m3 fender that'll fit the wagons fenders? Best thing is to go M3 OE widebody

Would love to go OE widebody. I have the fenders, hood and other pieces needed, just need the skill to splice them onto my car.

[0-60motorsports]

Would love to go OE widebody. I have the fenders, hood and other pieces needed, just need the skill to splice them onto my car.

Please do it!

[junn1227]

Thanks for the informative thread! Looking forward to more progress.

[Anri]

Hi,

Great work. More E46 Wagons with S54 are popping up
here and there..

Keep up the good work.

Regards,
Anri

[Steve]

Sold the TSWs on the car and installed a set of LMs.

[S14]

ooof, LM's 😍

[Steve]

ooof, LM's 😍

I would have rather had 18s, but I couldn't pass these up. They're 19x8.5 +32 all around and work great. Thinking to add a small spacer to the rear to balance them out. I love the new look and the car honestly feels much better on fresh tires.

I also sold the TSWs in less than two hours so everything worked out great!