Project SpecZHP

[tkundhi]

I'm going to attempt to document the enjoyment and maintenance of our 2004 Imola Red ZHP sedan. The car is my wife's daily driver and for at least 2014 will be my track car. That means 3-4 multi day events from March - September. The title of this thread is a kind of a running joke with the group of guys that I do track events. But I think it explains what my objectives with the car. Historically, we've all driven different cars including S/C 318ti, 332ti, E46 ZHP, E46 M3s, E36 M3s, E34 M5. E30 M3 w/ 2.5 motor. Most of these cars were pretty modified. For example a 318ti with an S52 swapped in or a super charged 318ti with a fully adjustable suspension are far from stock.

Two of us now own ZHPs. Two others are searching for ZHPs. So we are looking forward to driving the same car on track together. It should be fun on track and talking smack over beers. No excuses about your car has more hp or your car is lighter, etc… At this point there is a gentleman's agreement the cars will be stock or close to it. Any street tire is OK. No R compound tires. Any brake pad is fine. But no BBK. No software tunes, no intakes, no aftermarket exhausts. We'll see how long this lasts. But that's where we are right now.

Enjoy the ride.

Car Details
2004 Imola Red, Natural Brown Leather, ZHP, Cold Weather Package, Glass Moonroof, Xenon Lights, Harmon Kardon Audio
Officially we are the 3rd owners. The actual third owner never titled the car. It sat in his garage for 4 months and he put less than 100 miles on it during that time.

Here is a link to buying and bringing the car back to Nebraska. (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?12062-Bringing-her-home)

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

Maintenance/Upgrade History:
Date Mileage Description
05/21/04 0,000 Build date
06/30/04 0,010 European Delivery date
10/11/04 0,000 US delivery date
10/12/04 0,000 iPod install
07/01/05 9,787 Fog light warranty repair
07/01/05 9,787 Oil service
07/01/05 9,787 Wiper blades
03/10/06 14,129 15k mile service
03/10/06 14,129 Wiper blades
03/17/07 21,937 Oil service
03/17/07 21,937 Brake fluid flush
03/17/07 21,937 Wiper blades
02/27/08 28,135 Inspection I
02/27/08 28,135 Wiper blades
02/27/08 28,135 Adjust E-brake
03/14/08 28,270 Mirrors operating erratic
07/29/09 35,237 Oil service
07/05/10 40,964 Oil service
07/05/10 40,964 Replace alt & acc belts
05/17/11 48,015 Sold to 2nd owner
05/18/11 0,000 Windshield chip repair
05/23/11 0,000 Aux input cable
05/30/11 50,072 Inspection I
05/30/11 50,072 K&N air filter
12/09/11 57,562 BMW OE Style 197 wheels
12/09/11 57,562 Kumho tires
02/23/12 58,700 Rear light recall fix
03/31/12 59,564 Oil change
03/31/12 59,564 Spark plugs - NGK BKR6EQUP
03/31/12 59,564 Power steering flush
03/31/12 59,564 Manual transmission fluid - Redline MTL
03/31/12 59,564 Rear differential fluid - Redline 75W90
04/09/12 59,830 Cooling system overhaul
04/09/12 59,830 Geba water pump
04/09/12 59,830 ECS water pump pulley
04/09/12 59,830 Fan switch
04/09/12 59,830 Thermostat & housing
04/09/12 59,830 Sealing gaskets
04/09/12 59,830 Expansion tank & cap
04/09/12 59,830 Coolant
04/09/12 59,830 Upper & lower radiator hoses
04/09/12 59,830 Alt & acc belts
04/09/12 59,830 Radiator drain plug
04/09/12 59,830 Coolant level sensor
04/09/12 59,830 Coolant level sensor clip
04/09/12 59,830 A/C tensioner pulley
04/09/12 59,830 Idler pulley
10/01/13 68,276 Sold to 3rd owner
02/07/14 68,356 Sold to us
03/06/14 69,815 MAF
03/06/14 69,815 BMW air filter
03/06/14 69,815 Valve cover gasket
03/06/14 69,815 Oil level sender
03/06/14 69,815 FCAB
03/06/14 69,815 Oil service w/ BG additive
03/06/14 69,815 Fuel injection system service w/ BG products
03/11/14 69,925 Hawk HT-10 brake pads
03/11/14 69,925 New rotors. F&R
03/11/14 69,925 245/35 18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports
03/14/14 70,014 AG M359 (CSL wheels) 18x8.5 et35

To Do:
Brake fluid flush with ATE200 or Super Blue
Additional camber, knocking out alignment pin in strut tower
Bavsound Simplicity CIII
Re-dye drivers seat edge
Window Tint
BMW carpeted floor mats
BMW trunk mat

[3ZHP]

Sounds like a blast, be sure to check your struts, I was black flagged at my first school with a little over your current mileage.


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[Lanister]

That's a lot of wiper blades in the early life of this car. Hmm.

So even though you have non-zhp rims, they are staggered?

[ELCID86]

That's a lot of wiper blades in the early life of this car. Hmm.


I think since they were "free" many ppl had them changed on a regular basis. I noticed mine had quite a few early on too.

[JupiterBMW]

I think since they were "free" many ppl had them changed on a regular basis. I noticed mine had quite a few early on too.

Agreed, my car has the same story.


iPhone 5S. Tapatalk Pro. BOOM

[Vas]

Subscribed to see results. Good luck

[tkundhi]

Sounds like a blast, be sure to check your struts, I was black flagged at my first school with a little over your current mileage.

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Thanks for the input. What was the car doing that they black flagged you?

Except for a brake fluid flush the car would pass a tech inspection now. While I enjoying working on my car, current travel commitment have me short on time. I had a friend (BMW Master tech) go through the car; let's call it a post purchase inspection. He tracks his cars too. The two other items on the radar are the CCV and the battery. Both are original. The battery tested fine but he said that is the oldest he's seen in a long time. He recommended I do both the CCV and the battery before next winter. I'll upgrade the CCV to the cold weather version. I'm not sure about the battery. Previously I've spent the money on Interstates but the price delta over other options has grown. The consolidation in the battery space many batteries are coming from the same factory and are just branded differently. These batteries have the same specs and very similar warranties. So I need to do a little research. I replaced the battery in my E46 touring for $77 after the core refund. Less than half the cost of the Interstate I installed in that car back in 2004.

[tkundhi]

So even though you have non-zhp rims, they are staggered?

Yup, style 197: 18x8 et34 & 18x5 et37

t.

[derbo]

I would love to have a specZHP race! Too bad I'm no longer qualified for such a class. LOL

[gmurphy]

I highly recommend the CCV update :)
Fantastic history on the car. Did you notice a difference after the injection and oil service? My car felt peppier but that could of been the DISA since it was replaced.


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[tkundhi]

Garry,

My car did feel different mainly because we replaced the MAF and cleared the adaptations. Also my car has 1/2 the mileage as yours.The BG products clean out carbon and other deposits. The effects are more noticeable on higher mileage cars that previously haven't had the service done. It made a noticeable difference on my M3.

BTW, just got home yesterday and haven't had a chance to look for the O2 sensor tool. You do know the car has four O2 sensors, right? Do you have system faults? If not why replace? Also, I'll check a couple DIYs because another buddy made a comment to me that a standard O2 sensor tool won't fit on the M54 due to lack of space.

t.

t.

[gmurphy]

Garry,

My car did feel different mainly because we replaced the MAF and cleared the adaptations. Also my car has 1/2 the mileage as yours.The BG products clean out carbon and other deposits. The effects are more noticeable on higher mileage cars that previously haven't had the service done. It made a noticeable difference on my M3.

BTW, just got home yesterday and haven't had a chance to look for the O2 sensor tool. You do know the car has four O2 sensors, right? Do you have system faults? If not why replace? Also, I'll check a couple DIYs because another buddy made a comment to me that a standard O2 sensor tool won't fit on the M54 due to lack of space.

t.

t.

Replacing because it is recommended at 120k. I'll Look at how much the tool cost. Are you selling the wagon still?


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[tkundhi]

Garry, an O2 tool is cheap compared to the price of the O2 sensors themselves. You will spend $400 or more in parts alone. I wouldn't do it until the system tells your the O2 sensors are failing. Then I'd do them in pairs or all at once. Personally I'd stick with a Bosch O2 sensor also, OE supplier and cheaper than the BMW labeled part.

Yes, wagon will be for sale at some point. I'll post it here and happily pay the listing. I'd prefer to see it go to an enthusiast.

t.

[gmurphy]

Garry, an O2 tool is cheap compared to the price of the O2 sensors themselves. You will spend $400 or more in parts alone. I wouldn't do it until the system tells your the O2 sensors are failing. Then I'd do them in pairs or all at once. Personally I'd stick with a Bosch O2 sensor also, OE supplier and cheaper than the BMW labeled part.

Yes, wagon will be for sale at some point. I'll post it here and happily pay the listing. I'd prefer to see it go to an enthusiast.

t.

How many miles on the wagon?


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[tkundhi]

Prepping the car for the first track event.

HT-10 brake pads
New rotors. F&R
245/35 18 - Michelin Pilot Super Sports




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[derbo]

Those brake pads :drool
I heard they eat rotors and ruin clear coats. Is there truth to this?

What fluid will you be using?

[tkundhi]

Those brake pads :drool
I heard they eat rotors and ruin clear coats. Is there truth to this?

What fluid will you be using?

I've had no issues with rotor wear or cosmetics. You don't want to leave the brake dust on for a long time. I just wash the car after each track weekend. If it's raining at the event wash the dust off sooner.

I use a set of pads for 2 years. That is 12-16 track days per year. Instructor group generally 2 people in the car all the times. Rotors seem to last even longer. 3 years at a minimum. I use the same rotors on the street without issue. Just need to do a few hard stops to remove the pad transfer.

The plan is to run the HT-10 on the 10 year old rotors as they have plenty of thickness left. I'm taking the new rotors with me as spares. I buy BMW, Zimmerman or ATE rotors. Not cross drilled. I'll let you know how the original stand up.

I switch back and forth between ATE Super Blue and ATE 200. The color difference makes flushing fluid easier.

I flush twice a year. Before first event and them about half way through the season.

FYI, the tracks are Heartland Park, MAM, Hastings Motorsport Park, Hallett and COTA. I may get to High Plains Raceway this year too. Rocky Mountain is doing a school the week before Ofest. It will depend on my work schedule.

t.


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[3ZHP]

Thanks for the input. What was the car doing that they black flagged you?

Except for a brake fluid flush the car would pass a tech inspection now. While I enjoying working on my car, current travel commitment have me short on time. I had a friend (BMW Master tech) go through the car; let's call it a post purchase inspection. He tracks his cars too. The two other items on the radar are the CCV and the battery. Both are original. The battery tested fine but he said that is the oldest he's seen in a long time. He recommended I do both the CCV and the battery before next winter. I'll upgrade the CCV to the cold weather version. I'm not sure about the battery. Previously I've spent the money on Interstates but the price delta over other options has grown. The consolidation in the battery space many batteries are coming from the same factory and are just branded differently. These batteries have the same specs and very similar warranties. So I need to do a little research. I replaced the battery in my E46 touring for $77 after the core refund. Less than half the cost of the Interstate I installed in that car back in 2004.

I was getting a vibration in the steering wheel when pushing it hard in the corners. What was happening was the tire was bouncing rapidly when there was no pressure on it. I had a great instructor that knew exactly were to look. He just took his thumb and rubbed my strut to find oil, a sure sign of a bad strut, Replaced them with Koni Sports and its been better than ever, ever since.

[johnrando]

Prepping the car for the first track event.

HT-10 brake pads
New rotors. F&R
245/35 18 - Michelin Pilot Super Sports




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Awesome. GL, and let us know how it goes.

[tkundhi]

I was getting a vibration in the steering wheel when pushing it hard in the corners. What was happening was the tire was bouncing rapidly when there was no pressure on it. I had a great instructor that knew exactly were to look. He just took his thumb and rubbed my strut to find oil, a sure sign of a bad strut, Replaced them with Koni Sports and its been better than ever, ever since.

Was the issue not evident during your pre-event tech question? Meaning no oil leakage until you pushed the car hard?

t.

[tkundhi]

Awesome. GL, and let us know how it goes.

I'm still trying to source wheels for the Michelins. Every vendor I've checked is sold out. Avant Garde was expecting deliver yesterday but it has been delayed. I'm hoping their container arrives by tomorrow, otherwise it is unlikely I can get the wheels in time.

t.

[tkundhi]

The wheelstudio.com came through. Their shipment arrived today and they shipped out my Avant Garde M359 18x8.5 et 35 wheel. Wheels should arrive on Wed. Just in time to mount and balance before 5AM departure on Thur. I'm just wondering if I should roll my fenders this weekend or see how everything fits first. Opinions?


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[Hermes]

You should be fine. I'm running 265s on my ET47 8.5 rears that only rubbed on the most aggressive cornering (and barely even at that)

[tkundhi]

Thanks JP!

t.

[M0nk3y]

Those brake pads :drool
I heard they eat rotors and ruin clear coats. Is there truth to this?

What fluid will you be using?

You only get into trouble if you leave the dust on the car for awhile and it rains. I don't think that pad does damage though to CC.

I highly suggest just looking into PFC pads. A bit more expensive...but so awesome.

BTW, OP - Why PSS tires?

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[derbo]

You only get into trouble if you leave the dust on the car for awhile and it rains. I don't think that pad does damage though to CC.

I highly suggest just looking into PFC pads. A bit more expensive...but so awesome.

BTW, OP - Why PSS tires?

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I'm aiming to buy PFC06 all around when I get my new brake setup :D

[Hermes]

Why PSS tires?

...because Sport Cup's on dedicated wheels are too expensive ;)

http://www.saw-tuning.de/bilder/produkte/gross/Michelin-Pilot-Sport-Cup.png

[derbo]

It's a reason why they are on GT3s and CSL ;)

[tkundhi]

BTW, OP - Why PSS tires?

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PSS because the tires will also be used on the street. So in addition to dry grip, wet performance, ride quality and sound are important. The car is my wife's DD. Compared to the other tires available in the desired size the PSS were my choice.


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[tkundhi]

Y

I highly suggest just looking into PFC pads. A bit more expensive...but so awesome.



Which PFC? 01 or 06? How do they handle cold stops? Sometimes I drive home for the track on the track pads.

If used PFC on my E30 M3 and didn't care for them. On that car I prefer Pagid Orange.

I'll have to research the PFC again before my next set.


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[tkundhi]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/19/emydamug.jpg

Stop faster.

How much hp from the BW stickers? Hmmmmm.


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[tkundhi]

CSL wheels and Michelin Pilot SS mounted. Still need to add the center caps.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/20/raqu2una.jpg


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[PirateZHP]

Looks great!

[Hermes]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/19/emydamug.jpg

Stop faster.

How much hp from the BW stickers? Hmmmmm.


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I tried already, it doesn't help that much ;)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/7A3B4449-572F-4482-B4AA-06BB5B193380.jpg

[johnrando]

Looks great!

+1!

[gmurphy]

CSL wheels and Michelin Pilot SS mounted. Still need to add the center caps. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/20/raqu2una.jpg


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That looks fantastic! Are you at BMW LIN for alignment?


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[tkundhi]

That looks fantastic! Are you at BMW LIN for alignment?

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No, I had them mount the tires as the are one of the few local places that have a road force balancing machine. I'm off to bed. Caravan for COTA leaves at 5AM.

t.

[tkundhi]

Thanks guys. I'll take some proper pictures later. The BMW center caps look much better. Still waiting on the ///M stickers. The dealer didn't have enough in stock.

t.

[derbo]

There is an updated BMW center cap that is better than the stock zhp. It's on all the newer cars E90+ It looks much better without the recessed lip.


36136783536

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/MPar%20Hub%20Cover%2068mm%20old%20vs%20new%20style %202.jpg

[Hermes]

I like that, I'm gonna have to order some

I still wish BMW would make RR style center caps for us :(

[derbo]

How much would those RR center caps weight :P

[Hermes]

True, but they are dope as hell when you see them on the freeway not moving ;)

[tkundhi]

I've been MIA for the past 6 months. Too much happening. Work, family, travel...

As far as this car goes. It has been trouble free. I've done 6 track days with it. I'm still learning the car. The lack of an LSD requires I adjust my driving style. I do need a new windshield and fog lamps due to road debris. I'll also be buying another set of tire next spring. I blistered the outside edge of the Michelins. Sucks as I was really trying to baby them at a very abrasive track. Oh well. Not sure I stick with the Michelins because this car is being retired from track duty. Or at least it will no longer be my primary track car. Why, you ask? Because I picked up another IR ZHP sedan. It is almost identical to this car. Only difference is the second car has black interior and no cold weather package. Other wise the cars are very similar. Even the mileage. 77k for this car and 72k for the second one.

I'll start a separate thread but the second car will see its first track event next month.

I bought the second car sight unseen. It arrived in Lincoln last weekend. Overall I am very pleased with it. But I still haven't driven it yet. I'm having some minor maintenance things addressed. Plus I need to sell a car. Boss's rules. E36 M3 sedan will be for sale in the coming weeks.

t.

[ELCID86]

Always good to have a backup! Welcome back.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[derbo]

I've been MIA for the past 6 months. Too much happening. Work, family, travel...

As far as this car goes. It has been trouble free. I've done 6 track days with it. I'm still learning the car. The lack of an LSD requires I adjust my driving style. I do need a new windshield and fog lamps due to road debris. I'll also be buying another set of tire next spring. I blistered the outside edge of the Michelins. Sucks as I was really trying to baby them at a very abrasive track. Oh well. Not sure I stick with the Michelins because this car is being retired from track duty. Or at least it will no longer be my primary track car. Why, you ask? Because I picked up another IR ZHP sedan. It is almost identical to this car. Only difference is the second car has black interior and no cold weather package. Other wise the cars are very similar. Even the mileage. 77k for this car and 72k for the second one.

I'll start a separate thread but the second car will see its first track event next month.

I bought the second car sight unseen. It arrived in Lincoln last weekend. Overall I am very pleased with it. But I still haven't driven it yet. I'm having some minor maintenance things addressed. Plus I need to sell a car. Boss's rules. E36 M3 sedan will be for sale in the coming weeks.

t.

Glad for the update. What exactly did you have to change in your driving style?

[tkundhi]

Glad for the update. What exactly did you have to change in your driving style?

I have to be smoother. Much smoother. More trail braking.

In my M3 it was basically brake (or trail brake), toss the car into corner, apply throttle. Adjust throttle as necessary to rotate car. Depending on the corner, I could completely stay in the throttle and adjust the steering angle. Driving the ZHP like the M3 results in spinning the inside wheel. Looks cool but it is slow.

[derbo]

I have to be smoother. Much smoother. More trail braking.

In my M3 it was basically brake (or trail brake), toss the car into corner, apply throttle. Adjust throttle as necessary to rotate car. Depending on the corner, I could completely stay in the throttle and adjust the steering angle. Driving the ZHP like the M3 results in spinning the inside wheel. Looks cool but it is slow.

Maybe it's time to add a 3.46 LSD :)

[az3579]

I have to be smoother. Much smoother. More trail braking.

In my M3 it was basically brake (or trail brake), toss the car into corner, apply throttle. Adjust throttle as necessary to rotate car. Depending on the corner, I could completely stay in the throttle and adjust the steering angle. Driving the ZHP like the M3 results in spinning the inside wheel. Looks cool but it is slow.

Our ZHPs love trail braking. I can't get just the right amount of angle/rotation without trail braking. Doing anything else just results in understeer, unfortunately.