Will
11-25-2017, 10:24 PM
Hi,
I was randomly browsing craigslist late Monday night (11/21), just to gauge current e46 m3 pricing and alleged condition, and I stumbled across an ad that said "2004 BMW 330ci, Performance Package, Aerodynamic Package, Sport Suspension" that was listed for $5,000. "ZHP" was not mentioned in the listing. I wasn't looking to buy any more cars. I wasn't looking for more projects at this time (just finished an extensive list of maintenance items on my m3), but something compelled me to go take a look. I saw the car Wednesday (11/23) morning and decided just to buy it as a project. I didn't want a protracted negotiation, and I don't like "low-balling" people. It's already bad enough for the seller that his pride and joy "died" and now he has to "bury" (sell) it, and he seemed like a nice enough guy. We agreed on a slightly lower price.
It suffered an overheat and subsequent head gasket failure. Codes showed misfire cylinders 3 and 4. When I pulled the spark plugs for a compression test the tops of pistons 3 and 4 were wet, confirmed to be coolant when the fluid sprayed out when cranking (fuel pump fuse pulled). I sent a sample of oil to Blackstone for sh*ts and giggles, "just to see" what the numbers looked like.
I'm usually on m3forum (user name "e30will"), but thought I'd join this forum as a member rather than a lurker. My other current cars: '03.5 m3 MT, '15 i3 BEV, '89 m3 (in need of lots of work, for a later time).
Other background on this ZHP:
99,721 miles
One owner
Owner loved the car, but is not a "car guy." Wife said when they go to Costco he parks so far away from the entrance to avoid door dings.
Kept outdoors, but under car cover daily. Paint is 8.5-9/10, and interior is 9/10
AC blows cold (I knew the engine was kaput, and would be replaced, so I didn't mind running it briefly to test AC)
Info on car:
4/04 build
Coupe
Alpine white
Black leather interior
Premium Pkg (I think, since it has leather seats and moonroof)
AT
Xenons
Options that I wished it had:
6-spd manual (I'm probably not going to do a conversion due to cost and since I have another car that's MT already)
Heated seats (I might retrofit this option)
Homelink (I have a homelink unit, will probably install)
Perforated leather on the steering wheel vs the old alcantara (will probably send it to Coby Wheel to be recovered)
Things on the to-do list:
Replace engine. I don't want to deal with potential issues down the road due to distortion of aluminum block & head even after machining the head and block-deck. For the price, effort, and time, a used engine would be better.
New cooling system parts, all of them.
Vanos lockdown with Beisan parts
R&R the injectors to have them cleaned
New O2 sensors
Exhaust hangers if necessary
Intake boot
Replace OFHG
DISA fix with G.A.S. kit
Cold weather CCV, still considering whether to get G.A.S CCV that just came out
Fluids (engine, trans, diff, p/s, brake, coolant)
Filters (engine, trans, cabin, fuel, p/s (the reservoir has non-replaceable filter so just get new reservoir))
Rubber mounts/bushings (engine, trans, diff, guibo, steering guibo, CSB, rear subframe, FCAB, RTAB, and on rear control arms too)
Rubber hoses (vacuum lines, and if necessary the p/s lines too)
Tires (all four are old and cracked, and they're mismatched original style Pilot Sports on the front and PSS on the back)
Rear brake pads (fronts are still ok)
Koni yellow dampers (I love the way they feel matched with stock springs), and new strut mounts, axial bearings, bump-stops, RSM.
New head light lenses, if possible (I didn't see it listed as a separate part on REALOEM. Maybe an error, because I didn't see a radiator part number listed either lol)
On to the photos:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/crCQGyuOC5LWCDvs9ZI5GvDKBUjFG1tXy6pUsf8_pStnEd5_yx MU3EfAAI3oL7Io9OXOCY4vpHBhq2VNtAfhDsZ5JLKuq6oc2zRV rGQvKAOiGDEcuR1KeS3UP2OL0Mb5ZETDydPqJpiA2VlBGxKvz9 E-CoraEbZYuONEoCIRyf4ZOOjGs3k4lrOsBhlkKjVnMPVDMtJ2s2 RmLJpIj1Bx3YBKt1kICKiL6fkG5xxNwVD7VldfmPrenypNM1e3 PHTgwMh4wSfXkagsJMQUQ_z5BOzJEQVOARGQVGoZvRp3hRYyWv iq4hMSrMCN3zA5z6AqsTVWFwoTlBIRsYmgSNYdWP4mnK00tEpD SdbJFbwvp0JE6QrAioNt0GFWkhdCEObQvYcOXd-KKD5ez1YP1gacpFQEokxBXl2kkQhB-k_DEoOxmEgqLXmbdFj2FdxuZ0jdQTvXXYRKhXrzhUKkfv6RUIY f4j0RBJfT0yaPqwVoo2P1sxb8q9p-PJXi_gOcrVEjRGTmsALScCkps7OBJEt8r2ag8zl0GhD6yJefUm ydV1wG4tjNi7J68bYzyrN2jsgNlzSpXRki3xD-uVmdfbeuLWj2PcaRoyDXDbUS6Xjqvw=w924-h693-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zw-eGF4Ds2yssNBupI9XjhRatqB4XwKhGAZWhij-Qs7LzZzZLK0Au4M8tfPwbrYRUUMGXaInTHowmcUIqGNv6QeQxV v7OCa-gEe3saZGeU31aVGnVHghjDRejMS7Loar_I239z9SBLSuUfrqna 2-t07MDBt2PjJGt_DGO6sAIJZTGfyVjJGALPX9JbGNBgiulHV551 ccQruqpuXyXzTUHgNDwZ63ZPxlqBU7frLNwf6EoqbhrrSUaqbA eojgnJc_q7rgBy8i21iTytSHq-8QHeE_iW1kBzjcIshhiLRA11E3uyjPl4Mplz4HO50owUWH5iqh r3OcPzujZl2iIGyQBHJ07ApWB_w57_Fg5C2cbpc57RepB1yCxZ 7ZC-AAtT_jFWHAL53IwZ1MLoHF8zyzwvvYD_4XZMTNBtVnSnuBz2v1 RxPfxIB6g74LdDew6Tn0hokJr5nfCLfg1cLrrI5bYhDx191_dt yBbjqy1WbtAws94A5jK7A_Jm1h7xx5HMpR068bknNkExO6FA69 4MEMgci2j05r3AWc1xkGKIMftm_CmB2mBG_Qpgt9OVLSAm23bJ IaSp0uMy3mMcUiuP0_oHHWZp4aK4AM7RBNoJTwOQ=w924-h693-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hFWIcqS-aBprVvM_FnRS0tq4jY6SIfo9a-1AqagvBpy-hq_ELteM2ZYiZxdUrNYRr9yTsPOaFvdki9da_aWB2BMhk9g-R12D9TUb-bSkjHAdHZvLon9oOkYHQsptZK9SuVRAnjF-3n7N3VqN6A0JTQTzmxmR5Mlnuf4_UdW-UarwoD1YQYTCCo1GekdBSlMNnOGBllZSiMT08pA69LjaTdJmxD o69UM8KBzMao73MWMXgKY0_wklf73NC9amAJ-e6DFydnQIWD2GHsrGTUsFqmBTT1yhC62gybR_eVuXKDLtxG3t1 gbAGzJZpfnG3ghy9G-L1j8cZBm39cbPsdV4AS2aQ_dnmvdJ7eDL8awewiI_3eWMGaJJS cPbPG7gXzQ9TRfGL9S8cJWYU5PaXmre4rbNsPp2q8Tyw2frLiX aikkznQFIb4NDWwYud5w7jO5jSOrLMyJCzmlfc8N85EyItRcrB s-ZCYgm-Ve3yEyKxaRizhlJ-vUWP-_LM64foHJlHWdvviLjiTBBFn90ikh2bdCgiDLSgF13QyGgIuF_ xqTcf1S9ytzyU5Nxg8AzzvsLU8MhYWaUStbnYz8AaqsPLMimC-EjRg2ZzXjiXgz2eQ=w924-h693-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RwUI_4wo6Y0slx-rEaj3TP4oEpOlDO_ZsnxvVE34x-Od7CP-hHg4E3RkpchqsEiGuXq8ko2EGiPw2yk2kqrPeiazJV1jdjGbSj Vtlg3weA2mOUhoX0EOO73uNo-uZS_ThDlqaIfIPotujKXIGKg7IEMc5O58hEEYUUArjm-WjhyD1GneWM-jb-hRtLdbwXldmPzyGm0ZT1C_z1EbYsHE3RX3N9-WPRg-HNwdZJfDRq0dRcqCt8qrxyZDTTZapwgZT8UB__pSmlVyz-uvwfUz959y9AY5M1hErsRgW1JluyTh6uygtTSStDEB68eEJND1 Rsy0bR7Ufq4F4MB1vNM99lP824CTlKaFDooLrdjazjjRB6ZB4j 4yZkzgYB_HYExCBMeNBltVd2_JLxZ_SlxKNOAz06vh7lYaGstr DhNJQgAaK3bJXBxY1YTXx5wRmUxLvMftT_sSXpi5tBsHhT9QfI-RvgnpcSOAO78Phs0v3aHKG01ihqgHNhWqHkf2SRc0iuINEloPA cjdaZrtI5e1aT8WK4ANEdIKPHpKKQ0QNLNdniGqeg4rK4U_iTr 8GH8LdQdYU0MW67BJSvzOr6SC4rWr-VxuGMvcF5acqZCFLA=w924-h693-no
Coolant in cyl. 3 (and also 4):
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/55DRELai4orvOoVctubk3bkZch2_Q0vc1p1zxei2ud4xK-_53CEEjkfoV9hPm66VXos3frfXWIJC9nwO2dBBSqAhbxbaolTW i-5MotcsSiG1qTFP8jw8i53RGwRVmzGc3fUSoNprnuM86_-WqAqItKpdGi3A7niZgZiPm9UyfOBXI9ZoS3Eitoiyqi5qCKTsZ y5laKJzwwxmutdgBFYNCVEG9O20LdnFuwxVV6kJokwqGhRUBDM 10PDwuDNmHoMXnp5ZM84lhlXyNAwWrhAY40lhSANkJW-I6PGkhOsO3Ry1CrHI3N5667D3emgYa6gdw92hSr7f7knX9moH8 8op_Nx-8lv3RCDqVAYb2qW6SbcvTkIIfObKivlun-760uJq60zSCaf3Ce9jeZ5dsE5Mp73cAYaSUUJ17pMjjypyDJY7 b3qgmYZTzyYUcCp8PnNbQnrDCQnIWsIts70qRKqHz7zK9KzT0F i41wIAoSnpyyJDnqyp4uXr8mu3Sgpm68FA8nbuAx7NLlBcpLVd twRdJkgX2Z8p_jviAdONMMnocOgr7ERteF9cPIZZPCX5fe4twK uDeQIYsk7hUQDp3x_JsYQt9cmhkOD_DRKJZ-CDAw=w520-h693-no
I'm happy to join the community, and hope to learn and contribute. Any perspectives, advice, and knowledge would be appreciated, thank you.
I was randomly browsing craigslist late Monday night (11/21), just to gauge current e46 m3 pricing and alleged condition, and I stumbled across an ad that said "2004 BMW 330ci, Performance Package, Aerodynamic Package, Sport Suspension" that was listed for $5,000. "ZHP" was not mentioned in the listing. I wasn't looking to buy any more cars. I wasn't looking for more projects at this time (just finished an extensive list of maintenance items on my m3), but something compelled me to go take a look. I saw the car Wednesday (11/23) morning and decided just to buy it as a project. I didn't want a protracted negotiation, and I don't like "low-balling" people. It's already bad enough for the seller that his pride and joy "died" and now he has to "bury" (sell) it, and he seemed like a nice enough guy. We agreed on a slightly lower price.
It suffered an overheat and subsequent head gasket failure. Codes showed misfire cylinders 3 and 4. When I pulled the spark plugs for a compression test the tops of pistons 3 and 4 were wet, confirmed to be coolant when the fluid sprayed out when cranking (fuel pump fuse pulled). I sent a sample of oil to Blackstone for sh*ts and giggles, "just to see" what the numbers looked like.
I'm usually on m3forum (user name "e30will"), but thought I'd join this forum as a member rather than a lurker. My other current cars: '03.5 m3 MT, '15 i3 BEV, '89 m3 (in need of lots of work, for a later time).
Other background on this ZHP:
99,721 miles
One owner
Owner loved the car, but is not a "car guy." Wife said when they go to Costco he parks so far away from the entrance to avoid door dings.
Kept outdoors, but under car cover daily. Paint is 8.5-9/10, and interior is 9/10
AC blows cold (I knew the engine was kaput, and would be replaced, so I didn't mind running it briefly to test AC)
Info on car:
4/04 build
Coupe
Alpine white
Black leather interior
Premium Pkg (I think, since it has leather seats and moonroof)
AT
Xenons
Options that I wished it had:
6-spd manual (I'm probably not going to do a conversion due to cost and since I have another car that's MT already)
Heated seats (I might retrofit this option)
Homelink (I have a homelink unit, will probably install)
Perforated leather on the steering wheel vs the old alcantara (will probably send it to Coby Wheel to be recovered)
Things on the to-do list:
Replace engine. I don't want to deal with potential issues down the road due to distortion of aluminum block & head even after machining the head and block-deck. For the price, effort, and time, a used engine would be better.
New cooling system parts, all of them.
Vanos lockdown with Beisan parts
R&R the injectors to have them cleaned
New O2 sensors
Exhaust hangers if necessary
Intake boot
Replace OFHG
DISA fix with G.A.S. kit
Cold weather CCV, still considering whether to get G.A.S CCV that just came out
Fluids (engine, trans, diff, p/s, brake, coolant)
Filters (engine, trans, cabin, fuel, p/s (the reservoir has non-replaceable filter so just get new reservoir))
Rubber mounts/bushings (engine, trans, diff, guibo, steering guibo, CSB, rear subframe, FCAB, RTAB, and on rear control arms too)
Rubber hoses (vacuum lines, and if necessary the p/s lines too)
Tires (all four are old and cracked, and they're mismatched original style Pilot Sports on the front and PSS on the back)
Rear brake pads (fronts are still ok)
Koni yellow dampers (I love the way they feel matched with stock springs), and new strut mounts, axial bearings, bump-stops, RSM.
New head light lenses, if possible (I didn't see it listed as a separate part on REALOEM. Maybe an error, because I didn't see a radiator part number listed either lol)
On to the photos:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/crCQGyuOC5LWCDvs9ZI5GvDKBUjFG1tXy6pUsf8_pStnEd5_yx MU3EfAAI3oL7Io9OXOCY4vpHBhq2VNtAfhDsZ5JLKuq6oc2zRV rGQvKAOiGDEcuR1KeS3UP2OL0Mb5ZETDydPqJpiA2VlBGxKvz9 E-CoraEbZYuONEoCIRyf4ZOOjGs3k4lrOsBhlkKjVnMPVDMtJ2s2 RmLJpIj1Bx3YBKt1kICKiL6fkG5xxNwVD7VldfmPrenypNM1e3 PHTgwMh4wSfXkagsJMQUQ_z5BOzJEQVOARGQVGoZvRp3hRYyWv iq4hMSrMCN3zA5z6AqsTVWFwoTlBIRsYmgSNYdWP4mnK00tEpD SdbJFbwvp0JE6QrAioNt0GFWkhdCEObQvYcOXd-KKD5ez1YP1gacpFQEokxBXl2kkQhB-k_DEoOxmEgqLXmbdFj2FdxuZ0jdQTvXXYRKhXrzhUKkfv6RUIY f4j0RBJfT0yaPqwVoo2P1sxb8q9p-PJXi_gOcrVEjRGTmsALScCkps7OBJEt8r2ag8zl0GhD6yJefUm ydV1wG4tjNi7J68bYzyrN2jsgNlzSpXRki3xD-uVmdfbeuLWj2PcaRoyDXDbUS6Xjqvw=w924-h693-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zw-eGF4Ds2yssNBupI9XjhRatqB4XwKhGAZWhij-Qs7LzZzZLK0Au4M8tfPwbrYRUUMGXaInTHowmcUIqGNv6QeQxV v7OCa-gEe3saZGeU31aVGnVHghjDRejMS7Loar_I239z9SBLSuUfrqna 2-t07MDBt2PjJGt_DGO6sAIJZTGfyVjJGALPX9JbGNBgiulHV551 ccQruqpuXyXzTUHgNDwZ63ZPxlqBU7frLNwf6EoqbhrrSUaqbA eojgnJc_q7rgBy8i21iTytSHq-8QHeE_iW1kBzjcIshhiLRA11E3uyjPl4Mplz4HO50owUWH5iqh r3OcPzujZl2iIGyQBHJ07ApWB_w57_Fg5C2cbpc57RepB1yCxZ 7ZC-AAtT_jFWHAL53IwZ1MLoHF8zyzwvvYD_4XZMTNBtVnSnuBz2v1 RxPfxIB6g74LdDew6Tn0hokJr5nfCLfg1cLrrI5bYhDx191_dt yBbjqy1WbtAws94A5jK7A_Jm1h7xx5HMpR068bknNkExO6FA69 4MEMgci2j05r3AWc1xkGKIMftm_CmB2mBG_Qpgt9OVLSAm23bJ IaSp0uMy3mMcUiuP0_oHHWZp4aK4AM7RBNoJTwOQ=w924-h693-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hFWIcqS-aBprVvM_FnRS0tq4jY6SIfo9a-1AqagvBpy-hq_ELteM2ZYiZxdUrNYRr9yTsPOaFvdki9da_aWB2BMhk9g-R12D9TUb-bSkjHAdHZvLon9oOkYHQsptZK9SuVRAnjF-3n7N3VqN6A0JTQTzmxmR5Mlnuf4_UdW-UarwoD1YQYTCCo1GekdBSlMNnOGBllZSiMT08pA69LjaTdJmxD o69UM8KBzMao73MWMXgKY0_wklf73NC9amAJ-e6DFydnQIWD2GHsrGTUsFqmBTT1yhC62gybR_eVuXKDLtxG3t1 gbAGzJZpfnG3ghy9G-L1j8cZBm39cbPsdV4AS2aQ_dnmvdJ7eDL8awewiI_3eWMGaJJS cPbPG7gXzQ9TRfGL9S8cJWYU5PaXmre4rbNsPp2q8Tyw2frLiX aikkznQFIb4NDWwYud5w7jO5jSOrLMyJCzmlfc8N85EyItRcrB s-ZCYgm-Ve3yEyKxaRizhlJ-vUWP-_LM64foHJlHWdvviLjiTBBFn90ikh2bdCgiDLSgF13QyGgIuF_ xqTcf1S9ytzyU5Nxg8AzzvsLU8MhYWaUStbnYz8AaqsPLMimC-EjRg2ZzXjiXgz2eQ=w924-h693-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RwUI_4wo6Y0slx-rEaj3TP4oEpOlDO_ZsnxvVE34x-Od7CP-hHg4E3RkpchqsEiGuXq8ko2EGiPw2yk2kqrPeiazJV1jdjGbSj Vtlg3weA2mOUhoX0EOO73uNo-uZS_ThDlqaIfIPotujKXIGKg7IEMc5O58hEEYUUArjm-WjhyD1GneWM-jb-hRtLdbwXldmPzyGm0ZT1C_z1EbYsHE3RX3N9-WPRg-HNwdZJfDRq0dRcqCt8qrxyZDTTZapwgZT8UB__pSmlVyz-uvwfUz959y9AY5M1hErsRgW1JluyTh6uygtTSStDEB68eEJND1 Rsy0bR7Ufq4F4MB1vNM99lP824CTlKaFDooLrdjazjjRB6ZB4j 4yZkzgYB_HYExCBMeNBltVd2_JLxZ_SlxKNOAz06vh7lYaGstr DhNJQgAaK3bJXBxY1YTXx5wRmUxLvMftT_sSXpi5tBsHhT9QfI-RvgnpcSOAO78Phs0v3aHKG01ihqgHNhWqHkf2SRc0iuINEloPA cjdaZrtI5e1aT8WK4ANEdIKPHpKKQ0QNLNdniGqeg4rK4U_iTr 8GH8LdQdYU0MW67BJSvzOr6SC4rWr-VxuGMvcF5acqZCFLA=w924-h693-no
Coolant in cyl. 3 (and also 4):
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/55DRELai4orvOoVctubk3bkZch2_Q0vc1p1zxei2ud4xK-_53CEEjkfoV9hPm66VXos3frfXWIJC9nwO2dBBSqAhbxbaolTW i-5MotcsSiG1qTFP8jw8i53RGwRVmzGc3fUSoNprnuM86_-WqAqItKpdGi3A7niZgZiPm9UyfOBXI9ZoS3Eitoiyqi5qCKTsZ y5laKJzwwxmutdgBFYNCVEG9O20LdnFuwxVV6kJokwqGhRUBDM 10PDwuDNmHoMXnp5ZM84lhlXyNAwWrhAY40lhSANkJW-I6PGkhOsO3Ry1CrHI3N5667D3emgYa6gdw92hSr7f7knX9moH8 8op_Nx-8lv3RCDqVAYb2qW6SbcvTkIIfObKivlun-760uJq60zSCaf3Ce9jeZ5dsE5Mp73cAYaSUUJ17pMjjypyDJY7 b3qgmYZTzyYUcCp8PnNbQnrDCQnIWsIts70qRKqHz7zK9KzT0F i41wIAoSnpyyJDnqyp4uXr8mu3Sgpm68FA8nbuAx7NLlBcpLVd twRdJkgX2Z8p_jviAdONMMnocOgr7ERteF9cPIZZPCX5fe4twK uDeQIYsk7hUQDp3x_JsYQt9cmhkOD_DRKJZ-CDAw=w520-h693-no
I'm happy to join the community, and hope to learn and contribute. Any perspectives, advice, and knowledge would be appreciated, thank you.