The I AM Detailing YouTube channel is putting out some of the most amazing BMW detail projects and I’ve been and recently I’ve seen some beautiful projects that you might enjoy watching if you’re into detailing your vehicle.
What is Dry Ice Cleaning aka Dry Ice Blasting?
Dry ice blasting involves using compressed air to shoot pellets of dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) at the car’s surface. As the pellets hit the surface, they sublimate (turn from a solid to a gas), creating tiny explosions that remove the contaminants without damaging the underlying paint.
This technique is often used as an alternative to sandblasting or chemical stripping, as it is gentler on the car’s surface and does not create any hazardous waste. However, it is important to note that dry ice blasting should only be performed by a trained professional, as it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
If you’re into car detailing videos, this one is pretty incredible to watch. It’s only 5-minutes long well worth your time to not only see a great detailing at work and also learn a lot about detailing, I even found some other BMW detailing projects on their channel. They’ve got an e39 M5, e60 M5, and my favorite an e46 M3.
When it comes to ensuring clear vision while driving, windshield wipers are one of the most crucial components of your car. A worn-out wiper blade can cause blurry visibility, which is especially dangerous in adverse weather conditions. For BMW E46 owners, finding the right windshield wiper blades that are compatible with their vehicle can be a challenging task. In this article, we will review the best windshield wipers in 2023 for BMW E46, their features, and what makes them stand out from the competition.
Top Pick: Bosch ICON
The Bosch ICON is the ultimate windshield wiper blade for drivers who demand the best. With its advanced technology, long-lasting durability, and exceptional performance, the Bosch ICON provides a clear and streak-free view of the road ahead, even in the harshest weather.
Pros:
Exceptional performance in all weather conditions (heavy rain, sleet, or snow)
Dual rubber compound is engineered to resist wear and tear, making it up to 40% longer-lasting than other premium wiper blades
Fits most vehicles without the need for additional adapters or tools
Designed to operate quietly, eliminating the annoying chatter and squeaks
How do I choose the right Bosch ICON wiper blade for my vehicle?
Choosing the right Bosch ICON wiper blade for your vehicle is easy. We have a simple table to help you find the recommended size and style of wiper blade for your e46 model. Alternatively, you can check your vehicle owner’s manual or consult with a qualified mechanic or automotive specialist.
Where can I purchase the Bosch ICON?
The Bosch ICON is available at a wide range of automotive retailers, including major chain stores, specialty automotive shops, and online retailers.
The Valeo Ultimate wiper blade is a premium quality wiper that is designed to provide exceptional performance in all weather conditions. It is made from high-quality materials that are resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that it will last for years to come. The Valeo Ultimate wiper blade is also easy to install and can be done in just a few minutes with no special tools required.
Pros:
Aerodynamic design that reduces wind noise and improves performance.
Advanced rubber technology that provides superior wiping performance and is resistant to wear and tear
Driving in adverse weather conditions can be challenging and dangerous, especially if your vehicle’s windshield wipers are not up to the task. That’s where the Rain-X 22″ Driver 5079279-2 19″ Passenger 5079276-2 Latitude wiper blade comes in. This wiper blade is designed to provide all-weather performance, smooth operation, and noise reduction.
Pros:
All-weather performance: This wiper blade is designed to perform well in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and sleet.
Durable construction: The Latitude wiper blade is made of durable materials that can withstand harsh weather and last longer than other wiper blades.
Easy installation: The wiper blade is easy to install and comes with all the necessary hardware to do so.
Noise reduction: The blade design and materials used in the Latitude wiper blade can reduce the amount of noise that the blade makes when in use.
Smooth operation: The wiper blade has a smooth operation that ensures streak-free and clear visibility while driving.
There are several reasons why you should consider buying OE (Original Equipment) windshield wipers for your BMW.
Pros:
Quality: OE windshield wipers are designed and manufactured specifically for your BMW, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. They are made with high-quality materials that meet or exceed the standards set by the manufacturer.
Durability: OE wipers are built to last, with robust construction and advanced technology that resists wear and tear, even in harsh weather conditions.
Safety: Windshield wipers are a critical safety feature, as they help to maintain clear visibility in rainy or snowy conditions. OE wipers are designed to provide the best possible performance, ensuring that you can see the road ahead clearly and stay safe while driving.
How often should I replace my windshield wiper blades?
The average lifespan of a windshield wiper blade can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the blade, how frequently it is used, and the weather conditions it is exposed to. However, most manufacturers recommend replacing windshield wiper blades every six months to a year, regardless of their condition, to ensure optimal performance and visibility while driving. It is also important to regularly inspect wiper blades for signs of damage or wear, such as cracking or splitting, and replace them as necessary to maintain safe driving conditions.
You can usually go longer than the recommended intervals. You just have to watch out for all the symptoms of a bad wiper blade.
If you are experiencing oil leaks or are planning to do regular maintenance on your BMW 325xi, then it’s crucial to know how to replace the valve cover. The valve cover of your BMW 325xi protects the cylinder head and engine components from dust and dirt. It also houses the valve train, which regulates the flow of air and fuel to your engine. In this article, we will guide you through the process of replacing the valve cover on your BMW 325xi.
1. Understanding the valve cover
The valve cover is located at the top of the engine and covers the valve train. It’s made of aluminum and has a gasket that seals it to the cylinder head. The gasket prevents oil from leaking out of the engine and onto other engine components. Over time, the gasket can wear out, causing oil to leak from the engine. If the gasket fails, it’s essential to replace it as soon as possible to avoid any damage to your engine.
2. Gather the required tools and materials
Before starting the replacement process, ensure you have all the required tools and materials. These include:
A new valve cover gasket
A valve cover removal tool
A torque wrench
A socket wrench set
A torque angle meter
A scraper or razor blade
Gasket sealant
Gloves and safety glasses
3. Removing the old valve cover
To remove the old valve cover, follow the steps below:
Turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Remove the plastic cover over the engine.
Disconnect the electrical connectors and hoses from the valve cover.
Remove the bolts securing the valve cover using a valve cover removal tool.
Lift the valve cover from the cylinder head and set it aside.
4. Installing the new valve cover
To install the new valve cover, follow the steps below:
Clean the surface of the cylinder head where the valve cover sits using a scraper or razor blade.
Apply a thin layer of gasket sealant to the valve cover gasket.
Place the new valve cover gasket on the cylinder head.
Lower the new valve cover onto the gasket.
Tighten the bolts securing the valve cover using a torque wrench to 10 Nm.
Use a torque angle meter to tighten the bolts to an additional 90 degrees.
Reconnect the electrical connectors and hoses to the valve cover.
Reinstall the plastic cover over the engine.
Reconnect the battery negative cable.
5. Testing
After installing the new valve cover, start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. Check for any oil leaks around the valve cover. If there are no leaks, then you have successfully replaced the valve cover.
6. Conclusion
Replacing the valve cover on your BMW 325xi is a straightforward process that can be done in a few hours. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your engine is protected from oil leaks and damage. If you are not confident in your abilities, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional mechanic.
FAQs
How often should I replace the valve cover on my BMW 325xi?
It’s recommended to replace the valve cover gasket every 50,000 to 70,000 miles or when you notice oil leaks from the engine.
What causes the valve cover gasket to fail?
The valve cover gasket can fail due to age, heat, and exposure to oil and other engine fluids.
If you’re experiencing issues with your wiper blades, such as streaking, skipping, or malfunctioning, it may be time to reset your wiper arm park position. This simple process can be done at home with just a few tools and a bit of patience. In this article, we’ll guide you through resetting your wiper arm park position.
Common Reasons for an e46 Stuck Windshield Wiper Position
The windshield wiper motor is faulty
The windshield wiper linkage needs to be cleaned or adjusted
Your window wiper motor relay has failed
One of the nuts is loose and it needs to be tightened
The windshield wiper arms need to be repositioned
Optional solutions
Turn on the wipers, wait until they are in the bottom position, hold the passenger side down for a second, and turned them off. Repeat until they’re back in position
This is not recommended since it could cause more damage and only resolve the issue temporarily.
Another simple solution is to remove the caps at the end of the wiper arms and loosen, adjust, and re-tighten the two 15mm nuts.
FAQs
Why are my BMW wipers not returning to the rest position?
Your motor could be broken or the linkage needs to be adjusted.
If the wiper stalls in the middle of the windshield, what’s the problem?
The wiper motor is likely broken. You can check the linkage by detaching the motor and checking if the linkage moves freely.
How do you adjust the wiper arm position?
Removing the nut caps and the 15mm nuts to release the arms and adjust to position.
Where is the park switch on my BMW E46?
It’s part of the windshield wiper motor.
How do you reset the wiper motor position?
This can be tricky for a beginner and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not mechanically inclined. If you are still curious, watch this before you attempt to do it yourself.
Why do my windshield wipers keep working after I turn off the car?
A failed relay can mean the wipers won’t work, or they may continue to work even when turned off. Changing the wiper relay is the easiest approach and it might solve your problem.
Can you manually move windshield wipers?
Yes
Is it my windshield wiper motor issue or a linkage issue if my wipers stop in the middle of the windshield?
This is commonly a motor issue, you can verify the connection by disconnecting the motor and testing if the linkage can move without obstruction.
Is this something someone can do themselves with no mechanical experience?
That depends on how much time and money you have. If you’re trying to save on the cost of the repair, you might want to consider doing it yourself, but you’ll have to set a few hours or longer to get it done right. I found this video to be the most useful DIY video on how to e46 windshield wiper motor.
The windshield wiper relay is an electrical component in the wiper system that controls the wiper motor’s operation. When the relay is functioning correctly, it sends power to the wiper motor, causing the wipers to move across the windshield. If the windshield wiper relay is bad, there are several symptoms that may indicate the issue. Here are some systems to look for:
Wipers not working: The most obvious sign of a bad windshield wiper relay is that the wipers won’t work at all. When you turn on the wipers, nothing happens.
Wipers work intermittently: Another common symptom of a bad windshield wiper relay is that the wipers may work intermittently. They may work for a while and then stop working unexpectedly.
Wipers move slowly: If the windshield wipers move more slowly than usual, it may be due to a bad relay. The wipers may still move, but the movement is slower than usual, making it difficult to clean the windshield effectively.
Wipers move at high speed only: In some cases, a bad windshield wiper relay may cause the wipers to move only at the highest speed setting. They may not work at any other speed setting.
Wipers won’t stop moving: A faulty relay can also cause the wipers to keep moving even after you turn them off. The wipers may continue to move until you disconnect the battery or replace the relay.
Where is the fuse box located on a BMW E46?
The location of the windshield wiper fuse on a BMW E46 may vary depending on the model year and specific configuration of the vehicle.
In general, the windshield wiper fuse on a BMW E46 is typically located in the fuse box situated in the glove compartment. To access the fuse box, open the glove compartment and release the clips that hold it in place. Once the compartment is open, locate the fuse box and remove the cover to access the fuses.
VIDEO: E46 3 Series E46 Fuse Box Location
Where is the windshield wiper relay located on a BMW E46?
The windshield wiper relay on a BMW E46 is located in the engine compartment, inside the fuse box. The fuse box is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment, near the strut tower.
To access the relay, you will need to remove the lid of the fuse box. The lid should have a diagram on it that indicates the location of the windshield wiper relay. Once you locate the relay, you can remove it by pulling it out of its socket.
It’s important to note that the exact location of the windshield wiper relay may vary depending on the year and model of your BMW E46. If you are having trouble locating the relay, you may want to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a professional mechanic for assistance.
Are you a proud owner of a BMW e46 and wondering what the correct windshield wiper size is? In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the BMW e46 windshield wiper size, including frequently asked questions and answers.
The BMW e46 windshield wiper size varies depending on the year and model of your car. Here are the windshield wiper sizes for some of the most popular models:
Vehicle Model
Years
Driver Side (inches)
Passenger Side (inches)
325i
2001-2006
24
19
325Xi
2001-2006
24
19
325Ci
2001-2006
22
19
330i
2000-2006
24
19
330Xi
2000-2006
24
19
330Ci
2000-2006
22
19
M3
2000-2006
22
19
It is important to note that these are the most common sizes, and it is always best to double-check your specific model’s size to ensure accuracy.
FAQs about BMW e46 Windshield Wiper Size
What happens if I use the wrong size windshield wipers on my BMW e46?
Using the wrong size windshield wipers can cause improper cleaning of your windshield, leading to decreased visibility and safety hazards while driving.
How often should I replace my BMW e46 windshield wipers?
It is recommended to replace your windshield wipers every six months to a year or when you notice a decrease in performance.
Can I replace just one windshield wiper on my BMW e46?
It is best to replace both windshield wipers at the same time to ensure even wear and proper cleaning of your windshield.
Can I install the windshield wipers myself?
Yes, installing windshield wipers is a relatively easy task and can be done at home with the right tools and instructions.
Where can I buy replacement windshield wipers for my BMW e46?
You can buy replacement windshield wipers for your BMW e46 at any auto parts store or online retailer.
How do I know which size windshield wipers to buy for my BMW e46?
Refer to your owner’s manual or contact your local dealership to determine the correct windshield wiper size for your specific model and year.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about the BMW e46 windshield wiper size, you can confidently replace your windshield wipers and keep your car in top shape. Remember to always double-check the size of your specific model and year to ensure proper fit and cleaning of your windshield.
If you’re going to be removing the alternator, I suggest you read this thread/tutorial on how to remove an alternator on a E46 325Ci. This part main function is holding the back cover to the alternator as you can see in the image above.
BMW OEM Part Number: 12427565287 (Supersedes: 12420416297, 12310149379, 61130151017)
These cables commonly corrode, which lead to an array of problems. While researching how to replace your alternator cable, I ran into this thread which talks about some of the benefits of upgrading your alternator power cable and engine ground tables.
Replacing your 20+ year old cables provide the following (www.bimmerforums.com):
Decrease alternator and starter strain by providing higher current flow to operate.
Increased stability of electrical system
Increased stability and current handling of car stereo amplifiers by providing quicker current draw.
Old corroded, oxidized, greasy, worn ground cables will cause issues such as intermittent starter operation, inaccurate temperature gauge, and dimming head lights.
Our 2 AWG kits provide faster crank times by allowing the starter to pull more electrical current resulting in reduced engine crank over!
In this video on how to replace an alternator pulley (warning: this is for an E90), but it’s well done and I thought you could use this to troubleshoot your E46 and find out if your alternator is making the same noise.
If this is your first time doing any kind of electrical work on your E46, you should make sure the battery terminal is disconnected and you’re wearing safety goggles. Since you’ll need to have the alternator out to complete this job, try watching this video on how to remove an E46 alternator.
This part is not that expensive, but if you’re going through all the hassle of taking the car apart, you should probably replace the alternator on your E46 if the vehicle has high mileage or you know the alternator hasn’t been replaced ever.
If you have a 2002 BMW 325xi (M54) and it’s leaking oil, this is a very common issue with this era of engines, also know as the E46 development body style. It’s more common among the plastic valve covers, but the aluminum covers have been known also to crack with time.
To repair this symptom correctly, you must do one of two things: replace the valve cover, or the valve cover gasket.
It’s not uncommon for these plastic valve covers to crack after 10+ years of usage.
As far as availability there isn’t much choice besides going with the dealership or a trusted BMW parts store.
When you do this repair on the 2002 BMW 325xi 2.5L M54, it’s also recommended to replace the valve cover gasket, spark plug seals, nut seals, grommets, and copper sealing washers.
