Nextel's Imola Sedan ZHP thread (another imola sedan?)

[nextelbuddy]

Car Currently as of 4/28/2017
2003 Imola 330i ZHP

DriveTrain:
S54 (126k miles) with new VAC motorsport coated bearings installed
E46 M3 cluster coded 100% with proper mileage and updated with all 4 Door LEDs
6 speed Getrag Transmission
3.62 M3 LSD w/ axles and complete rear end


Exhaust:
S54 header
S54 midpipe
Custom 3rd Rear section with Quad exhaust w/ aftermarket CSL diffuser for MtechII bumper


Suspension and Brakes
E46 M3 Brakes front and rear
E46 M3 Coilovers (DGR)
AKG bushings: RTAB, FCAB, Diff, Engine Mounts
Turner Motorsport front and rear swaybars
ZHP Steering Rack retained
E46 M3 lower FCA
E46 M3 Rear trailing arms


Wheels
18 inch Apex ARC 8
18x9 et30
18x10 et25



Options on Car:
Bixenon with FX-R retrofit for projector bowl fix
Natural Brown Leather interior refinished
Black Cube Trim
OEM Rear Electric Sunshade
OEM Park Distance Control
OEM E46 M3 Power Electric Folding Mirror retrofit
OEM Alarm
OEM Automatic Rain/Light Sensor retrofit
OEM Auto Dim Homelink Mirror retrofit
OEM Headlight Washer Retrofit
OEM E46 Rolling Code Homelink
OEM TPMS retrofit
OEM Rear Door Sun Shades

#-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#
Car as it sits 10/21/2017

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4473/37123147674_072102ac40_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YyrQsf)2017-10-20_0003 (https://flic.kr/p/YyrQsf) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4501/37575671920_31083cba09_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Zfr99q)2017-10-20_0004 (https://flic.kr/p/Zfr99q) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4469/37805957992_7d5ebcd46d_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZAMqaW)2017-10-21_0002 (https://flic.kr/p/ZAMqaW) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4477/37801837752_4eb11d66a7_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZAqinj)2017-10-20_0002 (https://flic.kr/p/ZAqinj) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr




#------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#
Car as it sits @ 10/11/2017
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4403/36720183881_ab78c8c4b3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XWQxmD)2017-08-28_0001 (https://flic.kr/p/XWQxmD) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4360/36720183821_803e6f74bb_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XWQxkB)2017-08-28_0002 (https://flic.kr/p/XWQxkB) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4436/36463206230_2dd8ae8a93_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Xy8sRu)2017-08-28_0003 (https://flic.kr/p/Xy8sRu) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4394/36795412025_f756d271ab_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4u74B)2017-08-25_0008 (https://flic.kr/p/Y4u74B) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4439/36748035936_96da3e7f3a_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XZihNu)2017-08-25_0002 (https://flic.kr/p/XZihNu) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4342/35960773204_7da7a0d899_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WMJn27)2017-08-25_0004 (https://flic.kr/p/WMJn27) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4449/36974232693_53f64516db_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YkhBdz)2017-09-30_0001 (https://flic.kr/p/YkhBdz) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4209/35489111240_40cf323a8b_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W53Ymh)2017-07-12_0010 (https://flic.kr/p/W53Ymh) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4503/36974232943_890e76d4b2_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YkhBhT)2017-09-12_0001 (https://flic.kr/p/YkhBhT) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/37596533346_d50eeb607a_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Zhh4wb)2017-09-12_0002 (https://flic.kr/p/Zhh4wb) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr



#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#




Car as it sits @ 6/28/2017

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4213/35322728922_09770a75a9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VPmdFC)2017-06-23_0005 (https://flic.kr/p/VPmdFC) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4238/35489942925_9072dd7338_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W58ezF)2017-06-23_0007 (https://flic.kr/p/W58ezF) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4200/34181805353_bea9d10cc9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/U5wFRB)2017-05-30_0001-01 (https://flic.kr/p/U5wFRB) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4201/34860084571_b260310e67_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/V7t3CT)2017-05-30_0005 (https://flic.kr/p/V7t3CT) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4182/33770983754_8e80c59a56_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Tse7UA)IMG_20170512_033245 (https://flic.kr/p/Tse7UA) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4173/34552963045_6ba0052a7a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UDjY7a)2017-05-09_0010 (https://flic.kr/p/UDjY7a) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4165/34552963225_d137fd65fc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYag)2017-05-09_0008 (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYag) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4191/34167222140_942de77aa5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/U4eWLU)2017-05-09_0003 (https://flic.kr/p/U4eWLU) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4192/34552963865_9a25aa0308_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYmi)2017-05-09_0001 (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYmi) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4209/35489111240_40cf323a8b_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W53Ymh)2017-07-12_0010 (https://flic.kr/p/W53Ymh) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr



Car Received 10/18/2016

Future plans with in the next month are a full S54 and 6 speed swap and this thread will be updated with that.

Hi all, guess its time to start up a project thread for my car. I bought my 2003 Imola 6 speed sedan from Christian at Supreme Auto. great guy to work with from beginning to end.

Car when purchased:

2003 Imola ZHP 6 speed
165k miles
Black leather interior
Silver cube trim

in the below photos these are the night she arrived and you can already tell the headlights will need addressing which i didnt know at the time. th headlights are so dim that the camera at night captures them with no glare or blown out highlights lol i could only see at night with the help of the foglights.

I will make more posts after this to catch up to show progress.


28419
28420
28421

[nextelbuddy]

11/4/2016


the first MOD i did was fixing the headlights which suffered from projector bowl burn out. Purchased retrofit kit from Lightwerks. also went ahead and purchased Angel eyes from Khoalty BMW and installed those at the same time.


Light removal and disassemble

28432
28433
28434
28435





Lights all back together.

28438
28436
28437

[nextelbuddy]

11/16/2016

Purchased a 2002 e46 m3 parts car. it had the main bits i was looking for which was the whole swap. slowly going to sell off what parts I can salvage from this car and then hopefully soon have my M54 with ZF 6 speed posted for same in some forums to help off set this cost.

28439
28440
28441
28442

[nextelbuddy]

11/19/2016

Decided to throw in the M3 cluster, LCM and clean up the steering wheel and shift knob. Looking forward to getting all mileage corrected back to my 165k after the s54 swap. Currently there is no tamper dot sine i kept the LCM as well.

I used a Mr Clean magic eraser and its AMAZING. it took way the yucky shiny from the leather and gave it that nice matte look and feel. so much nicer. even cleaned the tri color stitching very well too.

28443
28444
28445
28446

[nextelbuddy]

11/19/2016

Decided to do a small photoshoot of the car before i do the engine swap and it was the first time i had her cleaned up and washed since/

28447
28448
28449
28450
28451
28452

[nextelbuddy]

12/13/2016

decided to tackle the E46 m3 mirror conversion. when they say this is a conversion they are not lying. I also took the time t get the lower grill and upper hood vents painted black to match the red on black theme with the zhp.

E46 M3 mirrors with sedan mirror motor swap. (also had upper hood grill and lower bumper grill painted black with the mirror base plates)
This is a mod that i don't think i ever want to do again. the most ridiculous things to make this work on a sedan are insane. I cant believe that there is not a bolt on aftermarket option with similar looks.

Cutting and saving baseplates, making templates to get correct holes and orientation to mount said base plate to door, swapping mirror motors with ribbon cables and fabbing up new mirror motor mount base plates with correct orientation and depth ratios for clearance.

I tried for 2 days to follow WDS wiring diagrams and compared m3 mirror memory modules and wiring to late sedan memory module and wiring diagrams and finally came to the conclusion they are just incompatible systems since everything is controlled by the BUS system.
I have learned that for this project a dremel was my bestest friend ever.

here are some pictures of the process which i hope to get added and supplement cakM3 DIY thread since I think it would help.

thanks to cakM3 for emailing me the now dead Rogue engineering link for the baseplate modification.

28453
28454
28455
28456
28457
28458
28459
28460
28461
28462
28463

[hcbeck2689]

28452

I love that picture. The red leaves look great behind the car.
Glad to see your hitting the ground running and look forward to seeing your s54 swap. BMW should have done an e46 m3 sedan to begin with.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

I wish normal E46s had come with rounded mirrors, they look so much better/timeless.

Nice work!

[holyc0w]

Pretty cool


I wish normal E46s had come with rounded mirrors, they look so much better/timeless.


I like the rectangular mirrors.

[danewilson77]

Nice job Nextel

Sent by the Pixel XL

[Vas]

Pretty cool



I like the rectangular mirrors.

Yeah I think they also suit the sedan lines pretty well.

OP,

Looking forward to what you have in mind. Glad to have another Imola member

[san]

S54 swap, always interesting to see the progress... good luck [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Pretty cool



I like the rectangular mirrors.

To each their own :)

[anandoc]

Great work so far!!

[nextelbuddy]

To each their own :)

i'm glad we have options.. tho some of the options require insane amount of work that at times seems counterproductive or the satisfaction cant be explained.

it took me 3 days working on and off on the mirrors and though i cursed more than id care to admit, i did walk away with a sense of accomplishment and additional skills in fabrication and creativity. it gave me more of a sense of investment into the car (not that buying it wasn't enough lol)

[johnrando]

Good stuff

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

my car had standard non auto dimming mirror and no auto headlights so I decided to change that.

read LOTS of DIYs on these things and was able to have great success.

I retrofitted the RLS system including the updated wind whield that has the RLS prism installed.

New windshield was $235 installed, RLS sensor was $10 at salvage yard, used the LCM face plate that had the AUTO setting and installed it onto my stock LCM. cut out the 4 wire pigtail form my parts car for the RLS sensor.

E90 homelink dimming mirror was $100 at salvage yard and wiring was not bad at all.

im very happy with these updates and the car feels much more complete with them.

28524
28525
28526
28527
28528
28529
28530

[Sockethead]

i'm glad we have options.. tho some of the options require insane amount of work that at times seems counterproductive or the satisfaction cant be explained.

it took me 3 days working on and off on the mirrors and though i cursed more than id care to admit, i did walk away with a sense of accomplishment and additional skills in fabrication and creativity. it gave me more of a sense of investment into the car (not that buying it wasn't enough lol)

I'm with ya on this. I hated every second of the conversion.. at least you managed NOT to rip your ribbon cables....great progress so far...

[Vas]

What brand windshield?

[derbo]

I'm ready to see this S54 swap. :)

[BMWCurves]

Nice work!

[danewilson77]

I'm ready to see this S54 swap. :)

+1

[nextelbuddy]

What brand windshield?

its a Saint-Gobain Sekurit with out the BMW logo.

i cant tell a difference other than its new, clear and clean. has the proper molding around the windshield, has the proper RLS sensor prism and the dark shroud that goes around the glass. it was installed to BMW spec and the tool used to make sure it sits below the roof line was accurate as well.

i didnt even ask for a specific name brand. i just made sure that it was from a 2004 E46 sedan and had the rain sensor prism on it.


I'm ready to see this S54 swap. :)

no kidding me too.

my S54 rod bearings with WPC coating just came in few days ago so hopefully the shop will be able to get started on installing the rod bearings after christmas and once the engine is done with new seals, we will bring my car in to yank the M54 and 6 speed out and install the S54 and new getrag 6 speed along with the M3 brake system, gas tank with fuel lines and fuel pump/sending units and fuel pump relay etc..(we will have my car and parts cars on 2 lifts next to each other to make swapping over what ever we need easier. )

im hoping for mid to end of Jan for this to be done.

then I just need to find a decent used coil over system so I can lower my car.

[nextelbuddy]

This holiday season I decided to tackle 2 things..

1....wire up and install the SPORT button in preparation for the S54 swap.
2....add the OEM TPMS system since i now have a new found skill for INPA and NCS expert (its still in its infancy)


I have got quite decent at reading the WDS at planet BMW... finally i am able to find pinouts of what I need to look at so I tacked finding out the connector and pinouts for the SPORT button which is located in the SWITCHING center officially and called connector x1869. located the sport button and LED wiring for pins 17 and 18. WDS says they go directly to the DME.

right now i dont have the MS54 DME so i have the wires capped off and sitting in the DME compartment but they are already ran to the phsyical button so its ready to go. once i have the MS54, i will wire in the 2 PINS to pin 15 & 16 in the DME connector x60004 (currently pin 15 is being used my by MS45 by the MAF sensor.)


I then also followed JupiterBMWs awesome DIY for the TPMS system. got everything wired up, coded and for now it seems to be functioning.

now to get rid of that pesky DSC indicator.

and yes i know I will be replacing the nasty scarred up sunglass tray cover and cigarette tray covers. so gross.... they are sticky too whats up with that.

I happened to source a switching center that only had TPMS and SPORT but was missing heated seats which my car does not have. i have a spare switching center that does have heated seats, sport button and TPMS as well. if anyone needs it. $50

GIF showing the TPMS indicator going on and off on start up


http://i.imgur.com/535IEWQ.gifv


28553
28554

http://i.imgur.com/535IEWQ.gifv

[nextelbuddy]

just placed an order for a new rear diffuser that can house quad exhaust tips.

this was still cheaper than ordering a whole new fiberglass bumper from modbargains. i didnt like the thought of having a non oem rear bumper and fiberglass at that.

this new piece is ABS plastic and fits in the stock location so im excited for that.

http://www.insideperformance.de/en/3er-bmw-e46-heckdiffusor-kunststoff-m3-csl-look_1234/

28560

[derbo]

i really like this setup. Do you think you will be cutting the spare wheel well and welding in the M3 one?

[nextelbuddy]

i really like this setup. Do you think you will be cutting the spare wheel well and welding in the M3 one?

no, i dont want to do that... though i have the option to.. its too much work for now. i can always do that later if i find a realyl good deal on a S54 m3 exhaust i just have to have...


for now i'm going to run straight pipe from the central resonator to these tips i found on ebay.


http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/VWIAAOSw3KFWe1ww/s-l1600.jpg

[nextelbuddy]

Bearings are getting installed this week into S54, sttill waiting on the Diffuser. it just shipped from Germany yesterday s. it should be here in a week or less.

I had retrofitted M3 mirrors a while back and decided to retrofit the power folding part today.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9R4UmrpRoA

[johnrando]

Sweet

[nextelbuddy]

New diffuser finally came in today. its a hybrid ABS/Fiberglass Piece. looks very nice and cant wait to get it installed with the exhaust up.

The tips i got are way too big. they are dual 3.5 inchs and it just doesnt fit in the diffuer opening for exhaust.

Im having the hardest time finding 2.5 inch IN and DUAL 2.5 inch OUT tips.. everything seems to be 3 inch dual out minimum. :/

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/656/32547763691_508cd07754_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RA8Ncv)IMG_20170202_114556-01 (https://flic.kr/p/RA8Ncv) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[Sockethead]

Can't wait to see this done. I really like quad exhaust... this is one of the things I dream about doing to my car some day

[nextelbuddy]

hrmm i could have sworn I posted my new steering wheel pictures in here. anywho i got an old M3 wheel recovered from Dallas Custom steering wheel in Texas. I got perforated leather with Carbonfiber look leather on top and bottom and the wheel thickened as well. this wheel feels top notch and smells so good.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/714/31919418490_bdfe2f18f9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QCBn4y)2017-01-13_0005 (https://flic.kr/p/QCBn4y) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/714/32296106625_0d565e574d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RcTZjz)2017-01-13_0006 (https://flic.kr/p/RcTZjz) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/648/31919418620_9369bcec6c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QCBn6N)2017-01-13_0003 (https://flic.kr/p/QCBn6N) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/718/32296106835_1f455ae193_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RcTZoc)2017-01-13_0004 (https://flic.kr/p/RcTZoc) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/419/32296107165_29653b33bb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RcTZtT)2017-01-13_0002 (https://flic.kr/p/RcTZtT) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[az3579]

Nothing beats a fresh new leather wheel. Mmmmmmmm.

[ELCID86]

Nice wheel. Great pics!

[danewilson77]

Beautiful

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

Looks great!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

thanks guys!

Got the NB interior installed and cant wait to get it cleaned and oiled up for better pictures and longevity.

im loving the color contrast and 2 tone look. Reminds me of my favorite combo which was Helrot on Modena in the E36

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3910/32820067175_b1ed677b70_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S1cqxa)IMG_20170210_075559-01 (https://flic.kr/p/S1cqxa) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3685/32439407920_9ce4e6c016_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RqyrNy)IMG_20170210_075512-01 (https://flic.kr/p/RqyrNy) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/494/32666532632_f4bd4b6c6c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RLCw4S)IMG_20170208_234328 (https://flic.kr/p/RLCw4S) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3931/32439408180_82c3f70181_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RqyrT3)IMG_20170208_224841 (https://flic.kr/p/RqyrT3) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2057/32779399256_f4cc4a11b6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RWAZo9)IMG_20170208_213904 (https://flic.kr/p/RWAZo9) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[ZacharyMikel]

I've seen a bunch of your pics on the facebook group, glad to see your build thread! Your car is really coming along, man! Throwing some serious $$ at it and I LIKE IT! Can't wait to see how your S54 swap goes!! sub'd

[az3579]

YESSSSSSSSSSS!

[slater]

looks great! and dude... you need a new driver's door seal in a bad, bad way.

[nextelbuddy]

looks great! and dude... you need a new driver's door seal in a bad, bad way.

how much are those?

[johnrando]

Very nice.

[slater]

how much are those?

not sure what they are new, but i picked up a nice used one from a member here for my Touring.

[nextelbuddy]

found an OEM alarm kit a the junk yard for $75, installed and coed it yesterday and works great.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2621/32049868123_05370c667a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QQ8Xca)IMG_20170211_124418 (https://flic.kr/p/QQ8Xca) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[nextelbuddy]

Seats are currently being "rejuventated" right now. have a space heater inside the gar in the garage to help heat the seats up.

so far after 3 hours I can feel a difference especially in some of the questionable areas.

dont mind the dark spot on the driver bolster.. its just soaked in the worn area but normally is closer to brown color when dry. the driver seat definitely feels much better and I have been giving it extra attention with the oils since its the most abused seat.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2287/32741567971_5a7696e4d7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RTg6sB)IMG_20170212_125351 (https://flic.kr/p/RTg6sB) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[BMWCurves]

Nice. Definitely post impressions and pics afterwards.

[nextelbuddy]

Nice. Definitely post impressions and pics afterwards.

they have also got MORE BROWN with the rejuvenator. even the rear headrests which were turning WHITE in the back where the back windshield is.. they are brown again with the rejuvenator.

i still have half a bottle left after doing the whole interior even door panels so I may do a 2nd application once cleaned and dried. its almost satisfying lol

[ELCID86]

NB goodness.


---
"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." - anonymous E46 fanatic

[BMWCurves]

Well sounds like it's working out well so far :thumbsup

I need to do this to my car. Yet another thing to tack on this summer

[az3579]

i still have half a bottle left after doing the whole interior even door panels so I may do a 2nd application once cleaned and dried. its almost satisfying lol


Half a bottle??? What size did you buy?
I bought a 32 oz and after two applications still have most of it left! lol

[nextelbuddy]

Half a bottle??? What size did you buy?
I bought a 32 oz and after two applications still have most of it left! lol


I got the 32 ounce as well it was the twin pack for like $70 let's just say I was very liberal quote-unquote.

[az3579]

I got the 32 ounce as well it was the twin pack for like $70 let's just say I was very liberal quote-unquote.
"very liberal" may be an understatement... lmao
This is how much I have left after two "very liberal" applications!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170213/d700aa8dec3697521dccbf43f1759a04.jpg

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

LOL what can I say man

[az3579]

LOL what can I say man


Well, you can start by telling me I'm not using enough. lol
That's probably why my seats are still cardboard hard. :(

[nextelbuddy]

Well, you can start by telling me I'm not using enough. lol
That's probably why my seats are still cardboard hard. :(

I watch the video on YouTube of a guy who used the rejuvenator 32-ounce bottle on a 7 Series I believe just the front and rear seats not door panels and he used 2/3 of the bottle so I figure I'm not too far off.

I would say you could be more liberal LOL.

I started at 11 in the morning and throughout the day I would go back and check on the seats and even though they were still wet I would apply more just throughout the day making sure to concentrate heavily on anywhere there were seams and stitching...

I will let you know tomorrow for sure because I'm letting it sit all night and all day tomorrow and then I'll clean it tomorrow in the evening. I only used the space heater today for about I would say six hours of monitored use I unplugged it about 2 hours ago.

[hcbeck2689]

Well, you can start by telling me I'm not using enough. lol
That's probably why my seats are still cardboard hard. :(

No matter how much rejuvenator you put, the seats aren't going to get the softest. Leather softens by use i.e. Movement. Drivers seat should soften with use but our seat just don't get the use to soften up the old leather. Just my $.02


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

No matter how much rejuvenator you put, the seats aren't going to get the softest. Leather softens by use i.e. Movement. Drivers seat should soften with use but our seat just don't get the use to soften up the old leather. Just my $.02


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah I'm aware that they're beyond saving, I was just thinking maybe I can get it better than what I've gotten it to by applying more. It always feels nicer to the touch, but is still almost as hard after application. It is what it is... one day I'll get the whole interior reupholstered, if I haven't turned it into a track car by then.

[nextelbuddy]

Ok finally finished cleaning up and oiling everything I can. I will do more coats next month since I have half a bottle left.

before the leatherique I was pretty scared to sit in these seats. the stitching in the seams and at corner areas and bolster areas was pretty dry and scary. to get a good feel for what the seats SHOULD feel like I just felt in the areas that never see light... such as under the head rest or on the front seats seat cushions on the sides that face the center console. I firmly believe 2 things.. A. This dakota leather is NOT supply to begin with and nothing like the NAPPA leather in the M3s. they just seem to be completely different grades of leather. Dakota seems to be thicker and sturdier... the NAPPA leather seems to be thinner, smoother but not as sturdy. and B. certain areas of seats feel like they have thicker hides of leather than other areas which is why some places feel more cardboard like than others.

after this first round, i definitely feel a difference and the seams are much more trusting when I sit in the seats now. the seats feel Tighter and firmer and just cleaner overall.

the passenger seats looks virtually mint. the back seats look great but the driver seat just is worn BUT its much better and im pretty happy with the after results.

I looked up a DIY on how to swap front driver and passenger seats I think I may tacker that soon and switch the passenger seat over to the driver side.

on to the pictures!

1.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2931/32850549356_38fd30fdee_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S3TDQ1)2017-02-13_0005 (https://flic.kr/p/S3TDQ1) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

2.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/471/32891340475_0e4a506f10_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S7uHBa)2017-02-13_0006 (https://flic.kr/p/S7uHBa) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

3.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2481/32076546723_63bbb7d79a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QSuFP2)2017-02-13_0004 (https://flic.kr/p/QSuFP2) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

4.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2480/32076546603_e31620f257_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QSuFLX)2017-02-13_0008 (https://flic.kr/p/QSuFLX) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

5.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3863/32891340555_eb77f4308f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S7uHCx)2017-02-13_0003 (https://flic.kr/p/S7uHCx) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

6.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2337/32850549246_cd7ae6631c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S3TDN7)2017-02-13_0007 (https://flic.kr/p/S3TDN7) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

7.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2849/32076546803_fbc3391938_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QSuFQp)2017-02-13_0002 (https://flic.kr/p/QSuFQp) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[ZHPizza]

Hot damn that looks great. Job well done.

[NoVAphotog]

Man...just wait until Summer. It's effectiveness increases 10 fold if you wait till a really really hot and humid day and go at it with the Rejuvenator and just let it roast in there. 10 hours in sweltering DC area humidity on a 100 degree day. My seats feel like butter and it pulled out all of the dirt and markings on my driver side bolster. Started in the early morning and I was roasting putting it on though...in hindsight I'll start at night and then let it sit all day.

[nextelbuddy]

so had to source some new tips as the diffuser exhaust openings were 7 inches wide compared to the M3 diffuser which is 8 inches wide each side.

the old tips I got are 7 inches so the new tips Needed to be 6.5 inches or less and luckily I found a pair.

engine is getting pulled next week so its finally going to start happening!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3733/32838085271_4dd5067bc2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S2MLFZ)IMG_20170217_211629 (https://flic.kr/p/S2MLFZ) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2369/32119173854_8f59a858a3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QWgany)IMG_20170217_211535 (https://flic.kr/p/QWgany) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[az3579]

Your car is turning into one seriously legit build.

[nextelbuddy]

Your car is turning into one seriously legit build.

thanks man, im super excited to start this S54 install. ive been reading so much and reading up on wiring etc... i do believe that for ZHP MS45 cars.. the swap is the easiest wiring wise.. there are only 3-4 pins that need to be added/swapped in the DME side of things.

I'm also glad I have the sport button installed and the wires for it routed into the DME area ready to be pinned into the S54 DME harness. most people that do the S54 swap dont do the sport button and I think most people dont like it lol but i wanted to be close to factory for installation.


I got the leather swatch from that ebay company LSEAT that sells seat covers for E46 Sport seats and M3 seats. I found a color that is pretty darn close to NB. maybe a hair lighter... it matches the door panels almost 100% but the seats its very close.

im considering ordering seat covers for the M3 seats since they havent sold yet... maybe install M3 Naturbrown seats and sell off the sport NB seats>? its a thought...

[derbo]

factory build is amazing. I can't wait to see the swap :D

[BMWCurves]

Your car is turning into one seriously legit build.

+1

[nextelbuddy]

Ok, its finally starting... no promises on how long this takes but its on the lift and getting the M54 swap pulled out so I can clean it up for a new buyer.


i ran a compression test on it and it was 168-170 across the board on a hot engine. tried a 2nd test and it only went up but 2 points a second time.

numbers were very consistent but curious on the value.. obviously different gauges read higher or lower and consistency is key but whats the average everyone gets?


https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2854/32971844816_08d6e26507_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SeBjK3)IMG_20170219_162446 (https://flic.kr/p/SeBjK3) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr



will be going to the shop as much as possible for picture updates.

[Vas]

Good luck. Keep us updated.

[BMWCurves]

You best take lots of pictures of this whole process!

And I never compression tested my ZHP, but my old '03 330Ci ZSP was tested at 74k miles and it had 188-190 across the board.

[az3579]

numbers were very consistent but curious on the value.. obviously different gauges read higher or lower and consistency is key but whats the average everyone gets?


When I tested mine in August 2016, I got the following:

Cylinder 1: Avg 177
Cylinder 2: Avg 182
Cylinder 3: Avg 180
Cylinder 4: Avg 184
Cylinder 5: Avg 183
Cylinder 6: Avg 191

August 19, 2016
Mileage was between 250-252k miles. That is lots of daily driving as well as a few track days per year.

[nextelbuddy]

few picture updates from around the shop last night.

Engine hopefully is getting pulled today... then sometime this week hopefully the bearings get installed on the S54.

Pictures show complete front and rear subframes which are going on my car. with the 135's, the wider track from the M3 suspension/brakes will push them out but should still clear. i just know that I will need fender rolling and possibly flaring to run 8.5/9.5 wheels with offsets of et35

the previous owner of the M3 had some ridiculously thick swaybars with poly bushings so I will be keeping those.


https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2063/32896419622_4b64e9d279_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S7WKsE)IMG_20170221_174449 (https://flic.kr/p/S7WKsE) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2021/32896420542_a5dfa773ff_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S7WKJw)IMG_20170221_174603 (https://flic.kr/p/S7WKJw) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2048/32925889081_4844688c6c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SaxMGM)IMG_20170221_174651 (https://flic.kr/p/SaxMGM) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3758/33010577056_2566b832dc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Si2Quh)IMG_20170221_174504 (https://flic.kr/p/Si2Quh) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2025/32896420142_34a970543a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S7WKBC)IMG_20170221_174524 (https://flic.kr/p/S7WKBC) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2046/32925888801_7b04e8366f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SaxMBX)IMG_20170221_174541 (https://flic.kr/p/SaxMBX) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/635/32925889571_7e7635c2f2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SaxMRe)IMG_20170221_174838 (https://flic.kr/p/SaxMRe) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[slavik1988]

Subscribed!

One hell of a build. Are you thinking of reinforcing your rear subframe? While everything is out, it may be well worth it. I know it is a common issue on E46 M3's

[johnrando]

Good stuff

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

Subscribed!

One hell of a build. Are you thinking of reinforcing your rear subframe? While everything is out, it may be well worth it. I know it is a common issue on E46 M3's

Yes!

Reinforcement plates have been ordered as well as poly subframe bushings and poly rtabs as well.

[Sockethead]

You might want to consider the front subframe reinforcement kit from Turner. It reinforces the motor mount ears on the subframe. The subframe needs to be out to weld them in so now is the time to do it.

[nextelbuddy]

You might want to consider the front subframe reinforcement kit from Turner. It reinforces the motor mount ears on the subframe. The subframe needs to be out to weld them in so now is the time to do it.

i think im going to draw the line there lol. at some point someone somewhere is going to say reinforce everything! anything someone can make a dollar on they will market and sell.

the rear makes sense for power delivery... for front that just seems overkill. perhaps on cars that see track time but this car wont in my ownership and reinforcing the front just screams additional vibration and rigidity that i probably wont like for every day use.

[Sockethead]

No the reinforcement of the front doesn't make for anymore noise or vibration... Your motor mount choice would affect that.
I welded them into mine while I had the cross member out last summer. For me, It was only $40 and I welded them in myself. I understand what you're saying though...

[nextelbuddy]

shops moving slow lol, went over and transmission is out but ran out of time to pull the engine.

as soon as its out ill go over and pressure wash everything to get it cleaned up for a new buyer.

Engine is pretty much ready to be pulled, just 2 hoses and engine mount bolts.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2783/33090498285_001382b4b9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Sq6shv)IMG_20170223_181905 (https://flic.kr/p/Sq6shv) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2836/33048604506_7976bf98dc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SmoJHY)IMG_20170223_181925 (https://flic.kr/p/SmoJHY) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3865/33090500055_6f29589c38_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Sq6sP2)IMG_20170223_185901 (https://flic.kr/p/Sq6sP2) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/694/32245208544_2fe1360cc9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/R8p86s)IMG_20170223_184011 (https://flic.kr/p/R8p86s) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[Vas]

What shop is this?

[nextelbuddy]

What shop is this?

my friends shop local here in GA. they do quick work on other cars but mine is low priority on the totem pole which is fine. not in a super big rush. as long as its done by April ill be good lol.

[Vas]

my friends shop local here in GA. they do quick work on other cars but mine is low priority on the totem pole which is fine. not in a super big rush. as long as its done by April ill be good lol.
Gotcha. I was just wondering if it was market motor works.

[nextelbuddy]

Gotcha. I was just wondering if it was market motor works.

no, i know them but its not them.

[nextelbuddy]

Engine is out.... next up getting bearings installed into S54 and then dropped in.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2861/32798704990_4025a219e5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RYiWiC)IMG_20170228_175910 (https://flic.kr/p/RYiWiC) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/621/32798703780_3334c02c9a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RYiVWL)IMG_20170228_175929 (https://flic.kr/p/RYiVWL) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3786/32798703410_3901d4e4b7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RYiVQo)IMG_20170228_175800 (https://flic.kr/p/RYiVQo) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3838/32798702760_29f6e6669c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RYiVDb)IMG_20170228_175630 (https://flic.kr/p/RYiVDb) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3940/32798704210_828d91621d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RYiW5b)IMG_20170228_180132 (https://flic.kr/p/RYiW5b) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[johnrando]

Wow

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Making progress!

[san]

Awesome!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

The engine looks massive out of the car. Funny how the whole right side is the manifold and accessories....

[slater]

nice. did you leave the PS pump in the bay as well? i saw the A/C compressor, that is a good idea.

[nextelbuddy]

nice. did you leave the PS pump in the bay as well? i saw the A/C compressor, that is a good idea.

the AC Compressor is still attached, havent decided which one we will use as I have the S54 one as well. if they are the same then ill keep mine. power steering is also still attached tucked down in the front corner of the engine bay. will compare to the S54 one and see how close they are.

[Cadeez]

This thread is awesome! Best of luck with the car, excited to see the final product. That NB interior looks amazing...

I wish you were my neighbor so you could help me do all of these things! Do you work with IT/electronics for a living? I have a set of M3 mirrors waiting for me to do the DIY, but I'm a bit scared. I also have an E90 rearview mirror available if I want it, but again, seems like a decent job. Mechanically I can do almost anything, but when it comes to electronics...I know nothing.

[BMWCurves]

This thread is awesome! Best of luck with the car, excited to see the final product. That NB interior looks amazing...

I wish you were my neighbor so you could help me do all of these things! Do you work with IT/electronics for a living? I have a set of M3 mirrors waiting for me to do the DIY, but I'm a bit scared. I also have an E90 rearview mirror available if I want it, but again, seems like a decent job. Mechanically I can do almost anything, but when it comes to electronics...I know nothing.

The E90 rearview mirror job isn't bad. I had a hiccup only because a splice I used didn't clamp all the way closed (user error) and so I was really annoyed for a day or two before I closed it all the way and everything worked.

[nextelbuddy]

This thread is awesome! Best of luck with the car, excited to see the final product. That NB interior looks amazing...

I wish you were my neighbor so you could help me do all of these things! Do you work with IT/electronics for a living? I have a set of M3 mirrors waiting for me to do the DIY, but I'm a bit scared. I also have an E90 rearview mirror available if I want it, but again, seems like a decent job. Mechanically I can do almost anything, but when it comes to electronics...I know nothing.

if i was even remotely close I would love to have helped you with the mirrors. I gained a lot out of it trying it myself. its one of those things that you want so bad but doesnt make any sense lol

i would say im just an average DIY hands on person, i can look at a wiring diagram and pretty much get the gist of things. not going to lie, many times i get frustrated my self and have to take a step back and just come back to it later.

with the sedan m3 mirror retrofit you are literally pulling out the ribbon cable sedan mirror motor and using nothing else from your mirrors.

then creating a new base plate that will let you mount and attach the mirror motor to the M3 inside frame/bracketry.

the original from Cak is awesome but it misses on one major point and that is the dimension and hole pattern on the "baseplate" he makes out of dewalt plastic.

i looked at it and was like ok i know i need to make this but what is the diameter, what is the orientation, where do the holes go to mount it, where do the holes go to mount the mirror motor to it?

so thats why a few pages back i tried to add some more pictures and explanation on that motor base plate to give a better idea and direction.

that i think is THE hardest part.

the base plate to mount on the car is actually not the hard part. in reality you dont even NEED to trim it down so to speak, you just need to drill it down with new holes into your door since the plate has different mounting points.

the only reason to grind it down thinner is so that it just is more seamless with its transition into the body line. you will see when you hold up the unmodified mirror base plate to your door to get a feel for what you are doing.

if you have any questions please dont hesitate to ask, either PM or in this thread to get answers from all of us who have done it.

im actually doing this for another local ZHP guy who is waiting until he can find some folding motors to also have me install all at once.

[Sockethead]

Same here, feel free to PM me about mirror questions.

The problem with the motor plate is you have get the mirror glass centered in the mirror shell. The mirror is a funky shape which makes it very hard.
I have a template for it but half my house/garage is in storage. If I come across it, I wouldn't have a problem sending it to you.

You can also make a template out of card stock or cardboard. That way if you mess it up, it's NBD. Once done, just transfer to the material your going to use for the base.

[YoitsTmac]

Awesome thread. Nice attention to details and love good photos. Do you have any tips you'd be willing to pass on to an intermediate photograher? Curious how you did the colors of the shots when you first got the car. I'm adding you on Flickr by tonight :) subbed


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cadeez]

if i was even remotely close I would love to have helped you with the mirrors. I gained a lot out of it trying it myself. its one of those things that you want so bad but doesnt make any sense lol

i would say im just an average DIY hands on person, i can look at a wiring diagram and pretty much get the gist of things. not going to lie, many times i get frustrated my self and have to take a step back and just come back to it later.

with the sedan m3 mirror retrofit you are literally pulling out the ribbon cable sedan mirror motor and using nothing else from your mirrors.

then creating a new base plate that will let you mount and attach the mirror motor to the M3 inside frame/bracketry.

the original from Cak is awesome but it misses on one major point and that is the dimension and hole pattern on the "baseplate" he makes out of dewalt plastic.

i looked at it and was like ok i know i need to make this but what is the diameter, what is the orientation, where do the holes go to mount it, where do the holes go to mount the mirror motor to it?

so thats why a few pages back i tried to add some more pictures and explanation on that motor base plate to give a better idea and direction.

that i think is THE hardest part.

the base plate to mount on the car is actually not the hard part. in reality you dont even NEED to trim it down so to speak, you just need to drill it down with new holes into your door since the plate has different mounting points.

the only reason to grind it down thinner is so that it just is more seamless with its transition into the body line. you will see when you hold up the unmodified mirror base plate to your door to get a feel for what you are doing.

if you have any questions please dont hesitate to ask, either PM or in this thread to get answers from all of us who have done it.

im actually doing this for another local ZHP guy who is waiting until he can find some folding motors to also have me install all at once.


Same here, feel free to PM me about mirror questions.

The problem with the motor plate is you have get the mirror glass centered in the mirror shell. The mirror is a funky shape which makes it very hard.
I have a template for it but half my house/garage is in storage. If I come across it, I wouldn't have a problem sending it to you.

You can also make a template out of card stock or cardboard. That way if you mess it up, it's NBD. Once done, just transfer to the material your going to use for the base.

Mafia represent!! I really appreciate the willingness to help guys, that's awesome. I've gone through quite a few DIY's on it, saw Cak's original one, yours and a couple others. Problem was it just seemed like there were little pieces of the puzzle missing in each one. However you laid it out for me in a way that made perfect sense in the below thread. So with your pics, guidance and other DIY's, I'm sure I could do it, with much patience. It's just nerve racking since I paid a decent amount for the ///M3 mirrors, and if I F anything up with them or mine, I'm hosed!

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?9723-Retrofit-OEM-M3-side-mirrors-doityourself&p=521395#post521395

[Sockethead]

So with your pics, guidance and other DIY's, I'm sure I could do it, with much patience. It's just nerve racking since I paid a decent amount for the ///M3 mirrors, and if I F anything up with them or mine, I'm hosed!


I felt the same way... you just gotta do it!

[nextelbuddy]

ok so update time...

just ordered and paid for a set of DGR coilovers for an M3 with the pillowball tophats since I will be running M3 control arms and knuckles for the brakes

Ordered I believe every poly bushing for the rear end..Subframe bushings, RTABs, DIff bushing, subframe plates


Shop got the Rod bearings installed in the S54 and had to order new engine mounts so engine will go in tomorrow.

Pics of the engine getting bearings installed next to the car.

Oil pump nut was tack welded on to be secure

im getting pretty excited. the M3 suspension with the ZHP wheels lowered on coil overs should fit really nice. im mentally preparing for a slight fender roll in the rear possibly.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/678/32914143020_f7336d61c0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S9vA1u)IMG_20170306_183624 (https://flic.kr/p/S9vA1u) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3676/33141594542_875c492598_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SuBkqs)IMG_20170306_181222 (https://flic.kr/p/SuBkqs) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/636/32482294103_96f2f812b1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Rumfnv)IMG_20170306_181150 (https://flic.kr/p/Rumfnv) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[Sockethead]

I'll be interested in seeing what the original bearings look like when they are removed...

[nextelbuddy]

I'll be interested in seeing what the original bearings look like when they are removed...

they are out. they didnt look great but there was no damage to any of the journals. the mechanic says they look like every other S54 bearings he changes out aka more wear then they should have. i just didnt grab a pic of them on the floor where he had them.

[BMWCurves]

I have heard about the rod bearing issue in the S54, was there ever a more permanent solution than just replacing them?

[slater]

I have heard about the rod bearing issue in the S54, was there ever a more permanent solution than just replacing them?

there's a guy on M3Forum that was getting WPC coated ones. if i remember correctly they were 'better' than OEM bearings.

[nextelbuddy]

there's a guy on M3Forum that was getting WPC coated ones. if i remember correctly they were 'better' than OEM bearings.

Yes those are the ones I got from that same guy so hopefully ill have more peace of mind with this bearing set.

[derbo]

Yes those are the ones I got from that same guy so hopefully ill have more peace of mind with this bearing set.

that usually seems to be the consensus when going to one of those.

[nextelbuddy]

nicer updates today.

Bearings are in, Engine and transmission are in, M tech Door sill are in.

M54 AC compressor bolts to S54 and lines up no problem so did not have to evacuate any AC freon.

M3 control arms are in on the front, coil overs will be in tomorrow ready to install with the M3 brakes and knuckles.

Also keeping my ZHP steering rack and that is bolted into the M3 subframe we installed.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3709/33275541386_1f6d95e6cc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SGrR9N)IMG_20170307_191917-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SGrR9N) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2854/33275541876_13a47468ec_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SGrRif)IMG_20170307_193104-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SGrRif) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

M3 on left, ZHP on right.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2914/32933656250_bdf4e06c40_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SbeABu)IMG_20170307_192953-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SbeABu) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/654/33188389561_f8ab04bfeb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SyKaX8)IMG_20170307_190455-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SyKaX8) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/678/32501976143_7de5772099_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Rw68a2)IMG_20170307_190404-01 (https://flic.kr/p/Rw68a2) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[slater]

nice work, shawn! that's excellent news about the A/C compressor.

what wheels are you going to be running? stock? if so, your front wheels are going to be a bit wider now with those M3 control arms. :)

[nextelbuddy]

nice work, shawn! that's excellent news about the A/C compressor.

what wheels are you going to be running? stock? if so, your front wheels are going to be a bit wider now with those M3 control arms. :)

stock ZHP wheels for now. they should look good on a lower car being pushed out just a whee put.

complete rear M3 subframe, trailing arms, brakes and Diff with subframe reinforcement plates and poly bushings for subframe, rtap and diff as well. Fronts will retain ZHP steering rack but M3 lower control arms, brakes and knuckles and DGR coilovers for m3 all around. so it should be lower with a slightly wider stance all around.

it wont only just the fronts being wider.

maybe next years project can be wheels. I really want a set of stock M3 19s the ones from the E46 M3.. polished ones... or the split 10 spokes from the E92 M3 but those will all require fender rolling. with the wider stance.

[slater]

stock ZHP wheels for now. they should look good on a lower car being pushed out just a whee put.

complete rear M3 subframe, trailing arms, brakes and Diff with subframe reinforcement plates and poly bushings for subframe, rtap and diff as well.

you really should consider the VinceBar for RACP reinforcement - the plates simply aren't enough (they don't address the root of the problem - the load path!).



Fronts will retain ZHP steering rack but M3 lower control arms, brakes and knuckles and DGR coilovers for m3 all around. so it should be lower with a slightly wider stance all around.

it wont only just the fronts being wider.

the rear won't be any wider with the m3 rear end - it's the same width. it's the m3 rear wheel offset that makes the track wider.

[Sockethead]

I agree, you should really consider something like the Vince bar. If you go with the bonding & riveting, it's something you could tackle yourself.

I really liked the look of the ZHP wheels with my car lowered and spacers. I think you're going to like it too.

[nextelbuddy]

I appreciate the suggestions for this Vince bar but its not in the budget or plans at this time. I could spend all day conjuring up new ways to combat this or that and it seems like there's always something else out there that you just have to have. i bet if i got the vince bar then someone else will come out and say oh you should go ahead and also do this...


it never ends...


I was supposed to just do S54 swap and that was it then it spiraled out of control to subframe plates, all new poly bushings, full exhaust, coilovers, cooling system overhaul, M3 diff..


as far as the rear not having a wider track.... i was under the impression that the M3 trailing arms were different than 330i RTA and pushed the wheels out a bit in conjunction with the M3 wheels.

if that is not the case then ill look into some rear spacers so that my front wheels dont look weird sticking out further than the rears.

[slater]

I appreciate the suggestions for this Vince bar but its not in the budget or plans at this time. I could spend all day conjuring up new ways to combat this or that and it seems like there's always something else out there that you just have to have. i bet if i got the vince bar then someone else will come out and say oh you should go ahead and also do this...


it never ends...


I was supposed to just do S54 swap and that was it then it spiraled out of control to subframe plates, all new poly bushings, full exhaust, coilovers, cooling system overhaul, M3 diff..

well, in my opinion... and i'm not trying to be a jerk here, but you really can't afford not to do it. you're adding 100hp and 40ft-lbs of torque to the chassis that already can fail with the power output it had to begin with.

the issue is that the subframe mounts do not tie into the frame rails. they're just mounted to the carriers spot-welded inside the flimsy RACP, and it's only a matter of time until those spot welds break, and the rear floor starts pulling away from the chassis. it's serious issue that most people say, "eh, whatever" to.

the problem is lack of education on this issue. i've posted a bunch on here about it.



as far as the rear not having a wider track.... i was under the impression that the M3 trailing arms were different than 330i RTA and pushed the wheels out a bit in conjunction with the M3 wheels.

nope, they're the same.

[nextelbuddy]

well, in my opinion... and i'm not trying to be a jerk here, but you really can't afford not to do it. you're adding 100hp and 40ft-lbs of torque to the chassis that already can fail with the power output it had to begin with.

the issue is that the subframe mounts do not tie into the frame rails. they're just mounted to the carriers spot-welded inside the flimsy RACP, and it's only a matter of time until those spot welds break, and the rear floor starts pulling away from the chassis. it's serious issue that most people say, "eh, whatever" to.

the problem is lack of education on this issue. i've posted a bunch on here about it.




nope, they're the same.

thanks for looking out!

[nextelbuddy]

well, in my opinion... and i'm not trying to be a jerk here, but you really can't afford not to do it. you're adding 100hp and 40ft-lbs of torque to the chassis that already can fail with the power output it had to begin with.

the issue is that the subframe mounts do not tie into the frame rails. they're just mounted to the carriers spot-welded inside the flimsy RACP, and it's only a matter of time until those spot welds break, and the rear floor starts pulling away from the chassis. it's serious issue that most people say, "eh, whatever" to.

the problem is lack of education on this issue. i've posted a bunch on here about it.




nope, they're the same.

i saw something regarding the Mason Engineering X brace in conjunction with their 3 piece rear strut bar that required only drilling 2 holes where the subframe rear mounting points are and then drilling through longer studs.

its really pricey, over $800 but it seems like an option that i can do later with out dropping the entire subframe again but just removing 2 bolts and supporting the subframe until installation is complete.

what do you think?

[Sockethead]

Yep that will work just fine. You're using the M3 rear subframe?
Unfortunately the M3 subframe/diff puts the load on the front left mount of the subframe so you're going to want to think about a solution for that too.
The reason this is the diff mounts opposite of the non M3 diff

[slater]

i saw something regarding the Mason Engineering X brace in conjunction with their 3 piece rear strut bar that required only drilling 2 holes where the subframe rear mounting points are and then drilling through longer studs.

its really pricey, over $800 but it seems like an option that i can do later with out dropping the entire subframe again but just removing 2 bolts and supporting the subframe until installation is complete.

what do you think?

the VinceBar is cheaper, and does not require dropping the rear subframe completely - plus, even if you did, it's not that hard.

the mason brace only supports the rear mounts, and it does not redirect the load path to the frame rails like the VinceBar does.

the VinceBar solution also reinforces the front mounts, and does it all without disrupting trunk space. plus you can install without welding. it's a win/win/win.

details here: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=551862

more good detail here... read from here on down: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showpost.php?p=1067580110&postcount=237

[nextelbuddy]

Getting the exhaust fabbed up..got the diffuser back from the paint shop.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/618/32553422373_702afed86a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RACNjZ)IMG_20170310_174408-01 (https://flic.kr/p/RACNjZ) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3866/33240107951_2d74ae1f98_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SDjf2v)IMG_20170310_180911-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SDjf2v) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[Sockethead]

Lookin good! I love quad exhaust

[nextelbuddy]

Lookin good! I love quad exhaust

Thanks man, it's going to take me some getting used to this look in a sedan.

[derbo]

Are you cutting the wheel well? I noticed with the M3 rear end, the wheel well is in the way if you ever need to remove the Diff or D bracket.. #struggles

[holyc0w]

Is the Vincebar currently for sale or does he have a plan for after the group buy?

[WOLFN8TR]

Is the Vincebar currently for sale or does he have a plan for after the group buy?

I can PM Vince for you and find out.

[holyc0w]

I can PM Vince for you and find out.

Yes, please do.

[nextelbuddy]

Are you cutting the wheel well? I noticed with the M3 rear end, the wheel well is in the way if you ever need to remove the Diff or D bracket.. #struggles

There are no plans currently to do any cutting of the wheel well at least not for the exhaust. As for the diff subframe carrier and all that good stuff there were no plans for that either but if you're mentioning that there are some clearance issues I'll take a look at that and see if maybe we need to notch something. Thanks!

[WOLFN8TR]

there's a guy on M3Forum that was getting WPC coated ones. if i remember correctly they were 'better' than OEM bearings.

Ya the WPC coated bearing are awesome, watch some of the videos on YouTube.


Yes, please do.

Roger that, will send him a PM.


Any plans to do the Vanos? If so take a look at the thread in my SIG on the S54 Vanos.

[derbo]

There are no plans currently to do any cutting of the wheel well at least not for the exhaust. As for the diff subframe carrier and all that good stuff there were no plans for that either but if you're mentioning that there are some clearance issues I'll take a look at that and see if maybe we need to notch something. Thanks!

It's not so much a clearance issue. It's when you want to remove your sway bar or diff, those bolts are blocked by the spare wheel well. It is still probably doable but just more of a hassle than if you remove the well itself.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[az3579]

I would keep the well and just deal with it. The sway bar and diff rarely ever come out anyway. A spare tire is too useful to give up, IMO.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[WOLFN8TR]

Is the Vincebar currently for sale or does he have a plan for after the group buy?


Yes, please do.

Here is Vince's response.

Sure! I certainly still sell the kit, just without the group buy discount, possibly with a 5% "spread the word" discount.
He's welcome to contact me via PM or at vincent.pihlstrom@gmail.com

The plates are actually finally coming along now.

Below please find what just I told a guy named Tim, who referenced member Slater. (perhaps also from ZHPMafia?)

Vince...


I currently have the paper template designs nearly finished and will be moving into fabricating steel pieces to verify the shapes. Once thats done and adjustments are made I'll be creating the CAD models for laser cutting. I hope to have this completed be the end of next week.
Then I'm in the hands of the laser cutting shop in terms of when I'll be able to ship kits.

[nextelbuddy]

DGR Coilovers came in over the weekend. These are for M3 since im using the M3 knuckles, brakes, control arms and rear trailing arms. the quality looks and feels great and it comes with nice beefy sway bar end links it looks like as well.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3815/33301452271_48f01b8eee_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SJJDyc)IMG_20170313_182224-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SJJDyc) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[Ridgey]

DGR Coilovers came in over the weekend. These are for M3 since im using the M3 knuckles, brakes, control arms and rear trailing arms. the quality looks and feels great and it comes with nice beefy sway bar end links it looks like as well.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3815/33301452271_48f01b8eee_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SJJDyc)IMG_20170313_182224-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SJJDyc) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

I really like the look of those. Very unique. Such a shame some of these beautiful parts that sit under the car haha.

[az3579]

I really like the look of those. Very unique. Such a shame some of these beautiful parts that sit under the car haha.

My thoughts exactly when I put my Bilstein PSS10's in. lol

[nextelbuddy]

I really like the look of those. Very unique. Such a shame some of these beautiful parts that sit under the car haha.


My thoughts exactly when I put my Bilstein PSS10's in. lol


yes +11 agreed. its an excuse to jack the car up every now and then and clean everything off lol.

i probably will drive this car less than 5000 miles a year just becaue I dont drive much and have my 2nd DD.

it is my hope that I can keep the under carriage and suspension and engine bay pretty clean from manual cleaning and driving less.

maybe one day i can get some wheels like you BP and we can be twins......

[az3579]

maybe one day i can get some wheels like you BP and we can be twins......


Sure... yours can be the older, yet more in shape, agile, and strong twin... while mine can be the younger, yet in terrible shape twin with back problems. LOL

[nextelbuddy]

Finally the akg bushings and plates came in.

Subframe, diff, rtab spherical and plates.


One thing i forgot was rear camber arms. I see the actually aren't that expensive but there's lots of options out there and there's tons of colors to ideally I would really like to find something in a color that compliments well with my suspension. I know it sounds weird but that's what I like LOL so if anybody can make any suggestions or recommendations for nice rear camber arms please let me know.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/696/33064003070_8f9804ebb8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SnKEbs)2017-03-14_09-27-15 (https://flic.kr/p/SnKEbs) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[ELCID86]

Let me know if you need to rent the tool Shawn.

[nextelbuddy]

Let me know if you need to rent the tool Shawn.

Thats so nice of you! I think I will be ok, the shop will be handling this though i wish I was getting my hands dirty with it. if i had the space and tools I would have tried to tackle all this in my garage but oh well.

[Sockethead]

Interested to see what you get for the camber arms. I need to get some too. My tires all wear out on the inner edge and the arms are maxed out

[hcbeck2689]

I had turner camber arms (rear adjustable control arms) on my m3. They worked as needed and seemed solid. I liked being able to put my camber where I wanted it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

Good Lord i need help.... I can't stop buying stuff... I feel like a ricer sometimes because i have to have every freaking retrofit or option wtf.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3870/32658458314_0d46ba3fae_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RKV8Ru)2017-03-17_11-12-00 (https://flic.kr/p/RKV8Ru) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[YoitsTmac]

Woah woah. What's that?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

Looks like a rear sun shade

[ZHP_Brandon]

Where did you buy that? I can't find one for the life of me lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[holyc0w]

And the sharkfin? anything else in there?

[nextelbuddy]

Where did you buy that? I can't find one for the life of me lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

someone linked it from ebay and i bought it. still had to buy the most expensive part which was the integrated switch bar from germany for $290 and make my own harness for it.


And the sharkfin? anything else in there?

yes the PDC kit with sensors, module, bracket, gong and pigtails for wiring etc..

i wonder if there are any other options im missing lol

[az3579]

i wonder if there are any other options im missing lol

Well, there is the euro dash with the storage compartment under the LCM area. :)

[ZHP_Brandon]

Well, there is the euro dash with the storage compartment under the LCM area. :)

My brother has that in his RHD E46 M3, its pretty sweet lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[YoitsTmac]

Looks like a rear sun shade

That's what it kind of looked like, but I didn't know E46 could do that...

[nextelbuddy]

That's what it kind of looked like, but I didn't know E46 could do that...

i over paid for it. it is rare indeed in the US but i found a site from another user on here that has awesome stuff and they are in the UK.
you can get the sedan rear electric sunblind AND switch console for $143 shipped. the only thing is the switch console only has heated seats, DSC and sunblind but no HiFi switch

https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-e46/1946691-used?product=C25275

[YoitsTmac]

i over paid for it. it is rare indeed in the US but i found a site from another user on here that has awesome stuff and they are in the UK.
you can get the sedan rear electric sunblind AND switch console for $143 shipped. the only thing is the switch console only has heated seats, DSC and sunblind but no HiFi switch

https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-e46/1946691-used?product=C25275

So you need to get a new switch set? In either event, very cool! $143 seems very reasonable to me in my opinion for what you get.

[nextelbuddy]

So you need to get a new switch set? In either event, very cool! $143 seems very reasonable to me in my opinion for what you get.

to make it OEM yes. in the US, the sedans that actually had it were more likely pre face lift 2000 and below and those E46 didnt have switch panels like the face lift cars, instead fo they had large oversized individual buttons for things like ASC/DSC etc...

the sunblind i got off ebay was from a place in Naples florida and it came with the large oversized sunblind button but no pigtail so its useless to me.

in my case since i am doing an S54 swap and have the TPMS system enabled, I actually needed a switch panel from the M3 version that has the Sport button, DSC, Hifi, TPMS and SUnshade options. in the M3, the sunblind was only available on a coupe full optioned out with heated seats so the switch panel i ordered unfortunately comes with 2 extra buttons I dont need which are the heated seats however it does come with BLANK caps that cover any used option buttons I dont need which i guess is nice.

that sunblind in the link i posted is perfect for sedans with the M54 and dont mind not using the HIFI option since its not present.

[nextelbuddy]

Slow but more progress. Subframe plates are in and cured. Front suspension is in, m3 brake's with coilovers looks very nice.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2901/33405368362_2f08ab3f1e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/STVfbW)IMG_20170320_180643 (https://flic.kr/p/STVfbW) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2811/33433313581_918e46eaf7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SWotk4)IMG_20170320_180446 (https://flic.kr/p/SWotk4) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3848/33433313391_50665c2f6c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SWotgM)IMG_20170320_180455 (https://flic.kr/p/SWotgM) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2916/33405362922_61ece4dd03_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/STVdz9)IMG_20170320_192733 (https://flic.kr/p/STVdz9) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3945/33405362422_77f803c023_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/STVdqw)IMG_20170320_190807 (https://flic.kr/p/STVdqw) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3839/32747609573_bbafd756c2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RTN4qa)IMG_20170320_190751 (https://flic.kr/p/RTN4qa) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[Vas]

Good progress

[johnrando]

+1

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[ZHPizza]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3848/33433313391_50665c2f6c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SWotgM)

https://www.amazon.com/Temperature-Leveling-G2-Caliper-System/dp/B000AUMYMM/

[nextelbuddy]

Home sick today so i decided to make the missing power harness for the pdc system. Bought some 20 awg wire of various colors and referenced the bmw pdf wiring diagram. Should be good to do for installation of the pdc system now as an oem retrofit. Pretty excited.

Also shop sent picture of subframe, diff and bushings in. Looks pretty and new.

Pdc kit, power harness on right with each wire labeled. The power harness is only available if you buy the $400+ retrofit kit from.bmw. tjey really get you there. Makes it harder to piece it together from the junkyard or ebay.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2940/33195585120_604284895c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Szo3Wu)IMG_20170321_161156 (https://flic.kr/p/Szo3Wu) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3954/33578744215_123cf060a6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TaeQMM)IMG_20170321_174224774 (https://flic.kr/p/TaeQMM) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[BMWCurves]

Nice. I used to think PDC systems were for useless drivers but I've grown to really like mine. Perhaps I am now useless.

[ZHP_Brandon]

Make me a harness , I'll send a drone with some beer [emoji23][emoji1374].. that looks boss, nice job!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Nice. I used to think PDC systems were for useless drivers but I've grown to really like mine. Perhaps I am now useless.

I used to think that too a very long time ago, 'till I realized; I can drive my car on track at the limit without crashing, I obey every traffic law on the road (except the speed limit, cuz ain't nobody got time fo' dat), I can see an accident a mile away and avoid one at the last second if needed, and I can squeeze by cars on a very tight street without having to slow down. But, for the life of me, I can't come within 2 feet of a car that I'm parallel parking in front of or behind. No matter how hard I try, I still have a TON of space. When I feel like I'm about to hit the car, I get out and look, and there's at least a foot of space.

So then it hit me; PDC is for people like me. Considering the other things I can handle just fine, I'd say it's a fair tradeoff. :)

[anandoc]

But, for the life of me, I can't come within 2 feet of a car that I'm parallel parking in front of or behind. No matter how hard I try, I still have a TON of space.

Same here. That's when I ask my wife to get off the car and guide me :)

[nextelbuddy]

im just here for the Options

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17hoscf682vbsjpg/original.jpg

[nextelbuddy]

Finally got the last parts to finish the power Sunblind and rear PDC system. boy was that switch panel expensive ouch...

im glad i got the PDC strip instead of just drilling out the holes from my current bumper strip. the holes are nice and beveled and have holders built in for the sensors.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2924/33574229711_090f974af3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T9QGMv)IMG_20170328_123541 (https://flic.kr/p/T9QGMv) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3937/33662450826_7a65968443_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ThCRRd)IMG_20170328_123547 (https://flic.kr/p/ThCRRd) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr



https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3837/32889902993_479e11fcd7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S7nmhZ)IMG_20170328_123638 (https://flic.kr/p/S7nmhZ) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2877/33574230101_3fbce67355_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T9QGUe)IMG_20170328_123714 (https://flic.kr/p/T9QGUe) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[nextelbuddy]

more progress on the car.

suspension is on so ready to get to the alignment shop when we are all done. Surprisingly the M3 suspension up front with lower control arms and coil overs did not push the front wheels out much at all. in fact I added a 15mm spacer up front to see what would happen and I liked it so they will stay on and i put another 15mm set of spacers on the rear as well and will have the alignment shop adjust camber as much as they can in the rear for some tuck and may roll the fender once everything is settled.

M3 radiator is in and the oil cooler bolted right up to it. accessory pullies and belts are on Drive shaft, Diff are installed and connected.

things left are the exhaust, a few remaining wires to add and remove in the DME harness, figure out how to get the S54 Airbox to fit. the 330 XENON ballast and headlights are in the way, the M3 has different headlights and ballasts in on the shock tower to make room for the airbox so will need to do some cutting of the airbox for fitment.

I am really getting excited to start this thing up soon and hear how it sounds. crossing fingers for NO CEL lol we can only wish. looks like next week should be done but maybe by this saturday.... stay tuned.

really missing this car a lot.

my nissan altima DD got some sympathy cleaning tonight as well. gotta treat the DD right.

also the complete under carriage will be pressure washed and degreased once its all done as well.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3666/33327068630_b789cbc203_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SLZWpy)IMG_20170328_181938-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SLZWpy) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2821/33711232505_1b0c33e2d5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TmWSWD)IMG_20170328_181949-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TmWSWD) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2856/33327068720_06522759b5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SLZWr7)IMG_20170328_182449-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SLZWr7) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2933/33582040321_4cf907623b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TawJBc)IMG_20170328_182515_1-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TawJBc) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2896/33582040491_3d178743ef_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TawJE8)IMG_20170328_183118-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TawJE8) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2846/33582040561_06d91e5d63_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TawJFk)IMG_20170328_184115-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TawJFk) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[BMWCurves]

Steady progress! I'm sure you can't wait to have it all done and on the road.

[hcbeck2689]

Love the progress!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Vas]

Bet you are excited

[nextelbuddy]

heck yes, i cant wait for the exhaust to be completed and hear that S54 rumble out of the quads. thanks guys!

[san]

Almost there!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

doing more busy work to get the car all ready. looking like its just going to all come together as one complete car lol. Ill probably have to pass on wheels until next year. I got the seats refinished today and that was money planned when i got the seats but im cutting myself off now.. no more!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2948/33626004662_af7c667fcb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4F5)IMG_20170401_175014-01 (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4F5) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2828/33653143901_a1b507fb33_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TgPadZ)IMG_20170401_175130-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TgPadZ) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3955/33626004682_e48001e678_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4Fq)IMG_20170401_175043-01 (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4Fq) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3947/33741620626_bd3e3fd6a5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TpCCgL)IMG_20170401_175227-01-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TpCCgL) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2934/33626004962_b88b03e421_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4Lf)IMG_20170401_175216-01 (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4Lf) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[ELCID86]

Those look great!

[nextelbuddy]

Those look great!

dont they? very pleased with the results. it has a 2 year warranty but he says many customers are beyond the 2 years and have no complaints. im always realist so only time will tell lol

[az3579]

doing more busy work to get the car all ready. looking like its just going to all come together as one complete car lol. Ill probably have to pass on wheels until next year. I got the seats refinished today and that was money planned when i got the seats but im cutting myself off now.. no more!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2948/33626004662_af7c667fcb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4F5)IMG_20170401_175014-01 (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4F5) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2828/33653143901_a1b507fb33_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TgPadZ)IMG_20170401_175130-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TgPadZ) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3955/33626004682_e48001e678_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4Fq)IMG_20170401_175043-01 (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4Fq) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3947/33741620626_bd3e3fd6a5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TpCCgL)IMG_20170401_175227-01-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TpCCgL) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2934/33626004962_b88b03e421_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4Lf)IMG_20170401_175216-01 (https://flic.kr/p/Teq4Lf) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr


WOW. I've never seen refinished seats look SO good... they look like they came from a car with 10k miles.

[Lorenzo]

Beautiful condition seats. Looks spectacular!

[nextelbuddy]

WOW. I've never seen refinished seats look SO good... they look like they came from a car with 10k miles.

hes leaving tomorrow to go back and he jst happens to be passing by my house. I messaged him and asked him if he could stop by and blend the bottom seat cushion better because currently its darker than the rest of the seats. its hard to tell in the pictures maybe but I can see it. So he will be doing that tomorrow.

i'm thinking about buying a driver side lower seat cushion.. im kind of confused though on one thing..

i thought the only difference between coupe and sedan front seats were the rails obviously but then also the seat backs with the levers for letting passengers in the rear seats.

why so coupes and sedans have different PN for lower sport seat cushions?

I looked on ECS Tuning but when looking for 2003 330i e46, they dont even show a sport seat cushion for sale, only comfort... so i looked up coupes and found it.. but didnt want to ake a chance ordering that one so I i looked up on Realoem by my VIN and found the right part and its a different PN.


Coupe PN - 52108261013

Sedan PN - 52108214937

i really want that cushion but taking apart the seat is kind of putting me off from it.

[az3579]

i really want that cushion but taking apart the seat is kind of putting me off from it.

Precisely why I haven't done it yet. That, and I'm also waiting to have enough money to get new leather put on so I don't have a worn cushion causing premature wrinkling/cracking on the new leather. :)

[nextelbuddy]

Precisely why I haven't done it yet. That, and I'm also waiting to have enough money to get new leather put on so I don't have a worn cushion causing premature wrinkling/cracking on the new leather. :)

For some reason I have a feeling we should go ahead and get it soon before it magically goes in nla

[az3579]

For some reason I have a feeling we should go ahead and get it soon before it magically goes in nla
Just another thing to put in storage while I dream of new leather that might not materialize! lol

You should definitely buy it though.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

Took some time to tackle the silver pdc sensors. First had to get the old laint off. Tried laquer thinner which didn't work. Then used paint stripper in very light coats. Discovered that these sensors are metal aluminum, then painted with a black primer, then painted with automotive paint then clear coated. Thats quite a bit of layers.

I stripped the paint then used a 800-1000 grit foam sanding block to smooth everything out. Used a standard glossy acrylic black paint and installed the sensors in the new bumper strip.


https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2920/33786764646_fe8b33a7b6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TtC11W)IMG_20170403_204347 (https://flic.kr/p/TtC11W) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2819/33786763716_3636625612_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TtBZJU)IMG_20170403_204405 (https://flic.kr/p/TtBZJU) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3935/33786763466_a881e24bd7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TtBZEA)IMG_20170403_204331 (https://flic.kr/p/TtBZEA) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2819/33786763626_d58810b117_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TtBZHm)IMG_20170403_221733 (https://flic.kr/p/TtBZHm) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2829/33698591011_58508f94c7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TkQ64R)IMG_20170403_222706-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TkQ64R) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[az3579]

I'm curious about how you're going to do the wiring in the front. I've got everything laid out from the harness backwards, but the front part of the harness is just sitting there tucked under the passenger front carpet, unfinished. :(

I wanted to order the right connectors and everything but I have no idea how it attaches in the glovebox area, so I'm not sure what connector(s) to buy.

[nextelbuddy]

I'm curious about how you're going to do the wiring in the front. I've got everything laid out from the harness backwards, but the front part of the harness is just sitting there tucked under the passenger front carpet, unfinished. :(

I wanted to order the right connectors and everything but I have no idea how it attaches in the glovebox area, so I'm not sure what connector(s) to buy.

its very cool you were able to source the power harness. not many people get that with out getting the offcial retrofit kit from BMW. the power harness doesnt even have a part number and is only part of that kit. i read through your thread last night because I was bored and you were right, most people dont want to dig through the the main harness to get the wires from cars that had PDC from the factory. the wiring is integrated into the main harness so its much harder to get out and almost not worth it.



I made my own power harness with about 13-14 ft of wire and followed the PDF retrofit install guide that showed the pin out of the PDC box and the power harness and showed where each of the wires goes to in the GONG, fusebox and bus system.

i too didnt have the connectors because the retrofit guide doesnt tell you what the connectors are since it assumes yuo are using their retrofit kit harness that already has the connectors. I purchased a bunch of nice T taps from amazon but then i read Terras retrofit PDC thread and he conveniently showed the part numbers for each of the connectors. I looked them up one by one and ordered only the ones I needed

Here is the official retrofit PDF i found online and I updated it on page 3 with the parts list for the individual connectors for all connectors.

disregard where I mark needed or already have. the ones I said already have is because the junk yard I got my stuff from gave me the gong and the pigtails for the gong and PDC box power harness so I had those ends already for connectors.

the ones that go to the fusebox directly and the bus system are the ones i said i needed and most likely what you need as well but once you look at the diagram thats marked you will see pretty easily what is what.

Here is a pic from page 3 and below that a link to the PDF.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2919/33706069701_232969ef8f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TmuqdM)PDC retrofit Diagram (https://flic.kr/p/TmuqdM) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_N4bT1QV9wcWjFKdW8wcm85Y0k

[nextelbuddy]

Today decided to test the rear sunshade to make sure it actually worked. Just used a drill battery and switched polarity to make it to up and down. Took a video too.

Also went ahead and used fabric spray to change from purple back to black.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW4CumpvTaw

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2882/33032000513_2033769729_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SjVCWe)IMG_20170404_184237 (https://flic.kr/p/SjVCWe) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2838/33032000643_0fa0d257ff_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SjVCYt)IMG_20170404_190344-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SjVCYt) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3840/33804356976_836ff2c26b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TvbaAY)IMG_20170404_190353 (https://flic.kr/p/TvbaAY) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[danewilson77]

Today decided to test the rear sunshade to make sure it actually worked. Just used a drill battery and switched polarity to make it to up and down. Took a video too.

Also went ahead and used fabric spray to change from purple back to black.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW4CumpvTaw

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2882/33032000513_2033769729_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SjVCWe)IMG_20170404_184237 (https://flic.kr/p/SjVCWe) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2838/33032000643_0fa0d257ff_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SjVCYt)IMG_20170404_190344-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SjVCYt) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3840/33804356976_836ff2c26b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TvbaAY)IMG_20170404_190353 (https://flic.kr/p/TvbaAY) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
You win.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+

[Vas]

How much were the speaker cover bits?

[nextelbuddy]

You win.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+


No sir you do :) free membership? jk


How much were the speaker cover bits?


when I ordered the sunshade, it came with the rear deck and it already had the HK covers on it. i didnt realize they were actually in good condition until i saw mine the other day and how faded and worn the were.

[BMWCurves]

Dope doggo.

[ZHPizza]

Damn that thing is smooth! Is that the normal speed or is it moving a little faster on the 18v battery than it would on the 12-14v in the car?

[nextelbuddy]

Damn that thing is smooth! Is that the normal speed or is it moving a little faster on the 18v battery than it would on the 12-14v in the car?

i would say its probably close to real speed. from various youtube videos (most are old and potato quality) it looks to be around the same speed as theirs.

though it would be funny if its like the power wheel mod that some parents do for their kids and throw in larger power batteries in the power wheels to make them faster for the kids :shift

[nextelbuddy]

installed my choice for badging for now. Also the shop completed the custom quad exhaust. this was such a pain. Ive seen pictures from E46 fanatics where another person with this same diffuser did it their way and I thought it was ok but we decided to go another route. they brought the passenger side portion around the spare tire well and some of the piping hung a little low and was hugging the spare tire well.

When we did mine, decided to bring the passenger side piping under neat the rear bumper support to save on some space. its actually pretty dang neat how it turned out. the mid section is being done tomorrow to incorporate a muffler so that it doesnt drone on the highway.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2817/34006357975_a89070b9ea_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TP2tsP)IMG_20170411_182118-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TP2tsP) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3939/33620747220_330d90d069_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TdX7Pw)IMG_20170411_182103-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TdX7Pw) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

This piece is the passenger side, it runs under the bumper re bar and will connect to ONE bank of the mid pipe, the driver side will just directly output to the 2nd bank of the mid pipe.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2846/33620630600_2e8b1fbd8d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TdWw9Q)IMG_20170412_185725 (https://flic.kr/p/TdWw9Q) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2879/33620630090_ea3322c8fe_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TdWw13)IMG_20170412_215455772-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TdWw13) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[Sockethead]

Interesting.... Can you get some under belly pics when it's in place?

[nextelbuddy]

Interesting.... Can you get some under belly pics when it's in place?

I will take a picture of all 3 sections so you can see the header, mid and then 3rd rear section.

i know the passenger side looks funky coming in from the top but I'm not too terribly worried about it. i think its a very trick solution to solving a space issue to accommodate quad exhaust with out having to have exhaust piping hanging low, denting or cutting the spare tire well or cutting the bumper/diffuser.

Plus the other side will be perfectly 100% smooth with exhaust transition.


I'm also very happy with the fitment of the tips, and the depth they are at.

[nextelbuddy]

Installed the rear Sunshade today and wired up the new switch console. Pretty cool how it's just two wires and the fuse box already haa the proper fuse in the proper slot as well.

Its definitely slower in the car off 12 volts then when i tested it with an 18v drill battery lol

It's very smooth and seamless snd gives the car a much more elegant feel.

I have a second and third rear power sunshade for sedan and coupe and the proper switch panel for each i sourced. Will be posting it for sale soon.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2isMJhPWow


Also got a pair of new tires for the rear, had to go with a slight stretch for fitment purposes but the 19inch style 67 are really beautiful on a sedan.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2820/34090563356_35763418f4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TWt3MJ)IMG_20170415_210810-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TWt3MJ) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3934/34000650731_c166a416cc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TNwdU4)IMG_20170415_210820-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TNwdU4) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[hcbeck2689]

Well that looks like a right fit! They definitely make it look ///Mmm mmm good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slater]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2820/34090563356_35763418f4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TWt3MJ)


daaaang that looks good.... 19s really look nice, but i'd be terrified of bending them. curious to hear if you rub in the rear with those - are your fenders rolled?

[BMWCurves]

Daaaayum. That sunshade's cool!

I'm now interested in the coupe one for no good reason.

[nextelbuddy]

The fenders are not rolled yet but they will be by the time the car is done. The 235 series tires on the 9.5 inch whe definitely help though.

[704sw]

Daaaayum. That sunshade's cool!

I'm now interested in the coupe one for no good reason.
It's pretty great, actually. It's nice not having to climb in the back everyday at work to pop up a manual shade.


The fenders are not rolled yet but they will be by the time the car is done. The 235 series tires on the 9.5 inch whe definitely help though.
Dang man, this project looks phenomenal.

[nextelbuddy]

Daaaayum. That sunshade's cool!

I'm now interested in the coupe one for no good reason.


It's pretty great, actually. It's nice not having to climb in the back everyday at work to pop up a manual shade.


Dang man, this project looks phenomenal.

It's the little things fellas :)

[san]

Looks great!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slater]

The fenders are not rolled yet but they will be by the time the car is done. The 235 series tires on the 9.5 inch whe definitely help though.

are you concerned about traction issues with the 235s? :)

[nextelbuddy]

are you concerned about traction issues with the 235s? :)

no, im the guy you all love to hate. building car for reasons other than tracking it or driving it hard lol. I dont drive hard, i dont race, I just like driving a car that looks nice, and know that the power is there if I need it (in theory with proper traction :))

[slater]

no, im the guy you all love to hate. building car for reasons other than tracking it or driving it hard lol. I dont drive hard, i dont race, I just like driving a car that looks nice, and know that the power is there if I need it (in theory with proper traction :))

so, then... i have to ask... why the heck did you bother with an S54 swap? all of that power is up top... you'll never get to it if you don't give it the beans.

i don't hate you. that's not in my nature. i just don't understand you. :)

[nextelbuddy]

so, then... i have to ask... why the heck did you bother with an S54 swap? all of that power is up top... you'll never get to it if you don't give it the beans.

i don't hate you. that's not in my nature. i just don't understand you. :)

I just like to do things, keeps me occupied.

i just bought 2 rear power sunblinds, parts for a Sedan PDC kit and going to build a power wire harness for it like I did for mine, just bought sedan ribbon mirrors and a set of M3 mirrors to retrofit them as well.

will list them all for sale soon but i just like to work on things or do projects.

Just because I dont have 265s out back doesnt mean the car wont be fast with an S54 and with the right driving and feathering.. wheel spin can be minimized as well out of the gate.

in the end, my car I wanted to be a car that wasnt built from the factory and had tons of options and parts that made it more rare than other models even though i know elitist will still say:

- the VIN doesnt say WBS so it will never be a real M
- the car didnt come with NaturBraun interior, PDC, Sunblind from the factory etc so its not worth or any more rare since its unofficial....

[slater]

I just like to do things, keeps me occupied.

i just bought 2 rear power sunblinds, parts for a Sedan PDC kit and going to build a power wire harness for it like I did for mine, just bought sedan ribbon mirrors and a set of M3 mirrors to retrofit them as well.

will list them all for sale soon but i just like to work on things or do projects.

Just because I dont have 265s out back doesnt mean the car wont be fast with an S54 and with the right driving and feathering.. wheel spin can be minimized as well out of the gate.

in the end, my car I wanted to be a car that wasnt built from the factory and had tons of options and parts that made it more rare than other models even though i know elitist will still say:

- the VIN doesnt say WBS so it will never be a real M
- the car didnt come with NaturBraun interior, PDC, Sunblind from the factory etc so its not worth or any more rare since its unofficial....

i'm just giving you a hard time, man. :) you can do whatever you want with your car, who cares what others think - that's how i always approach my cars. :)

and hey, if you need some stuff to keep you busy... i have a backlog over here. happy to put you to work. ;) :cheers

[nextelbuddy]

i'm just giving you a hard time, man. :) you can do whatever you want with your car, who cares what others think - that's how i always approach my cars. :)

and hey, if you need some stuff to keep you busy... i have a backlog over here. happy to put you to work. ;) :cheers

I know man :) if I lived closer i'd definitely be over to help out lol.

[BMWCurves]

i know elitist will still say:

- the VIN doesnt say WBS so it will never be a real M
- the car didnt come with NaturBraun interior, PDC, Sunblind from the factory etc so its not worth or any more rare since its unofficial....

Well they can shove it. Almost any E46 M3 is drool worthy to me. It's a shame BMW never made one from the factory.

[ZHPizza]

no, im the guy you all love to hate. building car for reasons other than tracking it or driving it hard lol. I dont drive hard, i dont race, I just like driving a car that looks nice, and know that the power is there if I need it (in theory with proper traction :))

I can appreciate that. I went with 235's as well and am perfectly happy with them. My driving is mostly relaxed with some instances of "spirited" mixed in. I'm not about endangering others, so I figure if I ever reach a point where I don't have enough grip, it will be on the track and I should invest in a set of track tires anyway.

[nextelbuddy]

I sourced an M3 AUX fan.. since I wanted to run the S54 mechanical fan.. surprised it bolts right up to the core support and plugs right into the e46 body harness and the pins math up as well. PnP


also the coolant reservoir brackets are very different in M3s i guess some people probably zip tie or fabricate new custom brackets but I wanted OEM so I went to another M3 shell and cut out the panel that had the brackets and had them welded to the wheel well in the proper place. just need to repaint the brackets and welds red to match the engine bay.



https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2870/33413012474_c2e90639e2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SUAqvY)IMG_20170424_194908-01 (https://flic.kr/p/SUAqvY) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2941/34097336832_f6373e1c08_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TX4LiN)IMG_20170414_190933-01 (https://flic.kr/p/TX4LiN) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[ZHPizza]

Love the angle grinder selfie with hot sparking action

[nextelbuddy]

Love the angle grinder selfie with hot sparking action

i had forgot to get pics of the brackets installed, went back the other day to get some. Also sold silver cube trim and installed Black cube trim.

I got the trim from a Euro recycler and the trim was only $94 and was in good condition, no broken tabs etc.. BUT the shifter surround is slightly different than the US version or maybe its a pre LCI vs LCI thing...the driver side window switch hole was smaller than mine, it came with its own switches which is fine but mine would not fit because mine has a 3rd button for Locking the windows... the euro one just has 2 buttons for front and rear window function but no lock button. it still plugs in and works fine. I flipped the shifter surround and under neath it DOES give the outline to cut it out longer so ill have to do that later with a dremel and steady hands lol.


Wiring is complete, ill have an updated list of the wires that need to be done 100%. I want to make an actual S54 into ZHP thread that details a list of parts required, parts that would be nice but arent completely necessary and can be worked around etc... and little things like some misinformation on things like the fuel pump relay... several threads on e46 fanatics mention that you HAVE to use the E46 m3 S54 fuel pump relay which is located near the trunk area.. well i made sure to grab it but when I went to install it into my fuel pump relay location which is behind the fuse box.. it would not fix.. the pins didnt line up with the receptacle etc... after going after wiring in the TIS for BMW, it seems the fuel pump in both cars is connected the the BUS system...

we are going for an engine start either today or tomorrow to check for wiring and fault codes etc and once that is fleshed out, we can complete the welds on the exhaust..currently everything is tacked together for fitment checking etc...

Right now exhaust is stock S54 manifolds with cats, S54 midpipe with factory resonators, NO mufflers... just straight pipe to the quad tips.. i am pretty sure i am not going to like it, it will be too raspy and too loud for my tastes but i want to get the car running and complete then redo the exhaust later.

ordered and installed some AKG FCAB for M3 control arms, very solid lol at this point i dont think there are any more bushings I can replace...

FCAB - AKG Solid
RTAB - AKG Aspherical
Subframe - AKG
Diff - AKG


here are some pictures of the M3 reservoir brackets welded into the sheet metal as well as some black cube trim pics. and the center console back together with the nicely fully loaded option switch bar.

with the black cube and NB seats, car is starting to look eerily similar to someone elses car on here :ninja


Also got the PDC completely wired in and installed along with the sunblind stuff too. ill be adding some info to the existing PDC thread from Terra regarding wiring i found out. Will code PDC once the car is up and running.


https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2825/33459141474_25f1186e9d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SYER4y)IMG_20170425_210543 (https://flic.kr/p/SYER4y) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2829/34300892885_d7b3914094_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ug43qV)IMG_20170425_210507 (https://flic.kr/p/Ug43qV) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4159/33459142064_9731aea557_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SYEReJ)IMG_20170426_145016 (https://flic.kr/p/SYEReJ) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2850/34300893065_034a48845e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ug43u2)IMG_20170425_211614 (https://flic.kr/p/Ug43u2) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2852/33490703713_d9322586d4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T2sBq6)IMG_20170424_193241 (https://flic.kr/p/T2sBq6) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[BMWCurves]

Nice progress! Must be exciting to turn the engine over today/tomorrow.

The center console trim you have is probably for a coupe. Coupes don't have the window locking button that sedans do. Verts also have a different control switch for all up/down for windows. Not sure if their console trim is unique or is sized like a coupe or sedan.

[nextelbuddy]

Nice progress! Must be exciting to turn the engine over today/tomorrow.

The center console trim you have is probably for a coupe. Coupes don't have the window locking button that sedans do. Verts also have a different control switch for all up/down for windows. Not sure if their console trim is unique or is sized like a coupe or sedan.

interesting, the trim set was marked as from sedan and had all the pieces including 4 doors but i guess its possible that a coupe shifter trim piece was substituted. in any event its fine and can focus on enlarging the button switch hole larger later.

it is exciting for sure! cant wait to finally drive it. im crossing fingers its ready by Saturday and can be washed and cleaned for a new photo shoot.

[nextelbuddy]

Engine start was yesterday, fired up first time and held idle. pretty excited, just have a very short low quality facebook video that was sent to me. ill get better ones when im there today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS1uaWsxcFE

[Stigissimo]

Uhm, how the hell was I not subbed to this. Just unreal. I love me an S54 swap.

Looks fantastic and I can't imagine it would drive anything less than spectacularly.

Really jealous :)

[Sockethead]

Awesome! It must be hard to contain your excitement!

[Cadeez]

I love this thread... I wish I lived closer so I could see this warlock in person! Super cool build man, nicely done. How much longer until it is completely tied up and, well...complete? Haha

[nextelbuddy]

im hoping tomorrow. im going after work today to get some good video footage of it running and some updated pictures.

As of 3 days ago, the engine needed exhaust to be all welded up (it was all tacked together), the fenders needed to be rolled, and it needed an alignment and some finishing touches on the M3 stock airbox fitment (it doesnt fit with E46 Bixenon headlights.. M3 have ballasts on the shock towers instead of mounted on bottom of our headlights. so the M3 snorkel cant fit properly with out some creativing cutting and dremeling.)

[Cadeez]

Just one thing after another... So close to the finish line though, must feel good.

[nextelbuddy]

Just one thing after another... So close to the finish line though, must feel good.

exactly.. initially you think some things are going to be quick and easy and they end up not lol,

the stock S54 airbox would not fit at all because the headlight depth of Non M headlights is way off AND ballasts are mounted on bottom of the headlights compared to M3 which are on the shock tower. had to do a lot of test fitting, cutting test fitting cutting etc.. until i got proper fitment of the airbox.

got the entire engine bay buttoned up last night. no time left to get to the exhaust welding so hoping for monday.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4179/33521498704_2f55359368_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T5brGd)IMG_20170429_225356-01 (https://flic.kr/p/T5brGd) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2888/33552940733_fc6e217a3c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T7XAja)IMG_20170429_234750-01 (https://flic.kr/p/T7XAja) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[Cadeez]

Why didn't you go for some type of CAI solution instead? I assume you were trying to keep it OEM, which I get. However technically it will never be truly OEM since this is an S54 engine swap, so I might've opted for a nice CAI kit. Looks great in there though!

[hcbeck2689]

Why didn't you go for some type of CAI solution instead? I assume you were trying to keep it OEM, which I get. However technically it will never be truly OEM since this is an S54 engine swap, so I might've opted for a nice CAI kit. Looks great in there though!

Could be bc a lot of people have issues with cai on the s54 throwing codes and maf issues.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

Why didn't you go for some type of CAI solution instead? I assume you were trying to keep it OEM, which I get. However technically it will never be truly OEM since this is an S54 engine swap, so I might've opted for a nice CAI kit. Looks great in there though!

the airbox is what I had to go with and it wasnt something i wanted to spend money on when I had other things in the pipeline. ill get a CAI at some point but was pretty content with just the OEM setup. the M3 engine bay is shaped no differently than the E46 NON M and other than the passenger side sheetmetal that has 2 brackets for the overflow tank (which we replicated with factory OEM brackets anyways) so id say my engine bay is as close to OEm as you can get with out having WBS stamped in the shock tower.


so Exhaust is DONE and I have to say I Love it. looks great, fitment is spot on, they spent a lot of time getting it right. I initially said I was just finer with cutting and welding or beating in some areas of the rear floor pan spare tire well to make room but they refused to modify sheet metal and im glad i listened to them.
we have to figure out whats causing a rough idle.. if its MAF sensor, fuel pump relay or a vacuum leak somewhere.

since im running the M3 rear end and brakes and trailing arms, my ABS sensor and the m3 one both dont work. Mine has the proper plug for the body harness BUT the magnetic pickup is different.. and for the M3 sensor the magnetic pick up is fine but the plug is wrong. come to find out that we need to source an ABS sensor from an Automatic NON M E46 that has the correct mag pickup and plug so tomorrow off to the junk yard.

rear fenders are rolled, only had minor paint chipping on the INNER fender lip not on the outside so will be touching that up asap to prevent any rust on the sheet metal.

final adjustment on the complete suspension and then off to the alignment shop as well.

im crossing fingers that its all ready to go by end of the week pending no weird bugs.

the exhaust sounds really good too, has a nice tone.. .initially it was jujst straight pipe with 1 resonator and thats it... WAY too angry bees sounding so i requested a muffler be installed in the midpipe section and it fit like a glove.

I got a full length picture of the under carriage as well as some pieces of the amazing rear quad exhaust section. genius how he routed the passenger side tip and piping behind the bumper cover (yes it is wrapped with exhaust wrap and proper clamps.)

I love the stance of the car with that quad setup and the 19s.. it looks really good

i cant wait for a proper test drive, wash and photoshoot!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4171/34260266162_d469f73329_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UcsPwb)Under Carriage S54 ZHP (https://flic.kr/p/UcsPwb) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4175/34260343062_80e9222799_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdo3)2017-05-02 07.29.15 1 (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdo3) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4156/34034678690_f32d0c006e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TRwCe1)2017-05-02 09.54.50 1 (https://flic.kr/p/TRwCe1) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4173/34260342552_548915b534_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdef)2017-05-02 09.54.51 1 (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdef) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4179/34260342682_bf105decba_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdgu)2017-05-02 09.53.51 1 (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdgu) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4168/34419607345_c60651ec0f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Urxu6X)2017-05-02 09.53.53 1 (https://flic.kr/p/Urxu6X) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4182/34260342592_043b0a7674_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UctdeW)2017-05-02 09.53.52 1 (https://flic.kr/p/UctdeW) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2846/34260342902_c3fa435a2c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdkh)2017-05-02 09.53.49 1 (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdkh) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2848/34260342792_89017bf5b5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdio)2017-05-02 09.53.50 1 (https://flic.kr/p/Uctdio) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[BMWCurves]

http://i.imgur.com/s9Euegt.gif

[nextelbuddy]

http://i.imgur.com/s9Euegt.gif

thanks man, its been a long time comin. started with buying the parts car back in November 2016 lol, started the actual swap in Feb 2017 and now its all almost finished. its soo soo close I can feel it.

[Cadeez]

the airbox is what I had to go with and it wasnt something i wanted to spend money on when I had other things in the pipeline. ill get a CAI at some point but was pretty content with just the OEM setup. the M3 engine bay is shaped no differently than the E46 NON M and other than the passenger side sheetmetal that has 2 brackets for the overflow tank (which we replicated with factory OEM brackets anyways) so id say my engine bay is as close to OEm as you can get with out having WBS stamped in the shock tower.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't knocking anything about the build or what the desired outcome was for you. I was simply stating that a CAI may have been easier than putting what seems to be quite a bit of work in just to fit the airbox. At that point I may have just opted for an easy route. But again, at that point you were probably thinking this should be the last hurdle, no need to cut corners now!

Regardless, car looks seriously awesome man, legit M3 status. And that exhaust fab work is dyno-mite! Ass end of that thing looks wicked stout.

[san]

Looks great!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

Outstanding! Almost worthy of the M3 badge on the trunk. I'm sure many will be doing a double take

[nextelbuddy]

Exhaust clip, can't wait to hear this thing WOT on the highway.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqgcPLrk3WA

[san]

Exhaust clip, can't wait to hear this thing WOT on the highway.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqgcPLrk3WA

Is it on stock headers? Sounds good...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Person 1: Man, that does not sound like an S54
Person 2: That sounds like an exotic car

http://i.imgur.com/ev3sEC4.gif

[nextelbuddy]

Is it on stock headers? Sounds good...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes sir, stock S54 header, X pipe muffler in place of the midpipe, stock resonator and then the tips out back


we tried it with no muffler and I couldn't take it. it was just too much. like a whole bee colony coming after me, I had to have a muffler somewhere in the system. its a LITTLE raspy but im the first person to tall anyone that i actually like the rasp. its how I have always associated the S54 when I heard it.




http://i.imgur.com/ev3sEC4.gif

lol it definitely doesnt sound like a stock S54 and I truly love the sound it has. its even better with a slight load on the road.

[Sockethead]

I can't listen to the clip because I'm at work but I'm with ya on the rasp. My M54 with headers and the stock ZHP exhaust is pretty raspy and I like it

[hcbeck2689]

Sounds great. I personally don't like the rasp much but mainly dislike the high pitch sound rasp. This sounds much better than my dads dinan muffler which has that empty coke can sound


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ZHP_Brandon]

332i Perhaps? I THINK SO ! Looks great, happy to see a great build come to life


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

Didn't listen to clip but def good stuff

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Cadeez]

Sounds just like it should :thumbup :applause :roundel

[nextelbuddy]

just picked up a set of these tonight locally so we can get to the alignment shop tomorrow. We rolled and pulled the fenders as much as we could with out going too crazy and it still rubs with a load in the trunk and over bumps slightly so these will help giet a tad more negative camber than the -2 max of the stock ones and we will raise just a hair as well.

https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?gclid=Cj0KEQjwoqvIBRD6ls6og8qB77YBE iQAcqqHe2ZFP1IAiy4AEs8o-6C80vUI8Xg3wgh_P7QcPwDUlUkaAsG68P8HAQ&make=SPC&model=BMW%20Rear%20Lower%20Control%20Arm&partnum=SPC72110&GCID=C13674x012-suspension&KEYWORD=suspension_SPC_BMW_Rear_Lower_Control_Arm&code=yes&group=BMW%20Rear%20Lower%20Control%20Arm&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=Z4%203.0I&autoYear=2005&autoModClar=&checkVehicle=&src=17540115&ci_sku=SPC72110&ci_src=17588969&ef_id=V5q1UQAAAQagaRQk%3A20170505015735%3As
https://www.tirerack.com/images/product_images/suspension/spc/by_part_number/SPC72110_600px.jpg

[Sockethead]

How did you guys pull the fenders?

[nextelbuddy]

first we removed all the seam sealer where we were rolling. then used one of these to roll the folded lip/crease

http://www.eastwood.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/p/3/p31158_1.jpg






then when we maxed that out with a heat gun and rolling/pulling as much as we could.. i resorted to the phone book method where i stacked a phone book, heated the fenders to 150 degrees and gently lowered the fender on the phone book laid on top of the tire.. then jumped on the passenger door area to bounce it lol.

it helped a smidge more but just not enough. i dont want to pull the fenders so much they get wavy and warped/ugly.

hopefully these camber arms will allow more than -2 degrees of camber so that we can tilt/pivot the top of the wheel in more to help clear more.

[Sockethead]

negative camber will definitely do it but your tires are going to hate you...

[nextelbuddy]

negative camber will definitely do it but your tires are going to hate you...

possibly but I believe if the TOE is set accurately and i dont do any crazy burnouts or aggressive driving, then it should be ok. considering the car probably will see less than 6000 miles a year lol


it will have to do until I get a pair of m3 rear fenders to weld on

[Sockethead]

possibly but I believe if the TOE is set accurately and i dont do any crazy burnouts or aggressive driving, then it should be ok.


Dude, you just put an S54 in you car....I don't think you'll be driving like grandma :)

[slater]

Dude, you just put an S54 in you car....I don't think you'll be driving like grandma :)

actually, i think he did admit to be our Resident Grandma...

[Cadeez]

Dude, you just put an S54 in you car....I don't think you'll be driving like grandma :)

This ^^ :rockon

[nextelbuddy]

Ok major update car is out of the shop and back home in the stable.

So happy to report that the S54 ZHP is up and running like a champ. been driving it since Sunday and I have to say this car is a dream to drive. I had no idea an S54 + 3.62 would be this much faster and quicker than my M54 3.07 setup which i thought was quick and good enough before.

The exhaust is my favorite part, it just sounds so damn good that I went for an hour drive today literally just cruising and enjoying the car and exhaust tone.
Had a little photo shoot yesterday as well for her inauguration.

I never separated the transmission and engine so i have no idea what clutch/flywheel combo is in here but what I can say that it is definitely not stock. it grabs too touchy, too quick and feels too good to be a stock clutch and definitely doesnt feel like it has 138k miles on it. Makes me wonder what other goodies are in engine since we only did rod bearings replacement and never looked at cams, pistons etc... the engine feels super peppy, no valve train noise or ticking, no smoke or oil leaks..

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4173/34552963045_6ba0052a7a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UDjY7a)2017-05-09_0010 (https://flic.kr/p/UDjY7a) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4192/34552963865_9a25aa0308_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYmi)2017-05-09_0001 (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYmi) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4192/34391927552_84346b5bf1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Up6BS9)2017-05-09_0002 (https://flic.kr/p/Up6BS9) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr


https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4191/34167222140_942de77aa5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/U4eWLU)2017-05-09_0003 (https://flic.kr/p/U4eWLU) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4192/34391927382_40206e4f05_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Up6BPd)2017-05-09_0004 (https://flic.kr/p/Up6BPd) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4163/34167222060_744d6b7786_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/U4eWKw)2017-05-09_0005 (https://flic.kr/p/U4eWKw) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4185/34552963515_bda54405ec_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYfg)2017-05-09_0006 (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYfg) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4164/34391927212_2c5b88755c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Up6BLh)2017-05-09_0007 (https://flic.kr/p/Up6BLh) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4165/34552963225_d137fd65fc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYag)2017-05-09_0008 (https://flic.kr/p/UDjYag) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4175/34391927072_d578bc6e86_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Up6BHS)2017-05-09_0009 (https://flic.kr/p/Up6BHS) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr



Also some exhaust clips. sorry its the same clip just different time stamps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqgcPLrk3WA

https://youtu.be/OTp7vk5QW0M?t=25s

https://youtu.be/OTp7vk5QW0M?t=1m27s

https://youtu.be/OTp7vk5QW0M?t=2m31s

[BMWCurves]

Awesome.

[san]

+1




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slater]

shawn, lovely pics - thanks for sharing. your car looks - well, pretty dang good!! :) loving the ambers and M3 mirrors.

how do you do that mirror-image thing in your photos?

[nextelbuddy]

shawn, lovely pics - thanks for sharing. your car looks - well, pretty dang good!! :) loving the ambers and M3 mirrors.

how do you do that mirror-image thing in your photos?

any time i have an image that could benefit from symmetry I do that.

i use photoshop and carefully duplicate my image layer then mirror it and use masks to mask in only the parts i want. the key is to make sure the image is completely level and at the proper angle first and even if its off a bit, I use a 50% opacity on the mirrored layer so i can click and drag the layer over the previous one and line up parts like the car.


i really want LED Tails but i want them in AMBER lol

[Cadeez]

Gorgeous car man...it really looks great! :drool And the fact that it's all up and running well must make you pretty happy. Loving the sound clips too!

[nextelbuddy]

Gorgeous car man...it really looks great! :drool And the fact that it's all up and running well must make you pretty happy. Loving the sound clips too!

thanks man, dude i had the biggest smile on my face yesterday. i was on my way home from the shop after paying my final balance (no wasnt happy about that lol) but instead of going home.. i said why the hell not and just kept driving and did a huge 50 mile loop around my area and just turned on some good drum and bass. its been a long time real long since i've had a smile on my face from just driving.

[Sockethead]

Congrats on a job well done! I'm sure you won't be listening to the radio any time soon ;)

[Cadeez]

thanks man, dude i had the biggest smile on my face yesterday. i was on my way home from the shop after paying my final balance (no wasnt happy about that lol) but instead of going home.. i said why the hell not and just kept driving and did a huge 50 mile loop around my area and just turned on some good drum and bass. its been a long time real long since i've had a smile on my face from just driving.

I bet!! I went for a couple drives this weekend myself, and all I did was a wash/wax it, and I was smiling all the way haha! I can't imagine what it must be like to drive that S54 warlock! Probably feels like a brand new M3 with all of the new suspension and other parts you installed throughout the entire build. Just wait until you start taking it to shows and meets, it's gonna be the belle of the ball!

[holyc0w]

:like

How much camber did you end up with?

[anandoc]

What an awesome car and amazing pictures! I can only imagine how you must feel every time you go for a drive and hear that sweet exhaust.