E46 Questions

I'm not used to the "E" number vernacular but I have a 2001 330i, and I've
been experiencing the following problems:

Steering wheel wobbles when braking, usually when slowing down from high
speeds.
Random air blasts thru the vents. Air strength indicator light stays at the
same level, but it will inexplicably burst out air at what feels like the
highest level, then go back down again.
Gas gauge no longer accurate. I ran out of gas when the indicator showed
1/8 tank full (light was on). Now I have to get gas at the 1/4 level mark
just to be safe.

Any input on what might be going on with any of these problems is greatly
appreciated. Thanks!

"Dell Christopher" > wrote in message
...
> I'm not used to the "E" number vernacular but I have a 2001 330i, and I've
> been experiencing the following problems:
>
You are correct - your '01 is an E46

> Steering wheel wobbles when braking, usually when slowing down from high
> speeds.

Front brake rotors are probably warped.

> Random air blasts thru the vents. Air strength indicator light stays at
> the same level, but it will inexplicably burst out air at what feels like
> the highest level, then go back down again.

There is a resistor which causes these symptoms when it fails.

Tom K.

Dell Christopher > wrote:
>I'm not used to the "E" number vernacular but I have a 2001 330i, and I've
>been experiencing the following problems:
>
>Steering wheel wobbles when braking, usually when slowing down from high
>speeds.

Warped front rotors. Time for a brake jub.

>Random air blasts thru the vents. Air strength indicator light stays at the
>same level, but it will inexplicably burst out air at what feels like the
>highest level, then go back down again.

Does this happen with the fan turned off completely? If so, it is the
resistor pack for the motor (which is actually more than a resistor pack).

>Gas gauge no longer accurate. I ran out of gas when the indicator showed
>1/8 tank full (light was on). Now I have to get gas at the 1/4 level mark
>just to be safe.

Could be all kinds of things, but a flaky sending unit is high on the list.
--scott


--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Thanks for the replies.

Checking my records, I had both front brake pads and rotors replaced by the
BMW service dept in April 2007 (82,000 miles). Is it conceivable I need
this kind of work done again 20 months and only 18,000 miles later?

in article , Dell Christopher at
wrote on 12/8/08 9:14 AM:

> Steering wheel wobbles when braking, usually when slowing down from high
> speeds.


maybe a wheel nut needs tightening (doubt it since these are torqued on each
time by the good BMW certified mechanic) ... but maybe you tossed a wheel
weight.

Wobbles on turns as well ... then caster/camber is out for some reason ...
maybe losing a ball joint in the steering suspension.

in article , Dell Christopher at
wrote on 12/8/08 2:37 PM:

> Thanks for the replies.
>
> Checking my records, I had both front brake pads and rotors replaced by the
> BMW service dept in April 2007 (82,000 miles). Is it conceivable I need
> this kind of work done again 20 months and only 18,000 miles later?


dunno bout the work .. but someone has to take a peek in there.

Dell Christopher > wrote:
>Thanks for the replies.
>
>Checking my records, I had both front brake pads and rotors replaced by the
>BMW service dept in April 2007 (82,000 miles). Is it conceivable I need
>this kind of work done again 20 months and only 18,000 miles later?

Yes, if they did a sloppy job or if the kids at the tire store overtightened
your lug nuts and wrecked the rotors. Or if you have a problem somewhere
else that is causing the rotors to be damaged.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

On Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:19:24 -0800, "Alan B. Mac Farlane"
> wrote:

>in article , Dell Christopher at
wrote on 12/8/08 9:14 AM:
>
>> Steering wheel wobbles when braking, usually when slowing down from high
>> speeds.
>
>
>maybe a wheel nut needs tightening (doubt it since these are torqued on each
>time by the good BMW certified mechanic) ... but maybe you tossed a wheel
>weight.
>
>Wobbles on turns as well ... then caster/camber is out for some reason ...
>maybe losing a ball joint in the steering suspension.


I would have a knowledgeable mechanic check the reaction bushings that
connect the lower control arm to the frame. Once they start to crack
you can get the symptoms you described.

RJD

in article , RJD at
wrote on 12/8/08 5:36 PM:

>>
>> Wobbles on turns as well ... then caster/camber is out for some reason ...
>> maybe losing a ball joint in the steering suspension.
>
>
> I would have a knowledgeable mechanic check the reaction bushings that
> connect the lower control arm to the frame. Once they start to crack
> you can get the symptoms you described.
>
> RJD


there you go ... ditto what he said.

In article >,
Dell Christopher > wrote:
> I'm not used to the "E" number vernacular but I have a 2001 330i, and
> I've been experiencing the following problems:

> Steering wheel wobbles when braking, usually when slowing down from high
> speeds.

Often a symptom of worn thrust arm bushes.

> Random air blasts thru the vents. Air strength indicator light stays at
> the same level, but it will inexplicably burst out air at what feels
> like the highest level, then go back down again.

What's known as the final stage resistor - which controls the fan speed.

> Gas gauge no longer accurate. I ran out of gas when the indicator
> showed 1/8 tank full (light was on). Now I have to get gas at the 1/4
> level mark just to be safe.

I *think* they use two level sensors to compensate for an incline or other
fuel movement in the tank. Could be one has failed.

> Any input on what might be going on with any of these problems is
> greatly appreciated. Thanks!

--
*Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.