What did you do for your ZHP/BMW today?

[Ryans323i]

I literally saw it fly off at 70 mph today?.. Lol.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1171.jpg

JW got me this for my birthday....

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1173.jpg

Which had a pretty interesting warning label on the back of it. Did not know all of the Pb experts lived in the big CA.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1176.jpg

Additionally performed the weekly rotate and barrel clean on the wheels.... Plus a fresh coat of wax.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

1. I've never seen such a clean "fly off" roundel. Mine always broke up while washing. Btw, use a sharpie and write ZHP on it until you can get a new one. CF roundels?

2. If you use the Creeper and don't need to wash your hands, you're doing something wrong! That is a weird label though.

[Hermes]

The lead label is either required because of Title 8 or 17, I don't remember which covers products sold in Cali. It's on all sorts of random things

I agree, sharpie your roundel until you get a new one

[midlandtech]

Attempted to hook up amp turns on but no audio out of the subs fml


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

1. I've never seen such a clean "fly off" roundel. Mine always broke up while washing. Btw, use a sharpie and write ZHP on it until you can get a new one. CF roundels?

2. If you use the Creeper and don't need to wash your hands, you're doing something wrong! That is a weird label though.


The lead label is either required because of Title 8 or 17, I don't remember which covers products sold in Cali. It's on all sorts of random things

I agree, sharpie your roundel until you get a new one

Roundel was replaced as soon as I got home. Spares were in stock.

[Hermes]

I have an extra one at home too, only hood one though.

[nike001]

Thinking of buying that infinity basslink with my tax return..

Any thoughts?
http://astore.amazon.com/zhpcom-20/detail/B000063TJY

[midlandtech]

I've used a basslink before bass was clean and accurate but output was slightly lacking... do you have a ski pass?

[GT172I]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DtnwBLXlN10/TyoBiW2mjiI/AAAAAAAABJQ/EJHJUo5wakg/s640/IMG_20120201_215616.jpg

Went ahead and did the two on the '03 as well. Even easier than the facelift wrt the wiring routing and almost half the price.

[nike001]

I've used a basslink before bass was clean and accurate but output was slightly lacking... do you have a ski pass?

Nope :/

My second option was to cut out the ski pass and put a 10" JL woofer there. But I don't want to have all the wires running around the trunk to an amp and all that. I had it in my e39 and while it hit hard as hell, the wires were annoying and the 2 12" 1200 watt kickers were a bit childish.

[az3579]

Nope :/

My second option was to cut out the ski pass and put a 10" JL woofer there. But I don't want to have all the wires running around the trunk to an amp and all that. I had it in my e39 and while it hit hard as hell, the wires were annoying and the 2 12" 1200 watt kickers were a bit childish.

With correct wire management, it can actually look badass and professional. It's all in the workmanship. ;)


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[nike001]

With correct wire management, it can actually look badass and professional. It's all in the workmanship. ;)


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

This is true. But also $$, because I don't feel like hacking things up. I'm trying to keep my car as clean and as OEM-ey as possible.

[Hermes]

was about to call for a random question and happened to see this on SoCounty's site...

http://www.bmwsouthcounty.com/uploads/The%20time%20is%20now%20to%20buy%20tires%20II.PNG

FYI for SD people - The offer was tied to buying tires but the service adviser said tire purchase is not required for the price. Also, since I'm not in town and I need my dad to take the car in I convinced the guy to give my dad a 335d as a loaner. Winning.

[nike001]

^nice! I think the normal price for my dealer is something like $140, is it the same for yours? I got mine done for $70 a few months ago..and then for free last week :P

But I FINALLY (hopefully) fixed my oil leak. I threaded in the stud with two nuts and got one on. There's about 5 threads sticking out but it's good enough. The tighter I threaded the nut on the stud, I think it was pulling the stud out. So I stopped.. it should be good enough since I can't get the nut off with my hand anyways.

[danewilson77]

Casey BMW charge $115 normally.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[Hermes]

Yeah... overpriced out here. I saw that and decided that $125 - 10% for CCA + a 335d is worth it.

[webster]

Purchased today:

- Meyle HD CABs ($100)
- Stewart Water Pump ($195)

Both thru Turner to save on shipping.

[Meric]

pic or it didn't happen

I just ordered them! :) Will post a pic of it when i install it.

[MrMaico]

Installed my new pedals yesterday and went for a short test drive. Nice and grippy! Further testing planned tomorrow. :biggrin

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-333Ci/i-7Gnzn5H/0/L/IMG1521-X2.jpg

[jayjay_dee]

looking good!!!

[danewilson77]

Yeah....I like the way those look.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Funny/menswarehousezimmer240.jpg

[jreyes19]

looks great, matches the look of cube trim perfectly

[GMATT]

Installed my new pedals yesterday and went for a short test drive. Nice and grippy! Further testing planned tomorrow. :biggrin

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-333Ci/i-7Gnzn5H/0/L/IMG1521-X2.jpg

Nice "pedals" where did you get them ?????

[danewilson77]

Nice "pedals" where did you get them ?????

http://www.bmwpedals.com/

Name was made to fool even the most witty!

[T.Bird]

WTF, I decided to clean my steering wheel last night after reading a thread on e46fanatics about how much dirt the alcantara picks up. My steering wheel looked horrible, and I figured I just needed to have it redone. But, I'm a clean person and I always wash my hands when I have been working on the car before I drive it, how bad could it be? I diluted some dish soap and used a microfiber cloth to lightly scrub it. This picture is of the water afterward!
3199
Obviously, you guys know how hard it is to get it to look good in pictures...but in person it looks great! After:
3198

I'm also currently refinishing my wheels! (no more being embarrassed by the previous owners love of the sound wheels make while rubbing against concrete!):fistpump

[danewilson77]

^Nasty^

Looks good now. Well done.

[das boots]

This package showed up in my front door when I arrived from work.

[danewilson77]

This package showed up in my front door when I arrived from work.

Nice. Depo's?

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[das boots]

OE. The real thing.

[Hermes]

OE. The real thing.

:like

Lawrence, you might wanna edit you pic since you can see you address.. I guess it doesn't really matter much since it's an attachment and only members can see the pic but just to be safe.

[nike001]

OE. The real thing.

That's what I like to hear!!!

I need the inner lights that go on the trunk.. do you think anywhere sells just those?

[das boots]

Too late. I saw that after I posted. Didn't edit my pics, but...let them come. See if they would like to deal with Mr. Mossberg Pump and his lil bros H & K.

[GSEN820]

^^^ HAHAHA See Ya tomorrow Lawrence

[das boots]

Anybody done a complete bulb replacement on these babies with LEDs without any codes???? I know about the reverse which are already LEDs. Any others?

[Meric]

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/8259/img0834vo.jpg

Looks so much better in person!

[Johal E32]

Nice OEM clears dasboots! They look sick, I'm so jealous..

and sweet sketch Meric!

[Meric]

My friend did it for me! :)

[e3thekid]

drove her to school and back. love driving it everywhere.

[az3579]

Anybody done a complete bulb replacement on these babies with LEDs without any codes???? I know about the reverse which are already LEDs. Any others?

I have. I was running a full LED bulb set on my halogen housings before I swapped the lights for Depo LED's.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/az3579/Automotive/BMW%20E46%20330i%20ZHP/Exterior/2011-11-29153400.jpg



I would give you a link to error free 1156 turn signal bulbs (white ones for brake lights and amber ones for turn) but the amber ones aren't very bright. I'm looking for a much brighter bulb to replace my turn signals. Once I find something brighter that I'm satisfied with, I'll link you to them.

The bulbs I'm using now are error free and require no resistors. If you are still interested, I got them from LED Automotive. Www.ledautomotive.com




Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[Ryans323i]

Installed my new pedals yesterday and went for a short test drive. Nice and grippy! Further testing planned tomorrow. :biggrin

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-333Ci/i-7Gnzn5H/0/L/IMG1521-X2.jpg

Those look fantastic! Do they add a little extra grip?

[gammagoblin]

Getting ready to go for VANOS job. Got my spark plugs, VCG + grommets, and a Dr. Vanos kit on the way.

[MrMaico]

looking good!!!


Yeah....I like the way those look.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Funny/menswarehousezimmer240.jpg


looks great, matches the look of cube trim perfectly


Nice "pedals" where did you get them ?????

Thanks guys!


Those look fantastic! Do they add a little extra grip?

Thanks Ryan! Yes they give alot more grip. If you look here you can see better that the silver spots are kinda like a rivet sticking up a bit from the black surface so they work great for gripping your soles.....

(click to expand)

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/i-stSb2fv/0/X3/IMG1507-X3.jpg

[Ryans323i]

I've been wanting pedal covers and I absolutely love the way those look. Added function is even better!





Today I traded some old unused photography gear (2 camera bags and a extra 28-90mm lens) for a Bentley Manual. Awesomeness!!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/Bentleymanual.jpg

[das boots]

That's what I like to hear!!!

I need the inner lights that go on the trunk.. do you think anywhere sells just those?

Yes. But I think they are Depos though......

[Meric]

Appointment for new water pump.. $356 Awesome! I was expecting $1000 something. :D

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/1508/img0837y.jpg

[Hornung418]

We all know that feel. Make sure they put in some BMW Blue coolant! Looks like you have green, but that could be the flash.

[MrMaico]

I've been wanting pedal covers and I absolutely love the way those look. Added function is even better!


Today I traded some old unused photography gear (2 camera bags and a extra 28-90mm lens) for a Bentley Manual. Awesomeness!!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/Bentleymanual.jpg

I just went out for a 100 mile joyride and after a few miles I didn't even really think about them.....that's a good thing because I wasn't sure if the added grip might bother me, if my shoes would catch a bit on the teeth when going from brake to gas. No problem. I always figured I'd get silver pedals when I got around to buying some but the more I thought about it I wasn't sure if I wanted something that "bright" down there so that's why I decided to go with the black ones.

Nice score on the Bentley, I usually will read a few good diy's and then go to the Bentley to compare their instructions with the diy's. And it's nice for torque specs.

Barry

[az3579]

Cleaned my two front wheels and calipers. Again. For the third time this week. :shifty

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/az3579/Automotive/BMW%20E46%20330i%20ZHP/Exterior/f7f076fc.jpg

[nike001]

Alright, it's almost spring. I've got a few things planned out so far:
-fluids (diff, PS, tranny)
-headlight lenses/foglights
-///M dead pedal
-suspension (H&R sport cup kit)
-finish up my FX-R retrofit
-Resonator delete

Then, I *should*(read: probably not) be done for a little while. Until I do cooling system.

[spencers]

Cleaned my two front wheels and calipers. Again. For the third time this week.
Jelly. If I had those wheels & brakes, I'd be happy to clean them!

I just turned down a set of five MINT 17x8 BBS RK with Hoosier R6 mounted (for $1k). Still want 71's (or ARC-8s).

[Johal E32]

Alright, it's almost spring. I've got a few things planned out so far:
-fluids (diff, PS, tranny)
-headlight lenses/foglights
-///M dead pedal
-suspension (H&R sport cup kit)
-finish up my FX-R retrofit
-Resonator delete

Then, I *should*(read: probably not) be done for a little while. Until I do cooling system.

similar to my laundry list lol

I have:

Cooling system (OEM parts)
Inspection II (fluids, filters, plugs, pulleys etc, also OEM parts)
Headlight lens
FX-R's (tell me how your retrofit goes please! Maybe share some pictures?:) )
OEM clears all around
Tires
Rear brakes (not priority as rear brakes do almost nothing..)

[nike001]

Alright, I have one side of my FX-R's almost done already, I'll take some pictures next time I'm on it. cakM3 already asked for some pictures, so hopefully I'll be able to make a DIY of it to help the family out.

[Johal E32]

Alright, I have one side of my FX-R's almost done already, I'll take some pictures next time I'm on it. cakM3 already asked for some pictures, so hopefully I'll be able to make a DIY of it to help the family out.

sweet, thanks man!

[Meric]

We all know that feel. Make sure they put in some BMW Blue coolant! Looks like you have green, but that could be the flash.

:D Don't worry it was blue its probably the flash that made it look like that.. I have to wait till 14th tho :(

[az3579]

Jelly. If I had those wheels & brakes, I'd be happy to clean them!

I just turned down a set of five MINT 17x8 BBS RK with Hoosier R6 mounted (for $1k). Still want 71's (or ARC-8s).

If you want 71's, stick out for the correct size/offset combo (18x8 et47 front, 18x8.5 et50 rear). The 17's (17x8.5 et20-something) are just a hassle in regards to fender rolling and running undersized tires, etc.

[cakM3]

Alright, I have one side of my FX-R's almost done already, I'll take some pictures next time I'm on it. cakM3 already asked for some pictures, so hopefully I'll be able to make a DIY of it to help the family out.

Thank you sir :thumbsup

[MrMaico]

Cleaned my two front wheels and calipers. Again. For the third time this week. :shifty

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/az3579/Automotive/BMW%20E46%20330i%20ZHP/Exterior/f7f076fc.jpg

LOL....I can see why! If I had those brakes I'd be cleaning them all the time too. That's some tight clearance there.

[cakM3]

You should see those brakes in person.....now I'm gonna get them for my ZHP :)

Thanks BP!!! :p

[iZHP]

^ Likewise LOL

Also added LED DRL's today...see this thread. (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?5996-LED-Lights-and-More!&p=149207#post149207)

[Stu]

Installed a new right tail light to replace my dead row of LEDs on mine. I'm gonna take apart the old one, install a new motherboard, and resell it to get my money back + more :)

[midlandtech]

Zhp mafia sticker... Solid 50 hp


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Perfect.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[Meric]

I'm going to put mine on the driver side bumper? Is that a good idea?

[danewilson77]

I'm going to put mine on the driver side bumper? Is that a good idea?

If that's where you want it........I think it's a good location.

[Ryans323i]

Zhp mafia sticker... Solid 50 hp


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I like that location.

[midlandtech]

I like that location.

Thanks I put the other on my laptop =)


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cakM3]

got my VANOS gasket today while taking a break from work. Now I have everything needed to do the VANOS rebuild w/ anti-rattle kit :biggrin

Saving this for the Mafia meet. Looking forward to doing this with everyone's help :thumbsup

[johnrando]

If that's where you want it........I think it's a good location.

+1, but personally, I never put stickers on my paint. That's just me.

[UdubBadger]

Sat at the DMV for 2.5 hrs for the ZHP today

taxes - paid
title - applied for and paid
registration - paid
plates - paid (will take 45-60 days)

updated license - done

[webster]

i spent more money on the car today. $100 more of goodies from detailers domain, notably a clay kit and a bottle of Iron Cut.

also, i broke down and used some of my tax return to buy a brand new Rogue CF Strut Bar. pretty excited to get that.

within 2 weeks, my ZHP will have a new cooling system w/ Stewart WP, new CABs, 2 repaired rims, and a sexy new strut bar. and a thorugh detail. ftw

[nike001]

i spent more money on the car today. $100 more of goodies from detailers domain, notably a clay kit and a bottle of Iron Cut.

also, i broke down and used some of my tax return to buy a brand new Rogue CF Strut Bar. pretty excited to get that.

within 2 weeks, my ZHP will have a new cooling system w/ Stewart WP, new CABs, 2 repaired rims, and a sexy new strut bar. and a thorugh detail. ftw

Nice! I'm jelly.

Yesterday I finally was able to buy my cart that I had at Khoalty. Headlight lenses, fog lights, chrome bulbs, and new LED plate bulbs as mine are too blue.
Then today I spend $45.00 on gas because my gas light was on (almost always get gas before 1/4 tank)

[webster]

^ your sig photo is awesome.

[T.Bird]

I finally finished refinishing my wheels! They had been painted before (from the previous owner) and a lot of the paint was starting to flake off on the edges, not mention they been curbed to hell and back. A fair amount of cleaning, sanding, a touch of body filler and primer, paint, clear later:they are done! I think they look pretty good, they aren't perfect as new wheels would be...but MUCH better than before. I'm no longer embarrassed about curb rash ("I'm not a bad driver, the P/O was!", etc....)

When I had my tires put on the shop told me about how gunky the threads on the bolts on the right rear wheel were. They were out of bolts, so they ended up putting my bolts back in. They said I might have problems when taking them off, one of the bolts broke off in the hub on the way out. So I bought 5 new bolts, cleaned up the threads in the hub with a die, and then spent 2 hours working on getting the broken bolt out. I cut a slot with a dremel, no luck with a big screwdriver OR impact screwdriver. That bolt was IN there! I ended up drilling it out and busting up the outside shell of threads with a screwdriver. Then cleaned up the threads with the die, and all good!

Before on left, after on right.
3226
3225
3224

[az3579]

Mmmm, fresh wheels!


Is it me or is the red-out of your turn signals fading?

[T.Bird]

That is mostly the light playing off of it on the right side, it looks decent in person. The left side doesn't look quite as good though, I tried wetsanding and buffing it but the paint just faded the color a bit instead of doing what I had hoped. ....It's not enough to bug me yet, I'll redo them in a year or two probably when they actually do start fading.

[brettbimmer]

Nice work! The wheels look great!

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[Crickett]

I finally finished refinishing my wheels! [ . . . ]
Holy beautiful new wheels, Batman! Schexy! :thumbsup


got my VANOS gasket today while taking a break from work. Now I have everything needed to do the VANOS rebuild w/ anti-rattle kit :biggrin

Saving this for the Mafia meet. Looking forward to doing this with everyone's help :thumbsup


[ . . . ] within 2 weeks, my ZHP will have a new cooling system w/ Stewart WP [ . . . ]

Looks like it's that time of year! I started my pre-100k maintenance today; I'm taking my time as this is my first time DIYing anything with an engine's internals – I know not by much, but if there're oiled surfaces out in the open, it's serious bidness! By the end of the week I should have done VANOS seals & anti-rattle, VCG, spark plugs, coolant system (expansion tank, coolant hoses, Stewart pump, etc.), Turner Power Pulleys, fuel filter, & diff flush! Whew!

Opened up & ready to pull the VANOS:
http://tcholo.net:8080/images/bmw/100mx01.jpg

Looking pretty good for 92k+:
http://tcholo.net:8080/images/bmw/100mx02.jpg

Kinda proud of my valve cover bolt management system:
http://tcholo.net:8080/images/bmw/100mx03.jpg

To be continued . . . :roundel

[zj96sc]

Not sure if you meant to, but you painted over your M emblems on your wheels. I'd knock those loose and get some new ones on there to round it out:

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1129-m-sport-wheel-emblem-genuine-bmw-18mm-x-10mm.aspx

Beyond that, many thumbs up for that kind of effort. I hope they hold up for you.

[johnrando]

Nice!

[UdubBadger]

cool

[Hornung418]

I should probably make a mental note of that idea...

[T.Bird]

Nice work! The wheels look great!

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

Thanks!


Holy beautiful new wheels, Batman! Schexy! :thumbsup


Thanks! Nice clean engine internals!




Not sure if you meant to, but you painted over your M emblems on your wheels. I'd knock those loose and get some new ones on there to round it out:

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1129-m-sport-wheel-emblem-genuine-bmw-18mm-x-10mm.aspx

Beyond that, many thumbs up for that kind of effort. I hope they hold up for you.

Thanks for the link! As can be seen in the "before" picture, they had been painted over previously. If I had been thinking I would have pulled the old ones off before I painted over them again. I think I would be nervous about pulling them off now with the primer, paint, and clear bonding it to the wheel...I would probably chip the paint. Oh well.... I refinished the wheels on my last car and they lasted about 5 years before starting to chip a bit, so I'm hoping for similar results or better (I think I did a better prep job this time)

[midlandtech]

What paint did you use and how long did it take?


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[T.Bird]

What paint did you use and how long did it take?


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I used Valspar basic primer, then Duplicolor High Performace wheel coating, I think the color is "Steel" (I have seen it at Advance auto and Home Depot). It's slightly darker than the factory color. I was looking for a high temperature clear coating, but came up empty handed. I ended up using Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel.

I did the wheels in pairs, cleaned and sanded one afternoon, then sprayed primer. 20 minutes between coats, let it dry for 2 hours (it was probably fully dry after 30 minutes) Then sprayed the color, 2 light coats covering different parts of the wheel, then one more overall coat. 20-30 minutes between each. During the night pulled them into the garage, and the next day did the clear coat 2-3 light coats. The rear wheels were mounted the next day. The fronts were cleared late morning (a couple days later), so I mounted them that evening ...but did not drive for another 24 hours.

[Hermes]

IIRC Wurth makes the factory paint and they also have a clear coat available

[T.Bird]

IIRC Wurth makes the factory paint and they also have a clear coat available

Yeah, and this would be the way to go for anyone who isn't too impulsive like me. I woke up and decided to refinish my wheels, so used what was local.

[Ryans323i]

Excellent work T-bird! They look great, wonderful DIY'n!

[nike001]

Last night I conditioned my leather with the stuff that BMW sells. I applied on with a wax applicator for nice coverage and then buffed off with a microfiber. My interior wreaks of leather now. It's almost too much, I think I'll let it air out when I get home.

I took some pictures with my step-dad too. He has a ridiculous amounts of cameras and lenses. We got a few good pics, but my drivers door was open. We're trying again tonight. I'll be sure to post them up when I get done with them.

[Ryans323i]

I love the smell of leather, I even buy that candle from Yankee Candle. Can't wait to see your pics. It's always hard to get pics of the interior with all the doors shut.

[edlvrt]

Looking pretty good for 92k+:


Looks so good you could eat off of it! Out of curiosity, what brand/weight of oil do you use and how often do you change it?

[danewilson77]

Thanks Steve.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/ImolaRDRearStrutMount.jpg

Thanks Bimmian.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/ImolaBimmianPhonemountresize.jpg

[cakM3]

Thanks Steve.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/ImolaRDRearStrutMount.jpg


Love the ///M3 cargo mat :thumbsup

Bimmian? I might have to look at that :)

[danewilson77]

Love the ///M3 cargo mat :thumbsup

Bimmian? I might have to look at that :)

No.... Modbargains.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[danewilson77]

Love the ///M3 cargo mat :thumbsup

Bimmian? I might have to look at that :)

http://www.modbargains.com/OEM-BMW-Trunk-Mat-E46.htm



Pay no mind to what they say about vert/coupe. Trunk is the same. I had KG measure his, to compare with mine, and as you see, fitment is flawless. I have asked MB to change their ad.....but they ignore. They have so much business from the coupe/vert crowd, they can afford to snub their nose at sedan owners.

[cakM3]

that cargo mat does look good :drool Thanks for the verification brutha :thumbsup

[Ryans323i]

OMG I'm so jelly of the M3 mat!

[Johnmadd]

I see a new rear strut bar in pic 1. Pic 2 is new phone mount maybe?

[danewilson77]

I see a new rear strut bar in pic 1. Pic 2 is new phone mount maybe?

Yes.....it is. Removed the DIY mount today. Kinda felt weird. The other mount is cleaner. I still have the dash mount for droid is someone wants to roll it.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/DSC03312sz1200-2.jpg

Actually...the HTC Thunderbolt mount made it a lil different.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6716661849_f000e1f4ab_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dw77zhpmafia/6716661849/)
Imola interior (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dw77zhpmafia/6716661849/) by Dane Wilson77 (http://www.flickr.com/people/dw77zhpmafia/), on Flickr

[midlandtech]

Thanks Steve.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/ImolaRDRearStrutMount.jpg

Thanks Bimmian.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/ImolaBimmianPhonemountresize.jpg

Wow took ya no time to install =) lookin good


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Meric]

Finally found a BMW Indy shop free inspection for the coolant leak. It's coming from the water pump. He will replace it with the oem part tomorrow. Cost? $150 :D

[cakM3]

Finally found a BMW Indy shop free inspection for the coolant leak. It's coming from the water pump. He will replace it with the oem part tomorrow. Cost? $150 :D

FTW

[Meric]

Took me long enough tho.. :D I'm going to buy my dad a X5 its 2006 Silver 4.4 he doesnt know it yet. :D Same indy guy sells it.

[Hornung418]

No way...That's totally awesome, Meric! Film the reaction please! He'll thank you for that I'm sure of it LOL

[Crickett]

Looks so good you could eat off of it! Out of curiosity, what brand/weight of oil do you use and how often do you change it?

BMW 5W-30, every 7,500 miles as indicated by the service interval readout. :thumbsup

[Johnmadd]

I would love to be able to do that for my dad.

[LivesNearCostco]

Adjusted my coilover ride height today. Just converted to coilovers on Sunday (so only saw 20 minutes of Superbowl game time). Per my request, Ground Control told me how to set it around stock ride height. Today I decided to lower a tiny bit, just because now I can! Lowered two turns (about 1/4") in front and 1 turn (about 1/8") in back. Getting great support from Jay at Ground Control.

Just wondering if I should have gone with higher spring rates. Jay suggested two, the more comfy one for dealing with bad roads and the slightly higher rates for more track performance. I went with comfy rate and it's pretty comfy. Maybe I should have gone with his moderate rates suggestion. Well I can buy stiffer springs in the future.

I was going to take pictures with the wheels off, but d'oh, I forgot!

[midlandtech]

I would love to be able to do that for my dad.

Always been a dream of mine to locate and buy my dads old Chevelle from his college days back for him


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cakM3]

I just placed my order for these bad boys for the ZHP :biggrin Thanks BP!

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ScreenShot2012-02-07at114919PM.png

Also ordered 10mm spacers and hub extenders from Turner :thumbsup

[gr330zhp]

I just placed my order for these bad boys for the ZHP :biggrin Thanks BP!

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ScreenShot2012-02-07at114919PM.png

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/ScreenShot2012-02-07at114204PM.png

Soooooooo awesome! I have stopped myself from ordering this kit a couple times, haha :D Congrats! Cant wait to see pics and hear what they're like

[UdubBadger]

thats just the fronts correct?

[cakM3]

yes sir, that is the front

az3579 has had them for a few weeks now. He can chime in on how he likes them but I can tell you, having seen them in person....I had to get a set for myself. These brakes are awesome :thumbsup

Yes, I will be posting some pics in my project thread when I install them.

[az3579]

These brakes are fantastic. They bite immediately. The look great. They use OEM 135i sized pads. They're dirt cheap. There's no losing with this setup.

Downside of course is the high price of brake pads...



Perhaps when I rebleed them after installing my single remaining rubber brake hose, they'll be firmer.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Finally found a BMW Indy shop free inspection for the coolant leak. It's coming from the water pump. He will replace it with the oem part tomorrow. Cost? $150 :D

$150 is a great price if that includes parts/labor. Go to him for your brakes. Thinking it should cost you around 60 bux.

[danewilson77]

Soooooooo awesome! I have stopped myself from ordering this kit a couple times, haha :D Congrats! Cant wait to see pics and hear what they're like

BP has this kit installed and has written a review on them.

[az3579]

BP has this kit installed and has written a review on them.

I haven't written a review yet because without the final stainless line being replaced I can't be accurate with pedal feel. Plus I think my brakes need to be rebled.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

I thought you did an initial review.....I guess not.

Waiting :foottap

[az3579]

I thought you did an initial review.....I guess not.

Waiting :foottap

It wasn't official. I was going to do a full review in the Product Reviews section when I had everything squared away. I'm probably just going to write one now and revise it when I get an idea of actual pedal feel.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[UdubBadger]

I had the brakes on my 135i with some Cool Carbon performance pads. I can say you won't be disappointed.

[az3579]

I had the brakes on my 135i with some Cool Carbon performance pads. I can say you won't be disappointed.

Were you on the track with them? How are they with brake fade? It's my number 1 concern.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[Whitexi]

Installed the garage door opener so now her home is complete!

[johnrando]

Took me long enough tho.. :D I'm going to buy my dad a X5 its 2006 Silver 4.4 he doesnt know it yet. :D Same indy guy sells it.

Very cool Meric.

[nike001]

I might be buying some 10mm & 12mm spacers for my car. Is this a good set-up, should I go bigger? Seems like the guy had them on his ZHP on E46Fanatics.

$100 + shipping for hubcentric spacers and lugs seems like a good price to me..

[M3TA5IN]

Getting her detailed today. And I was thinking about picking up the BMW performance SSK, but now I am undecided.

[danewilson77]

I might be buying some 10mm & 12mm spacers for my car. Is this a good set-up, should I go bigger? Seems like the guy had them on his ZHP on E46Fanatics.

$100 + shipping for hubcentric spacers and lugs seems like a good price to me..

I have 10's front and 15's rear. ET45.

Could go 15's front, 20's rear.......

[MrMaico]

Thanks Bimmian.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/ImolaBimmianPhonemountresize.jpg

How are you liking that mount Dane? Is this the one?

http://www.bimmian.com/46/MDM/

Does it hold it pretty steady? Looks like it's $40 for the bracket AND holder? Not bad. I think I'll order one up for my GPS. I've just been using a suction cup with gooseneck setup but never did care much for that setup and always planned on looking for something like this.

Barry

[danewilson77]

Yeah....that's it. Love it thus far.....

[MrMaico]

Yeah....that's it. Love it thus far.....

Thanks for the quick reply........gonna order one right now.

[danewilson77]

Thanks for the quick reply........gonna order one right now.

Cool. Don't try to figure out how to put it in yourself, and use the directions (one of the pics) at the website.

[Dotpage]

New radiator :/


Sent from my iPhone

[cakM3]

I might be buying some 10mm & 12mm spacers for my car. Is this a good set-up, should I go bigger? Seems like the guy had them on his ZHP on E46Fanatics.

$100 + shipping for hubcentric spacers and lugs seems like a good price to me..

This is what I will be running once I get my new brake calipers installed. I am currently running with 12mm spacers in back.

@ Dane, that mount looks great :thumbsup

[Ryans323i]

I have 10's front and 15's rear. ET45.

Could go 15's front, 20's rear.......

And you have 18x8 square right?


New radiator :/


Sent from my iPhone

Bummer!

[Meric]

New radiator :/


Sent from my iPhone

Ouch. Did you replaced it at the dealer?? In here just the part is $750.

Dropped off my car for coolant system flush, water pump, new pulleys, new belts.

[Dotpage]

Ouch. Did you replaced it at the dealer?? In here just the part is $750.

Nope, my mechanic got a new aftermarket for $280 and $120 labor. diving again :D That's about $3000 Canadian right? J.K. J.K.!!!

[Mtnman]

:thumbsup

[Hermes]

Meric, to be honest I would not have spent the money on that... personally I would have gone Indy and had them install aluminum water pump pulley + underdrive other pulleys. IIRC that mod is 10-20 whp, don't remember the exact num of the top of my head

[webster]

Meric, to be honest I would not have spent the money on that... personally I would have gone Indy and had them install aluminum water pump pulley + underdrive other pulleys. IIRC that mod is 10-20 whp, don't remember the exact num of the top of my head

meric is makin' it rain up there in canadia. bout to buy his pops an X5 straight cash homie. money ain't no thang yo!


but seriously, the underdrive pulleys are a GREAT recommendation. by far the most notable performance mod to my butt dyno. yee haw!

[jayjay_dee]

but seriously, the underdrive pulleys are a GREAT recommendation. by far the most notable performance mod to my butt dyno. yee haw!

did you do this mod? i think i missed that post, what did you get? DIY?

[Taliben]

I got my uuc tse3 today! I'm pumped to get home and open it.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk

[webster]

did you do this mod? i think i missed that post, what did you get? DIY?

yep, DIY'd the Rogue Engineering underdrive pulley kit. Includes upgraded PS and WP pulleys as well as serp belt. $185+ shipping on Rogue's website. make sure you have a torx bit set for the tensioner pulley.

[GMATT]

Pulled the corner of the cover off...and looked at my ZHP
:)

Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

I got my uuc tse3 today! I'm pumped to get home and open it.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk

Nice! I definitely want one, let us know what you think.


meric is makin' it rain up there in canadia. bout to buy his pops an X5 straight cash homie. money ain't no thang yo!


but seriously, the underdrive pulleys are a GREAT recommendation. by far the most notable performance mod to my butt dyno. yee haw!

I did the TMS pulleys... honestly, I'm not positive I can feel that great of a difference. I probably need to exercise it a little more to really tell, haven't been driving that many miles at speed. What's your experience been?

[Crickett]

but seriously, the underdrive pulleys are a GREAT recommendation. by far the most notable performance mod to my butt dyno. yee haw!

Oh that makes me very glad I picked up a set of Turner's underdrive pulleys! I was debating whether it was a good idea . . . sounds like it is! I can't wait!

Edit:

I did the TMS pulleys... honestly, I'm not positive I can feel that great of a difference. I probably need to exercise it a little more to really tell, haven't been driving that many miles at speed. What's your experience been?
Dang! Hope I didn't pick the wrong set!

[Meric]

Update: After my Indy tech F$&(@$ me over he told me the price of the repair was $600 parts including labor. The end wasn't pretty. Cops came and stuff he ended up going to hospital for dislocated shoulder and broken arm. Now I'm paying $400 everything included. If you want more details pm me. Got new pulleys belts and water pump. I'm so tired. I'm out for today! Good day everyone

[nike001]

This is what I will be running once I get my new brake calipers installed. I am currently running with 12mm spacers in back.



I bought 'em! I'm excited to get them.. I've wanted spacers for a while now but I was never able to swing the cash or I always needed something else. These seemed like a good price so I hopped on them.

[Hornung418]

Update: After my Indy tech F$&(@$ me over he told me the price of the repair was $600 parts including labor. The end wasn't pretty. Cops came and stuff he ended up going to hospital for dislocated shoulder and broken arm. Now I'm paying $400 everything included. If you want more details pm me. Got new pulleys belts and water pump. I'm so tired. I'm out for today! Good day everyone
SRS?

[T.Bird]

SRS?

+1!

[nike001]

Mmmm I want the deets!

[danewilson77]

Update: After my Indy tech F$&(@$ me over he told me the price of the repair was $600 parts including labor. The end wasn't pretty. Cops came and stuff he ended up going to hospital for dislocated shoulder and broken arm. Now I'm paying $400 everything included. If you want more details pm me. Got new pulleys belts and water pump. I'm so tired. I'm out for today! Good day everyone

Shit just got real.:shifty

[Johnmadd]

^in for story. Did the mounties come also?

[cakM3]

I bought 'em! I'm excited to get them.. I've wanted spacers for a while now but I was never able to swing the cash or I always needed something else. These seemed like a good price so I hopped on them.

:like

[johnrando]

I bought 'em! I'm excited to get them.. I've wanted spacers for a while now but I was never able to swing the cash or I always needed something else. These seemed like a good price so I hopped on them.

Were they on sale?

[nike001]

Were they on sale?

No, I just happened to be browsing the E46Fanatics classifieds at the right time. I caught the thread like 5 minutes after it was posted. Some guy ran them on his ZHP, but now has a different set up and doesn't need em anymore. $110 + $10 shipping didn't seem like a bad deal.

[cakM3]

^
FTW
:like

[Meric]

It was not the money I cared about i trusted him and let him work on my car he told me that he would replace the water pump for less than the dealer. I thought it was a minor job and lets see if his service is good. After 5 hours I got a call saying car is ready to go and the bill is $645 something like that I'm like what?!?! Then i went to his workshop which is almost outside of the city. He told me that if i dont pay the repair cost the key and the car stays with him. I said look dude you said you would change the pump less than $360 then he says oh did i!?! "I dont think i said that man because it is 4 hours of labor work + only the part costs $210 "We started argueing then he starts to swear at me for me being cheap and stupid dumpsh!t. Just couldnt hold myself things got out of the hand. Cops came did some report he found guilty anyways I gave his buddy $400 and left the place. Then later i learned that he went to the hospital for dislocated shoulder and broken arm... :mad

[Newjack]

It was not the money I cared about i trusted him and let him work on my car he told me that he would replace the water pump for less than the dealer. I thought it was a minor job and lets see if his service is good. After 5 hours I got a call saying car is ready to go and the bill is $645 something like that I'm like what?!?! Then i went to his workshop which is almost outside of the city. He told me that if i dont pay the repair cost the key and the car stays with him. I said look dude you said you would change the pump less than $360 then he says oh did i!?! "I dont think i said that man because it is 4 hours of labor work + only the part costs $210 "We started argueing then he starts to swear at me for me being cheap and stupid dumpsh!t. Just couldnt hold myself things got out of the hand. Cops came did some report he found guilty anyways I gave his buddy $400 and left the place. Then later i learned that he went to the hospital for dislocated shoulder and broken arm... :mad

What a dickhead that guy was. This is the reason I don't trust anyone to work on my car but myself.

BMW dealers for the most part can be trusted, but I don't have the will to shell out my life savings for minor tune ups.

[Johnmadd]

What a dickhead that guy was. This is the reason I don't trust anyone to work on my car but myself.

BMW dealers for the most part can be trusted, but I don't have the will to shell out my life savings for minor tune ups.

+1, just go for it I guess.

[LivesNearCostco]

Is that why they call you guys FIGHTER pilots? Or did he dislocate his shoulder and break his arm fighting with the cops?

[Meric]

Yeah from now on I'm going to dealer no matter what. But oughh my left knee hurts really bad..



Is that why they call you guys FIGHTER pilots? Or did he dislocate his shoulder and break his arm fighting with the cops?

AHaha i guess?! :D No he didnt fight with the cops. It was me and him when sh!t happened.

[johnrando]

Gotta admit, as a parent I would counsel my kids against fighting. However, I have to laugh at this story because I think many of us have been there, gotten ripped off by a mechanic and just wanted to kick his ass. And you just did it! Hope every things turns out ok.

[UdubBadger]

:rofl

[Meric]

"I dont always fight, but when I do I make sure I break something" :P

I can handle the worse. This was a lesson to me.. :/

[az3579]

This sounds like the time I was a high school student, working a part time job. I was about to attend my second high performance driver's school at Lime Rock and I had taken my car in for a pre-tech inspection. This is when I had my E30. They found a minor leak and said it would cost about 400-something dollars to fix. I said if it's under $500, fix it. Otherwise, give me a call.

The next day, I get a call that the car is done. I head over and end up leaving the place $1700 poorer. I was SO PISSED. The car wasn't even worth $500. I was a broke high school kid and they didn't even consider that when they went right ahead fixing the problem despite me telling them not to if it exceeded $500. That emptied out my entire savings, and I haven't been able to maintain a savings since then. This was in 2008.

Needless to say, I haven't gone back.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[cakM3]

@ Meric,

All I can say is that I'm sorry you had to go through that.....

I hear about dealerships or an occasional indy shop doing this to their customers. I guess I can seriously consider myself very lucky because I have not had any of those issues where I live. I can say for those of you if you are ever in the Newport RI area, BMW of Newport is one of the best dealerships I have ever delt with. I use them occasionally because of their exceptional service. If I ask them to keep maintenance to a certain level and call me if its going to cost more, they do just that. They provide me with options and keep me advised throughout my maintenance. Can't ask for more...:thumbsup

Whenever I hear horror stories like what Meric went through, I count my blessings. "Knock on wood", hopefully I will never have to go through this.....hope everything turns out okay for you Meric...

[nike001]

az, you definitely could have gotten out of all that.. and I'm sure that you being a minor during that would have only helped your case.

[az3579]

az, you definitely could have gotten out of all that.. and I'm sure that you being a minor during that would have only helped your case.

Gotten out of what, the bill? I doubt it.

I actually just thought about it and realize that in 2008 I was already out of high school. I don't know why I thought I was still in school, but I was still only 19, working full time, making 8.5/hr. Still unacceptable, what they did.


For reference, it was Fairfield County Motorsport, a reputable shop. Personally I think it was just the guy at the counter. I once spoke to one of their employees who autocrosses with my group and he said the guy I an referring to is a dick. Otherwise, the guys there know their stuff and are in general good guys.

Just this one guy is the reason I never got a call about it being so expensive.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[BurghJR]

Last week I went on a shopping spree at ECS Tuning using my gift card from xmas ($100 value greatly exceeded ;) )

The full list:
Accessory Belt - Air Conditioning Compressor ES#21723
Radiator / Intercooler Fin Tool ES#1596825
Front Upper Strut Mount Reinforcement Plate - Priced Each ES#128656
Cabin Filter / Fresh Air Filter (Charcoal Lined) ES#2215254
Spark Plugs - Set Of Six ES#10331
E-Z Detail Brush ES#2221208
Double Open End Fan Clutch Wrench - 32/36mm ES#240950
LED Interior Lighting Kit ES#2210255
P21S Wheel Cleaner (500ml) ES#261709
Extended 5/8" Spark Plug Socket ES#9340
Oil Filter Housing Gasket ES#23900
Sealing Ring - Priced Each ES#54259
Fuel Filter ES#33012
Total @ ECS $370

Also ordered the Rogue power pulley kit w/belt, as well as the Khoalty piano black grille set to replace my cracked and faded black gloss grilles I got from EBay 2 years back.

Planning to knock out the OFHG, pulleys/belts, fuel filter and LED kit this weekend. I have a new OEM VCG and grommets waiting to replace my leaky aftermarket gasket (Victor Reinz FTL) along with the spark plugs.

Paying close attention to the Eurocharged tuning updates...if they can access the kbock adaptation settings and fix the 4k power dip I'm all in!

[Ryans323i]

Excellent list!

[balticvid]

January 13, I brought my car (05 ZHP) to the local dealer for a recall (B63 06 11) to replace both ground wires and sockets in the rear lights.
They did it right away and had me done in a hour. Good.
Before they brought my car out, the service rep. suggested that I replace my fan belts. He said that they had a little milage left on them.
He said that my cost would be $160.00. I wann't ready for that. No thanks.

I went to my mechanic who is 70 miles from where I recently moved to.
I was due for an oil change anyway. He saw some small cracks in the belts. 52,000 miles on them.
He changed them on the spot.
He took off the air filter, cowel, fan blade and replaced everything with new belts. It took him a total of eleven minutes.
Cost me $84.00 total for the belts. (Redline oil change w/filter was extra.)

My suggestion is to find yourself a good independent BMW repair shop and stay with them. I found that
it is much better (and cheaper) in the long run.

[johnrando]

BP, sorry to hear that. As I've said, I think many of us have been there. Is it too late to send Meric over? :biggrin. And, to help keep us on topic, I bought adjustable end links. Getting ready for my H&R install. (Cup kit w/race springs).

[cakM3]

... I bought adjustable end links. Getting ready for my H&R install. (Cup kit w/race springs).

Your ZHP is going to have an awesome stance John :thumbsup Can't wait to see pics brutha :biggrin

Oh wait!!! I will owe you pics as well.....:) Can't wait till spring............

[johnrando]

Your ZHP is going to have an awesome stance John :thumbsup Can't wait to see pics brutha :biggrin

Oh wait!!! I will owe you pics as well.....:) Can't wait till spring............

Thanks! :thumbsup You know I'm looking forward to seeing your mods come spring.

[Ryans323i]

Thanks! :thumbsup You know I'm looking forward to seeing your mods come spring.

Does this mean you're coming to the Beast Coast Meet?!?!?!

[johnrando]

Does this mean you're coming to the Beast Coast Meet?!?!?!


Thanks for asking. Not at the moment, but I'd like to. I was speaking about seeing the pictures.

[spencers]

My suggestion is to find yourself a good independent BMW repair shop and stay with them. I found that
it is much better (and cheaper) in the long run.

+1
Or DIY. Only cost is the parts and a little bit of time. :)

[Ryans323i]

Thanks for asking. Not at the moment, but I'd like to. I was speaking about seeing the pictures.

Just fly in! Come on! I'll chauffeur you around in Lucy. She's not a 'vert but I'll open the sunroof.

[Sockethead]

Update: After my Indy tech F$&(@$ me over he told me the price of the repair was $600 parts including labor. The end wasn't pretty. Cops came and stuff he ended up going to hospital for dislocated shoulder and broken arm. Now I'm paying $400 everything included. If you want more details pm me. Got new pulleys belts and water pump. I'm so tired. I'm out for today! Good day everyone

I'm just catching up on this thread now...
Sounds like he broke the pulleys trying to get them off... common problem since they are made of plastic... still he should of worked that out with you instead of being a dick about it...
replacing the water pump was one of the easiest things I've ever done on my car.

[mr hish]

i installed the mud flaps from ecs : http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/Hisham_Jaroudi/IMG-20120208-00078.jpg

[mr hish]

ill post more pics later that was a quick shot

[johnrando]

Just fly in! Come on! I'll chauffeur you around in Lucy. She's not a 'vert but I'll open the sunroof.

Awesome. It would be hard to pass up an invitation like that! :)

[cakM3]

Got my 10mm spacers and Hub Extender kit from Turner this afternoon :thumbsup

Now for my ECS Tuning BBK :biggrin

http://img.tapatalk.com/6c0cee16-3dc3-1a6d.jpg


@John... I'll make the invite even harder for you bud. Call me when you get my PM. If you accept then you can share the news with the Mafia :thumbsup

[zj96sc]

I head over and end up leaving the place $1700 poorer. I was SO PISSED. The car wasn't even worth $500.

I think I would've lost the $500 instead of the $1700 in that case then. Bummer.

These stories remind me why I do 100% of my own work.

[johnrando]

Just fly in! Come on! I'll chauffeur you around in Lucy. She's not a 'vert but I'll open the sunroof.

Thanks to Charlie I'm going to the meet! I'm so pumped. He totally hooked me up. Can't wait for a ride in Lucy!

[Hornung418]

No way...Totally awesome!

[Crickett]

Wow, Meric & BP, I would've been pissed were I in either of your situations, too! My response would've probably been somewhere between your two; probably just cursed the guy while walking out the door!
:ronald

Finally got my VANOS all redone with the Beisan seals & anti-rattle kit! Valve cover's back on (with a new VCG, natch), & tomorrow I'll replace my spark plugs, get the covers back on, & then start tackling the cooling system! :rockon

[danewilson77]

Thanks to Charlie I'm going to the meet! I'm so pumped. He totally hooked me up. Can't wait for a ride in Lucy!

Wut? That's awesome.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[cakM3]

Thanks to Charlie I'm going to the meet! I'm so pumped. He totally hooked me up. Can't wait for a ride in Lucy!

Instead of buying you a set of BMW Performance BBKs I got you a plane ticket to the reunion instead :) Is that okay Ryan? Now John will join all of us and be able to get a ride in Lucy :biggrin Glad to help you John! Looking forward to meeting you and everyone else at the reunion :thumbsup

[Newjack]

Wow, Meric & BP, I would've been pissed were I in either of your situations, too! My response would've probably been somewhere between your two; probably just cursed the guy while walking out the door!
:ronald

Finally got my VANOS all redone with the Beisan seals & anti-rattle kit! Valve cover's back on (with a new VCG, natch), & tomorrow I'll replace my spark plugs, get the covers back on, & then start tackling the cooling system! :rockon

Nice work! The cooling system is one of the easier DIY's out there. Just expect a mess.

[johnrando]

I'm beyond thrilled, and very thankful. Plus, I get to see all those mods Charlie's been planning.

[ryankokesh]

Nice!

[iZHP]

Dropped the car off for Bilstein warrantied shock replacement, and new shoes for the front :)

[Chad44]

Installed my ZHP Mafia stickers on my car, and installed my ZHP Mafia shirt on my torso... my best mod this month!

[cakM3]

:like

[bimmeryota]

I washed my car in the dark today because I couldn't stand to drive it another sunny day looking dirty...

[T.Bird]

For reference, it was Fairfield County Motorsport, a reputable shop.


Is this the place right across from the train station? I have heard good things about it, its a shame one guy ruined your experience and I'm sure many other customer's experiences. That place has some pretty sweet cars outside most the times I drive by.

[Ryans323i]

Thanks to Charlie I'm going to the meet! I'm so pumped. He totally hooked me up. Can't wait for a ride in Lucy!

This is so wonderful!! Way to go Charlie for the offer and way to go John for accepting! I'm pumped. Hope Lucy lives up to your expectations.

[GMATT]

Instead of buying you a set of BMW Performance BBKs I got you a plane ticket to the reunion instead :) Is that okay Ryan? Now John will join all of us and be able to get a ride in Lucy :biggrin Glad to help you John! Looking forward to meeting you and everyone else at the reunion :thumbsup

Another reason the ZHP Mafia rocks!

Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk

[webster]

dropped my car off at the shop to have cooling system done (w/ Stewart WP), FCABs replaced (Meyle HD) and wheels straightened.

won't see her for 12 days...me sad panda :(

[zj96sc]

What? What shop needs 12 days for that?

[webster]

haha, no...i am going on vacation starting tomorrow and won't be back til the 21st. cabo san lucas ftw!

plus since they are sending the wheels out to a specialist to be straightened, they said it would take an extra couple days on top of everything else, so it worked out perfectly with my vaca.

[danewilson77]

^Baller.

[das boots]

Got my 10mm spacers and Hub Extender kit from Turner this afternoon :thumbsup

Now for my ECS Tuning BBK :biggrin

http://img.tapatalk.com/6c0cee16-3dc3-1a6d.jpg


@John... I'll make the invite even harder for you bud. Call me when you get my PM. If you accept then you can share the news with the Mafia :thumbsup

I take they are for the rears. Are you installing them to make the rears look wider? Are you using stock wheels? Will they rub the fenders? Pics when you have them installed.

[Hermes]

I take they are for the rears. Are you installing them to make the rears look wider? Are you using stock wheels? Will they rub the fenders? Pics when you have them installed.

Lawrence, Charlie is installing the BMW Performance BBK on the fronts. He will need the spacers so the 135s fit with the brakes. I believe he got different spacers for the rear

[Hochspannung]

I'm officially representing the Mafia in southern Ontario

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/429070_10150513065716910_530341909_9382938_1957998 311_n.jpg?dl=1

[midlandtech]

I'm officially representing the Mafia in southern Ontario

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/429070_10150513065716910_530341909_9382938_1957998 311_n.jpg?dl=1

Woot!


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[das boots]

Lawrence, Charlie is installing the BMW Performance BBK on the fronts. He will need the spacers so the 135s fit with the brakes. I believe he got different spacers for the rear

That would make sense. I have a set of spare spacers and wondering what they look like installed on the rears.....

[Crickett]

Man, that BBK is :drool

So far today I replaced all of my spark plugs (all looked pretty good for 92k+), buttoned the engine back up, got the girl up on jack stands, & began my cooling system refresh. Opened & drained the two blue screws at the front (the side spout on the rearmost of the two was a nice surprise :shift), moved to the block & . . . how the @#$!!% are you supposed to remove the engine block coolant drain plug?! I can just barely get my hand up there with a 1/4-drive 13mm socket & wrench & don't seem to have anywhere near enough leverage to break it free to hand remove.

Do I even need to bother draining the block if I'm going to be replacing the water pump & thermostat? :scratchinghead

[cakM3]

Lawrence, Charlie is installing the BMW Performance BBK on the fronts. He will need the spacers so the 135s fit with the brakes. I believe he got different spacers for the rear

JP,

Already have my spacers from Turner :thumbsup

10mm w/ hub extenders front and 12mm rear

:biggrin

[zj96sc]

Man, that BBK is :drool

So far today I replaced all of my spark plugs (all looked pretty good for 92k+), buttoned the engine back up, got the girl up on jack stands, & began my cooling system refresh. Opened & drained the two blue screws at the front (the side spout on the rearmost of the two was a nice surprise :shift), moved to the block & . . . how the @#$!!% are you supposed to remove the engine block coolant drain plug?! I can just barely get my hand up there with a 1/4-drive 13mm socket & wrench & don't seem to have anywhere near enough leverage to break it free to hand remove.

Do I even need to bother draining the block if I'm going to be replacing the water pump & thermostat? :scratchinghead


I've done two cars (exp tank, tstat, pump) and didn't remove the drain plug on either. The block itself doesn't have much coolant capacity, I didn't lose any sleep over it.

[das boots]

Charlie..could you provide a close-up side view of rears? Would like to see how far extended out they go.....

[Ryans323i]

Went by my local dealer today and picked up a couple rubber mount points. Seems I lost a couple over the years. :eeps

But I did check a new F30 335 sport that was in the showroom. Everything was on point and sexy, I think that's going to be my next car. I've got some pics, hmmm, where to post?

[webster]

Went by my local dealer today and picked up a couple rubber mount points. Seems I lost a couple over the years. :eeps

But I did check a new F30 335 sport that was in the showroom. Everything was on point and sexy, I think that's going to be my next car. I've got some pics, hmmm, where to post?

anywhere and everywhere!

[Ryans323i]

Yeah, I'll just post them here. I can't seem to dig up the F30 thread.

Well my pictures are not doing it justice. But here ya go.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/F30335.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/335interior.jpg

And you know I had to get one of me in it!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/335.jpg

I told David to go check it out. Hopefully he'll chime in with how awesome it looks.

[Mtnman]

I will chime in soon....but some of us had to work today and didnt get to play at the dealer all day! :foottap

[Ryans323i]

Hate it for ya!

[LivesNearCostco]

I removed the block drain plug the first time I drained the cooling system and it wasn't hard. I definitely used a 3/8" extension and possibly also a 3/8" universal joint. For me the hard part was not removing the plug, it was trying to catch the falling coolant. I'd bought some 3/4" ID stiff clear hose to route the falling coolant into my drain pan, but it wasn't big or flexible enough. About half went into the drain pan and the other half went all over me and the garage floor. Fortunately I'd already drained the ET. Apparently I was supposed to get some 2" ID flexible gutter drain pipe--live and learn!

Later when I had to swap the old thermostat back, I didn't bother draining the engine block.



So far today I replaced all of my spark plugs (all looked pretty good for 92k+), buttoned the engine back up, got the girl up on jack stands, & began my cooling system refresh. Opened & drained the two blue screws at the front (the side spout on the rearmost of the two was a nice surprise :shift), moved to the block & . . . how the @#$!!% are you supposed to remove the engine block coolant drain plug?! I can just barely get my hand up there with a 1/4-drive 13mm socket & wrench & don't seem to have anywhere near enough leverage to break it free to hand remove.

Do I even need to bother draining the block if I'm going to be replacing the water pump & thermostat? :scratchinghead

[Ryans323i]

Bam:

$51,993

3257

[midlandtech]

LOL my buddy that is the shop Foreman at the BMW dealership here in KC just got back from his classes about the new 3 series... he said that it is "bomb dot com" which in his lingo means a must have he said its an awesome car and I should buy one in a couple years on the used market

[cakM3]

Courtesy of ECS Tuning...I present.....

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-8e00-a2a2.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-9153-d290.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-9167-2115.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-917a-961a.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-918c-f61c.jpg

Wonderful start to my weekend :biggrin

[jayjay_dee]

BBK in Big Boxes?

sweet!!! im jealous...

[cakM3]

Yeah jayjay...they arrived this afternoon :biggrin

I was sweating it that the UPS delivery guy would just leave them outside my door while I was at work. Good thing they delivered it to my apartment manager's office...I was relieved :)

[MrMaico]

Yeah, I'll just post them here. I can't seem to dig up the F30 thread.

Well my pictures are not doing it justice. But here ya go.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/F30335.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/335interior.jpg

And you know I had to get one of me in it!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/335.jpg

I told David to go check it out. Hopefully he'll chime in with how awesome it looks.

What a beauty!.................and the car aint too shabby either!:biggrin







:ducking

[cakM3]

Charlie..could you provide a close-up side view of rears? Would like to see how far extended out they go.....

Want pics with winter tires or when I put on my summer tires?

[johnrando]

Yeah, I'll just post them here. I can't seem to dig up the F30 thread.

Well my pictures are not doing it justice. But here ya go.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/F30335.jpg

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/335interior.jpg

And you know I had to get one of me in it!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/335.jpg

I told David to go check it out. Hopefully he'll chime in with how awesome it looks.

Looking good. Not thinking M version?

[midlandtech]

Just made a first aid/ small survival kit for the car... I usually have one in all vehicles but have been lazy


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[iZHP]

new tires mounted and Left Front Bilstein replaced under warranty.

112,800.

It sure rides smoother without run flats, and a seized shock Lol

[das boots]

Want pics with winter tires or when I put on my summer tires?

Don't matter. I just like to see the tire extension in reference to the fenders....

[Hermes]

JP,

Already have my spacers from Turner :thumbsup

10mm w/ hub extenders front and 12mm rear

:biggrin

I know - but aren't you running Beyern's right now on the ZHP? The spacers are for the 135s + BBK, right?

[cakM3]

I know - but aren't you running Beyern's right now on the ZHP? The spacers are for the 135s + BBK, right?

I'm running both the 135s and Beyren's on the ZHP. I'm planning to use the spacers on both...:)

[Hermes]

Same offset and staggered size?

[Ryans323i]

Courtesy of ECS Tuning...I present.....

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-8e00-a2a2.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-9153-d290.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-9167-2115.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-917a-961a.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c1f6-918c-f61c.jpg


Wonderful start to my weekend :biggrin

Awesome Charlie! Those are going to look great and perform even better!

What a beauty!.................and the car aint too shabby either!:biggrin







:ducking

lol


Looking good. Not thinking M version?

As in M3? I just think the M's are going to be too much for me. Guess I'm a wimp.

[cakM3]

Same offset and staggered size?

I was told that my Beyerns won't clear in front w/o spacers so I chose 10mm, this way I can go between the 135s or the Beyerns....

@Ryan, thank you....now that I have them...I can breathe easier. I just need to find some time to get these bad boys installed. Looking at next weekend possibly to do this. Then I can be part of the ZHP BBK gang :)

[Hermes]

As in M3? I just think the M's are going to be too much for me. Guess I'm a wimp.

And you were thinking M5 recently... I think you can handle a M3 (or M4)

[Pip]

I gave her a bath and bought her a floor jack for Valentine's day :)

[webster]

Rogue cf strut bar arrived today! As well as my latest order of goodies from detailers domain. And now im on vacation! Not a bad day...

[danewilson77]

All pulleys replaced as well as passenger porkchop.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[cakM3]

Rogue cf strut bar arrived today! As well as my latest order of goodies from detailers domain. And now im on vacation! Not a bad day...

Nice :thumbsup

Looks close to my ECS Tuning CF strut bar :) Carbon fiber looks good though...:drool

[imola red zhp]

Installed new AE harness from umnitza, AE's back on line.

sent from Dennis' Droid using tapatalk

[nike001]

installed chrome bulbs in the front/sides/rear of my car, changed headlight lenses, new(er) LED plate lights, and tomorrow I'm putting my 10mm & 12mm spacers on. The difference between the old and new lenses are awesome. I've even noticed that my cutoff has a sharper and more crisp blue cutoff!

Do you guys like the left or the right side plate lights? (sorry for iphone picture)
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo37/bsktsk8ter9/841f3d00.jpg

[Hermes]

^ what do you mean exactly by "chrome?"

Personally I like the right side light, more pure white vs slight blue on the left

[nike001]

^ what do you mean exactly by "chrome?"

Personally I like the right side light, more pure white vs slight blue on the left
Like this: To eliminate the egg-yolk look, yanno?
http://www.cargym.com/images/bulbs_stealth_7507_lg.jpg


And I know, I kinda want to like the right ones better.. but they look too much like halogens to me? :dunno

[Hermes]

Yeah, I'm getting tired of the egg-yolk look but I'm thinking LED since the "bulbs" themselves are clear... I just need to find a set that works right. I love the look of them that my dad has on his W212 E-Class and I want the same since I have LED tails

[iZHP]

I tried the chrome bulbs and didn't like them. Ended up going to amber bulbs for the blinker. It was very dull looking during the day and it bothered me. I don't mind egg yolk in the tail lights. Up front I have LED's.

[nike001]

I tried the chrome bulbs and didn't like them. Ended up going to amber bulbs for the blinker. It was very dull looking during the day and it bothered me. I don't mind egg yolk in the tail lights. Up front I have LED's.

dull looking? how so?

[Johnmadd]

I have them in the rear and they don't seem as orange as the oem, Its a compromise.

[LivesNearCostco]

Lawrence,
If you haven't done the VANOS seals already, I'd be happy to help. I've done it one time. It's just a matter of working out a time when I can get to San Diego, which is an hour drive for me if there is zero traffic. I have a fairly flexible schedule until about Feb 27th. For example if you were free this Sunday I could probably come down, as long as I don't crash or have a breakdown tomorrow at the track.

BTW this assumes you have a double VANOS and no timing needs to be set. I has no idea how to set timing, but on the M54 motor that's not an issue.


Document your VANOS job. Presently, I am not very comfortable of me tackling the VANOS replacement....maybe I might grow into it to do this myself when the time comes. Reading through past threads, even after they did the VANOS, they still encounter problems after install.

[LivesNearCostco]

Last night took off rear wheels and took pictures of the rear coilovers. Except of course in the rear they're not actually coilovers, just linear springs with height adjusters. Will get pictures of the front later but they look just like the kit on the Ground Control web site, except mine are not clean and shiny. My springs are nicked and scratched because I bought them used.

Now back to the garage to see if I can measure my camber angles using a square, caliper, and calculator.


Adjusted my coilover ride height today. Just converted to coilovers on Sunday (so only saw 20 minutes of Superbowl game time). Per my request, Ground Control told me how to set it around stock ride height. Today I decided to lower a tiny bit, just because now I can! Lowered two turns (about 1/4") in front and 1 turn (about 1/8") in back. Getting great support from Jay at Ground Control.

Just wondering if I should have gone with higher spring rates. Jay suggested two, the more comfy one for dealing with bad roads and the slightly higher rates for more track performance. I went with comfy rate and it's pretty comfy. Maybe I should have gone with his moderate rates suggestion. Well I can buy stiffer springs in the future.

I was going to take pictures with the wheels off, but d'oh, I forgot!

[spencers]

I tried the chrome bulbs and didn't like them. Ended up going to amber bulbs for the blinker. It was very dull looking during the day and it bothered me.
For a TiAg car, I agree. Washed out is the term I've seen used.

[nike001]

For a TiAg car, I agree. Washed out is the term I've seen used.

So you're saying that they're dim compared to amber bulbs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hornung418]

I removed the block drain plug the first time I drained the cooling system and it wasn't hard. I definitely used a 3/8" extension and possibly also a 3/8" universal joint. For me the hard part was not removing the plug, it was trying to catch the falling coolant. I'd bought some 3/4" ID stiff clear hose to route the falling coolant into my drain pan, but it wasn't big or flexible enough. About half went into the drain pan and the other half went all over me and the garage floor. Fortunately I'd already drained the ET. Apparently I was supposed to get some 2" ID flexible gutter drain pipe--live and learn!

Later when I had to swap the old thermostat back, I didn't bother draining the engine block.

Believe me...I know that feel.

[danewilson77]

Believe me...I know that feel.

The Horney plug ftw.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[spencers]

So you're saying that they're dim compared to amber bulbs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No. What I'm saying is the lack of amber coloring inside the lens makes a TiAg look washed out. See my sig for egg yolk.