Lorenzo's ZHP Coupe Project

[Lorenzo]

I'm excited to launch my project thread and begin my ZHP journey among a great group of knowledgeable enthusiasts. I appreciate everyone's input, suggestions, advice, and I look forward to reading your project threads - where I've got many initial ideas so far.

Summary
Year: 2005
Model: 330Ci Coupe
Exterior Color: Silver Grey Metallic
Interior: Grey leather
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Packages: Performance, Cold Weather, Premium Package
Options: Heated front seats, Xenon headlights, Harman-Kardon sound system
Purchased Date: 12/27/2015
Price: $9,750
Mileage at purchase: 114,338 miles
VIN: WBABD53435PD98697

Backstory
My first BMW was a 2 year old manual shift, black 2004 325 convertible. I sold that in 2009 when my first child got her drivers license and I needed a more practical car. I've been through a number of E90s as a daily, and presently I drive an F30 - red 2012 328 sedan. My first weekend project car was a '89 red convertible E30 I picked up in 2013. Jon Estrella helped me immensely to fix it up and I sold it for a small profit. Then I picked up Bruce's terrifically kept ZHP convertible, but regrettably sold it in an attempt to downsize to one car. Since then, I've missed the ZHP. After a one month search, I landed on this ZHP coupe from a single owner in Storrs, CT that I found on BMWCCA. I flew to Hartford, met the owner, went on a test drive, and made the purchase. Drove it 400 miles to Sterling, VA.

Overall, the previous owner kept up with all maintenance, including some biggies - coolant overhaul and a new clutch. My first stop was to Jon's house for his evaluation. He gave the thumbs up. The next day, I met a local ZHPMafia member, Benny, in the parts line at BMW Sterling. He had just picked up his ZHP from Atlanta a few days earlier. Small world.

Previous Owner's Maintenance
2005 - initial purchase as lease
2005-2007: Owner followed standard maintenance program under warranty
2008: owner purchased from his lease
July 2008 (38,199) - Inspection I
May 2009 (46,486) - Oil service 5W-30 synthetic
August 2009 (49,683) - Change rear differential and transmission fluids, Brake flush
July 2010 (62,140) - Oil service
March 2011 (75,974) - Coolant system overhaul - Replace water pump with metal impeller pump, thermostat, belts and idler pulley, tension pulley
August 2011 (79,280) - Spark plugs, Brake flush, Oil service
June 2012 (83,606) - Oil service, New battery
June 2013: (93,000) - front brake OEM pads, brake disc (Zimmerman coated), sensors, Replace trailing arm bushing, Replace front control arm bushings, Alignment, Replace Valve cover gasket, Replace cabin air filter, Oil service
Sept 2013 (97,720) - front tires Potenza S-04 PP 225/40/R18, Rear tires - Potenza S-04 PP 255/35/R18
January 2014 (100,475) - Coolant repair - radiator hoses, expansion tank, new coolant, Replace starter, Replace wipers, Replace hazard switch
March (106,349) - Oil service, Brake flush
July 2015 (110,775) - Oil service, Air bag recall passenger front
Dec 2015 (113,992) - New Clutch and Flywheel

My maintenance/mods
Dec 2015 (114,750) - Replaced cabin air and engine air filters, replaced ZHP shifter, refinished drivers seat (via Metro Leather)
Jan 2016 (115,000) - Installed new Alcantara black w/tri-color stitch, steering wheel (Coby Wheel), Claybar, Polish
Jan 2016 (115,250) - Tint 38% all around, clutch stop, new OEM Carpet Mats
Feb 2016 (115,500) - Drained and filled new fluids for transmission (Redline MTL), Differential (Redline 75W90), Power Steering (Redline D4 AATF). Installed new Mann Fuel Filter.

Planned maintenance
Spring polish, sealant, wax
Install Michelin PSS Tires
Replace steering coupler
Leatherique passenger and rear seats
Power Steering Reservoir Cap Seal
Clean engine bay

Future mods
New Shocks/struts - Koni sport
Black kidney grills
Repair and paint front bumper
Paint lower mesh grill
Restore headlight lenses
Replace fog lights
Replace Black cube trim drivers door
Replace ashtray and storage trays
Center console component refresh
Replace driver and passenger side mirror glass
Fix ding passenger side
Touch up various paint chips
Smoke side markers
Retrofit M3 Aluminum Foot Rest


I welcome any and all maintenance and mod suggestions.

[Lorenzo]

First pictures 12/27/2015 at pickup in Connecticut...

[Lorenzo]

At home in garage after first wash and clay bar...

[Lorenzo]

Before and after refinished drivers seat. Done by Metro Leather in Sterling, recommended by Benny.

[johnrando]

:like

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Vas]

Nice looking coupe. Enjoy the ownership

[Johnd]

Looks like a great find... I just bought an 06 ZHP convertible and will be doing most of the maintenance items above.

[BMWCurves]

Nice, and welcome again!

Car looks great.

[ELCID86]

Congrats. Replied to you pm about the trim.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

[Lorenzo]

Installed new ZHP Shifter. Looks and feels good. But now the scratches on the ashtray and storage compartment doors look that much worse.

[BMWCurves]

I know that feeling. The previous owner of my 2003 330Ci ZSP would let his wife drive it fairly often and I noticed that she wore acrylic nails. It dawned on me that those nails were the most likely cause of the torn up ashtray and storage compartment doors. Ended up sourcing local replacements for about $50 which was great.

[az3579]

Installed new ZHP Shifter. Looks and feels good. But now the scratches on the ashtray and storage compartment doors look that much worse.
You can replace that whole section, but the piece is 80-120$ if I remember correctly. My HVAC relocation piece cost me 110$. It looks so new though! Love it.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160102/d26aa4f4da27f35ed801be302610700b.jpg


Just gotta do my console now...
Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

[fredo]

BP ... what's the box of diapers doing in your car ? :scratchinghead

[Lorenzo]

Passed VA safety inspection today! Close though. Rear tires at 3/32 and front a bit better at 5/32. I did pick up Michelin PSS last week so I could get the $70 rebate that expired 12/31. I'm thinking I'll wait until spring to mount the new tires and squeeze the remaining life out of the old Bridgetone Pole Positions.

[johnrando]

:thumbsup

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[1 M Mike]

BP ... what's the box of diapers doing in your car ? :scratchinghead
Better have something to do with this (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?2784-Post-your-daily-ZHP-BMW-MINI-pics!&p=465669#post465669) post. If not..........baby what a big surprise. :)

[az3579]

BP ... what's the box of diapers doing in your car ? :scratchinghead
...lol

Better have something to do with this (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?2784-Post-your-daily-ZHP-BMW-MINI-pics!&p=465669#post465669) post. If not..........baby what a big surprise. :)
Yes, it was a part of the move. No children for me, thanks. [emoji12]

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[BCS_ZHP]

BP ... what's the box of diapers doing in your car ? :scratchinghead

BP has those beautiful natural brown seats, but he doesn't want that kind of natural, first time passengers are handed a diaper to don before he allows them to ride shotgun...

[Lorenzo]

Beautiful sunny day in Reston, Virginia. Finished polishing yesterday with Pinnacle swirl remover and polish. Not bad. I'll do another treatment in the spring with a new product. Perhaps Wolfgang, Blackfire, or Mcguiers 205.

I think it needs a tint too. Law is 50% front and 35% in rear in VA. I wonder if I can get away with 35% all around without attracting police attention.

[BCS_ZHP]

Larry, with a gray interior you should be able to get away with 35% tint all around, a lighter interior doesn't make it look as dark, I know my sons do his. Also, you have your own "gray" (hair) factor and can claim that the car came that way, LEOs will let you go with a warning. Bruce

[Lorenzo]

Larry, with a gray interior you should be able to get away with 35% tint all around, a lighter interior doesn't make it look as dark, I know my sons do his. Also, you have your own "gray" (hair) factor and can claim that the car came that way, LEOs will let you go with a warning. Bruce

Bruce, what happened to all your ZHPs? Vic bought them all huh? Any plans to get one, or similar, this year?

[[USMC]Skywalker]

Larry I have always had 35% all around tint and didnt have an issue

[Lorenzo]

Skywalker;465918']Larry I have always had 35% all around tint and didnt have an issue

Who did your tint? I've used LA Tint in the past. I think it was around $300.

[Vas]

Who did your tint? I've used LA Tint in the past. I think it was around $300.

I was going to make the drive and have TintFX do the job. 3M carbon ceramic tint for $290

[Lorenzo]

Received this picture in my inbox today from Mike at Coby Wheel. I anticipate install this weekend. It's cool that he sends out advance pic of your incoming wheel.

[Vas]

Nice. You will like it

[ELCID86]

Beautiful sunny day in Reston, Virginia. Finished polishing yesterday with Pinnacle swirl remover and polish. Not bad. I'll do another treatment in the spring with a new product. Perhaps Wolfgang, Blackfire, or Mcguiers 205.

I think it needs a tint too. Law is 50% front and 35% in rear in VA. I wonder if I can get away with 35% all around without attracting police attention.

Yes. Go 35 all-round.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

[ELCID86]

Who did your tint? I've used LA Tint in the past. I think it was around $300.

Guy down here has been running $100 specials. Bruce and I have both used him.

23523


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

[NoVAphotog]

I'm excited to launch my project thread and begin my ZHP journey among a great group of knowledgeable enthusiasts. I appreciate everyone's input, suggestions, advice, and I look forward to reading your project threads - where I've got many initial ideas so far.

Summary
Year: 2005
Model: 330Ci Coupe
Exterior Color: Silver Grey Metallic
Interior: Grey leather
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Packages: Performance, Cold Weather, Premium Package
Options: Heated front seats, Xenon headlights, Harman-Kardon sound system
Purchased Date: 12/27/2015
Price: $9,750
Mileage at purchase: 114,338 miles
VIN: WBABD53435PD98697

Backstory
My first BMW was a 2 year old manual shift, black 2004 325 convertible. I sold that in 2009 when my first child got her drivers license and I needed a more practical car. I've been through a number of E90s as a daily, and presently I drive an F30 - red 2012 328 sedan. My first weekend project car was a '89 red convertible E30 I picked up in 2013. Jon Estrella helped me immensely to fix it up and I sold it for a small profit. Then I picked up Bruce's terrifically kept ZHP convertible, but regrettably sold it in an attempt to downsize to one car. Since then, I've missed the ZHP. After a one month search, I landed on this ZHP coupe from a single owner in Storrs, CT that I found on BMWCCA. I flew to Hartford, met the owner, went on a test drive, and made the purchase. Drove it 400 miles to Sterling, VA.

Overall, the previous owner kept up with all maintenance, including some biggies - coolant overhaul and a new clutch. My first stop was to Jon's house for his evaluation. He gave the thumbs up. The next day, I met a local ZHPMafia member, Benny, in the parts line at BMW Sterling. He had just picked up his ZHP from Atlanta a few days earlier. Small world.

Previous Owner's Maintenance
2005 - initial purchase as lease
2005-2007: Owner followed standard maintenance program under warranty
2008: owner purchased from his lease
July 2008 (38,199) - Inspection I
May 2009 (46,486) - Oil service 5W-30 synthetic
August 2009 (49,683) - Change rear differential and transmission fluids, Brake flush
July 2010 (62,140) - Oil service
March 2011 (75,974) - Coolant system overhaul - Replace water pump with metal impeller pump, thermostat, belts and idler pulley, tension pulley
August 2011 (79,280) - Spark plugs, Brake flush, Oil service
June 2012 (83,606) - Oil service, New battery
June 2013: (93,000) - front brake OEM pads, brake disc (Zimmerman coated), sensors, Replace trailing arm bushing, Replace front control arm bushings, Alignment, Replace Valve cover gasket, Replace cabin air filter, Oil service
Sept 2013 (97,720) - front tires Potenza S-04 PP 225/40/R18, Rear tires - Potenza S-04 PP 255/35/R18
January 2014 (100,475) - Coolant repair - radiator hoses, expansion tank, new coolant, Replace starter, Replace wipers, Replace hazard switch
March (106,349) - Oil service, Brake flush
July 2015 (110,775) - Oil service, Air bag recall passenger front
Dec 2015 (113,992) - New Clutch and Flywheel

My maintenance/mods
Dec 2015 miles: 114,750 - Replaced cabin air and engine air filters, replaced ZHP shifter, refinished drivers seat (via Metro Leather)

Planned maintenance
Polish exterior
Install Michelin PSS Tires
Drain/refill Power steering fluid
Change Differential fluid and transmission fluid
Replace steering coupler
Change fuel filter
Leatherique passenger and rear seats
Power Steering Reservoir Cap Seal
Clean engine bay

Future mods
Rewrap alcantara steering wheel
New Shocks/struts - Koni sport
Black kidney grill
Window Tint
Repair and paint front bumper
Paint lower mesh grill
Restore headlight lenses
Replace fog lights
Replace Black cube trim drivers door
Replace ashtray and storage trays
Center console component refresh
Repair damage on side mirror glass
Fix ding passenger side
Touch up various paint chips
Smoke side markers


I welcome any and all maintenance and mod suggestions.

Whoa...how did I miss this thread and saying hello Larry! Neighbors in Reston!

If you want to see how 50 all around looks we can meetup, granted it's a bit different coupe v. sedan. But I agree with Bruce, with the lighter interior 35 should be no problem and look better. I love the way 50 looks with the black plus I don't have to worry about LEO interaction here in Funfax where they literally are everywhere.

[Ssparrow]

Received this picture in my inbox today from Mike at Coby Wheel. I anticipate install this weekend. It's cool that he sends out advance pic of your incoming wheel.

This wheel looks so good!

[BMWCurves]

I have 38% to bring it to 35% with the window's normal tint. It's about right for me with the black interior, I didn't want the murdered out look. You can definitely get away with 35% on a light interior.

[Lorenzo]

I contacted Tech Tint in Fredericksburg- they confirmed $100 until Jan 15. LA Tint in Sterling is $300. It's a 75 min drive to Fredericksburg - but worth $200 savings I suppose. And since you guys have used them before, I assume quality is good. I wonder how they can charge so little compared to competition.

[ELCID86]

Check the Garrisonville Rd location in Stafford. Would save you 20min or so each way. Maybe we could have lunch!


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

[Lorenzo]

Check the Garrisonville Rd location in Stafford. Would save you 20min or so each way. Maybe we could have lunch!


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

Shawn - which tint place is in Stafford? Tech Tint is only in Fredericksburg.

[Lorenzo]

Whoa...how did I miss this thread and saying hello Larry! Neighbors in Reston!

If you want to see how 50 all around looks we can meetup, granted it's a bit different coupe v. sedan. But I agree with Bruce, with the lighter interior 35 should be no problem and look better. I love the way 50 looks with the black plus I don't have to worry about LEO interaction here in Funfax where they literally are everywhere.

Daniel, your Imola ZHP looks fantastic! I look forward to seeing it.

[Lorenzo]

I called the place in Fredericksburg. The $100 special is for carbon tint. They charge $320 for ceramic.
The place in Fredericksburg says carbon is not as good as ceramic at keeping out heat, but otherwise is comparable quality. I don't care about the heat since my ZHP a weekend car and garaged. I was going to wait on tint until summer but for $100 it may make sense to go for it now

It carbon a bad product ? Bruce and Shawn - do you install carbon or ceramic?

[NoVAphotog]

I called the place in Fredericksburg. The $100 special is for carbon tint. They charge $320 for ceramic.
The place in Fredericksburg says carbon is not as good as ceramic at keeping out heat, but otherwise is comparable quality. I don't care about the heat since my ZHP a weekend car and garaged. I was going to wait on tint until summer but for $100 it may make sense to go for it now

It carbon a bad product ? Bruce and Shawn - do you install carbon or ceramic?

Carbon will be fine. TintFX wanted $550 for ceramic. No thanks. Perfectly happy with 3M or Suntek Carbon tint.

[BMWCurves]

Carbon will be fine. TintFX wanted $550 for ceramic. No thanks. Perfectly happy with 3M or Suntek Carbon tint.

+1

I have had SunTek Carbon on my past two cars, no issues to speak of.

[ELCID86]

Shawn - which tint place is in Stafford? Tech Tint is only in Fredericksburg.

Sorry. Sent you a pm with the info for the Stafford shop Bruce and I used.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

[Lorenzo]

New wheel from Coby installed today - new Alcantara looks and feels great. Thanks so much for helping with the install Shawn! It was great meeting you and seeing your ZHPs.

[ELCID86]

Same here. Mike @Coby did a great job per usual.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

[Vas]

Nice wheel

[BMWCurves]

The new wheel looks great!

[Vas]

If you are interested in tackling the Vanos Repair, there is a post on the zhpmafia facebook page for the Beisan System Repair Kit. It is a local guy in Northern Virginia selling it. Figured I would let you know.

[BCS_ZHP]

Bruce, what happened to all your ZHPs? Vic bought them all huh? Any plans to get one, or similar, this year?

A low level hunt has started, won't intensify until weather gets warmer, not sure on what yet but will be bestowed with the Roundel.

[ELCID86]

A low level hunt has started, won't intensify until weather gets warmer, not sure on what yet but will be bestowed with the Roundel.
:like

:ninja


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[Lorenzo]

Got 38% tint all around a few days prior to the blizzard. All dressed up and no place to go.

[BMWCurves]

Looks good :thumbsup

38% is what I got and I think it's a good balance.

[johnrando]

Nice

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

:like


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[[USMC]Skywalker]

Looks good man, I like it!

[Lorenzo]

Drained and filled transmission, differential, and power steering fluids (redline). Installed new fuel filter. Feels good to have all the new fluids. I can feel a smile on my car.:biggrin

[ELCID86]

Nice werk.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[BMWCurves]

Must feel good to know those fluids are new.

[Vas]

Awesome

[Lorenzo]

Thanks! Had a mechanic check over the car. He said it was well maintained by the previous owner. That was good to hear. He agreed that upcoming suspension refresh is going to make the car feel like new - I am excited for that later in spring. The only recommendation he made was to consider change of ignition coils (spark plugs were changed 35,000 miles ago). What's the verdict on need for new coils?

[BMWCurves]

What's the mileage on your car? I'm not sure exactly what mileage/age coils should be changed, but I have heard that once one coil goes or does something funky, you should change them all since the others will follow suit pretty quickly.

[Lorenzo]

What's the mileage on your car? I'm not sure exactly what mileage/age coils should be changed, but I have heard that once one coil goes or does something funky, you should change them all since the others will follow suit pretty quickly.

115,000. The spark plugs changed at 80K miles.

[Vas]

Preventative maintenance would include 6 ignition coils and pre-cat o2 sensors at that Mileage.

[ELCID86]

Coils are probably fine. Not necessarily a PM replacement.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[Vas]

Yeah you can wait to replace the coils till they start to fail. Or knock them out now since the design has been updated by Bosch over the original stuff that came on our cars. Then not worry about them.