Lazlo's high mile 330Ci

[Karl Lazlo]

My 330Ci...

Pre bath after teaching on Saturday:

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/20150509_141915_zps8sgsmssr.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/20150509_141915_zps8sgsmssr.jpg.html)

Post bath today at a BBQ:

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/2015-05-10%2016.32.22_zpsu1iugxkm.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/2015-05-10%2016.32.22_zpsu1iugxkm.jpg.html)

[danewilson77]

:like

[fredo]

Looks good. How many miles on the clock ?

[az3579]

http://cdn.meme.am/instances/58072575.jpg

[slater]

looks great. what size tires are you running? they look meaty.

peter

[Karl Lazlo]

Looks good. How many miles on the clock ?

Thanks! 233,519 as of today's commute.


looks great. what size tires are you running? they look meaty.

Mmmmmmeaty. 255/35-18 Michelin PSS.

[slater]

Mmmmmmeaty. 255/35-18 Michelin PSS.

nice!! what offset are the wheels? looks perfect.

peter

[Karl Lazlo]

nice!! what offset are the wheels? looks perfect.


ET38 Fits like a glove

[ryankokesh]

233,519 as of today's commute.


Dang, you weren't kidding...!

You don't happen to keep maintenance logs, do you? Those would be interesting to see...

[Karl Lazlo]

You don't happen to keep maintenance logs, do you? Those would be interesting to see...

Sadly, no. My notes would look something like this...

We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the fuel pump started acting weird. I remember saying something like "I feel a bit lightheaded; maybe you should drive..." And suddenly there was a terrible roar all around us and the sky was full of what looked like huge Roundels.

I drove a lot. Something broke. I fixed it.

I think I am on my fourth set of control arms, one fuel pump, a few water pumps and one thermostat, expansion tank, new pulleys, a DISA rebuild, VANOS seals, Lord knows how many tires, two sets of F/R brakes, one xenon ballast, couple of strippers, recover of my driver's seat leather, new windshield at the end of the month, a starter, four girlfriends, new bushings all four corners, valve cover gasket, one partridge and one pear tree. I think that covers it.

[danewilson77]

Sadly, no. My notes would look something like this...

We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the fuel pump started acting weird. I remember saying something like "I feel a bit lightheaded; maybe you should drive..." And suddenly there was a terrible roar all around us and the sky was full of what looked like huge Roundels.

I drove a lot. Something broke. I fixed it.

I think I am on my fourth set of control arms, one fuel pump, a few water pumps and one thermostat, expansion tank, new pulleys, a DISA rebuild, VANOS seals, Lord knows how many tires, two sets of F/R brakes, one xenon ballast, couple of strippers, recover of my driver's seat leather, new windshield at the end of the month, a starter, four girlfriends, new bushings all four corners, valve cover gasket, one partridge and one pear tree. I think that covers it.
:rofl

[Karl Lazlo]

Well, the alternators on our cars have some life. Exact unknown, as the car is at the shop. Just a tick over 238,750 miles on the original alternator.

[Karl Lazlo]

Took the car to the shop for a little TLC.

Swapped over to my new-to-me BBS CH wheels. They look sexy, even in the rain. I will get pics when I get the car home on Friday.

Replaced worn upper strut mounts.

Bled the clutch to see of that gets rid of some of the numbness.

Staying another night to have the R wheel bearings replaced.

[johnrando]

Def looking forward to pics. What did you have on before?

[Karl Lazlo]

Def looking forward to pics. What did you have on before?

BBS RCs that are on the car in the photos on the first page. I have turned into a BBS whore. When it stops raining, I will grab some pics.

[Karl Lazlo]

Dirty car. Back at the shop. Visited it this morning and took it out for a burn. Looks like it threw a balancing weight. So it stays overnight again.

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/20160227_112631-1_zps9eqyrhfh.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/20160227_112631-1_zps9eqyrhfh.jpg.html)

[cakM3]

New wheels look perfect Ray! :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone6S using Tapatalk

[derbo]

what are you planning to do with the BBS RCs? :)

[Karl Lazlo]

New wheels look perfect Ray! :thumbsup

Thanks dude. Appreciate you brokering the deal.


what are you planning to do with the BBS RCs? :)

You do realize that I own another 2 E46 Coupes... :)

I am sure that where they sit, they will hold up laundry for a while until I get new meats on them on they end up on my ZHP.

[derbo]

Thanks dude. Appreciate you brokering the deal.



You do realize that I own another 2 E46 Coupes... :)

I am sure that where they sit, they will hold up laundry for a while until I get new meats on them on they end up on my ZHP.

Haha yes I know. I thought I ask anyways since BBS RC is a winner. I was tempted to buy a set of 17x8 awhile back but I didn't and now I have the fakies apex arc8s


-Sent from Mobile

[Karl Lazlo]

247,303

Nice day out, so decided to play with my "old" car. Heading to the beach with it tomorrow.

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/20160330_144658_zps2g3bkcpr.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/20160330_144658_zps2g3bkcpr.jpg.html)

[Karl Lazlo]

Getting close to 250k. Just a tick over a thousand miles to go...

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/20160417_141531_zpstoavuquy.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/20160417_141531_zpstoavuquy.jpg.html)

[cakM3]

Ray, when I saw this car it looked great! Would look even better with the black headlight trim (hint...hint...)


Sent from my iPhone6S using Tapatalk

[Karl Lazlo]

Thanks, Charlie!

[cakM3]

Thanks, Charlie!

[emoji1360][emoji1360]

[az3579]

Ray, when I saw this car it looked great! Would look even better with the black headlight trim (hint...hint...)


Sent from my iPhone6S using Tapatalk

Looks better with the silver. :p
Contrast is king!

[yura]

Love those rims.

[Karl Lazlo]

Looks better with the silver. :p
Contrast is king!

That's why I haven't dyed my hair. My grey mop looks classy AF in black cars.


Love those rims.

Thank you! I am very happy with them. :-)

[az3579]

That's

I agree. I can only hope to be like you when I grow up.

[cakM3]

I agree. I can only hope to be like you when I grow up.

You have to have 3 BMWs first BP :p

[az3579]

You have to have 3 BMWs first BP :p

I'm not that sick, hence the word "hope". :p

[Karl Lazlo]

I agree. I can only hope to be like you when I grow up.

Don't bother growing up. It's over-rated.


You have to have 3 BMWs first BP :p

But only 66% need to be in running condition.

[cakM3]

I'm not that sick...

I am ;)

[Karl Lazlo]

Hit 250k on 4/28/16

Had RTABs and RSMs sitting on my coffee table for a few weeks, my MIS tool arrived, and exh & intake camshaft position sensors ordered today. I think C will be introduced to the finer points of maintenance of an E46 this weekend.

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/20160428_160602-1_zpsiizbah12.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/20160428_160602-1_zpsiizbah12.jpg.html)

[cakM3]

Congrats Ray!

[Karl Lazlo]

Congrats Ray!

Thanks, dude!

[johnrando]

Yup, congrats.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[cakM3]

Hit 250k on 4/28/16
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/20160428_160602-1_zpsiizbah12.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/20160428_160602-1_zpsiizbah12.jpg.html)

You give all of us hope our BMWs will reach this milestone without any major issues! Well done! :thumbsup

[Karl Lazlo]

You give all of us hope our BMWs will reach this milestone without any major issues! Well done! :thumbsup

Thanks. Nothing major, pretty much standard repair of aging stuff, upgraded with slightly better.

"Take care of your gear, your gear will take care of you."

[Karl Lazlo]

I really need to check myself into a twelve step program. Driving home from the office today, saw a real sharp E36 M3 Sedan.

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/soph%20cat%20m3_zpsnjexljj3.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/soph%20cat%20m3_zpsnjexljj3.jpg.html)

Then, it happened. I know what car #4 will be. M3 Sedan. Black, like my heart.

[Vas]

I am in the same boat. E36 m3 sedan manual.

[Karl Lazlo]

I am in the same boat. E36 m3 sedan manual.

Want to carpool to the 12 step meetings together?

[danewilson77]

Want to carpool to the 12 step meetings together?
:rofl

S7 Edge, out

[Vas]

Want to carpool to the 12 step meetings together?
Haha.

[Aeternalis]

E36 M3 sedans are just beautiful to look at. I wish I could afford one right now!

[Vas]

E36 M3 sedans are just beautiful to look at. I wish I could afford one right now!

I parked next to one the other day. Not the best color ( silver exterior, dove interior ) but man i really like the 90s styling of that car.

[Aeternalis]

There's one near me that looks like a blast to drive. https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5587797977.html

[Karl Lazlo]

E36 M3 sedans are just beautiful to look at. I wish I could afford one right now!

What's weird... I remember the first time I saw one in the wild. I was living in HI and taking the exit off H1 to Pearl/Hickam and was passed by one. Didn't like it at first, I missed the E30. Took a while to grow into the E36. Only took 25 years...

[Vas]

Dakar yellow would be a really nice m3 sedan to have

[squashman702]

Dakar yellow would be a really nice m3 sedan to have

I'd vote Technoviolet first. But I'm biased.

[Karl Lazlo]

Well, a burst power steering line prompted this rash of maint...

Car is at the doctor now for:

- New clutch (went with the ECS SMF Valeo conversion)
- New shifter linkage
- New motor and trans mounts (OE M3)
- New sway bar bushings (OE)
- New LCAB (AKG)
- New diff and subframe bushings (AKG)

When it comes home, I will be spending next weekend doing:

- New door seals
- New shadowline trim and finisher rails (decided to go with matte and rid myself of the faux chrome)
- New kick panel/dead pedal
- Replace the blown HK amp for slightly used
- Bluetooth TCU install

[Karl Lazlo]

Visited my 03 today. Seeing as how the rear diff and subframe mounts were original (10/02 build & 253k miles), the tighter clearances of the new bushings resulted in an ate up driveshaft center bearing. No more slop and stress has to go somewhere. Bye bye center bearing.

My power steering leak was further diagnosed. While the pump failed, the rack is still binding. M3 rack on its way to replace the old one.

I await a few days as parts arrive and the broken stuff is fixed before tackling the stuff in the post above and add in a Rogue Engineering strut brace and some new brake lines. Oh, and a new windshield cowling.

Should be ready for my track day next month.

My poor little bimmer at the shop. Look how sad it is.

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/20160812_132941-1_zpsaaupmruc.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/20160812_132941-1_zpsaaupmruc.jpg.html)

[fredo]

To me, looks like the ZHP is in a race and it's winning !

[slater]

Visited my 03 today. Seeing as how the rear diff and subframe mounts were original (10/02 build & 253k miles), the tighter clearances of the new bushings resulted in an ate up driveshaft center bearing. No more slop and stress has to go somewhere. Bye bye center bearing.

My power steering leak was further diagnosed. While the pump failed, the rack is still binding. M3 rack on its way to replace the old one.

I await a few days as parts arrive and the broken stuff is fixed before tackling the stuff in the post above and add in a Rogue Engineering strut brace and some new brake lines. Oh, and a new windshield cowling.

Should be ready for my track day next month.

My poor little bimmer at the shop. Look how sad it is.

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/20160812_132941-1_zpsaaupmruc.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/20160812_132941-1_zpsaaupmruc.jpg.html)

looks good, man... not sad at all. love those wheels.

why did you go with the M3 rack?

sorry to hear about the broken stuff, but 253K miles on a 'performance' car will eat stuff up quicker. that's a darn good run!

[Karl Lazlo]

looks good, man... not sad at all. love those wheels.

Thanks!


why did you go with the M3 rack?

Slightly quicker ratio, availability and cost.


sorry to hear about the broken stuff, but 253K miles on a 'performance' car will eat stuff up quicker.

Without question. None of those broken, failed and worn parts owe me anything.


that's a darn good run!

It has been. Hence why I am still dumping money into it.

[slater]

Slightly quicker ratio

is it? what rack do you have in there now? (yellow sticker?) i know the yellow-stickered racks on 330's were 13.7:1, the M3's were 15.4:1.

[Karl Lazlo]

is it? what rack do you have in there now? (yellow sticker?) i know the yellow-stickered racks on 330's were 13.7:1, the M3's were 15.4:1.

I have the 15.4. I don't have the benefit of the ZHP rack... The rack coming is a 14.5.

[Karl Lazlo]

I have the 15.4. I don't have the benefit of the ZHP rack... The rack coming is a 14.5.

Disregard. Got my hands on a newish M3 rack. Standard stuff. 15.4, not a ZCP rack. No worries, it has 200k fewer miles on it.

[johnrando]

Nice Fredo!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Karl Lazlo]

OK - For argument's sake... 253,000

- Oil Change
- New diff and trans fluids
- New motor and trans mounts (M3)
- New diff and subframe bushings (AKG)
- F & R sway bar bushings
- New driveshaft center bearing & giubo
- New SMF and clutch (non-SAC)
- New shifter linkage
- New control arms and bushings (AKG)
- New fogs
- Rogue Engineering strut brace
- New PS pump and used (~70k) purple label steering rack
- Alignment
- Used HK amp
- Attempted Bluetooth install (wrong TCU - BMW Assist only)
- Tank of gas and wash
- Took certain "liberties" with CT General Statutes Title 14

[RUS_ZHP]

OK - For argument's sake... 253,000

- Oil Change
- New diff and trans fluids
- New motor and trans mounts (M3)
- New diff and subframe bushings (AKG)
- F & R sway bar bushings
- New driveshaft center bearing & giubo
- New SMF and clutch (non-SAC)
- New shifter linkage
- New control arms and bushings (AKG)
- New fogs
- Rogue Engineering strut brace
- New PS pump and used (~70k) purple label steering rack
- Alignment
- Used HK amp
- Attempted Bluetooth install (wrong TCU - BMW Assist only)
- Tank of gas and wash
- Took certain "liberties" with CT General Statutes Title 14
Very impressive! Looks like you were very busy recently. Great job!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Karl Lazlo]

Very impressive! Looks like you were very busy recently. Great job!

I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I outsourced much of the stuff. Lacking time, tools and facility, I am forced to visit my friendly indy. He takes good care of me and my cars. I know where he lives and have known him since he was in high school.

[Karl Lazlo]

On the short/near term docket:

- Door seals 2x
- Windshield cowl
- Weather stripping and finishing rails (matte vs. faux chrome)
- New kick panel and dead pedal
(all the parts sitting in my spare room now)
- Waiting on UUC to ship my Wilwood kit!

[RUS_ZHP]

Even though it was outsourced, that's a lot of upgrades. Good that you have a trusted place


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Karl Lazlo]

Even though it was outsourced, that's a lot of upgrades. Good that you have a trusted place

Trying to get it ready for its first track day the end of next month. I haven't driven in anger in over 5 years and want to make sure my old ass car is ready.

[BMWCurves]

Trying to get it ready for its first track day the end of next month. I haven't driven in anger in over 5 years and want to make sure my old ass car is ready.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPfxtJ8SQgk

[johnrando]

Lol

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Karl Lazlo]

OK, 253,250. Took some time today, now that the "understuff" was taken care of; time to do some sprucing up and updating the exterior.

Being an early build E46, the door seals gave up the ghost years ago. So, while I'm in there.

- New door seals
- New matte window tripm
- Matte finishing rails
- New fogs
- New sidemarkers
- New windshield cowl
- Salvaged the A pillar fabric

I grew tired of the faux chrome rails and trim. Pretty sure the M3 rails and trim added 5+HP at the wheels. So far, my M3 swap is going slow. I have the steering rack, matte trim and rails, motor mounts, and steering wheel. At this rate, an S54 and trans should be in the car by 2039.

Obligatory photos.

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/2016-08-28%2010.14.27_zpshryvqroi.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/2016-08-28%2010.14.27_zpshryvqroi.jpg.html)
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/2016-08-28%2021.59.59_zpsy6nsbvqn.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/2016-08-28%2021.59.59_zpsy6nsbvqn.jpg.html)
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/2016-08-28%2021.58.13_zpssgciugrl.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/2016-08-28%2021.58.13_zpssgciugrl.jpg.html)
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/2016-08-28%2016.09.16_zpsipxsgqqy.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/2016-08-28%2016.09.16_zpsipxsgqqy.jpg.html)

[az3579]

Being an early build E46, the door seals gave up the ghost years ago.

You mean it was terminated ​years ago. :)

[Karl Lazlo]

You mean it was terminated ​years ago. :)

Well, yes. We don't like to speak of such things in polite company.

On a trip between CO Springs and Vegas, "someone" may have taken a Strider GB to the sagging parts... It was quick, the door seals didn't suffer. We had a steak at The Mint to celebrate their lives.

[GotZHP]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPfxtJ8SQgk

:rofl:rofl

Best thread ever!

[cakM3]

Ray, your car is starting to look really good!!! all you need to do now is swap out your titanium headlight trim for black ones... then your car will look perfect! :thumbsup

[az3579]

Ray, your car is starting to look really good!!! all you need to do now is swap out your titanium headlight trim for black ones... then your car will look perfect! :thumbsup


It looks perfect as-is.

[Karl Lazlo]

It looks perfect as-is.

This man understands contrast...

Thanks, BP.

[az3579]

This man understands contrast...

Thanks, BP.

Contrast is one of my middle names.

[Karl Lazlo]

Been doing a lot of stuff to the 03 lately and met up with BP today. For the past week, been getting weird driveline noises ever since doing the clutch, giubo, center bearing, diff and subframe mounts. Car rides smooth but some humming and weird sounds coincident (not because of) with all the repairs and upgrades. I can honestly say that due to the driveline slop that was pre-existing and God knows how much noise from worn parts there was, I could have missed the noises or the lack of driveline slop put enough stress on the inner working of my 1/4 million mile gearbox.

BP assuaged some concerns that I had (have) about potentially bad synchros in 1 and 2. Not going to do any fancy like a 6sp conversion, will likely grab a low(er) mile 5sp gearbox and swap it in. But, the car behaved very nicely for BP as he tooled around in on some nice roads in Litchfield Cty, CT.

Car will need a clean and some new brake pads soon. :-)

[Karl Lazlo]

My old car still looks pretty sharp. Wet black cars are pretty damn sexy.

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/2016-10-30%2021.37.03_zpskn6vukxz.jpg (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/2016-10-30%2021.37.03_zpskn6vukxz.jpg.html)

[Karl Lazlo]

Been driving the snot out of my ZSP lately, haven't even swapped summer tires on the ZHP yet. 269,895 miles as of today.

Parts are coming in and over the weekend, will be adding a few touches.

1. New meats on the car on Wednesday. It was funny arguing with the guy at Town Fair Tire the sizes on the car. Despite him actually looking at the car, he came back in talking about "staggered" and I had to correct him 3x... "Nope, they are square, 255/35-18, all four." Nope, he didn't believe me. Went out a second time to prove to me that the F&R are different sizes. "Sorry, my bad." <and for the tirerack purists, I went off the reservation and bought local because they were cheaper, considering shipping, M&B and alignment.>

2. What's up, stud? Rogue Engineering studs.

3. Wilwood 4 wheel conversion. Dumping the BMWP BBK and copying BP.

4. New exhaust hangers. Sexy.

5. Tighten up driver and pass windows. Rattle heaven.

Oh, and I already re-aligned my sunroof yesterday. My "extra-legal" blasts down the interstate at 6a to NYC will be less noisy.

[RUS_ZHP]

Nice list of ypdates.
Dang! 270k! So we will see the magic 300k sometime next year?


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Karl Lazlo]

Nice list of ypdates.
Dang! 270k! So we will see the magic 300k sometime next year?

At this rate, likely late 2018 I will hit 300k.

[az3579]

Why aren't you driving the ZHP?

[Karl Lazlo]

Why aren't you driving the ZHP?

No reason. Drove it on Sunday. Just feel like racking up the miles on the ZSP.

[Karl Lazlo]

286,936 as of this morning's coffee run.

Sitting here on a rainy day off from work, a paid off Amex, coffee, and finding rabbit holes to fall into... Pretty dangerous combo.

Decided to send my 03 in for a "light" rebuild this winter. It has continued with DD duties (commute to NYC ~3x per week, plus 100+ mile round trip to grab The Beast), but will likely, albeit slowly, turn into a track car for next year. With that, it needs some attention. Burning a bit of oil, lifter noise upon start up, and a gearbox that has seen better days.

Decided to drop it at a friend's shop who will do a slight rebuild the first week of Dec, with new rings, bearings, and inspect the valve train (guides, seals, springs). So, as I go down the rabbit hole of "while you're in there," type stuff beyond cooling system, SAP delete, pulleys, etc. I start looking at headers, cams, tuned heads, etc., etc., etc.

As I start to add up a VAC Stage 2 head, Schrick cams, headers, tune, used 'box, why does an S54 swap sound like a better idea? Though the thought of a "slightly breathed upon" M54 sounds fun and more reasonable...

I need a cheaper hobby.

[BMWCurves]

Good luck. Whatever you end up doing, I'm sure it'll be interesting.


I need a cheaper hobby.

Have you tried a crippling cocaine addiction?

[Karl Lazlo]

Have you tried a crippling cocaine addiction?

Car people are weird. BMW people especially weird. But, have you seen what surfaces in your social life when you hang out with a bunch of coke heads? I'm 46, I don't need that kind of madness in my life.

I'll stick to BBS wheels in my living room and car parts in my kitchen than having stuff missing and some middle aged freak trying to act out his "Inner Charlie Sheen" in my spare bedroom.

[Sockethead]

It funny, when I was growing up in the seventies everyone was into coke but I saved all my money to go racing on the weekends... that shit's expensive!

Are you going to consider going e46 spec. racing?

[Karl Lazlo]

Are you going to consider going e46 spec. racing?

In varied states of madness, I have considered SE46, ITR, and a few other classes. The most rational thought I have came up with is taking a three day school in the spring (to get my novice license) and then rent-a-ride for a few events in spring/summer to get signed off. Plenty of local teams around here that rent race-prepped BMWs. Arrive and drive.

[BMWCurves]

In varied states of madness, I have considered SE46, ITR, and a few other classes. The most rational thought I have came up with is taking a three day school in the spring (to get my novice license) and then rent-a-ride for a few events in spring/summer to get signed off. Plenty of local teams around here that rent race-prepped BMWs. Arrive and drive.

Sounds like a great plan to me.

[Karl Lazlo]

Sounds like a great plan to me.

There is a term for people like you.

Enabler.

Thank you.

[BMWCurves]

There is a term for people like you.

Enabler.

Thank you.

https://i.imgur.com/wChVM8B.gif

[cakM3]

that's the best part about knowing fellow BMW enthusiasts....we're all enablers :p

[Karl Lazlo]

https://i.imgflip.com/1yj4ix.jpg (https://imgflip.com/i/1yj4ix)via Imgflip Meme Generator (https://imgflip.com/memegenerator)

[RUS_ZHP]

I need a cheaper hobby.[/QUOTE]

Like it!
That's what I am thinking sometimes. Especially now, when I have two ZHP, constant stream of boxes with name on and explanations to my wife what is that and why it's important to both cars-:))))

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Karl Lazlo]

Like it!
That's what I am thinking sometimes. Especially now, when I have two ZHP, constant stream of boxes with name on and explanations to my wife what is that and why it's important to both cars-:))))

Well, it's a good thing I live alone - no one I have to explain the stream of boxes showing up at the door.

Every time that I think I am on a good trajectory of getting into a low-mile, newer, and reasonable car, I start chasing squirrels. "That would be a fun project," or, "Yeah, I need another ///M"

[slater]

Well, it's a good thing I live alone - no one I have to explain the stream of boxes showing up at the door.

haha, true. although i am very fortunate - my wife is super understanding. although if it's not a 'necessary' part, i often end up buying her a new dress. :)



Every time that I think I am on a good trajectory of getting into a low-mile, newer, and reasonable car, I start chasing squirrels. "That would be a fun project," or, "Yeah, I need another ///M"

yeah... or, "new cars suck." that's my problem with them. they just don't feel as good as the older cars.

[Karl Lazlo]

haha, true. although i am very fortunate - my wife is super understanding. although if it's not a 'necessary' part, i often end up buying her a new dress. :)

Mrs. Slater sounds delightful. Does she have a sister who also has the same level of understanding?


yeah... or, "new cars suck." that's my problem with them. they just don't feel as good as the older cars.

That's not true. Here's the proof:

“The all-new 2018 Camry is, without a doubt, the most captivating mid-size sedan we’ve ever produced,” Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “It delivers on everything Camry owners have come to expect from America’s best-selling car, and adds to it jaw-dropping design, more advanced technology, cutting-edge safety systems, and stirring performance that raises it to an unparalleled level of excitement.”

[slater]

Mrs. Slater sounds delightful. Does she have a sister who also has the same level of understanding?

yep...both taken. sorry dude.



That's not true. Here's the proof:

“The all-new 2018 Camry is, without a doubt, the most captivating mid-size sedan we’ve ever produced,” Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “It delivers on everything Camry owners have come to expect from America’s best-selling car, and adds to it jaw-dropping design, more advanced technology, cutting-edge safety systems, and stirring performance that raises it to an unparalleled level of excitement.”

oh man!! i LOL'd hard on that one. you win. ;)

[Karl Lazlo]

yep...both taken. sorry dude.

Damn.


oh man!! i LOL'd hard on that one. you win. ;)

It was the use of such adjectives as, "stirring" and "jaw dropping," that sealed the deal for me. If they used "sizzling" or "brain melting" in lieu of "cutting-edge" or "unparalleled," I'd be at the Toyota dealer's door right fucking now!

In all seriousness, I am likely going to stay in the BMW family. Derek's E90 thread gave me good ideas, as did my daughter pointing out a gorgeous F80 M3 the last time we were at that track. "Daddy, you need a BMW tattoo."

[slater]

It was the use of such adjectives as, "stirring" and "jaw dropping," that sealed the deal for me. If they used "sizzling" or "brain melting" in lieu of "cutting-edge" or "unparalleled," I'd be at the Toyota dealer's door right fucking now!

hahaha....

my father-in-law has a 2012 camry with 'sport' package. terrible engine, terrible slushbox, crashy suspension. the seats weren't bad.



In all seriousness, I am likely going to stay in the BMW family. Derek's E90 thread gave me good ideas, as did my daughter pointing out a gorgeous F80 M3 the last time we were at that track. "Daddy, you need a BMW tattoo."

nice. clearly you are demonstrating BMW as part of your identity... i like how they (certain models) drive, they are nice/easy to work on, and i can afford them. if i wasn't driving them - and could afford it - i would be driving porsches. nothing else resonates with me.

[Karl Lazlo]

nice. clearly you are demonstrating BMW as part of your identity...

Yup. As I get old(er), I am sure the kids in the neighborhood, and my daughter's friends, will refer to me as, "The weird old guy with all the BMWs."


if i wasn't driving them - and could afford it - i would be driving porsches. nothing else resonates with me.

I like the way you think, we can be friends.

[Sockethead]

Yup. As I get old(er), I am sure the kids in the neighborhood, and my daughter's friends, will refer to me as, "The weird old guy with all the BMWs."


Haha! We moved into a brand new neighborhood. As I introduce myself to the neighbors and tell them which house I'm in, I get "oh you're the one with all the BMWs" Yep! That's us... even the twins drive BMWs...

[Karl Lazlo]

It makes me sad reading these replies. I'm sad because you guys aren't my neighbors.

[Yelkos]

I agree with you Karl.
I'm the only "car guy" in my neighborhood.
when I'm haveing a beer with them and start takinkg about my cars, their eyes glaze over and the conversations moves to politics or football.
thats when i go home, grab another beer and a wrench and find somthing that needs to be fixed.

[slater]

Haha! We moved into a brand new neighborhood. As I introduce myself to the neighbors and tell them which house I'm in, I get "oh you're the one with all the BMWs" Yep! That's us... even the twins drive BMWs...


It makes me sad reading these replies. I'm sad because you guys aren't my neighbors.

yep.

time to build a 'mafia family compound.

[Sockethead]

yep.

time to build a 'mafia family compound.

Haha! I'm down with that! We'll need to find a former dealership... we're going to need a shitload of bays with lifts.. :)

Imagine what the parts dept would be like... sweet!

[slater]

Haha! I'm down with that! We'll need to find a former dealership... we're going to need a shitload of bays with lifts.. :)

Imagine what the parts dept would be like... sweet!

dude... don't get me started thinking about that idea!!! ;) :cheers

[Karl Lazlo]

I agree with you Karl.
I'm the only "car guy" in my neighborhood.
when I'm haveing a beer with them and start takinkg about my cars, their eyes glaze over and the conversations moves to politics or football.
thats when i go home, grab another beer and a wrench and find somthing that needs to be fixed.

Well, next time I am down in your neighborhood, I will let you know. I do some contracting/consulting down there and the friend I am working with has lots of space; he assured me if I bought a car down there, I can leave it there. Just what I need, another BMW in another state because I ran out of room.


time to build a 'mafia family compound.

“Compound” has a nice ring to it. I'm sure the HOA C&Rs would be, interesting.


Haha! I'm down with that! We'll need to find a former dealership... we're going to need a shitload of bays with lifts..

Imagine what the parts dept would be like... sweet!

Love. It!

[Yelkos]

:cheers

[Karl Lazlo]

OK, team - Here goes. I have $0.00 credit card balance, a head full of caffeine, and making plans for the 2003 ZSP. Wing Attack Plan R for the high mile beast starts in two weeks. Right now, the car has 287,500 miles and will be going to the doctor. Since I plan on doing some track time with it next year, my confidence with the age of the motor and trans is minimal. Motor is getting opened up to make sure everything is fresh (new bearings, valve job, etc) and here is to hoping that some new rings will solve my oil consumption issues. Thoughts on M52TU oil collector rings in lieu of the standard M54 oil collector rings?

Besides that, building a shopping list of "while we are in there" and wanted your thoughts:

- Oil pump (GSR Four Bolt Oil Pump Shaft)
- Oil pan baffle
- new sender
- Looking at oil coolers - any suggestions?

- CSF Radiator
- Stewart Water Pump
- Silicone upper and lower rad hoses
- Mechanical Thermostat
- Expansion tank and associated refresh parts

- New-to-me 5 speed trans
- Keeping my SMF and clutch (<40k miles on it)

I am not so concerned about making more power (already went down a rat hole of looking at cams, that resulted in looking at VAC State 2 and 3 heads...), mainly reliability considering this will see a few tracks days in 2018...

[Sockethead]

GSR oil pump is a work of art but if heard of at least one person that had the bolts come loose on it so you may want to get that safety wired. I didn't have the funds for that so I went with Achilles oil pump and the VAC oil pan baffle.
VAC also makes a sweet oil filter housing tapped for oil cooler lines... CNC machined from a block of aluminum...It's a thing of beauty ;)

What are you going to do with motor mounts?

[Karl Lazlo]

GSR oil pump is a work of art but if heard of at least one person that had the bolts come loose on it so you may want to get that safety wired. I didn't have the funds for that so I went with Achilles oil pump and the VAC oil pan baffle.
VAC also makes a sweet oil filter housing tapped for oil cooler lines... It a thing of beauty

What are you going to do with motor mounts?

Yeah, been on VAC site a little too often and saw their oil filter housing, will likely go that route.

As for mounts, will likely stay with the M3 motor/trans mounts.

Interesting about the GSR pump... I will make sure that no matter what route I go, it will be safety wired.

Thanks!

[Sockethead]

The want for that housing is strong but IDK if it will clear the supercharger on my car.

Also an S54 oil filter housing will fit too... That route might be a little cheaper that the VAC unit.
We used to live very close to VAC and were there several times and got the whole tour of the facility... First class stuff happening there

[Karl Lazlo]

Man... I fell down a few rat holes. Trying to keep this little project on budget. Between browsing VAC's site, looking at cams, headers, exhausts, LSDs... I may as well buy a new car and set fire to my 03 in true Viking manner.

[Sockethead]

You're preaching to the choir on this site hahaha! My car is a huge city rat size hole...

[slater]

OK, team - Here goes. I have $0.00 credit card balance, a head full of caffeine, and making plans for the 2003 ZSP. Wing Attack Plan R for the high mile beast starts in two weeks. Right now, the car has 287,500 miles and will be going to the doctor. Since I plan on doing some track time with it next year, my confidence with the age of the motor and trans is minimal. Motor is getting opened up to make sure everything is fresh (new bearings, valve job, etc) and here is to hoping that some new rings will solve my oil consumption issues. Thoughts on M52TU oil collector rings in lieu of the standard M54 oil collector rings?

gary @ G.A.S. said those rings are NLA... BMW now only sells the M54 rings. sorry.

speaking of G.A.S., what about their CCV?



Man... I fell down a few rat holes. Trying to keep this little project on budget. Between browsing VAC's site, looking at cams, headers, exhausts, LSDs... I may as well buy a new car and set fire to my 03 in true Viking manner.

i will make some solid suggestions:

- LSD
- chassis reinforcement (aka The Vince Program)
- poly diff mounts
- solid rear subframe mounts
- spherical RTABs (huge difference here)

these will all help with getting you more power to the ground.



You're preaching to the choir on this site hahaha! My car is a huge city rat size hole...

me too!! :)

[Karl Lazlo]

gary @ G.A.S. said those rings are NLA... BMW now only sells the M54 rings. sorry.

Oh man. I have an email into Totalseal to see if they can go a set for me...


speaking of G.A.S., what about their CCV?

Yes, but based on my seeing the thread, looks like they won't ship in quantity in time for my rebuild. But, it is a serious consideration.

- LSD - Yes. Phase 2
- chassis reinforcement (aka The Vince Program) - Yes. Phase 2
- poly diff mounts - Done
- solid rear subframe mounts - Done, Poly
- spherical RTABs (huge difference here) - Installed Rogue last summer

Thanks!

[slater]

Yes, but based on my seeing the thread, looks like they won't ship in quantity in time for my rebuild. But, it is a serious consideration.

- LSD - Yes. Phase 2
- chassis reinforcement (aka The Vince Program) - Yes. Phase 2
- poly diff mounts - Done
- solid rear subframe mounts - Done, Poly
- spherical RTABs (huge difference here) - Installed Rogue last summer

Thanks!

nice on all of that. you should change the subframe mounts to solid aluminum, though. and rogue doesn't make spherical RTABs? if you went poly, you'd be amazed at the difference of the spherical ones. night and day. no binding.

[Sailor]

OK, team - Here goes. I have $0.00 credit card balance, a head full of caffeine, and making plans for the 2003 ZSP. Wing Attack Plan R for the high mile beast starts in two weeks. Right now, the car has 287,500 miles and will be going to the doctor. Since I plan on doing some track time with it next year, my confidence with the age of the motor and trans is minimal. Motor is getting opened up to make sure everything is fresh (new bearings, valve job, etc) and here is to hoping that some new rings will solve my oil consumption issues. Thoughts on M52TU oil collector rings in lieu of the standard M54 oil collector rings?

Besides that, building a shopping list of "while we are in there" and wanted your thoughts:

- Oil pump (GSR Four Bolt Oil Pump Shaft)
- Oil pan baffle
- new sender
- Looking at oil coolers - any suggestions?

- CSF Radiator
- Stewart Water Pump
- Silicone upper and lower rad hoses
- Mechanical Thermostat
- Expansion tank and associated refresh parts

- New-to-me 5 speed trans
- Keeping my SMF and clutch (<40k miles on it)

I am not so concerned about making more power (already went down a rat hole of looking at cams, that resulted in looking at VAC State 2 and 3 heads...), mainly reliability considering this will see a few tracks days in 2018...

On the oil cooler question, I have some I salvaged from RX7's years ago when I was working on them and had some parts cars. You'd have to adapt lines/fittings to them, but they are pretty solid and the price is right (free if you pay shipping.) Let me know if you want to try one.

[Karl Lazlo]

nice on all of that. you should change the subframe mounts to solid aluminum, though. and rogue doesn't make spherical RTABs? if you went poly, you'd be amazed at the difference of the spherical ones. night and day. no binding.

Thanks, slater. I have the poly RE RTABs, but AKG poly subframe and diff mounts - they suck diddly uck. No sooner did you post that, I started hearing subframe noises on a recent commute. Already adding the aluminum mounts and looking at spherical RTABs.


On the oil cooler question, I have some I salvaged from RX7's years ago when I was working on them and had some parts cars. You'd have to adapt lines/fittings to them, but they are pretty solid and the price is right (free if you pay shipping.) Let me know if you want to try one.

Hmmm, a very intriguing offer. You wouldn't happen to know the dimensions? Thank you!

[Karl Lazlo]

Latest project halted on the '03. This thing will not die. It sat most of winter as I continued vacillating between engine rebuilt, S54, flash bang it to death, etc...

After the weather broke (finally) been tooling around in it, and with a new job, my trips to NYC will be less frequent (YAY!). With that, I have decided to do elective cosmetic surgery on my ZHP (more on that later), so I needed to get my 03 summer ready. But... I have been getting frequent thunk/bang from the rear suspension. Only exhibited when loading/unloading from a dead stop. Backing up and initial launch.

I had it up on a lift a few times and didn't find anything obviously amiss. I broke down and decided to have a local BMW shop look at it. These guys know their way around BMWs, as the two owners have been racing from the E30 days (BP has been there).

The car has been there a week. Initially, they couldn't recreate it and I cursed the sources of my bushings (incorrectly, I may add). To date, the car has 291,6xx miles on it, and the list of relevant parts below, all with about 40k miles/2 years on them:

Rogue RTABs and RSMs
OEM M3 control arm bushings (upper/lower)
Powerflex sway bar bushings
AKG Diff Mounts
OEM flex disc and CSB

Overall, the car got a very clean bill of health. To wit, one of the owners mentioned that the car drives better than similar with 90k on the clock. That made me smile.

Subframe is GTG, all the bushings and mounts are good (to the point of removing the trailing arm to inspect the RTABs), nothing *really* loose, though the RSM nuts and wheel bearing nuts were tightened up a few degrees. Still getting the thunk. Car is overnight as tomorrow they will install replacement rubber bushing for the Rogue RSMs. The set is 10 bucks, glad I ordered them two years ago along with the new RSMs.

So... The saga of the High Mile ZSP presses on.

[slater]

Latest project halted on the '03. This thing will not die. It sat most of winter as I continued vacillating between engine rebuilt, S54, flash bang it to death, etc...

After the weather broke (finally) been tooling around in it, and with a new job, my trips to NYC will be less frequent (YAY!). With that, I have decided to do elective cosmetic surgery on my ZHP (more on that later), so I needed to get my 03 summer ready. But... I have been getting frequent thunk/bang from the rear suspension. Only exhibited when loading/unloading from a dead stop. Backing up and initial launch.

I had it up on a lift a few times and didn't find anything obviously amiss. I broke down and decided to have a local BMW shop look at it. These guys know their way around BMWs, as the two owners have been racing from the E30 days (BP has been there).

The car has been there a week. Initially, they couldn't recreate it and I cursed the sources of my bushings (incorrectly, I may add). To date, the car has 291,6xx miles on it, and the list of relevant parts below, all with about 40k miles/2 years on them:

Rogue RTABs and RSMs
OEM M3 control arm bushings (upper/lower)
Powerflex sway bar bushings
AKG Diff Mounts
OEM flex disc and CSB

Overall, the car got a very clean bill of health. To wit, one of the owners mentioned that the car drives better than similar with 90k on the clock. That made me smile.

Subframe is GTG, all the bushings and mounts are good (to the point of removing the trailing arm to inspect the RTABs), nothing *really* loose, though the RSM nuts and wheel bearing nuts were tightened up a few degrees. Still getting the thunk. Car is overnight as tomorrow they will install replacement rubber bushing for the Rogue RSMs. The set is 10 bucks, glad I ordered them two years ago along with the new RSMs.

So... The saga of the High Mile ZSP presses on.

dang.

what shop? AutoTechnic?

can you get a video of the clunk?

clearly they're missing something, but odd that they couldn't recreate it. can you go and drive it with them in the car - recreate it for them?

[Karl Lazlo]

dang.

Yes, dang.


what shop? AutoTechnic?

For a Canadian, you certainly do get around. :-) Yes, Auto Technic.


can you get a video of the clunk?

No need now. They know what they are chasing, after some test drives and unique loading/unloading of the rear suspension - putting one of the techs in the trunk for a yard drive. He heard and felt what my complaint is after that.


clearly they're missing something, but odd that they couldn't recreate it.

They took it for multiple drives and it took a while for them to isolate it. They said it sounded like a worn/egged out RTAB, that wasn't the case. It only happens on initial launch forward and reverse. Oh, and the steep approach to my driveway when the RR unloads. It doesn't exhibit itself on normal (whatever my *normal* may be...)


can you go and drive it with them in the car - recreate it for them?

Did that this afternoon. Within about 15' of leaving for SBUX.

It'll get sorted out - leave it to me to find a weird problem

[slater]

For a Canadian, you certainly do get around. :-) Yes, Auto Technic.

ha. well... i haven't always been canadian. [emoji6] quick Slater History Lesson:

- i was born in danbury
- lived in ridgefield, then brookfield
- my cousin grew up in new milford and grew up with the AutoTechnic owners... i've been to lime rock with them before, a looooong time ago (circa 2000), they were racing E30s then
- somewhere in my garage i have an AutoTechnic sticker (unapplied) that my cousin designed for them around 2000-ish (he's a graphic designer). for some reason i like to keep stickers, and i never use them.

EDIT: found the sticker. ;)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180515/3bd9062b96850ebc7cf581b47ee564e9.jpg



No need now. They know what they are chasing, after some test drives and unique loading/unloading of the rear suspension - putting one of the techs in the trunk for a yard drive. He heard and felt what my complaint is after that.



They took it for multiple drives and it took a while for them to isolate it. They said it sounded like a worn/egged out RTAB, that wasn't the case. It only happens on initial launch forward and reverse. Oh, and the steep approach to my driveway when the RR unloads. It doesn't exhibit itself on normal (whatever my *normal* may be...)



Did that this afternoon. Within about 15' of leaving for SBUX.

It'll get sorted out - leave it to me to find a weird problem

yeah, i kinda feel like i get stuck with those ones too. oh well - glad you were able to reproduce it with them in the car. and got a coffee in the process.

if it makes you feel any better (or worse), i had a similar sound that only exhibited itself when pulling into a steep/weird angled approach, in my ZHP sedan. and i cracked the floor in that (LR subframe mount), as well as had panel separation in the LR wheel well. definitely check that, it's the first place to go.

[Karl Lazlo]

Damn. Didn’t realize you were so local. I knew that you were from the US, just not so damn close to Casle Lazlo.

I grew up in Bethel and currently live in Danbury. The Beast was born at Danbury Hosp. Howdy neighbor.

[slater]

Damn. Didn’t realize you were so local. I knew that you were from the US, just not so damn close to Casle Lazlo.

I grew up in Bethel and currently live in Danbury. The Beast was born at Danbury Hosp. Howdy neighbor.

wow - small world!

after my parents split, my mom moved us to VT but my dad moved to fairfield county... he lived in westport, and then easton, for about 10 years, so i spent some time there as well. today it certainly isn't anything like it was back then.