Bringing her home

[tkundhi]

I'm sitting on the plane in route to get my ZHP. If all goes as planned I'll met the owner in about 6 hours.

OK, let's rewind a few weeks for a little back story. In mid January we decided to get a ZHP. I knew it might be difficult finding the right car. I was prepared to be patient. But a few days into my search I stumbled cross a low mileage IR/blk sedan in So Cal being sold by a BMW dealer. I thought I had a deal done but got a call saying someone else sold the car. This was the day before my scheduled PPI. So I decided I need to up my search game. I'll write another thread on what I did.

Car 2 - Another IR/blk sedan. I was the second caller. After several discussions with the owner I made an offer pending a clean PPI. He had agreed to show the car to the first caller. I respected his decision. The first caller didn't show. But the seller had second thoughts and decided not to sell. We agreed he would hold on to my contact info if he changed his mind. Funny, thing he sent me a text the night before my flight asking if I was still in the market.

Car 3 - IR/NB sedan in Austin. Yes this is Goofiefoot's car. Basically this car has been sitting in a garage since it was sold last year. It may have been driven 200 miles. After speaking with the seller, Goofiefoot and Terry Sayther's shop in Austin. I decided this was the one. Price finalized, deposit wired, flight booked.

Travel check list: duffle bag, 2 days worth of clothes, toiletries, smartphone, extra power for phone, V1, couple Roundel magazines for the plane ride, certified check, wad of cash.

My flight left Nebraska at 6 AM Friday morning. The plan was to have the seller pick me up at the airport at 11:15 and take me back to his place. Inspect car, test drive and complete the deal by 2PM. Then a quick meet up with Goofiefoot before heading north. Well it didn't quite work out that way. The freezing rain in Austin threw a wrench in the plans. The flight was a little delayed. I met the seller around 11:45.

We drove straight to his place and I saw the car for the first time. The natural brown interior is different and striking. Pictures don’t do it justice. Overall the car met my expectations. It is straight and clean. Just a little dusty from sitting in the garage. Engine compartment was clean too. No drip of any kind. Motor pulls strong. But I didn't dog it, after all it wasn't my car yet. It drives nice and tight. No suspension sounds at all. The seller didn't have a chance to clean the car or change the oil. No worries. This gave me perspective on how the car has been kept.

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/front_left.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/front_right.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/open_drivers_door.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/passenger_profile.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/rear_left.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/rear_right.jpg

I headed north a bit after 2 PM but didn't meet up with Goofiefoot. Maybe in March when I'm back in Austin. The car was running OK. I noticed a slight hesitation under certain conditions. I thought it might be a result of the gas, which had been in the tanks for about 4 months. About 2.5 hours into the trip I stopped and filled up. The hesitation persisted. About 10 min later the car threw a check engine light. Since the car was running fine outside the hesitation and there where no strange sounds or smells I decide to keep driving. I didn't have a code reader and I didn't think it was worth trying to stop and find one.

[tkundhi]

I stopped and had dinner with a buddy in Dallas. Around 7:30 I headed north again. Roads were perfect. Nice driving conditions. Next stop Oklahoma City. I'd spend the night there and have a 6 hours to go on Sat. But about 20 miles into Oklahoma, everything changed. Dry roads were now covered with several inches of little ice balls. This transition was quick, about two miles. There were cars off left and right. Crews were already on scene pulling some out. Traffic had slowed. I drove the next 9 miles at 25 mph with my flashers on. Thankfully the car had all season tires not summer only. I got the second to last room at the Comfort Suites in Ardmore, OK.

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/ice_storm.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/69000k.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/scenic_overlook.jpg

Saturday morning temp remained well below freezing. So I decided to wait until temperatures rose and the sun was out. Around 11 AM I started north again. The roads were much better but not entirely clear. I stopped and took a picture at a scenic overlook.

Roads continued to improve the further north I drove. By Kansas they were perfect. The rest of the trip was uneventful. The car turned 69000 miles in Kansas. I pulled into Lincoln in time to get the car washed before showing it to my wife and daughter. But in the process I scuffed up the driver's side front wheel. A reminder on why I prefer to hand wash cars as opposed to the best automatic car washes.

The car made the trip averaging 67.2 mph and 25.8 mpg. Gas mileage is lower than expected and I'm sure is related to the hesitation and check engine light. I would expect 3 mpg higher. Here are some pics at home and in the garage.

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/home_driver_profile.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/home_leftrear.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/home_right_front.jpg

My plan is to keep the ZHP stock. Maybe some minor convenience and cosmetic mods. It's going to be my wife's DD. Here's what I plan to do soon:

1. Resolve hesitation and check engine light
2. Install Bavsound Simplicity CIII
3. Install stock kidney grill
4. Re-dye drivers seat edge
5. Replace shift knob
6. Replace center console.
7. Refinish front left wheel.
8. BMW floor mats

This will make the car in near show room condition.

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/garage_e36_zhp.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/zhp/garage_zhp_e36_e30.jpg

[gmurphy]

I'm sitting on the plane in route to get my ZHP. If all goes as planned I'll met the owner in about 6 hours.


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Hey that's awesome! We will have to meet up when you get back!


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[ELCID86]

Safe travels. Looking forward to the journal.

[danewilson77]

Congrats!

[ELCID86]

I can't recall if this is the one you are going after: http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/4278666035.html ? If not, I'll post it in the FS section.

[tkundhi]

I'm headed to Austin. Now at gate in Chicago. Getting ready to board. Got upgraded to 1st class. Hope that is a good sign of how things will go today.


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[gmurphy]

I'm headed to Austin. Now at gate in Chicago. Getting ready to board. Got upgraded to 1st class. Hope that is a good sign of how things will go today.


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Have a safe trip! Enjoy the flight!


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[fredo]

Wait a second, did you get Goofiefoot's car ? Awesome !

[PirateZHP]

Wait a second, did you get Goofiefoot's car ? Awesome !

If so, that is a beautiful car! I will be jelly, for sure!

[johnrando]

Great news. GL!

[illirep]

Congrats and safe travels. Watch out for speed traps on the way home!

[tkundhi]

Landed in Austin.

Brought the V1 for the drive north.


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[QC_ZHP]

Awesome, have fun. I did this 6 months ago but it seems like yesterday. Had a blast

[Avetiso]

Awesome! Congrats.

[3ZHP]

Safe travels


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[derbo]

Good luck!

[tkundhi]

Car is what I expected. Starting the drive north. I'll update the thread with pics when I stop for the night.


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[ELCID86]

Glad to hear. Keep it safe and enjoy the ride.

[HokieZHP]

Looks like a clean car. Same color combo as my old ZHP that Matt owns now. Don't see many black on tan cars. Good luck with everything!

[gmurphy]

Car is what I expected. Starting the drive north. I'll update the thread with pics when I stop for the night.


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Have a safe trip back to Lincoln. Hope to see your ZHP sometime soon driving around!


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[danewilson77]

Glad to hear. Keep it safe and enjoy the ride.

+1

[tkundhi]

Thirty miles into OK I came across the aftermath of an ice storm. The roads went from totally clear and dry to completely covered with ice. Little ice balls accumulated like snow. For nine miles I drove with my flasher on at 30 mph to the next exit. So I didn't make it as far on day one as I hope. Pictures are delayed. Look like at least 8 hours of driving today. More details to come...

[gmurphy]

Thirty miles into OK I came across the aftermath of an ice storm. The roads went from totally clear and dry to completely covered with ice. Little ice balls accumulated like snow. For nine miles I drove with my flasher on at 30 mph to the next exit. So I didn't make it as far on day one as I hope. Pictures are delayed. Look like at least 8 hours of driving today. More details to come...

Be careful! Have a save drive back today!


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[tkundhi]

Got home and had dinner with the girls. Full report and pics tomorrow.

t.

[ELCID86]

Good to hear. Looking fwd to it.


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[Dearg-due]

Tell us more!

[Avetiso]

Waiting for the pictures patiently.

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[TigerTater]

Moar pics!

[tkundhi]

I'm having issues getting the Flickr pictures to show up. Working to fix.

t.

[ELCID86]

I'm having issues getting the Flickr pictures to show up. Working to fix.

t.

Just post straight to forum using tapatalk app or "Go advanced" and use the "attachments" link/icon.

[tkundhi]

I just moved them to a private server. Original thread post updated.

t.

[ELCID86]

Absolutely beautiful. I know you have to be thrilled. I hope BP doesn't see this. You may hear him crying from CT! (grin)

[Vas]

Car does look great. Glad to hear you made it home safely.

And that garage pic is :thumbsup

BTW i would look into BMW performance grills before the oem chrome ones IMO

[tkundhi]

Garage pics is closest I can get to three generations of M cars.

t.

[gmurphy]

Wow great car!


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[gmurphy]

And garage!


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[brettbimmer]

You & your wife have excellent taste in colors sir!

Looks like a family member's former ZHP, and seems to have been well loved! Good luck with her.

[PirateZHP]

Beautiful car!!

[Lanister]

:drool

[johnrando]

Very nice. Congrats.

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[fredo]

In my opinion, Terry Sayther is the best Indy in Austin. Hope the SES light is an easy fix.

[derbo]

That is one awesome garage.

[JupiterBMW]

Glad you made it home safe, great looking fleet of 3 series!

[Pip]

Wait a second, did you get Goofiefoot's car ? Awesome !

Yup. Glad it came back to the family.

[tkundhi]

For all those who have asked for pics of the other two cars. Here you go...

http://kundhi.net/bmw/e46/sonic_cruise.jpg

http://kundhi.net/bmw/325ic/top_down.jpg

[Dearg-due]

Lovely, just lovely. I tried to figure my way into having the time to bring that one back to Cali. Imola over Blk/NB is just the loveliest thing, in my mind. Just couldn't make it work. Congrats. Can I ask what you ended up paying (I believe the CL ad was on at 15.9k)?

[Dearg-due]

Thanks. Obviously, I think you've gotten a fantastic car, so good luck with everything!

[johnrando]

Oh you KNOW I'm loving the vert! What exactly is it again?

[brettbimmer]

Wow, beautiful fleet!

Can you tell me more about the E46 wagon with E36 M3 wheels? Individual color choice? - it is tough to tell in the lighting, but looks like Boston Green. Really looks beautiful, and quite unique!!

[tkundhi]

John, it's a 92 325ic w/ the M-Tech package.


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[tkundhi]

Thanks Brett. I'm not sure of the exact color. I'm 1500 miles away right now so I can't check. I'll let you know next week.


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[brettbimmer]

No worries. Just curious as she is gorgeous! Technically Boston Green is an e36 color, but looks similar in the evening light. Safe travels!

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[E_Rak]

Looks to be too bright for OGMII could also be Fern Green

[danewilson77]

John, it's a 92 325ic w/ the M-Tech package.


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Nice whhhip.

[johnrando]

John, it's a 92 325ic w/ the M-Tech package.


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Thanks!

[webster]

LOVE the E36 M3 alloys on that E46 touring. that looks fantastic!

[QC_ZHP]

LOVE the E36 M3 alloys on that E46 touring. that looks fantastic!

+1. Great looking wagon.

[tkundhi]

Evan got it. The wagon is Fern Green.

FYI wagon will be for sale by end of the month. It's my wife's DD and she is getting the ZHP.


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[jakksfor20]

FYI wagon will be for sale by end of the month.


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My
wife
would
absolutely
kill me

[brettbimmer]

Evan got it. The wagon is Fern Green.

FYI wagon will be for sale by end of the month. It's my wife's DD and she is getting the ZHP.


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Thank you for letting us know the official color. Is it manual or automatic?

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[tkundhi]

Manual


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[PirateZHP]

What's the mileage on the wagon? (Sorry if I've missed it)

[tkundhi]

The wagon has 146k. I'll post a tread when it's time to sell. FYI the M3 wheels will not go with the wagon. They are typically the winter wheel for my M3 as they have all season Michelin Pilots.


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[gmurphy]

The wagon has 146k. I'll post a tread when it's time to sell. FYI the M3 wheels will not go with the wagon. They are typically the winter wheel for my M3 as they have all season Michelin Pilots.


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Might be interested in the wagon..


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[Hermes]

Congrats Tarun! You have added a beautiful example of a ZHP to your garage.

[Vas]

Curious on how you plan on fixing the seat bolster

[tkundhi]

Vas,

The wear is so minor, I am sure it can be prepped and re-dyed. I'll probably just have a shop do it because the area is so small. I don't think it would be worth my time and expense to do it myself. I hope to start all the projects soon. But I have some work travel coming up and I need to make sure the car is ready for the track. First event is later this month. Woo hoo!

t.

[Hermes]

Curious on how you plan on fixing the seat bolster

Leatherique makes a kit

[tkundhi]

Leatherique makes a kit

Leatherique is good stuff. I've used it before. But at $75 for the smallest kit, I think I can have a shop do mine for less. My wear is just along the seem of the side bolster. About 4 inches long, maybe a 1/4 inch wide.

t.

[goofiefoot]

Tarun! I've been slammed the past few weeks, but thought I'd see if you got around to showing off your new ride. Looks like you've done the car justice. Curious about the hesitation and engine light, and hope it's just a "been sitting" issue. Enjoy the car!

[tkundhi]

Jason, thanks for all your help. You've been a stand up guy with the title situation. Too bad we didn't get a chance to meet. I'll be back in Austin at COTA from March 21-23 with the car. I'll text you our garage number once we get settled in. Swing by if you are free.

I dropped the car of at a buddy's shop yesterday. The original plan was for me to go through the car with him. We'd do a post purchase inspection and specifically look to make sure things were 100% good for the track. We'd pull the codes and diagnosis the SES light then. But my work is interfering. So I've left the car at the shop and they'll give me an update once they have a chance to look at it. I'm not too concerned. The SES light comes and goes. I can now light it up on demand. Too bad I can't make it go out as quickly. ;-)

I should start at project/maintenance thread.

t.