The Story of SKETCHI - 05 ZHP Sedan

[Vas]

So here is The Story of SKETCHI.

My wife was in need of a replacement vehicle so we started doing some car shopping for her. She wanted something fun to drive and that was a manual. After numerous cars ranging from an Infiniti G35 coupe to a Miata and others, I suggested that we look into acquiring another E46 chassis BMW. She liked the idea and mentioned that she would like a convertible or a coupe. Looking around it was difficult to find a BMW that fit the criteria for the price/miles/location. So I suggested that we look into a sedan for the practicality of it and that the body lines of the sedan just looked too good not to consider one.

Browsing the forum here, I found a listing for a 2005 330i ZHP Sedan. Found here
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?12217-FS-2005-330i-ZHP-Sedan-...-BLK-BLK-6MT-...-116K&highlight=2005+zhp+raleigh

Here is an image from the dealership

http://cimg.carsforsale.com/265558/80B7549E-638E-4ACC-8148-724A7F10FC4E_1.jpg

After talking to several people including a couple of members that inspected the car, I was able to negotiate a price based on the inspection with the dealership.

So the basics are

Year: 2005
Make: BMW
Model: 330i
Transmission type: Manual
Exterior: Black Sapphire Metallic
Interior: Black Leather Interior
VIN: WBAEV53485KM08824

Stuff that I liked about the car was that it came with

Factory HID ZKW Headlights
Heated seats but non-fold rear seats
Clean Title with no accidents to report. Car was in Texas then NC so no rust on the underbody.

Car was located about 5 hours away so the wife said she was comfortable driving it back home. So we took a spontaneous road-trip to pick up the vehicle. The drive there was nice and consisted of taking smaller roads instead of the interstate. Took a bit longer but we arrived there. After doing the paperwork, we were handed with the keys to our second zhp. :applause2

Purchase date 3/2/14.
Mileage 116k

I was not able to meet some local members due to the time but we had some dinner and planned our way home.

Gas Station shot with both cars. After fueling up, the drive back was great. We arrived back home around midnight with no issues at all.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/02/ejejeda5.jpg

The next day I inspected the car and was satisfied with the purchase. The car did need some work but it was nothing major. The body was straight, motor and trans was smooth, and the car drove like a dream.

[Vas]

So fast-forward, here is where I am with the car.

When I bought the car, the following items were done right at 116k by the Previous Owner

Valve cover Gasket
Oil Filter Housing Gasket
New belts and pulleys
Coby Wheel Black Alcantara Tri-Stitch Steering Wheel
The car also had the Cooling system replaced at some point including an ECS Aluminium Water Pump Pulley and also had an AFE Stage 1 Intake installed.

Maintenance/Repairs includes the following items since my purchase.

AKG Poly Front Control Arm Bushings - Mileage 118,309
OE BMW ZHP Shift-Knob - Mileage 118,309
Oil Change BMW 5W-30/BMW Filter - Mileage 120,118
OE BMW Fuel Filter - Mileage 120,118
Mann Cabin Air Filter - Mileage 120,118
Transmission Fluid - Drain/Refill with Redline - Mileage 120,118
Differential Fluid - Drain/Refill with Redline - Mileage 120,118
Power Steering Fluid - Drain/Refill with Redline - Mileage 120,118
Brake/Clutch Fluid Flush with ATE 200 - Mileage 120,118
UUC SS Clutch Line/CDV Delete - Mileage 120,118
NGK BKR6EQUP Spark Plugs - Mileage 120,118
AFE Intake Dry Air Filter - Mileage 120,923
Full Set of Tires - Conti Extreme Contact DW - Mounted/Balanced - Mileage 122,858
OE BMW Passenger Front Right Window Regulator - Mileage 124,662
Khoalty Headlight lenses coated with Opti-Coat headlight Coating - Mileage 124,670
OE BMW M3 Engine Mounts - Mileage 125,190
OE BMW M3 Trans Mounts - Mileage 125,190
AKG Poly 75d Steering Coupling - Mileage 125,190
OE BMW center console with cup holder/coin tray - Mileage 125,000
4 Wheel Alignment - Mileage 125,875
OE BMW Headlight Lens Gaskets - Mileage 127,005
Clean Throttle Body and IACV - Mileage 127,175
Throttle Body Gasket and IACV Grommet - Mileage 127,175
STETT Performance Upper and Lower Intake Boots - Mileage 127,175
OE BMW Oil Filter Housing Gasket - Mileage 127,175
OE BMW Vanos Oil Line - Mileage 127,175
Oil Change BMW 5W-30/BMW Filter - Mileage 127,175
OE BMW Performance SSK - Mileage 128,209
G.A.S DISA Rebuild Kit - Mileage 128,209
OE BMW M Dead Pedal - Mileage 128,505
OE BMW A-pillars with inserts - Mileage 129,038
Takata Passenger side airbag recall - Mileage 129,830 - 6/17/15
OE BMW Wheel Center Caps - Mileage 131,146
OE BMW Performance Exhaust - Mileage 131,280
OE BMW Gas Cap -Mileage 131,621
OE BMW rear diff bushings - Mileage 131,942
OE BMW Driver Front Window Regulator - Mileage 132,195
OE BMW Wiper Blade Set - Mileage 132,257
OE BMW ZHP M Front Control Arm Set - Mileage 133,103
Tire Rotation - Mileage 133,103
Removed Stett Performance Silicone Intake Boots - Mileage 133,728
Installed OE BMW Upper/Lower Intake Boots - Mileage 133,728
Removed AFE Intake - Mileage 134,026
Installed OE BMW Intake - Mileage 134,026
Mann Intake Air Filter - Mileage 134,026
Mann Cabin Air Filter - Mileage 134,026
Oil Change Mobile 1 0W-40/BMW Filter - Mileage 134,263
OE BMW Front Wheel Hubs/Bearings - Mileage 136,641
OE BMW Level 2 Cooling System with BMW 50/50 Coolant - Mileage 137,277
OE BMW Hydraulic Tensioner Assembly including Tensioner Pulley/Idler Pulley - Mileage 137,277
German Auto Solutions 1.2 Bar Cap - Mileage 137,414
Removed AKG Poly 85A Front Control Arm Bushings - Mileage 138,183
Installed OE BMW Z4M Front Control Arm Bushings - Mileage 138,183
Koni Suspension Kit - Sport Shocks/H&R Sport Springs - Mileage 138,183
OE BMW Front and Rear Springs Pads/Bump Stops/Dust Boots - Mileage 138,183
OE BMW Front Strut Mounts with Reinforcement Plates - Mileage 138,183
Rogue Engineering Rear Shock Mounts with Reinforcement Plates - Mileage 138,183
OE BMW Z4M (RTAB) Rear Trailing Arm Bushings - Mileage 138,990
Turner Motorsports RTAB Limiters - Mileage 138,990
OE BMW Brake pressure sensor 1 - Mileage 138,990
Brake Fluid Flush with ATE 200 - Mileage 138,990
OE BMW Tie-rod Assemblies with boots - Mileage 139,649
OE BMW Front Sway Bar bushings -Mileage 139,649
4 Wheel Alignment - Mileage 139,663
Full Set of Tires - Hankook Ventus v12 evo2 - Mounted/Balanced - Mileage 140,100
OE BMW Mechanical Tensioner with Conti A/C Belt - Mileage 141,610
Turner Motorsport Power Pulley Kit with Conti Engine Belt - Mileage 141,610
Siemens/VDO Fuel Pump Assembly - Mileage 144,204
OE BMW Fuel Pump Assembly Gasket - Mileage 144,204
OE BMW M3 Fuel Pump Baffle - Mileage 144,204
Oil Change Mobile 1 0W-40/Mann Filter - Mileage 144,277
OE BMW Drivers Rear Window Regulator - Mileage 147,802
Zimmermann Front/Rear Brake Rotors - Mileage 148,081
EBC RED Front/Rear Brake Pads - Mileage 148,081
Centric Brake Install Kit with Brake Pad Wear Sensors/ECSTuning Rotor Screws - Mileage 148,081
Oil Change Castrol Edge 0W-40/Mann Filter - Mileage 151,326
Mann Intake Air Filter - Mileage 151,326
Mann Cabin Air Filter - Mileage 151,326
Redline SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner - Mileage 151,775
OE BMW Window Switch - Left - Mileage 155,241
Brake Fluid Flush with ATE 200 - Mileage 158,456
Full Set of Tires - Continental Extremecontact Sport - Mounted/Balanced - Mileage 158,718
OE BMW Oil Pan Gasket - Mileage 159,069
OE BMW Oil Dipstick O-Ring - Mileage 159,069
Oil Change Liqui Moly 5W-30/Mann Filter - Mileage 159,069
Liqui Moly MOs2 Anti-Friction Engine Treatment - Mileage 159,069
Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner - Mileage 159,069
OE BMW Passenger Rear Window Regulator - Mileage 159,203
OEM FEBI Guibo (Flex Disk) - Mileage 161,355
OE BMW Driveshaft Center Support Bearing (CSB) - Mileage 161,355
OE BMW Windshield Cowl Kit - Mileage 165,906
Oil Change - Liqui Moly 5W-30/Mann Filter - Mileage 167,034
Liqui Moly MOs2 Anti-Friction Engine Treatment - Mileage 167,034
Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner - Mileage 167,034
Intake Air Filter Mann Filter - Mileage 167,034
Cabin Air Filter Mann Filter - Mileage 167,034
NGK BKR6EQUP Spark Plugs - Mileage 170,486
BMW Direct Ignition Coil Eldor - Mileage 170,486
Oil Change - Liqui Moly 5W-30/Mann Filter - Mileage 173,528
Liqui Moly MOs2 Anti-Friction Engine Treatment - Mileage 173,528
Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner - Mileage 173,528
Engine Oil Lever Sensor - Hella - Mileage 173,528
OE BMW Crankcase Vent Valve System (Cold Climate Version) - Mileage 173,692
OE BMW E46 M3 Oil Cap - Mileage 173,895
Sekurit Windshield - Mileage 173,951
OE BMW Windshield Gasket - Mileage 173,951
Osram CBI D2S HID Bulbs - Mileage 174,132
OE BMW Wiper Blade Set - Mileage 174,297
Autocraft Platinum H7 AGM Battery - Mileage 179,702
Oil Change - Liqui Moly 5W-30/Mann Filter - Mileage 181,000
Liqui Moly MOs2 Anti-Friction Engine Treatment - Mileage 181,000
Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner -Mileage 181,000
Intake Air Filter Mann Filter - Mileage 181,000
Cabin Air Filter Bosch Filter - Mileage 181,000
Full Set of Tires - Michelin Pilot Sport 4S - Mounted/Balanced - Mileage 184,181
Clutch Replacement - LUK Dual Mass Flywheel/Genuine BMW Clutch Kit - Mileage 188,509
Transmission Fluid - Drain/Refill with Pentosin MTF-2 - Mileage 188,509
Starter Replacement - Bosch OE Unit - Mileage 188,509
Genuine BMW Full Cooling System Replacement including Radiator and Hard Coolant Pipes - Mileage 188,710
BMW Accessory Drive Belt Kit ( Belts, pulleys,Tensioners ) - Mileage 188,710
Genuine BMW Fuel Line from Hard Line to Intake Manifold Mileage - 188,710
Genuine BMW Coolant Temp Sensor in Engine Head - Mileage 188,710
VDO Crankshaft Position Sensor - Mileage 188,710
Inspect and cleant TB/IACV and replace Genuine BMW Throttle Body Gasket/ICV Grommet - Mileage 188,710
Power Steering Overhaul ( 3 Hoses/Reservoir/ Liqui Moly ATF) - Mileage 188,710
Bosch Pre-Cat Oxygen Sensors - Mileage 189,000
Oil Change - Liqui Moly 5W-30/Mann Filter - Mileage 189,000
Lemforder Front Sway Bar Links - Mileage 189,000
Kayser Fuel Filter - Mileage 189,970
Febi Steering Rack Bellow Kit - Mileage 189,970
OE BMW Parking Brake Overhaul using BMW Value Line Kit - Mileage 189,970
Pierburg secondary air pump injection valve - Mileage 192,105
Oil Change - Liqui Moly 5W-30/Mann Filter - Mileage 196,781
Liqui Moly MOs2 Anti-Friction Engine Treatment - Mileage 196,781
OE BMW Valve Cover Gasket Kit with 15 sealing rings/washers - Mileage 199,221
Oil Change - Liqui Moly 5W-30/Mann Filter - Mileage 207,508
Intake Air Filter Mann Filter - Mileage 207,508
Cabin Air Filter Mann Filter - Mileage 207,508
Power Steering Overhaul ( 2 Hoses/Reservoir/ Liqui Moly ATF) - Mileage 207,946
OE BMW Wiper Blade Set - Mileage 211,589
Full Set of Tires - Continental Extremecontact DWS O6 Plus - Mounted/Balanced - Mileage 213,863
Oil Change - Liqui Moly 5W-30/Mann Filter - Mileage 214,307


Modifications includes the following items

OE BMW AUX Kit
ZIZA Master LED Interior Kit
GoMiniGo Front License Relocate Kit
OE BMW Performance Glossy Kidney Grills
Coby Wheel Black Alcantara Tri-Stitch Steering Wheel
Coby Wheel Black Alcantara/Red-blue stitching shift boot/handbrake boot/arm-rest
OE BMW Performance SSK
OE BMW Performance Exhaust
OE BMW M Dead Pedal
OE BMW LCM with 4.0 Software with coding for following items
1) triple blink
2) tri-fecta lights
3) brake force display stage 3
4) euro rear fogs (both inner lights)
5) euro hazards
Coding includes following items:
1) comfort open/comfort close
2) clown nose blinks
3) coolant temp gauge calibration
4) speedometer calibration
Koni Suspension Kit - Sport Shocks/H&R Sport Spring
Rogue Engineering RSM
Turner Motorsports RTAB Limiters
Turner Motorsport Power Pulley Kit
Suntek Carbon CXP 35% Window Tint
OE BMW Alarm Retrofit Kit
OE BMW E46 M3 Oil Cap
Osram CBI D2S HID Bulbs

[Vas]

Some random shots.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8649/15788341496_c83059b1bd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q4anSq)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7471/15626199609_119f6991f6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pNQmJD)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15192054674_580bf5ce1e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p9tfz9)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7469/15811979265_b7524031b3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q6fwya)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/15788303856_586f35837b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q4abFs)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7554/15813538672_1765b3f64c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q6ow7u)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15812016205_17356d8d19_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q6fHx4)

[danewilson77]

Thanks for the write up Vas.

"No flamesuit required"

[johnrando]

Good stuff!

[derbo]

It makes me torn about keeping my ambers looking at your car. Nice black one. :D

[Vas]

Well thanks guys.

Car is begging for some new headlight covers.

[ELCID86]

Well thanks guys.

Car is begging for some new headlight covers.

They are on my list too. This is the one thats for sale, right?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

That is correct Shawn.

I will order some new lenses here shortly. They are not that bad in price.

[az3579]

I thought you're selling the car?

[BADCLOWN]

such a clean body........i can't wait to get the front end of my car resprayed........black looks SOOOO good. looks like a keeper man, i like it


coby wheel?

[ELCID86]

That is correct Shawn.

I will order some new lenses here shortly. They are not that bad in price.

Khoalty.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[slater]

Khoalty.

agreed, i have a set of from them and i am impressed, especially for the price.

peter

[Vas]

I thought you're selling the car?

Car is for sale if the right buyer comes along but the wife is still not 100% on letting it go. So meanwhile I thought to document the car while we still have it.

[Vas]

such a clean body........i can't wait to get the front end of my car resprayed........black looks SOOOO good. looks like a keeper man, i like it


coby wheel?

Thanks.

Coby wheel is the place that did the steering wheel re-wrap with black alcantara and the tri-stitching. The original wheel on the car was trashed.

Check them out here.
http://cobywheel.com/


Khoalty.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.


agreed, i have a set of from them and i am impressed, especially for the price.

peter

Yeah most likely will do Khoalty lenses and foglights from them.

[johnrando]

such a clean body........i can't wait to get the front end of my car resprayed........black looks SOOOO good. looks like a keeper man, i like it


coby wheel?

+1

[az3579]

Car is for sale if the right buyer comes along but the wife is still not 100% on letting it go. So meanwhile I thought to document the car while we still have it.

Why let it go? Just keep it!

[Vas]

Why let it go? Just keep it!

Now you sound like my wife. Haha.

I told her then I would be tempted to lower it, put some wheels on it and some exhaust. Her response was the car would look better if it sat closer to the ground.

[az3579]

Now you sound like my wife. Haha.

I told her then I would be tempted to lower it, put some wheels on it and some exhaust. Her response was the car would look better if it sat closer to the ground.

What's the problem????????????

[BADCLOWN]

exactly, whats the problem? haha. that response, subliminally, means she wants to keep it. QUICK! lower it before she changes her mind.

[Whammy]

Our cars are twins!! Nice job!

[derbo]

What's the problem????????????

Money. It's always the problem. LOL

[az3579]

Money. It's always the problem. LOL

Negative Ghost Rider.
She doesn't want to get rid of. Happy wife, happy life. :biggrin

[Vas]

Money is the problem. But having two cars also makes it harder to decide which one to modify.

[derbo]

Money is the problem. But having two cars also makes it harder to decide which one to modify.

Mod yours, leave the black one with minor mods, like dropping it ;)

[az3579]

Money is the problem. But having two cars also makes it harder to decide which one to modify.

You don't have to mod it... you could just leave it as is.

[Vas]

A suspension overhaul is on the list of things to do though.

On another note, I do have a front plate filler laying around. Might get a plate relocate for the front-end.

[Vas]

Order placed for some Optimum Opti Lens Coating.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Optimum-Opti-Lens-Coating--Permanent-Headlight-Coating_p_911.html

It is a permanent Headlight Coating that protects the headlight lenses from fading over time. Figured if I am going to spend the money on new lenses, I want them to last.

[Vas]

Opti coat arrived. Just need new lenses.

[Vas]

First snowfall.

[Whammy]

:D

[Vas]

Order placed for the Ziza master LED interior kit.

[Vas]

Last night I installed the Ziza LED interior Kit that I had purchase from ecstuning. Such a nice improvement compared to the regular bulbs.

Also peeled off the fabric from the c-pillars since it was coming apart. Figured that looks better for now then the loose fabric. I will replace the a/b/c pillars eventually but got other things that are a higher priority.

[rguti153]

Improvement isn't it good choise

[az3579]

Starting to really like Black Sapphire...

[Vas]

I love it when it is clean and shiny. Hate it when it is just dirty.

Since I had a front plate delete strip, I placed an order for a tow-hook plate kit. Rather have a front plate mounted that way then the huge US plastic frame in the middle.

[Vas]

Tow hook plate holder installed this evening. Using the Gominigo 30-38mm version which puts the plate closer to the bumper. Their website says it does not work on the m-tech 2 bumper but it does.

[danewilson77]

Tow hook plate holder installed this evening. Using the Gominigo 30-38mm version which puts the plate closer to the bumper. Their website says it does not work on the m-tech 2 bumper but it does.
Liars!

"No flamesuit required"

[johnrando]

Duh. Of course it does! Good buy. Wonder why they'd say that?

[Vas]

My guess is because how close the plate holder is to the bumper itself.

[az3579]

My guess is because how close the plate holder is to the bumper itself.

It does get annoying every time I remove the plate, but it's a small price to pay.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

US Mill Works.

"No flamesuit required"

[kakashi169]

love this clean zhp. keep us posted on mods

[Vas]

Currently doing research on suspension refresh options.

Have the option of the H&R Cup kit or something like the full assembled kit from Turner using H&R and Bilstein shock.http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-4795-e46-325330ici-04-06-assembled-hrbilstein-sport-suspension-package.aspx

Or a set of coilovers like the Bilstein PSS.

Not sure which direction to go with though. Guess need to do some more research.

[Whammy]

Currently doing research on suspension refresh options.

Have the option of the H&R Cup kit or something like the full assembled kit from Turner using H&R and Bilstein shock.http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-4795-e46-325330ici-04-06-assembled-hrbilstein-sport-suspension-package.aspx

Or a set of coilovers like the Bilstein PSS.

Not sure which direction to go with though. Guess need to do some more research.

I have the kit Turner is advertising though I built it myself. You really need to decide what you want to do with the coilovers. I had PSS9s on my 325i and I decided against them on my ZHP. While they handled really well, I didn't have the need for adjustability and my knees started to hurt getting in and out. I wanted a stock refresh of the ZHP without paying OE prices for parts.

I will say the front end initially was a bit bouncy. It has settled down more. I do wonder what Koni Yellows would be like. Lastly, my car sadly needed rear adjustable arms. I am not sure why as I didn't plan for that. Just make sure you go to really good shop that can do an alignment. That was my mistake.

[jakksfor20]

I had H&R Race with Bilstein Sports on my 323ci for almost 3 years. Came across a set of 1000 mile used PSS (non-adjustable). I've got them lowered down to where the Race's were. I much prefer the PSS over the H&R/Billy combo. The Billy's are now on the wife's ZHP just because it was due for a refresh. They are paired with the H&R Sport (29484). We both agree that the ride on my car is much better. Just seems not as bouncy, but the handling is better.

My vote. PSS unless you want adjustability.

[Vas]

I would prefer to have a coilover system on the car versus lowering springs. The bilstein PSS system seems like a good option but not sure if the adjustments to the dampening are worth the extra price. Trying to find reviews and opinions seems to be difficult because people just spend the extra money on the pss10.

Plus I want something that uses as much stock hardware as possible like top hats, sway bar links and etc. Just need something that will lower the car a decent amount so later I can squeeze some 18x9 wheels to replace the zhp wheels.

[Whammy]

I would prefer to have a coilover system on the car versus lowering springs. The bilstein PSS system seems like a good option but not sure if the adjustments to the dampening are worth the extra price. Trying to find reviews and opinions seems to be difficult because people just spend the extra money on the pss10.

Plus I want something that uses as much stock hardware as possible like top hats, sway bar links and etc. Just need something that will lower the car a decent amount so later I can squeeze some 18x9 wheels to replace the zhp wheels.

Vas, outside of the PSS9s, my 325i was stock. I used all stock mounting hardware and reinforcement kits when doing it. Here is a picture: http://s81.photobucket.com/user/duraznostj/media/E46/CSLSig.jpg.html?sort=3&o=59

[Vas]

That looks great actually. Are the pss9 now called pss10?

[Whammy]

PSS10s are probably a revision of the PSS9 system.

[ryankokesh]

Do people actually get an alignment each time they adjust these things? Just curious...


Sent from my iPhone

[danewilson77]

I thought 9's had no dampening adjustment but the 10's did? I thought they were different products, not just a revision.

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

The pss don't have the ability to adjust dampening. They are like kw V1. So are they then pss9? Or do the pss9 have the ability to adjust dampening?

Pss10 have the ability to adjust dampening.

[Johal E32]

I think the pss9 is the old system and the pss10 is the new one. Both have the ability to adjust dampening.

[Whammy]

Do people actually get an alignment each time they adjust these things? Just curious...


Sent from my iPhone

If you adjust height, yes you should as the alignment will be off.


The pss don't have the ability to adjust dampening. They are like kw V1. So are they then pss9? Or do the pss9 have the ability to adjust dampening?

Pss10 have the ability to adjust dampening.

Yes to your second question.


I think the pss9 is the old system and the pss10 is the new one. Both have the ability to adjust dampening.

Correct!

[Vas]

So the question is how well the preset dampening on the pss is. Or if it's worth spending the extra money on the ability to adjust them.

Wonder if there is a shock dyno available for them.

[Whammy]

So the question is how well the preset dampening on the pss is. Or if it's worth spending the extra money on the ability to adjust them.

Wonder if there is a shock dyno available for them.

For me, it is not worth it. What would you use it for? Are you tracking the car?

[Vas]

Anybody else got any input on the ride quality with preset dampening ?

My last car that had coilovers, I got the ride height where I wanted it and adjusted the dampening and never touched it again. The car won't be tracked since my wife's daily drives it.

[jakksfor20]

My wife, who drives my car more than I do, loves the dampening on my car. Even with how low it is. I think I read that the PSS is set almost in the middle of the range of the PSS-9's.

With that, the guy I bought them from had them for 1000 miles, he and his wife didn't like them so they went with Bilstein HD's, if I remember correctly.

[Vas]

Any pics of your car? Just to see the ride height.

[jakksfor20]

In my sig, but since you may be on cell phone. Best ones I have at the moment. Doesn't bottom out at this height with normal driving. Takes certain track instances to rub. Ver16962
16961

[Vas]

That looks great. Tire/wheel specs on those arc8?

Eventually I want to run a 18x9 arc8 with maybe a square tire set-up.

[jakksfor20]

Anthracite 18x8.5's with 245/35's. Wife wants to get them for her's as well. Hasn't decided between Hyper Silver and Hyper Black on her ZHP. This pic is her's before the H&R Sports.

16963

[Vas]

Pretty sweet picture. Glad to know that someone else's wife drives a zhp here on the boards.

[az3579]

Anthracite 18x8.5's with 245/35's. Wife wants to get them for her's as well. Hasn't decided between Hyper Silver and Hyper Black on her ZHP. This pic is her's before the H&R Sports.

16963

Hyper black, IMO. It looks like you've got the darker theme going there, so the hyper black will suit it just perfectly. Not too dark, not too light.
Just ask Charlie (cakm3) or John (OtterEffect), as they have them in that color. ;)

[johnrando]

Great pic, car looks good!

[Vas]

Hyper black, IMO. It looks like you've got the darker theme going there, so the hyper black will suit it just perfectly. Not too dark, not too light.
Just ask Charlie (cakm3) or John (OtterEffect), as they have them in that color. ;)

It is hard to decide on a hyper silver or hyper black finish for a black car. Personally I am not a fan at all of black wheels but hyper black might be an option.

[az3579]

It is hard to decide on a hyper silver or hyper black finish for a black car. Personally I am not a fan at all of black wheels but hyper black might be an option.

The thing about hyper black is that it isn't black at all. I can't stand black wheels myself, but I would go with hyper black in an instant.

It's more like a darker grey color than it is black, somewhat similar to anthracite, only it's a little lighter and more reflective.

[johnrando]

Yes, really like (non black) hyper black.

[Vas]

yeah Hyper black does look like a nice finish.

[Vas]

Passenger side window regulator sounds like it is on its way out. One more item to the list of stuff to repair.

[az3579]

Passenger side window regulator sounds like it is on its way out. One more item to the list of stuff to repair.

Are you sure?
Mine has been creaking and popping on and off ever since I had the car (over 4 years) and still hasn't failed. Still goes up and down fine with not much slowing down, if any. Heck, it stopped creaking and popping now that winter is here.

I used my windows extensively the past couple of summers.

[Vas]

Well it's making crunching noises on the way down and is slower then normal.

[Whammy]

Passenger side window regulator sounds like it is on its way out. One more item to the list of stuff to repair.

Been there done that.

[az3579]

Well it's making crunching noises on the way down and is slower then normal.

Ouch. Crunching is never good...

[danewilson77]

Well it's making crunching noises on the way down and is slower then normal.
Yes. Replace it before it fails. If it fails, you may end up having to "tape it up" so it doesn't fall down.

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

Bought a front right OEM BMW window regulator from The bmw mini parts store. $103 without the motor.

[Vas]

Also bought a set of headlight lenses from Khoalty. $80 with Free shipping.

[danewilson77]

Also bought a set of headlight lenses from Khoalty. $80 with Free shipping.

They won't last as long.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

[Vas]

I am coating them with OPTI coat Permanent lens coating. Hoping that will make them last.

Check post #29 in this thread.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Optimum-Opti-Lens-Coating--Permanent-Headlight-Coating_p_911.html

But dang everything shipped out today. Got tracking numbers already.

[Vas]

AKG solid steering coupling ordered

http://www.akgmotorsport.com/catalog/images/FX46Dlg.jpg

[Vas]

Headlight lenses arrived. Cleaned them down with 15% ipa and then coated them with Opticoat permanent headlight coating. Stuff is super easy to apply. Wait couple minutes for it to cure and then wipe off.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/22/8ee9f5a48ec2539ebaf4b25bf0f21451.jpg

[Vas]

Replaced the Passenger side front window regulator today with an oem bmw unit. Nice and quite now.

[Whammy]

AKG solid steering coupling ordered

http://www.akgmotorsport.com/catalog/images/FX46Dlg.jpg
Why did you go with this solution?

[Vas]

Why did you go with this solution?
I had installed the same one my other car and loved the feedback I got from it.

Plus it is the same price as a factory rubber one and this one won't wear out again.

Btw I installed the new headlight lenses this evening. What an improvement it makes to the front end.

Quality was good with the khoalty lenses. I am using the old gaskets so curious to see if they will let any moisture in.

[Vas]

M3 transmission mounts and M3 engine mounts have been ordered.

Going to install them and the steering coupling at the same time.

Then going to start getting parts for the suspension refresh for the spring.

[Vas]

Question in regards to replacing the interior pillars.

Is there a special part number for the zhp model? Or is it just black, grey, or beige color?

Here is the rear
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/SiteSearch/Pillar/ES112887/

Not sure if that is correct for the zhp.

[derbo]

Question in regards to replacing the interior pillars.

Is there a special part number for the zhp model? Or is it just black, grey, or beige color?

Here is the rear
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/SiteSearch/Pillar/ES112887/

Not sure if that is correct for the zhp.

They should be black. At least they are on mine. Those look correct.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Vas]

That is what I thought as well. Wonder why the fronts are soo much higher then the rears though. The BMW Part Store lists them at roughly $70 a side. Ouch....

[Vas]

First mod of the new year is some new grills. Decided to ditch the matte black ones and placed an order for some BMW Performance glossy black grills.

[Vas]

Also a new center console/cup-holders/coin tray to replace the peeling ones that are in the car. Wife did not let me ditch the cup-holders for a euro-tray :(

[Johnmadd]

Also a new center console/cup-holders/coin tray to replace the peeling ones that are in the car. Wife did not let me ditch the cup-holders for a euro-tray :(

I need the cup holders for my redbull and portable ashtray :)

[Vas]

+1 for redbull. Now I want one. Lol.

[Johnmadd]

Hehe

[johnrando]

:like

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Vas]

Placed an order with Coby Wheel. 😁

[ELCID86]

Headlight lenses arrived. Cleaned them down with 15% ipa and then coated them with Opticoat permanent headlight coating. Stuff is super easy to apply. Wait couple minutes for it to cure and then wipe off.


How much is in one tube?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

10cc. I still have some leftover and I put on a heavy coat.

Figured to try this out instead of using lamix.

[ELCID86]

10cc. I still have some leftover and I put on a heavy coat.

Figured to try this out instead of using lamix.

I guess it's hard to know which (if either) work for several years.

[Vas]

I had talked to Phil about it. He recorded this over the film.

[ELCID86]

I had talked to Phil about it. He recorded this over the film.

Gotcha. "Recommended "... Autocorrect got you.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

Lol dumb auto correct.

[Vas]

Parts are starting to pile up.

M3 Engine and trans mounts have arrived
AKG steering coupling needs to be installed
BMW performance grills have shipped
And center console parts with alcantara goodies will be arriving this week.

Way to cold outside and a chance of snow tomorrow. Man I wish I had a garage to do some wrenching instead of watching tv shows in the evening

[Vas]

These arrived today. Black Alcantara with red and blue stitching to match the tri-stitch wheel.

Much excite 👍


http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/07/67b98c6195ba874f988869e068a2ca9b.jpg

[danewilson77]

These arrived today. Black Alcantara with red and blue stitching to match the tri-stitch wheel.

Much excite 👍


http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/07/67b98c6195ba874f988869e068a2ca9b.jpg

+1

Seriously considering the armrest cover.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

[Vas]

Dane, I did not want to spend the money on a new leather one since they are way to expensive. And finding a used armrest in good condition is somewhat difficult. Plus the wife wanted to keep the armrest and not do a delete like my car.

I will post pictures and share the install. Hopefully over the weekend.

[danewilson77]

Perfect

The friendliest forum on the planet.

[Vas]

Got access to a shop tonight. It's about to go down.

[Johnmadd]

Got access to a shop tonight. It's about to go down.

Yeah boy!

[Vas]

Started at around 8pm and wrapped up around 10:15. Got the M3 engine mounts and m3 trans mounts installed. The ones I removed by the looks of it were original.

Then installed the akg coupling. The rubber one had a lot of flex in the rubber and also the original part.

Mileage on the stock parts was 125,190.

Also installed the bmw performance grills instead of the flat black broken ones.

Impressions are great. Mounts have got rid of the extra movement in the drivetrain. The poly steering coupling is amazing and provides a more direct feeling. Highly recommend it.

[Vas]

One thing to note. When i was under the car, I noticed a coolant leak coming somewhere from the expansion tank area. Took the cap off and the system was low. I know the cooling system has been replaced at some point but I have no record of when it was done or what parts were used.

So that is getting covered next. Already ordered a G.A.S 1.2 bar cap, upper and lower hoses, expansion tank clamp, temp sensor and the level sensor. Parts are OEM BMW.

Still need the water pump, thermostat, and the expansion tank.

[Vas]

Working on the center console today and installing the new boots.

[Vas]

New center console with new cup holders and coin tray installed.

Also installed the coby shift boot and handbrake boot and the armrest cover.

[Vas]

Pictures below.

Armrest cover installed on the lid

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/6e586513c2746969effd11e4043f3cb7.jpg

Shift boot installed with the silver cube trim

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/2a7d9acb47193bace24244d804175efe.jpg

Armrest in the car

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/6e147f5bf75eae2018c8aa523bd9e7ee.jpg

Shift boot in the car

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/16798e697fc263fa4557db80889b8fa7.jpg

Various pictures of the final product

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/ee1663a4af472330f73b10bea698005f.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/877835e2afa0125b693b0145b86f76fc.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/ba7d9e123a869f4a6f519731ffff732d.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/10/662a7cc67585eff77e3b10d7283e3d9c.jpg

[Johnmadd]

Nicely done Vas.

[Vas]

Thanks :) It is nice not to have it be broken and such an eye-sore.

[danewilson77]

Perfect. You used glue?

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

Yup. 3m adhesive spray on glue. Just around the edges. Pretty strong stuff.

[illirep]

Nice refresh! Coby bits look great. New console and cup holders are always a nice feeling!

[bshovers]

Thanks :) It is nice not to have it be broken and such an eye-sore.

Wait what was broken?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Vas]

Wait what was broken?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The old cupholders were broken and would not stay put.

[bshovers]

The old cupholders were broken and would not stay put.

Ahhhh gotcha. I had some beat up ones for sale a while back I would've given ya for a DIY project but I sold them with a console locally. Glad to see you got it taken care of. Liking the Colby products. Can't wait for mine!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Vas]

The Colby products are great. The armrest was more time consuming to take apart but not bad.

I did a dry install first to see how things fit and then installed them with the adhesive.

[danewilson77]

The Colby products are great.



"No flamesuit required"

[johnrando]

Looks great

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Vas]

On the subject of cooling system, is a radiator a good idea to replace at 125k? When do they develop leaks where the plastic endcaps are ?

Or should I replace it since it is 10 years old ?

I was going to do the hoses, expansion tank, cap, pump, and thermostat. Then look at the pulleys and belts and see what condition they are prior to replacing them.

[danewilson77]

Do the radiator as well.

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

You think ? Replaced yours ?

[danewilson77]

You think ? Replaced yours ?
Yep. Swapped mine out around 150k miles. I'd have to check my records.

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

Yeah I might as well do it at this point. 10 year old radiator could crack or leak at any point.

Wonder what brand to go with.

[Johnmadd]

Wait imo. I will wait until I have problems. .. aaa 100 mile tow ftw.

[Vas]

No aaa for me. That's why I rather replace stuff while I am in there.

If I do a cooling system now, next one will be around 180k. Roughly 10k a year is put on the car so give or take 6 years.

Replace it now or replace it when it leaks is the question. Or replace it next time I replace the coolant ? Hmm.

[Vas]

Bought the expansion tank today from a bmw dealer. Still need pump and thermostat.

And I hate the cold weather. Got some mayo build up from the short trips my wife takes. Still on the original non cold weather system.

I assume the solution is to drive the car longer to clear it up? Cold version will only prevent it from freezing up correct ?

[Vas]

Weather was in the low 50s today for a bit so was able to rinse the dirt and salt off.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/18/e308487c51a53da00fca5461abc5a319.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/18/cf64e6a38a46c4c9b83212bf146ea138.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/18/839d8010776579a8efaa95ac8e063d82.jpg

New headlight lenses make such a difference for the front end. Also love the bmw performance grills.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/18/99759349dd052a81065f7399e1a6162d.jpg

[Vas]

Item is currently back-ordered but once the BMW performance short-throw kit is back in stock ,I am getting one.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Drivetrain/Shifter/ES46510/

[Vas]

Got an alignment scheduled 1/31.

[Avetiso]

I'd go with something a little more aggressive. I liked the BMWP SSK but it wasn't anything worth writing home about.

[Vas]

Not sure if I want to spend more money though.

But ecs tuning no longer sells it. Booo

[Vas]

Got pretty much everything to do a cooling system refresh and replace the OFHG again. Just need the engine pulleys still and I am tempted to order a set of Rogue Engineering power pulleys for the car. Getting the car aligned this weekend as well.

[johnrando]

Might as well

Sent from mobile

[Vas]

Got the car aligned today. I should have did it when I bought the tires though because it was out of spec. Camber was all over the place on the rear as well as the toe. Whoever did the previous alignment did a really bad job.

Now running 1.3 degrees of negative camber on the front and 1.5 degrees of negative camber on the rear. 0.12 degrees of toe on the front and rear.

Pretty satisfied with it now. :)

[johnrando]

:thumbsup

Sent from mobile

[Vas]

Stett performance silicone intake boots will be going on this car when I do the ccv system.

[Vas]

Ordered a conti a/c belt and a brass cooling system bleeder screw from Turner motorsports.

[Vas]

Getting tired of moisture going into the headlights. I did not replace the lens gaskets when I replaced the lenses themselves.

So ordered 2 headlight lens gasket, bmw oil filter kit ( oil and 7 quarts of oil ) and a fan delete nut.

[Vas]

Just realized that this past weekend marked exactly 1 year of ownership. Car was purchased on 3/2/2014.

[Vas]

Weather was above 50 degress today so I tackled replacing the headlight lens gaskets. Removed the headlights from the car and took them inside. I could have did them with them on the car but didn't want to get any sort inside of them.

Removal and installation is easy and straight forward.

Pics below.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/08/abd20e0a2624db558e348c7e33e96504.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/08/08777e4c2e28983879c2b714a0f70e60.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/08/f1e5028aa16219c9351729c7c8b84a31.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/08/02de43faa6bcddcd46adf67ce06b3153.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/08/f6d081c7fcb0457a3beeebc31f13cf32.jpg

[johnrando]

Nice. Lenses still look great too.

[Vas]

Hoping the weather is good for this weekend. Got some new goodies to install on the zhp and do some maintenance.

[Vas]

Going to be working on the car today.

Tackling the following items.

OFHG again. Don't trust the previous job done by the shop.
Vanos Line
Oil Change
Remove and clean the IACV and Throttle body.
Replacing the throttle body gasket and IACV grommet
Lower and Upper Intake Boots.

[Vas]

Finished up the work. All went went until the install of the Stett performance intake boots. What a PITA.

The car has an afe intake installed and the upper boot was way to long. I ended up trimming the boot for it to properly fit.

Finished up the install and started the car. It developed a miss at idle for some reason and ran strange. Turned it off and back on and the check engine light came on for code p0014. Checked all my connections and then started the car up. Took it for a short drive and it's back to normal. Reset the check engine light. So not sure what the deal was.

At the end of the day, glad to get some stuff done. Next up is ccv and cooling system.

[Vas]

Got the car up on jack stands today and looked at the akg steering coupling. Wife was saying there was a weird noise from the steering. After inspection, the bolts were semi loose that hold the coupling together. Made them more tight and the noise problem is fixed.

[ELCID86]

^ I'm glad she said something. And you got it fixed.

[Vas]

Yeah for sure. Next up is the cooling system. Just need a radiator and going to get rouge engineering pulleys.

[Johnmadd]

Put some loctite on those Vas.

[Vas]

I actually did not because the nuts are nylon threaded. Wasn't sure if it was needed ?

[Vas]

Disa kit is next.

[ELCID86]

^piece of cake. Hardest part is getting it out of the engine (especially with the intake tubes in place).


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

^piece of cake. Hardest part is getting it out of the engine (especially with the intake tubes in place).


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.
Glad to know. Looking forward to doing some more work on the car.

[az3579]

^piece of cake. Hardest part is getting it out of the engine (especially with the intake tubes in place).


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

Just remove the intake boots. Easy as pie.
It makes it easier to remove/install the DISA if you remove the shield around the ECU compartment as well.

[Vas]

Just remove the intake boots. Easy as pie.
It makes it easier to remove/install the DISA if you remove the shield around the ECU compartment as well.
Ha I have stett performance boots. Don't want to remove them.

[az3579]

Ha I have stett performance boots. Don't want to remove them.

Yeah good luck with that, then...
And good luck getting that bottom bolt out for the DISA with the boots in place. PITA. :(

[ELCID86]

See below

[ELCID86]

I did it this weekend. Just push down on the Stett-son ;-) it was a bit of a PITA to get to the bottom bolt.

Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

Guess I will find out when I get the disa from the group deal.

Btw I hand washed the car for the first time today since last November.

[Vas]

Alright can't make my mind up on what to buy next.

1) Radiator
2) pre-cat o2 sensors
3) ccv system
4) water pump and power steering pulley. Going to get rouge engineering ones.

Cooling system parts I already have besides the radiator and pulleys.

Should I knock out the ccv system now or wait till later in the year ?

[ELCID86]

Any symptoms or just PM?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Whammy]

Alright can't make my mind up on what to buy next.

1) Radiator
2) pre-cat o2 sensors
3) ccv system
4) water pump and power steering pulley. Going to get rouge engineering ones.

Cooling system parts I already have besides the radiator and pulleys.

Should I knock out the ccv system now or wait till later in the year ?

I would do the cooling system now considering summer will be here. Save the CCV for fall.

[Vas]

Well the ccv system is the original one and I had issues with mayo building up this last winter. It is not the cold weather version.

O2 sensors are PM. Same would go for the fuel pump. Car has 127k on it so maybe it's time to replace them ?

Cooling system has a small leak from the expansion tank but it has been replaced before.

[Vas]

Btw I don't have any issues with the radiator but figured might as well replace it now then later. Good or bad idea ?

[ELCID86]

I'd address the leak in the ET. Maybe do the fuel pump. I don't think the sensors are ready to be done. CCV is your call. Some say an Italian tune up cures the mayo, but if you are getting it on a recurring basis...

[Johnmadd]

Btw I don't have any issues with the radiator but figured might as well replace it now then later. Good or bad idea ?

Nah, but yes on the fuel pump or at least carry a new one in the trunk.

[Vas]

Thanks guys.

[Vas]

DISA kit purchased for the car.

[Vas]

Ordered a BMW performance short shift kit for the car.

[ELCID86]

:roundel

[Vas]

Apparently they are no longer in production. Was able to find a complete kit for a good price.

[ELCID86]

Apparently they are no longer in production. Was able to find a complete kit for a good price.

I didn't know that. It'll make a big difference I'm sure.

[Vas]

Boom. Time to have this coded for triple blink, Euro hazards, bfd stage 3 and trifecta lights.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/08/471d0d70bf4e8ac50d9c14f86e74a8b6.jpg

[ELCID86]

Oh yeah.

[Vas]

Wife's car is getting all the goodies. I just need to find a faceplate with rear fogs.

[ELCID86]

Wife's car is getting all the goodies. I just need to find a faceplate with rear fogs.

Just sent you a PM with a link to ebay.co.uk. They one I sent ships worldwide.

[Vas]

Just sent you a PM with a link to ebay.co.uk. They one I sent ships worldwide.
Awesome. Thanks for the assistance.

[Vas]

Well that was easy. Got a Euro faceplate with the rear fog switch.

[ELCID86]

+ there ya go.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

German auto solutions kit came in today.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/11/9c271d14a6947e4cdd854ce0e4e6c410.jpg

[Vas]

BMW performance shifter kit arrived.

It includes the shifter rod, alcantara shift boot, clips and bushing plus the shift knob.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/13/9fe505eb3cdec817453701d04f6a461e.jpg

[Vas]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/13/33e426a8f307abb25b2c3080aab2357e.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/13/159c5e64d883a81b899abfc324165fdb.jpg

[Vas]

Ran into a small issue with the disa rebuild kit. Looking for a solution now.

On the other hand I installed the bmw performance short shift kit.

[Whammy]

Ran into a small issue with the disa rebuild kit. Looking for a solution now.

On the other hand I installed the bmw performance short shift kit.

What's the issue on the DISA?

And how is the SSK?

[Vas]

What's the issue on the DISA?

And how is the SSK?

I bought the German Auto Solutions DISA rebuild kit. The issue I am having is that the new metal bell crank lever does not rotate smoothly when installed into the disa housing. This results in the flap not being able to spring back and it binds. So I took it all apart and when removing the metal bell crank lever from the housing, it came out with the seal and the bushing that sits inside the housing. After looking at it, it seems like the fit is soo tight that it just can't rotate. Put it all back together with the plastic bell crank lever and the problem is gone.

What I am thinking is that the DISA unit has different tolerances since it is not a BMW unit. Guess the previous owner replaced that disa assembly with a Vaico unit. So I am going to get in contact with the manufacturer and see what they say.

As far as the BMW SSK, installing it was straightforward. Didn't get to drive the car with it yet but I can tell the biggest difference is shifting from 3rd gear to 4th gear. It is much shorter.

Still not sure which shift knob to use either. The factory zhp unit or the BMW performance knob.

[az3579]

Still not sure which shift knob to use either. The factory zhp unit or the BMW performance knob.

The factory knob is more comfortable, IMO. A "stick" doesn't provide good enough control.
The first thing I did when I received my kit was to sell the BMW Performance knob.

[Vas]

The factory knob is more comfortable, IMO. A "stick" doesn't provide good enough control.
The first thing I did when I received my kit was to sell the BMW Performance knob.

Makes sense. It just feels kinda tiny for some reason but I do like the added weight.

[Vas]

Got the disa issue figured out. It's back together and working in the car.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/14/542e677d7dba70334bace0b42126e583.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/14/fa55e12da0ef0065aa17e43af5e9c69c.jpg

[ELCID86]

^good. Glad you got it resolved.

[johnrando]

+1

[Vas]

Next up is an LCM with 4.0 software with coding for the following items:

Triple Blink
Euro Rear Fogs
Tri-Fecta Headlights
Euro Hazards
BFD stage 3

Still waiting on the face-plate with the rear fog button to arrive.

[squashman702]

What'd you do to resolve the DISA issue? Mine was replaced at some point, hoping it's an OEM part. I'll have to check my records.

[Vas]

I ended up removing the bushing that is inside the housing and putting it into a lathe. Enlarged the inner diameter so the metal bell crank lever was able to rotate.

When you remove the disa, look for a bmw stamp. If it looks like the one I have its a vaico unit.

[Vas]

So drove the car this evening for the first time after installing the ssk. Got to say I am liking it over the stock unit.

It's not a huge change but you can tell the difference for sure. Satisfied with it

[Vas]

Ordered placed from ECS Tuning for a "M" Aluminum Dead Pedal in Black

[Vas]

Yesterday I got the chance to meet up with some great members for a small mini meet. Thanks for Bruce for hosting it at your house.

Gas station shot. It was about a 2 hour trip for me one way.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/19/e2f257d1af4c0e8343b47a3aeb03620c.jpg

BP drove down and brought my 4.0 LCM and did some coding.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/19/5fc2512bc99b301a3286be09c22a9501.jpg

So now Sketchi has the following items coded

1) triple blink
2) tri-fecta lights
3) brake force display stage 3
4) euro rear fogs (both inner lights)
5) euro hazards
6) comfort open/comfort close
7) clown nose blinks
8) coolant temp gauge calibration
9) speedometer calibration

Also got a new rear BMW roundel from Bruce which I greatly appreciate and some zhpmafia stickers.

At the end it was a great Saturday.

[fredo]

That's nice, Vas ! Please explain what euro hazards do.

[Vas]

That's nice, Vas ! Please explain what euro hazards do.
The way they blink is different. Instead of blinking once they blink twice in that time frame. Kinda like a heartbeat.

[danewilson77]

https://youtu.be/UxCKoeFHe1U

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

Boom.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/19/00cab26bd0f4d2d1d98cb2760872bb00.jpg

[fredo]

https://youtu.be/UxCKoeFHe1U

"No flamesuit required"

Sweet. Thanks boss.

[az3579]

I felt awfully SKETCHI while coding the black beauty.

[Vas]

I felt awfully SKETCHI while coding the black beauty.
What about driving it ? You could have just left me at that corner lol.

[ELCID86]

How does V like it?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

How does V like it?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.
She said it is fancy lol.

Made a clip of the bfd stage 3 in the wet.

https://youtu.be/oiOJXdP2LVE

[ELCID86]

I like it and glad she does. Is that her driving?!


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

I like it and glad she does. Is that her driving?!


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.
That time it was me. She wanted to see how they look from outside and she filmed it.

[johnrando]

Awesome sauce.

Sent from mobile

[FL116]

She said it is fancy lol.

Made a clip of the bfd stage 3 in the wet.

https://youtu.be/oiOJXdP2LVE

Thats awesome! I want this.

[danewilson77]

:like

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

After the road trip this past weekend I realized that a broken dead pedal is lame.

Before. Notice the crack


http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/d9c68442aa8749823c85c6853c93127e.jpg

Afterwards. It's a OE BMW M dead pedal made for the sedans.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/89b40049f061a9b86b76cb890a5d966c.jpg

[ELCID86]

Good coverup! Now you need to do the rest of the pedals.

[Vas]

Good coverup! Now you need to do the rest of the pedals.
It's actually a full replacement kick panel Shawn.

Not sure what to do about the other pedals.

[ELCID86]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aluminum-Foot-Rest-Pedals-for-BMW-E30-E36-E46-E87-E90-E91-E92-E93-M3-M-Tech-MT-/201132621965?fits=Make%3ABMW&hash=item2ed470408d&vxp=mtr :dunno

[Vas]

I think I will tackle the pillars next.

And hopefully the LCM faceplate arrives soon.

[Vas]

Decided to clean the interior today. I didn't touch the steering wheel since I am out of the alcantara cleaner.

Otherwise it came out pretty clean. Only thing that is not up to my standard are the pillars. But those will be replaced eventually with new ones.

Pics taken with a galaxy s6

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/26/1bb07cb04f5d255a8d19e5541f9fc616.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/26/5cccefd86789c3cdca9a2021b2a7b5d2.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/26/a46fc3a7c61263811dd18b4d8333b5b3.jpg

[ELCID86]

Looking good. Water soaked towel and magic erasers on the wheel of you need it cleaned.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

Looking good. Water soaked towel and magic erasers on the wheel of you need it cleaned.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.
Might try this out. Just don't want to get the wheel too wet right ?

[FL116]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/26/a46fc3a7c61263811dd18b4d8333b5b3.jpg

And.... I think I want the Coby Armrest and E-brake in Alcantara with tri-stitch now Lol Looks really good Vas

[ELCID86]

Might try this out. Just don't want to get the wheel too wet right ?

Right. Ring out the towel to just damp (warm water). Massage the wheel with it to loosen the pile and dirt.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

Thanks for the tip Shawn. Might give it a try.

As far as the armrest, it's much nicer I think in alcantara then the leather. Worth it especially if the leather is worn or cracked on the factory part.

[ELCID86]

Thanks for the tip Shawn. Might give it a try.

As far as the armrest, it's much nicer I think in alcantara then the leather. Worth it especially if the leather is worn or cracked on the factory part.
1) no problem. There is a DIY here too.

2) mine is and I should consider the alc one.



Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Vas]

The Alcantara is much cheaper then a leather one as well.

[squashman702]

What are your thoughts on the SSK? ECS has a similar setup available again with a new ZHP knob.

[Vas]

I like it. It's not the biggest change but it's a nice one. Makes it more enjoyable. Using it with the zhp knob too.

[squashman702]

Nice, I have some slop in my shifter, and was hoping this would clean it up as well. I also have pretty bad wear on the stock knob, so hopefully I'd be killing three birds with one stone.

[Vas]

It will get rid of some of the slop but not all. The rest of it is in the shifter selector rod which is under the car. Have to replace bushings there.

I say do it still.

[Vas]

Sketchi will be getting a new BMW Performance Exhaust at the end of the month. Price paid $130 before shipping.

19508

[Vas]

Cancelled my order with ecstuning and bought it from northwest bmw. New price $53 plus $10 to ship.

[Whammy]

Cancelled my order with ecstuning and bought it from northwest bmw. New price $53 plus $10 to ship.

Sweet!!! Ordered mine as well!

[Johnmadd]

Cancelled my order with ecstuning and bought it from northwest bmw. New price $53 plus $10 to ship.

I don't think that includes hardware and tips, just the muffler.

[Whammy]

I don't think that includes hardware and tips, just the muffler.

Using part #18100429614, ECS states "This is a rear section only exhaust and reuses the factory mid section. Includes muffler, tips, clamps and all the hardware needed for installation."

I think it will.

[TigerTater]

Using part #18100429614, ECS states "This is a rear section only exhaust and reuses the factory mid section. Includes muffler, tips, clamps and all the hardware needed for installation."

I think it will.

It does. I called my local dealer earlier today and he confirmed that it includes tips and clamps In addition to muffler.

[Johnmadd]

Using part #18100429614, ECS states "This is a rear section only exhaust and reuses the factory mid section. Includes muffler, tips, clamps and all the hardware needed for installation."

I think it will.


It does. I called my local dealer earlier today and he confirmed that it includes tips and clamps In addition to muffler.

If I get extra hardware it's ok, that's what needs replacing before the muffler usually.

[Vas]

I actually bought two of the systems lol.

[Vas]

So as far as this BMW performance exhaust ordeal, I still have my order with ECStuning for it. BMW Atlanta has cancelled my order and I assume BMW Northwest also did. So I am hoping at least for 1 to arrive so I can install it on Sketchi.

Also have to install the LCM Euro faceplate with the Euro Rear Fog and new a-pillars.

[johnrando]

GL!

[Vas]

BMW Northwest has cancelled my order as well for the exhaust. ECStuning says the exhaust is on route to them. Fingers crossed.

[FL116]

I saw some people on e46f that ordered from ECS and it got cancelled, hope yours goes through

[Vas]

I saw some people on e46f that ordered from ECS and it got cancelled, hope yours goes through

Someone on the facebook page posted a picture of it. They just got it today.

[squashman702]

Any install tips for the short shifter? Just got mine in today.

[Vas]

Purchased the expansion tank mounting bracket and the expansion tank return hose.

[Vas]

Any install tips for the short shifter? Just got mine in today.

When removing the big white plastic clip, 2 flat blade screw drivers should be used to twist it so you can remove the shifter out.

Have some type of magnet that can be used to hold the clip when removing it and installing it back on.

Before putting the new shifter back in, slide it over the rod and install the new clip. Then insert the assembly into the housing and push down on the new big white plastic clip. It is alot easier to install the securing clip when the shifter rod is not fully in the assembly.

Also washers are not used anymore.

[Vas]

This evening I installed two new factory bmw a-pillars and the covers that snap into them. Pretty easy to do and makes the interior look that much better.

Cover off.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/12/f55c41fa9ab43776fdd863e4d2cbe280.jpg

Cover on.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/12/43aab018d70509ba92341d6386137ee2.jpg

Next up is euro lcm faceplate and hopefully a bmw performance exhaust. Eventually do the rest of the pillars too.