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★ K.n.B.® ★

@e46knight

37.4K

followers

990

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I have a *minor* obsession for BMW’s & metal music.
⍟ E46 330i | E53 X5 | E88 135i | F87 M2
♘ ‘82 Trans Am | KITT Replica
↓ All Socials & Discounts!

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

📌 | FULL E46 BUILD LIST (Swipe Through)

If you’re new here, welcome! This is my 2003 BMW 325i, which has been converted to a 330i, internally & cosmetically. As of this post, the car has 293k miles, and I’m approaching 19 years of ownership in a couple months. This is the car I grew up with since I was 7 & it’s my first car. It’s also one half of my username (the other half being an 1982 Pontiac Trans Am KITT Replica, from the TV Show ‘Knight Rider’), and it’s the car I plan to keep for as long as I live, if I’m able to. I’ve also had 2 other E46’s in the past (‘06 M3 Convertible [totaled] & ‘02 325ci convertible [sold]).

I’ve been through almost everything you can think of with this car. 2 engine swaps (1st attempt, the motor only lasted one year (2022-2023), a 6 speed manual swap (2020), full interior swap (2019), all routine maintenance & more. I’ve swapped hoods, fenders, bumpers, etc., ceramic coated the original paint (Orient Blue Metallic) over the years to cosmetically improve the car, but the car still remains as one of my daily drivers, hence the high chassis miles.

Just about every modification/upgrade that I’ve done to the car is listed in the slideshow above. If I do a new modification to the car in the future, I’ll update this caption below as I plan to keep this post pinned. I don’t like to gatekeep, so if you have any questions, feel free to check my FAQ highlight or send me a message!

If you’re considering building an E46, do it! It shouldn’t nearly be as costly as mine has been over the years, but it’s a fantastic drivers car. The link in my bio will direct you to my YouTube channel, with detailed videos on my car & POV driving videos! Thanks for reading!
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K.n.B.® #E46Knight #BMWE46 #E46 #Build #M3 by @e46knight

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9 months ago

📌 | I understand why most people gate-keep, as some use this platform as a business. You can’t give all your secrets away. I get it.

But, with the recent influx of followers & questions I’ve received time and again, I’ve updated my FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) highlight with information & direct links to modifications to my E46 that I’m asked about frequently! I don’t spend much time on social media for myself, so I hope this will help give you the answers you’re looking for if I don’t respond in a timely manner.

If there’s anything that’s not in the highlight, always feel free to ask and I’ll help you to the best of my ability!
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K.n.B.® #BMW #E46 #BMWClassic #FAQ #M3 by @e46knight

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5 months ago

📌 | If you’re new here, this is my 2017 BMW M2. Long Beach Blue, 6 Speed Manual, 94k miles. (As of 1/13/2026) This is my 2nd M car (1st was a ‘06 E46 M3 Convertible) and is one of my dailies! The car is mostly stock, with a few cosmetic & technical modifications. I will update the mods list as time goes on!

If you’re considering purchasing a F87 M2 (OG or Competition), I highly recommend it! I view the car as a spiritual successor to the E46 M3, with more creature comforts and reliability (specifically the OG N55). It’s definitely one of the most fun cars out of the box, and also has one of the best factory sounding turbo inline-6’s to date!

Modifications (As of 1/13/2026)

Engine/Drivetrain:
VRSF Chargepipe
M Performance Exhaust (Factory Port Installed)

Wheels & Suspension:
M4 GTS EPS Coding
Eibach Lowering Springs
OEM Ferric Grey 437M Wheels
7.5mm Front & 5mm Rear Spacers

Miscellaneous/Cosmetics:
LCI Shadowline/Euro Taillights (Amber Turn Signals)
Chrome Kidney Grilles (Originally Optioned Black)
Paint Matched M-Wing Mirror Caps (Previously Carbon Fiber)
M Performance Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler
IND Polar Blue Start/Stop Button
IND Paint Matched Reflectors & Sidemarkers
KITH Valve Stems & License Plate Frame
Smoked Sequential Side Mirror Turn Signals
M2 Projector/Puddle Door Lights
OEM Floating Center Caps
Fullscreen Apple CarPlay
Ceramic Tint
Clutch Stop
Park Distance Control Button Retrofit
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K.n.B.® #E46Knight #bmwm #BMWM2 #F87 #Bimmer by @e46knight

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9 months ago

PART 5 | If you’re a new E46 owner, this is the video you’ll want to see for maintaining & upgrading your M54 engine.

I’ve over spent on parts in the 10 years I’ve personally been driving and modifying my E46, and with some of the major engine components, it’s better to spend big the first time and not have to worry later. But, some of these parts or kits are actually cheaper than the original part, it’ll just require some DIY.

I’ve received a lot of questions as to where I’ve bought my aluminum valve cover, so I “cover” that in this video, along with my water pump, PCV, and other vital engine parts that keep the M54 running smoothly. Learn from my mistakes and 2 engine swaps and do the job right the first time!

If there’s anything major that I missed, let me know! And, if you’re enjoying this series and the information provided, make sure to save it for future reference and let me know what else you’d like to see from me!
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K.n.B.® #BMW #BMWE46 #BMWClassic #E46M3 #Build by @e46knight

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2 days ago

This is my “definitive” guide on how I put together the exterior of my E46 sedan over the last 10 years.

I’m using this post to show that a car can still look decent while on a “budget”, even if some of the parts come from overseas. Most of these prices I listed are from when I originally bought them, so 8-10 year old pricing is a lot different from today’s pricing with inflation. I did not include the price for painting, as that would send the overall price to the moon.🚀

But, for those that have followed the progress of this car, you already know that no expense was spared on this car over the last 19 years, and I’ve been to the moon and back already in overall costs. As always, if you have any questions that weren’t answered in this post, check out my FAQ highlight or feel free to send me a message!
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K.n.B.® #BMW #BMWE46 #BMWClassic #E46M3 #Build by @e46knight

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11 days ago

PART 4 | It’s time to talk about how this car got to 300,000 miles, and my path was not like most.

It’s been a very costly journey, but we learn from our mistakes over the years. There were some things I didn’t state in the video, so I’ll go over it here.

The engine was swapped the first time since the original motor (M54B25) suffered from extremely worn piston rings, and ultimately failed at 266k miles. The 2nd motor, which was a M54B30, lasted 15k miles before suffering a rod knock, due to improper internal repairs (bad timing, etc.) that was done while the engine was out. The 3rd & current motor has been going strong for the last 2 1/2 years, with over 20k miles since installation!

I’ve upgraded a lot of the common failure points of the M54, which I cover a few of them in this video. In Part 5, I’ll go into more detail about parts that you can install into your M54 to make it reliable and road trip ready!

Use code “E46KNGT” for 10% off your tune/order @revmatch.motorsport!
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K.n.B.® #BMW #BMWE46 #BMWClassic #E46M3 #Build by @e46knight

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7 days ago

PART 3 | It’s the little things that make everything whole… It’s just that these “little things” are quite costly.💸

This is Part 3 of my (almost) 20 year/300k mile BMW E46 sedan build, and we’re going over the finer things of the interior, from @bavsound Bavsound speakers to rear cupholders, to everything in between.

All of these parts were installed at different points & seasons over the last 7 years, and I don’t even want to talk about the cumulative total of it all. 😵‍💫 But, I wouldn’t have it any other way, because this is my forever car at the end of the day.

Stay tuned for Part 4, where I go into depth of what’s under the hood, and the upgrades that were done to make the M54B30 as reliable as possible!

3D Printed Harmon Kardon Speaker Covers made by @anthony.carinci

**If you like these style of videos, definitely let me know! I’m enjoying making them again and spreading my knowledge and experiences.
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K.n.B.® #BMW #BMWE46 #BMWClassic #E46M3 #Build by @e46knight

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18 days ago

PART 2 | The interior of BMW over 20 years ago still holds its own today, and the reason is its simplicity. Over my near 20 year & 300k mile ownership of my E46 sedan, my interior has been through many phases, and it’s still never complete.

In this video, I cover some of favorite interior mods I’ve done, including my most asked question regarding my car, which is talked about at the end of the video. But this is isn’t even half of it, so stay tuned for Part 3 where I go into more detail on the finer things of the interior, and what I believe will help any E46 owner looking to turn their car into a OEM+ build.

I have direct links to some of the modifications in my FAQ highlight, and always feel free to reach out with any questions you can’t find the answer to!

And, if you like these style of videos, definitely let me know! I’m enjoying making them again and spreading my knowledge and experiences.

**If anyone or any brands 👀 can get me a lead on a new headunit, please let me know. 😁
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K.n.B.® #BMW #BMWE46 #BMWClassic #E46M3 #Build by @e46knight

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21 days ago

This is (almost) 20 years in the making, and it’s time to share my story and build (again) of my forever car, my 2003 BMW E46 sedan.

This car started its life as a regular 325i with 51k miles (since purchase) and it’s been in my family since 2007. I’ve grown up with this car since I was 7, and learned to drive it in 2015. From ‘15 and on, I’ve slowly and surely modified it over the years to what you see today in 2026. It may not look like much, but nearly everything on this car has been replaced and/or upgraded.

This build still isn’t complete, because what build ever is? But for now, I’m satisfied with where it’s sitting, so for those who are looking to build a reliable, OEM+ BMW E46, whether it’s coupe or sedan, then stick around for this new series I’m doing, where I cover every major (and a few secret minor) mods that I’ve done in the last 10 years to my car.

**I might be showing my age with the background music but you have to understand, that was my childhood.😄
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K.n.B.® #BMW #BMWE46 #BMWClassic #E46M3 #Build by @e46knight

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25 days ago

This is nearly 20 years of ownership & 250k miles in 12 photos. I recently came to the conclusion that I’ve reached a point where I no longer have the want to modify my E46, unless it was the big one, the M3 conversion.

That does not mean I want to sell this car. As you all know, I have no intention of doing that. But, after 10 years of driving it and what I believe is nearly 6 figures spent (just a ballpark number) on this car between me & my family (over 19 years), there’s not much more left to do in its current form.

From here, it’s just reoccurring maintenance, enjoyment, and sharing my experiences and knowledge with the chassis. A lot has changed since my first build breakdown YouTube video 4 years ago, even though it may not look like it. So, I plan to make an updated version of it soon.

For now, this is a slideshow of each documented year with me & my E46. And man, some of these might be jump scares. At least they were for me.😂

*This first picture was taken at this year’s @bimmerinvasion in West Palm Beach, FL. The E46 was featured in the vintage vault showcase!
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K.n.B.® #BMW #BMWE46 #BMWClassic #E46M3 #80s

In the showroom for the 50th anniversary of the 3 series display at @bmwofmacon’s Cars & Coffee in October 2025.

My 2000 mile review on @silverssuspensionna coilovers, posted on YouTube. I still have these coilovers on my car today!

This was taken shortly before the 2nd motor in my E46 sedan had a massive rod knock, and 2 months after I picked up my now former E46 convertible.

Senior year in college, taking pics for an assignment if I recall correctly.

Getting the E46 washed in Daytona Beach, FL and ready for the Sunday indoor showcase at @slammedenuffdaytonabeach in 2021.

Ah… COVID times. I did a lot of driving this year.

Out and about with what was the “THE46ERS.ATL” car club at the time.

This was the first jump scare in my slideshow. Prom 2018… The only prom I ever went to, and this was just hours after a long day of filming on “The Darkest Minds” movie set.

October 2017. Not much to say about this one, other than I believe I was on my way to a bowling tournament.

Little me in 2009.

Little me in 2008… I was told I was on my way t by @e46knight

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a month ago

I recently realized that I’ve never done a dedicated post of my interior conversion in my E46 over the last 10 years, except for all of the progress stories that are in my 2017-2022 highlights. So, this is my detailed post almost everything I’ve changed in my interior since I started driving the car in 2015, because there truly is more than meets the eye.

This car originally started with beige interior, and has been converted to Natural Brown, or as some people call it, “Peanut Butter”. My seats & door panels came from different vehicles, in different junkyards. I was constantly at a Pull-A-Part back in 2018-2019, trying to find this interior & related black interior pieces.

Some pieces I re-finished, others were just pulled from another car and installed in mine. Each slide in this post is detailed with year timestamps when the modification was done. If you want to see the progress when I was actively doing my conversion, check out my 2018-2024 story highlights! And, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
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K.n.B.® #BMW #BMWE46 #BMWClassic #E46M3 #Build

Converted to LCI (Bottom) HVAC controls. Pre-LCI top. Difference is temperature and fan speed buttons were on one button respectively, which made for intermittent functioning upon press.

Scratched original center console storage tray, replaced with the Genuine BMW navigation HVAC relocation tray.

Swapped door sills from a junkyard car, along with the seat control panel to black. I was slowly converting my beige interior to look similar to natural brown.

Rear deck and pillars. I pulled the black rear deck from another car in a junkyard, and re-finished it using Duplicolor Flat Black Vinyl & Carpet paint. The deck came from a pre-LCI car, which didn’t have a 3rd seatbelt cut out, so I cut that to fit my car. I recovered the pillars in black suede that I bought from a local fabric store.

Recovered my peeling B-pillars in the same black suede fabric.

My first (of now 3) LED interior light sets. (E46’s don’t like LED’s inside). I also picked up the euro black sunvisors, and homelink sunroof panel. (I’ve since removed it since I have homelink on my rear view mirror).

The first wrap on the M3 ste by @e46knight

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16 days ago

I feel the light betray me. @linkinpark

We’re on the home stretch to 300k miles! Less than 600 miles to go.
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K.n.B.® #BMW #BMWE46 #BMWClassic #LinkinPark #NuMetal by @e46knight

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3 months ago