Dario's OB ZHP Revival

[Avetiso]

You guys don't even want to know what the dealer wants for new wiring. By the way, if I replace with new wiring, the entire cabin and trunk wiring must be replaced.

Can't find ZHP wiring yet. One guy said he doesn't have it. Two other guys parting out ZHPs are not responding. FTL. I want my car already!

[Avetiso]

Does the wiring have to be ZHP specfic? If I find a manual, 6 speed sedan, would that work fine, too?

[alexandre]

And 330. Then you should be good.

[Avetiso]

And 330. Then you should be good.
That expands my option a lot. Watching my car waiting for me to drive it is killing me!

[JupiterBMW]

Wow Dario, looks like you're getting closer though... Two things..

If it was a 300 and a 6 speed, wouldn't it be a ZHP? I didn't think the 6 speed was offered in a non ZHP car....? But yes, I agree with others, a full wiring swap from another ZHP would be best.

And as for the guy parting a ZHP in FL, do you have any info on the car? Perhaps a link to a thread or the FS ad? I need some wiring harness clips too, would like to get them locally if possible...

Thanks man!

[330i ZHP]

6spd is only avail with the 3.0 - so any 3.0 6spd is fine

the zhp doesn't change the wiring - the cluster is different

[alexandre]

If it was a 300 and a 6 speed, wouldn't it be a ZHP? I didn't think the 6 speed was offered in a non ZHP car....? But yes, I agree with others, a full wiring swap from another ZHP would be best.

All 2003+ 330 sedans and 2004+ 330 coupes/verts are 6-speed!

[330i ZHP]

there are plenty of non zhp 6spd 3.0L cars

325 only came with 5spd (in US)

autos of course - but that isn't relative in this convo

[Avetiso]

Wow Dario, looks like you're getting closer though... Two things..

If it was a 300 and a 6 speed, wouldn't it be a ZHP? I didn't think the 6 speed was offered in a non ZHP car....? But yes, I agree with others, a full wiring swap from another ZHP would be best.

And as for the guy parting a ZHP in FL, do you have any info on the car? Perhaps a link to a thread or the FS ad? I need some wiring harness clips too, would like to get them locally if possible...

Thanks man!
He has a thread of E46F, but he just says to text, so I'll just give you his number. 407 476 3173.

[Avetiso]

there are plenty of non zhp 6spd 3.0L cars

325 only came with 5spd (in US)

autos of course - but that isn't relative in this convo
I can't seem to find any! Didn't have time to call that guy today, I'll try to call him tomorrow.

[Avetiso]

Stu, by the way, that company you mentioned is a part of LKQ, and I used to work with them! Can't believe I didn't think of them, I have a personal dealer contact with them and will be calling them tomorrow.

[330i ZHP]

they were purchased by LKQ about 4 years ago (plus or minus a year or so)

[330i ZHP]

they get a lot of the BMW program cars (test mules, etc)...I had a chance to get a complete V10/DSG, harness, DME, etc from them for $10k about 4 years ago.

[Avetiso]

Stu, can you verify if the wiring is that same between manual 330's and ZHP's?

[330i ZHP]

I am 99% sure that it is - there aren't any interior elec components that are different (except the cluster...but it is the cosmetic silver rings and the slightly different red line markings...)

[Avetiso]

Ok, will be looking into that.

By the way, question for anyone that knows. After reassembling my cluster, the RPM and Speed needles don't work as smoothly as I remember they should... I can see them 'tick' as I use the cluster self check, and I definitely hear it when I run the test. Besides that, works fine. No delay issues or anything, just noticing that they are not as smooth. I have WD40d them already...

[330i ZHP]

have you pulled them up SLIGHTLY? I have experienced what you mention and it turned out the needles were pushed too far in

[E_Rak]

I swear that non-ZHP 6mts are harder to find than their ZHP-clad brethren...

[330i ZHP]

sadly true - try finding one of the rare SMG 330 with SMG1

[E_Rak]

How many of those are out there? :dunno

[330i ZHP]

not sure, but I almost bought one before I found out what a ZHP was...I wanted a 6spd but was going to "settle" for SMG until I saw the ZHP package offerings

[Avetiso]

Stu, I have done this. Maybe a little more?

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[330i ZHP]

try removing and reinstalling...leaving them firmly on the posts but floating over the surface...you can move them carefully with a finger and feel if they are rubbing

[Tnhl1989]

Here is the pin layout for both cars. I marked which ones actually are not the same.

http://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D8876197_777_848602773

Good Luck

[330i ZHP]

great job TOny

[Tnhl1989]

Helps when I have access to all this information

[Avetiso]

Tony, you are awesome. Thank you for the help! I'm going to call LKQ, if they don't have it, I have another guy in NC that should have a lot of wiring, too.

[Avetiso]

Ha, my suspicion confirmed. Cruise control is different, and that's why mine is always on.

[Avetiso]

Called 5 yards today. First guy has the wiring! But he said he won't cut it for me. Ugh. Other 4 people that were supposed to have it according to same database don't have it. Potomac has been called twice, and I talked to Devin. Called him twice and he promised to call me back, but hasn't gotten to it. :(

[Avetiso]

Found it. Houston, TX. Calling him Tuesday and he will cut it for me. 2003 330i 6 speed manual.

[Hermes]

Good job!

If you need any other parts you can call my buddies shop:

http://www.autobahnparts.com/

Tell them I sent you

[330i ZHP]

sweet

[Avetiso]

sweet
Called Potomac twice, talked to Devin. He said he has a manual, wasn't sure if 5 or 6 speed. Talked to him twice, and he said twice he would get back to me, but never did. They do seem like nice guys, though. Most other places I called, people seemed lazy and unwilling to help.

[330i ZHP]

sorry to hear

[johnrando]

Hang in there, feels like one's gonna happen soon.

[Avetiso]

Hang in there, feels like one's gonna happen soon.
Thanks, JR. I can wait, the problem in all of this isn't necessarily time. It's that I have to drive ~100 miles a week in my dad 7.3L turbo diesel. Fun when boosting, sucks to fill it up. :( ~$40 gets you less than a quarter tank.

[Avetiso]

Good job!

If you need any other parts you can call my buddies shop:

http://www.autobahnparts.com/

Tell them I sent you
Thanks for the heads-up. If the info on their site is correct, then they wouldn't have been any help in my situation either way. I'll make sure to keep them in mind in case I need something else.

[Avetiso]

Just bought BMW Performance SSK and Parking Brake. $240, but I get the feeling it's going to be worth it. My boots are stained yellow from the fire chemical, super ugly. Once some more money clears up, it's going to be VANOS and probably redo the brakes. Ohio roads has them rusted over like crazy.

Then in the distant future, probably going to powdercoat my wheels. They are scratches up and pretty rusted over, too.

[alexandre]

Just bought BMW Performance SSK and Parking Brake. $240, but I get the feeling it's going to be worth it. My boots are stained yellow from the fire chemical, super ugly. Once some more money clears up, it's going to be VANOS and probably redo the brakes. Ohio roads has them rusted over like crazy.

Then in the distant future, probably going to powdercoat my wheels. They are scratches up and pretty rusted over, too.

The rust on the brakes is probably just because the car sat for a good while. Happens to my car when I don't drive it for a week or more. They'll freshen up after a few hundred miles. Make sure they're really trashed before blowing your $ on a new set!

[Avetiso]

The rust on the brakes is probably just because the car sat for a good while. Happens to my car when I don't drive it for a week or more. They'll freshen up after a few hundred miles. Make sure they're really trashed before blowing your $ on a new set!
You are probably right. I'll just waste these pads, then probably bleed with Super Blue, paint my calipers with G2, new rotors, and then EBC RedStuff. I've wanted to get a nice set of brakes for a while, but I'll just wait till I burn through these.

[Hermes]

Thanks for the heads-up. If the info on their site is correct, then they wouldn't have been any help in my situation either way. I'll make sure to keep them in mind in case I need something else.

No prob bud. Honestly, so much stuff goes through there that their inventory is not always correct on the site. I know for a fact they have at least one E46 330Ci 6MT that I was thinking about getting some parts from, but at this point it's likely already taken apart as I haven't been there in a few weeks. Just talk to John or Sean, they'll take care of you

[az3579]

You are probably right. I'll just waste these pads, then probably bleed with Super Blue, paint my calipers with G2, new rotors, and then EBC RedStuff. I've wanted to get a nice set of brakes for a while, but I'll just wait till I burn through these.

If you have a micrometer, just measure the thickness of the rotor after you've driven it around the block to get the rust off. They're probably fine.
EBC Redstuff pads are the shiz-nizat. I love them.

[Vas]

Personal preference but I prefer hawk hps pads.

[Avetiso]

Personal preference but I prefer hawk hps pads.
There's so much debate over brake pads... I've read a lot of good stuff about EBC, and Hawk HPS, as well, but there is just no conclusive evidence to lead me to believe one is better than the other... :(

[az3579]

There's so much debate over brake pads... I've read a lot of good stuff about EBC, and Hawk HPS, as well, but there is just no conclusive evidence to lead me to believe one is better than the other... :(

I've had both, HPS on my E30 and now the Red Stuff on my E46. There is no discernible difference in braking power to me, but the Redstuff dusts WAY less. My wheels can actually still look clean from 5 feet away after a week-and-a-half without washing. My HPS pads were dusted over pretty well after a week in my E30. Redstuff is also way cheaper for my 6-piston calipers, not sure about the stock caliper pricing.

[Avetiso]

Just bought an Alcantara interior. :) I've always wanted it...

[PirateZHP]

Just bought an Alcantara interior. :) I've always wanted it...

:thumbsup

[3ZHP]

Dario, I'm a little late but, nice job on what you've completed.

I can totally relate to what your going through and after reading this I found so many similarities it's scary.

1. In 1980 I purchased a 1968 Mustang with a fire under the hood. It was midnight Blue.
2. I saw a Ganley marker on the back of your car. I purchased my ZHP from Ganley BMW.


On the wiring, I soldered my main harness on the Mustang thinking it would be the best way. A few years later, I had one of the wires break after the solder and go open causing my headlights to flash like a strobe light. It worked great for getting home. Everyone pulled over for me. That was then and this is now and far more serious things can happen.

Keep up the good work.

[Avetiso]

Dario, I'm a little late but, nice job on what you've completed.

I can totally relate to what your going through and after reading this I found so many similarities it's scary.

1. In 1980 I purchased a 1968 Mustang with a fire under the hood. It was midnight Blue.
2. I saw a Ganley marker on the back of your car. I purchased my ZHP from Ganley BMW.


On the wiring, I soldered my main harness on the Mustang thinking it would be the best way. A few years later, I had one of the wires break after the solder and go open causing my headlights to flash like a strobe light. It worked great for getting home. Everyone pulled over for me. That was then and this is now and far more serious things can happen.

Keep up the good work.
Haha, it's like a trip down memory lane for you... That's awesome about the dealer though! I wonder if both of our cars were on the lot at the same time? They are both 2003's, after all...

I know the wiring isn't the best solution, but in my opinion, it's better than rewiring the entire car. I talked to a few dealers already and they tell me that the only way to replace that wiring is to replace the entire harness in the cabin and trunk, as it's all one piece. They also wasnt $3,200 for that. Sure, I could probably find it on a junkyard, but the cost of the wiring to me isn't worth digging into the car once every few years.

I guess I'll just wait an see. The wiring and isolation is solid, I know, and the wires are going to experience next to 0 movement or heat.

Thanks. :thumbsup

[3ZHP]

I purchased mine from Ganley as a CPO on Saturday December 23, 2006. From what I know, mine was sold new in PA. As for the service department at Ganley; those guys are the best, we have shared the repairs on my ZHP for over 100,000 miles.

Good luck


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free (http://tapatalk.com/m/)

[UdubBadger]

Nice pick up

[trancenation]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1004003

Looks like someone may be encountering a similar problem as the LCM on your revival car

[Avetiso]

Interesting. Thanks for the heads up, I'll talk to him later, a little busy at the moment.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Johnmadd]

Nice pick up

Its actually a car :facepalm

[UdubBadger]

Its actually a car :facepalm
Not punny


Goin' HAM mobile

[az3579]

Dario,
He doesn't necessarily have to have one from a 2004 on. If he doesn't have auto lights, then it's pointless because he'd have to retrofit it for the Auto to work properly. His is a 2003, so it probably has the premium package if he has auto lights. It'd be worth finding out first before offering an LCM. If he has the auto, then the one you have available will be just gravy for him. I can code for you if you wish.


Its actually a car :facepalm


Not punny


Goin' HAM mobile


:facepalm :facepalm

[Avetiso]

It's because the 2004 LCMs won't catch fire.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Sorry, was in class, let me elaborate.

I have a hunch that 2003 is that last year for this issue. The reason being auto lights started coming in 2004 (by the mass, I know it was out before that, but most showed up later), so BMW figured hey, why not use all these LCMs we have from prefacelift E46's in the non-auto headlights in the newer cars. Since this is, for the post part, a prefacelift issue, I assume that anyone that has it on a facelifted car simply had an older model LCM, which often times, came faulty.

That's why I told him to buy a 2004 LCM. I risked getting another 2003 LCM from Charlie, but I know that if someone already had this issue they might want some peace of mind.

[az3579]

I can't say this seems to be a common occurance... first I've heard of it. :dunno
Good catch.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

[Avetiso]

I can't say this seems to be a common occurance... first I've heard of it. :dunno
Good catch.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

I hadn't either. Only started doing some research after buying this car.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[E_Rak]

Just saw this on E46f.c

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1004499

[Avetiso]

Just saw this on E46f.c

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1004499
Saw this.

First of all, I don't believe the cigarette story.

Secondly, he got the car from Copart, so he probably bought it for parts, meaning the damage happened outside of his ownership.

Not that it matters. Thanks for the heads up.

[Avetiso]

Also, interior will be delivered tomorrow. Going to go outside and start stripping down my ZHP.

[Johnmadd]

Also, interior will be delivered tomorrow. Going to go outside and start stripping down my ZHP.

I totally envy what you are doing.

[derbo]

very nice.

[Avetiso]

E46 interiors are stoopid. Stripped it all down sans the front carpet, cutting that out tomorrow. Painted my center console with Krylon satin, too glossy. Nozzle kinda sucks, too, dots the paint a lot. Honestly feel that the $1 cans of flat black from Wal-Mart are better.

Going to be calling yards to source a carpet and dash tomorrow.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

I totally envy what you are doing.
Trust me, it gets old.

very nice.
Thanks!


Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Hornung418]

New interior?

GS3 + TT4

[Avetiso]

New interior?

GS3 + TT4

Yes sir. It's going to need some cleanup, but I'm satisfied.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Crickett]

Jealous! I had considered trying to pick that up. You are hereby REQUIRED to post copious pictures of your interior once done (as I, too, have the gray interior). Good luck!

[Avetiso]

Jealous! I had considered trying to pick that up. You are hereby REQUIRED to post copious pictures of your interior once done (as I, too, have the gray interior). Good luck!

Yes sir. Need to buy a black dash and carpets, first!

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[trancenation]

Dang, I'm assuming that was freight shipped. How much do you think that costed to ship to you? Alcantara correct?

[Avetiso]

Dang, I'm assuming that was freight shipped. How much do you think that costed to ship to you? Alcantara correct?

Not sure, I'd have to ask. The guy forgot the rear head rests, working that out right now.

Yes, it's Alcantara.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[QC_ZHP]

Very nice. I tried to get that interior for my OB as well but I have fold-down seats. Good pickup.

[Avetiso]

Bought a black dash, both carpets, and glove box for my car for $216. 5 cans of cheap flat black for my interior trims. It works better than krylon fusion, lol.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Got my wiring in the mail. I already see the wire that I was missing cluster side on it, so I think this is the right one.

[Hornung418]

Yay!!!

GS3 + TT4

[Avetiso]

So, what's a grey interior worth? 7/10 condition overall. Carpets, dash, seats, door panels. Possible to get $500?

[330i ZHP]

in for updates on the wiring/cluster progress

[QC_ZHP]

Bought a black dash, both carpets, and glove box for my car for $216. 5 cans of cheap flat black for my interior trims. It works better than krylon fusion, lol.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

From where?

[Avetiso]

From where?

Local recycler.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[az3579]

So, what's a grey interior worth? 7/10 condition overall. Carpets, dash, seats, door panels. Possible to get $500?

The challenge isn't what you'll get for it, it's just selling the thing in general. :(
It's not a popular choice for most folks.

[Avetiso]

Soldered the new wiring in. No difference. Airbag light still doesn't come on, high beam lights still don't work. Cruise control light still stuck on, and both clusters exhibit the same issues. However, all wires match, now.

Any ideas?

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Hahahaha, fuse number 10 was missing. Everything works fine now. :facepalm

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[alexandre]

Hahahaha, fuse number 10 was missing. Everything works fine now. :facepalm

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

So your first attempt would have been fine ? That sucks.

[danewilson77]

:facepalm

Glad it's coming together.

[Avetiso]

So your first attempt would have been fine ? That sucks.

No, there was still that wire that was unused. The new wiring matched up 100% with the car, so I still needed it.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

:facepalm

Glad it's coming together.

:rofl So happy it was something simple. No idea why the fuse was missing.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[alexandre]

No, there was still that wire that was unused. The new wiring matched up 100% with the car, so I still needed it.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

Gotcha. So now, dash and carpets and you're good to go ?

[Avetiso]

Gotcha. So now, dash and carpets and you're good to go ?

Yup. Going to pick those up today, then it's just put it back together.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[E_Rak]

I'm sure you were pretty happy when you discovered that!!

[alexandre]

:like

[Hornung418]

Great news!!!

GS3 + TT4

[Avetiso]

I'm sure you were pretty happy when you discovered that!!

No joke, I screamed.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Pip]

Awesome news Dario. Can't wait to see some pictures of it back together!

If you need help with the lumbar retrofit let me know.

[Avetiso]

Awesome news Dario. Can't wait to see some pictures of it back together!

If you need help with the lumbar retrofit let me know.

Thanks, Sean. Maybe when I have more time, very busy at the moment.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Picked up my parts. The guy left the center vent and left vent on with it, ftw.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[cakM3]

Dario,

It's great seeing so much progress on your restoration thread! Looks like you will have another ZHP that was destined for the scrap yards saved....yet again! Awesome work my friend!!! :thumbsup

[Avetiso]

Thanks!

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[JupiterBMW]

Wow, more great progress. Very happy for you Dario! Looking forward to the finished product... Oh, and there might be SOME interest in your grey parts, at least door panels... I will let you know.

[3ZHP]

Looking Good!

[Avetiso]

Thanks, guys. And please do, Jon.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[az3579]

There is sooooo much win when it comes down to something so simple as a fuse... wow.
Need to see pics with new parts installed. :)

[Avetiso]

There is sooooo much win when it comes down to something so simple as a fuse... wow.
Need to see pics with new parts installed. :)

Left the wedding early to work on my car. I have no regrets.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Pretty frustrated. Can't seem to get my dash to sit flush. The left side sits flush against the dash bar, but the right side still has about a centimeter left, which I have to push down on to make it sit flush. The sides of the dash have gaps between the body and the dash, as well.

Other than that, got the black carpets in, and am assembling the car. Just can't seem to get this dash to sit straight. :(

[Avetiso]

Anyone have any ideas about the dash? Could I leave in the sun to have it bend a little bit to the form I need?

[UdubBadger]

Possibly could work in theory but what happens in winter? Does it bend back?


Goin' HAM mobile

[Avetiso]

Possibly could work in theory but what happens in winter? Does it bend back?


Goin' HAM mobile

It would be bolted down by then. I think I found my issue, though. Lots of rust on the metal where the clips hold, going to grease them.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

SSK and handbrake shipped out to me. :)

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[az3579]

SSK and handbrake shipped out to me. :)

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

I like this post.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

[Hornung418]

Got my radio clip today! Thanks again... and please homie.http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/10/sy2e3yqa.jpg

I have both :biggrin

GS3 + TT4

[Hornung418]

But I just opened the package inside...it is completely shattered and destroyed :(

Oh well I will find it in a junkyard or something.

GS3 + TT4

[Avetiso]

But I just opened the package inside...it is completely shattered and destroyed :(

Oh well I will find it in a junkyard or something.

GS3 + TT4

What the hell! I even bubble wrapped it! I hate usps.
Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Hornung418]

It's okay. I know how the mail is treated. I wasn't sure if it woukd make it intact. Hope I can find a part number. I could probably tape it up...

GS3 + TT4

[Avetiso]

.http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/10/ery6a5y6.jpg

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[derbo]

it's almost back!!

[Avetiso]

it's almost back!!



Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[derbo]

Put a bucket for a seat and it's practically drivable


Sent by Mobile

[PirateZHP]

Awesome! Dario, you are killing it! Pumped to see the end product!

[Vas]

Looks great.

[alexandre]

:like

Alcantara + silver cubes = win.

Can't believe the repair wasn't more trouble than that. Nice job!

[Avetiso]

Put a bucket for a seat and it's practically drivable


Sent by Mobile
:rofl

Awesome! Dario, you are killing it! Pumped to see the end product!
Thanks. Should be on the road in a few days.

Looks great.
Thanks.

:like

Alcantara + silver cubes = win.

Can't believe the repair wasn't more trouble than that. Nice job!
I was pleasantly surprised. I need to repaint my cubes (lol), they are turning purple.


Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Also, guy who sold me the interior could not find the rear headrests and is finding me replacements.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

I hate how the E46 interior is put together.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Pip]

This is coming together nicely. Looks awesome!

[Avetiso]

Thanks, Sean.

Okay, a little update. I'm 'done' with the car. There is no more repair work that has to be done to it, however, there are still a lot of small issues I'd like to address. First of all, spray painting all those trim pieces in the interior is not going to work. None of the paints I've tried were able to withstand installation without chipping. Going to have to buy new plastics.

I will go with a center console delete, as well, when finances permit. Some fitment issues with the new interior I will be messaging the seller about.

Oh, and I DROVE IT! :) Goodness, I did not think after a day of stitching up my interior I could muster a smile, but this one wouldn't go away. Can't believe how much I missed stick shift. It was only up and down my street, about 1.5-2.0 miles. Nothing major. Second gear engages easier on this ZHP than my last one. The engine even sounds different. Sounds more raspy and aggressive, can't imagine why.

List of things to do:
VANOS
Address all the interior issues (quite a few).
New dead pedal.
New center console.
Repaint cube trim. Not sure what color, but I'm thinking off white.

And wait and see if my codes come back. P0171 and P0174. Intake boots look new, didn't see any cracks or whatnot.

Tomorrow the last seat goes in (too tired now, just hope nobody walks into my portico trying to take my seat :rofl), and will start making calls to start paperwork and insurance.

Finished off the long day of work with a 4x4 at In-N-Out. Never gets old.

[Torxuvin]

Great progress bud. Glad to hear it's up and running.

[fredo]

Congrats ! Happy to hear the news. I bet that first drive was SWEET.

[Hornung418]

Good to hear that!!

GS3 + TT4

[Avetiso]

Those pennies were stuck in the seat rails. Seat belt bolt done differently.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[johnrando]

Wow. Nice seats BTW.

[JupiterBMW]

Dario, it looks great man, well done! Also, I'm home now, so if you still need the chrome kidney grills, lemme know! Also, I will have to double check, but I believe I have a black dead pedal as well, an OEM one, and in decent shape. Lemme know if you want that, I can work out a very inexpensive package deal for you. :)

[cakM3]

Awesome progress Dario! I'm glad I was able to help in some way! :thumbsup


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Avetiso]

Wow. Nice seats BTW.
Thanks!

Dario, it looks great man, well done! Also, I'm home now, so if you still need the chrome kidney grills, lemme know! Also, I will have to double check, but I believe I have a black dead pedal as well, an OEM one, and in decent shape. Lemme know if you want that, I can work out a very inexpensive package deal for you. :)
Thanks, Jon. PM me, and we'll talk about it!

Awesome progress Dario! I'm glad I was able to help in some way! :thumbsup


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Thanks for the LCM!


Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[az3579]

How heavy are the seats, Dario? Not looking for an exact weight, just need to take my seats out and vacuum/clean the carpet underneath in my car. It's long overdue for cleaning down there. I wanted to see if they're "doable" without breaking my back...

Also, how easy is it to get the seat in/out of that small door frame opening on the front driver and passenger sides?

[Avetiso]

How heavy are the seats, Dario? Not looking for an exact weight, just need to take my seats out and vacuum/clean the carpet underneath in my car. It's long overdue for cleaning down there. I wanted to see if they're "doable" without breaking my back...

Also, how easy is it to get the seat in/out of that small door frame opening on the front driver and passenger sides?

~40lb. Put some rags down on your door frame to avoid scratches. There is a special angle to take them out at, I'd recommend you watch few videos on YouTube to see what I mean.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[az3579]

There's no way they're that light... seriously???? Wow!
I'll have to unbolt one and see what it weights by trying to lift it a little. I'll check YT.

Thanks D.

[Avetiso]

There's no way they're that light... seriously???? Wow!
I'll have to unbolt one and see what it weights by trying to lift it a little. I'll check YT.

Thanks D.

No problem. They are fairly light.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[danewilson77]

They're just awkward. Need to lean it back to get it out as well.

Of course....disconnect battery first. Just a reminder :)

[Avetiso]

They're just awkward. Need to lean it back to get it out as well.

Of course....disconnect battery first. Just a reminder :)

I leaned them forward. Is it easier backwards?

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[JupiterBMW]

I went forward when I swapped mine out. Like Dane said, they're not overly heavy, just awkward, which makes them feel heavier than they are.

[danewilson77]

I leaned them forward. Is it easier backwards?

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

Hehe... Idk.... I've never leaned them forward.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

[Avetiso]

Just placed another order with ECS Tuning. Armrest delete center console, two front door plastics (the things that run on the bottom), as well at the same plastics for the back. Their shipping prices are ridiculous.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Interior/Trim/ES124309/

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES124312/

[Avetiso]

Also got this in the mail.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[derbo]

Awesome update Dario!

Double double with whole grilled onions with chopped chillies sounds good.... :D


and yes thats all I got out of your updates.





JK. good work man.

[fredo]

Put some rags down on your door frame to avoid scratches.

+1. My Saab Indy failed to do this on my wife's car. After he removed the driver's seat he left scratches on the door frame.

[Avetiso]

Awesome update Dario!

Double double with whole grilled onions with chopped chillies sounds good.... :D


and yes thats all I got out of your updates.





JK. good work man.

I don't blame you, lol.

Thanks!

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[derbo]

I don't blame you, lol.

Thanks!

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

For the driver seat,

I always unbolted it, raised the seat a bit ( enough to take the yellow harness out to swap with my recaro ) and made the seat as straight forward as possible. Raised the steering wheel as high as possible and it was enough to wiggle out the seat without scratches. Sad part was to get to this technique, I did scratch my lower trims during trial and errors :(


Sent by Mobile

[Avetiso]

SSK installed by myself without going under the car. Will make a DIY.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Hornung418]

Nice...is the slop still there? I kind of want to do DSSR to eliminate it and increase the notchiness. But I'd rather not pay for it if it improves with just the white collar ring.

GS3 + TT4

[Avetiso]

Nice...is the slop still there? I kind of want to do DSSR to eliminate it and increase the notchiness. But I'd rather not pay for it if it improves with just the white collar ring.

GS3 + TT4
No. The slop is gone, thanks to the new collar. When I disconnected the lever from the shifting rod, the old lever simply fell due to gravity. The new collar held the lever in place rather firmly.

[Hornung418]

Excellent. Looking to do this mod after work tomorrow. Shouldn't take too long...unless I run into problems with the bitch clip.

[midlandtech]

Excellent. Looking to do this mod after work tomorrow. Shouldn't take too long...unless I run into problems with the bitch clip.

Ditto. Looking forward to the DIY

[Avetiso]

Excellent. Looking to do this mod after work tomorrow. Shouldn't take too long...unless I run into problems with the bitch clip.
The only difficulty I had with the clip was getting it back on without going under the car. I dropped it twice but got it back out with a magnet. Pretty easy, actually.

[Avetiso]

DIY is up.

[danewilson77]

DIY is up.

Great DIY. Thanks Dario.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

[Avetiso]

Okay, should be starting registration on the car this week, hopefully. Can't wait to drive it.

[johnrando]

That was fast. Congrats, and GL.

[Avetiso]

Well, I bought that interior from E46F, and the guy has been real stand up. I told him it never came with rear headrests, and he said he'd be right on it to replace them. Unfortunately, there must have been a disconnect, because I got home from school today to find two boxes with FRONT seat headrests. :facepalm Not too bothered by it, and the guy is really honoring the purchase... just adding buzzkill to a Monday. :( Oh well. The new headrests are in better shape than my current ones, so I could just replace them.

[Avetiso]

The guy is sourcing me rear Alcantara headrests. Also, my order with short console and black OEM sill covers shipped from ECS Tuning today.

[Vas]

Goodbye armrest.... Thumbs up

Did you get the euro console as well?

[Avetiso]

Goodbye armrest.... Thumbs up

Did you get the euro console as well?
Not yet, but I will. Can't really be spending any more money with tax/registration looming over my head, so I'm suspending the mods until I'm past that.

[az3579]

Note about the armrest delete...
you may find yourself rubbing up on your seat bolster a lot more with the armrest deleted. That is one alarming thing I found out since deleting mine. .

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

[Avetiso]

Note about the armrest delete...
you may find yourself rubbing up on your seat bolster a lot more with the armrest deleted. That is one alarming thing I found out since deleting mine. .

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4
Now I can make the wear on my seats even! :)

[Avetiso]

Gave my bay a light cleaning.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[az3579]

Now I can make the wear on my seats even! :)

Did you not get the memo? Wear = bad! Lol
These alcantara seats wear too quickly...

At about $1200-1400 per seat for genuine seat covers, not happy about it. Too bad it's worth having these seats. :biggrin

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

[Avetiso]

Did you not get the memo? Wear = bad! Lol
These alcantara seats wear too quickly...

At about $1200-1400 per seat for genuine seat covers, not happy about it. Too bad it's worth having these seats. :biggrin

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

Things are going to wear out. Might as well enjoy them while it lasts. If it starts wearing badly I'll figure something out.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[az3579]

^ I've always had the thought of recovering the seats in all cloth... too bad BMW doesn't make a cloth texture/pattern I like. lol
It'll have to be custom. Perhaps it's something you can do once it's worn out? Whatever floats your boat.

Custom is always cool. :)

[Avetiso]

^ I've always had the thought of recovering the seats in all cloth... too bad BMW doesn't make a cloth texture/pattern I like. lol
It'll have to be custom. Perhaps it's something you can do once it's worn out? Whatever floats your boat.

Custom is always cool. :)
According to Yelp, I actually have someone who does custom interiors for a very good price, locally. Supposedly very high quality.

[Avetiso]

Installed the grills Jon sent me. No more peeling! I need a new roundel.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[330i ZHP]

amazon - $15

[Avetiso]

amazon - $15
OEM? If not, how's the quality on them?

[330i ZHP]

I have a bunch of them here - I can send you one or two (OEM) - shoot me $5 for shipping..."if it fits, it ships"

glxvento@aol.com

[Avetiso]

I have a bunch of them here - I can send you one or two (OEM) - shoot me $5 for shipping..."if it fits, it ships"

glxvento@aol.com
I'll make sure to do so! Got anything for the trunk, too? I'd like to replace them both.

[Avetiso]

Another update: my radio button broke. FML. I was so happy when I got my car to see that the button worked, and it snapped before I could even register it! :facepalm

[330i ZHP]

I would have to check - I know I have one for the wagon...but that wont help you

[330i ZHP]

cant hlp you on the radio thing

[Avetiso]

I would have to check - I know I have one for the wagon...but that wont help you
Didn't realize they were different. Anyway, as soon as you figure out if you have a rear or not, let me know, and I'll send you the funds. :thumbup

[cakM3]

Dario... nice progress on your ZHP. Sorry to hear about the radio button though. At least there's something else in the works for your ZHP thanks to me ;) :thumbsup That should cheer you up :biggrin

[Avetiso]

Dario... nice progress on your ZHP. Sorry to hear about the radio button though. At least there's something else in the works for your ZHP thanks to me ;) :thumbsup That should cheer you up :biggrin
It sure does! I think it's a great trade-off.

Charlie is arranging for me to get the aFe intake he gave to BP. :) Which is very kind of him.

[PirateZHP]

Charlie is arranging for me to get the aFe intake he gave to BP. :) Which is very kind of him.

Effing SWEET! :thumbup

[Oli77]

Dario, did the button (plastic part on the front) break or is the inside mechanism no longer connecting to the circuit board?

[Avetiso]

Dario, did the button (plastic part on the front) break or is the inside mechanism no longer connecting to the circuit board?

Inside mechanism. Volume control still works, just can not turn it off/on.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[alexandre]

Inside mechanism. Volume control still works, just can not turn it off/on.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

Common problem - pull the faceplate and epoxy the button back into place. Did mine a year ago and has worked fine since. Buying another faceplate just delays the problem since they all break eventually.

[az3579]

Learned something new today. I've never heard of this problem!
Thanks fellas.

[Oli77]

Really? Mine had the same problem when I bought the car 4 years ago, and I have heard others with same problem.

The circuit board on the back of the power knob needs to be fixed in place so it no longer moves with the knob when you push the knob.

Fixed mine with a piece of balsa wood and hot glue. As Alexander suggests, pop the top of the stereo and fix is easy to do.

[derbo]

The PCB board in the radio shows a small little branch thats holes the radio push button. The constant pushing of the radio button sometimes breaks this little branch and then you have a radio power button that is completely broken. :(

[Avetiso]

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll dig into it later, but my last ZHP had the same issue, so I'm kinda used to it. :rofl

[Avetiso]

Bought a fabric shaver, 1z plastic deep cleaner, and 1z cockpit cleaner. Gonna pick up some seat/upholstery cleaner locally, and I'm planning to do a good cleaning to my interior.

[MiniD]

1z interior products are top notch.

[Avetiso]

1z interior products are top notch.
I'm relieved to hear; I've had no experience with them. Was going to buy 303 but decided to try something different. Amazon now has them on prime, so I get fast shipping on it, ftw.

[Avetiso]

Got my SRS tool from Dane and reset all my codes, but one stuck around. Driver Seat Belt Tensioner. :( Turns out, the tensioner on this seat has been fired. Going to replace it with the tesnioner from my gray seat when I have time.

[JupiterBMW]

Updated pics..? Pleeeeeaaaase? :biggrin

[Avetiso]

Updated pics..? Pleeeeeaaaase? :biggrin
But it's so freaking dirty. I'll go get some, but it's not going to be pretty, lol.

[JupiterBMW]

Well, updated should be translated to "go wash that OB beauty and take some damn pics!" :biggrin

[Avetiso]

Well, updated should be translated to "go wash that OB beauty and take some damn pics!" :biggrin
I know, I know. Paperwork was delayed, should be coming in this week. Once I start the paperwork and get insurance, I'll take some pictures, promise!

For now...

[Avetiso]

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[trancenation]

How does the car drive overall Dario? Running like a champ?

[Avetiso]

How does the car drive overall Dario? Running like a champ?
The engine runs well in a general sense. I think I have a vacuum leak somewhere, though. I cleared P0171 and P0174, and they have not returned, however, I have a jumpy idle (not 'rough', jumpy), and sometimes the idle likes to bog down to ~500rpm and then come back to life. These issues go away once the car is fully warm, for the most part. VANOS needs to be done, too. Besides that, though, it's in excellent shape.

As far as the rest of the car: I've driven her a few times, but over that limited exposure, I'd say it runs very well. No creaks, suspension is tight, CABs are solid, brakes pretty good.

I have to put a little work into it terms of maintenance, but overall, I'm satisfied with what I got.

[JupiterBMW]

Wow man, even that dirty, it still looks good. I'm really impressed to see you've got her all together and running. I wish I had more help with your jumpy idle issue, but perhaps a few maintenance items will help as well. Probably wouldn't hurt to do all the fluids, new plugs, and air & fuel filters... Just a thought.

Lookin good overall! You still owe us freshly washed pics! :biggrin

[Avetiso]

Wow man, even that dirty, it still looks good. I'm really impressed to see you've got her all together and running. I wish I had more help with your jumpy idle issue, but perhaps a few maintenance items will help as well. Probably wouldn't hurt to do all the fluids, new plugs, and air & fuel filters... Just a thought.

Lookin good overall! You still owe us freshly washed pics! :biggrin

Thanks, Jon. I plan to do a lot of maintenance on the car, including what you said, but it's going to be a one at a time deal given my scheduling with school and all.

There will be pictures. :)

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Going to register today.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[MiniD]

Alcantara awesomeness.

[330i ZHP]

nice work getting her back running

the Roundels are on their way to you

[fredo]

Going to register today.

Can't wait to see this beauty with new Cali plates !

[JupiterBMW]

Good luck with the registration! And great job with the car, looks great.

[derbo]

Great to see it running again! Good work Dario.

[Avetiso]

Alcantara awesomeness.
:thumbsup

nice work getting her back running

the Roundels are on their way to you
Thanks!

Can't wait to see this beauty with new Cali plates !
Me either, but only on the back!

Good luck with the registration! And great job with the car, looks great.
Thanks. It actually looks pretty shitty right now :rofl. Once I take my physics and sociology exams, I'll have time to dig into washing it and cleaning it.

Great to see it running again! Good work Dario.
Thanks!

[Avetiso]

Okay, paid registration. Tax: $284 Reg: $193 Total: $477. Gotta go get brake and light verifications, then I'll get my temp.

Also, finally got the car insured. I can the battery plugged in now. Just in case it catches fire again for some reason, I'll get a payout.

[Avetiso]

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[fredo]

She looks fantastic ! But, what's up with those numbers on the window ? :biggrin

[Avetiso]

She looks fantastic ! But, what's up with those numbers on the window ? :biggrin
Auction mileage, lol. Other side window has the lot number (with a convenient 666 hidden within, :rofl).

[Avetiso]

Alrighty guys, can't seem to buy any luck today. Failed my light inspection. My problem: three of the four rear bulbs on the lower section of the RCR don't work. Only one that works is one on the driver side. I have no idea why. No bulb out errors. Bulbs themselves are good. If you take a look at the picture, it looks as ift the taillight fix has been applied. Ground wires don't appear to be damaged.

Of course, first thing I thought was I screwed up wiring the LCM. Possible, but the only 3 wires that had identical twins were the blinkers. Blinkers work fine.

All the other wires coming up to the LCM were color coded correctly.

Out of ideas.

Also, license plate bulbs don't work. I wonder why.... :rofl

I can't seem to find a way to separate the painted plastic cover from the rest of the housing, because I have a spare one from my parts car that is just fine.

Any ideas, guys?

[fredo]

Number 666 + fire ? Mmhh ... interesting facts.

[Avetiso]

Number 666 + fire ? Mmhh ... interesting facts.
Haha, I wouldn't read into it. The fire happened before the number.

[Avetiso]

Anyone? Ideas?

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[az3579]

That's some nasty corrosion or deposits there... clean that up first for the license plate lights and see if that does anything for you.

As far as rear running lights go... swap the bulb holders from the parts car and see if that does anything for you. This will rule out the holders as being the problem (I doubt that's what it is). If it still doesn't work, then I'm afraid you either have a wiring issue or... did you check the fuses?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4

[Johal E32]

For the jumpy idle, that is for sure the VANOS.

Dad's old E39 528 had the exact same issue, except it would stall when it was cold.

I highly recommend Dr.Vanos because he sends you a good rebuilt Vanos for a good price.

[Vas]

Those license plates bulbs are toast.

[Avetiso]

That's some nasty corrosion or deposits there... clean that up first for the license plate lights and see if that does anything for you.

As far as rear running lights go... swap the bulb holders from the parts car and see if that does anything for you. This will rule out the holders as being the problem (I doubt that's what it is). If it still doesn't work, then I'm afraid you either have a wiring issue or... did you check the fuses?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 4
I've swapped bulb carriers on both sides. No difference. Now, I'm assuming it is a wiring issue. However, I can't reason out what that issue could be. First off all, the lights have worked before, and now they don't. Secondly, the only wires that yielded any confusion were the 3 sets of duplicates, which turned out to be the blinkers. WHICH WE SORTED OUT. :( So now, I have a wiring issue with wires that matched up perfectly with respect to color coding? AND every wire that got mixed up was in the taillights? That's bad luck to the level that I find it hard to believe. The only conceivable idea I have is that multiple solders broke, or some sort of power wire...

Checked fuses 9, 52, and 49. All good. Keep in mind that both inner (trunk) lights work perfect... should they even be on? They are very bright, actually...

Even if some of the wiring was backwards, things would simply work in a manner that is wrong. These don't work at all. Dad should be home soon, he carries his multimeter with him on the road, so I'll use that...

Oh well. I can access the LCM solders through the LCM whole, so there is still that before I pull the dash again. But so many hunches are telling me it's not the wiring...

For the jumpy idle, that is for sure the VANOS.

Dad's old E39 528 had the exact same issue, except it would stall when it was cold.

I highly recommend Dr.Vanos because he sends you a good rebuilt Vanos for a good price.
Cool. It rattles like crazy as well. I'd like to DIY because it's cheaper; besides, I have a spare VANOS I can do the fix on beforehand.

Those license plates bulbs are toast.
Crazy, huh? Dane, look out, that's what Ohio does to your car! :(

[alexandre]

Tail light ground recall ?

SIB # 0063220100 according to my $0 work order. They replaced PN #61129281435 at no charge 6 years, 156k out of warranty, no questions asked.

[Avetiso]

Tail light ground recall ?

SIB # 0063220100 according to my $0 work order. They replaced PN #61129281435 at no charge 6 years, 156k out of warranty, no questions asked.
I think it's already been performed. If you take a look at the pictures, you'll see there already have a jump for the ground. In fact, both my ZHP and my parts car both have that ground... Is that how the wiring is OEM?

[alexandre]

I think it's already been performed. If you take a look at the pictures, you'll see there already have a jump for the ground. In fact, both my ZHP and my parts car both have that ground... Is that how the wiring is OEM?
Possibly... Not many cars have it done, a lot of people diy or don't care. Maybe ECS has a pic of the part?

[Avetiso]

Not sure, I'd have to find some numbers. Do you remember what yours looked like before the fix?

[alexandre]

Not sure, I'd have to find some numbers. Do you remember what yours looked like before the fix?

Nope. I went straight to the dealer on the way home from the PO - had to do it to import the car in Canada.

[az3579]

You said this worked before the wiring swap, or before what?
If this worked before the wiring swap, then obviously it's a wiring issue...
I know it's not the LCM because it worked before Charlie pulled it. I know, I have seen his car many many times... so what else is there if it's not the carriers or LCM? Wiring is all I can think of...

Things aren't always as they seem as far as color codes go. That's another thing to keep in mind. Just because the new harness has the right colors doesn't necessarily mean they go to where you think they go. Definitely go down the multimeter route and see if that signal is reaching the right places.

[danewilson77]

Crazy, huh? Dane, look out, that's what Ohio does to your car! :(

I have corrosion issues on my bulb carriers/bulbs in VA.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

[Avetiso]

I have corrosion issues on my bulb carriers/bulbs in VA.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

What did you do to fix? Or do they still work fine?

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

You said this worked before the wiring swap, or before what?
If this worked before the wiring swap, then obviously it's a wiring issue...
I know it's not the LCM because it worked before Charlie pulled it. I know, I have seen his car many many times... so what else is there if it's not the carriers or LCM? Wiring is all I can think of...

Things aren't always as they seem as far as color codes go. That's another thing to keep in mind. Just because the new harness has the right colors doesn't necessarily mean they go to where you think they go. Definitely go down the multimeter route and see if that signal is reaching the right places.

Before I put the interior together, after the wiring swap.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[alexandre]

What did you do to fix? Or do they still work fine?

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

I have an invoice in my folder for replacement of these by PO, every car that ran during the winter will need them eventually...

PN #51137170966, about $80 + paint (or you can swap your painted piece from what it looks like). Your connector might be damaged too, so you might have to trim and re-crimp. You might be able to source it from your local junkyard for peanuts, or even better - what do they look like on your parts car ?

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/21351_x600.jpg

[Avetiso]

I have an invoice in my folder for replacement of these by PO, every car that ran during the winter will need them eventually...

PN #51137170966, about $80 + paint (or you can swap your painted piece from what it looks like). Your connector might be damaged too, so you might have to trim and re-crimp. You might be able to source it from your local junkyard for peanuts, or even better - what do they look like on your parts car ?

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/21351_x600.jpg

I would swap the painted piece, but from what I'm reading, the entire unit is somehow sealed after being put together. I don't know how to take it apart without breaking it.

[Avetiso]

I have an idea on how to troubleshoot. Going to compare what colors the wiring is coming up to the tails between my ZHP and parts car. If they are the same, then the problem is not the wiring route because the wiring I soldered in matched the wires coming up to the parts car.

[Avetiso]

She's sleeping outside tonight for being bad. :shifty Actually, just in case she catches fire.

Question: when my running lights are on, 1 click to the right on the LCM, are my inner tail lights on the trunk supposed to be on and bright?

[az3579]

She's sleeping outside tonight for being bad. :shifty Actually, just in case she catches fire.

Question: when my running lights are on, 1 click to the right on the LCM, are my inner tail lights on the trunk supposed to be on and bright?


Yes. In running light mode, every single bulb on the bottom row should be on... the 2 on the bottom row below the turn signals, and the trunk light along that row as well.

[alexandre]

Yes. In running light mode, every single bulb on the bottom row should be on... the 2 on the bottom row below the turn signals, and the trunk light along that row as well.

Everything except the xenons, essentially.

[Avetiso]

Okay, so at least that is working fine. I'm thinking tomorrow I'll check voltages. If that doesn't work, it's back into the dash...:( I wanted to do it either way, my dashboard sits like garbage. I can shake it back and forth like an inch, and up and down the same! Going to take it all apart again and test with another dash to see what's up.

[Avetiso]

Found my issue. Swapped LCM from parts car to replace the one Charlie sent me, all lights work now. I think the issue just might be in some coding, I doubt the LCM is 'broken.'

Running the other LCM for now.

[ELCID86]

Nice!

[az3579]

You might need to have that LCM reset to factory defaults.

[Avetiso]

You might need to have that LCM reset to factory defaults.

Planning on doing just that. Found the issue with the license plate lights. Two wires reversed. Dash coming back out (have a few reasons to do this).

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Ok, reversed the wires back, and the lights work now. Hooked my other LCM up, and rechecked all the lights. Perfect. Also replaced my blown seat belt tensioner with the one that orignally came with the car.

One (and hopefully the last) issue I am dealing with right now: the black dash I bought sucks. It's age simply makes it impossible to clean up, so tomorrow, I am going to call the place I bought it from and hope that they can replace it for me with a better unit. If not, I'll drive around some of the local dismantlers and see if there is anything worth buying.

IF all of that fails, I am going to use leather quick dye for couches. I tried it in one spot and it works remarkably well; it fills in the white lines left by the sun in between the pattern, but leaves it black when you wipe it away.

Besides all that... I don't see any other issues I am going to have to address anytime soon.

[ELCID86]

Glad you got the wiring and switches sorted out. GL w/ the dash.

[Avetiso]

Glad you got the wiring and switches sorted out. GL w/ the dash.

Thanks.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

Went back to the dismantler I bought the dash from and found another dash for them to pull for me. Will exchange them on Tuesday, no questions asked. Pretty cool.

Also took my cluster apart again and reseated the needles. It's funny how quick I'm in and out of it now; took less than 10 minutes open to close.

[az3579]

Do you have any better pics of the "age" of this dash? I've never seen what you describe happen to a dash as modern as the E46...

[Avetiso]

Do you have any better pics of the "age" of this dash? I've never seen what you describe happen to a dash as modern as the E46...

In between all the grooves on the pattern, there is white dirt. It makes the entire dash look like crap, and no sprays or washing could get it out. I'll try to get a picture later.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[PirateZHP]

:applause A+ Dario. I'm ready to see the photo sesh... which should happen soon... right? right? right? :begging

[Avetiso]

:applause A+ Dario. I'm ready to see the photo sesh... which should happen soon... right? right? right? :begging

Yes. I have washed my car, but after the rain the water was extremely hard and left it looking bad either way.

Soon!

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.