Project car build log
2002 BMW E46 330i build
A slicktop, M-Tech 330i bought with about 103,740 miles. Not a race car — a daily driver and weekend track car. Every part and every dollar goes here as the build progresses.
Already done (before and at purchase)
- Full intake refresh: hard coolant lines, CCV, DISA valve with metal pin, MAF, IAT sensor, evap lines, throttle body and manifold gaskets
- Fluids: Liqui Moly 5W-40 and filter, coolant, Redline P/S fluid, ATF, differential gear oil
- Oil pan gasket (oil pump nut wire-tied), oil filter housing gasket, valve cover and gasket
- Thermostat and water pump
- Lollipop bushings, brake pads and rotors, idler and tensioner pulleys
- Ceramic window tint on all windows, including the windshield — installed by my neighbor Micheal Sivas (October 26, 2026)
- Semi-aggressive street/track alignment — Henry at LoFi Garage (October 30, 2026)
The plan
- Sport springs
- Manual transmission swap
- Exhaust
- Then maybe a more aggressive build
Project car budget
| Project BMW E46 330i (slicktop) | $3,500.00 |
| New tires — split with Adam Bomb Racing | $225.00 |
| Ceramic window tint — all windows incl. windshield | $170.00 |
| Tint install — Micheal Sivas | $200.00 |
| Alignment — LoFi Garage (half of the $300 two-car bill) | $150.00 |
| Running total | $4,245.00 |