The Scarlett Thread, part Deux.... Wisco's project and maintenance thread

[Wisco]

Most of you are very familiar with the service history of this beautiful car, so I thought I'd continue. On NoVA's request, this is a new thread but the original can be found here:

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?13565-The-Scarlett-Thread-Daniel-NoVAphotog-s-Project-and-Maintenance-Thread

The first thing to note is that I'm not a constant modder. I like to drive more than I like to maintain and I don't generally change things to personalize my car to the Nth degree. I do however like a car that has all it's PM to date and can be trusted to provide the drive that pulled me into BMW ownership... now totalling three: 2 e46 ZHP and 1 e90.

The first item of maintenance is the simplest DIY in the book. Let's see if this Mann "pollen filter" helps keep allergens out of car any better than the standard BMW filter.

7.27.2017 - 89,995 - Wisco DIY - Cabin Air Filter change

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7.28.2017 - 89,995 - Wisco DIY - Install Bimmian Aluminum Mounting Plant Mobile Dash Mount and Sturdy Device Holder with With Wings

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[anandoc]

Awesome stuff. I haven't changed the cabin air filter on mine forever!

[Skelkar116]

Good start! We forget too often the importance of filters.

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[johnrando]

Good stuff

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[BMWCurves]

Always good to have a project/maintenance thread.

[ELCID86]

I didn't know Bimmian made a plant holder! ;-)

[Oli77]

Nice thread title, and awesome car.

[Vas]

Subscribed to this thread.

Glad to hear you like to drive your cars. More miles = more smiles.

Cars do not like to sit around.

[ELCID86]

Subscribed to this thread.

Glad to hear you like to drive your cars. More miles = more smiles.

Cars do not like to sit around.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170801/98f64d88cde2500e9efc32fa0eb5eab4.gif

[Wisco]

Subscribed to this thread.

Glad to hear you like to drive your cars. More miles = more smiles.

Cars do not like to sit around.

After a long back and forth discussion, Mrs. Wisco and I came to the agreement that it's time for the 2007 (126,xxx miles) black e90 sedan to go. Scarlett is now going to become "a well maintained DD" like the black e90 has been for many years.

Next up this Fall is sourcing some winter wheels/tires.. probably something basic in a 17 inch size. Fashion is secondary at 10F.

I might also install the cold weather version of PCV (oil separator), maybe at the Reunion at Dane's place? Anyone else second this recommendation for northern climate winter operation?

[fredo]

Good decision, sir. After I bought my ZHP I decided to sell my 2006 330i e90. It went to my father in-law, so it continues to be in the family.

[anandoc]

I might also install the cold weather version of PCV (oil separator). Anyone else second this recommendation for northern climate winter operation?

The CCV in general has a crappy design, cold weather version or not. Now having said that, I got the cold weather version CCV installed in 2014 when I got my car and haven't had any issues so far <fingers crossed, knock on wood etc>. You gotta make sure that you avoid short trips in the winters - that allows for 'mayo' to accumulate in your CCV and it goes 'kaboom'.

If only Slater could hurry up and install the GAS CCV replacement and post his review...

[Vas]

After a long back and forth discussion, Mrs. Wisco and I came to the agreement that it's time for the 2007 (126,xxx miles) black e90 sedan to go. Scarlett is now going to become "a well maintained DD" like the black e90 has been for many years.

Next up this Fall is sourcing some winter wheels/tires.. probably something basic in a 17 inch size. Fashion is secondary at 10F.

I might also install the cold weather version of PCV (oil separator), maybe at the Reunion at Dane's place? Anyone else second this recommendation for northern climate winter operation?Glad to hear.

A zhp does make a nice daily driver. And with a proper winter wheel and tire set-up, you won't have any problems. Plus you have the lsd as well.

As far as the ccv, the cold weather is a good option or the new g.a.s option depending on the reviews.

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[Wisco]

Glad to hear.

A zhp does make a nice daily driver. And with a proper winter wheel and tire set-up, you won't have any problems. Plus you have the lsd as well.

As far as the ccv, the cold weather is a good option or the new g.a.s option depending on the reviews.

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I read over the G.A.S. website and their concept looks very promising in creating a design that fixes the issue instead of just putting foam insulation on the less than optimal design.

I'll wait for the review from the testers, but if they look good I might be bring this to the Reunion at Dane's place in October to get some help to install given my current feeble DIY skills.

[Vas]

Scarlett and my car when they first met

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170818/34cce401687518aec87cdd4cd4d80dbe.jpg

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[johnrando]

:like

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[ELCID86]

Three's company.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170824/4e8fb5117f647802fd88e6021757233d.jpg

[Vas]

Good times.

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[Oli77]

Coma knock on my door...

[johnrando]

#iseewhatyoudidthere

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[Wisco]

Been traveling a lot for work and forgot to put Scarlett on the drip charger when overseas for 12 days... and she didn't start. Full overnight charge and we're all good again.

Installed the basic Tire Rack 16 inch winter wheels with Michelin XIce tires. Today I braved the 45F temps for probably the last hand wash until next Spring. Drove our middle child to and from Minneapolis for a college visit and Scarlett was filthy from 400+ miles of snow/rain.


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[Vas]

Great to her she is getting driven

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[Wisco]

Great to her she is getting driven

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I had originally planned to keep her as a weekend/fun car, but she is so much fun and in such good shape that she deserves "posh daily driver" status. Still loving the roar of the TSE3 exhaust when you push the RPM in 3rd or 4th gear!


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[fredo]

Pardon my ignorance. What's the yellow thing under the tire ? Looks too small for a tire bumper.

[Vas]

Pardon my ignorance. What's the yellow thing under the tire ? Looks too small for a tire bumper.It's a hose guide. So your water hose doesn't get jammed under the tire when walking around the car

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[fredo]

Never seen one before. Thank you.

[Vas]

Never seen one before. Thank you.

They are pretty handy

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exterior/carwashing/adam-s-hose-slide.html

[san]

They are pretty handy

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exterior/carwashing/adam-s-hose-slide.html

$13 for 2 pieces of plastic? Damn that’s expensive


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[Yelkos]

just cut up an old 5 gal bucket for free.

[az3579]

Battery is probably weak if it won't start after only 12 days.

I would've said test it, but I realize the tests don't tell the whole story. They tested my battery and it tested fine. It's so weak, however, that if I leave the interior lights on for a few minutes, or even just the Xenons for a couple of minutes, my car won't start.

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[ELCID86]

Battery is probably weak if it won't start after only 12 days.

I would've said test it, but I realize the tests don't tell the whole story. They tested my battery and it tested fine. It's so weak, however, that if I leave the interior lights on for a few minutes, or even just the Xenons for a couple of minutes, my car won't start.

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That’s what I️ was thinking. I’ve gone at least that long without issue. Get it checked/replaced as you’ll start to experience weird gremlins with a weak battery.

Oh, and new shoes...?

[Wisco]

That’s what I️ was thinking. I’ve gone at least that long without issue. Get it checked/replaced as you’ll start to experience weird gremlins with a weak battery.

Oh, and new shoes...?

Appointment at my Indy on Monday morning for some work and I think I might just replace the battery for peace of mind.... it's going to be 15F here tomorrow morning and sitting all day in the work parking garage at that or lower temps could be the end of a weak battery.

I took the 135s with PSS off the car and put them in the corner of the garage for the winter. The winter wheel/tire set are:

Tire Rack 16x7.5 Titanium Gunmetal Sport Edition A8 square set, $60 ea on sale! : x4 205/55R16 Michelin X-Ice Xi3


Oh and the 'Vert went into our friend's barn for the winter. A full tank of gas + some Stabil, air up the tires to full, vacuum out interior, strategically placed anti-vermin Bounce dryer sheets and let it sit on the CTEK battery charger on "winter mode". See you next March or April.... VCG, new rear tires and some other good stuff next Spring!

[ELCID86]

Appointment at my Indy on Monday morning for some work and I think I might just replace the battery for peace of mind.... it's going to be 15F here tomorrow morning and sitting all day in the work parking garage at that or lower temps could be the end of a weak battery.

I took the 135s with PSS off the car and put them in the corner of the garage for the winter. The winter wheel/tire set are:

Tire Rack 16x7.5 Titanium Gunmetal Sport Edition A8 square set, $60 ea on sale! : x4 205/55R16 Michelin X-Ice Xi3

Good call. (And Good Deal!).

[NoVAphotog]

I had originally planned to keep her as a weekend/fun car, but she is so much fun and in such good shape that she deserves "posh daily driver" status. Still loving the roar of the TSE3 exhaust when you push the RPM in 3rd or 4th gear!


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At least other people on the road put winter tires on where you are...and you don't have the worst traffic in the country.

And I replaced battery January 2015. So couldn't hurt. Electrical issues are the #1 gremlin with the E46.

As much as it bothers me to see her touch snow and salt, it's not like I didn't enjoy the winters! I am glad she is getting driven!

Get a video of some snonuts if you get a chance - one of the few Zhp's on here that can do them right. #lsd

[Wisco]

^ Don't worry NoVa, I'll take as good care of her as I can! In the end she's a car that begs to be driven and I'll honor that.

Anyway the electrical gremlin plot thickens. I took Scarlett to my trusted Indy with the question: "I just replaced the battery and it ran down over three days leaving me almost stranded in the target parking lot. What do you think, alternator, alternator belt or....?"

He sent me an e-mail about 2 hours later:

" I was checking voltage across different spots when I looked down between the engine block and the alternator from top and saw a glow from the cable that runs between the alternator and the starter. Liquified metal was dripping from this, so the insulation must have melted clean through. I'm so glad you brought the car in now as this could have caused a fire! Got the cable removed, found that the clamping nut on the alternator side is missing! Not sure how that happened. There must have been a lot of arcing on the loose cable at the alternator which caused a burn-spot on the cable's eyelet. The post on the alternator had a burn spot too but I was able to scrape it off. The rest of the surface looks like it is just fine."

Wow, that was not a diagnosis I would have expected. I never thought to look down while poking around the engine cavity and unfortunately he didn't take any pics. Anyway, the part should be at his shop tomorrow and hopefully that is the solution. The alternator itself tests fine as does the battery, so I'm hopeful this is just one of those weird ones.

[ZHPizza]

That....is insane...

What a strange occurrence. Glad he found it before there was a thermal event.

[Wisco]

That....is insane...

What a strange occurrence. Glad he found it before there was a thermal event.

So the conclusion from Aaron, owner and head mechanic at my Indy:

"I replaced the cable and also the inner/outer nuts that sandwitch the cable to the alternator so all the mating surfaces are clean.
Full electronics scan, erased all codes, tested charging system and all is working great, including the radio."

I guess we're back in business. We next need some snow around here so I can hoon Scarlett's LSD and see how she enjoys 10 inch snowfall!



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[Wisco]

Has it been nearly one year since I last updated this thread? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have dominated our lives... where daily driving Scarlett is an important part of happiness, something that has not diminished one bit since I brought her home from Virginia.

Scarlett is a very capable snow car with dedicated snow tires. The 16 inch rim/Michelin X-Ice combination works good in the snow and extreme cold of southern Wisconsin.

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In April I decided to put a set of new summer wheels, a set of four (square set-up) 17x8.5 anthracite Apex ARC-8 shod with 245/40R17 Michelin PS4S tires. The grey looks good with Imola, the PS4S tires provide OMG performance and the slightly fatter rubber helps calm down the crap roads we have in southern Wisconsin.

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As mileage approached 100k (96,780 to be precise in April 2018), it was time for a whole lot of PM + a few needed repairs:


Brake fluid flush and fill
Coolant flush and fill
Manual transmission flush and fill
Rear differential (M Factory LSD) flush and fill
New spark plugs
New engine air filter
Replace engine oil pan gasket



Winter driving damage / repairs


Replace damaged temperature sensor/wiring harness.... I nailed a small snowdrift and managed to trash the sensor, which is mounted behind the drivers side lower bumper.
Replace underbody reinforcement panel + oil change panel.... the only issue with this lowered ZHP is that it scrapes packed snow on some of the rural road sections of my commute to and from work. With a winter's worth of that, I trashed the panel and ripped off the oil change door. I will be re-evaluating my route home this coming winter.
Replace leaking power steering hoses to and from cooler


As I am not a DIY guy, this was a major ouch bill, but that is what life is when you love and care for a ZHP.

And an oil and filter change in July and we're otherwise enjoying the drive, now at 103,750 miles. Scarlett has gone on a few 500+ mile road trips to visit kids at college, goes to work and the hardware store, as well as carry bikes on occasion with the hitch mounted Saris rack I use:

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This picture of Scarlett soon after we picked her up still warms my heart

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I'll conclude with a slightly off topic pic of an M5 that I got sideways and slightly off the track at a one day M School in Spartanburg in July.... but that's a whole other story.

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[Vas]

Thanks for checking in.

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[ELCID86]

Yeah, I’ve been wondering how you’ve been treating her ;-) thanks for the update.

[johnrando]

Good updates!

[ZHPizza]

I love that this car is your winter monster. Can you not raise the ride height during the winter?

[Wisco]

I love that this car is your winter monster. Can you not raise the ride height during the winter?

It is an idea, but not sure I want to mess with it. I DD Scarlett 24/7 so I can store her sister the Imola ZHP Vert for the winter:roundel

[NoVAphotog]

Great balls of fire, it's Wisco!

Thanks for the updates. Caught myself thinking of the ol' girl the other day...

Also: that damn temperature sensor has been replaced like 4 times. It's in such a vulnerable spot.

[Wisco]

It's fun when you're just driving and enjoying your car and that's what it's been for Scarlett over the hard winter we had in Wisconsin. The severe cold temps probably tested the battery a few times, but she always started. The heavy snow tested the snow tires and brakes, but she always moved and stopped under control.. even was able to hooligan a little after snow storms provided a good drifting track. :fistpump

The only issue was some increased oil usage (yellow oil low sensor on dash) every 2500-3000 miles. A quick one quart top off and we're all good, except for some under oil cap mayo. I might need to check the CCV, but nothing else is pointing to failure or clogging. Let's see what happens as Spring now appears.

Yesterday's mileage milestone was a fun one, captured after I pulled over on the side of a country road on the way home from work.

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[johnrando]

Good catch!

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[Wisco]

When you daily drive a ZHP, PM is the key to a happy driving life. But as our cars age, there also will be small issues to address.

Mileage 109,190 - SES light turned on a few weeks ago and a scan showed Code 2882/3 (mixture prep fault) and P0172/5 (a/f ratio too rich). So off to my favorite local Indy for some further diagnostics. In the end they determined that the a/f ratio sensor and oxygen sensors were all normal and responded to forced rich/lean conditions. Fuel pressure also spot on. So they tried replacing the MAF sensor with a new one and voila everything is back to normal and codes can be cleared.

While "in there", replaced air filter and cabin air filter (damn tree pollen gumming it up).

I also had them do a PM replacement of the fuel filter/vacuum hose, fuel filter regulator assembly and the damn CCV system to the BMW cold-weather version. I suspect the latter is contributing to some of the oil burn that appeared over the last brutally cold winter. I debated moving to the G.A.S. system, but decided to just replace with OEM, including dipstick tube.

Both rear Bilstein shocks are leaking a bit and the both rear brake pads/rotors should be replaced by end of summer, but we've got a family vacation and a few other bills to pay for so this can wait.

[Vas]

Glad to hear you are still enjoying the ownership. Thanks for keeping the thread updated.

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[Wisco]

110,878 miles on ODO

Thunk thunk. My rear end has been making some noise over the crap roads here in Wisconsin. It has gotten bad enough that I notice a slight "side hop" over a big enough bump. From previous inspection, it is likely that the left rear Bilstein is toast as it is visibly leaking. For all I know I was riding on the springs alone, so off to the Indy for replacements of both rear Bilstein B8 with a new set plus new shock mounts and associated hardware. Much better and more fluid/dynamic ride on the ride home.

Rear brake pads were down to 3mm and rotors were worn, so replace rear brake pads, rotors (Zimmerman), brake sensor and caliper bushings. A little bead blasting of the rear calipers and brake bleed and that's taken care of.

Finally thermostat was showing engine running cold on the highway and starting to do so around town. Replace thermostat (Mahle) and while he's in there, a new water pump (GEBA with metal impeller), upper and lower radiator hoses and a new radiator hose with fan switch as PM.. at's about time anyway.

A little repairs, a little PM and the best e46 ZHP in the hood continues to put a smile on my face every daily drive she gives me!

[johnrando]

Do the Biltsteins have a warranty?

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[az3579]

Do the Biltsteins have a warranty?

Sent from my SM-G955U using TapatalkCertain Bilsteins have a lifetime warranty. I believe all the shocks fall into that category, but worth confirming the model. The warranty only applies to the original purchaser, however.

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[Wisco]

From my reading, I Sh*t out of Luck on this one as I'm not the original purchaser and the B8 shocks seem to have only a 90 day warranty period:

Separate Warranty Period for Products from the Clubsport, Motorsport, B8 5125/5165/8125/9200/9300 Series and Control Arm Category Purchased in North America:

BILSTEIN warrants to the original purchaser that products from one of these categories will be free from defects in design, material, and workmanship for a period of 90 days

Source: https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/products-and-services/warranty/

[Wisco]

Another short project, this time a DIY cosmetic fix: replacement of BMW Windshield Wiper Cowl (E46) - Genuine BMW 51718208483.

My original one is faded, cracking at the top edge and is starting to warp at the corners. So I should be able to replace things all by my lonesome, right? Sorry no photos, but it's easy enough to describe.

1. Gently pry plastic bolt caps off each windshield washer arm bolt. I found it easier to do with the hood up.One of the two had a small crack, so I popped some super glue into the gap and pinched the piece together to fix the small crack in the cap.
2. Remove the cover bolt with 15mm socket wrench. The torque spec is 30nm, so not too hard to unscrew that.
3. The first fun part is getting the arm off. I found it easy enough once I figured out the trick: gently push down on the wiper arm section closest to the bolt. This unweights the arm from the bolt and I was able to simply pull them off the mounting post with my fingers.
4. Gently pry up the old cowl with a plastic pry tool popping the snap in plastic fasteners along the base of the piece. Remove the whole plastic part pulling gently and nudging over the washer arm posts.
5. Get some glass cleaner and a rag and clean out the dirt and grit at the base of the window.

Installation is the reverse order with the new part. Be patient to align the snap in fasteners and note that they have some L/R play to align them to the car attachment points. Don't forget to align the wiper arms to the appropriate spot low on the window and torque the bolts to spec.

It's pitch dark outside right now, but I can take some pics of the final results tomorrow morning.

[az3579]

90 days??? That sounds way too short. My Bilstein Sport shocks had a lifetime warranty, as do my PSS10 coilovers... that's weird.

[Chaplian]

90 days??? That sounds way too short. My Bilstein Sport shocks had a lifetime warranty, as do my PSS10 coilovers... that's weird.

I have Bilstein B8s that I bought through shockwarehouse.com, and they for sure have a lifetime warranty (I had one leak and lose dampening capabilities.) I was told, however, that a leaking Bilstein won't be warrantied, it must have lost its dampening ability.

[Wisco]

So it's been awhile, but that's what you get when you are driving such a fun and reliable car. Some fluid change PM and such, but otherwise flawless at 121K miles on the ODO. Until now.

I have been hearing a noise from behind the driver that I thought might be driveshaft and or rear differential related. I'm not a sophisticated not experienced DIY guy, so my ears are all I have to diagnose. Daniel, the previous owner of Scarlett, had installed an aftermarket M Factory Helical LSD (3.46) and it's been flawless and with regular Red Line fluid changes. However a noise is a noise so I took Scarlett into my local trusted Indy for some other PM and to take a look. Here is the report:

"The noise is coming from the rear differential itself. I drained a slight amount of fluid off the top through the fill plug and saw a lot of metal particulate (and this is off the top of the fluid after just running it on the hoist for a bit. Left driveshaft inner joint appears seized on one of the tripods, so not allowing full plunge and causing the driveshaft to rotate off-center, possibly creating a vibration. This may have contributed to the diff failure, or it might be a completely separate issue. Either way, I would recommend replacing or rebuilding the diff, and getting a couple of higher quality drive axles to replace the originals in the rear."

So what to do? I am not selling or junking this car. Period. And I know this is going to be a few thousand to resolve, but I can handle the price as I love Scarlett and can't find anything from BMW that I love driving as much as Scarlett. I will say the directness of the 6MT transmission with 3.46 gear ratio is awesome, but not ideal for a daily driver focused car. It's frosting on the cake in my opinion.. and on a very nice cake. So I am debating whether to go back to the factory 3.07 gear ratio diff.

Any advise or thoughts on paths forward with this sort of diff / drive shaft issues?

Gratuitous Scarlett parking lot shot from this morning.

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[Vas]

Did Daniel give you the m-factory warranty card when you purchased the car ? The diff has a lifetime transferable warranty but that card is the ticket.

Personally I would pull the diff and send it out to m-factory for inspection and rebuild.

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[t.er]

Interesting how the tripod bearing seized... was the boot torn, or was there grease slung on surrounding components? If no, then it seems odd that the bearing would seize with it still greased.

[ZHPizza]

MFactory had a lot of issues with the bolts working themselves loose over time (they didn't use loctite - oops). This doesn't sound like that failure, but may still be. Definitely worth pulling it out and inspecting/sending in to MFactory.

Maybe swap in a stock diff while you sort it out? 3.07 or 3.38 would have the right input flange. I swapped the input flange onto a 3.23 from a Z4 and it is **chef's kiss** for a daily driver.

[Wisco]

Did Daniel give you the m-factory warranty card when you purchased the car ? The diff has a lifetime transferable warranty but that card is the ticket.

Personally I would pull the diff and send it out to m-factory for inspection and rebuild.

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Our mutual friend Daniel is nothing but thorough, so yes I did find the warranty card among the file I received with the car purchase. I will contact M Factory tomorrow and see if we can get some resolution. Still till have to deal with the drive shaft out of pocket, but a warranty cover would be nice.

[Vas]

Any updates ? Curious to see what you ended up doing.

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