That's everything. The £20-£25 (I can't remember which) gets you the cable. The software is free online but pretty much every eBay listing will include it anyway on disk as it's 3 DVDs worth! If you've got a KKL cable for VAG, some of those can be made to work with the BMW (I think you solder pins 7/8 together, but check first). I tried that with my old VAG lead but it didn't work 

 

INPA is dealer diagnostic (readouts only, like boost pressure or injector values)

NCS is factory coding/config

SSS (is horrid and slow!) but is GUI dealer coding. (NCS does more, but isn't as user friendly at first)

DIS is dealer diagnostic. It runs automated tests on stuff and helps pin down faults (like boost leaks, dead MAF or whatever), and has technical info/schematics etc.

 

I think that's the main software, but I could be a bit out on who used them, but their purpose is right. There's also BMW TIS, which again is around for free, and is the offiical BMW workshop manual, listing how to fix stuff, technical data etc., warranty claims and whatnot. Finally, realoem.com is an online parts catalogue based (I think) on last years official BMW system/prices. (There's so much more out there easily to find than for VAG!)

Cool, that's some awesome advice. I'll order one shortly before I forget, get a fault and kick myself. There was one issue with the A/C but that was on the 'fix' agreement before pickup. The guy who bought our Fabia came equipped with VAGCOM and worked as an electrician in an Audi dealer or somewhere similar (I wish I carried a diagnostic machine when testing out cars!).

Pretty useful when buying. I (think, maybe I didn't) I also used it when selling my Polo to show it was clean too.

 

Scanned my sister's MINI before she got it, and a couple of 320cd's for a mate. Nice to go in with eyes open - I'd never had bought my Golf if I'd scanned it first. 

I'd second e46 zone as somewhere to get good advice.

Oh and it's kinda obvious but you need good rubber on these. My old one came with a set of new cheapos on the back and whilst they were fine when new as soon as they got down to about 5mm things got interesting!

E46 - one of the nicest looking cars BMW have ever made IMHO. Followed a 330 touring onto the ferry on the way back from France and I couldn't help wanting it!

I think the e46 looks dated nowadays

Edited 16 October, 201312 yr by BigJase88

I still prefer them to the e9* range. There's just something about the e9* that I don't like. Esp. the coupe - the boot just looks wrong. That said, I wouldn't say no to the 335cd if they'd put a manual box in there.

 

The saloon/touring in the right colour with sport bumpers and xenons can be pretty nice though.

 

How's the 320d doing you though OP?

TBH it hasn't moved much since we bought it (although the drive back over the snake-pass was amazingly fun, even if I was being 'reserved').

 

I'm having the swirl flaps inspected / removed on Sat and was reluctant to pile on a load of miles before I've had that done.

 

There was some slight damage to one of the front tyres when I bought (dealer woudn't budge one price re: this) it but it also looks like it has a slow puncture on the passenger side (thankfully the same tyre). Its a bit of a pain as the tread is perfect, but that's life.

 

I'm looking forward to having it all how I want it and getting settled in. We've got a run down to see her family in North London the weekend after so I can get acquainted then!

Got to ask.... whats "deflapped" ?

Removal of the swirl flaps; butterfly valves in the inlet manifold that detach, are ingested and cause big problems.

Here you go, the infamous Swirl Flaps, as you can see 3 out of 4 were intact, the other was ready to do untold damage:

 

swirl flaps by travelswithmyt4, on Flickr

 

Here's the car anyway:

BMW E46 320d M-sport Touring by travelswithmyt4, on Flickr

 

BMW E46 320d M-sport Touring by travelswithmyt4, on Flickr

 

BMW E46 320d M-sport Touring by travelswithmyt4, on Flickr

 

BMW E46 320d M-sport Touring by travelswithmyt4, on Flickr

Looks nice!

Looks like it was deflapped just in time! Don't forget to change your vortex filter too.

I love the interior of the e46 and I love the driving position, how are you finding it?

What goes wrong with the vortex filter?

 

Edit: I've read about this now. Shouldn't this be causing smoke if its all gunked up (there's no smoke at all)? If so I'll get it changed next time it goes in for a service (5k miles). It HAS had a new turbo so I'd hope whoever fitted that took a look at the crank case breather but I'm probably in denial about that.

 

It feels fantastic to drive but if I'm honest I had it in my head that the flaps might be just ready to fall off and render my new purchase a write-off so mostly, it has been sat still waiting most of the time.

 

The real test is how my good lady finds it tomorrow in her multi-storey at work.

In theory it should have had a new one in with the turbo but some places either don't bother or put the old style breather in. For the sake of about 30 quid for the part id get it changed next service. Oh and when it's in check the air filter they can be pigs to change so it might not get done.

Other than that enjoy the car about from a few known faults these things are well made and IMO great cars.

From what I gather the old-style breather is no longer made and the turbo was very recent. However, looking into it there's no paper record of it being done. As you say, for the sake of £30 I'll get it done next service (5k miles away) if it hasn't been done yet (I'll have a look next time I take the engine cover off).

 

The air filter has been done recently so maybe there's hope the breather was changed too?