First Things After Purchase
First Things After Purchase
Section titled “First Things After Purchase”Just bought an E46 330? Here’s what to do first, in priority order.
Immediate (First Week)
Section titled “Immediate (First Week)”- Change engine oil and filter — You don’t know when it was last done
- Inspect cooling system — Check expansion tank, hoses, coolant color
- Read fault codes — Use any OBD-II scanner to check for stored codes
- Check all fluids — Oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering, transmission
First Month
Section titled “First Month”- Full cooling system refresh if not recently done — This is the single most important preventive maintenance
- Inspect front control arms — Check for play, vibration
- Replace cabin air filters — Cheap, easy, often neglected
- Check tire condition and pressures — Date codes, tread depth, even wear
- Inspect brake pads and rotors — Measure pad thickness and rotor minimum
- Replace spark plugs if unknown history
First 3 Months
Section titled “First 3 Months”- Inspect rear subframe mounting points — Pull rear seat, check for cracks
- Replace all bushings if over 100k miles — Control arms, sway bar links
- Flush brake fluid — If unknown age, flush immediately
- Transmission fluid change — Despite “lifetime fill” claim
- Differential fluid change
Get to Know Your Car
Section titled “Get to Know Your Car”- Join online communities (E46Fanatics, Reddit r/e46)
- Get INPA/ISTA diagnostic software working
- Download the Bentley repair manual PDF
- Find a good BMW independent shop nearby