peter's new ZHP project: Project Estoril

[slater]

VIN: PD99515

OK, folks. before you i present the ONLY estoril blue ZHP coupe made for north america - in fact, none were made for the US. two estoril blue ZHPs were special-ordered for canada, one sedan and one coupe. this is the coupe. as you can see by the door sill, it's a BMW Individual car. it's fully optioned - adaptive headlights, premium package, it even has the power rear sunshade!

it's a 2005, built in 2005 and has the factory rear subframe reinforcement piece sandwiched in the rear floor. it's got 183K KMs (113K miles), and has been stored the last 5 winters. it needs some things, so i'm going to do a 'rolling restoration' on it to freshen it up. the paint is really nice. in all honesty - it is simply stunning in person. i dare say it makes imola look second-best when parked next to my sedan! (it's lighter in person than in the pics below.) the car will most likely be for sale when i'm done - that is, unless i decide to keep it and sell my imola sedan...... which would be really hard!!

more updates (and pictures) will follow once work commences. presently i have some house projects to do and i'm installing a blaupunkt double-din NAV setup in the tank, both of which take priority...

:cheers

[san]

Damn, Monaco blue?? Canadian Zhp? Anyway Congrats Peter! Can't wait for more details!


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[az3579]

I hate you right now. lol
Estoril... I'm about to die.

[09mageec]

God I love Estoril :wub

The day I find a clean e36M.....game over

[cakM3]

Congrats Peter!!! You got yourself one fine ride my friend! :thumbsup I hope to see it when I come up with Botond later this month :)

[slater]

Damn, Monaco blue?? Canadian Zhp? Anyway Congrats Peter! Can't wait for more details!

estoril. ;) thanks, i just updated the first post with some more info. :)



I hate you right now. lol
Estoril... I'm about to die.

haha. it really is amazing!!



God I love Estoril :wub

The day I find a clean e36M.....game over

those are easy to find - there's one on BaT right now.



Congrats Peter!!! You got yourself one fine ride my friend! :thumbsup I hope to see it when I come up with Botond later this month :)

thanks, charlie, and perhaps you'll see it in 2 weeks! we'll see how much work i get done on it...

[Vas]

Wow talk about a rare color.

[ryankokesh]

Congrats, you lucky sob.

I'm gonna go wax my lame-ass imola... :facepalm

[fredo]

Good find, man ! First time I see that door sill. :thumbsup

[san]

Excellent find :thumbsup




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[Pupil_Heads]

Holy molly!


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[NoVAphotog]

before you i present the ONLY estoril blue ZHP coupe made for north america - in fact, none were made for the US.

What were people in the US thinking?!?!?!

Congrats, Peter!! Can't wait for more pics!

(I still like Interlagos Blue and Imola better though)

[QC_ZHP]

<3 <3 <3

[FungShui]

So jealous

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[cakM3]

thanks, charlie, and perhaps you'll see it in 2 weeks! we'll see how much work i get done on it...

I'll bring my new ride when I come up Peter :drevil

[anandoc]

I'll bring my new ride when I come up Peter :drevil

Damn! I am going to miss checking out both of these awesome rides!

[johnrando]

AWE-SOME

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[Rovert]

When I bought my ZHP many years ago there was an Estoril blue facelift sedan with M pack. But it was auto and had the M68 wheels that the M pack had. I was so close to buying that over my black ZHP.

I know how you feel about Estoril next to Imola. But both colors are great in their own ways!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160510/84bfdef193e8f691fd04f6e98feb8729.jpg

[ELCID86]

Amazing find. And very patriotic.

[Johnmadd]

Bp is already trying to figure out how to get this car :) very nice purchase :thumbsup

[alexandre]

Glad to see it was a worthwile car! Looking forward to the progress.

[Sockethead]

I think I'd be finding a way to keep that one permanently...

[Ssparrow]

Oh man this thing is nice! Congrats!


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[orange260z]

Niiiiiice. I think you need to keep both. ☺

Will you bring this one to Ottawa in a couple of weeks?

[fw_fw]

Ach du lieber......

Einwandfreie KLASSE!!!!!

[Jconlin16]

Wow, great pickup. I would love to see the sedan.

[slater]

thanks everyone!! :)



Niiiiiice. I think you need to keep both. ☺

Will you bring this one to Ottawa in a couple of weeks?

haha. it would be hard to sell my imola sedan as i have a TON of work and parts into it... and i really like how it came out. i've built the sedan to be a long-lasting companion.... we'll see. ;)

not sure if i will bring this one up to ottawa or not. depends on the HPDE thing - still working out whether i can go to that or not (hugely busy schedule this month). also, i need to order a whack of parts for it... (gaskets, cooling system, brakes, plastic bits, etc)

[alexandre]

thanks everyone!! :)




haha. it would be hard to sell my imola sedan as i have a TON of work and parts into it... and i really like how it came out. i've built the sedan to be a long-lasting companion.... we'll see. ;)

not sure if i will bring this one up to ottawa or not. depends on the HPDE thing - still working out whether i can go to that or not (hugely busy schedule this month). also, i need to order a whack of parts for it... (gaskets, cooling system, brakes, plastic bits, etc)

Swap it all over to the blue car!!!

[anandoc]

I bet the imola sedan feels lonely and needs an appropriate stablemate :) You've gotta keep the coupe :)

[az3579]

Bp is already trying to figure out how to get this car :) very nice purchase :thumbsup

It is killing me that it's a coupe, and at the same time I'm actually very glad it's a coupe, because I finally have my car sorted and don't need to worry about having to buy another car. lol

[slater]

Swap it all over to the blue car!!!

the thought DID cross my mind... but that is a LOT of work! like 40hrs of work...



I bet the imola sedan feels lonely and needs an appropriate stablemate :) You've gotta keep the coupe :)

the sedan only feels lonely when i'm not behind the wheel. ;) it is very cool to see them together - the colors work nicely together.



It is killing me that it's a coupe, and at the same time I'm actually very glad it's a coupe, because I finally have my car sorted...

i hear ya, and that's kinda why i don't think i will swap all of my stuff over. i prefer a sedan format, but since we've got the tank, i could live with a coupe if i needed to. but the thought of dropping the entire rear end, suspension, etc on BOTH cars and swapping over does not excite me. :)

[kakashi169]

Wow, nice find Peter. I would love to see it in person before you sell it! haha

[anandoc]

Wow, nice find Peter. I would love to see it in person before you sell it! haha

He is not selling it...don't go about giving him crazy ideas ;)

[slater]

Wow, nice find Peter. I would love to see it in person before you sell it! haha

for sure!



He is not selling it...don't go about giving him crazy ideas ;)

LOL!!

[az3579]

He is not selling it...don't go about giving him crazy ideas ;)

He's selling something for sure, just a question of which one...

[danewilson77]

:like

S7 Edge, out

[onaquest]

nice find! A friend of mine picked up a 2002 estoril manual 330i msports last week. 1 of 5. Yours seems like its absolutely loaded. Enjoy

[slater]

took the estoril coupe out for a spin yesterday. dang if it doesn't pull stronger and smoother than my car - this car has the latest DME software, now after driving it and alex's car (also with the latest DME software), i reeeeeally need to flash the DME in the imola sedan....

this is a really nice driving car. excited to take care of the small things (that add up to over $3K!!), and make it really nice.

[san]

estoril coupe .
These 2 words together sound nice lol

[slater]

new front swaybar endlinks installed yesterday (old RF one was toast), installed new outside temp sensor.

took it for a 30min drive - it drives really nicely. going to replace the FCABs and RTABs, but that's it for suspension - it's very nice as-is.

ordering more parts today. :)

[anandoc]

Nice work! I need to get my RTABs done...eventually

[slater]

ordered about $1300 worth of parts today. the worst part is... that's about 1/3 of what i'm going to put into this car. dang.

[fredo]

List of said parts ? :ninja

[Vas]

Yeah spill the beans

[slater]

ha. you guys!! :cheers

short list of stuff i'm doing:

- cooling system refresh + belts
- brakes + front lines
- gaskets (VCG + OFHG)
- filters
- fluid changes
- intake boots
- misc plastic bits
- new rear window gaskets ($70/each, dang)
- new wiper cowl
- headlight lenses (expensive for a coupe - you basically need new housings)
- FCABs
- RTABs
- front swaybar endlinks (installed)
- new shift knob
- coby-wrapped wheel (need to get this sent out)
- A/C purge and re-fill
- etc...!!

i'm going to have the windshield replaced and the front bumper resprayed as well. that's going to be $900 right there... and it needs tires. it's getting a set of michelin pilot super sports.

it all adds up. if you do some math with that list you'll get an idea of how much. :)

[Sockethead]

good to see that car getting the love it deserves :)

[slater]

good to see that car getting the love it deserves :)

yep. it will be a 100% sorted and turn-key ZHP when i'm done. mostly stock - there are a few little upgrades - where necessary (FCABs, RTABs and aluminum water pump pulley ;)).

[cakM3]

That Estoril Blue Coupe ZHP will be incredible when you're done sorting it all out. Love going thru this project thread Peter! :thumbsup

[slater]

That Estoril Blue Coupe ZHP will be incredible when you're done sorting it all out. Love going thru this project thread Peter! :thumbsup

thanks charlie! :)

[BMWCurves]

I leave the country for a few days and you go and buy this magnificent thing? I hate you (note really)

Well...maybe a little

It is gorgeous. I demand more pics! Lots more, in various states of undress (being repaired).

[NoVAphotog]

I leave the country for a few days and you go and buy this magnificent thing? I hate you (note really)

Well...maybe a little

It is gorgeous. I demand more pics! Lots more, in various states of undress (being repaired).

+1

[slater]

I leave the country for a few days and you go and buy this magnificent thing? I hate you (note really)

Well...maybe a little

It is gorgeous. I demand more pics! Lots more, in various states of undress (being repaired).


+1

LOL... in time, folks, in time... ;)

over the next week parts will be coming in and hopefully i can get some work done on it, but we have guests coming for a week in early june, so no work will happen then.

so until around june 10th-ish, updates will be minimal. :)

[cakM3]

At least you have a beautiful ZHP coup Peter... :)

[slater]

tiny update -

as usual, Life Happens. ;) finally got the estoril coupe into the garage yesterday afternoon. work commences tonight, hopefully. :)

[BMWCurves]

Pics....details....pics....

[anandoc]

Pics....details....pics....

+1

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c164/dragonunlimited/Avatars/worthless_thread_wo_pics.gif

[BMWCurves]

Updates :foottap

[slater]

Updates :foottap

yeah, yeah... :)

been really busy with family, work, a funeral, and fixing other people's BMWs. i have a 3-day weekend coming up, i hope to get some work done!

[slater]

Updates :foottap

actually... i DO have an update. :) i sent the wheel off to mike @ coby wheel on tuesday for a re-wrap... going OEM gray with tri-stitch.

[slater]

got some wrenching time on the estoril car today:

- installed rear brakes (rotors + pads, plus inspection of handbrake components and cleaning/lubing of guide pins)
- installed RTABs (powerflex)
- installed FCABs (ADUS poly - really nice design from an NVH standpoint - the most 'OEM'-like poly units i've found)
- removed headlights (both lenses are cracked...)
- removed fan, airbox, DISA, intake boots, cabin filter box, engine covers

tomorrow i hope to get front brakes done, OFHG, VCG, water pump, t-stat, belts, etc...

[BMWCurves]

Good luck! Great job getting that other stuff done.

[az3579]

I am curious - how come you have this car if you're not gonna keep it? Flipping it?

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[johnrando]

Good stuff

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[slater]

Good luck! Great job getting that other stuff done.

thanks. didn't get anything done yesterday as gus came over with his LS-swapped coupe... whoa. will post a video of that thing later.



I am curious - how come you have this car if you're not gonna keep it? Flipping it?

yep. i'm going to haiti in august on a missions trip and i'm hoping it will fund my trip.

[BMWCurves]

yep. i'm going to haiti in august on a missions trip and i'm hoping it will fund my trip.

Cool! Good luck, I have had great times volunteering abroad.

[Rovert]

It can get $$$ when you're in other countries for sure. I've been to Zimbabwe, Paraguay, and mostly in Guatemala now. It is a great feeling to do something honorable to the world but to do that it costs!!!

[BMWCurves]

It can get $$$ when you're in other countries for sure. I've been to Zimbabwe, Paraguay, and mostly in Guatemala now. It is a great feeling to do something honorable to the world but to do that it costs!!!

No doubt, but once you're there it can be cheap. Where in Guatemala have you been, Trevor? I've been twice and had a great time serving there!

[Rovert]

Hope of Life International in Zacapa by Rio Hondos.

[slater]

No doubt, but once you're there it can be cheap. Where in Guatemala have you been, Trevor? I've been twice and had a great time serving there!


Hope of Life International in Zacapa by Rio Hondos.

good stuff, you guys! i had no idea!

[slater]

pics of the RTAB job - another awesome use for the koch tools bushing tool!

the old RTABs were original - they have an '04 date code on them. there was some separation of the rubber and center sleeve, but overall not much cracking in the center rubber portion - which would indicate, to me anyway, that this car has led a rather gentle life.

don't mind my eroding garage floor... it's an old garage!

[kakashi169]

Damn, sell me that zhp Peter! haha =D

[slater]

Damn, sell me that zhp Peter! haha =D

i would love it if you bought it! :)

[anandoc]

i would love it if you bought it! :)

Do it Daniel!! And then sell me all your BMW performance parts! :)

EDIT: Just saw the pics of your RTAB job. Your DIY skills are simply amazing. I need to pop by at slater's garage one of these days to get help in cleaning up my TB and ICV :facepalm

[slater]

Do it Daniel!! And then sell me all your BMW performance parts! :)

EDIT: Just saw the pics of your RTAB job. Your DIY skills are simply amazing. I need to pop by at slater's garage one of these days to get help in cleaning up my TB and ICV :facepalm

thanks... it's just basic stuff. i need to clean my ICV as well. i have started a little BMW trend here in picton... i have a friend with an '02 325iT that i have been working on (he's paying me), and another friend with an E36 328i asked if he could bring his car to me to fix because his regular mechanic can't get anywhere with it. i would love to get into doing this 'on the side', but at that point i might need to get some kind of a lift. ;)

[Sockethead]

I've wanted a pole barn with a lift in it since I was 18 yrs old... I'd settle for anything as long as it had a lift.

[slater]

I've wanted a pole barn with a lift in it since I was 18 yrs old... I'd settle for anything as long as it had a lift.

yeah. there's a guy down the street who built a new house with a garage that is, i'm not kidding, 30x40, with at least a 25' cathedral ceiling. he's got a 2-post lift in there, and he never uses it!

we're talking about tearing down our existing 20x20 garage and breezeway and building a new addition on the house, which would include a new garage that would be at least 24x36 (along with a new kitchen, 3 more bedrooms and 2 more bathrooms). and drywalled and insulated. a lift would be amazing.

[Sockethead]

In the grand scheme of things, lifts aren't that expensive.... It's having the ceiling space that gets expensive...

[slater]

In the grand scheme of things, lifts aren't that expensive.... It's having the ceiling space that gets expensive...

yep. if we do this reno, the garage will have 12' ceilings, at least.

[Sockethead]

Last I heard was minimum 13ft ?

[slater]

Last I heard was minimum 13ft ?

whatever it needs to be. :)

i've also been looking at those 'cheater' lifts... the little bend-pak ones like stuart has that lift the car about 3'. that would be nice.

[Sockethead]

That would be better than nothing but I want to be standing not laying, sitting, kneeling or hunched over. If I'm going to build or modify a structure, I'm going all the way. :thumbsup

[az3579]

That would be better than nothing but I want to be standing not laying, sitting, kneeling or hunched over. If I'm going to build or modify a structure, I'm going all the way. :thumbsup


This!

[slater]

got the cooling system components out the other day, and other bits in preparation for VCG and OFHG replacement - as well as cooling system refresh.

[slater]

received my new coby wheel for this car the other day! it's beautiful, mike did an excellent job. OEM gray with tri-stitch. :)

[san]

received my new coby wheel for this car the other day! it's beautiful, mike did an excellent job. OEM gray with tri-stitch. :)

Pics! Always nice to see pics of a newly re-wrapped steering wheel...


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[slater]

Pics! Always nice to see pics of a newly re-wrapped steering wheel...


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yep, i know. :) will post some pics next week with a larger update.

[slater]

UPDATE:

got some good work done yesterday on Project Estoril.

- cleaned and degreased valve cover (used some new engine cleaner/degreaser and a hose, outside - worked nicely)
- new VCG (pic below of valvetrain - looks nice and clean!)
- new spark plugs (NGK BKR6E)
- new OFHG
- cleaned and degreased left side of engine as result of long-leaking OFHG (it was black.... silver again now ;))
- new upper and lower coolant hoses
- new belts
- new t-stat
- new water pump
- new water pump pulley (aluminum, to replace the stock plastic one)
- new tensioner and idler pulleys
- new coolant expansion tank

i did all of the above in about 5hrs - 2hrs of that was spent cleaning!

up next:

- headlight lens replacement
- finish engine work
- front brakes: rotors, pads and lines
- bleed brakes
- put interior back together
- wash/wax/detail
- DRIVE!
- have front bumper resprayed
- replace windshield

[Sockethead]

Damn, that's one of the cleanest engine innards I've seen...

[Vas]

Nice job

[BMWCurves]

Keep ittttt

[slater]

Damn, that's one of the cleanest engine innards I've seen...


Nice job

thanks guys! :cheers



Keep ittttt

you know, after finding the crack in the rear floor of my imola sedan, i seriously thought about it. but i've decided to go ballistic on repairing the imola car, so this one will just be a sweet, 1-of-1, turn-key driver with all maintenance up to spec. :)

[anandoc]

Awesome update, Peter! If you were any closer to Toronto, I would have dropped by over the weekend to lend you a hand (and learn some DIY skills in the process).

Oh and keep itttt!! ;)

[slater]

Awesome update, Peter! If you were any closer to Toronto, I would have dropped by over the weekend to lend you a hand (and learn some DIY skills in the process).

Oh and keep itttt!! ;)

you can help with the seat swap. ;)

[slater]

UPDATE: headlights.

this car has adaptive xenons, and both lenses were cracked! in the photos below, you can see the cracks - not sure why? regardless, they were fairly pitted and something needed to be done. and, being adaptive lights, they are mucho expensive - like, $1100 each. so, i did some scouring and was able to find some used halogen housings with pristine lenses! so i:

- removed the lenses from the halogen housings and cleaned the inside of the lenses
- removed the xenon lenses and cleaned the projector glass
- moved the xenon 'shroud ring' from the old lenses to the new lenses (these just snap in - the halogen ring is in my hand in the pic below.....also, the black plastic and reflector bits are the same between halogen and xenon assemblies)
- fitted the clean lenses onto the xenon assemblies
- re-baked to re-seal them

looks good so far! :cheers

[Vas]

Those looks fresh.

Now a picture of two of them on the car

[san]

They look good! Can't think of why BMW decided to make it so hard to remove the facelift coupe headlights lens...


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[BMWCurves]

Nicely done, Peter! That is a strange spot to be cracked on both headlights.


They look good! Can't think of why BMW decided to make it so hard to remove the facelift coupe headlights lens...

Seriously. I am envious of sedan owners who can just swap out their lenses for $80-100 if they're overly pitted, fogged, or yellowing without much of a hassle at all. That said, I do enjoy our adaptive headlights over fixed headlights...probably right up until they no longer move.

[az3579]

Wow, those lenses look new... what a score.

[slater]

Those looks fresh.

Now a picture of two of them on the car

haha, soon, vas, soon... they aren't even installed yet. :)



They look good! Can't think of why BMW decided to make it so hard to remove the facelift coupe headlights lens...

thanks san!

it's not that they're difficult to remove... it's that they just aren't available to purchase separately. definitely a bummer. i feel very fortunate that i was able to find some clean halogen housings... saved myself a LOT of money. :)



Nicely done, Peter! That is a strange spot to be cracked on both headlights.

indeed... i can't figure out why.

[slater]

Wow, those lenses look new... what a score.

yep! it was definitely a good find. it's going to make the front end of this car look a lot better!

[Sockethead]

Looks good!

Are you sure you're going to be able to part with that car after giving it so much love?

[slater]

Looks good!

Are you sure you're going to be able to part with that car after giving it so much love?

i will be driving it a bit to shake it down, so to speak... hoping to take it to VT in 2 weeks. :) so i will get to enjoy it a bit....but yeah - it will be hard to sell. i hope it goes to a good home. i do enjoy doing this stuff, though. :cheers

[Rovert]

This thing should be worth $30K after said and done!!!

[slater]

This thing should be worth $30K after said and done!!!

hey... that sounds pretty good. :) doesn't your estorilblau M3 need a matching ZHP stablemate? ;)

[Rovert]

Haha. I've seen an Estoril ZHP coupe driving around where I live. Every time she passes she gives the thumbs up!

[slater]

Haha. I've seen an Estoril ZHP coupe driving around where I live. Every time she passes she gives the thumbs up!

yeah, but it's an M Sport, right? only 1 estoril blue ZHP. ;)

[Rovert]

Guess it is. You're the pro! I only see the body kit and wheels!! [emoji41]

[danewilson77]

Excellent work going on in here. Carry on...

S7 Edge, out

[slater]

Excellent work going on in here. Carry on...

S7 Edge, out

thanks dane!

UPDATE:

i made an appointment to get the car safetied (inspected), emissions tested, windshield replaced, and A/C system pressure tested and refilled on thursday. this gives me a deadline, so some late nights coming this week already. :)

we were away all weekend, but yesterday was a holiday here in ontario so i had some of the afternoon and evening to get some work done:

- replaced front rotors, pads, and brake lines. had a seized rotor retainer screw that held me up for over an hour, had to drill it out - fortunately i have a parts car here so i was able to get a 'new' screw from there!
- new oil filter and filled engine with fresh oil
- cleaned the engine bay (no pressure washing, all done by hand)
- started getting the engine back bay together: intake boots, lower half of airbox w/ new filter, headlights (they look great!), engine covers, etc. cleaned everything as it went back in. pics below.

to do by thursday:

- finish engine bay
- fill engine with coolant + bleed air
- bleed brakes
- finish getting interior back together
- put wheels on and get car back on the ground
- road test :)

[san]

Headlights do look great! Nice update... :thumbsup


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[fw_fw]

Interesting: the Estoril fully extends with clearcoat into the engine bay. The Estoril M Roadster/Coupes and I believe the E36 M3s only had Estoril on outside surfaces, they had Laguna Seca Blue without clearcoat in the engine bay:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/fw_fw/Z3%20M%20July%202013/FW0_2130_zpsa45bbf87.jpg~original (http://s34.photobucket.com/user/fw_fw/media/Z3%20M%20July%202013/FW0_2130_zpsa45bbf87.jpg.html)

Could be an Individual paint bonus....

[slater]

Headlights do look great! Nice update... :thumbsup

thanks san! :)



Interesting: the Estoril fully extends with clearcoat into the engine bay. The Estoril M Roadster/Coupes and I believe the E36 M3s only had Estoril on outside surfaces, they had Laguna Seca Blue without clearcoat in the engine bay:

Could be an Individual paint bonus....

very interesting! you're right, could be... or perhaps they changed their methods for E46. i've never seen an estoril blue E46 M3 engine bay in anything but estoril.

love that M roadster/coupe you posted. i've got an itch for one of those!

[az3579]

Interesting: the Estoril fully extends with clearcoat into the engine bay. The Estoril M Roadster/Coupes and I believe the E36 M3s only had Estoril on outside surfaces, they had Laguna Seca Blue without clearcoat in the engine bay:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/fw_fw/Z3%20M%20July%202013/FW0_2130_zpsa45bbf87.jpg~original (http://s34.photobucket.com/user/fw_fw/media/Z3%20M%20July%202013/FW0_2130_zpsa45bbf87.jpg.html)

Could be an Individual paint bonus....


That isn't Laguna Seca Blue in the engine bay of that Z - it looks like a different shade than actual Laguna Seca.


Here's a Laguna Seca engine bay for reference:

http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Dinan-M3-engine.jpg


I do think the exposure of that Z shot was way high because it is far brighter than Estoril is supposed to be in the Engine Bay. The outside is supposed to be brighter looking due to the clearcoat.

[Rovert]

My car is satin on the inside. It's not the same as the glossy clear-coat on the outside surfaces.

[slater]

My car is satin on the inside. It's not the same as the glossy clear-coat on the outside surfaces.

and the mystery continues. :)

[fw_fw]

That isn't Laguna Seca Blue in the engine bay of that Z - it looks like a different shade than actual Laguna Seca.


Here's a Laguna Seca engine bay for reference:

http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Dinan-M3-engine.jpg


I do think the exposure of that Z shot was way high because it is far brighter than Estoril is supposed to be in the Engine Bay. The outside is supposed to be brighter looking due to the clearcoat.

Keep in mind that the blue under the hood on my old M Roadster was NOT clear coated, it had a Satin finish like Trevor said. The LSB M3 bay in your picture looks clear coated, especially compared to the M Roadster. On the M Roadster forums it was discussed that the color under the Estoril hood (and other hidden areas) was indeed LSB unfinished.

Here is another pic....if it's not an unclear coated LSB it is *awfully* close:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/fw_fw/Z3%20M%20July%202013/FW0_2132_zps502d69e6.jpg~original (http://s34.photobucket.com/user/fw_fw/media/Z3%20M%20July%202013/FW0_2132_zps502d69e6.jpg.html)

Either way, the color inconsistencies, and when BMW used what color and where is interesting.

[johnrando]

Wow. Nice werk.

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[az3579]

Keep in mind that the blue under the hood on my old M Roadster was NOT clear coated, it had a Satin finish like Trevor said. The LSB M3 bay in your picture looks clear coated, especially compared to the M Roadster. On the M Roadster forums it was discussed that the color under the Estoril hood (and other hidden areas) was indeed LSB unfinished.

Here is another pic....if it's not an unclear coated LSB it is *awfully* close:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/fw_fw/Z3%20M%20July%202013/FW0_2132_zps502d69e6.jpg~original (http://s34.photobucket.com/user/fw_fw/media/Z3%20M%20July%202013/FW0_2132_zps502d69e6.jpg.html)

Either way, the color inconsistencies, and when BMW used what color and where is interesting.
The LSB car I posted has an engine bay that is not clear coated. You can tell by how dull it is. The two colors in those pics are clearly different to my eyes...

The Z engine bay looks more Yas Marina to me than anything, but we both know that isn't possible.

Regardless, the painting inconsistencies from BMW is rather shocking.

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[slater]

The Z engine bay looks more Yas Marina to me than anything, but we both know that isn't possible.

mmmm... yas marina!! love that color.

got the engine bay back together tonight, coolant in and bled. need to bleed the brakes now and finish the interior. and check for leaks!

[slater]

UPDATE:

finished the car up very late last night, and got it off this morning for safety test (inspection), emissions test (scan with the computer, LOL), A/C system pressure tested and refilled, and a new windshield. i left a new OEM windshield seal and wiper cowl cover to get installed with the new windshield. should get the car back tomorrow.

the engine is running really well with its new bits. if i get the car back tomorrow, i might take it to VT for a shakedown cruise.

[san]

This thread needs pics [emoji16]

Edit: more so cause of the color

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[Rovert]

Stress test! 6800 all the way!!!

[slater]

This thread needs pics [emoji16]

Edit: more so cause of the color

haha. i'll get some more pics when it's clean and detailed. :)



Stress test! 6800 all the way!!!

LOL. i'll take it nice and easy. ;)

[anandoc]

UPDATE:

finished the car up very late last night, and got it off this morning for safety test (inspection), emissions test (scan with the computer, LOL), A/C system pressure tested and refilled, and a new windshield. i left a new OEM windshield seal and wiper cowl cover to get installed with the new windshield. should get the car back tomorrow.

the engine is running really well with its new bits. if i get the car back tomorrow, i might take it to VT for a shakedown cruise.

Awesome work, Peter! Just curious, how much did a new windshield cost you and where did you get it replaced from?

[slater]

Awesome work, Peter! Just curious, how much did a new windshield cost you and where did you get it replaced from?

$375 + tax, i'm using custom automotive's windshield folks. this car has the rain sensor too. that is cheaper than normal because i am supplying the upper windshield seal.

[Johnmadd]

Nice work Peter :thumbsup

[anandoc]

$375 + tax, i'm using custom automotive's windshield folks. this car has the rain sensor too. that is cheaper than normal because i am supplying the upper windshield seal.

Thanks for the info Peter. Is that including labor? Is this OEM Pilkington glass?

I have also heard that one needs to 're-initialize' the RLS sensor since it has logic built into it to account for the windshield's deterioration over time. Are you going to do the re-initialization as well?

I am asking since my windshield is pitted badly and I will use this as reference data should I go for this at a later date.

[az3579]

Thanks for the info Peter. Is that including labor? Is this OEM Pilkington glass?

I have also heard that one needs to 're-initialize' the RLS sensor since it has logic built into it to account for the windshield's deterioration over time. Are you going to do the re-initialization as well?

I am asking since my windshield is pitted badly and I will use this as reference data should I go for this at a later date.

First I've heard of this. I never had to do this and my rain sensing features work just fine.

[anandoc]

First I've heard of this. I never had to do this and my rain sensing features work just fine.

From the BMW WDS:

http://www.bmw-planet.net/diagrams/release/en/e46/index.htm

Complete vehicle / body / wipe and wash functions / Automatic Interval control (AIC automatic interval control or RLS Rain/Light Sensor)




Initialization

The reflection characteristics of the windscreen depend on a large number of factors. In addition these characteristics also change as the windscreen ages.

During the initial wipe cycles, a new electronic evaluator determines the degree of reflection of the windscreen and stores this data in its non-volatile memory. From this point on, this data is constantly adapted to the windscreen which is subject to a certain degree of ageing over the course of time.

The stored adaptation values can be deleted with the diagnostic program (service functions). Renewed adaptation (initialisation) to the windscreen can then be carried out.

The initialisation procedure is described in the program sequence.

Initialisation is necessary:

After replacing the windscreen

When a used electronic evaluator is installed in a vehicle

[slater]

Thanks for the info Peter. Is that including labor? Is this OEM Pilkington glass?

I have also heard that one needs to 're-initialize' the RLS sensor since it has logic built into it to account for the windshield's deterioration over time. Are you going to do the re-initialization as well?

I am asking since my windshield is pitted badly and I will use this as reference data should I go for this at a later date.

my old one on my imola car was REALLY badly pitted... and had scratches across it, it was weird. the new one went in and i didn't do any re-learning, and it works great.

i doubt the windshield is OEM Pilkington. will find out later today.

[Sockethead]

For that price it's most likely Chinese glass. You can google the DOT number and see what you come up with.
Try this database: http://www.glassbytes.com/dot/index.php

edit: forgot you're in Canada. Their system might be different

[johnrando]

Nice werk

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[Hornung418]

Just catching this thread and I am extremely jealous of what's happening in here.

What a major score, Peter! Congratulations in the highest order!

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[slater]

Just catching this thread and I am extremely jealous of what's happening in here.

What a major score, Peter! Congratulations in the highest order!

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thanks justin!

got the car back tonight. it is driving sweet, the glass looks good so far (it IS nighttime). i'm taking it to VT for 4 days! :cheers

[slater]

UPDATE:

in the middle of a 4-day, 1100km road trip to VT. did 550km yesterday and the car was flawless... this is the most seat time i've had in the car, and after FCABs and RTABs, plus brakes and my 135Ms with michelin PSS... and fresh gaskets, belts, etc... it just was so nice to drive. totally supple on the bumpier surfaces and the engine just pulls and pulls... this DME has the latest software.

i'm REALLY going to have a hard time selling this car now... i'm getting attached. even had thoughts of selling my imola sedan and keeping this one!! (crazy)

[BMWCurves]

Post pics, you monster

[Rovert]

What's making you want to keep it over the sedan? Because I know you keep either in better condition than the factory. Haha

[anandoc]

Post pics, you monster

+1

[slater]

Post pics, you monster

+1

LOL. i'm sorry. :) will post some pics sometime. i honestly didn't take any pics during the trip, which is kind of a bummer as i drove through the adirondacks.



What's making you want to keep it over the sedan? Because I know you keep either in better condition than the factory. Haha

it's two things...

1. there's something about how it drives that is very different than my sedan, and i can't quite put my finger on it (i mean, i know it's mostly stock), but i remember what my sedan felt like stock and this car just feels different - and better.

2. the color. i know it's incredibly shallow, but it is simply jaw-droppingly beautiful in person. i've always liked the sedan more than the coupe until this car.

sigh. my wife is going to hate me.

[az3579]

I had a feeling you were going to keep it all along. I mean, with the amount spent in parts and purchasing the car, there was no way you were gonna turn a profit, surely. I think this is part of your master plan - you just needed a way to spin it to the wife. :biggrin

It's all coming together slowly... mwuhahahahaha!

[alexandre]

I had a feeling you were going to keep it all along. I mean, with the amount spent in parts and purchasing the car, there was no way you were gonna turn a profit, surely. I think this is part of your master plan - you just needed a way to spin it to the wife. :biggrin

It's all coming together slowly... mwuhahahahaha!

:like

Kinda had a feeling too when you told me in May, Peter. Both cars are amazing it's a nice problem to have!!

[Sockethead]

I had a feeling you were going to keep it all along. I mean, with the amount spent in parts and purchasing the car, there was no way you were gonna turn a profit, surely. I think this is part of your master plan - you just needed a way to spin it to the wife. :biggrin

It's all coming together slowly... mwuhahahahaha!

This! I couldn't of said it better BP LOL

[Sockethead]

When I first met my wife, she had a 325ci It definitely felt different, Like you, I couldn't put my finger on exactly what it was

[slater]

I had a feeling you were going to keep it all along. I mean, with the amount spent in parts and purchasing the car, there was no way you were gonna turn a profit, surely. I think this is part of your master plan - you just needed a way to spin it to the wife. :biggrin

It's all coming together slowly... mwuhahahahaha!

oh, i wouldn't have purchased it if i didn't know for sure that i could turn a profit on this car. this is not the first time i've done this. i may be dumb, but i'm not stupid. :) i did all my homework on the technical details... just not the emotional ones. ;)

my 'master plan' was always to restore and sell it... we decided to send our kids to a good school for next year and it's expensive, and i needed some extra funds for the tuition. i can't, and won't, own both - one has to go.



:like

Kinda had a feeling too when you told me in May, Peter. Both cars are amazing it's a nice problem to have!!

i definitely did not intend for this to happen. it's just a massive breakdown in will power! :) i will come to a decision soon.

:cheers

[slater]

When I first met my wife, she had a 325ci It definitely felt different, Like you, I couldn't put my finger on exactly what it was

it's weird. this car corners flatter, for one. but i don't like the coupe roofline, from the inside - the A pillar seems to be a bit steeper, and i sit close to the wheel, so it's more claustrophobic. the sedan doesn't feel this way.

[az3579]

...the A pillar seems to be a bit steeper, and i sit close to the wheel, so it's more claustrophobic. the sedan doesn't feel this way.

Funny you say that, because I feel very claustrophobic in my car... My head constantly bangs against the roof with my helmet on, and my hair brushes it without the helmet on. It's quite annoying! I too sit relatively close and straighter up.

[san]

There is definitely a difference in driving position between coupe vs sedan... No matter how much I try I just can't get the same position in my friends sedan that I get in my coupe and he says the same... I feel I sit lower in a coupe and I have better visibility in a sedan... Also the pedals seems to be inclined in a slightly different angle which would explain the different seating positions...


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[Rovert]

Alex lived the Estoril Lyfe for a couple days. I wonder if he noticed a difference. I still like sedans! Doors are easier to close. LOL

[slater]

Funny you say that, because I feel very claustrophobic in my car... My head constantly bangs against the roof with my helmet on, and my hair brushes it without the helmet on. It's quite annoying! I too sit relatively close and straighter up.

yep. the M3 seats go a bit lower than the stock sport seats - i gained at least 1/2" of headroom when i put them in the sedan, which seems weird.



There is definitely a difference in driving position between coupe vs sedan... No matter how much I try I just can't get the same position in my friends sedan that I get in my coupe and he says the same... I feel I sit lower in a coupe and I have better visibility in a sedan... Also the pedals seems to be inclined in a slightly different angle which would explain the different seating positions...

the ergonomics are definitely different, but i notice that the seating position is higher in the coupe than in the sedan... totally opposite of you! weird. i even put the M3 seats in the coupe to test, and they don't sit as low as in the sedan. weird! i haven't noticed a difference in pedal alignment.



Alex lived the Estoril Lyfe for a couple days. I wonder if he noticed a difference. I still like sedans! Doors are easier to close. LOL

yeah, that's one thing i don't like about the coupe - the weight of the doors, and the sheer length - much harder in parking lots. also the seat belt is WAY back there (i'm 6'1" and sit close to the steering wheel).

[Guillaumenl]

I vote for the coupe! ;) as much as your imola sedan is nice, the coupe is definitely special. I always liked that the door trim etc are the same colour as the rest of the car. It will just take a few hours to swap everything lol


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[BMWCurves]

it's weird. this car corners flatter, for one. but i don't like the coupe roofline, from the inside - the A pillar seems to be a bit steeper, and i sit close to the wheel, so it's more claustrophobic. the sedan doesn't feel this way.

It's interesting, I'm used the the coupe (had an '03 ZSP, have my '05 ZHP, occasionally drive my father's '06 ZHP). Stepping into my sister's Canadian 330Xi M-Sport, it definitely feels different. The doors in the sedan for one are a lot lighter. It's an easier car to get in and out of (I do hate the wear I commit to the side bottom side bolster in my car). The sedan feels like its seats sit lower. I regularly bump my head on the roof of the car in my car, but not in my sister's. The coupe has a more aggressive profile IMO. The lines are different (see: difference in the lines of the hood).

I find it interesting you think it corners flatter. The coupes have a pretty significant deficit in torsional rigidity compared to the sedan.

All that aside, keep both!

[slater]

I vote for the coupe! ;) as much as your imola sedan is nice, the coupe is definitely special. I always liked that the door trim etc are the same colour as the rest of the car. It will just take a few hours to swap everything lol

just a few hours.... LOL!!! i wouldn't swap much, i don't think. just the entire rear end... ;)



It's interesting, I'm used the the coupe (had an '03 ZSP, have my '05 ZHP, occasionally drive my father's '06 ZHP). Stepping into my sister's Canadian 330Xi M-Sport, it definitely feels different. The doors in the sedan for one are a lot lighter. It's an easier car to get in and out of (I do hate the wear I commit to the side bottom side bolster in my car). The sedan feels like its seats sit lower. I regularly bump my head on the roof of the car in my car, but not in my sister's. The coupe has a more aggressive profile IMO. The lines are different (see: difference in the lines of the hood).

I find it interesting you think it corners flatter. The coupes have a pretty significant deficit in torsional rigidity compared to the sedan.

All that aside, keep both!

i wish i could, but it's too wasteful... i can only enjoy one. i must choose. ;)

interesting that you notice the same differences between coupe and sedan that i do. clearly the roof is different, but is the floor different too? how else could the seats feel lower? (and i've put the same seat in both cars!)

the coupe definitely feels as stiff, if not stiffer.

[Pupil_Heads]

Post pics, you monster

+2


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[san]

yep. the M3 seats go a bit lower than the stock sport seats - i gained at least 1/2" of headroom when i put them in the sedan, which seems weird.




the ergonomics are definitely different, but i notice that the seating position is higher in the coupe than in the sedan... totally opposite of you! weird. i even put the M3 seats in the coupe to test, and they don't sit as low as in the sedan. weird! i haven't noticed a difference in pedal alignment.




yeah, that's one thing i don't like about the coupe - the weight of the doors, and the sheer length - much harder in parking lots. also the seat belt is WAY back there (i'm 6'1" and sit close to the steering wheel).


It's interesting, I'm used the the coupe (had an '03 ZSP, have my '05 ZHP, occasionally drive my father's '06 ZHP). Stepping into my sister's Canadian 330Xi M-Sport, it definitely feels different. The doors in the sedan for one are a lot lighter. It's an easier car to get in and out of (I do hate the wear I commit to the side bottom side bolster in my car). The sedan feels like its seats sit lower. I regularly bump my head on the roof of the car in my car, but not in my sister's. The coupe has a more aggressive profile IMO. The lines are different (see: difference in the lines of the hood).

I find it interesting you think it corners flatter. The coupes have a pretty significant deficit in torsional rigidity compared to the sedan.

All that aside, keep both!

It's interesting that you two have experienced exact opposite of what I have... Next time I get to drive a sedan il be sure to check again...


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[slater]

just got home from an 1100km road trip in this beautiful, lovely car. it ran flawlessly and tackled some nasty and great roads with aplomb. can't stop staring at it...

[anandoc]

just got home from an 1100km road trip in this beautiful, lovely car. it ran flawlessly and tackled some nasty and great roads with aplomb. can't stop staring at it...

Post some pics, you monster!!

[slater]

Post some pics, you monster!!

LOL! OK, fine... here's a crappy iPhone pic. bug-splattered, somewhere in upstate NY. i found some amazing roads on this trip - once i crossed over into the US i didn't take ANY interstate. also, there's about 125lbs of stuff in the trunk, which is why it looks low in the rear. also, getting the front bumper resprayed soon.

[anandoc]

LOL! OK, fine... here's a crappy iPhone pic. bug-splattered, somewhere in upstate NY.

Still looks pretty fly! Yeah there is no way you are letting go of this car with all the money you are putting into it.

[az3579]

And he gives us a pic that's taken in the shadows, thus hiding the beauty of Estoril. :shifty

[slater]

Still looks pretty fly! Yeah there is no way you are letting go of this car with all the money you are putting into it.

you gotta pay to play. ;)



And he gives us a pic that's taken in the shadows, thus hiding the beauty of Estoril. :shifty

ha...

:ducking

[slater]

And he gives us a pic that's taken in the shadows, thus hiding the beauty of Estoril. :shifty

better?

grocery duty... and notice how lovely our grass is here. it's not really grass anymore, but dirty and straw. it's the driest anyone here can remember... we're almost in State Of Emergency kind of territory. haven't had any rain for over 2 months. the trees in my yard have been dropping brown, shriveled leaves for 2 weeks now.

[az3579]

better?

grocery duty... and notice how lovely our grass is here. it's not really grass anymore, but dirty and straw. it's the driest anyone here can remember... we're almost in State Of Emergency kind of territory. haven't had any rain for over 2 months. the trees in my yard have been dropping brown, shriveled leaves for 2 weeks now.
Man, sooooooo much better. So gorgeous... If that was a sedan I'd consider making you an offer...

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[slater]

Man, sooooooo much better. So gorgeous... If that was a sedan I'd consider making you an offer...

if it was a sedan my imola car would already be on the market. ;)

i'm a total sedan-guy, and this color is so alluring that i am being tempted!!

[Rovert]

I don't get it. I still like AW and IR. LOL. Blue is nice though. [emoji12]

[slater]

I don't get it. I still like AW and IR. LOL. Blue is nice though. [emoji12]

different stroke for different folks, man. ;)

[Vas]

if it was a sedan my imola car would already be on the market. ;)

i'm a total sedan-guy, and this color is so alluring that i am being tempted!!

I been tempted to have Sketchi painted into Estoril Blue

[az3579]

I don't get it. I still like AW and IR. LOL. Blue is nice though. [emoji12]
I would give my left nut for an Estoril E46.

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[Rovert]

Then how would you go balls out at the track?? [emoji16]

[az3579]

Then how would you go balls out at the track?? [emoji16]
Umm... Ball out. :shifty

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[Sockethead]

That car is beautiful...

[Johnmadd]

Then how would you go balls out at the track?? [emoji16]


Umm... Ball out. :shifty

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This conversation :rofl

[slater]

I been tempted to have Sketchi painted into Estoril Blue

the thought has crossed my mind with my imola car, too...... :help



I would give my left nut for an Estoril E46.

you can skip the pain and go right to the bank for a loan... got one right here for ya. ;)



That car is beautiful...

thanks rob! you should see it in person... pictures really do it no justice.

[az3579]

you can skip the pain and go right to the bank for a loan... got one right here for ya. ;)



Not. Enough. Doors. ​:(

[Rovert]

Knowing Peter, he can DIY it into a sedan.

[BMWCurves]

Not. Enough. Doors. ​:(

It's got four doors. You just have to stretch your definition of a door: sunroof, trunk.

[slater]

Not. Enough. Doors. ​:(

relax your requirements. :)



Knowing Peter, he can DIY it into a sedan.

LOL. RX-8 style?



It's got four doors. You just have to stretch your definition of a door: sunroof, trunk.

haha. had to climb out the window of my parts car after i loaded it onto the trailer... could've done the sunroof or trunk, too. ;)

[slater]

UPDATE:

replaced the wiper linkage, cowl cover, and passenger side wiper arm tonight.

the windshield guy couldn't get the passenger side wiper arm off, and they've got puller tools for those, so i figured it was seized on there. so tonight i tackled it; driver's side came off fine, passenger side required me to cut it off with a dremel - no amount of puller tool, PB Blaster, etc would get this thing free. plus, there was a lot of axial play in the linkage post, so i figured, it's gotta be busted somewhere anyway, might as well replace it.

it sure is nice having a parts car! i removed the arms and linkage from the parts car in about 10min, and then swapped it over. the axial play in the original passenger side linkage post? all of the threads for the 24mm nut that holds the post to the cowl were stripped! very weird. got it all buttoned up and tested, and it works great. and the new cowl looks excellent, as usual. :)

:cheers

[Johnmadd]

10 minutes sounds great. E30 one is a total pita.

[slater]

car is scheduled for paint (front bumper respray) on 9/28.

[anandoc]

car is scheduled for paint (front bumper respray) on 9/28.

Nice! Did you get around to making a decision whether you are keeping it or not?

PS: Did you get my emails?

[slater]

Nice! Did you get around to making a decision whether you are keeping it or not?

PS: Did you get my emails?

yes, the car is definitely going up for sale. i realized the ergonomic differences due to the lower coupe roofline, and what seems to be a higher seating position, just won't work for me. because of this, i can never own an E46 M3 either. ;)

and yep, my inbox is a war zone right now - will get back to you soon. :)

[ELCID86]

#4doorsrule

[slater]

estoril got an alignment today. drives even better now. :)

[Adi]

Wow, Peter. Stunning thread, and stunning EB 330ci! I am so jealous, whoever buys it will one lucky owner!

[orange260z]

I like this car. You can't sell it.:mafia

[BMWCurves]

He keeps swearing he's going to sell it, and yet he just keeps on owning and driving it

It's all a ruse. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmjXP-xOQHA&t=13s)

[slater]

Wow, Peter. Stunning thread, and stunning EB 330ci! I am so jealous, whoever buys it will one lucky owner!

thanks!

yeah, i think the new owner will be very, very pleased. even if they never drove it... it's just so nice to look at. :)



I like this car. You can't sell it.:mafia

it would look awesome parked next to your 997! ;)



He keeps swearing he's going to sell it, and yet he just keeps on owning and driving it

It's all a ruse. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmjXP-xOQHA&t=13s)

LOL. it's not up for sale yet because i'm having the front bumper resprayed next week. then after a wash/wax/detail, it will be for sale.

[Sockethead]

IDK if it were me, I'd have trouble parting with it after putting so much TLC into it

[Hornung418]

I really thought this was a joke. Citing the four door roominess compared to the coupe. I think it's BS. Keep the darned thing!

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[slater]

IDK if it were me, I'd have trouble parting with it after putting so much TLC into it

well, i enjoyed it, so i don't have a problem with it. it really was my plan all along (it's even in the first post in this thread ;)).



I really thought this was a joke. Citing the four door roominess compared to the coupe. I think it's BS. Keep the darned thing!

it's really not - when you drive the two back-to-back, it's easy to spot. and enough for me to keep the sedan.

[BMWCurves]

How tall are you? I'm a little over 6 feet with a disproportionately long torso/trunk. I only very rarely bump the roof with my head and that's only if I've adjusted the seat to a very upright driving position. This was with both the factory seats and M3 seats.

[Hornung418]

How tall are you? I'm a little over 6 feet with a disproportionately long torso/trunk. I only very rarely bump the roof with my head and that's only if I've adjusted the seat to a very upright driving position. This was with both the factory seats and M3 seats.
I'm 6'5" I fit in all e46 models.

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[slater]

How tall are you? I'm a little over 6 feet with a disproportionately long torso/trunk. I only very rarely bump the roof with my head and that's only if I've adjusted the seat to a very upright driving position. This was with both the factory seats and M3 seats.

i'm 6'1", 190lbs, also with a disproportionately long torso. :) i also like to sit close to the wheel, as upright as possible, in a 'proper' driving position... if you stretch your arm out over the top of the steering wheel without leaning forward, your wrist should just about (if not totally) touch the top of the steering wheel. for some this will feel awkward, but for me, it feels right - plus, you have the most control in this position.

however, with the seat (M3 or stock sport seat) adjusted this way, my head just barely touches the roof in the coupe. in the sedan, i've got almost 1.5" of clearance!


I'm 6'5" I fit in all e46 models.

i fit in the backseat, too. :) but see my comment above. having the long torso does not help.

[Hornung418]

i'm 6'1", 190lbs, also with a disproportionately long torso. :) i also like to sit close to the wheel, as upright as possible, in a 'proper' driving position... if you stretch your arm out over the top of the steering wheel without leaning forward, your wrist should just about (if not totally) touch the top of the steering wheel. for some this will feel awkward, but for me, it feels right - plus, you have the most control in this position.

however, with the seat (M3 or stock sport seat) adjusted this way, my head just barely touches the roof in the coupe. in the sedan, i've got almost 1.5" of clearance!



i fit in the backseat, too. :) but see my comment above. having the long torso does not help.
So what is your inseam?

I'm a 36". But my father was 6'1" and measured 29"

I like to sit properly as well. My bum is all the way down and the news are all the way up. The steering wheel pulled all the way out and adjusted so I can see the dials. Seat back is tilted so my wrists touch the top of the wheel and my arms are bent.

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[slater]

So what is your inseam?

I'm a 36". But my father was 6'1" and measured 29"

I like to sit properly as well. My bum is all the way down and the news are all the way up. The steering wheel pulled all the way out and adjusted so I can see the dials. Seat back is tilted so my wrists touch the top of the wheel and my arms are bent.

cool. nice to see others interested in proper seating position!

wow, 36". mine is 32", but i guess you're 4" taller than me, so there's that 4"...

how do you find the 944, in the same context?

[Hornung418]

cool. nice to see others interested in proper seating position!

wow, 36". mine is 32", but i guess you're 4" taller than me, so there's that 4"...

how do you find the 944, in the same context?
944 is a tight squeeze to get into, but when I'm in it, it's very comfortable. The wheel is fixed and the parking brake is on the left. When engaged it will catch your pant leg sometimes. The seats sit way down low. Removable roof helps out lol.

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[Adi]

I'm itching for an update!

[BMWCurves]

He's going to "sell" it

[san]

A Zhp as "special" as this should remain within the mafia, so Peter sell your imola sedan... :ducking


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[slater]

I'm itching for an update!

cool! sorry for being quiet here - have been busy with other stuff, and i had been waiting for an appointment to get the front bumper resprayed. i had that done last week, but apparently there are two shades of estoril, and they didn't get the color right - they used the newer estoril (BMW discontinued it in 2005-ish and brought it back in 2013-ish, and the newer estoril is a bit more purple). it's really only noticeable in direct sunlight, but i'm having them correct the error. but that's going to take another 2 weeks as my painter is totally booked up...



He's going to "sell" it

why are you giving me grief, william??? :)



A Zhp as "special" as this should remain within the mafia, so Peter sell your imola sedan... :ducking

i'm not selling the sedan, but i agree about remaining within the mafia, which is why i am planning to list it here first - i would LOVE for someone here to own it and love it and enjoy it! if it doesn't sell here it will go on BaT.

[anandoc]

sorry for being quiet here - have been busy with other stuff

Like hooking me up with awesome ///M3 seats! Oh and a proper front grill which fits right!

[BMWCurves]

why are you giving me grief, william??? :)

Haha I'm just waiting to see you actually put it up for sale is all

[slater]

Haha I'm just waiting to see you actually put it up for sale is all

the ironic part will be if you buy it!! ;)

[slater]

Like hooking me up with awesome ///M3 seats! Oh and a proper front grill which fits right!

haha, yes!! :) time well spent. :)

[Adi]

i'm not selling the sedan, but i agree about remaining within the mafia, which is why i am planning to list it here first - i would LOVE for someone here to own it and love it and enjoy it!.

If I didn't live in the arse end of the world, id be first in line.

[slater]

If I didn't live in the arse end of the world, id be first in line.

it could be shipped... ;)

[Rovert]

Or he could be shipped. So he can drive it home. [emoji848]

[az3579]

it could be shipped... ;)


Or he could be shipped. So he can drive it home. [emoji848]


You guys do realize he lives in Cape Town, South Africa, right? lol

[Rovert]

That could make it a slight issue. LOL

[Adi]

You guys do realize he lives in Cape Town, South Africa, right? lol

Haha yea, the only place that possibly makes sense to import a car from is the U.K. (Because RHD), but even then it's very expensive and the taxes are killer :/

[slater]

car is back from paint - front bumper has been resprayed, in the correct shade of estoril blue this time. ;) looks great. will post some pics this week after i install new foglights and deal with an outside temp probe issue.

[slater]

fresh A pillars... nice.

[BMWCurves]

Does look nice. Makes me think I should fix mine, but they're really not that bad yet.

[johnrando]

Looks good

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[slater]

finally got a chance to wash and wax... i'm no detailer, but i think this looks pretty good! this car has really nice paint.

[az3579]

Let's just say you're not a photographer. :biggrin

[Sockethead]

damn that color is pretty...

[Rovert]

I see a purdy wheel in the reflection. [emoji6]

[slater]

Let's just say you're not a photographer. :biggrin

i've been accused of teasing, so i thought i would continue... :)

better pics will come.



damn that color is pretty...

i know!! it's not only a "turn and look as you walk away" color, but a "gawk out the window at it" color and a "sit in the garage and stare at it" color...



I see a purdy wheel in the reflection. [emoji6]

kosei K1, baby! 15x7. it's a acting as a reel for my 100' extension cord.


got the car 100% detailed tonight. pics tomorrow.... maybe FS ad, too.

[Rovert]

You should easily sell it just driving it. I get asked to sell my car weekly and the price just keeps going up. It's strange daily driving a car that is appreciating. But I'm not going to let that spoil the experience that this car has to offer!

[slater]

You should easily sell it just driving it. I get asked to sell my car weekly and the price just keeps going up. It's strange daily driving a car that is appreciating. But I'm not going to let that spoil the experience that this car has to offer!

awesome.

[slater]

hey you go, you vultures... ;)

these will be in my for sale post, along with about 25 more.

[anandoc]

:drool :drool :drool :drool :drool

[az3579]

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/d0/d0027fb0f636498f1d0028d441b7c7ef7f2f9486265b94a441 650379e7983686.jpg

[BMWCurves]

Man...why would you sell that gorgeous machine? What did it ever do to you, except make you happy and be the object of envy of others?

[slater]

Man...why would you sell that gorgeous machine? What did it ever do to you, except make you happy and be the object of envy of others?

the coupe ergonomics just don't work for me - unfortunately this is kind of a deal-killer!


will i miss it? heck yeah. i freak out over the appearance of this car. i just sit and gawk. it's beautiful.

[BMWCurves]

Did you ever try swapping M3 seats in? I feel like they sit lower in my car than my factory seats did. It may just be a placebo or I have the seat adjusted slightly differently.

[Rovert]

I think Peter is fussy. LOL. Gotta love first world problems.

[slater]

Did you ever try swapping M3 seats in? I feel like they sit lower in my car than my factory seats did. It may just be a placebo or I have the seat adjusted slightly differently.

yep, i did. they do sit a tiny bit lower, but not enough to offset the steeper rake of the coupe windshield against my upright, racer-driving position. :)

[Adi]

I'm not satisfied. More pics!


;)

[san]

Saw this at work today, it's a 6 speed... just thought il post it here [emoji14]
28117


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[anandoc]

Man...why would you sell that gorgeous machine? What did it ever do to you, except make you happy and be the object of envy of others?

Here is an idea - what if we bad-mouth Peter when he posts his FS thread...then he will have no choice but to keep the car ;)

[slater]

whoa! does it have gray interior? there was one estoril blue vert made - for canada. gray interior.

[slater]

Here is an idea - what if we bad-mouth Peter when he posts his FS thread...then he will have no choice but to keep the car ;)

then you'll piss off my wife - trust me, you DON'T want to do that... ;)

[san]

whoa! does it have gray interior? there was one estoril blue vert made - for canada. gray interior.

Black interior


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[slater]

Black interior


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hmmm... the plot thickens. can you check the gauge cluster? (canadian?) (also, grab the VIN! ;))

[san]

hmmm... the plot thickens. can you check the gauge cluster? (canadian?) (also, grab the VIN! ;))

I'm at a different building now, if I ever happen to see the car again I will definitely check the cluster and the vin...


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[slater]

I'm at a different building now, if I ever happen to see the car again I will definitely check the cluster and the vin...


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actually... nevermind - it looks like 1 estoril blue metallic on black leather 6-speed vert was made for the US! and one estoril-on-grab steptronic vert for the US. one estoril-on-grey 6-speed vert for canada.

[Guillaumenl]

the coupe ergonomics just don't work for me - unfortunately this is kind of a deal-killer!


will i miss it? heck yeah. i freak out over the appearance of this car. i just sit and gawk. it's beautiful.

Just buy a bucket seat, on manual slider and be done with it (except for that Supercharger:)


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[holyc0w]

actually... nevermind - it looks like 1 estoril blue metallic on black leather 6-speed vert was made for the US! and one estoril-on-grab steptronic vert for the US. one estoril-on-grey 6-speed vert for canada.

Is that on the chart?

[slater]

Is that on the chart?

yep, the one i posted above.

[holyc0w]

I see now. :shift

[johnrando]

Car looks great!

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[slater]

Car looks great!

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thanks john!


after calling my new local dealer that's only 50min away to do the driver's airbag recall (just got a letter in the mail that they have stock finally), and it turns out they don't have stock.... and no idea when they will.

called the dealer that's 1h45m from me that i have used for other recalls and they got me an appointment for next wednesday. weird!

[anandoc]

called the dealer that's 1h45m from me that i have used for other recalls and they got me an appointment for next wednesday. weird!

Is that Endras BMW who can take you in next Wednesday? I think I should also call Maranello (closest to my work) and check their status on parts.

[slater]

Is that Endras BMW who can take you in next Wednesday? I think I should also call Maranello (closest to my work) and check their status on parts.

yep. BMW Kingston seems to be not getting the same selection of airbags that endras is getting.

and, interestingly enough - when i called Endras to schedule, they said, "we're booking into february for this now." what?!?! i don't remember what i said, but she then said, "have you been here for service before?" and i have (recall work on my sedan), so somehow she was able to book me in for next wednesday. :) not sure how or why, but i'm not complaining...

[slater]

airbag recalls (driver and passenger) done yesterday... had to rent a car for the day as they were out of loaners (i couldn't wait for it). got a 2016 mini cooper s countryman... man, what a boring car! horrible gearbox (auto w/ paddle shifters - and the downshift paddle didn't downshift - it upshifted!), awful interior button placement (also way too many buttons), choppy suspension... just an overall boring drive. i was happy to get back into an E46. :)

[holyc0w]

and, interestingly enough - when i called Endras to schedule, they said, "we're booking into february for this now." what?!?! i don't remember what i said, but she then said, "have you been here for service before?" and i have (recall work on my sedan), so somehow she was able to book me in for next wednesday. :) not sure how or why, but i'm not complaining...

Ah...as I suspected, preference for return customers

[slater]

Ah...as I suspected, preference for return customers

perhaps - but the funny part? i haven't paid them a dime for service! it's all been recall work. now, i've spent probably $1000 at their parts department... but i doubt that comes into play.

anyway - endras BMW in ajax - they have kicked some tail for me, at no cost to me. i would recommend them.