Corey's Electric Red 325iT. The Antiproject wagon.

[DeathTrap]

Just because the wife said no more working on cars that's not my race car. More details when I get to a PC. Here's a teaser.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200319/4cde14723002ba3015290fc06048f380.jpg

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[az3579]

"No more working on cars that's not my racecar"

So you bought another old BMW? LOL

[DeathTrap]

"No more working on cars that's not my racecar"

So you bought another old BMW? LOLThis time is different, I promise. [emoji23]

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[DeathTrap]

This is my 2003 325iT auto, JapanRot over tan (ewww, but whatever). My first tan interior car, hopefully it'll grow on me.

If you are new to my story, I will give a short background. I purchased a 2003 BMW 330i ZHP in 2016 (2015?), that was potentially the worst possible example ever. Long story short I replaced all the things, installed headers, bent exhaust valves because the camshaft screws were loose, most likely by someone before me. I pulled all the ZHP specific parts and scrapped the chassis.

Now I'm here, an even better E46 owner than before. So good, that I bought another one to prove it to myself [emoji3061]. I went on a mission to find a Touring. It didn't necessarily have to be Rot, but it had to have a short owner history and a decent list of a maintenance. I posted on the the local FB Bimmer group about wanting to buy a Touring, and I saw this one. The seller was asking a bit more than what I budgeted for, but I scraped up some coins and made it happen. I'm still feeling the effects of it, but it's worth it.

This particular car has 216k miles on the clock. The previous owner was an enthusiast for the most part and the owner(s) before that were a woman that used it for taking her children back and forward to school, and someone else before that. I'm the 4th owner (need to fact check that one). Surprisingly, all of the previous owners knew each other somehow, so it's been "in the family" if you will.

As you can see, it's been well taken care of with just a few rock chips here and there on the paint. There are a few minor cosmetic corrections to be made. The 19s rub a lot. I'll need to roll the fenders a bit. I'm not a big fan of large wheels, but they look good on the wagon.

Future plans...none because it's not a project. So I'll have to dispose of these left over ZHP parts some kind of way...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/92ca69deaec4781241e0e641b98a88f6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/f7348a8c1f1c15bbaa126afe6b679aa1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/228a119d2ec0091a544aaf3f7ba16062.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/c92b3403088b56c3c0079240acf1c317.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/c5a2ca6df3784850d54d684f659985b8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/c9c0143b1be1696c6d14a2dcb27e6774.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/313a4531dcfddc3232bf685a059a7a36.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/77d8b06f7d6ade99db49331cf064f0f6.jpg

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[DeathTrap]

Check engine light came on today. Previous owner said it may be the MAF. I'll have to scan the codes when I get home. Unfortunately, my old ZHP MAF doesn't just bolt up. But I can exchange it with FCPEUROs LRG.

*P0171 and P0174. LTFT are maxed out.

The mileage has be horrific. I averaged around 20 mpg last tank...and that was driving like a grandma. So whatever this light is, I hope it points me in the right direction.

The Touring is way louder on road noise than the sedan. I'm suspecting it's due to the open cabin ,or the tires, but the rear of the car was effectively isolated from the front on my old sedan. I'll do a full sound deadening treatment on it, since I don't have to worry about adding a few pounds here and there on this beast.

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[DeathTrap]

Replaced MAF, fuel trims are normal again.

Now I'm 99% sure I need to attack the FCABs, and if I do that then I may as well swap my whole ZHP front suspension on...well that escalated quickly [emoji55]

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[cakM3]

I like where this is going! :drevil

[johnrando]

Nice!

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[DeathTrap]

Hmmmmm.... haven't updated this in a while.

E-fan conversion done. Also swapped over the ZHP shroud which has a little wider opening than the stock 325i shroud. I need to get some ZHP brackets so my bumper fits better too.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/9582224785ccb5619c827bce36f0ed50.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/5f31fff422640c25bf83115f40cd3a49.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/ea433920085730109ea6b5226a690908.jpg

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[DeathTrap]

Swapped over the ZHP front suspension parts. The touring is now 1/4 ZHP. Time for an alignment.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/2b72ddbc536c4b1f76a4fd72d02ce709.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/10401220677b69b9c405585ce364b786.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/5b05430062a639ec028758c19a6ebaf0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/4319ae17beef37b3eb658746aa2cc993.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/759c406349f3ee8a442146ae11e3d4b0.jpg

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[Will]

Great job!

The oil pan looks like something's rubbing on it, optical illusion? If not, what caused it?

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/5b05430062a639ec028758c19a6ebaf0.jpg

[DeathTrap]

Great job!

The oil pan looks like something's rubbing on it, optical illusion? If not, what caused it?

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/5b05430062a639ec028758c19a6ebaf0.jpgGood observation!

There is a little rubber pad that sits between the front crossmember and the oil pad. You can see it in the above picture between the two frames. It effectively cleaned up that one spot. I'll get everything cleaned up under there, most likely when I get ready for the manual swap.

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[DeathTrap]

Figured I got enough free oil changes from FCPEuro to warrant this treatment.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200811/1a91a89cdb25d62b81db98970c682f47.jpg

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[Will]

Ah, yes, I forgot about that rubber pad.

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and impressions about those engine flushes and additives. They look interesting.

[dannyzabolotny]

Are you planning on keeping that M3-style front bumper? A ZHP bumper would look a lot nicer, especially with all the ZHP parts that will find their way onto it in due time ;)

[DeathTrap]

Ah, yes, I forgot about that rubber pad.

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and impressions about those engine flushes and additives. They look interesting.

I've been curious about them for a while now. I used the engine flush and nothing gross came out, but this engine is most likely very healthy even with 220k+ on the clock. I added the Ceratech and the fuel system cleaner, but I haven't noticed anything substantial. I'd need to get an oil analysis done to really see if this stuff works, which I'll do after a year or 25k miles.


Are you planning on keeping that M3-style front bumper? A ZHP bumper would look a lot nicer, especially with all the ZHP parts that will find their way onto it in due time ;)

I have the ZHP front bumper and side skirts. I'm on the fence about swapping it out because I know that the ZHP bumper just "fits" the car better, literally and figuratively, but the M3-style bumper is really bold and aggressive. I'll most likely end up swapping it out, especially if/when I get the M-Tech II touring rear.

[t.er]

Yeah +1 to M-Tech II bumper. The M3 bumper looks too "square" and doesn't flow well with the facelift headlights. M-Tech II are more contoured and definitely fit better

[DeathTrap]

Replaced subframe and diff bushings with new OE lemforder parts. Well, the rear diff bushing is Meyle.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/b4e1a8a3842aa360eecd7c54a5c83dac.jpg

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[DeathTrap]

Driveshaft refresh. New CSB and centering bushing. Wet toilet paper made quick work in the removal of the bushing. CSB R&R was pretty standard.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/62f2af4437e152785b11076f4e8df8bc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/becc6d60525ac0d1ea236171a17c20e6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/184b7bd03e1a708d6d195bad47047bf8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/ff650091a512ea228d473f6eb300be6f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/02d0f8480d5b9eb06e35458655cf8b76.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/864623c058c53adf92ce6c06419cd78d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/77fce0ed066ce80493354d557c7051d3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/70803efa44589a1c87553d813cdf2b1a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/de7c2c6f5ffd62b879580a08682de0a2.jpg

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[DeathTrap]

Had the pressure plate and flywheel resurfaced and the clutch rebuilt by a local shop. I love the double shear rivets in the rebuilt clutch.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/41f93946c2ac4174ddc37d0d7976007d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/e3cffc3ac56a9a834d1ad1a92dd4ba84.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/5d70562050b57cffd8130beb90374fa1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/1198a938391117ffdfc77a6e88687151.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/e49aee74abda6d1c890209fc1a14f82e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/5d9ba98a02edc657aaf3b625eb9c53ad.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/ebc5e9b153720da79a7f11101da74412.jpg

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[DeathTrap]

Now, it's time to remove the steptronic! Got to really use my new ESCO jackstands too. Highly recommend them over the harbor freight ones. I also had aluminum jackpads that fit nicely on the rubber pad of the stand.

And I failed immediately...ugh. problems to take care of later. Open header is hilariously entertaining, FYI.

Everything else came out without a fight. It's amazing how thin the 325i driveshaft is compared to the 330i. It also doesn't have any butyl on the CSB. That was an interesting surprise!

The guibo is nasty, it's getting replaced.

Transmission mounts have sagged, they are getting replaced too.

Transmission came out with no stripped torx bolts! Yay! This was the end of my day.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/3e963c9a61d30b241518c490e8a9a858.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/cd4bbca2b4d83de13457ae1923c64af3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/f8684baf4eec881f7b169a2e7d63c2be.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/16fff30857ed034ab65d0f960ab07224.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/ee897eef797eee04cae41bae268ce30e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/cf70867898689192fc2bff164c048911.jpg

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[t.er]

Oooooof those exhaust header studs, man those things suck.

The first drive must feel pretty good!

[DeathTrap]

Oooooof those exhaust header studs, man those things suck.

The first drive must feel pretty good!The first drive was really good! I have to take care of a front end knocking and a few leaks, then she will be good mechanically.

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[DeathTrap]

Alright, it's time to take care of some transmission out only things...like the rear main seal.

The metal gasket was so stuck to the block, that I almost didn't recognize it. I peeled it off and replaced it with a fresh one. Cleaned up the back of the engine too, because why not.

The original seal was pressed pretty damn far in. I have two spare engines that I could double check the seal depth on and both were flush with the outer surface. Someone botched this job before.

Fresh seal installed, with no lube because it is a PTFE style seal and not rubber.

Added a thin coat of RTV on to the bottom of the plate, torqued it down, removed the plastic guide and done. More years of leak free service ahead.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/5ff87a494134622930b29e8da2f915d2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/17c03483be687385c00ae867cad78c09.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/f5f72d2d38967e8f9758e8c7edee70ba.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/669ed4b478e157beb5c3c7aa611a69d6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/073f0c6b98ec320ad526e912ff3f5499.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/165b4f48571c3e554409c86f1c88762b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/f381bba132d4b9867fafa75c3f10ac7e.jpg

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[DeathTrap]

I want to change the thread title to Japanrot, gotta get a Mod in here.

Anyway, flywheel, pressure plate, clutch bolted on. Fairly straightforward. I had a breaker bar on the other end of the crank to stop it from rotating on me.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/652cbbee7209caed766667c3a566fab2.jpg
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Went to the interior, took care of the shifter, pedals and other hydraulics. Yes, I used a manual pedal. No need for a button. I AM the button. This is the last shot you'll have of the auto shifter, enjoy it. *Ripped it out, with a smile :D* I used duct tape to cover the hole where the automatic shift cable went.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/94361ae6f2b4be60a938053ccbda784e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/e213a23aee3da33de9ad28abf82ef0ef.jpg

Special note for the hard line. It's MUCH easier to work it from inside the car to the outside. In hindsight... probably should've handled the wiring while the pedals were out.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/adda2c39a09d0ae724ffcfe7651d6923.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/c7e6c344f0a2d773866fc4e2c78bf5fd.jpg

Pedals in!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/23165f7fc92e75ea1cabcca29198d750.jpg

Pedals out!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/dbaded576507dbf1772d3c5b0c8f90b2.jpg
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[DeathTrap]

Replaced the leaky shift selector seal and that shift bushing thing was replaced with a new part. It has a rubber piece inside that wears out and gets sloppy. The old one used nylon washers on the sides, but the new one has metal spacers already machined into it. I couldn't even fit the new nylon washers on! I left it as is, put the clip on and sent it. It feels goooooood. No play, at all.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/060aef5174cd31deadb3fdb45483475a.jpg

Replaced the pivot with a steel one. Not sure why BMW used a plastic one here? It did last over 200k miles.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/e0ede8e0fb483c775c9a5624e67d3b4c.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/6f21eaf1cd9e2477af2bb6d75c4dfea7.jpg

Refreshed the other shifter linkage parts, but lost the pictures...my bad.

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[DeathTrap]

Now we take a break from the transmission work, and we go to the rear of the car where I have this beauty to be installed.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/e856d9c31211bc7da7f714bbb9d7fb7d.jpg

While I'm in there, (pretty sure that sums up E46 ownership in one sentence) I replaced the brakes with 330i parts. Which means I have to replace the trailing arms, which means I have to replace the axles, which means I should do the rear bearings while they're out. I fell down the hole.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/4386cd5bac933640de7f5cd508dcd88a.jpg

I'm going to spare the details. Just know this was a pain in my rectum. A lot of little E46 things you become familiar with...like different length wheel speed sensor and the sheer difficulty of finding axles that have the weird ZHP manual (and xi) style flange bolt pattern. The best part about this whole situation was the axle installation tool. It made everything buttery smooth.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/85f51682ce1a2d8df631bb2a5df256c3.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/7396c98b391fd9e00e24bd5e0c087bd9.jpg

Annnnnddddd apparently tapatalk has a monthly image upload limit, and I have just reached it. Great. I'm a pro member now.

Obscenely long extensions are worth it for torquing the axles down.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/e7a57d3d1e526dc43cd9e96ff2aa87d5.jpg


New used axles, new rear bearings, new bushings all back there, 3.64 diff installed.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/aeb4eaf03e540282a5369885cd451c75.jpg

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[BMWCurves]

Fantastic work, Corey!

[johnrando]

Fantastic work, Corey!+1

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[DeathTrap]

Thanks guys!

Now for the final parts. Lifted the transmission up and with some slight maneuvering, it slid nicely into place. At this point, assembly is the opposite of removal. Bled the clutch and brakes. Pumped the pedals a few times. Everything felt good.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200914/d271ea3340c29160ac0e7013f9aae78a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200914/24471b9fede097a4cf8fc2d33f0db2ce.jpg

I did the wiring at this point but didn't take any pics. Pretty easy to imagine 4 wires being twisted, soldered, and heat shrunk.

Cut out the clutch pedal slot in the lower panel.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200914/a3d45862b59c23cc4a5324e2fb9659d4.jpg

And tightened everything up! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200914/0f47d1fbef05052948440447d0b44164.jpg

You are now looking at a 6 speed manual transmission touring!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200914/bdaef5a333753f7dad71af1d7e0d2197.jpg

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[DeathTrap]

Threw in my ZHP cluster this weekend. Love the subtle difference that it makes!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200914/30b3c6c48e66f574eed8029d285d1160.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200914/c533cff39c888adf1d4e6b38acddba35.jpg

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[Will]

Talk about progress! Nicely done!!

Did the rear wheel bearing fight you, like they're notoriously known for?

[johnrando]

Def nicely done

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[DeathTrap]

Talk about progress! Nicely done!!

Did the rear wheel bearing fight you, like they're notoriously known for?I didn't even try to fight it. I took the rear arms to a shop and had them do it. They ended up breaking the trailing arm trying to get the axle out. I dodged a bullet on that one!

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[Vas]

I didn't even try to fight it. I took the rear arms to a shop and had them do it. They ended up breaking the trailing arm trying to get the axle out. I dodged a bullet on that one!

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using TapatalkBeen there done that. Pita job

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[DeathTrap]

3.64 diff is not highway friendly. Still need to code out the EGS and the transmissionhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200916/4017557fd49c42134a0b807e59815bc0.jpg

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