Allow myself to introduce... myself.

[mindspin311]

Got the idea of selling my Mini and getting rid of car payments. Thought about what was out there that was practical and fun, decided on this.

Flew out to Kansas City this past weekend and promptly drove back to Atlanta.



MY2003 (built July 03)
122k miles
Silver Grey exterior / Black leather interior
All major maintenance taken care of, clean body, no dents, recently detailed
18x9 Forgestar F14 square setup
BC Racing coilovers
Depo clear rear tail lights and front turn signals
Front headlights retrofitted with Infiniti projectors, factory xenon headlights

Plan is to possibly sell the coilovers and replace with a Koni FSD/Eibach combo or something similar. Wheels will probably stay for the time being. No other real plans to modify it. Maybe some requisite angel eyes.


http://i.imgur.com/45gKXjw.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ncS20fW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zFEHSkd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WLyH6LP.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/HhIaJXW.jpg

[mindspin311]

Now, I have a few questions...


Is it impossible to turn the rear defroster on without also turning on the HVAC system?

http://i.imgur.com/7n3lQaIl.jpg


What is that little clear dot on the headlight switch? Also, how hard is it to convert to auto-headlights?

http://i.imgur.com/WqZlNdfl.jpg


How hard is it to replace the center console pieces? Mine have some wear and scratches on them.

http://i.imgur.com/bjdnlbPl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lrq1m5Ol.jpg


Is there a replacement piece on there that replaces the ashtray and removes all the extra openings?

http://i.imgur.com/Xsupp8al.jpg


How difficult is it to replace the A and B pillar trim pieces? The cloth is wrinkling and separating some. Is it possible to repair them rather than replace?

http://i.imgur.com/72MNtB9l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/r8NV8wbl.jpg

[ELCID86]

The car looks great! Time to head over to the DIY section. A lot to be found there. WRT to the A-pillar, yours looks pretty good actually. You can buy a replacement if it bugs you too much.

[johnrando]

Welcome. Great looking car. The center console pieces are not hard to replace at all. For example, the cup holders just pop straight out. Some pieces have a few screws, etc, but again, not difficult.

As far as the ashtray, I replaced mine with a spec dock, which is an ipod holder. Not sure what else would go there. An example:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?679501-Bavarian-Sound-Werks-E46-iPod-Integration

[danewilson77]

Is it impossible to turn the rear defroster on without also turning on the HVAC system?

Yes.

What is that little clear dot on the headlight switch? Also, how hard is it to convert to auto-headlights?

I thought it controlled the light in the cabin (map light and such). Definetely not positive though.

Is there a replacement piece on there that replaces the ashtray and removes all the extra openings?

I believe you can get the "smokers delete" package.

Maybe :dunno

I'm not sure which model this is for.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/Smoker/ES82347/

How difficult is it to replace the A and B pillar trim pieces? The cloth is wrinkling and separating some. Is it possible to repair them rather than replace?

It's not difficult at all. They CAN be repaired, but I really recommend replacing as they never come out perfect.

Welcome

[mindspin311]

Is it impossible to turn the rear defroster on without also turning on the HVAC system?

Yes.



Welcome

Alright, how?

[danewilson77]

No. It IS impossible. It is NOT possible.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

[mindspin311]

No. It IS impossible. It is NOT possible.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

D'oh! Totally misread that. WTF BMW?

[danewilson77]

I think it's correct. Defrost temp needs to be maintained (climate controlled) to efficiently defrost in different weather and humidity conditions.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

[imola red zhp]

Welcome Great looking whip

sent by new technology DA

[ELCID86]

No. It IS impossible. It is NOT possible.

The friendliest forum on the planet.
More info on settings here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?11591-How-do-you-like-your-climate-control

[mindspin311]

More info on settings here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?11591-How-do-you-like-your-climate-control

Wow, thats crazy. Will give the "Auto" setup a try today after work. Was wondering what that dial in the center section was for.

[ELCID86]

Wow, thats crazy. Will give the "Auto" setup a try today after work. Was wondering what that dial in the center section was for.

Yeah, I think we all learned something from that thread!

[brettbimmer]

Welcome! Clear dot on the light control module is a light sensor that brightens/darkens the instrument cluster with changing ambient lighting. With lights on, cover the dot with your finger and watch instrument cluster intensity change.

+1 for replacing rather than repairing pillar trim.

Sent from my pineapple under the sea.

[mindspin311]

Welcome! Clear dot on the light control module is a light sensor that brightens/darkens the instrument cluster with changing ambient lighting. With lights on, cover the dot with your finger and watch instrument cluster intensity change.

+1 for replacing rather than repairing pillar trim.

Sent from my pineapple under the sea.

Thanks!


Another question...

My car will automatically lock all doors once I get over 10-15mph, but when I turn the car off, they dont unlock. Why?

[brettbimmer]

Thanks!


Another question...

My car will automatically lock all doors once I get over 10-15mph, but when I turn the car off, they dont unlock. Why?

That is actually related to the coding setup/personal preferences. The auto locking can be disabled altogether if you like, but auto lock doesn't auto unlock on our cars. BP/other coding members am I correct with this thought that there is no auto lock & auto unlock setting available on our ZHPs?

Sent from my pineapple under the sea.

[NoVAphotog]

That is actually related to the coding setup/personal preferences. The auto locking can be disabled altogether if you like, but auto lock doesn't auto unlock on our cars. BP/other coding members am I correct with this thought that there is no auto lock & auto unlock setting available on our ZHPs?


I'm no coder, but based on discussion with BP when he coded mine at the reunion and the other threads on the matter this is correct. To turn off the "double pull" aka auto-lock you just have to disable the autolock based on speed. There isn't another option other than just adjusting the speed setting for the auto lock to other speeds. 91.23% sure on that. :p

[Hornung418]

Thanks!


Another question...

My car will automatically lock all doors once I get over 10-15mph, but when I turn the car off, they dont unlock. Why?

Just hit the unlock button when you park...or do a double pull on the handle to get out :)

Sent from my GS3.

[94jedi]

Welcome and love the color!


Man, I need to get to one of these meets/reunions. Would love to have my car re-coded w/ some cool features.

[mindspin311]

Welcome and love the color!


Man, I need to get to one of these meets/reunions. Would love to have my car re-coded w/ some cool features.

Thanks!

Yes, I need to find someone in the Atlanta area to do some coding. I already miss my triple-blink from my Mini.

[ELCID86]

Thanks!

Yes, I need to find someone in the Atlanta area to do some coding. I already miss my triple-blink from my Mini.
You need LCM with SW v4.0+ for that.

[cakM3]

You need LCM with SW v4.0+ for that.

Shawn is correct on this. Actually to be more specific, you need to get an LCM with s/w 4.0 or s/w 4.5 to enable one touch triple blink. Just remember that when you get the new LCM you have to program in the mileage (in km) so that you won't get the dreaded tamper dot on your instrument cluster. PA Soft can reprogram the LCM as far as mileage but won't enable one touch triple blink.

[mindspin311]

What is the possibility that my LCM is already running 4.0 or 4.5? Or is it from newer cars?

[johnrando]

The newer cars have it. Not sure when it started as standard but it's later than '03. I would guess '05, '06 but not positive.

[mindspin311]

Quick to-do list I just came up with. Things I need to look in to or check.

1. Transmission fluid, plugs
2. Rear diff fluid, plugs
3. Rear diff mounts
4. Transmission mounts (?)
5. Engine mounts (?)
6. Tint
7. Sun visors (wont stay "up" when fully extended towards the windshield)
8. Center console plastics
9. Rear leather dent (something was in the back seat and it caused an impression that hasnt gone away)
10. Oil filter housing gasket
11. Passenger front window regulator
12. Headunit firmware
13. Alignment
14. Auto-dimming mirror
15. Auto-unlock
16. S/W 4.0+ LCM, Triple blink
17. B-pillar trim
18. Black kidney grills
19. Yellow tint foglights
20. Paint exhaust tips
21. E-brake adjustment

[Tnhl1989]

Congrats on the new car. It looks great. I would be interested in the BC coils but probably not till the fall. Also no auto unlock at all as a option.

[mindspin311]

Learned last night that the headlights are bi-xenon and that other set of halogen bulbs is used to flash people to get out of my way. Interesting...

[mbeckel]

Quick to-do list I just came up with. Things I need to look in to or check.

1.Transmission fluid, plugs
2.Rear diff fluid, plugs
3.Rear diff mounts
4.Transmission mounts (?)
5.Engine mounts (?)
6.Tint
7.Sun visors (wont stay "up" when fully extended towards the windshield)
8.Center console plastics
9.Rear leather dent (something was in the back seat and it caused an impression that hasnt gone away)
10.Oil filter housing gasket
11.Passenger front window regulator
12.Headunit firmware
13.Alignment
14.Auto-dimming mirror
15.Auto-unlock
16.S/W 4.0+ LCM, Triple blink
17.B-pillar trim
18.Black kidney grills
19.Yellow tint foglights
20.Paint exhaust tips
21.E-brake adjustment

That's a good list. I have a few on that list I'm still working on. What color on your exhaust tip?

Sent from in the bushes

[mindspin311]

Ill probably just go black. Really dont want the chrome/polished look.

[mbeckel]

Ill probably just go black. Really dont want the chrome/polished look.

I don't blame you. I think I'll paint mine now, just to experiment

Sent from in the bushes

[fredo]

Welcome, sir. Good looking car.

[scooby24]

Those A pillars were actually repaired...or I attempted to. I reglued the felt, stretched it and let it dry before reinstalling. Was great for a couple months, then started to loosen again. Not sure what I did wrong, but I'd honestly just buy replacements...don't think it's going to be a permanent fix at this point.

[scooby24]

Notes below


Quick to-do list I just came up with. Things I need to look in to or check.

1. Transmission fluid, plugs Transmission fluid is original, probably due.
2. Rear diff fluid, plugs Same as above
3. Rear diff mounts These are original, though I never noticed any reason to replace them.
4. Transmission mounts (?) Original, but again no reason to replace, IMO
5. Engine mounts (?) I replaced these with the M3 versions when I had the oil pan gasket redone.
6. Tint
7. Sun visors (wont stay "up" when fully extended towards the windshield) One of my biggest complaints too.
8. Center console plastics
9. Rear leather dent (something was in the back seat and it caused an impression that hasnt gone away) Sorry...car seat. Throw some leatherique at it, soak it in the hot sun for a day, should soften up.
10. Oil filter housing gasket Relatively easy DIY. Don't pay a shop 600+ dollars to do it.
11. Passenger front window regulator Again, do it as a DIY. Save some money.
12. Headunit firmware Eonon releases updates, though I flashed the most recent version earlier this year.
13. Alignment Just done, spot on.
14. Auto-dimming mirror
15. Auto-unlock
16. S/W 4.0+ LCM, Triple blink
17. B-pillar trim
18. Black kidney grills
19. Yellow tint foglights
20. Paint exhaust tips
21. E-brake adjustment I adjusted the rear shoes, they are new, just tighten the nuts at the handle more.

[mindspin311]

Notes below

Thanks for the info Greg!

[mindspin311]

Welp, honeymoon period is over. Car currently doesnt want to start. Possibly a starter? Got all my dash lights and headlights are strong, per OBC, battery voltage is 12.2-12.3v. No click or anything from the starter.

Going to check voltage going to the starter today or tomorrow and see where that leads me.

[Vas]

Nice looking car. Love the way it sits.

[NoVAphotog]

Welp, honeymoon period is over. Car currently doesnt want to start. Possibly a starter? Got all my dash lights and headlights are strong, per OBC, battery voltage is 12.2-12.3v. No click or anything from the starter.

Going to check voltage going to the starter today or tomorrow and see where that leads me.

What did you find out?

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

[mindspin311]

Wasn't able to do anything yesterday due to weather. Hopefully things will be clear after work tonight.

Sent from my Nexus 5

[mindspin311]

So, I dont think it's the starter after all...

Thursday I tried to start it with no luck.

Friday, rain, no progress.

This morning I went to Harbor Freight and picked up a cheap multimeter. Grabbed everything I needed to yank the airbox to get to the starter and went out to the car. For S&G's I tried to start the car and it fired right up. Ok.... so I take it for a drive, everything is fine. Get back home, shut it down, start it up again. Hmm.... so I let it sit for a few hours... go out to start it again with my "main" key and no luck again. So I grab my 2nd key, fires right up again.

So, with that, Im thinking it has to be EWS related. Both keys have starting issues. So something in and around the steering column.

[Overlord475]

Curse you!!! I wanted this car so bad.

Guy still had it up on CL when I started looking, but you had beat me to it by just a few days.

[mindspin311]

So, my issues with starting were related to the clutch switch. Dropped the car off at a local mechanic Wednesday night. Said that FCABs and RTABs will need to be replaced soon. So add that to the list.

[Mike V]

Curse you!!! I wanted this car so bad.

Guy still had it up on CL when I started looking, but you had beat me to it by just a few days.

If you want another Imola, I know the one for sale that's on CL in OKC. It's a nice car that's being sold by a good friend of mine in North Dakota. He decided that he wanted an M Coupe.

Edit: Nevermind, it appears that you already bought that car. I just stumbled across your thread. Ha! Small world.

[mindspin311]

In a fortunate/unfortunate turn of events, I may have to sell the car.

Good news, got a new job, very happy, exactly what I wanted. Bad news, 100mi round trip commute, dont want to use the ZHP just to commute, it deserves better.

So, I think I am going to button up my immediate to do list and possibly put it back up for sale :crying

[danewilson77]

It's a perfect dd for that. I put 30k miles on my zhp for 3 years. Performed like a champ with great fuel economy...imho.

No flame suit required!

[Vas]

I would keep it. It's a great daily driver.

[NoVAphotog]

I would keep it. It's a great daily driver.

+1

These cars were built to be driven.

[ELCID86]

Keep it, drive it, enjoy it.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[mindspin311]

Im not questioning the ability for it to eat up miles. Its more of a money thing. Thats a lot of miles at $3.60 a gallon. I can give a cheap Civic and save over $1000/yr. Plus insurance and maintenance are less as well.

[NoVAphotog]

Im not questioning the ability for it to eat up miles. Its more of a money thing. Thats a lot of miles at $3.60 a gallon. I can give a cheap Civic and save over $1000/yr. Plus insurance and maintenance are less as well.

That cheap civic can get expensive like any car, and then instead of replacing parts that will last a long time on a ZHP you are fixing things on....a cheap Civic.

[Avetiso]

+1 keep it.

[danewilson77]

Looks like you're keeping it buddy :)

[mindspin311]

The numbers say I should sell it and buy a cheap Civic and an S50 swapped E30.

[cakM3]

The numbers say I should sell it and buy a cheap Civic and an S50 swapped E30.

Did you sell your ZHP or are you still thinking of selling it? As others here have said, I would also recommend you keep your ZHP and enjoy the car for what it is. I agree this car "is the perfect daily driver" and if you get yourself a civic, you will kick yourself in the butt. There's absolutely no comparison between daily driving a civic and your ZHP.

You can play the numbers game but in the end you won't be happy driving the civic. I am thankful each and every day that I have my ZHP as my daily driver and wouldn't have it any other way....just wanted to put in my two cents worth into this discussion...

[mindspin311]

Still considering selling it. I still have my Mini from when I bought the ZHP, so I am concentrating on getting that sold first.

[jakksfor20]

I think once you get all the things done to it that you have on your list, you'll think twice of selling it. ;)

Justin, I'm watching you............always watching. ;)

[cakM3]

Keep the ZHP........

[slater]

as others have said, it makes an awesome DD. consider a few things:

1. life is short.
2. a ZHP is more fun to drive than a civic. see #1.
3. how much of your day are you spending driving? see #2, then #1.
4. $1000/year savings for a civic is not going to offset the cost of said civic for several years - and that's not counting additional insurance, maintenance, etc. see #2, then #1.
5. the ZHP is a great car, and at this point, is not valuable enough to be made a garage queen. see #4, then #3, #2, #1.

i've BTDT, man. our ZHP is our primary family hauler and DD, and gets coffee spills (my wife), food crumbs (kids), dirt, you name it. i clean it (sometimes), maintain it 100%, and enjoy every mile. the fuel economy is better than the last 5/6 cars i've had.

peter

[cakM3]

as others have said, it makes an awesome DD. consider a few things:

1. life is short.
2. a ZHP is more fun to drive than a civic. see #1.
3. how much of your day are you spending driving? see #2, then #1.
4. $1000/year savings for a civic is not going to offset the cost of said civic for several years - and that's not counting additional insurance, maintenance, etc. see #2, then #1.
5. the ZHP is a great car, and at this point, is not valuable enough to be made a garage queen. see #4, then #3, #2, #1.


peter

^^
This....

[illirep]

I've probably beat this argument to death more than anyone else on here. I have gone the "more economic", "wiser", "more mature", "more practical", "safer", "newer", etc etc etc. route many times. Each time I have been back into a Bimmer, most often another ZHP, within a very short period of time. It cost me more in the long run than if I had just stuck with one long term, repaired it, paid for premium fuel, etc.

Said another way, just keep it ;)!

[mindspin311]

It's not like Im just selling the ZHP and replacing with a Civic. I also plan on getting a fun car.. most likely a swapped E30 of some sort that I can drive on the weekends and do track days with.

But, I appreciate your concern.

[slater]

^^
This....

great minds think alike, charlie... ;)



I've probably beat this argument to death more than anyone else on here. I have gone the "more economic", "wiser", "more mature", "more practical", "safer", "newer", etc etc etc. route many times. Each time I have been back into a Bimmer, most often another ZHP, within a very short period of time. It cost me more in the long run than if I had just stuck with one long term, repaired it, paid for premium fuel, etc.

Said another way, just keep it ;)!

LOL, so true! i have wasted so much money doing the same thing. as they say, hindsight is... crappy. :)



It's not like Im just selling the ZHP and replacing with a Civic. I also plan on getting a fun car.. most likely a swapped E30 of some sort that I can drive on the weekends and do track days with.

But, I appreciate your concern.

ultimately it's your choice, obviously. different strokes for different folks. however, we have a "we told ya so" waiting in the wings... :) haha.

peter

[cakM3]

great minds think alike, charlie... ;)

peter

Yes they do Peter :)

[mindspin311]

So.. heyyy everyone :hi



ultimately it's your choice, obviously. different strokes for different folks. however, we have a "we told ya so" waiting in the wings... :) haha.

peter

Yep, you were right. :cheers



So, last fall I took a job with a very long commute (58mi one way) and I decided to part ways with my ZHP. Fast forward to the middle of July and a friend contacts me about an opening with his company, that is 5mi from my house. Got bored one day. Reminisced about my ZHP. Checked E46F and here on ZHPmafia. Found this car up in VA Beach.

http://i.imgur.com/MaO63wK.jpg

I had a friend look over the car this past weekend and all checked out with him. A PPI was performed this morning and it passed with flying colors. Ill be flying up to Raleigh on the 29th to meet the seller and pick up my new ZHP.

2004 Imola Red w/Black Leather and Black Cube trim, 145k, stock minus some Koni FSDs and the splitters on the front bumper.

[danewilson77]

Verrrry nice.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[NoVAphotog]

Verrrry nice.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

+1

Welcome back, sir! Saw that car on E46F, great pickup!! :thumbsup Welcome to the Imola elite.

[Vas]

Welcome back.

[mindspin311]

+1

Welcome back, sir! Saw that car on E46F, great pickup!! :thumbsup Welcome to the Imola elite.

I was real skeptical with the price, but everything checked out. Couldn't say no.

[slater]

nice! welcome back!

[BMWCurves]

Very nice! Does this mean you took your buddy's offer?

[mindspin311]

Very nice! Does this mean you took your buddy's offer?
The job? Oh yea! Was a no brainer.

[BMWCurves]

Very cool. Well I guess congrats on the car AND the new job are in order!

[johnrando]

+1

sent from mobile device

[UdubBadger]

I coulda swore I made this thread back in 2011...


GoingHAM mobile

[jakksfor20]

SMH. Kids these days.........

See you Friday, Justin.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mindspin311]

SMH. Kids these days.........

See you Friday, Justin.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Late night? Need you rested for this weekend, buddy.

[mindspin311]

It other news.. I just bought a flight for the 29th to fly up to Raleigh to meet the seller. Cheaper than a one way rental car.

[330i Lover]

Very cool. Well I guess congrats on the car AND the new job are in order!

+1

[mindspin311]

Flying to Raleigh today to pick up the car 🙌🙌🙌

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

[330i Lover]

Yay!! It's been a long 2 week wait I bet. Let us know how it goes.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[mindspin311]

Oh yea, just landed. Waiting to be picked up.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

[ikeupinya]

Wow now thats a clean SG sedan!!!

[mindspin311]

All mine

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/29/7ba60620359812e7bbc9edb975df6879.jpg

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

[330i Lover]

Congrats! I like the projectors and kidneys.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[mindspin311]

Home!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/29/1a692a3d24866231846049d5a4a44b3a.jpg

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk