What did you do for your ZHP/BMW today?

[Hornung418]

Yesterday I had my indie drain and flush the transmission fluid. Went from Royal Purple Synchromax to Redline MTL. Had 15,000 miles on the RP fluid and it seemed to be performing fine but shifts didn't feel as smooth as when new... I would say the smoother shifting lasted for about 10,000 miles with the RP. With the new MTL, it feels very similar to the old RP fluid, perhaps just a touch smoother. Sent fluid sample to Blackstone Labs.

When I first asked him to do it a few weeks ago, he said that it would be overdoing the maintenance to replace the tranny fluid with only 15,000 miles, but I insisted, partly because I had already bought the fluid and a proper BMW flat/hollow drain plug to replace the generic/solid drain plug I put in 2 years ago.

Two weeks ago paid off the ZHP loan. At the time my credit union only offered low rates on used cars MY 2004 or newer, so I got a 3-year signature loan from LendingClub.com. Paid it off after 2 years and 3 months. Hopefully won't need to get another car loan for a few years.
Very interested in the RP Lab Results. And congrats to paying off the car!!

[sna77]

My main motivation for removal of the arm rest is because my friend sat on it when he had to crawl through the Drivers side. Any bump in the road results in a squeak that will drive any man, no matter how tough, insane.


Mine did that when I bought the car. First thing I did was order a new one:

51168213628 ARMREST LEATHER SCHWATRZ

[Hornung418]

If I do decide to replace it, I'm going to get the Grau Nappaleder.

[SoCalZman]

You can buy a higher quality leather one from the dealer? Or just color of the leather

[Hornung418]

You can get some really high quality leather from the Dealer. Nappa Leather and Montana Leather are some really comfy leathers.

[SoCalZman]

You can get some really high quality leather from the Dealer. Nappa Leather and Montana Leather are some really comfy leathers.

I want! I think I am going to have to ask the dealer for help though. I dont think I make sense of all this on what would be a upgrade from my current black leather armrest:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=51_3242&hg=51&fg=35&hl=70

[Hornung418]

Yeah I would too. Too many part numbers LOL.

[UdubBadger]

Baby got a bath today cuz it was too hot for me to run outside.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[zhp43867]

I fixed my armrest squeaking.

On another note... this is what I did today;

http://youtu.be/7zki_-egJNQ

[Hornung418]

What'd you lay down, Derek?

[M3TA5IN]

What'd you lay down, Derek?

X2?

[zhp43867]

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/5010/scanc.jpg

203.73hp and 195.31 lb-ft of torque. I was hoping for more- but the car is totally stock and I think my car is already doing pretty well on the spectrum of stock Dynojet graphs I've seen. Water pump is failing so it could be sapping .5hp or so, Dr. Vanos was done which may or may not make any difference in the torque curve, and my DISA dip is quite subtle.

I kind of ignore other random dynos when I see the results... no way to compare.

I put the results at the end of the video, failed incentive I guess...

[johnrando]

I must be missing something, over 200 HP on a stock ZHP? How'd you get that?

[midlandtech]

Thought they were 235 stock when new... Is that number not at the wheels?


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

Duh. Not sure what I was thinking (maybe 307). My bad.

[M3TA5IN]

Thought they were 235 stock when new... Is that number not at the wheels?


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's at the crank

[Hornung418]

And even that could be under rated as BMW is notorious for keeping the real numbers hush-hush.

Solid numbers for a Stock ZHP, Derek. I watched all the Dyno runs and just exited cause I didn't think there would be anything else LOL.

[UdubBadger]

Also keep I mind its a estimate from BMW, each engine made will read a touch high or low. I suspect zhp's read higher in general, I feel like there has to be something that limits drivetrain loss closer to 10% than most estimate around 15%. Who knows though.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[zhp43867]

My hypothesis is that how your car dynos has a small amount to do with factory variation- and a very large amount to do with maintenance and going the extra mile in that regard. I really like the shop, so as I make changes I'll dyno it pretty frequently. I have a few power tricks up my sleeve too. :)N

FWIW the E46 M3 guys think the drivetrain loss correction is more like .82, because lots of E46 Ms dyno around 275rwhp stock.

In that case I've got like 250 at the crank, and I don't think that's correct. :dunno

My car also must have had the software update based on the DISA dip, do you guys concur?

[Ryans323i]

I fixed my armrest squeaking.

On another note... this is what I did today;

http://youtu.be/7zki_-egJNQ

Your blue looks :drool. Probably not what I was supposed to get out of that video.

[UdubBadger]

My hypothesis is that how your car dynos has a small amount to do with factory variation- and a very large amount to do with maintenance and going the extra mile in that regard. I really like the shop, so as I make changes I'll dyno it pretty frequently. I have a few power tricks up my sleeve too. :)N

FWIW the E46 M3 guys think the drivetrain loss correction is more like .82, because lots of E46 Ms dyno around 275rwhp stock.

In that case I've got like 250 at the crank, and I don't think that's correct. :dunno

My car also must have had the software update based on the DISA dip, do you guys concur?

possibly or they just smoothed the shit out of the file to make it look less noticeable.

i think .88-.85 is WAY more realistic and thats usually what we use on RWD cars at Eurocharged to estimate. That should put you right near the 235 crank claim

[zhp43867]

Thanks Ryan! :)

So Udub, based on my flat AFR how can Eurocharged make more power off of the stock car? I know there are other things but AFAIK AFRs are the lowest hanging fruit.

Also what you said means M3s are overrated from the factory! From what I've seen I'd estimate the Q1-Q3 of M3s would be 260-285rwhp stock.

[Nivo]

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/5010/scanc.jpg

203.73hp and 195.31 lb-ft of torque. I was hoping for more- but the car is totally stock and I think my car is already doing pretty well on the spectrum of stock Dynojet graphs I've seen. Water pump is failing so it could be sapping .5hp or so, Dr. Vanos was done which may or may not make any difference in the torque curve, and my DISA dip is quite subtle.

I kind of ignore other random dynos when I see the results... no way to compare.

I put the results at the end of the video, failed incentive I guess...

pretty much that is what you will get on the ZHP on a dynojet on that given day.
If you ask for the sheet with "0" smoothing you might get more peak lol.
Also to see what the car did that day with actual weather effects and not SAE corrections you can have them send you the uncorrected file or just the run files alone and open them up in winpep.

Mine is on a Mustang Dyno which has a load to the wheels.
I adjusted my specs to closely resemble yours. (mustang dyno spits out a data file you can use on excel)

What I do notice your peak torque doesn't occur until after 4500 rpms showing that something is going on with the variable runner stuff (DISA)

4249

[Hornung418]

Going to pull my GM5 this afternoon...Should keep me from having to drive anybody anywhere ;)

[ryankokesh]

I guarantee it'll keep you from driving period! Lol. What're you doing with it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hornung418]

GM5 only controls Central locking, windows, wipers, trunk release and interior lighting.

I'm sending it to Scott Johnson to have it repaired. BMWGM5.com

[ryankokesh]

Oh, haha, I thought it wouldn't start without a gm5 installed! Oops. :ninja


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Whitexi]

I bought some more cleaning items do I can try and do the paint correction

[zhp43867]

pretty much that is what you will get on the ZHP on a dynojet on that given day.
If you ask for the sheet with "0" smoothing you might get more peak lol.
Also to see what the car did that day with actual weather effects and not SAE corrections you can have them send you the uncorrected file or just the run files alone and open them up in winpep.

Mine is on a Mustang Dyno which has a load to the wheels.
I adjusted my specs to closely resemble yours. (mustang dyno spits out a data file you can use on excel)

What I do notice your peak torque doesn't occur until after 4500 rpms showing that something is going on with the variable runner stuff (DISA)

4249

You can see the correction factor is 1.01- so the numbers are almost the same as the uncorrected were. I will unsmooth it and take a look. Also- on the DISA note- installed this today. :)

This:

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/149/p1060489l.jpg

Replaced this:

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/1516/p1060492p.jpg

My car's exhaust note is even deeper and she's running like a beast :D

[Hornung418]

Very nice, Derek!! I'm glad Brady did that DIY...I would have never ever thought to look into a repair for the DISA. On a scale of 1-10, 1 being incredibly easy, how would you rate the process, and the clarity of the instructions?

And please add that to the DISA thread.

[zhp43867]

Very nice, Derek!! I'm glad Brady did that DIY...I would have never ever thought to look into a repair for the DISA. On a scale of 1-10, 1 being incredibly easy, how would you rate the process, and the clarity of the instructions?

And please add that to the DISA thread.

Instruction clarity is a 9. Due to extenuating one in a million circumstances with my DISA I will abstain from rating the difficulty of install, but Gary over at GAS is very helpful and I'm confident no one else will experience any difficulty.

On another note here's the uncorrected un-smoothed dyno. Why the drop after 6k rpm in such a fashion?

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/3138/dynouncorrectednosmooth.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/837/dynouncorrectednosmooth.jpg/)

[Hornung418]

Peak HP is achieved at 6k on the ZHP, 5.7k on regular M54s? Would explain the increased redline because the power band has moved up 300rpm.

EDIT: I could never get my Doors to unlock today so my GM5 is still intact.

[ZHP-FTW]

Replaced the whole cooling system today, water pump, thermostat, E.T. , coolant and bled the system. She runs beautifully again.

[terraphantm]

Installed coilovers (Bilstein PSS10) the other night. This morning, I took it in to the dealer to get an alignment done. Rear camber bolts snapped. They were not able to drive the broken bit out of the lower ball joint in the camber arm. Have to order new ball joints, and none of the dealers within 100 miles seem to have one in stock. So I'm driving a 328xi loaner until Tuesday or so.

It's also a fairly labor intensive job apparently (read: expensive). They did offer to charge me the labor for only one side, so I'm not being totally raped on this... but it's still more money I would've liked to spend right after spending a good bit on other items.

The car did feel good on the new coils for the little bit that I did get to drive. Here's the before and after:

Before:
http://s15.postimage.org/v3lq9zt0b/IMG_0409.jpg

After:
http://s7.postimage.org/blntetw2j/IMG_1291_900x600.jpg


Peak HP is achieved at 6k on the ZHP, 5.7k on regular M54s? Would explain the increased redline because the power band has moved up 300rpm.

EDIT: I could never get my Doors to unlock today so my GM5 is still intact.

Officially the peak is at 5.9k for all M54B30s and 6.1k for M54B25s. The redline increase is there to make up for the shorter diff. With the 300 extra revs, a ZHP and a standard 330 redline at the same road-speed in each gear.

[danewilson77]

Terra....that looks absolutely brilliant, and 100% better.

Sent from a Thunderbolt

[webster]

Terra....that looks absolutely brilliant, and 100% better.

Sent from a Thunderbolt

agreed, also the clear reflectors look much better too. love the CHs as well.

[Ryans323i]

Terra....that looks absolutely brilliant, and 100% better.

Sent from a Thunderbolt

+1

[cakM3]

Today I took my ///M for a road trip up to New Hampshire to a small get together with friends for a BBQ and a photoshoot afterwards. Took BP along and even let him drive up in my ///M :)
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/IMG_3717.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/IMG_3718.jpg

You can say I exposed BP to some ///M madness today... he seemed to enjoy himself immersed in ///M's all day long :)
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/IMG_3737.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/IMG_3736.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/IMG_3742.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/IMG_3738.jpg

He even got to ride in a few :)
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/IMG_3743.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/IMG_3733.jpg

BP provided some help with coding which was appreciated by all, thanks BP! :thumbsup


@ Terra... The ///M looks sweet :thumbsup

[Nivo]

Instruction clarity is a 9. Due to extenuating one in a million circumstances with my DISA I will abstain from rating the difficulty of install, but Gary over at GAS is very helpful and I'm confident no one else will experience any difficulty.

On another note here's the uncorrected un-smoothed dyno. Why the drop after 6k rpm in such a fashion?

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/3138/dynouncorrectednosmooth.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/837/dynouncorrectednosmooth.jpg/)

I see what you are talking about, seems like some knock occurred past 6k rpms and car pulled timing but not much. Enough to see it on the dyno.

Here is my top end gradually going down, no knock present on 93 octane gas.

4264

[iZHP]

Looks like fun, Charlie.


-Sent via iPhone 4S

[Ryans323i]

@Charlie: The ///M's looking good! Looks so much better than the e92 IMO.
@BP: You're one lucky dude!

[cakM3]

Thanks Ryan! You might get a crack at my ///M this summer :)

The guy with the E92///M did the photoshoot. We had 6 E46 ///Ms at the get together yesterday. During the BBQ we decided to do a quick photoshoot later that day. BP offered his services to "code" some cars and these guys were happy afterwards.

Needless to say... BP had a fun day yesterday starting with driving my ///M for the two hour drive up then meeting everyone and checking out their ///Ms. He even got a ride in the E92 coming back from the photoshoot. It was a great day considering the awesome weekend we all had prior to this one! :thumbsup

TT + iPad

[Crestwood1001]

Installed my yellow Lamin x film on the fogs and threw in a set of yellow fog bulbs, yellow dogs FTW! Next up is the plate delete4270

[static667]

Just finished "smoking out" my car. I'm waiting for the right light to get some good pics up here. So, I enjoyed a dark chocolate iced mocha and now I'm chilling.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7282047656_536bb1095a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7282047656/)
2012-05-27 15.28.54 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7282047656/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

Keith, if you don't have one of these espresso makers, get one. Best. Espresso. Ever.

[cakM3]

Kyle....that looks good! Would have been perfect yesterday where I was! :)

[kayger12]

Just finished "smoking out" my car. I'm waiting for the right light to get some good pics up here. So, I enjoyed a dark chocolate iced mocha and now I'm chilling.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7282047656_536bb1095a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7282047656/)
2012-05-27 15.28.54 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7282047656/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

Keith, if you don't have one of these espresso makers, get one. Best. Espresso. Ever.

I do not.

But I am now researching same. :biggrin

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

[Crestwood1001]

Got the service records for my car, cooling system taken care of at 80k miles, what a relief lol

[Hornung418]

Deleted my washer fluid reservoir. Plugged the fluid line with the screw that holds the tank stationary and completed the circuit that indicates fluid level with a small piece of copper wire. This will prevent the annoying low fluid warning light from popping up on my dash. The sensor is cracked at the base and will come on even when the tank is full. So I said fuck it and just pulled the whole unit. I will get a new sensor and a late e46 reservoir when I need to. For now...weight savings!! haha like 3 lbs.

[cakM3]

I wiped off all that yellow pollen off my ZHP tonight only to realize it will rain tomorrow morning...:eyetwitch

oh well.....at least she's clean right now :)

[static667]

A little something like this....
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7283995168_f40915412c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7283995168/)
IMG_1574 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7283995168/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7283995722_e345c66213_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7283995722/)
IMG_1563 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7283995722/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7283996034_4f9b0e6105_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7283996034/)
IMG_1560 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7283996034/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

[zhpnsnv]

Looking good Kyle!

[static667]

Looking good Kyle!

Thank you, sir.

[Hornung418]

Too dark for me :(

I'd like to see the reverse lights slightly smoked. Maybe 2 passes from six inches away.

[Meric]

Bought a brand new Power Steering Pump. LF-20 they say its updated -.-

[static667]

Too dark for me :(

I'd like to see the reverse lights slightly smoked. Maybe 2 passes from six inches away.

Ryan's Kyle said they had cracking issues when they sprayed over the clears. That and I like my reverse lights kinda bright.

[Ryans323i]

Kyle I think you did a really great job. It looks awesome! Have fun DIY'n?

[Whitexi]

M105 I love you!


4289


---

[cakM3]

Kyle,

Those tails and corner lights look sweet :) Keep it up....car is going to look awesome! :thumbsup

@ Ryan, your xi is looking good!!! Awesome looking finish you got going there :thumbsup

[Whitexi]

Came out nice Kyle.


---

[static667]

Thanks, all. The Xi is looking as sick as ever, Ryan.

[Ryans323i]

M105 kicks so my ass. Ryan the xi's finish looks sick! I <3 AW!

[danewilson77]

Installing Aux input today...now that I have Spotify Premium.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1463.jpg


Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[iZHP]

Where are you gonna put it?


-Sent via iPhone 4S

[UdubBadger]

basslink is going in as we speak

[danewilson77]

Where are you gonna put it?


-Sent via iPhone 4S

I put it in the back of the sunglasses tray. When not in use...cord tucks away nicely in there. Job is done...love it. I have the extra board connectors should someone need them.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Washburn]

i really don't get why people don't get a USA spec which is
much easier to install,
can charge the iphone/pod,
can be used with steering wheel controls (it even skips songs for Pandora on the iphone),
let the song title/info be displayed on the radio display
AND still has an AUX input if you need it.

the cost is about $110 I think? and installs in minutes!
Oh and also MUCH better sound, as it bypasses the horrible headphone out amp of the iphone/ipods.

[Hornung418]

Cleaned my MAF and pulled my driver side headlight ballast for relocation tomorrow.

[sna77]

i really don't get why people don't get a USA spec which is
much easier to install,
can charge the iphone/pod,
can be used with steering wheel controls (it even skips songs for Pandora on the iphone),
let the song title/info be displayed on the radio display
AND still has an AUX input if you need it.

the cost is about $110 I think? and installs in minutes!
Oh and also MUCH better sound, as it bypasses the horrible headphone out amp of the iphone/ipods.


USA Spec is a great and reliable device. If I didn't have Nav I might use this... However, I don't like being locked out of my iPod...

A good AUX solution is to use an OEM Aux, USB charging port (can be hard wired or use a cigarette light one), and then use a low-level input cable for the iPod. Great sound, reliable, and not locked out of the phone. Plus you can stream Pandora or any other Internet radio this way:

For about $40 in parts, there is no more reliable way to play music through your iPod and charge your iPod in an e46. The music will be perfectly clear, you can stream Pandora through your car, and your iPhone will never be locked out.

I have my AUX jack wired to the coin tray (the cable is long enough) so they AUX input jack is near the cigarette lighter.


OEM Aux cable $30:
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=397238&siteid=214672&catalogid=4894

http://www.bavauto.com/assets/imglib500/bmw-aux-input-kit.jpg


iPhone dock connector with USB (charging) and 3.5mm AUX jack: $5
http://www.amazon.com/Cosmos-iPhone-Cable-Connector-Auxiliary/dp/B005LUKCX4
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31%2BO-9nZRPL._SS400_.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31RxfxwzMgL._SS400_.jpg

Griffin USB charger: $11
http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Powerjolt-Dual-Universal-Micro/dp/B0042B9U8Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331060445&sr=8-1
http://bigpatsfans.com/griffin.jpg


Someone on fanatics got real fancy and took my suggestion to make this, buy using this cable:
http://www.amazon.com/PAC-Cable-With-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B002MW6HRO/ref=sr_1_13?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1336796770&sr=1-13&tag=5336612389-20

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=451029&stc=1&d=1336690442

[Washburn]

the iphone works just fine when connected to the USA spec - it receives calls and whatever is playing just stops automatically when a call comes in...

[sna77]

didn't realize that about Pandora support with USA Spec--that's great. Are they available again? Know they were sold out for a while...

[webster]

washed the car today. was going to do the dr color chip, but decided a good multi step wash would be necessary first. planning on doing the dr color chip on weds. highlights from today:

- rinse w/ hose
- hit the wheels with Adams All Purpose Cleaner. scrubbed the wheels with my hand and a swissvax wheel brush extensively. spent probably an hour total on all 4 wheels. got them the cleanest they've been since i got the car. i think my next purchase for wheels will be P21S...
http://www.detailersdomain.com/Adams-All-Purpose-Cleaner_p_111.html
- optimum no-rinse wash. i really like this stuff. gets the car super squeaky clean with little mess. i've used it as a clay lube as well, very versatile. http://www.detailersdomain.com/Wolfs-Chemicals-WG-1NT-Glass-Guard_p_529.html
- wolf's glass sealant on all exterior glass panels. looking forward to the results of how well this stuff protects. will report back. http://www.detailersdomain.com/Wolfs-Chemicals-WG-1NT-Glass-Guard_p_529.html
- chemical guys anti-static cling spray wax/quick detailer (the pink bubble gum smelling stuff). read a lot of good reviews so i gave this stuff a shot. this was the last thing i applied today. http://www.chemicalguys.com/Pink_Quick_Detail_Spray_Made_By_CG_Yes_p/wac_102.htm

some shots along the way.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/20120528_185400.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/20120528_185423.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/20120528_184029.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k433/wtolson/ZHP%20Pics/20120528_201039.jpg

[iZHP]

Does the USA Spec route calls to the speakers?


-Sent via iPhone 4S

[Whitexi]

Thank you everyone, I still am working on sections as I get the time and when it isn't 85 plus degrees out haha. It does work amazingly well.

[sna77]

Does the USA Spec route calls to the speakers?


-Sent via iPhone 4S

If you're asking if the USA Spec has Bluetooth, the answer is no.

If you have OEM Bluetooth and the phone rings, the USA Spec will pause when you take the phone call (just like every other audio input).

[cakM3]

as corny as it sounds, today I told my ZHP how much I like having it as my daily driver...:) My ///M is okay with it since I love it for fun-times drives...;)

[elric]

as corny as it sounds, today I told my ZHP how much I like having it as my daily driver...:)

Not corny at all ..... I talk to our ZHP whenever I get the chance to drive it

[cakM3]

Thanks Jeff....then I'm okay and not crazy....or.... am I one of many crazy auto enthusiasts out there who talk to their rides? ;)

[elric]

Either way ... we both are in good company!! :biggrin

[nike001]

I'm in the middle of a big dilemma right now..

I'm undecided about getting tint (35% ceramic tint ~$300) -or- sunroof repair kit, diff & tranny fluid swap & ///M Dead Pedal

I'm leaning towards the tint because at work, my car sits on a huge slab of pavement and my car is baking all day.. and I also feel like the tint would add a little bit to the overall appearance of the car. If I get the tint, I'll probably wait 2-3 weeks and do the diff & tranny fluids then anyways.

[Newjack]

I'm in the middle of a big dilemma right now..

I'm undecided about getting tint (35% ceramic tint ~$300) -or- sunroof repair kit, diff & tranny fluid swap & ///M Dead Pedal

I'm leaning towards the tint because at work, my car sits on a huge slab of pavement and my car is baking all day.. and I also feel like the tint would add a little bit to the overall appearance of the car. If I get the tint, I'll probably wait 2-3 weeks and do the diff & tranny fluids then anyways.

I recently put on 40% llumar ceramic tints and they do help a little with heat. However, the windshield lets in a TON of sunlight. So unless you have a sun visor, expect your car to still get crazy hot. I don't have a sun visor yet so I am anxious to see how cool my car will be when I put one in since I have ceramic tints. It will however help prevent seats from fading and it has been a big help to driving around on sunny days and not getting blinded when trying to look left or right.

Flushing the diff/trans fluid is never a bad thing and can only help (Only on manuals). So from a preventative maintenance standpoint, your car will probably shift smoother and you will feel good about taking care of your car.

Maintenance vs Cosmetic is what it boils down to.

[nike001]

I'm always stuck doing maintenance.. so every now and then I can squeeze in a mod. Like I said though, the fluids will end up being swapped in a few weeks anyways. That, plus the tint guy can come to BMW (my work) and tint it right there :)

[webster]

i could not live without my tint and sun visor. but texas summers are extremely brutal.

[nike001]

^What are the details on your tint? Percent/ceramic?/price? If you don't mind my asking..

[RITmusic2k]

Attempting to handle a rough idle on cold startup, and address a P0174 code, I gave my MAF sensor a good cleaning yesterday. Discovered a serious tear on the intake boot. I have replacement boots coming in as we speak.

Interestingly enough, since cleaning the MAF, even with the tear I'm seeing my already good mileage climbing rapidly. Clean your MAFs, people!

[Hornung418]

Cleaned mine yesterday, Kev. Always something I do once a month.

Charlie, I don't talk to my car, rather encourage it...like trying to open her doors, or use the key fob to unlock/lock, arm the alarm, comfort open/close windows...but it never happens. I think she hates me :(

[M0nk3y]

E89 License Plate light conversion

http://img.tapatalk.com/aee74119-6631-3076.jpg

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[aurelius]

i could not live without my tint and sun visor. but texas summers are extremely brutal.

I'm a maniac for seeking out shaded parking but sometimes there's none to be found. Reflective (metallic) tint and a custom-fit windshield sun shade are essential in TX. And both can be considered preventive maintenance as they save your interior from heat & UV damage (shrinking, fading, cracking).


E89 License Plate light conversion




^^^ Details, por favor.



http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l584/aurelius3/Random%20BMW%20Pics/05e07119.jpg

[Whitexi]

I can't stand being in cars without tint anymore since I've had mine.

It gives me that naked feeling.

[M0nk3y]

^^^ Details, por favor.


Took the lights from an E89 and swapped them to my car.

Biggest thing I had to do was swap the connectors to accept the new sockets

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[elric]

Installed the Bimmian 'mobile' mount ....

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/elrice36/ZHP_DIY/P1050008.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/elrice36/ZHP_DIY/P1050007.jpg

It is a really nice piece.

[Ryans323i]

Love your pink iPhone case. :biggrin

[az3579]

Installed the Bimmian 'mobile' mount ....

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/elrice36/ZHP_DIY/P1050008.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/elrice36/ZHP_DIY/P1050007.jpg

It is a really nice piece.

So I guess you didn't break your dash trim all the way on the passenger side like Gary and I did, installing the same mount. :biggrin

This mount is boss, for sure.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[Strider]

Clean bracket! You need some black cables...maybe a Aux relocate? I think I may be ordering something tonight....

LOL @ Ryan...It goes with his lip gloss.... ;)

[cakM3]

So I guess you didn't break your dash trim all the way on the passenger side like Gary and I did, installing the same mount. :biggrin

This mount is boss, for sure.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

BP.....you have to have the touch ;)

Jeff, Heather's iPhone looks good mounted there...:biggrin

[danewilson77]

Installed the Bimmian 'mobile' mount ....


It is a really nice piece.

Simple...functional, and fits interior well.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Crestwood1001]

Dalton, off the two cars iv had tinted it does not help a sun with the heat, I'd imagine the time plus a quality sun shade would help more.

[KevinC]

Ah, my car was pampered today. I'm barely through my 2nd tank of gas since acquiring the beast. Wanted to get all fluids changed and a good going-through. The car has 52k miles, but has unfortunately had BMW "new school" maintenance to this point - 1st oil change at 15k, Inspection I at about 30k, another oil change at about 45k, and that's all that's documented and probably all that's been done other than a set of tires. I was about 8k miles away from Inspection II being due. Talked to my mechanic and it was cheaper to just move up I-2 than to do all the fluids "a la carte", so I went for the whole enchilada. Only cost $508 including tax, and that was everything, including cabin filter and a set of fresh wiper blades. Car checks out great otherwise and no other surprises that needed attention.

Since acquiring I've also now replaced shoddy A-pillar covers with new ones, replaced the worn shift knob (with genuine ZHP knob, of course), replaced the head unit with an Ebay job (busted volume-on/off switch, a common problem), added cocomats, had a full detail & paint correction, replaced the rearview mirror, which had a FUBAR auto-dim (leaked inside) with an Ebay mirror that also added Homelink, ended up needing to have that one's auto-dim rebuilt ($99 at radar-mirror.com, now good as new). The car is now ship-shape and ready for the Arizona summer heat. Next up: will probably replace the factory struts/shocks with new factory ones, and might ditch the current Potenza RE040's (original owner replaced with factory tires when originals went, not the best choice out there) with Pilot Super Sports. Might then seek out speaker replacements (BSW kit?) as the stockers sound like puke and I suspect the surrounds are all shot.

Loving the ZHP thus far!

http://4.zz.s3.amazonaws.com/i/9de0151f-d178-4541-aa94-50302ba1357c-l?1337654352

http://1.zz.s3.amazonaws.com/i/f9fa5539-0500-4cc2-9b84-1bc5b3f462e5-l?1337654356

http://2.zz.s3.amazonaws.com/i/b67078eb-2b5b-4575-b8ab-c6ce326883b9-l?1337654385

http://4.zz.s3.amazonaws.com/i/2cb207ec-1a1b-4b93-a91f-76e867b1a195-l?1337654339

[Meric]

Power Steering Pump Replaced at the dealer. LF-20 total $1300. They offered me Japanese SUV style stiffness LF-30 and told me they would charge more for that.. -.- :D

Testing the new steering outside the city limits :P
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8917/img2030b.jpg

[Ryans323i]

Kevin, great work taking care of the Z so far. And I just love those Cocomats.

[KevinC]

Kevin, great work taking care of the Z so far. And I just love those Cocomats.

Thanks. The M has coco's as well....

http://2.zz.s3.amazonaws.com/i/8e030b19-4619-4547-9e9e-df0bd313898a-l?1329616854

http://3.zz.s3.amazonaws.com/i/ae9b8654-18ad-4e67-8d80-79f7df54e42b-l?1329616855

[cakM3]

Kevin,

I love the look of coco mats! :thumbsup

On another note...its lunch time, I'm going to the auto hobby shop to clean my style 135's and rince off the pollen and apply a quick coat of wax :)

Update: this is from a very quick detail...going back this afternoon to complete it :)
http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4e3ca-9ae4-6dae.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4e3ca-9af6-352c.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4e3ca-9b07-6fc8.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4e3ca-9b17-78c6.jpg

Properly polished Imola :drool



TT + iPhone4

[Ryans323i]

Thanks. The M has coco's as well....

http://2.zz.s3.amazonaws.com/i/8e030b19-4619-4547-9e9e-df0bd313898a-l?1329616854

http://3.zz.s3.amazonaws.com/i/ae9b8654-18ad-4e67-8d80-79f7df54e42b-l?1329616855

:like Nice touch with the blue. Also, that interior is just plain awesome!


@ Charlie: I though you were busy! People who are busy don't have cars that shine like that! :drool

[MrMaico]

Damn Charlie! That looks good. Wish you lived closer. :-) I'm going to have to get myself a PC one of these days.

Those Cocomats look great Kevin! If my carpet BMW mats weren't in such good shape yet I'd probably get a set. My car rarely sees rain so I don't worry too much about wrecking the carpet mats. I used to have a set of cocoa mats in my old '72 2002.

Barry

[cakM3]

@ Ryan and Barry, thanks!

I saw a break in time during lunch and "had" to get a very quick detail going. Haven't had any time to do a proper detail to my ZHP since SIGFest. I'm about to head to San Diego for 10 days starting on Monday and will be leaving my ZHP at a secured parking lot so it will be exposed to the elements while I'm gone. Got to get a good detail so the paint will be well protected while I'm away...:)

Nothing like sneaking time with my BMW during lunch :thumbsup

Sorry about the poor iPhone picture quality though...that will change soon enough :)

[elric]

Properly polished Imola :drool


Charlie ..... setting that bar high yet again. :biggrin

[cakM3]

Thanks Jeff! You guys have a very clean ZHP yourselves...:thumbsup Really love how you guys have it set up! :)

[zj96sc]

total $1300

oh my.

[S85FTW]

This!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/krisgt30/style5s.jpg

[KevinC]

You guys who are drooling over the cocomats, quit screwing around and BUY A SET! Pics do them no justice. They're one of the best-made products you'll ever put in your car. The construction quality, absolutely perfect fit, materials, ultra-heavy nibbled rubber backing (they do not move AT ALL) just screams quality, and they look SO at home in any German car. I'm old enough to have had the old school shitty shedding originals back in my '69 Bug when I was in high school, and there is ZERO comparison, other than the general look. My absolute highest recommendation for any aftermarket product I can ever remember buying. DO IT!

[danewilson77]

Imho...they just don't look like they would "contain" fluid/moisture.

Nice looking mat for dry weather people though.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[webster]

i can't get over the polka dot look. just not for me.

on the subject of floor mats, i recently put back in the OEM ones. thinking i might just steam clean them, then use a fabric glue to re-adhere the velcro discs that have come off. that's a cheaper option than buying new ones.

[zj96sc]

i just pulled my velcro disks off that thin foam backing layer, ripped that foam backing off near where the disks go, and fabric glued them straight to the mat. haven't moved since.

[328ioc]

i just pulled my velcro disks off that thin foam backing layer, ripped that foam backing off near where the disks go, and fabric glued them straight to the mat. haven't moved since.

I did this almost a month ago if not longer and i haven't had a single issue.

Tomorrow I will be pulling my front bumper off to kill two birds with one stone.

Fix sagging issue and paint lower mesh grill.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Ryans323i]

This!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/krisgt30/style5s.jpg

I don't think I've ever seen those in that size. What size are they, and who makes them? Did you have an extra? (The one chilling in the cabin.)

[S85FTW]

Attached is a day shot, these are staggered 18" OEM BBS Style 5s (18lbs each, also known as RC's). 18x8 front and 18x9 rear. They came as an option on older 7s and E39s. You could get refurbed ones here: http://www.finishlinewheels.com/BMW/7+SERIES/2000/
I was lucky enough to source them from a 7 series owner off bimmerforums so no hub rings were needed.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/krisgt30/style5s-1.jpg

[Meric]

Beautiful! :)

[Ryans323i]

Yeah, I like them too. :thumbsup

[webster]

well that is quite a polarizing set of wheels! i think you either love 'em or hate 'em...but if YOU like them that's all that matters. to my eyes, they are the perfect wheels for the E39...

[S85FTW]

well that is quite a polarizing set of wheels! i think you either love 'em or hate 'em...but if YOU like them that's all that matters. to my eyes, they are the perfect wheels for the E39...

Wes, what set of wheels aren't polarizing? :)

I love the polished look, once the cf hood is off and oem is back on it will flow better. I got them for weight too (18lbs each roughly). They were lighter than my 17" snows.

[Ryans323i]

Wes, what set of wheels aren't polarizing? :)

I love the polished look, once the cf hood is off and oem is back on it will flow better. I got them for weight too (18lbs each roughly). They were lighter than my 17" snows.

I concur.

[webster]

i do think they look good on a TiAG body...and they are clean as hell. maybe the fact that you never see them on E46 is what throws it off a bit...

[UdubBadger]

My Dr Vanos package arrived today

[iZHP]

I've always liked the Style 5. :thumbup


-Sent via iPhone 4S

[Pip]

Paid $2 at a pick-n-pull to see if an e38 had the UGDO (homelink)... unfortunately it was already taken :( I tried researching if the e38 UGDO would work for the e46 and it looked possible. Figured worst case I just flip it on eBay.

[GMATT]

Ordered and received a Groit's polisher! (and bag and Meguir's, and pads etc.well you get the idea!) Now the fun begins. Spent 1 hour working on the boot and managed to make it look near perfect! Have 2 small scratches that you can feel , yet barely see. I know this is going to be a slippery slope, but can't wait to work on the rest of the car!

Pics coming soon!

Gary

[Nomar06]

Washed and waxed....getting ready for a Tail of the Dragon run this weekend.

[das boots]

My Dr Vanos package arrived today

Any big difference between Dr V's and Beisan's? Why did you take the Dr V route instead of B's?

[danewilson77]

Any big difference between Dr V's and Beisan's? Why did you take the Dr V route instead of B's?

Because he didn't have time to do the rebuild himself.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[UdubBadger]

further more, looks like I won't even have time for this so I'm gonna drop it off at iND and let my guy Anthony handle it along with my alignment.

[S85FTW]

Took a walk around vid of my Zhp with the style 5s before I left to get a feel of what it looks like in person. Ignore the bird poop that occurred overnight. It is now gone.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/krisgt30/b90a4636.mp4

[Stu]

Put some "Unique Stitch" on my floor mat velcro that got ripped off. This stuff is awesome. It's basically a cloth-to-cloth adhesive. Comes out white, but seems to dry clear. It looks very strong...it may be worth looking into for headliner fixes.

[das boots]

Finally completed & done VCG, VANOS Beisan Kit, OFHG, CCV (hoses & pressure reg valve), Fuel Filter replacement & 7 Qts Mobil 1 & Oil filter. Vvvrrrooooommmmm!!!

Beisan kit require some break in period.....200 mi. to fully seal and achieve optimum performance.

Also replace DISA and lower intake boot while I was down there.......

[danewilson77]

Finally completed &amp; done VCG, VANOS Beisan Kit, OFHG, CCV (hoses &amp; pressure reg valve), Fuel Filter replacement &amp; 7 Qts Mobil 1 &amp; Oil filter. Vvvrrrooooommmmm!!!

Beisan kit require some break in period.....200 mi. to fully seal and achieve optimum performance.

Also replace DISA and lower intake boot while I was down there.......

Boat load on maintenance there. Thoughts on CCV job.

Your car is gonna love you back.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[cakM3]

BP stopped by to code in my passenger mirror this morning :)

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c994-77ab-f9cb.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c994-7809-95e2.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4c994-77e2-844b.jpg

Also ordered my BMW scanner 1.4.0 Programmer v1.4

Looking forward to doing more when I get the time :thumbsup

TT + iPhone4

[aurelius]

Tomorrow I will be pulling my front bumper off...

Any tips on that procedure? Seems fairly straight forward but I don't want to miss an obscure fastener and end up breaking something.

[S85FTW]

Ordered a new passenger side control arm, rear camber arms, water pump, belts. Will be getting installed Wednesday.
This is now my third control arm on my vehicle since it was born.

[UdubBadger]

went to go paint my calipers and couldn't get the car up on all 4's with 2 jacks and 4 stands - couldn't find any points to keep the stands stable on. So I figured I'd just do 2 and 2. Well I'm looking at the caliper and there is so much going on I am not 100% confident I would do a half decent job with them on the car so I go to take them off... can't break the lugs to get them off nor do I have anything to bleed them with if I unhooked um.

So I put the wheels back on and am now sulking in the kitchen... :(

[danewilson77]

Lol. Sux. Been there before buddy....where you're like..."WTF?".

Use a long handle breaker bar to break the caliber hold down bolts. Could also soak down with PB Blaster.

Then....

Just manually bleed your brakes. Have your wife press on the brake pedal. No need for a power bleeder. I have "The Walker Bleeder".

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[static667]

Went to rotate my tires today and figured that while I have the wheels of, I might as well clean and wax them. Washed, scrubbed, Iron.Xed, and put a coat of Meguires Ultimate Paste Wax on them.

I also noticed that I need new rear brake pads. Aww poop. Looks like my sunroof motor will have to wait.

Sent via Tapatalk 2 on my hacked Fascinate.

[Hornung418]

Lol. Sux. Been there before buddy....where you're like..."WTF?".

Use a long handle breaker bar to break the caliber hold down bolts. Could also soak down with PB Blaster.

Then....

Just manually bleed your brakes. Have your wife press on the brake pedal. No need for a power blender. I have "The Walker Blender".

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Links to Power Blender? I love auto correct :rofl I'm imagining something like this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDlMLqdvHzI

[das boots]

Boat load on maintenance there. Thoughts on CCV job.

Your car is gonna love you back.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Pretty straight foward. Considering I have a teacher with me when I was doing the replacement. Had better access with the electric fan removed, and the air intake. Was better with the oil filter housing also out of the way. I was scared several times, but the 'teacher' was guiding me all the way. There were times that my fingers froze up on me and this was when the teacher took over. In other words, I started from the bottom of the project and started moving up. This was also when I found out possibly from POs, that the insulation to one of the CCV hoses has been nibbled by critters with tails.......

[UdubBadger]

Lol. Sux. Been there before buddy....where you're like..."WTF?".

Use a long handle breaker bar to break the caliber hold down bolts. Could also soak down with PB Blaster.

Then....

Just manually bleed your brakes. Have your wife press on the brake pedal. No need for a power bleeder. I have "The Walker Bleeder".

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

wish i even had a long handle breaker bar. I'm a pussy, I'm just scared to break something and not be able to drive it to get fixed.

[webster]

washed the car, also fabric glued the velcro discs onto the floor mats. letting them dry overnight.

[cakM3]

Left my ZHP at the parking valet this morning on my way to the airport. Arranged to have her properly detailed on the inside while I'm away.

I'm flying to San Diego for some work I have to do there...:biggrin

TT + iPhone4

[danewilson77]

wish i even had a long handle breaker bar. I'm a pussy, I'm just scared to break something and not be able to drive it to get fixed.

Just pick one up at Advance Auto....or Lowes.

[UdubBadger]

yeah might need to do that

[Meric]

Anyone tried to fix scratched Leather? My girlfriends puppy scratched some parts :( .

[danewilson77]

Anyone tried to fix scratched Leather? My girlfriends puppy scratched some parts :( .

Leatherique

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Sockethead]

Lol. Sux. Been there before buddy....where you're like..."WTF?".

Use a long handle breaker bar to break the caliber hold down bolts. Could also soak down with PB Blaster.

Then....

Just manually bleed your brakes. Have your wife press on the brake pedal. No need for a power bleeder. I have "The Walker Bleeder".

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Or just use a piece of pipe over your standard ratchet... the torque spec for those bolts are pretty high, It's going to take some force to brake them free.

Also, I never took my calipers off the car when I painted them... I just hit them with a wire brush and some brake cleaner. They still look good after two years...

[das boots]

Leatherique

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Something that has always been in the back....Are the dashboards on the ZHPs made of leather or imitation?

[danewilson77]

Something that has always been in the back....Are the dashboards on the ZHPs made of leather or imitation?

Dash isn't leather. Damn....did he say dash?

[nike001]

Today I hit 120,000 miles. I don't know about anyone else, but 120k is when a car reaches it's maturity. I call cars with 120,000 + miles old for some reason.

Now I've got this bug to get rid of it and get one of these:
http://p2m.mbike.com/000/002/245/52735867_d.jpg
(MV Agusta Brutale) I absolutely love these bikes. Being in France 2 weeks ago with these and Ducati Monsters everywhere only made my passion for them grow

[terraphantm]

You've just done a good bit of maintenance. Asides for perhaps the cooling system, your car should honestly be good to go for a while. + Take it from me, selling a car with >100k miles is not a walk in the park. You'll get a ton of offers, but then 95% of them will end up backing out since no bank will finance a car with >100k miles

The few offers you get from cash buyers tend to be low balls and the guys tend to be really picky about a few details.

I remember one guy didn't like drilled rotors and wanted me to discount a couple thousand dollars because of the motorsport rotors I had on my old 330. I tried to explain that they were brand new genuine BMW articles that many would consider a bonus. There were several others who tried to get me to discount by a similar figure because the car was red.

[Meric]

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2049/img2142bk.jpg







HAahha Just cleaned interior nothing else :P Oh I also washed the engine. Little nerveos at the first time but it started without trouble. No oil residue nothing left.

[HokieZHP]

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2049/img2142bk.jpg










Get a little excited during a drive there bud? haha

[Meric]

Get a little excited during a drive there bud? haha

Ahahaha oh man :facepalm this time i was too excited I guess. :P

[Sockethead]

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2049/img2142bk.jpg

:facepalm

[RITmusic2k]

Thanks for the reminder, Meric :)

I reconditioned my alcantara wheel this past weekend. I didn't take any pictures this time, but I had done it before took pictures then. The results are amazing. What looked like completely worn material is just as fuzzy as it ever was ~

Before:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1RR35oC8LHc/TchHReDm4cI/AAAAAAAABb8/ZQ9orXBpLzE/s800/1000000442.JPG

After:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t20EM1y97As/TchGvkXiMTI/AAAAAAAABa0/HEukW33uUUc/s800/1000000508.JPG


I also replaced my upper and lower intake boots yesterday. I had nasty tears in both the old ones and replacing them has solved a hesitation on startup I had been experiencing... and my fuel economy is getting higher again. I don't think she's ever run better since I've owned her.

[Sockethead]

Thanks for the reminder, Meric :)

I reconditioned my alcantara wheel this past weekend. I didn't take any pictures this time, but I had done it before took pictures then. The results are amazing. What looked like completely worn material is just as fuzzy as it ever was ~

Before:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1RR35oC8LHc/TchHReDm4cI/AAAAAAAABb8/ZQ9orXBpLzE/s800/1000000442.JPG

After:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t20EM1y97As/TchGvkXiMTI/AAAAAAAABa0/HEukW33uUUc/s800/1000000508.JPG


I also replaced my upper and lower intake boots yesterday. I had nasty tears in both the old ones and replacing them has solved a hesitation on startup I had been experiencing... and my fuel economy is getting higher again. I don't think she's ever run better since I've owned her.

That wheel restoration IS amazing... did you do a DIY on that? I seem to recall something about that.

It's a good feeling to do something that restroes performace too, eh?

[Newjack]

Get a little excited during a drive there bud? haha

Just needs a Brazzers logo in the bottom right corner

[328ioc]

Any tips on that procedure? Seems fairly straight forward but I don't want to miss an obscure fastener and end up breaking something.

I actually got side tracked last weekend and didnt have a chance to get it done. Hope I can get to it this weekend because I really have to fix that sag and my lower grill needs a paint job bad.

[Meric]

Thanks for the reminder, Meric :)

I reconditioned my alcantara wheel this past weekend. I didn't take any pictures this time, but I had done it before took pictures then. The results are amazing. What looked like completely worn material is just as fuzzy as it ever was ~



I also replaced my upper and lower intake boots yesterday. I had nasty tears in both the old ones and replacing them has solved a hesitation on startup I had been experiencing... and my fuel economy is getting higher again. I don't think she's ever run better since I've owned her.
Your welcome bro! :) Looks like you did a great job!

Just needs a Brazzers logo in the bottom right corner
Better? :D
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/6669/joyisbmw.jpg

[az3579]

Something that has always been in the back....Are the dashboards on the ZHPs made of leather or imitation?

Neither.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Ohh.....BP's gonna make us ask! What's it made of BP?

[GMATT]

Polished my headlight lenses and they look sweet,......thanks Ryan!

Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2

[webster]

today i found the bottom right nut and washer for my aluminum accelerator pedal cover loose behind the pedal. i guess after a few months of driving, the nut came loose and wiggled off. unfortunately, that nut and washer was an absolute total B***** to put on. just the thought of doing it again with the pedal in the car is giving me nightmares. i might try to do it with the pedal completely removed...any tips for those with the pedals (dw/keith)?

[danewilson77]

today i found the bottom right nut and washer for my aluminum accelerator pedal cover loose behind the pedal. i guess after a few months of driving, the nut came loose and wiggled off. unfortunately, that nut and washer was an absolute total B***** to put on. just the thought of doing it again with the pedal in the car is giving me nightmares. i might try to do it with the pedal completely removed...any tips for those with the pedals (dw/keith)?

Tape...wrapped around your finger...sticky side out. Stick nut to it. Hold behind. Turn lil bolt. Done.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[UdubBadger]

spray caned the calipers - hate the color, its like cobalt blue. after timmayfest I'm gonna respray. wish i had more color choices from VHT other than red, black, silver and blue.

[Johnmadd]

spray caned the calipers - hate the color, its like cobalt blue. after timmayfest I'm gonna respray. wish i had more color choices from VHT other than red, black, silver and blue.

Just go black, unseen is better than rust color.

[UdubBadger]

Well at least the spray came out better than the painting kit

4430


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[LivesNearCostco]

I raised the front ride height one turn of the coilover adjusters just two weeks after l lowered it one turn. I just can't make up my mind! Though I did bottom out on top of a local speed bump a few days ago.

[KevinC]

Dumped the RE040's on my car today in favor of Pilot Super Sports. HOLY CARP! What a transformation! If first impressions are any indication, these tires are all they're cracked up to be. After seeing how worn my rears were - I now wonder if the RE040's were the factory tires? Car has 52k miles (just bought it 3 weeks ago) and was definitely gently driven. Could be? They have the BMW star on the sidewalls, though they can be purchased as such in the aftermarket.

So far, this is what I've done for the car since its arrival from Miami:

- Full paint correction & detail, including interior & engine compartment
- Replaced both side markers with OEM parts.. existing ones both had water inside and were DOA
- Replaced worn shift knob with new OEM ZHP knob
- Full Inspection II in lieu of just replacing all fluids. Was due in about 8k miles, decided to move it up and get the whole enchilada done
- Replacement Ebay RVM with Homelink & SOS feature, a hard combo to find. Turned out to have knackered day/night fluid, repaired by radar-mirror.com,
- Replaced knackered A-pillar covers (fabric pulling up at bottom) with new OEM parts
- Replaced head unit with like unit from Ebay (knackered volume control)
- Pilot Super Sports in place of existing RE040's

Up next: bushings at both ends, shocks/struts, belts replacement

[yura]

My ZHP shift knob got slightly torn a few months back and has been getting worse and worse with every day, so a few weeks ago I shelled out for an illuminated ZHP shift knob. It just arrived today. Took a whole ten minutes to install.

http://i.imgur.com/mOJf2l.jpg

I originally connected it to the 12V/cigarette lighter connector, but seems to always have power, even when the car is off and locked, so I hooked it up to the small light beside the said cigarette lighter - on whenever the car is on, just how I wanted it.

[brettbimmer]

Dumped the RE040's on my car today in favor of Pilot Super Sports. HOLY CARP! What a transformation! If first impressions are any indication, these tires are all they're cracked up to be. After seeing how worn my rears were - I now wonder if the RE040's were the factory tires? Car has 52k miles (just bought it 3 weeks ago) and was definitely gently driven. Could be? They have the BMW star on the sidewalls, though they can be purchased as such in the aftermarket.

So far, this is what I've done for the car since its arrival from Miami:

- Full paint correction &amp; detail, including interior &amp; engine compartment
- Replaced both side markers with OEM parts.. existing ones both had water inside and were DOA
- Replaced worn shift knob with new OEM ZHP knob
- Full Inspection II in lieu of just replacing all fluids. Was due in about 8k miles, decided to move it up and get the whole enchilada done
- Replacement Ebay RVM with Homelink &amp; SOS feature, a hard combo to find. Turned out to have knackered day/night fluid, repaired by radar-mirror.com,
- Replaced knackered A-pillar covers (fabric pulling up at bottom) with new OEM parts
- Replaced head unit with like unit from Ebay (knackered volume control)
- Pilot Super Sports in place of existing RE040's

Up next: bushings at both ends, shocks/struts, belts replacement

Excellent work! Yes, RE040's were one of the two OEM options (M. Pilots being the other). RE040's are a lousy tire on several fronts IMHO. I switched to Yokohama S. Drives which have been good for the $, but I hear great reviews on the Super Sports!

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[brettbimmer]

spray caned the calipers - hate the color, its like cobalt blue. after timmayfest I'm gonna respray. wish i had more color choices from VHT other than red, black, silver and blue.

FWIW, I have had good luck using Rustoleum on brake calipers on both an e30 (subjected to track heat/temps) and a Jeep too. Colors were yellow and red respectively, and I never had a problem with either burning/cracking/peeling/fading. Far less costly then the "caliper" paints too. I actually brushed them carefully instead of spraying them. Color choices should be better too!

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Dumped the RE040's on my car today in favor of Pilot Super Sports. HOLY CARP! What a transformation! If first impressions are any indication, these tires are all they're cracked up to be. After seeing how worn my rears were - I now wonder if the RE040's were the factory tires? Car has 52k miles (just bought it 3 weeks ago) and was definitely gently driven. Could be? They have the BMW star on the sidewalls, though they can be purchased as such in the aftermarket.

So far, this is what I've done for the car since its arrival from Miami:

- Full paint correction & detail, including interior & engine compartment
- Replaced both side markers with OEM parts.. existing ones both had water inside and were DOA
- Replaced worn shift knob with new OEM ZHP knob
- Full Inspection II in lieu of just replacing all fluids. Was due in about 8k miles, decided to move it up and get the whole enchilada done
- Replacement Ebay RVM with Homelink & SOS feature, a hard combo to find. Turned out to have knackered day/night fluid, repaired by radar-mirror.com,
- Replaced knackered A-pillar covers (fabric pulling up at bottom) with new OEM parts
- Replaced head unit with like unit from Ebay (knackered volume control)
- Pilot Super Sports in place of existing RE040's

Up next: bushings at both ends, shocks/struts, belts replacement

:starbucks

[webster]

Tape...wrapped around your finger...sticky side out. Stick nut to it. Hold behind. Turn lil bolt. Done.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

thats a good idea, ill try it out

[UdubBadger]

FWIW, I have had good luck using Rustoleum on brake calipers on both an e30 (subjected to track heat/temps) and a Jeep too. Colors were yellow and red respectively, and I never had a problem with either burning/cracking/peeling/fading. Far less costly then the "caliper" paints too. I actually brushed them carefully instead of spraying them. Color choices should be better too!

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

not a bad idea thanks.

[UdubBadger]

My ZHP shift knob got slightly torn a few months back and has been getting worse and worse with every day, so a few weeks ago I shelled out for an illuminated ZHP shift knob. It just arrived today. Took a whole ten minutes to install.

http://i.imgur.com/mOJf2l.jpg

I originally connected it to the 12V/cigarette lighter connector, but seems to always have power, even when the car is off and locked, so I hooked it up to the small light beside the said cigarette lighter - on whenever the car is on, just how I wanted it.

looks cool, how does it feel compared to the ZHP knob?

[Sockethead]

Dumped the RE040's on my car today in favor of Pilot Super Sports. HOLY CARP! What a transformation! If first impressions are any indication, these tires are all they're cracked up to be. After seeing how worn my rears were - I now wonder if the RE040's were the factory tires? Car has 52k miles (just bought it 3 weeks ago) and was definitely gently driven. Could be? They have the BMW star on the sidewalls, though they can be purchased as such in the aftermarket.

So far, this is what I've done for the car since its arrival from Miami:

- Full paint correction & detail, including interior & engine compartment
- Replaced both side markers with OEM parts.. existing ones both had water inside and were DOA
- Replaced worn shift knob with new OEM ZHP knob
- Full Inspection II in lieu of just replacing all fluids. Was due in about 8k miles, decided to move it up and get the whole enchilada done
- Replacement Ebay RVM with Homelink & SOS feature, a hard combo to find. Turned out to have knackered day/night fluid, repaired by radar-mirror.com,
- Replaced knackered A-pillar covers (fabric pulling up at bottom) with new OEM parts
- Replaced head unit with like unit from Ebay (knackered volume control)
- Pilot Super Sports in place of existing RE040's

Up next: bushings at both ends, shocks/struts, belts replacement
Wow you are doing a lot of restoration. Your car is going to be sweet when you are done!
I had RE040 on my car too when I first got it. They were brand new. As they wore they got really loud and tramlined bad. Also, don't know if you noticed but they are a really skinny tire. My subsequent tires, Hankooks and Dunlops are much wider

[328ioc]

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2049/img2142bk.jpg







HAahha Just cleaned interior nothing else :P Oh I also washed the engine. Little nerveos at the first time but it started without trouble. No oil residue nothing left.

Meric, what products and procedure dod you use when cleaning the engine?

[yura]

looks cool, how does it feel compared to the ZHP knob?

Identical. Same shape, size, weight, materials, etc. Except this one is not torn up! :roundel

// edit - this is the one I bought: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=170834557291&nma=true&rt=nc&si=%252B0qJ9UdqsYR6IlqBVM5Bl76OgxA%253D&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc#ht_500wt_922

[RITmusic2k]

That wheel restoration IS amazing... did you do a DIY on that? I seem to recall something about that.

It's a good feeling to do something that restroes performace too, eh?

Yeah, I think I did do a DIY - it wasn't a standalone thread, though... just added to one of the other threads. I definitely have a handful of progress pics hosted on my picasa account, which I wouldn't have done unless I was posting them to the forum.

And yeah, it's wonderful doing all the little things to get the car in top shape. She purrs like a kitten now :p

[Sockethead]

Yeah, I think I did do a DIY - it wasn't a standalone thread, though... just added to one of the other threads. I definitely have a handful of progress pics hosted on my picasa account, which I wouldn't have done unless I was posting them to the forum.

And yeah, it's wonderful doing all the little things to get the car in top shape. She purrs like a kitten now :p
Well, if you find the DIY or add one to the DIY thread, let me know... the M wheel in Krpo's 135 is starting to look a little ragged...

[Meric]

Meric, what products and procedure dod you use when cleaning the engine?

Hi I washed it at the Self-Car wash. Open the hood first rinse the whole engine bay (no pressure) Then select soap wait till it sprays pure soap. Now you can use pressure option. Make sure you get in deep with soap like around the engine infront of the engine (Try to avoid alternator but its still fine) then wait a bit let the soap do its job then use pressurized rinse and rinse it. TBH I noticed right after the wash engine is quiter and a bit responsive.. Not sure maybe its me.

[328ioc]

Awesome thanks.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[imola red zhp]

New windshield being installed pilkenton glass $280 out the door $100 deductible:)

sent from dennis' personal electronic device

[S85FTW]

Had my new waterpump, pulley, bearing and belts put on today. Also put on two new Toyo Proxy 4s in the rear.

[UdubBadger]

caliper painting done, installed, brake fluid flushed and bled, A/C unsuccessfully recharged (nozzle didn't seem to fit - I hope I was trying the right spot, just left of the vanos with a big black cap), washed, rain-x'd, vacuumed and decals being applied after dinner.

Long fuckin day.

[Hornung418]

I thought you were supposed to use the point near the battery terminal when you recharge the A/C...

Sent from my P.O.S. DroidX

[UdubBadger]

Got a pic of it?


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[UdubBadger]

Found it, duh


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[nike001]

Today I cheated on my ZHP and drove a 1M.

Oh. My. Lawd. That thing is beastly. Similiar to our carts sub 2,500RPM but then boost kicks in and throws you back in your seat and spins the 265's out back no problemo. I was literally laughing the first time I cracked it. I didn't really get out of first gear where I played with it so I didn't get the full experience. but I'm more than happy to have gotten to drive 1 of the supposed 600-700 imported to the US.

[SEGUA I SOGNI]

Last night i went on khoalty.com and bought some piano black grilles for my '05 coupe. I also went on ecstuning.com and purchased a pair of clear front bumper reflectors. next...."330ci" badge delete. :)

[danewilson77]

Last night i went on khoalty.com and bought some piano black grilles for my '05 coupe. I also went on ecstuning.com and purchased a pair of clear front bumper reflectors. next...."330ci" badge delete. :)

:waldo

[RITmusic2k]

Well, if you find the DIY or add one to the DIY thread, let me know... the M wheel in Krpo's 135 is starting to look a little ragged...

I found the original DIY thread that somebody else started: steering wheel reconditioning DIY (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?402-DIY-Restore-Your-Alcantara-Steering-Wheel)
I didn't use the magic eraser - I went with microfiber cloth instead of a sponge and used the foam leather cleaner from Detailer's Domain (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Leather-Master-Foam-Cleaner-for-Suede-and-Alcantara_p_213.html) (site sponsor - use code 'ZHPMAFIA' for 10% off):

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YyCqg5UEiKQ/TchHLzryncI/AAAAAAAABbs/-FJcsEeN1Ac/s640/1000000444.JPG


Finished up with a fuzz razor thing:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ummpRNIulLI/TchG7twcDPI/AAAAAAAABbI/iJhm8s4IzQg/s640/1000000501.JPG

After it dried, all was well!

[Sockethead]

Cool, Tnx!

[Hermes]

Getting ready to change the head gasket

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/2002/2a0b9706.jpg

[S85FTW]

put it up for sale :(

[midlandtech]

4448
spent 5 hours with 5 cans of plasti dip

[UdubBadger]

not bad

[Ryans323i]

4448
spent 5 hours with 5 cans of plasti dip

Black wheels :drool! Looks great.

[midlandtech]

4452
Turned out decent for my first attempt with plasti dip


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

It did, nice job.

[Ryans323i]

^Agreed. Really ties together the other mods on your ZHP.

[midlandtech]

Thanks guys and gals... best part is it was cheap and comes off easily

[webster]

under normal driving and washing routines, how long does the plasti dip coating last? it does look really good...

[midlandtech]

I know people that have had it for 8-12 mo.... Maintenance is easy with soap and light scrubbing NO CHEMICALS.... Some guys use amour all to keep a slightly shined look


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RITmusic2k]

Looks awesome! Time to update your sig pic ;)

[midlandtech]

hopefully the wife will snag some good pic's from the track this weekend :like

[kayger12]

Gave her a good wash and painted the lower grill.

[328ioc]

Ordered a bunch of stuff from ecstasy to fix what an 18 wheeler did to me on the highway yesterday.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefc886e-495e-154e.jpg

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[danewilson77]

Thanks Ry-Money!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1500.jpg

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[nike001]

I know people that have had it for 8-12 mo.... Maintenance is easy with soap and light scrubbing NO CHEMICALS.... Some guys use amour all to keep a slightly shined look


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I used the armour all that comes in the aerosol can and comes out as foam to keep my winter wheels w/ plasti-dip looking fresh. Other things like tire shine in liquid form got the plasti-dip all soft and more prone to peeling with agitation.


under normal driving and washing routines, how long does the plasti dip coating last? it does look really good...

Mine lasted through a winter, and then the following winter I decided to do a very light coat and ended up doing it very unevenly and that resulted in peeling. I don't doubt it could last as long as you wanted it to with maintenance with soap/water and light agitation.

[Ryans323i]

Ordered a bunch of stuff from ecstasy to fix what an 18 wheeler did to me on the highway yesterday.
http://img.tapatalk.com/aefc886e-495e-154e.jpg

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Is that rubber on the front bumper? :( Right after I bought my car, a tractor trailer blew a retread. Hit my windshield and took off my passenger side mirror. So look on the bright side, it could have been worse.


Thanks Ry-Money!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1500.jpg

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

You're welcome DDub! Headed to your "moar low" thread to see pics, they better be on! :)

[danewilson77]

Is that rubber on the front bumper? :( Right after I bought my car, a tractor trailer blew a retread. Hit my windshield and took off my passenger side mirror. So look on the bright side, it could have been worse.



You're welcome DDub! Headed to your "moar low" thread to see pics, they better be on! :)

Fitment Primo!


http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1502.jpg
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Ryans323i]

Looks great! Thanks for posting a pic.

[az3579]

Installed Hawk HP+ pads in the rear to match the fronts for my Watkins Glen excursion on Monday and Tuesday.
Holy SH*T these pads are loud as f*ck. My ears were probably bleeding by the time I got home today...
I'm putting on my stock pads as soon as possible once my track days are done. Jeesh... They had BETTER last without fade!
Of course Monday and Tuesday are going to be the hottest days we've had so far. Greeeeeat...

[Ryans323i]

Wishing the best for you BP.

[328ioc]

Is that rubber on the front bumper? :( Right after I bought my car, a tractor trailer blew a retread. Hit my windshield and took off my passenger side mirror. So look on the bright side, it could have been worse.

Yep that's rubber. And what you can't see is a hole in a lower grill, both fog lights are trashed and the driver side wheel well is trashed.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Johnmadd]

Walked out to my car this morning and my front roundel graphics were gone, I blame fast driving. I have had the blue and white carbon fiber roundels waiting on my desk, tomorrow they go on finally.

[danewilson77]

Walked out to my car this morning and my front roundel graphics were gone, I blame fast driving. I have had the blue and white carbon fiber roundels waiting on my desk, tomorrow they go on finally.

Most likely not genuine BMW.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Johnmadd]

Most likely not genuine BMW.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Correct sir, and less than 1 year old. It was local from bap geon.

[danewilson77]

Correct sir, and less than 1 year old. It was local from bap geon.

Same thing happened to mine. Bought genuine BMW.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Ryans323i]

Yep that's rubber. And what you can't see is a hole in a lower grill, both fog lights are trashed and the driver side wheel well is trashed.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Dang it! :facepalm Sorry to hear.

[az3579]

Today I took Wobbie to the Patroon Chapter concours. Won third place in the "Clean" category, and got a trophy for it. :)


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[midlandtech]

got to see just how bad ass the ZHP is thanks to fellow mafia member Greg aka 'shadowpuck' ..... god I love this car....

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Congrats, bp.


Sent from my ZHPMafia.com iPhone

[328ioc]

Dang it! :facepalm Sorry to hear.

Thanks but Im looking on the bright side. It happened before I repainted the lower grill and put on CF splitters.

ps Every time I see your sig I get very tempted to buy a CSL front bumper.

[danewilson77]

Way to go BP.

I read my codes today.

[az3579]

Way to go BP.

I read my codes today.

And the survey says.......?


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

And the survey says.......?


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

P0420/0430

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Ryans323i]

got to see just how bad ass the ZHP is thanks to fellow mafia member Greg aka 'shadowpuck' ..... god I love this car....

That is awesome. The car looks so at home on the track!


Thanks but Im looking on the bright side. It happened before I repainted the lower grill and put on CF splitters.

ps Every time I see your sig I get very tempted to buy a CSL front bumper.

That is a bright side.
If you go CSL you have to get stripes too! :biggrin

[BCS_ZHP]

Don't know what its called, replaced the "lower-corner-under-the-right-side-of-the-bumper-into-the-wheel-well" piece on the silver coupe, bought one for the IR conv too but was able to reattach that one with some additional screws on the underside. That little plastic pricey @ $50 each but only half as much as the ones (both sides) I ordered for the E39.

4478
4479

[Hornung418]

Dane calls them "porkchops." Guess they're called fender liners...:dunno

Sent from my P.O.S. DroidX

[Ryans323i]

I think between Dane and I, we've bought over a half-dozen of those things. I seem to lose one once a year. :facepalm

[danewilson77]

Dane calls them "porkchops." Guess they're called fender liners...:dunno

Sent from my P.O.S. DroidX

Porkchop.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Meric]

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3672/15453084.jpg

Which one is better?

[nike001]

Took her to her first auto-x!

It was fun, ran in 2 heats of 3 runs each. Ran consistant 37.xxx's... and one time I caught a 36 but I hit two cones in my efforts.

[midlandtech]

Ran the car on the track again today along with a couple of our mafia family members.... Joe was even sporting his mafia shirt 4494


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[derbo]

NICE! what track did you do?

[midlandtech]

We ran heartland park Topeka... 4 clubs from three states (I think... Maybe 4) was a blast


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ryans323i]

So cool Steve!

[az3579]

Wobbie got teched tonight for tomorrow's day of stupid grinning and tire squealing. Can't friggin' wait...
Watkins Glen. Possibly my new favorite destination.

Passed tech with flying colors of course... gonna wipe her down tomorrow morning to make sure she looks nice and spiffy for the track tomorrow morning. :)

[GMATT]

Wobbie got teched tonight for tomorrow's day of stupid grinning and tire squealing. Can't friggin' wait...
Watkins Glen. Possibly my new favorite destination.

Passed tech with flying colors of course... gonna wipe her down tomorrow morning to make sure she looks nice and spiffy for the track tomorrow morning. :)

Be careful tomorrow. Be sure to stay hydrated, and eat light! The weather is going to great, so a good time is pretty much in the bag!

Gary

[WOLFN8TR]

Rebuilt my DISA Valve with the G.A.S kit. Quality kit highly recommend!

[johnrando]

Gave her a good wash and painted the lower grill.

What color did you use? I went with gloss black for mine and I really like it.

[das boots]

Rebuilt my DISA Valve with the G.A.S kit. Quality kit highly recommend!

G.A.S. Kit??? Explain.

[johnrando]

G.A.S. Kit??? Explain.

There's a whole thread on it (in the Maint section I believe). A better mouse trap.

[kayger12]

What color did you use? I went with gloss black for mine and I really like it.

Went with flat black.

Was a coin toss between gloss/flat.

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3