William's 330Ci ZHP Maintenance and Project Thread

[johnrando]

Looking forward to pics.

[BMWCurves]

So after my fiasco with the passenger seat and its side bolster adjustment not working (you can read about it here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?17124-WTB-Black-E46-M3-Front-Seats-w-Heating-and-Power-(Lumbar-and-Bolster)&p=473034#post473034)), I went ahead and ordered the following from FCPEuro:

MANN oil filter (includes large housing o-ring and washer) - 11427512300
Smaller o-rings for oil housing (2x) - 11427549573
Trim pin (2x) - 51458266808
Passenger seat side bolster adjustment switch - 52102695396

Hopefully they'll arrive soon so I can plug in the new switch and sort out what exactly is going on with the release function in the passenger side bolsters. I needed the parts for an oil change since the car will be due in a couple of months. The trim pins are for the two broken ones on the Brushed Aluminum Shadow trim. I don't think I'll try and epoxy them, but I'll sell the pins with them for the next owner.

My next step is to locate a good upholstery person/company that can detail the rear seats from the M3 interior I purchased, and figure out how much it will cost me.

[fredo]

I see, that's why yesterday you had the pin number handy. :biggrin

[BMWCurves]

Yup, I need to get the trim prepped for sale!

[BMWCurves]

For a while now, my driver's side tail light has dim LED in the middle of the blinker cluster so I wanted to fix it. When I first discovered the problem I remember searching if I could repair it myself. I found a DIY on E46Fanatics.com (link: http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=880623), but at the time I was preoccupied with other things so I let it sit on the back burner for a while. Recently a member here posted a ZHP coupe being parted out on Craigslist and I jumped at the opportunity to just replace my whole tail light. The seller wanted to keep the two tail lights together so we settled on a price and they were mine.

Today I received in the mail my set of used LED tail lights! The car was a 330Ci ZHP w/ Sparkling Graphite Metallic on Alcantara with a production date of 10/25/2004 (VIN: WBAD53455PL15929). The part numbers for the tail lights are 63216920699 (left) and 63216920700 (right).

The tail lights look to be in great condition, I'm very pleased. I went ahead and installed it, steps, description, and photos below.

How my tail light looked before. Note the dimmer LED in the middle row, third from the left:
http://i.imgur.com/kpkFxPM.jpg

I unpackaged the driver's side tail light and it looks great
http://i.imgur.com/y1NsXHf.jpg

1. Open up the trunk and locate the tail light cover. Remove the cover by pinching in the release tab.
http://i.imgur.com/r711D0h.jpg

2. Locate the three brass-colored 10mm nuts that need to be removed from each "corner" of the tail light. You have to pull back some of the carpeting to get at the last one in the lower "corner."
http://i.imgur.com/lFD0yIi.jpg

You can see the aforementioned 10mm nuts on the new unit
http://i.imgur.com/YkxBg8s.jpg

3. Once the 10mm nuts are removed, be sure to remove the wiring harness by pushing on the release tabs on either end of the harness and pulling outward.
http://i.imgur.com/GVtiKGr.jpg

4. Remove the headlight by gently rocking it back and forth as you pull rearward. Inspect the housing area. Look at how filthy it is. I gave it a quick wipe down before I installed the replacement tail light.
http://i.imgur.com/8rsGxRS.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/dhX2Akf.jpg

5. Compare the two units. Both seem to be in good shape. Wait...what's that there in the replacement tail light?
http://i.imgur.com/YRKtxPg.jpg

Motherfucker it's a tiny dead spider.
http://i.imgur.com/UHrACx6.jpg

I decided I would try and remove the spider, so I flipped the tail light over and removed the four (4) T10 screws. However it didn't seem like it wanted to separate from the tail light so I consulted the DIY LED repair guide linked above. Turns out you have to dremel the housing apart. I wasn't in the mood to try and attempt that, so I said screw it, I'll just ignore it.

I also noticed that my tail light lacked a foam gasket that the replacement tail light had. Turns out it was stuck/glued to the body of the car. I carefully peeled it away from the body of the car and placed it on my old housing. The gasket below (part no. 63218383898).
http://i.imgur.com/qxmRfCH.jpg

6. Install the replacement tail light with the gasket, carefully fitting each bolt stud into the body correctly. Screw down each 10mm nut so it is "tight." I was wary of doing it too tightly since the tail light is plastic, but I did it until my socket wrench met a little resistance and was tighter than finger tight. Put the trunk carpet back into place and reinstall the tail light cover.
http://i.imgur.com/CheYYVj.jpg

7. Take pride in your handiwork.
http://i.imgur.com/DKamXf8.jpg

[BMWCurves]

And now that I'm all excited I noticed that despite the tail light sitting flush on the exterior, the rubber seal on the inside by the trunk doesn't sit flush. How big of an issue do you think it is? Here's a photo, although it's hard to see in the picture:

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

[fw_fw]

And now that I'm all excited I noticed that despite the tail light sitting flush on the exterior, the rubber seal on the inside by the trunk doesn't sit flush. How big of an issue do you think it is? Here's a photo, although it's hard to see in the picture:



I'd want it flush as you can make it, otherwise all that water that comes down that way will find a way into those replacement taillights.....

[Sockethead]

When mine leaked, it didn't go into the taillight... it filled the spare tire well full of water

[330i Lover]

For a while now, my driver's side tail light has dim LED in the middle of the blinker cluster so I wanted to fix it. When I first discovered the problem I remember searching if I could repair it myself. I found a DIY on E46Fanatics.com (link: http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=880623), but at the time I was preoccupied with other things so I let it sit on the back burner for a while. Recently a member here posted a ZHP coupe being parted out on Craigslist and I jumped at the opportunity to just replace my whole tail light. The seller wanted to keep the two tail lights together so we settled on a price and they were mine.

Today I received in the mail my set of used LED tail lights! The car was a 330Ci ZHP w/ Sparkling Graphite Metallic on Alcantara with a production date of 10/25/2004 (VIN: WBAD53455PL15929). The part numbers for the tail lights are 63216920699 (left) and 63216920700 (right).

The tail lights look to be in great condition, I'm very pleased. I went ahead and installed it, steps, description, and photos below.

How my tail light looked before. Note the dimmer LED in the middle row, third from the left:
http://i.imgur.com/kpkFxPM.jpg

I unpackaged the driver's side tail light and it looks great
http://i.imgur.com/y1NsXHf.jpg

1. Open up the trunk and locate the tail light cover. Remove the cover by pinching in the release tab.
http://i.imgur.com/r711D0h.jpg

2. Locate the three brass-colored 10mm nuts that need to be removed from each "corner" of the tail light. You have to pull back some of the carpeting to get at the last one in the lower "corner."
http://i.imgur.com/lFD0yIi.jpg

You can see the aforementioned 10mm nuts on the new unit
http://i.imgur.com/YkxBg8s.jpg

3. Once the 10mm nuts are removed, be sure to remove the wiring harness by pushing on the release tabs on either end of the harness and pulling outward.
http://i.imgur.com/GVtiKGr.jpg

4. Remove the headlight by gently rocking it back and forth as you pull rearward. Inspect the housing area. Look at how filthy it is. I gave it a quick wipe down before I installed the replacement tail light.
http://i.imgur.com/8rsGxRS.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/dhX2Akf.jpg

5. Compare the two units. Both seem to be in good shape. Wait...what's that there in the replacement tail light?
http://i.imgur.com/YRKtxPg.jpg

Motherfucker it's a tiny dead spider.
http://i.imgur.com/UHrACx6.jpg

I decided I would try and remove the spider, so I flipped the tail light over and removed the four (4) T10 screws. However it didn't seem like it wanted to separate from the tail light so I consulted the DIY LED repair guide linked above. Turns out you have to dremel the housing apart. I wasn't in the mood to try and attempt that, so I said screw it, I'll just ignore it.

I also noticed that my tail light lacked a foam gasket that the replacement tail light had. Turns out it was stuck/glued to the body of the car. I carefully peeled it away from the body of the car and placed it on my old housing. The gasket below (part no. 63218383898).
http://i.imgur.com/qxmRfCH.jpg

6. Install the replacement tail light with the gasket, carefully fitting each bolt stud into the body correctly. Screw down each 10mm nut so it is "tight." I was wary of doing it too tightly since the tail light is plastic, but I did it until my socket wrench met a little resistance and was tighter than finger tight. Put the trunk carpet back into place and reinstall the tail light cover.
http://i.imgur.com/CheYYVj.jpg

7. Take pride in your handiwork.
http://i.imgur.com/DKamXf8.jpg
Nice write up. That spider has seen better days!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Good work.

Sent from an S6 Edge

[BMWCurves]

I'd want it flush as you can make it, otherwise all that water that comes down that way will find a way into those replacement taillights.....

Yeah, it's not getting anymore flush as far as I can tell, but I plan to use some silicon caulk I have lying around to seal it up tomorrow.


When mine leaked, it didn't go into the taillight... it filled the spare tire well full of water

Well...that's not an aftermarket feature I'd like to have if I'm honest haha.


Nice write up. That spider has seen better days!

That it has. I'm trying to figure out how I might dislodge it, maybe try and vacuum it? Although I know vacuum + electronics != a good thing.


Good work.

Thanks! One more thing down.

[BMWCurves]

I removed my driver's side tail light and laid down a line of silicone caulk on the metal where the rubber gasket meets the trunk. I then reinstalled the tail light and made sure there was sufficient caulk around the gasket. It is now curing, hopefully it will make a nice, waterproof seal. The silicone I used:

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

[BMWCurves]

Question for you all: how much do you think it should cost to detail some minor blemishes for rear seats, seven pieces total when disassembled?

This morning I brought the rear parts of my recently purchase M3 interior to an independent shop recommended by my local dealership to get an estimate for some minor detailing repairs. They quoted me $500+ with no guarantees that they could fix it all. Does that seem reasonable? It seems pretty high to me. Seth or someone said that they had a guy at their shop who could heat stretch sagging leather for about $25 a car. I need to find that type of service local.

Link to some photos of the interior's blemishes: http://imgur.com/a/i63xd

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts!

[BMWCurves]

My full set of 245/40R17 Continental ExtremeContact DW tires arrived today. I'm excited to get them mounted once my 17x8.5" ET40 APEX ARC-8 in Hyper Black arrive!

And my above question still stands, any help would be greatly appreciated!

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

[ecrabb]

Question for you all: how much do you think it should cost to detail some minor blemishes for rear seats, seven pieces total when disassembled?

This morning I brought the rear parts of my recently purchase M3 interior to an independent shop recommended by my local dealership to get an estimate for some minor detailing repairs. They quoted me $500+ with no guarantees that they could fix it all. Does that seem reasonable? It seems pretty high to me. Seth or someone said that they had a guy at their shop who could heat stretch sagging leather for about $25 a car. I need to find that type of service local.

Link to some photos of the interior's blemishes: http://imgur.com/a/i63xd

At $500, they're probably just taking a shot in the dark and guessing five hours of somebody's time at $100/hr. Basically, they probably don't want to deal with you, and they're hoping either you'll go away, or that if they have to deal with you, they'll be making good money.

I'm no leather expert, but half that stuff looks it will work its way out once it's warmed and massaged a little to take the stresses out. The little dimples, for instance... Get that in the sun or use a hair dryer on a warm setting, use some leather conditioner, and I bet it'll be mostly gone.

The bolsters that are a wrinkled and "tired"... I think that has more to do with the foam being broken down. It's squished, has lost some of its body, and so the leather is left not as tight as it once was.

Check out this video that Larry from AmmoNYC did on cleaning and restoring leather, particularly the steaming part.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bd_IqK5ydU

You probably can't tell because the seats are black, but that leather is probably dirty on top of all the other defects.

Here's another video he did with some leather guys on rebuilding a seat... Particularly the part on rejuvenating the foam at 3:24..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUhrar9lR5Q

Food for thought.

Cheers,
SC

[NoVAphotog]

My full set of 245/40R17 Continental ExtremeContact DW tires arrived today. I'm excited to get them mounted once my 17x8.5" ET40 APEX ARC-8 in Hyper Black arrive!

And my above question still stands, any help would be greatly appreciated!

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

Nice.

I think we were some of the first orders in?


Sent from my iPhone 6S using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

At $500, they're probably just taking a shot in the dark and guessing five hours of somebody's time at $100/hr. Basically, they probably don't want to deal with you, and they're hoping either you'll go away, or that if they have to deal with you, they'll be making good money.

I'm no leather expert, but half that stuff looks it will work its way out once it's warmed and massaged a little to take the stresses out. The little dimples, for instance... Get that in the sun or use a hair dryer on a warm setting, use some leather conditioner, and I bet it'll be mostly gone.

The bolsters that are a wrinkled and "tired"... I think that has more to do with the foam being broken down. It's squished, has lost some of its body, and so the leather is left not as tight as it once was.

Check out this video that Larry from AmmoNYC did on cleaning and restoring leather, particularly the steaming part.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bd_IqK5ydU

You probably can't tell because the seats are black, but that leather is probably dirty on top of all the other defects.

Here's another video he did with some leather guys on rebuilding a seat... Particularly the part on rejuvenating the foam at 3:24..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUhrar9lR5Q

Food for thought.

Cheers,
SC

Appreciate the info, definitely helpful. I'll have to think about what I want to do. First things first though is to get my passenger side bolster issue resolved.

And that was the feeling I was getting from the detailer as well. Just a lot of hesitation.


Nice.

I think we were some of the first orders in?

I think we were. I'm excited!

It was funny, I didn't get a knock at the door but I got an email while I was upstairs that my tires were delivered. I went downstairs and opened the door but there weren't any tires or packages. I reread the email and it says "left in front of garage." I open up the garage and there they are, four tires collecting rain. The mailing sticker was just slapped on one of the tires. I had never seen that before.

[BMWCurves]

Today I mounted and balanced my four new APEX ARC-8 17x8.5" ET40 Hyper Black wheels with four Continental ExtremeContact DW 245/40R17 tires. I opted to purchase metal valve stems as well since they were only a dollar more a piece compared to rubber ones. Had it done by people over at A n T Tire and Wheel since they had good reviews on TireRack. They didn't have Road Force balancing equipment, but the only place in the Portland Area had terrible reviews, several of which said their wheels were scratched in the process. These guys were very nice, quick, and wrapped up my old wheels in some plastic bags and loaded them into my car for me. Great service.

I haven't put in the hub caps because a) I can't find where I put them :facepalm and b) I am going to order BMW replica ones on Amazon. The ones that came with the APEX wheels aren't carbon fiber like they show in the pictures, they're just black with APEX's logo written on them so they're a little less nice than I expected. Oh well. I should say the wheels came packed very nicely, they had basically hairnets around the face of the wheel along with a plastic cap to protect the rim of the wheel.

First impressions: I haven't had a chance to test the setup out yet. I want to get a few hundred miles onto the tires to get through the thin film on the tires and then I'll update! Visually though, I love the look!


EDIT: I've had about 300 miles on them since they were installed and this set up is great. The car feels more planted in the corners and manages bumps in the road much better than before. With traction control off, I can use the throttle pedal to modulate the car's rotation. I think steering response is ever so slightly decreased which probably down to both a taller sidewall and a softer sidewall. I don't mind it though, just an observation. Slightly reduced road noise. All of that with a marked improvement in ride comfort. I really enjoy this setup, it's precisely what I hoped to get out of it.

Some people say they experience a slight increase in acceleration. I haven't really noticed it but wouldn't be too surprised if it were true.

Also I like the slight increased offset, visually. The additional ~10mm fills out the wheel wells nicely.

Some quick pics (ignore the dirt, it's been raining here :()

Continental ExtremeContact DW 245/40R17 tires:

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

APEX ARC-8 17x8.5" ET40 Hyper Black wheels:

http://i.imgur.com/6jeK6ms.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mlGveMG.jpg

All mounted (first pic is of my car being parked in by another BMW customer at the dealership this morning. Thanks!):

http://i.imgur.com/hhhKnHD.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/TwqVW2s.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/XF6kSpl.jpg

[Sockethead]

Lookin' good ;)

[san]

Looks awesome... I think you picked right colored wheels too... This is the set up i want have down the line so I'm interested to see what u have to say...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slater]

looks good, william! :cheers

(and i'm jealous of your spring weather!)

[BMWCurves]

Lookin' good ;)

Thanks!


Looks awesome... I think you picked right colored wheels too... This is the set up i want have down the line so I'm interested to see what u have to say...

Thanks! I'm still a little unsure if I should have gone with Hyper Silver because it's a classic look, but I really like Hyper Black so far and am very happy with my choice. I'm excited to see how it looks in the bright sun, today's overcast wasn't great lighting. I should say that on the ride back from the shop the car didn't tramline anymore than the car did before which was one of my big fears having so much rubber up front. I did notice a slight increase in ride comfort although the ride home isn't particularly bumpy. I think I need another alignment though given the change in rubber width, anyone know for sure?

Also, the pictures don't do the wheels justice. The wheels look small on the car in the photos, but they look anything but small in person. Not sure why that is, maybe it has to do with my iPhone's lens.


looks good, william! :cheers

(and i'm jealous of your spring weather!)

Appreciate it! And you can have my stupid rain, all of it! We were teased briefly with sunny and 60F weather, but then it went away in favor of moisture. Can't wait for warmer spring weather.

[san]

I think I need another alignment though given the change in rubber width, anyone know for sure?


I don't think you need to get an alignment. The change in tires and rims shouldn't affect the alignment settings I think...

But if you have the free lifetime alignment and haven't done it in a while go for it, It's better to get rid of any issues now when your tires are new... I have to shell out $150 for it cause my only option is to go to the dealership so I think twice before I take it...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NoVAphotog]

Looks awesome William!! You'll find out soon what the hyper silver looks like on mine but I think the hb definitely works for yours! Perfect in between silver and anthracite.


Sent from my iPhone 6S using Tapatalk

[slater]

Also, the pictures don't do the wheels justice. The wheels look small on the car in the photos, but they look anything but small in person. Not sure why that is, maybe it has to do with my iPhone's lens.

yeah, 17's always look smaller in pictures - not sure why that is!



Appreciate it! And you can have my stupid rain, all of it! We were teased briefly with sunny and 60F weather, but then it went away in favor of moisture. Can't wait for warmer spring weather.

haha. i'd take rain over snow - it also means warmer ambient temps!

[fw_fw]

Like the APEX wheels and it looks good......but less ZHPish.....135s are a favorite of mine!

[MtechJon]

Those look real great William! Mine showed up today wanted to go with hyper black but was not disappointed with the look of satin black looks real clean

[Sockethead]

I like the hyper black...looks good on dark colored cars.

[Jconlin16]

The new wheels look great! Love the hyper black on OB.

[BMWCurves]

I don't think you need to get an alignment. The change in tires and rims shouldn't affect the alignment settings I think...

But if you have the free lifetime alignment and haven't done it in a while go for it, It's better to get rid of any issues now when your tires are new... I have to shell out $150 for it cause my only option is to go to the dealership so I think twice before I take it...

Where does one get these magical lifetime alignments? I would probably abuse the shit out of it haha


Looks awesome William!! You'll find out soon what the hyper silver looks like on mine but I think the hb definitely works for yours! Perfect in between silver and anthracite.

Yeah, post pics when you get yours in and mounted! Hyper Silver will definitely look good on Imola :thumbsup Stephen's looks great in his review thread here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?14607-Apex-ARC-8-Hypersilver-17x8-5-quot-review

Really it looks factory, which is one of the best compliments I can give.

I plan to post an impression thread once everyone here gets a few hundred miles on their APEXes.


yeah, 17's always look smaller in pictures - not sure why that is!

haha. i'd take rain over snow - it also means warmer ambient temps!

Who knows why, apart from the obvious downsize from 18" to 17". But I'll take real life looks over pics any day!

And true, I don't want snow anymore, but I want it to be sunny spring already!


Like the APEX wheels and it looks good......but less ZHPish.....135s are a favorite of mine!

I love the 135s. If they weighed about 10 lbs less I wouldn't have felt the need to get the APEXes because I really think they embody the car, stylistically. But they weigh too much for my tastes. I'll still hold onto them though.


Those look real great William! Mine showed up today wanted to go with hyper black but was not disappointed with the look of satin black looks real clean

Thanks! I think Satin Black will look great on Silver Gray, it's a nice accent.


I like the hyper black...looks good on dark colored cars.

Agreed! I want to see them in bright sunlight because they definitely change hue with different light. Regardless, I love them, I repeatedly went out and just look at them this evening...


The new wheels look great! Love the hyper black on OB.

Thanks! There aren't many OB people here, and the only one with ARC-8s I think is Otter who doesn't post very often. I actually consulted with him when I first saw his car with Anthracite ARC-8s.

[Vas]

Looks good

[san]

Where does one get these magical lifetime alignments? I would probably abuse the shit out of it haha


Firestone... But all of them are not equipped to work on BMW's...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[05Imola]

Today I mounted and balanced my four new APEX ARC-8 17x8.5" ET40 Hyper Black wheels with four Continental ExtremeContact DW 245/40R17 tires. I opted to purchase metal valve stems as well since they were only a dollar more a piece compared to rubber ones. Had it done by people over at A n T Tire and Wheel since they had good reviews on TireRack. They didn't have Road Force balancing equipment, but the only place in the Portland Area had terrible reviews, several of which said their wheels were scratched in the process. These guys were very nice, quick, and wrapped up my old wheels in some plastic bags and loaded them into my car for me. Great service.
http://i.imgur.com/hhhKnHD.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/TwqVW2s.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/XF6kSpl.jpg


Wheels look great! I was afraid they would look small as well but they don't at all on your coupe. I should have mine on by this weekend.

[BMWCurves]

Annoyingly when I got home today I noticed that my right rear tire is flat. I assume the tire just isn't seated properly in the wheel or there's a failed valve stem. It's odd since it looked normal this morning, but then again, I wasn't really looking at it specifically when I left so maybe it was low. I'll call the shop where I got the tires mounted tomorrow morning to see if they can get it fixed tomorrow. While I wait I'll take both rears off tomorrow and swap them for for my 135s (jalopy status) and try and locate the leak on the problem wheel at the gas station near me.

I purchased some BMW hub caps off of Amazon (link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AV4CNO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00). The reviews are mostly positive with some "these are pieces of crap" reviews sprinkled in there. Hopefully I'll end up with a good set. The official BMW part number is 36136783536. While I wait I went ahead and put the hub caps in that were provided by APEX. Unfortunately, when they click into place, they sit below the center ring on the wheel, so I may have to remove each wheel to remove the cap. I'll cross that tedious bridge when I get to it.

Finally, my trunk's pistons have always made a funny sound, but today I think I figured it out. It sounds like a melancholy wookie:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGHa1t_1Cek


Looks good

Appreciate it


Firestone... But all of them are not equipped to work on BMW's...

Hmm...I'll have to look into that. How much does it cost?


Wheels look great! I was afraid they would look small as well but they don't at all on your coupe. I should have mine on by this weekend.

Thanks!

[san]

A bit over $100 I think

Edit: one time $120, lifetime $180
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[330i Lover]

Like the APEX wheels and it looks good......but less ZHPish.....135s are a favorite of mine!
+1

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Took my wheel over to A n T this morning and they fixed it at no cost. It was a failed valve stem. I swapped the tire back onto the car then drove it briefly up the hill to adjust inflation to 38 psi all around.

Current mileage: 53,608


A bit over $100 I think

Edit: one time $120, lifetime $180
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for looking into that...I'll have to consider it. $180 isn't terrible for unlimited alignments.

[san]

Thanks for looking into that...I'll have to consider it. $180 isn't terrible for unlimited alignments.

Ya, the Firestone close to where I stay don't have the capability to work on bmws so anytime I need a alignment I have shell out about ~$150 at the dealership... $180 for lifetime is a steal compared to the dealership


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Vas]

Nice. Glad to have it fixed.

[BMWCurves]

Also, I've noticed that my automatic headlights sometimes stay on in very bright conditions, and then other times struggle to come on in low-light conditions. Anyone had this issue before?

[BMWCurves]

I dropped the car off on monday to sort out why the passenger M3 seat wouldn't release the air in the side bolster bladders. The side bolster bladders will fill, but when you try and release it, there is a click and then nothing. I had previously replaced the button since it was damaged, but that did not fix my problem, so to the shop it went.

My mechanic identified it as a failing solenoid in the lumbar valve unit (part no. 67668385631). Since there isn't a single one of these parts currently in the U.S., it'll have to be shipped in on a stock order. It's cheaper to order through ECS, so I'm doing that. In the mean time, my mechanic jerry-rigged a T-valve setup so that the side bolsters will work and I can have the car back.

[Vas]

How much is that part?

[BMWCurves]

~$200 from the dealer, ~$115 from ECS.

[Vas]

Was expecting alot worse

[BMWCurves]

Yeah, it's not terrible. I'm willing to wait to save the $80-90 anyways.

[Sockethead]

at least you can still get the part

[BMWCurves]

at least you can still get the part

Precisely why I'm getting it. If part of the valve is failing now, I figure the other part isn't long behind.

[Sockethead]

yep... it's a BMW... ;)

[BMWCurves]

Received my non-BMW BMW hub caps from Amazon yesterday and installed them today. Fit and finish is pretty good for around $11 shipped. They are plastic caps with a painted round metal logo bent over the plastic cap.

Unfortunately, I had already put in the APEX hub caps in my APEX wheels while I waited for these to arrive. I say unfortunately because the cap itself is seated below the plane of the wheel's center, so it's nearly impossible to get something in between the wheel and the cap and get enough leverage to pop out the old cap. Fearing I would scratch the finish on the wheels, I opted to remove each wheel, pop out the APEX hub cap, and install the new hub cap. Did it on all four wheels and I think it looks pretty good. The BMW caps fit securely and would not spin, despite lacking the metal spring/ring to keep the cap's tabs pushed out against the wheel. I wouldn't know they were knock offs unless someone told me.

Purchased them here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AV4CNO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

A little more discussion on them here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?17703-Wheel-Cap-Vinyl-Stickers-Which-Are-the-Best&p=480583#post480583

Pics:

http://i.imgur.com/vefsELq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2ZHInKC.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3iuhRQv.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/fs4RQOB.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/781XN6v.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/JtvYFxi.jpg

[FungShui]

Looks good and the price is right.

Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

[330i Lover]

Looks good and the price is right.

Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
+1

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Bought some items for the car:

Jack mounting screw (BMW) - 71126755390
Trim panel clip (BMW, 20x) - 51418224768
Trim panel clip (BMW), 9x) - 51418224781

The jack mounting screw snapped so I'm replacing that, and the trim panel clips are in pursuit of rooting out the rattles in my doors. I'll also be purchasing Boom Mats (link (http://www.amazon.com/DEI-050202-12-Boom-Mat/dp/B000MY3NI0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1458586033&sr=8-7&keywords=boom+mats)) after reading Ssparrow's review of them (link (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?16039-Ssparrow-s-Maintenace-Build-Log&p=477770#post477770)).

Also decided to use PA Soft to clear some old codes and see what remains. Only one error was left in the ABS module:

http://i.imgur.com/RJTR76U.png

Any idea what that is?

[Sockethead]

That's basically a communications error on the CAN bus... same as a regular computer. DME didn't receive data in a predetermined timeframe from another module. What it means seems to be a mystery. I was helping another member that was getting that error a while ago... never did find a solution and it didn't affect his performance or anything else... as far as clearing it, you may have to use DIS to clear it. Some errors have to be cleared through a diagnostic routine...otherwise you can probably just ignore it

[BMWCurves]

That's basically a communications error on the CAN bus... same as a regular computer. DME didn't receive data in a predetermined timeframe from another module. What it means seems to be a mystery. I was helping another member that was getting that error a while ago... never did find a solution and it didn't affect his performance or anything else... as far as clearing it, you may have to use DIS to clear it. Some errors have to be cleared through a diagnostic routine...otherwise you can probably just ignore it

Sweet, thanks for the input. I figured it wasn't a significant issue. I recently had to stop hard enough to engage ABS thanks to a classic oblivious Oregon driver and it worked perfectly. No lights on the cluster, etc so I'm not particularly worried, just wondering what it meant.

[BMWCurves]

It has been a year to the day since I bought it. I have loved every day of it. It's been a joy to work on and to drive.

Checked the odometer this morning: 53,834 miles.
Miles driven in the last year: 4,470.

It's not much but I work from home and everything I go to during the week is within 10 miles. I'll most likely rack up a lot more miles this year as I'm planning to change jobs.

[Vas]

More miles = more smiles.

Go out and drive...

[BMWCurves]

More miles = more smiles.

Go out and drive...

That's for sure. Looking forward to great weather this summer to enjoy on some back roads :)

[BMWCurves]

Decided to get off my butt and fix the rear deck rattle I've had intermittently. I posted a question thread about it a while ago here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?17449-Rear-Deck-Rattle-Question), and decided to settle on Milano's twist on the tennis ball method. Instead of a tennis ball, I used three FloraCraft Styrofoam cones from Michael's:

http://www.michaels.com/floracraft-styrofoam-cone-white/M10213118.html

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160328/2676ad9447e4909358f4e86c1edb5e70.jpg

The specifically the 2 7/8" x 5 7/8" cones. I used this DIY guide (http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=362401) to pull the sub out from the trunk and place the cones. I placed one cone in each hole of the trunk's metal with the tip headed outboard toward the side of the car. The third cone I stuffed in rearward between the two holes, facing to the right. Hopefully that'll put enough pressure on the rear deck lid to keep it from rattling. I put the cones in pretty snugly so they felt secure and then put it all back together. I'll update after I've driven it around for a while blasting J. Bieb bangers (jokes). Time for some deep bass DUBSTEP (WOMP WOMP)


EDIT: I've had some time playing various types of music with differing chief frequencies and didn't hear a peep of deck rattle. The solution seems to work well (for now). It did however highlight the door rattles I have so I look forward to replacing all the door clips with new ones that have foam or rubber. I also plan to purchase some Boom Mats for sound insulation, and finally, I have to decide if I want to swap my door cards for the M3 ones I have laying around.

Pics

The cone:
http://i.imgur.com/rlIrt1H.jpg

Subs disassembled:
http://i.imgur.com/bKeXeD7.jpg

Rear trunk holes with loose sound deadening:
http://i.imgur.com/uwCZlAl.jpg

View of the port trunk hole with cone installed:
http://i.imgur.com/12Q7QbW.jpg

View of the starboard trunk hole with cone installed between holes and on the far right:
http://i.imgur.com/jxe9VVJ.jpg

[BMWCurves]

I should also add that now that I've had some time with the APEX wheels and Continental DW tires that I am very satisfied. Although I'm not sure I notice that much of an increase in straight line acceleration as some others have described, the feels much more planted and secure in the corners. I can chuck it in and it grips like hell. With all traction control turned off, I can accurately rotate the car with the accelerator. It is beautifully balanced and the car feels very well suited. That's all with the added benefit of a noticeable improvement in ride comfort.

[leadphut]

Brilliant documentation. Scanned most of this thread. Great contribution to the community. Thank you.

[BMWCurves]

Brilliant documentation. Scanned most of this thread. Great contribution to the community. Thank you.

My pleasure. It's really for my own benefit so I can go back and see when and what I've done, as well as get some advice from other members. If other people get some use of it, even better.

I didn't notice until now that you're in Portland. Good luck in your search, it's tough to find any good ones local.

[BMWCurves]

On Thursday I used Dual's guide here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?18004-How-to-fix-difficult-to-open-doors) to adjust the driver's side door handle. It releases much easier!

Today I washed the car because it was in dire need, but sadly the vast amounts of pollen in the air means about 10 minutes after I finished it had a fine coating of pollen and small dead flower petals. Losing battle but at least it was clean for a few minutes.

Took a blast down some of my favorite roads. I can't imagine I'll ever get sick of how this car feels. As James May so eloquently puts it, it gives me the "fizz." Some crap photos on my phone, lighting was poor as well:

http://i.imgur.com/9axQ8kB.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/nr3zk0W.jpg

[BMWCurves]

Didn't do much for my car today but I finally replaced the broken jack mounting screw (part no. 71126755390). The previous one was snapped and would fall out of the jack.

http://i.imgur.com/gNa7Y05.jpg

[BMWCurves]

Brakes have developed an obnoxious squeak. I'm not sure why, it hasn't done this before.

[330i Lover]

It's not much but I work from home and everything I go to during the week is within 10 miles. I'll most likely rack up a lot more miles this year as I'm planning to change jobs.

Changing career path or just hopping to another local employer?

[BMWCurves]

Changing career path or just hopping to another local employer?

Continuing the career path, just a new job.

[Sockethead]

Brakes have developed an obnoxious squeak. I'm not sure why, it hasn't done this before.

What kind of pads are you running? I can't remember... My Hawk pads started squealing maybe a couple of months after I installed them

[BMWCurves]

What kind of pads are you running? I can't remember... My Hawk pads started squealing maybe a couple of months after I installed them

Yup, Hawk HPS 5.0s.

[Sockethead]

there you go.... I'm not sure which Hawk pads I have because the wife bought them for me... I just live with the squealing, I never tried resolving it.

[BMWCurves]

there you go.... I'm not sure which Hawk pads I have because the wife bought them for me... I just live with the squealing, I never tried resolving it.

Huh, shame. I was so happy they were quiet and dust free. I might try and pop off the calipers and apply some more anti-squeal compound if I have some time.

[Sockethead]

I was going to suggest some anti squeal goo. I never did that because the goo I have is orange and I didn't want that showing through...

[3ZHP]

Yup, Hawk HPS 5.0s.

That surprises me. Mine are still quiet. Did you try re bedding them?? How many miles do you have on them??

[BMWCurves]

I haven't tried rebedding them, I could do that. They have about 2200 miles on them.

[BMWCurves]

Mileage: 54,537 miles

Oil was "low" i.e. at the middle of the dip stick marker. Topped it up with ~1/3 of a liter of BMW 5W30 oil. I haven't kept tabs on how much oil the car consumes, but it is an appreciable amount. I'd guess about 2+ liters over ~5k miles. I'll keep better tabs on it once I do an oil change in the near future.

My wild guess would be a CCV that isn't working optimally (see: clogged) due to the short trips this car has taken its entire life: 5 miles roundtrip to work for 9 years under the first owners, and I am about a 15 minute drive to anywhere I need to go, so often it's not enough to get the car up to proper operating temperature.

[san]

Replacing ccv helped me cure my oil consumption (temporarily) from 3500 miles to over 7000 miles... I say temporarily cause it got a lot worse now... Worse than having a bad ccv... Yet to figure out why and it doesn't make sense to me...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Replacing ccv helped me cure my oil consumption (temporarily) from 3500 miles to over 7000 miles... I say temporarily cause it got a lot worse now... Worse than having a bad ccv... Yet to figure out why and it doesn't make sense to me...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Huh...that's strange. I anticipate if I do change out the CCV I will go to a catch can setup.

[Vas]

Noticed you had your windows with Suntek Carbon film.

What do you think of the quality?

[BMWCurves]

I've had it on both of my 330Ci's and have had no issues and have liked the quality. Decently good at delaying temperatures rising in the cabin due to direct sunlight. The hue has never faded/turned purple during my ownership. Viewing out is clear and crisp with no visible distortion. No radio interference to speak of. I have looked at other films but haven't had much experience with them. I was happy with what the SunTek Carbon offered at the price point.

Not sure what else to touch on, but have enjoyed my purchases both times.

[Vas]

Thanks. There is a local tint shop that uses it and I am considering to tint one the zhp cars in my driveway

[BMWCurves]

In other news, I think I'm going to go ahead and swap out the entire M3 interior I have despite the minor blemishes. The blemishes are quite small, the leather is just nicer, and I like the completeness of it. Plus it'll give me access to panels so I can add sound deadening at the same time. I'll just need to pick out some sound deadening material and I'll follow Trevor's guide here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?18307-Is-it-too-loud-**Sound-Deadening-Project**

In other news, I gave her a much needed bath. I also vacuumed and wiped down the interior. I considered changing out the all weather mats for my carpet mats, but I'll wait until June so rain is less likely.

http://i.imgur.com/5UNLEFd.jpg

[Ssparrow]

Nice, I've been contemplating an interior swap as well! I would like to get rid of some (not all) the grey I'm just not sure how to source what I want.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Nice, I've been contemplating an interior swap as well! I would like to get rid of some (not all) the grey I'm just not sure how to source what I want.

I never realized your interior was gray. That might be tough to pull off the two-tone, but could end up looking great. If you're looking to switch to black, it will be less difficult than any other interior. I would just start looking for local part out cars.

Also, if you're in the midst of swapping out interiors, I can't say enough good things about the M3 seats. They're comfier and I love the side bolsters and added support. They require a little modification to fit in sedans, but otherwise plug and play.

[Ssparrow]

I never realized your interior was gray. That might be tough to pull off the two-tone, but could end up looking great. If you're looking to switch to black, it will be less difficult than any other interior. I would just start looking for local part out cars.

Also, if you're in the midst of swapping out interiors, I can't say enough good things about the M3 seats. They're comfier and I love the side bolsters and added support. They require a little modification to fit in sedans, but otherwise plug and play.

Yeah that's the problem, i was thinking doing two tone black and gray door panels, but I think it would clash with the dash. Definitely something that won't happen for a while. I'd like to get some other stuff tackled first!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

Nice, I've been contemplating an interior swap as well! I would like to get rid of some (not all) the grey I'm just not sure how to source what I want.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The dash is pretty easy to find. I had a former member here smolck ship one to me. Black carpet was a bear to source as most cars in junk yards don't have glass, etc and is exposed to the elements and the carpet is not something they are usually willing to "pull". After many months of searching I found a place in NYC that had one and was willing to remove it and sell. Colin stopped thru there on his way back from spring break at The Cape. I just sold it to John who bought Colin's car (along with the dash and most of the black bits needed for a swap--man there are a lot of tan parts on these cars.

He's a member here and does a bit of parting cars on the side. Perhaps he's willing to sell them.

[BMWCurves]

Placed an order for:

2 liters of Pentosin DOT4 LV brake fluid since I'm at the 1 year mark.
Noico-branded 80mm foil/butyl mat
Noico-branded 157mm foam mat

I'm hoping to do the following over the next week or so:

Oil change with Mobil1 0W-40 oil
Install new oil level sensor (BMW, 12617508003) and possibly a new gasket for it (BMW, 12611744292)
Perform a brake fluid flush using aforementioned Pentosin DOT4 LV brake fluid
Swap out my door cards, rear passenger side cards, and rear passenger seats with the M3 interior I have
While I'm in there swapping interior parts, I'll use the sound deadening material I ordered throughout the car. I'll be using Trevor's (Rovert) guide here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?18307-Is-it-too-loud-**Sound-Deadening-Project**&highlight=sound+deadening. Since I ordered 372 feet of each material, I'm hoping I'll have enough left over for either my sister or my father's car, or to sell it to someone here that's interested in a similar job. I plan to use an iPhone decibel meter app to get a rough idea of difference in sound deadening before and after. I don't expect much, but maybe a little bit at highway speeds.

[Ssparrow]

Nice! Good call on using a decibel meter to test the before and after.

Do you plan on using a pressure bleeder or the two man method?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Nice! Good call on using a decibel meter to test the before and after.

Do you plan on using a pressure bleeder or the two man method?

Pressure bleeder. I have one from the last time I did a brake flush.

[Sockethead]

Pressure bleeder. I have one from the last time I did a brake flush.
Well worth the investment.

[slater]

Well worth the investment.

yep. love mine. should've gotten it sooner. :) (as it is with all tools... ;))

[BMWCurves]

The sound deadening mats and brake fluid arrived. First, I completely skipped that the thicknesses were measured in mils rather than mm :facepalm I really should know better. I'm not worried about that causing any issues. Second, the Noico butyl mats are heavy. It is 372 feet of material, but still, heavy. Looking forward to putting this stuff everywhere inside the car.

I am, however, rethinking doing any car stuff this weekend since tomorrow and Sunday are supposed to be near or over 100F which is way above the norm for this time of the year. The record high for June 4th is currently 91F set in 1987, and the record high for June is 102F, set in 2006. Thanks global warming.

My plan is still the same, though. I'll take the car out for a drive to set a baseline dB value on my favorite road coasting at about 35mph, same road under load, and another one on the highway under constant load. They're by no means scientific values, but will be used as an estimation for before and after for sound deadening. I'm excited to get my M3 interior in and to have my car up to date on maintenance!

[BMWCurves]

Current Mileage: 54,828 miles

Today I knocked off an oil change and replacing the oil level sensor. I wanted to do a brake fluid flush, but it was just too damn hot out (92F today). First thing I did was to put the car up on jack stands. Next step was to open up the hood and remove the oil filler cap. I crawled under the car and removed the front plastic splash guard (7 philips head screws that stay connected to the splash guard). I noticed that the splash guard was wet with something around its drain hole:

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

I removed the splash guard and inspected the underside of the motor and noticed two hoses had signs of wetness. Are these power steering hoses? They're located just inboard of the front sway bar.

http://i.imgur.com/24ZuNul.jpg

Moving on, I removed the metal reinforcement plate (8x 16mm hex bolts). Mine had little rubber protector grommets over the four bolt holes closest to the front that needed to be removed. Once the plate was out the way, I removed the drain plug (17mm hex bolt) and let the oil drain out. I inspected the drain plug (a magnetic part from Turner Motorsport) and noticed there was a little nugget of stuff stuck to the magnetized end. In hindsight I should have taken a photo. As the oil was draining I removed oil filter housing cap (36mm hex). I removed the old oil filter, replaced and lubed the two small green o-rings on the cap (11427549573, BMW), put in a new filter and a new housing o-ring from MANN kit (MAN-HU9254X). I tightened it back down to 18 ft-lbs.

I released the wiring harness from the oil level sensor and then removed the three nuts holding it in place (10mm hex nuts):

http://i.imgur.com/br8PkFu.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/oOuG64f.jpg

I had bought the gasket for the oil level sensor as RealOEM showed that they were separate pieces, but it seems the BMW unit I purchased comes with a gasket already installed:

http://i.imgur.com/0Ehm5i4.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/y64fZuG.jpg

I installed the new oil level sensor (12617508003, BMW). I could not find the torque specs anywhere online or in the Bentley manual, so I tightened it down to "it won't fall off" ft-lbs of torque. I reattached the wiring harness and reinstalled the drain plug with the new crush washer from the oil filter kit, tightening it down to 18 ft-lbs. I reinstalled the metal reinforcement plate and splash guard. I filled the car up with 6 quarts of Mobil 1 0W-40, turned the car on for about a minute to circulate the oil, then checked the oil level, topping it off to about 6.5 quarts.

DIY guides I referenced:

Oil change: http://www.bmw330ci.net/maintenance/oil.php
Oil level sensor replacement: http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/diy_oil_level_sensor.htm

Two things in hindsight:

If you are replacing the oil level sensor, save yourself $80-100 and buy the Hella unit. The Hella unit is exactly the same as the BMW unit, it just has the BMW logo ground down (BP can attest to that).
If my yellow oil light (low oil) issue is fixed by this repair, I won't know if it was due to switching oil (the car has had BMW 5W-30 its entire life) or a new sensor. Whoops.

Next step is to do a brake fluid flush tomorrow, and then an interior swap/sound deadening procedure with a write up. The latter probably won't get done until next week as I'm going out of town this weekend.

[MtechJon]

hella is the way to go got mine on amazon. Also that is the power steering feed line that is leaking, the last thing left on my engine that needs replacement https://www.ecstuning.com/ES55148/

read a lot of bad things about rein brand so im going with genuine bmw

[BMWCurves]

hella is the way to go got mine on amazon. Also that is the power steering feed line that is leaking, the last thing left on my engine that needs replacement https://www.ecstuning.com/ES55148/

read a lot of bad things about rein brand so im going with genuine bmw

Thanks!

[BMWCurves]

For future reference on BMW Performance intake filter replacement: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?11957-The-Random-E46-ZHP-Question-Thread&p=493446#post493446

[WOLFN8TR]

Good work! [emoji106] Man I wish it was 92 here so I can do some work on the car. It was 112 yesterday! [emoji16]

[anandoc]

Also that is the power steering feed line that is leaking, the last thing left on my engine that needs replacement https://www.ecstuning.com/ES55148/

read a lot of bad things about rein brand so im going with genuine bmw

I recently did a full PS refresh on my car (all hoses, reservoir, banjo bolt etc) and went with the Rein brand. OEM BMW feed line is almost 3x the price (Rein: $92, BMW: $252) on ECS Tuning.

[MtechJon]

I recently did a full PS refresh on my car (all hoses, reservoir, banjo bolt etc) and went with the Rein brand. OEM BMW feed line is almost 3x the price (Rein: $92, BMW: $252) on ECS Tuning.

I was just reading about how rein uses razors to cut of the other logos from conti and put their own on it, it's just the fact they do that I don't like. Not sure if they do that on all parts but heard about it on radiator hoses. Not sure though I just read about it


Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk

[ClimRox]

I recently did a full PS refresh on my car (all hoses, reservoir, banjo bolt etc) and went with the Rein brand. OEM BMW feed line is almost 3x the price (Rein: $92, BMW: $252) on ECS Tuning.

I did the same last summer, and used BMW OE for everything except this hose (Rein). It has been leak free for about a year.

BMWCurves - Mine was leaking from the exact same place.

[Vas]

Complete overhaul of the power steering system

Part Desc. Part#
Reservoir 32411097164
Power Steering feed line 32416774215
Power steering hose 32416750155
Power Steering return hose 32416796390
Power Steering return hose 32416796367
Sealing Ring (x2) 32411093596
Sealing o-ring (x2) 32411093597
O-ring (x2) 64508390601
Banjo bolt 32416781261
Hollow bolt 32416852470
Redline D4 ATF *8352230504
CTA Tools 3466 BMW Power Steering and Transmission Line Disconnect Tool


Also the cheapest place for the OE Feed Line is currently from the BMW Parts Store for $222.97

[az3579]

I was just reading about how rein uses razors to cut of the other logos from conti and put their own on it, it's just the fact they do that I don't like. Not sure if they do that on all parts but heard about it on radiator hoses. Not sure though I just read about it


Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk

This isn't isolated to them. Others do the same thing.
The VDO fuel pump I bought is essentially a BMW branded part, with the logo dremeled off. I've seen this on other parts as well from other OEM suppliers. It's pretty much their way of selling the part on the "aftermarket" even though it's the same part, all for a lot less money.

[BMWCurves]

Perfect, exactly what I was going to ask about next. My car only has ~55k miles, but is 11+ years old. Do any of you think its worthwhile to replace the whole system or just the feed line? Also, what's the worst case scenario if the system fails (burst hose somewhere), just the power steering is lost, correct? I'm trying to gauge how quickly I should address the issue.


I recently did a full PS refresh on my car (all hoses, reservoir, banjo bolt etc) and went with the Rein brand. OEM BMW feed line is almost 3x the price (Rein: $92, BMW: $252) on ECS Tuning.

Thanks for the info. Did you do the refresh yourself, or have an indy do it? If you did it yourself, how hard was it overall? If an indy did it, how much did it cost (if you don't mind me asking)?


I was just reading about how rein uses razors to cut of the other logos from conti and put their own on it, it's just the fact they do that I don't like. Not sure if they do that on all parts but heard about it on radiator hoses. Not sure though I just read about it

Huh, I hadn't heard that. I have Rein radiator hoses that came from the Turner Motorsport cooling overhaul kit I installed last year and have had no issue. I haven't even seen Continental branded hoses for our cars on any online parts store.


I did the same last summer, and used BMW OE for everything except this hose (Rein). It has been leak free for about a year.

BMWCurves - Mine was leaking from the exact same place.

Cool, I appreciate the info! I have the same questions for you as anandoc above about time and/or cost.

[san]

I haven't even seen Continental branded hoses for our cars on any online parts store.
.

Power steering hoses on my car are continental, I think they are branded as contitech...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ClimRox]

Thanks for the info. Did you do the refresh yourself, or have an indy do it? If you did it yourself, how hard was it overall? If an indy did it, how much did it cost (if you don't mind me asking)?


Cool, I appreciate the info! I have the same questions for you as anandoc above about time and/or cost.


I refreshed myself, and it probably took me a couple hours to do it. I work pretty slow too.

The line disconnect tool that Vas pointed out a few posts ago is invaluable. I highly recommend it.

I tried to order and use the factory style hose clamps that connect hoses to the reservoir, but was unsuccessful . So, I used regular hose clamps. I recently had to tighten them up as one was starting to seep.

It was a fairly easy job. I think the only thing that may have been a little difficult for me was attaching one of the lines to the steering rack, and keeping the line from pivoting while tightening the bolt (to assure it wasn't going to rub on anything).

[BMWCurves]

Power steering hoses on my car are continental, I think they are branded as contitech...

Gotcha, good to know. I should have been more specific and said I haven't seen any continental branded radiator hoses.


I refreshed myself, and it probably took me a couple hours to do it. I work pretty slow too.

The line disconnect tool that Vas pointed out a few posts ago is invaluable. I highly recommend it.

I tried to order and use the factory style hose clamps that connect hoses to the reservoir, but was unsuccessful . So, I used regular hose clamps. I recently had to tighten them up as one was starting to seep.

It was a fairly easy job. I think the only thing that may have been a little difficult for me was attaching one of the lines to the steering rack, and keeping the line from pivoting while tightening the bolt (to assure it wasn't going to rub on anything).

That's reassuring (I work slow as well).

[anandoc]

Thanks for the info. Did you do the refresh yourself, or have an indy do it? If you did it yourself, how hard was it overall? If an indy did it, how much did it cost (if you don't mind me asking)?


I got an indy to do it. I don't touch anything where fluids spilling all over is involved. Cost me CAD $220 cash.

[MtechJon]

I'll probably just order the rein part, I'll chime in about it once I get it. I guess it can't hurt to give it a try


Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

I'll probably just order the rein part, I'll chime in about it once I get it. I guess it can't hurt to give it a try


Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk

Cool, let us know what you think.

[BMWCurves]

My sister's car is finally done-ish (we're still chasing a rough cold start unfortunately, but not going to deal with it for the moment since we've ruled out ignition and fuel and isn't a big deal), so I'll be picking her car up on Friday and dropping my car off. Hopefully I can get it back at end of day Friday or Saturday morning. I'm going to have brakes bled since despite flushing 1+ liters of Pentosin DOT4 LV brake fluid through there using my power bleeder, I was still getting bubbles out of the rear calipers. I'm just going to let him deal with it, even though it's a simple enough job that I should be able to handle it myself. It'll also be in for the side bolster valve in the M3 passenger seat.

This weekend I hope to place sound deadening material in the doors, rear seat bottom, rear seat sides/panels, and trunk/quarter panels and do a very rudimentary sound comparison using a decibel-o-meter on my phone. At the same time I plan to swap out my interior for the M3 interior I have and install new door clips that have foam to hopefully minimize door rattle. I plan to write up a DIY for interior swap (minus the front seats since I've already done those) combined with sound deadening. Some people might find that useful since I can't find many detailed coupe interior swap DIYs on the internet.

I'm also seriously considering terra's E46 M3 gauge cluster swap:

http://i.imgur.com/IA5JgCHh.jpg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7q7xC0wyIY

It would be cool, but the only downsides I see are:
a) it's not stock, but fits with the profile of my OEM+ modifications of my car,
b) the amount of the speedometer and tachometer gauges that is actually useful is decreased (lower top speed and lower RPM redline of the M54 compared to the S54),
c) terra needs the DME which means I should most likely remove the Shark Injector so that I can mail it to him, then once it's all done, have the shark injector reinstalled, which all adds to the expense. Upside is I could have the newest software flashed by terra.
d) downtime of my car. Not a big issue, but still adds to the inconvenience.
e) I made the mistake of seeing the shift lights option (link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHSG_RZH5nc)), which I would love to have, but terra explains is pretty complex and he currently doesn't have a solution for the M54. So that's my own fault for getting excited about it.

I have a few questions for members:

I've asked this before, but does anyone know what bulb types (number) facelifted coupes use for front turn signal bulbs? I plan to replace the incandescent bulbs for LEDs (eBay, searching "CREE CANBUS amber XXXX") to make all lights either xenon or LEDs (minus flash to pass lights).
I'm planning on replacing the engine and transmission mounts with E46 M3 parts. Can someone verify both the part numbers for the engine mounts (11812283798) and trans mounts (22322282340), as well as any other parts I should replace while I'm doing these?

As usual, I appreciate any and all input!

[Sockethead]

I bought an M3 cluster and had it shipped directly to him. When he receives it and verifies that it's in good working order, I'll ship him my DME and the ZHP cluster. I'm so psyched about this, I loved the cluster in the X5 4.8is and the M3 cluster is pretty much identical. Plus the oil temp gauge is going to be needed when I add FI to the car. I have a Dinan stage 3 tune on my car and he said he can work around it.
Also, with him virginizing the original cluster, if you do decide to remove the M3 cluster, you can just put the old one back in.

The way I look at it is we spend most of our time inside the car driving it. Might as well have some good, functional eye candy on the inside too

[san]

The part number for tranny mount you listed is same as what I used...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slater]

I'm also seriously considering terra's E46 M3 gauge cluster swap:

It would be cool, but the only downsides I see are:
a) it's not stock, but fits with the profile of my OEM+ modifications of my car,
b) the amount of the speedometer and tachometer gauges that is actually useful is decreased (lower top speed and lower RPM redline of the M54 compared to the S54),
c) terra needs the DME which means I should most likely remove the Shark Injector so that I can mail it to him, then once it's all done, have the shark injector reinstalled, which all adds to the expense. Upside is I could have the newest software flashed by terra.
d) downtime of my car. Not a big issue, but still adds to the inconvenience.

i'm in the same boat - really want this, and will have to uninstall my shark tune beforehand and ship everything to terra - and get the latest DME flash too (so i don't have to do it ;)). i've located a canadian cluster and will hopefully have it this weekend.



Plus the oil temp gauge is going to be needed when I add FI to the car. I have a Dinan stage 3 tune on my car and he said he can work around it.
Also, with him virginizing the original cluster, if you do decide to remove the M3 cluster, you can just put the old one back in.

exactly!

the oil temp gauge and 'warmup lights' on the tach are the main reasons i want it.

[Vas]

I bought an M3 cluster and had it shipped directly to him. When he receives it and verifies that it's in good working order, I'll ship him my DME and the ZHP cluster. I'm so psyched about this, I loved the cluster in the X5 4.8is and the M3 cluster is pretty much identical. Plus the oil temp gauge is going to be needed when I add FI to the car. I have a Dinan stage 3 tune on my car and he said he can work around it.
Also, with him virginizing the original cluster, if you do decide to remove the M3 cluster, you can just put the old one back in.

The way I look at it is we spend most of our time inside the car driving it. Might as well have some good, functional eye candy on the inside too

I got an M3 Cluster as well that I will be sending to him. Going to put it in my Imola zhp.

[NoVAphotog]

I got an M3 Cluster as well that I will be sending to him. Going to put it in my Imola zhp.

I got cold feet and am selling the one I had gotten as a knee jerk buy to Vas.

Mostly because of the lack of s54 and the redline not matching and not wanting to mod past a certain point as you mentioned William.

I barely drive the car and when I do it's long enough that I know my oil temp is at the proper temp for some fun.

Still very curious how it all turns out and to check out Vas' later.

[Sockethead]

He changes the LEDs to match the ZHP redline. He's also adding the two LEDs for the rear doors.... the cluster is going to look totally like it belongs there.

[NoVAphotog]

He changes the LEDs to match the ZHP redline. He's also adding the two LEDs for the rear doors.... the cluster is going to look totally like it belongs there.

:thumbsup

My reaction wasn't totally knee jerk...bad way of saying it. It does look like a great mod. Just changed my mind, Peter and I can't have the exact same car.

[slater]

:thumbsup

My reaction wasn't totally knee jerk...bad way of saying it. It does look like a great mod. Just changed my mind, Peter and I can't have the exact same car.

LOL!!! now i need to change my mind also... ;)

:cheers

[az3579]

With the M3 cluster I'd find it very strange having 2k of unusable RPMs on the tach. That would drive me nuts. Lol

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[Vas]

Still very curious how it all turns out and to check out Vas' later.

Yeah for sure.

I am looking forward to getting it done.

[BMWCurves]

I bought an M3 cluster and had it shipped directly to him. When he receives it and verifies that it's in good working order, I'll ship him my DME and the ZHP cluster. I'm so psyched about this, I loved the cluster in the X5 4.8is and the M3 cluster is pretty much identical. Plus the oil temp gauge is going to be needed when I add FI to the car. I have a Dinan stage 3 tune on my car and he said he can work around it.
Also, with him virginizing the original cluster, if you do decide to remove the M3 cluster, you can just put the old one back in.

The way I look at it is we spend most of our time inside the car driving it. Might as well have some good, functional eye candy on the inside too

Very true. It's why I sometimes wonder about people that skimp on things we use so often like shoes but they'll splurge on a nice suit or something they use much less frequently. Everyone to their own preference, I suppose


The part number for tranny mount you listed is same as what I used...

Cool, thanks! Did you replace anything else when you did the trans mounts? I've seen some people mention new nuts, but seems sort of superfluous. Same goes for M3 motor mounts (I can't remember if you did those or not).


i'm in the same boat - really want this, and will have to uninstall my shark tune beforehand and ship everything to terra - and get the latest DME flash too (so i don't have to do it ;)). i've located a canadian cluster and will hopefully have it this weekend.

exactly!

the oil temp gauge and 'warmup lights' on the tach are the main reasons i want it.

Yup, they're all good reasons for the cluster, but I'm still weighing it against the downsides I mentioned (reaaaaally want those shift lights haha.....:()

I look forward to seeing it in your car!


I got an M3 Cluster as well that I will be sending to him. Going to put it in my Imola zhp.

Nice. It'll be interesting to see how many people jump on this.


I got cold feet and am selling the one I had gotten as a knee jerk buy to Vas.

Mostly because of the lack of s54 and the redline not matching and not wanting to mod past a certain point as you mentioned William.

I barely drive the car and when I do it's long enough that I know my oil temp is at the proper temp for some fun.

Still very curious how it all turns out and to check out Vas' later.

I think sockethead answered some of your questions (redline) but I agree...it's that balance you have to consider.


He changes the LEDs to match the ZHP redline. He's also adding the two LEDs for the rear doors.... the cluster is going to look totally like it belongs there.

Yup. Part of why it's so alluring is that terra is going to make it look like it belongs/is factory in our cars.


With the M3 cluster I'd find it very strange having 2k of unusable RPMs on the tach. That would drive me nuts. Lol

Yeah, the reduced amount of RPM and speed on the gauges would be a bit annoying. More of the tachometer is given up in the M3 cluster. I think I could live with it though.

[san]

I replaced the nuts but don't think it's necessary and I haven't replaced the engine mounts yet but will do soon...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

I replaced the nuts but don't think it's necessary and I haven't replaced the engine mounts yet but will do soon...

Cool, I'll get just the mounts. Also discovered my cap to my xenon bulbs is missing on the passenger side. I'll have to pick that up (63126934753).

[BMWCurves]

I'm still weighing an M3 cluster, so I mocked up a very crappy overlay of where the relative RPMs and speeds will be with the M3 cluster vs. standard ZHP cluster:

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

[BMWCurves]

Went to pick up my car from the mechanic today. The brake fluid (Pentosin DOT4 LV) was flushed and the air valve for the passenger seat was installed (67668385631) except now the air pump stopped working despite voltage coming through. I'm going to let him keep it and see what comes up.

In other news, I purchased M3 engine (11812283798) and trans mounts (22322282340), as well as a headlight cover (63126934753). Hopefully I can install these soon, along with my planned M3 interior swap and sound deadening.

[johnrando]

Nice

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Received my LED turn signal bulbs from eBay. It came in a padded envelope and they bulbs themselves are sealed in an anti-static package. Once I get my car back (will be next week) I'll see if they'll actually fit since the LED bulbs are quite a bit longer than the factory incandescent bulbs.

Original eBay listing here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/380773599038

http://i.imgur.com/CVZZ9BD.jpg

[anandoc]

Cool! I look forward to how these fit and perform on your car before I pull the trigger :)

[BMWCurves]

Received my M3 trans and motor mounts from FCP today, along with a headlight cover for my passenger headlight and some new cabin filters for the 540i. Now I just need to get my car back from the mechanic (still waiting on the side bolster pump to arrive from ECS) and find time to do the interior swap, turn signal bulb swap, and these mounts. Time crunch for sure.

[MtechJon]

Just got in my rien power steering feed line i give it a thumbs up :thumbup was just worried about the hoses looking like sht but they look good

[BMWCurves]

Just got in my rien power steering feed line i give it a thumbs up :thumbup was just worried about the hoses looking like sht but they look good

Cool, thanks for following up!

[BMWCurves]

Finally got my car back from the mechanic, it feels so good to be driving my car again. I had been driving my father's E39 540i but that went to the shop so then I shifted over the the NA Miata which is nice but not my favorite daily driver (it also now has a flat tire :facepalm)

The mechanic did the following (@ 54,914 miles):

Brake fluid flushed as well as the clutch line flushed with Pentosin DOT4 LV. I provided 2L of fluid and he went into the second bottle in order to get bubbles to stop coming out of the calipers. Brake pedal feel is great now, definitely firmer earlier than before.
Replaced the passenger lumbar and side bolster pump. Originally the side bolsters would fill but not empty, so he replaced the valve unit that had failed. However, after doing that, the air pump failed (it inflates both the lumbar bladder and the side bolster bladders). He ordered the air pump (52107902273) through ECS that arrived late Thursday and replaced it yesterday. Turns out it comes with a new valve unit anyways, so he removed the new one he had installed and just used the whole pump assembly. Now it all works, thankfully.
Repaired the seat heating function to my passenger seat. Originally it didn't work but in the process of the mechanic fixing the air pump he saw that the wires had just be shorn because the harness was in the wrong place and had been worn down. He fixed that as well, very happy!
He cleared codes (my laptop that I use for PA Soft has died) and found what I think is my DME software number(s): Basic control module (7561382) and Programmed control module (7561522). Not sure if those are the correct numbers or note. Can anyone chime in with more knowledge?

When I got home I replaced the missing headlight cover (63126934753) on the passenger headlight. I needed to shift the windshield wiper fluid reservoir out of the way to install it which was easy enough, it is just a single 10mm hex screw.

I then attempted to install my eBay 7440 LED turn signal bulbs. To be able to get at the turn signal bulb socket it's easiest to remove the whole headlight assembly out a bit. To do that, I had to remove the bottom trim which I failed out, but I was able to pull it far enough out of the way that I could shift the headlight assembly out to reach the turn signal bulb socket (I kept the windshield washer fluid reservoir loose so I had better access to the headlight as well). I discovered though that the LED bulbs are too long and look out of place in the headlight. Video below.

The headlight cover:
http://i.imgur.com/OM6P30p.jpg

Headlight cover installed:
http://i.imgur.com/ljdfjAy.jpg

Difference in turn signal bulb length:
http://i.imgur.com/r2gKbwt.jpg

One of the LED bulbs installed. It's tough to tell, but it sits pointed down compared to the factory bulb and just looks out of place and incorrect:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFAnVvHaGlM

[fredo]

I like the update ! But what do u plan to do about LED bulbs ?

[BMWCurves]

I just put the factory bulbs back in. Not sure what I'm going to do with the LED bulbs. They were only $16 so I'm not much out of pocket. In the mean time I'm going to look for some shorter 7440 LED amber bulbs.

[BMWCurves]

Today I took another step in completing my E46 M3 interior swap: installing the passenger side door panel. It was all pretty straight forward, just took a little time, but didn't take any pictures :facepalm. I plan to take some when I do the driver's side door panel as a part of my "E46 Coupe Interior Swap and Sound Deadening DIY" guide that I'll post later.

I won't go into too many details until I do the driver's side, but a basic overview:

Look up a ton of guides on removing a coupe's door panels. Settle on one that seems decent enough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Ksw1Ryamo
Remove three T20 screws from underneath the armrest.
Remove "airbag" cap above the arm rest and remove T20 screw
Remove the cap inside the door handle (quite a bitch, you need a good blade to fit in between there) and remove the T20 screw.
Using a trim removal tool, work your way around popping out the panel clips, starting from the outermost top and going clockwise.
Lock the door so the panel has room to move, and then pull the panel up and away from the door to release the panel from the door.
Disconnect the door handle release and wiring harnesses to the mid/tweeter speakers and the bass speaker.
Discover that whoever was in there last smashed two of the door clips on the bottom and that may be why there was some of a rattle nono
Realize that 90% of the door clips have the foam washers already, as compared to the M3 panel which none of the door clips have the foam washer despite being from a newer car.
Install new door clips (51418224768 and 51418224781) into the M3 panel. Realize that the "rubber" that is supposed to be on 51418224781 is in fact foam, so the only discernible difference between the two clips is the color of the clip. Weird. Installed three 51418224781 along the vertical bracket spots closest to where the door hinge will be.
Transfer over the speakers from the ZHP panel to the M3 panel. My car's speakers are ~8 months older, but have only seen 54k miles and 49k of those miles were a very quiet couple who I doubt were blasting the speakers very loud. That is opposed to the M3 which was owned by a young guy. I don't trust young guys. We love our music too loud, for the most part. Was simple enough to do, just a few philips and T20 screws.
Transferred arm rests to opposite door panels - I wanted to keep my black cube trim. Easy enough as well, just 6 T20 screws. Hardest part was transferring the arm rest leather pads. Ended up snapping one of the pins from the leather pad that went into my car, but it sits securely so I'm not worried about it. Will detail it more later. Screwed the arm rest back into the door panel.
Installed sound deadening - I pulled back some of the vapor barrier and started applying 4-9 inch2 pieces along the larger parts of the door and the door panel. I had purchased sound deadening by Noico (more details later) on Amazon, one a butyl type, another a foam type. I did the butyl first, then covered it up with foam strips. Once I was done, I pushed the vapor barrier back down on the adhesive.
I reinstalled the door panel. This part was hard to do to get all the door clips to align properly, but I managed to do it without snapping more than one door clip.

Overall the door panel looks great and I'm looking forward to getting the rest of my swap done. The door itself is marginally quieter and thicker sounding when I close it, but I'm hoping it will mitigate some road noise. I realized that I am missing the center arm rest from an M3, but I'm not
too bothered by that right now.

[anandoc]

Awesome! Look forward to the pics.

After posting my last message on your thread, I realized that you have a coupe - so the LED lights you are using for your turn signals wont work on mine. I am sure you will find shorter ones which would work with your car.

[johnrando]

Good stuff

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Back in February I purchased a relatively complete Black Nappa leather interior (N5SW) pulled from a 2006 E46 Laguna Seca Blue M3. The purchase did not include the center armrest, center console trim, or the three dash trim pieces. This was not a big deal to me as I wanted to keep my black cube trim that came with the car, and I won't mind the difference in leather between the center armrest and the rest of the car. The M3 trim I did have was Brushed Aluminum Shadow trim (737). Below is the installation order of the parts:

02/08/16 (53,365 miles) - Installed front seats from an E46 M3. This went well and was not hard to do. The downside is that I discovered that both the side bolster adjustment and the seat heating element were not functioning in the passenger seat, despite what the seller had said.

I purchased a new side bolster switch (52102695396). When I installed the new side bolster adjustment switch in March, it would fill the bolsters, but not release them, indicating a stuck valve. I dropped the car off at my mechanic to have it inspected. He diagnosed it as a failing solenoid in the lumbar valve unit (part no. 67668385631). He jerry rigged a setup so that the fill and empty valve worked through just the fill valve so I could get by while the part arrived from Germany. Brought it back to the mechanic when the valve arrived in June. He installed it, but then the air pump that feeds both the lumbar support and the side bolster support seized. I left the car with him to replace the air pump (52107902273). When I finally picked the car back up in early July, he had installed the pump and also fixed the heat function on the passenger seat.

Despite the involved process, the front seats from the M3 have been thoroughly worth it. The Nappa leather is definitely a step up in quality than the Montana leather, IMO. It's more supple and has a nicer touch. The lumbar support and side bolster support are exactly what I was looking for, especially since my factory seats did not have lumbar support. I'm a very skinny guy so the added side support has been great in the bends.

07/10/2016 (54,992 miles) - Installed the passenger's side door card, added Noico-branded sound deadening material I had purchased through Amazon, and swapped over the speakers and black cube trim from my door to the M3 door card. Installed two types of door clips with foam washers to minimize door rattle: 51418224768 and 51418224781.

07/11/2016 (55,010 miles) - Installed the driver's side door card, added Noico-branded sound deadening material I had purchased through Amazon, and swapped over the speakers and black cube trim from my door to the M3 door card. Installed two types of door clips with foam washers to minimize door rattle: 51418224768 and 51418224781.

07/13/2016 (55,044 miles) - Installed rear interior including headrests, rear "door" cards, rear side bolsters, rear seat backs, and rear seat bottom. Swapped over the speakers from my rear "door" cards to the M3 "door" cards.

Overall I am pleased with the new interior so far. Two issues:

I lost the pin for cover that goes over the rear side bolster to lock the cover in place (52207001301). Not a big issue, but I'll purchase one soon to replace it.
In installing the rear seat bottom I thought I was being careful by wrapping the metal loops in towels, but they still managed to cause some minor scratches to the rear armrest trim and gouge a pretty significant cut in the non-leather part of the passenger rear "door" card. Really annoyed about that one. I'm going to just live with it for now, but I plan to have it taken to this leather guy to see what he can do to clean it up.

My DIY thread on the interior swap has more details on the procedure and can be found here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?18663-E46-Coupe-Interior-Swap-and-Sound-Deadening-Guide&p=497472#post497472)

[san]

Off topic but you said your new black interior came from 2006 Laguna seca blue M3, but wasn't that color only available pre (facelift) 2004? Or was it an individual option?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

Good stuff!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Gave the car a quick two-bucket wash today.


Off topic but you said your new black interior came from 2006 Laguna seca blue M3, but wasn't that color only available pre (facelift) 2004? Or was it an individual option?

I believe LSB was discontinued in 09/04, which should be good for MY 2005 I think. The photos the seller showed me of his car were of a LSB E46 M3 with LED tails and said it was an '06. Maybe he was mistaken.


Good stuff!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Thanks!

[BMWCurves]

Mileage: 55,511

Put my car into storage while I'm away in DC for 4.5 months. Stored it in a friend's family's large barn with the help of his dad. I did the following in prep:

Washed the car this morning. Wish I could have waxed it but didn't have the time.
Swapped my APEX ARC-8 wheels with Conti tires w/ my Style 135s wrapped in old Toyo tires. I doubt I'll use those tires often so even if they get a flat spot on them, they're tires I care less about.
Pumped up the tires' pressure to ~48 psi on all corners
Parked the car on wood so hopefully that'll compress a little and be easier on the tires.
Filled the gas tank just shy of full
Poured in ~6 oz of Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer into the gas tank and ran the car for ~5 minutes to try and get some of the mixture to be sent through the fuel lines and injectors.
Plugged the battery into a trickle charger with a cycling feature. It is plugged in at the battery terminals rather than the terminals in the engine compartment.
Stuck dryer sheets throughout the car (trunk, interior, engine compartment, tailpipe around the car) to fend off mice.
Placed mothballs around the engine compartment as well as the car and in the tailpipe (I put a ball of them into a dryer sheet and shoved that up in there).
Parked the car in gear but with the parking brake down.
Covered the car with a large sheet, but will most likely replace that with a car cover in the near future.

Was so hard to let it go :(

[fredo]

GL, man. Hope you don't find any surprises when you are back.

[anandoc]

Was so hard to let it go :(

Hey William, I can totally understand! Wish you the best with your new adventures in DC. Look forward to you getting back with your ZHP soon and posting more stuff on this thread :)

[johnrando]

+1

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

GL, man. Hope you don't find any surprises when you are back.

You and me both!

:fingerscrossed


Hey William, I can totally understand! Wish you the best with your new adventures in DC. Look forward to you getting back with your ZHP soon and posting more stuff on this thread :)

+1

I just love driving too much, it's cathartic. It's part of why I have difficulty ever considering living in NYC or a similar city with very well established public transit/bad traffic. And as much as I'd love to update this thread, I have a feeling I won't be doing a whole lot of maintenance type stuff until next summer. At that time though it'll be a lot of fluids and finally get in my M3 trans and engine mounts :)

Appreciate the kind words!

[Sockethead]

Sometimes there are more important things in life we need to take care of... I had to take a two year hiatus on my car when the kids were born...I'm just getting around to maintenance and mods and the kids just turned three.

Good luck and concentrate on what needs to be done in your life, You seem like the type that will excel in whatever you do. We'll all still be here... :)

[MtechJon]

Was messing around with photoshop used your car on some test work im trying. Hope you dont mind

26669

[BMWCurves]

Not at all, me likey :thumbsup

What're you working on, stuff for your sig?

[MtechJon]

Thanks!
Im just messing with photoshop sometimes when im bored I like to see what stuff I can do
edit: I also turned it into a vector format, now i can print it on a shirt or make a vinyl sticker

[BMWCurves]

Thanks!
Im just messing with photoshop sometimes when im bored I like to see what stuff I can do
edit: I also turned it into a vector format, now i can print it on a shirt or make a vinyl sticker

Very cool stuff, my man!

[NoVAphotog]

You and me both!

:fingerscrossed




I just love driving too much, it's cathartic. It's part of why I have difficulty ever considering living in NYC or a similar city with very well established public transit/bad traffic. And as much as I'd love to update this thread, I have a feeling I won't be doing a whole lot of maintenance type stuff until next summer. At that time though it'll be a lot of fluids and finally get in my M3 trans and engine mounts :)

Appreciate the kind words!

Man I'm telling you. Got plenty of good driving to do around here...the car you'll be behind the wheel of might have a couple extra doors and an LSD but should be therapeutic enough. I'll sign up for an autox so schedule permitting we can both drive in as well.

[BMWCurves]

Man I'm telling you. Got plenty of good driving to do around here...the car you'll be behind the wheel of might have a couple extra doors and an LSD but should be therapeutic enough. I'll sign up for an autox so schedule permitting we can both drive in as well.

That would be amazing. Sent you a PM

[BMWCurves]

My parents took a drive out to the barn where my car is being stored this past weekend. They put on an old car cover they found in the basement and a visqueen tarp over it to prevent any further bird poop from possibly getting through (the car just had a sheet on top of it before).

They also laid down some more moth balls and dryer sheets to keep the mice at bay. They opened up the engine bay and honked the horn to see if any mice were in there. Nothing moved so it seems it's okay for now. Put the key in the ignition and the car came on easily, so the trickle charger's working just fine.

Can't wait to be home in a few months to drive it again.

[Sockethead]

I know I get pretty excited to take my car out after winter storage... at least I could look at my car in the garage and do stuff to it. It must be much harder for you...

[BMWCurves]

I know I get pretty excited to take my car out after winter storage... at least I could look at my car in the garage and do stuff to it. It must be much harder for you...

It's not my favorite, but it gives me some far off happiness knowing I get to drive it in the semi-near future.

Daniel was also kind enough to let me drive his around VA a bit a few weekends ago, so that's tided me over for now.

[BMWCurves]

Purchased a used GruppeM intake from a member here. I'll use the K&N restore kit (using the attached directions) and install it when I'm back home in December.

I'll then have to decide if I want to keep it or the currently installed BMW Performance intake.

[anandoc]

Awesome!! From what I have seen here and Youtube videos, I am sure you will prefer the GruppeM over the BMW performance intake.

[san]

YES!!! :biggrin

Next stop: UUC Corsa TSE3


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Awesome!! From what I have seen here and Youtube videos, I am sure you will prefer the GruppeM over the BMW performance intake.

Hopefully! I'm looking forward to spending some good seat time with it when I get home.


YES!!! :biggrin

Next stop: UUC Corsa TSE3

Yup, thought I'd join the club. Not as sure about the TSE3, it might be too much. It does sound delicious (have you posted a video of how it sounds on your car yet?)

[san]

Hopefully! I'm looking forward to spending some good seat time with it when I get home.



Yup, thought I'd join the club. Not as sure about the TSE3, it might be too much. It does sound delicious (have you posted a video of how it sounds on your car yet?)

I have a few video but when I tried to upload them I realized I need a Vimeo or YouTube account which is don't have... so I haven't uploaded them yet, will do it soon..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NoVAphotog]

I have a few video but when I tried to upload them I realized I need a Vimeo or YouTube account which is don't have... so I haven't uploaded them yet, will do it soon..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You shouldn't...at least from the app on the phone. I just attached the files and it uploads them to a Tapatalk/Vimeo server for use in the thread

[san]

You shouldn't...at least from the app on the phone. I just attached the files and it uploads them to a Tapatalk/Vimeo server for use in the thread

Do i need a Tapatalk account to do that or the zhpmafia account sufficient?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NoVAphotog]

Do i need a Tapatalk account to do that or the zhpmafia account sufficient?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I log in via my zhpmafia account through Tapatalk, so no AFAIK?

[az3579]

Yup, thought I'd join the club. Not as sure about the TSE3, it might be too much. It does sound delicious (have you posted a video of how it sounds on your car yet?)


There isn't anything "too much" about it whatsoever. There are times I wish it was louder, actually.
I keep thinking that it's too loud from the outside but then I realize that it really isn't. The video i took from the Dragon shows this perfectly - there are times you can't really even hear it when just cruising.

[san]

I log in via my zhpmafia account through Tapatalk, so no AFAIK?

27602

When I am typing a reply I see 4 options. Starting from the left, when I use the first 2 I get a dialog box saying I need a Tapatalk account, option 3 is what I use to attach pics as it takes me to the album on my phone but it shows only pics not videos. The last option in square brackets is for external links I believe... so which one do you use to upload videos?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[san]

I agree with BP, it's not too loud... I was a little concerned that the exhaust might actually make the car sound more powerful than it is (does that makes sense?) but it does not, it's pretty much perfect IMO...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

There isn't anything "too much" about it whatsoever. There are times I wish it was louder, actually.
I keep thinking that it's too loud from the outside but then I realize that it really isn't. The video i took from the Dragon shows this perfectly - there are times you can't really even hear it when just cruising.

I agree with BP, it's not too loud... I was a little concerned that the exhaust might actually make the car sound more powerful than it is (does that makes sense?) but it does not, it's pretty much perfect IMO...

I'd have to ride in someone's car for a while that has both the GruppeM and the TSE3 to see what it is like on a daily basis. Even if I liked it and wanted it, I'm thankfully not at risk of buying one anytime soon since I won't be driving my car again regularly for another 9 months.

[san]

I'd have to ride in someone's car for a while that has both the GruppeM and the TSE3 to see what it is like on a daily basis. Even if I liked it and wanted it, I'm thankfully not at risk of buying one anytime soon since I won't be driving my car again regularly for another 9 months.

I may drive to D.C. either end of this month or early next with a few friends... if we end up taking the Zhp you can drive it... even if I don't get the Zhp il let you know when I'm there and maybe we can meet if you are free too...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

I may drive to D.C. either end of this month or early next with a few friends... if we end up taking the Zhp you can drive it... even if I don't get the Zhp il let you know when I'm there and maybe we can meet if you are free too...

Definitely let me know either way! Always like to meet other Mafia members.

[NoVAphotog]

I may drive to D.C. either end of this month or early next with a few friends... if we end up taking the Zhp you can drive it... even if I don't get the Zhp il let you know when I'm there and maybe we can meet if you are free too...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Keep us posted san. We were thinking of doing a Fall cruise soon so that may be perfect timing.

[san]

Keep us posted san. We were thinking of doing a Fall cruise soon so that may be perfect timing.

Will do!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

As an aside, does anyone know the part number for the GruppeM intake for our cars? From GruppeM's website it appears to be FRI-0115 but I can't be sure

I believe the filter alone is RF-3301A

Can anyone verify both of those?

[san]

I think I looked for RF-3301A if I remember correctly...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Confirmed it through GruppeM's website:

330i/330Ci part number: FRI-0115
Replacement filter: RF-3301A

[BMWCurves]

This is more for down the road information, but if I'm replacing the upper and lower intake boots, what other parts would people suggest replacing while I have it apart (e.g. have an F connector on hand)? Also what other maintenance items could/should be done at that time (cleaning the throttle body?)?

[san]

This is more for down the road information, but if I'm replacing the upper and lower intake boots, what other parts would people suggest replacing while I have it apart (e.g. have an F connector on hand)? Also what other maintenance items could/should be done at that time (cleaning the throttle body?)?

I wouldn't replace the F connector unless it's broken. I would definitely clean the idle control valve and replace the grommet as well. If you don't plan to replace the ccv anytime soon then clean the throttle body as well, because you will have to remove the throttle body while replacing ccv...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[///Mvious]

I wouldn't replace the F connector unless it's broken. I would definitely clean the idle control valve and replace the grommet as well. If you don't plan to replace the ccv anytime soon then clean the throttle body as well, because you will have to remove the throttle body while replacing ccv...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

agree...low mileage car, but while you're there, might as well check the DISA...easy enough to do

[Vas]

Lower and Upper intake boots, f-connector ( its dirt cheap ), clean iacv and throttle body, disa. And replace the little piece of vacuum hose that goes from the f-connector.

[holyc0w]

What should be used to clean the IACV and throttle body?

[BMWCurves]

I wouldn't replace the F connector unless it's broken. I would definitely clean the idle control valve and replace the grommet as well. If you don't plan to replace the ccv anytime soon then clean the throttle body as well, because you will have to remove the throttle body while replacing ccv...

Cool. I figured I'd get an extra F-connector in case I snapped it since they're cheap, or maybe a metal one from ECS. Questions:

What cleaner should I use for the ICV, just any old carb cleaner?
Which grommet are you referring to (part number)?
What cleaner for the throttle body?

The CCV is another thing I'm contemplating way down the road, maybe the insulated "cold weather" version. I've been contemplating a catch can conversion since a lot of my drives back home are ≤ 15-20 minutes.


agree...low mileage car, but while you're there, might as well check the DISA...easy enough to do

Yeah, I figured DISA rebuild with G.A.S.'s kit at some point in the near future.


Lower and Upper intake boots, f-connector ( its dirt cheap ), clean iacv and throttle body, disa. And replace the little piece of vacuum hose that goes from the f-connector.

Which hose, the small or the big one?


What should be used to clean the IACV and throttle body?

Beat me to it. I assume carb cleaner...

[san]

Cool. I figured I'd get an extra F-connector in case I snapped it since they're cheap, or maybe a metal one from ECS. Questions:

What cleaner should I use for the ICV, just any old carb cleaner?
Which grommet are you referring to (part number)?
What cleaner for the throttle body?

The CCV is another thing I'm contemplating way down the road, maybe the insulated "cold weather" version. I've been contemplating a catch can conversion since a lot of my drives back home are ≤ 15-20 minutes.

This is the grommet (not sure which brand to go with) -

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-icv-grommet-hose-m52-m54-11611437453

I think I used carb cleaner to clean the ICV at the 2015 reunion...

Throttle body isn't something I'd want to take out multiple times, it's not that it's difficult it's just you can't really see everything down there properly and since you'll have to remove it anyway for ccv/catch can you can just do it then... also my throttle body was pretty clean at 102k miles when I cleaned mine so you should be ok...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Vas]

The small top hose on the f-connector. Mine was dry and broke apart when I tried to remove it.

For Cleaner, I used CRC throttle body cleaner and intake cleaner.

27756

Also I did replace that IACV grommet and the throttle body o-ring since I was removing those items to clean them.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-icv-grommet-hose-m52-m54-11611437453

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-throttle-body-gasket-13547504729

[BMWCurves]

Fantastic, appreciate it gentleman!

As I said, this is far down the road. I plan to do a cursory inspection of my intake boots when I'm home in December since I've never actually taken the time to look at them. If something's up I'll replace them in the summer when I'm most likely moved back to Portland. Other stuff planned are the M3 trans and diff mounts along with probably doing a G.A.S. rebuild of the DISA.

And hopefully schedule a driver's side airbag in December

[Sockethead]

Don't forget the other end of that line... there is a small hose just like it where it terminates on the fuel filter... that will be in the same condition

[BMWCurves]

Where exactly?

[anandoc]

Where exactly?

The small vacuum line goes from the F-connector directly to the fuel filter pressure regulator. Mine was in a crumbly state too so I just bought some vacuum hose and replaced the bits on either end of the line. This is what you want:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11727545323/ES2593473/

If you look at the following diagram, you are replacing #5

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EV53-USA---E46-BMW-330i&diagId=13_0904

Oh and if you want to replace the F-connector, you might want to go for the metallic one which will last forever (and bling!!)

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Intake/Intake_Boot/ES3046177/

[ELCID86]

Don't forget the other end of that line... there is a small hose just like it where it terminates on the fuel filter... that will be in the same condition

Yes. Mine was in bad shape. It connects to the fuel filter under the drivers side.


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161024/c8a3ab531a36c4a22f8155ec50638ac8.jpg

F may not need replacing but don't ever mess with it unless you have a spare on hand. It will break!


Sent from my iPhone with TaT.

[BMWCurves]

So, as I posted in the random question thread (link (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?11957-The-Random-E46-ZHP-Question-Thread&p=508363#post508363)), I've got a line on used exhaust which I believe it to be the TSE3 (and the seller says it is now that it is removed from the part out car). They're selling it for pretty cheap so I don't expect it to be perfect, but do you guys see any glaring issues or concerns from the pictures the seller sent me?

http://i.imgur.com/A2JsKSb.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/IAevE67.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/6E2pMAr.jpg

[holyc0w]

Hmm...pull the trigger before they know what hit 'em.

[Sockethead]

Looks just about perfect to me...

[BMWCurves]

I should probably add that the exhaust comes from a damaged part out car. It was a Canadian M-Sport coupe w/ 118k miles that was rear ended but it looked to be on the upper part of the bumper and trunk. I can't be sure but I don't think it damaged the exhaust, hence why I'm asking you fine gentleman. Sadly the Craigslist ad that I found it through has expired so I can't post those pics.


Hmm...pull the trigger before they know what hit 'em.

I'd like to, but I just want to do my due diligence before I take the dive :)


Looks just about perfect to me...

Glad to hear :thumbsup

[cakM3]

Looks just about perfect to me...

Rob should know William. It looks just like my UUC Corsa TSE3 exhaust on my ZHP. I'd pull the trigger on this if I was looking to get one [emoji41]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[san]

Does the highlighted part looked a little bit crushed/deformed? I'm not saying it won't fit or will cause issues but it's just something that caught my attention...
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161104/f9ecf7e202970c4d543e242ae16b08a2.png


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cakM3]

I don't think that would be anything to be concerned with to be perfectly honest Will. My opinion though.

[BMWCurves]

Rob should know William. It looks just like my UUC Corsa TSE3 exhaust on my ZHP. I'd pull the trigger on this if I was looking to get one [emoji41]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Appreciate it, Charlie!


Does the highlighted part looked a little bit crushed/deformed? I'm not saying it won't fit or will cause issues but it's just something that caught my attention...
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161104/f9ecf7e202970c4d543e242ae16b08a2.png


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's what I thought at first, but here's Daniel's when it was disassembled. I believe it's the same section. It just widens to reach the resonators:

http://i.imgur.com/KfXle4S.jpg

[san]

Ah, no issues then... :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NoVAphotog]

Appreciate it, Charlie!



That's what I thought at first, but here's Daniel's when it was disassembled. I believe it's the same section. It just widens to reach the resonators:

http://i.imgur.com/KfXle4S.jpg

Looks like that one has the same plastic bag remnants on it! :rofl

But yeah, great find. Cool that as san said, as soon as you heard mine...already found one for yourself! Reminds me of when I first heard Charlie's...though it took me two years to find one below my self imposed price cap I felt it was worth.

[cakM3]

Once you hear this exhaust you end up wanting one... sounds way better than any stock exhaust in my opinion. I blame BP for me getting mine...;)

With stock headers this exhaust is absolutely perfect! :thumbsup

[san]

Once you hear this exhaust you end up wanting one... sounds way better than any stock exhaust in my opinion. I blame BP for me getting mine...;)

With stock headers this exhaust is absolutely perfect! :thumbsup

+1
It's just perfect. I blame BP too lol

Actually I need to thank him for giving me a ride in his car at the 2015 reunion, I knew immediately I wanted the gruppe m and tse3 combo...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

Once you hear this exhaust you end up wanting one... sounds way better than any stock exhaust in my opinion. I blame BP for me getting mine...;)

With stock headers this exhaust is absolutely perfect! :thumbsup

Yep!

[BMWCurves]

Thanks all, gents! I sent the seller an email mid morning yesterday saying I'd take it, haven't heard anything back :foottap

[Jconlin16]

Awesome find! Hope it works out for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[san]

Heard back from the seller?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Heard back from the seller?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's a weird situation. I heard back from the seller and said he'd send me an invoice tonight. I'm keeping my cards close until this deal hopefully closes. If you want more deets, PM me.

[san]

It's a weird situation. I heard back from the seller and said he'd send me an invoice tonight. I'm keeping my cards close until this deal hopefully closes. If you want more deets, PM me.

Was just curious, hope you get it! :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Was just curious, hope you get it! :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks!

Received the invoice today, went ahead and purchased my very own used UUC TSE3!

[san]

Thanks!

Received the invoice today, went ahead and purchased my very own used UUC TSE3!

Awesome! Now all I need to get are some 17" arc 8's and our cars will look and sound the same from the outside except for the exterior colors lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Awesome! Now all I need to get are some 17" arc 8's and our cars will look and sound the same from the outside except for the exterior colors lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, I'm very excited. Our cars will be even similar when I get around to installing the M3 trans/engine mounts (I believe you have those, right?). And join us with the ARC-8s. I love them. So much lighter, more comfortable ride, and I feel like it has slight improvement in acceleration and responsiveness (could definitely be placebo, but as that article in my APEX thread showed, has science to back it up)

[san]

Yeah, I'm very excited. Our cars will be even similar when I get around to installing the M3 trans/engine mounts (I believe you have those, right?). And join us with the ARC-8s. I love them. So much lighter, more comfortable ride, and I feel like it has slight improvement in acceleration and responsiveness (could definitely be placebo, but as that article in my APEX thread showed, has science to back it up)

Just the M3 tranny mounts haven't replaced the engine mounts yet. I'm hoping Il get lucky and get a good deal on a set of used 17" arc 8, don't think I can justify the price for a brand new set of wheels and tires now...☹️️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fredo]

Well done. Congrats !

[BMWCurves]

Just the M3 tranny mounts haven't replaced the engine mounts yet. I'm hoping Il get lucky and get a good deal on a set of used 17" arc 8, don't think I can justify the price for a brand new set of wheels and tires now...☹️️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very understandable, it's not a cheap investment. At a minimum, be on the lookout for APEX's group buys. They're relatively frequent. And I managed to get my tires on discount as well for $480 shipped from Discount Tire Direct, although they're having a political moment so some may not want to purchase through them. At any rate, deals can be had for brand new if a search for used isn't successful.


Well done. Congrats !

Thanks!

[BMWCurves]

So I've got the associated part list for the exhaust. At a minimum I plan to get the nuts and the gaskets. But for all parts involved, any specific brand I should get/avoid?

Exhaust gasket (2x) 18107502346
Hex bolt for exhaust (4x) 11621427586
Hex nut for exhaust (4x) 18301737774

[johnrando]

Congrats. Let us know how it goes (I know you will - no pun intended :) )

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[anandoc]

Thanks!

Received the invoice today, went ahead and purchased my very own used UUC TSE3!

Congrats! Reading all the rave reviews on this exhaust, I might look into this option somewhere in the future.

[cakM3]

Congrats on the pick up Will! [emoji1360]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NoVAphotog]

So I've got the associated part list for the exhaust. At a minimum I plan to get the nuts and the gaskets. But for all parts involved, any specific brand I should get/avoid?

Exhaust gasket (2x)18107502346
Hex bolt for exhaust (4x)11621427586
Hex nut for exhaust (4x)18301737774

Genuine BMW

No reason not to get the stock nuts and gasket. Could probably find stainless steel bolts for cheaper than the dealer ones.

[Sockethead]

Put some copper based antisieze on the bolts. Next time you have to take it apart, it will be real easy

[BMWCurves]

Used UUC TSE3 arrived today back home. My father gave it a quick inspection and seems to be okay. He said:


I compared your exhaust system with the photos, and I think everything is there - brackets, hangers, etc. Everything seems to be in good shape. There's some gunk baked on to one exhaust pipe, ahead of the muffler. I doubt that it's an issue. It's hard as a rock, so I doubt there is any way to get it off. I'll text a photo.
Which was followed by this text:


Close-up of the gunk on the exhaust. I can scrape off the thick parts with a knife. Looks like plastic or something similar got baked on. Not a problem functionally.

I'll definitely have to clean it up a bit, but I knew that going in. Anyone know a good way to clean up stainless steel? Polish?

http://i.imgur.com/8forJgG.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/O7oktuP.jpg

[anandoc]

Congrats man! This is going to be awesome!!

[slater]

good stuff, william! as for cleaning stainless, no idea... google it? :)

really awesome that your dad was willing to unbox and inspect an exhaust system in the house - that's a car guy. :)

[BMWCurves]

Congrats man! This is going to be awesome!!

Yeah, I'm really excited! I'm only home about two and a half weeks in December so I want to maximize time with my family and friends and minimize time spent doing stuff on my car. That includes removal of the car from storage in my buddy's parents' barn at the beginning of vacation and then re-storing it for another six months at the end. During that time I'll need to clean the TSE3, remove my exhaust and store it, and then either attempt to install the TSE3 myself or do what Daniel did and take it to an exhaust guy/mechanic to have it professionally installed. The benefit of letting a mechanic do it is that if there are any issues I don't have to put it up on jack stands every time to figure it out, I can just drop it back off with the mechanic. Downside is money and time going to and from the mechanic. While I'm in there I plan to replace the transmission mounts with E46 M3 ones I have laying around. Which reminds me of a couple of questions, which I'll probably post over in the random question thread as well:


In the process of doing transmission mount replacements, should I replace any other parts? I have read some people replace the mounting nuts. That part is listed as #3 (22316760944) in RealOEM.com (link: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BD53-USA-02-2005-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=22_0029)
What is the lifespan, in terms of time, of a drive shaft guibo/flex disk? It is part no 26117511454 listed in RealOEM.com here: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BD53-USA-02-2005-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=26_0197. If it's a part I could/should replace at its ripe old age of 12 years old, what brand should I use? Manufactuerers like Meyle are $40-60. BMW is about $120 for BMW which I'm fine with since that's a small price to pay if that's the best part available.
Any other maintenance items I should consider while I have the exhaust off?

Finally, I'm hoping to also get my airbag recall done while I'm home as well. Hopefully all of this goes off without a hitch!

EDIT: Forgot to add I'll need to restore and install my new-to-me GruppeM intake. Ideally I would order a cheap/decent mic for my iPhone to install near the front and do a comparison between the stock air box, the BMW Performance intake, and the GruppeM. We'll see how that goes :p


good stuff, william! as for cleaning stainless, no idea... google it? :)

really awesome that your dad was willing to unbox and inspect an exhaust system in the house - that's a car guy. :)

Thanks! So far I've seen cleaning instructions for indoor stainless steel appliances which amounts to "have you tried a damp rag?" :facepalm

We'll see what I find. I have some blue magic metal polish so maybe I'll try that out, but it's a tiny tube and the TSE3 is a large exhaust!

And yeah, my dad is nothing short of the best. He is incredibly smart, logical and we share similar interests so those things come together often. If I grow up to be half as competent and capable as him, I'll be very pleased.

[NoVAphotog]

Used UUC TSE3 arrived today back home. My father gave it a quick inspection and seems to be okay. He said:


Which was followed by this text:



I'll definitely have to clean it up a bit, but I knew that going in. Anyone know a good way to clean up stainless steel? Polish?

http://i.imgur.com/8forJgG.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/O7oktuP.jpg

Congrats man! Looks great. I wouldn't worry too much about cleaning it. I used the metal/wheel polish can that Shawn gave me. Could see if he has any extra cans. Cleaned up the tips mainly and some of the connection pieces. Otherwise didn't lose sleep over it because underneath the car.

I would say based on our experience that it could be worth getting it installed. That said, had that stud not snapped I would have moved forward doing it in the garage on jackstands. But after that experience ironing out the rattles and all...that could get tedious REAL quick.

[slater]

What is the lifespan, in terms of time, of a drive shaft guibo/flex disk? It is part no 26117511454 listed in RealOEM.com here: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BD53-USA-02-2005-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=26_0197. If it's a part I could/should replace at its ripe old age of 12 years old, what brand should I use? Manufactuerers like Meyle are $40-60. BMW is about $120 for BMW which I'm fine with since that's a small price to pay if that's the best part available.

i replaced mine last year, it was 11 years old and had about 135K miles on it. it actually looked OK, and could have gone another 30-40K miles. but, it's a "while you're in there" kind of thing, and if you're doing the trans mounts... might as well.

don't get meyle. their rubber products aren't the best. get a lemförder unit.



Any other maintenance items I should consider while I have the exhaust off?

shift linkage refresh - it's all right there. do the plastic shift lever cup, rear rubber mount (and mod it like i did - night and day difference), and front delrin bushings. ECS actually sells a kit for it, with the delrin bushings. my shifter feels amazing, tight without being notchy, and very little side-to-side play.

also - trans fluid? done recently?



And yeah, my dad is nothing short of the best. He is incredibly smart, logical and we share similar interests so those things come together often. If I grow up to be half as competent and capable as him, I'll be very pleased.

that's awesome. i share the same sentiment about my dad. just wish he lived closer, especially for my kids' sake.

[johnrando]

Glad that worked out.

[BMWCurves]

Congrats man! Looks great. I wouldn't worry too much about cleaning it. I used the metal/wheel polish can that Shawn gave me. Could see if he has any extra cans. Cleaned up the tips mainly and some of the connection pieces. Otherwise didn't lose sleep over it because underneath the car.

I would say based on our experience that it could be worth getting it installed. That said, had that stud not snapped I would have moved forward doing it in the garage on jackstands. But after that experience ironing out the rattles and all...that could get tedious REAL quick.

Thanks! And yeah, I'm not going to get overly nitpicky about the exhaust being sparkly clean, but since I have the exhaust out and apart I might as well clean it up a bit. It'll never be cleaner than when it gets installed...

As for the actual installation I'm contemplating installing it myself (assuming no removal issues) and then if I have any lingering rattling issues or the like I'd just take it to my mechanic. It's potentially cheaper and it would save me from having to put the car back up on jack stands a second time if there are issues.


i replaced mine last year, it was 11 years old and had about 135K miles on it. it actually looked OK, and could have gone another 30-40K miles. but, it's a "while you're in there" kind of thing, and if you're doing the trans mounts... might as well.

don't get meyle. their rubber products aren't the best. get a lemförder unit.

That's my sentiment. I don't plan to have the exhaust off often, so now would be a good time as any. I tried looking for Lemförder, but neither FCP nor ECS have a guibo by them. I plan to avoid Meyle, I've heard enough stories of their parts going bad prematurely.


shift linkage refresh - it's all right there. do the plastic shift lever cup, rear rubber mount (and mod it like i did - night and day difference), and front delrin bushings. ECS actually sells a kit for it, with the delrin bushings. my shifter feels amazing, tight without being notchy, and very little side-to-side play.

also - trans fluid? done recently?

What mod did you do to the rubber mount? I have the UUC SSK in there with the DSSR, but I didn't install it so I'm not sure if the delrin bushings were replaced. I assume not.

All fluids were replaced within the last 1.5 years and about 6k miles.


Glad that worked out.

Thanks! As I said, I'm very excited to hopefully get this all together while I'm home.

[slater]

What mod did you do to the rubber mount? I have the UUC SSK in there with the DSSR, but I didn't install it so I'm not sure if the delrin bushings were replaced. I assume not.

OK. the delrin bushings remove a lot of side-to-side play and just tighten up the linkage in general. worth doing, in my opinion.

for the rubber mount - insert two o-rings into the shifter-side void, then fill the remaining gap with black silicone RTV. it removes 90% of the side-to-side play but still allows axial movement. cost me about $2 and just made the hugest difference in shifter feel.

[BMWCurves]

Hmm...did you use a DIY or just sort of wing this bad boy? My shifter has little to no side-to-side slop and has some notchiness but I expected that from the SSK. I'll look into it. What's the difficulty 0-10 wise?

I'm also hoping the M3 trans mounts will solve the intermittent stiffness getting into first when the car's first cold. We'll see.

[slater]

Hmm...did you use a DIY or just sort of wing this bad boy? My shifter has little to no side-to-side slop and has some notchiness but I expected that from the SSK. I'll look into it. What's the difficulty 0-10 wise?

I'm also hoping the M3 trans mounts will solve the intermittent stiffness getting into first when the car's first cold. We'll see.

i fogot, you have the DSSR... that helps a lot.

difficulty-wise? 0 would be no effort, so i'd give it a 1. :)

[BMWCurves]

Less than two weeks until I can pull my car out of barn storage :biggrin

I'm so excited to be behind the wheel of my car again, although its apparently threatening to snow/freezing rain and I don't have any snow tires yet, so we'll see how that goes.

Looking at my schedule, between family, friends, and the holidays, I have a sneaking suspicion I'll only have time to get to my airbag recall and install the GruppeM intake and not my UUC TSE3 (or M3 trans mounts or guibo). A bit disappointing, but family and friends come first, and at least I'll have one new toy to play with!

I am considering buying a cheap lavalier mic from Amazon and hooking it up near the intake to compare the stock airbox, BMW Performance intake, and the GruppeM at various throttle states. Might be my one other project while I'm home.

[NoVAphotog]

Less than two weeks until I can pull my car out of barn storage :biggrin

I'm so excited to be behind the wheel of my car again, although its apparently threatening to snow/freezing rain and I don't have any snow tires yet, so we'll see how that goes.

Looking at my schedule, between family, friends, and the holidays, I have a sneaking suspicion I'll only have time to get to my airbag recall and install the GruppeM intake and not my UUC TSE3 (or M3 trans mounts or guibo). A bit disappointing, but family and friends come first, and at least I'll have one new toy to play with!

I am considering buying a cheap lavalier mic from Amazon and hooking it up near the intake to compare the stock airbox, BMW Performance intake, and the GruppeM at various throttle states. Might be my one other project while I'm home.

Maybe...drop it off at mechanic to get UUC installed? Opportunity cost for shop install is raised when family/friends time is weighed against monetary expenditure. E.g. Not worth blowing a whole weekend doing car stuff when you could be with family/friends unless said parties are helping with car stuff.

Also, let me know which mic you get and if it's GoPro compatible. I'd like to emulate that setup we saw on that m3 at the autox.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[holyc0w]

Careful on those tires in the winter

[san]

When rob and I traded exhausts I think it took us about 4 hours. The difficult part was getting the exhaust off the headers on my car but rob had a torch which made it a little easy. I think you can accomplish it in the time you have...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

Yep the bolts are the hardest part if they snap off, don't waste your time trying to drill them out. Use a big C clamp a socket and some heat to press them right out.
Heat is the best for loosening the nuts. You have to get them cherry red and then they'll come right off. Use plenty of copper based anti seize on them when reassembling and you'll never have a problem again.
The best way to drop the muffler in the back is to just unbolt the the top mounts... Same with the center mount. Transfer everything to the new exhaust while it's off the car.
If I remember right you can do the trans mounts without touching the exhaust...

[san]

Yup no need to mess with the exhaust to do the tranny mounts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Maybe...drop it off at mechanic to get UUC installed? Opportunity cost for shop install is raised when family/friends time is weighed against monetary expenditure. E.g. Not worth blowing a whole weekend doing car stuff when you could be with family/friends unless said parties are helping with car stuff.

Also, let me know which mic you get and if it's GoPro compatible. I'd like to emulate that setup we saw on that m3 at the autox.

That's what I thought about doing. Unfortunately, the mechanic I normally use says he's booking out a month, so if I got it in, it would be really cutting it close to when I have to fly back. I could just go to an exhaust/muffler specialist but I'd rather just use the guy I know and like. Like I said, I'll probably hold off until the summer when I'm back in Portland and will have more free time to do at least part of this myself and less family/friend obligations.

The current cheap-o mic I was looking at was this guy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N0EPZU8/ref=gl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=SYNOBYSMYXA7&coliid=IYUBDZ83UFU42&psc=1

I know next to nothing about microphone technology but that was listed in a few list of "decent but cheap" articles. I assume the input is a 3.5mm jack on the GoPro? But I would think you might want a nicer microphone than that. If I get it, I'll let you know the physical and audio sound quality.


Careful on those tires in the winter

Yeah, neither of my sets of tires are good snow/cold weather tires. I'm just hoping it is above freezing and no snow while I'm home. Although I can use my mother's Volvo S40 for a few days while she's out of town if need be.


When rob and I traded exhausts I think it took us about 4 hours. The difficult part was getting the exhaust off the headers on my car but rob had a torch which made it a little easy. I think you can accomplish it in the time you have...

I don't think the job itself would be too hard. I'm just prioritizing my time toward family and friends over car stuff. I'll save it for the summer and that way I have something to look forward to!


Yep the bolts are the hardest part if they snap off, don't waste your time trying to drill them out. Use a big C clamp a socket and some heat to press them right out.
Heat is the best for loosening the nuts. You have to get them cherry red and then they'll come right off. Use plenty of copper based anti seize on them when reassembling and you'll never have a problem again.
The best way to drop the muffler in the back is to just unbolt the the top mounts... Same with the center mount. Transfer everything to the new exhaust while it's off the car.
If I remember right you can do the trans mounts without touching the exhaust...

Sounds like a plan, thanks for the tips! I'll return to this when I get around to doing the exhaust.

[san]

That's what I thought about doing. Unfortunately, the mechanic I normally use says he's booking out a month, so if I got it in, it would be really cutting it close to when I have to fly back. I could just go to an exhaust/muffler specialist but I'd rather just use the guy I know and like. Like I said, I'll probably hold off until the summer when I'm back in Portland and will have more free time to do at least part of this myself and less family/friend obligations.

The current cheap-o mic I was looking at was this guy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N0EPZU8/ref=gl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=SYNOBYSMYXA7&coliid=IYUBDZ83UFU42&psc=1

I know next to nothing about microphone technology but that was listed in a few list of "decent but cheap" articles. I assume the input is a 3.5mm jack on the GoPro? But I would think you might want a nicer microphone than that. If I get it, I'll let you know the physical and audio sound quality.



Yeah, neither of my sets of tires are good snow/cold weather tires. I'm just hoping it is above freezing and no snow while I'm home. Although I can use my mother's Volvo S40 for a few days while she's out of town if need be.



I don't think the job itself would be too hard. I'm just prioritizing my time toward family and friends over car stuff. I'll save it for the summer and that way I have something to look forward to!



Sounds like a plan, thanks for the tips! I'll return to this when I get around to doing the exhaust.

I would spend more time with family and friends too [emoji4]
What I meant was since it shouldn't take a really long time you could maybe swap the exhaust if you want to and make it a priority over swapping intakes and recording how they sound. That's what I would do, but then again I'm biased because corsa [emoji6]



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Oh, gotcha! I think I'll probably stick with intakes because they don't take long to switch out and are less involved so I don't have to worry about setting aside several straight hours to get the job done. And making the video should be easy, just set up the mic once and record it while I'm out driving with each setup, which can be done on any drive while I'm home.

I do have an ulterior motivation to do the UUC over break and that's that the used car parts company I bought the exhaust from has a 3 month warranty. If it is somehow damaged I could return it and be refunded so that's the largest reason I'd do it over winter break.

[RUS_ZHP]

Seems like you have a soled plans for the holidays and winter brake. I like it. Should be a busy winter, but the car will be sorted by the time your semester will be over.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Seems like you have a soled plans for the holidays and winter brake. I like it. Should be a busy winter, but the car will be sorted by the time your semester will be over.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Thanks! We'll see how it goes, I'll be playing it by ear.

[BMWCurves]

Went and picked up my car from cold storage at my friend's parents' place. I pulled out all the dryer sheets and moth balls, along with a small nest above the driver's side headlight (no current resident, thankfully). Everything else looked to be in good order. I turned the ignition and it started up no problem, not so much as a stuck valve. I opted to stick chains on the rear wheels because my friend's property still had a fair amount of snow on it and it was pretty slick getting back to the highway.

Tomorrow I have an appointment to have the airbag recall done. I inspected the GruppeM intake which looks to be in order. I just need to go and see if Home Depot has some rubber covering to swap with the old rubber gasket, along with recharging the filter and then I'll drop it in place of the current BMW Performance one.

I also have a DEQ inspection that I need to do sometime before I leave. I'm wondering if I can change my plates then.

Some pictures of the barn and such:

http://i.imgur.com/fqScJhM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/DC0CgKh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mVTgb6u.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/EJqXPni.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/l4SwusX.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tOdCvj6.jpg

[ZHPizza]

That last pic is excellent.

What is making you opt for the gruppe intake over the bmwperf? More loud?

[BMWCurves]

Thanks!

And yes, I heard the GruppeM in NoVAPhotog's ZHP earlier this year and I really liked the throatier growl it has over the BMW Performance intake, which doesn't have too much of a change in intake noise over the stock box.

[fredo]

Nice pics. Believe it or not, first time I see a car with chains.

[anandoc]

Same...never seen a car with chains...even here in Canada.

[BMWCurves]

Nice pics. Believe it or not, first time I see a car with chains.

Same...never seen a car with chains...even here in Canada.

I've used them a few times, but they can be useful. A bit of a chore to take on/off though. I would absolutely prefer to have snow tires.

[BMWCurves]

A few updates:

Airbag recall - 12/19/2016 (55,561 miles)
Had a bit of a run around by both BMW Kuni and BMW Portland but eventually got it done at BMW Portland. I dropped off my car and got an F25 X3 loaner, which I found surprisingly enjoyable for the 24 or so hours I had it. Very comfortable, decent visibility, but felt big, even for it being the midsize SAV. It wasn't a kitted out X3, but I definitely miss the Bluetooth connectivity and keyless access a bit. Oddly, I was never able to get the car up to operating temperature despite some longer drives.

As for the recall itself, it went fine. For whatever reason they held onto the car because they said they would wash and clean the car, but I don't think they did at all, or at least there are no signs they did. Their courtesy inspection discovered a small oil leak which they attributed to a valve cover gasket, along with my tires needing replacement which I already knew (they were the tires that came from the previous owner and are on the 135 wheels). I'm not worried about the VCG or the tires so I declined any further involvement. They didn't scratch the lower trim at all which is good. Only other disappointing thing is they took off the sticker on the BMW emblem on the new airbag, so I didn't get to enjoy its removal like Daniel did (https://vimeo.com/188870945)

Refreshed and installed GruppeM intake - 12/21/2016 (55,584 miles)
I purchased my GruppeM intake from illirep back in early October, so I didn't get to lay my eyes on it until December. When I finally did take a look at it, it was in very good shape including the filter which I was afraid would be deteriorating. The only disappointment was that it did not come with a mounting bracket, but it seems many other people with the GruppeM intake don't have that mounting bracket either.

The rubber gasket around the carbon fiber lip was pretty worn so I found some door trim at O'Reilly Auto Parts for $10 and cut it to length. The only place it wouldn't behave was on the bottom, so I had to do a bit of an ugly job cutting some of the trim out (see pics). It's hidden away from view so it's not a bit issue. Otherwise I am pleased with the trim repair. As for the filter, I cleaned and recharged it using K&N's filter kit (part no. 99-5000). Per the instructions I sprayed on the filter cleaner, let it sit, then rinsed it from the inside out using cool low pressure water. I repeated this process two more times until the water ran clear. I then let it dry for close to two days and then applied the red aerosol filter oil to the filter and let it seep in. Had to do about 2 coats to really get it in there.

Once that was all set I removed my BMW Performance intake and installed the GruppeM intake. I took the car for a quick spin but ran into traffic pretty quickly so I haven't had a lot of seat time with it. I'll report back with impressions soon, but so far I'm liking it.

EDIT: Having driven about a hundred miles on it I should say that up to ~3500 RPM, it sounds about the same as the BMW Performance intake. However, at WOT the GruppeM intake is definitely a bit louder and a little more aggressive above 3,500 RPM. I like it. It is still pretty understated. Ball park 10-15% increase in sound volume over the BMW Performance intake at the upper RPM range.

Pics
K&N recharge kit
http://i.imgur.com/lRQmIVe.jpg

Trim product used to refresh GruppeM rubber gasket
http://i.imgur.com/i9aCY85.jpg

New rubber gasket/trim installed
http://i.imgur.com/7WrTlxA.jpg

Piss poor handiwork on bottom edge of the intake, but at least it's hidden away from view when it's installed
http://i.imgur.com/s760kRt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/T4pbICZ.jpg

Installed
http://i.imgur.com/UO8kPM8.jpg

[johnrando]

Good info on the Gruppe M

[ZHPizza]

Have you noticed any difference in power delivery?

Do you like it enough to sell me your BMWP intake?

For free?

[BMWCurves]

Good info on the Gruppe M

Thanks!


Have you noticed any difference in power delivery?

Do you like it enough to sell me your BMWP intake?

For free?

Haha I don't know about that. One member called dibs if I do sell it (although I think he might have picked up a BMW Performance intake already so he might not be a factor anymore), but I won't make a decision one way or the other until I'm back home in June.

[holyc0w]

The new intake trim turned out pretty well. :thumbsup

[BMWCurves]

Date: 12/31/2016
Mileage: 55,8xx (I'll fix the correct mileage when I return)

Put the car away back in my friend's family barn until what will likely be June before I return. Was sad to put it away, but it gave me all the thrills I wanted and ran like a top while I was home.


The new intake trim turned out pretty well. :thumbsup

Thanks! It looks pretty good minus the mangled area I photographed, but that's hidden away anyways so it's not a big deal.