UdubBadger's Magical Modding Tour - A journal of "not-so-special" proportions

[UdubBadger]

For starters I'd like to just say.... I am NOT the walrus.

1/17/12

Bittersweet day for sure. I have to say goodbye to my 135i as I go pass her off to her new owner. She's been the best car I have owned to date, perfect styling (IMO), GOBS of power (391wtq) and all the toys to play with. I even drove my wife home from our wedding this past summer in her and while this happens every day in America I'm a sentimental guy so the car definitely has sentimental value to it. But, nothing lasts forever and it's time to move on... less expensive car, more money for my family each month and a new outlook on my financial future (saving up for our dream house across the street).

That being said, today is also a very exciting day as it's the day I will be come a ZHP owner.

I'm not going to ruin the surprise so I will leave the unveiling until entry #2. All I have to say is I'm spending all day and part of the eve in the car to make the trip there and back to get her.

Wish me luck!

-Badger

_________________

Update quick links

1/17/12 - The Reveal
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?6069-UdubBadger-s-Magical-Modding-Tour-A-journal-of-quot-not-so-special-quot-proportions&p=143725#post143725

1/18/12 - Picking up the car part I
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?6069-UdubBadger-s-Magical-Modding-Tour-A-journal-of-quot-not-so-special-quot-proportions&p=143857#post143857

1/19/12 - Picking up the car part II
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?6069-UdubBadger-s-Magical-Modding-Tour-A-journal-of-quot-not-so-special-quot-proportions&p=144494#post144494

3/8/12 - First Mods/Maintenance
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?6069-UdubBadger-s-Magical-Modding-Tour-A-journal-of-quot-not-so-special-quot-proportions&p=158780#post158780
_____________________________

Photos!!!

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3101&d=1327116971
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6761832711_cb55f5b310_z.jpg
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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6817606620_606aba29d7_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7749586378_52acf4e1f8_c.jpg

More to come.
_____________________________

SHOUT OUTS!
A rolling "THANK YOU'S" list dedicated to the following parties for their continued support of me and my $$$ BMW modding habits ;)

IND Distribution / A&L Autobody Anthony is always looking out for his fellow BMW owners and the IND sales crew of Nate, Illia and Jesal are top notch. If you are in the Chicago area and NOT using these guys - you're missing out big time!
Evan Winstead of TischerBMW/www.getBMWparts.com The www.getBMWparts.com team are the guys to see for anything BMW and have been taking care of me for years now. I won't buy anything OEM from anyone else.
Showcar Detail Steve from Showcar Detail helps prep me for my shows and keeps the car looking great all year long. Excellent detailing and top end products. www.showcardetail.com

Eli/Mimalmo A big special thank you to Eli for the great deal on the car itself and helping me with everything I need along the way.
Marcus and the ZHPmafia.com family I've been made to feel welcome here since day 1 and have had a lot of help from everyone. I am convinced that this is a VERY special forum for a "not so special" car.

And last but not least...

Eurocharged Performance Jerry, Jake and I have working together on my cars for a few years now. Recently they gave me an opportunity to become part of the Eurocharged team (officially) and I am really happy with the direction things are going with them. I'm also happy to say they've both become a good friend of mine as well.
www.eurocharged.com

THANKS EVERYONE!

and thank YOU for reading the journal. ;)

[danewilson77]

Congrats! Finally.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[kayger12]

Safe travels. Looking forward to the unveiling.

[Hermes]

Hurry up already... when does the new car arrive?

[M0nk3y]

Hurry up already... when does the new car arrive?

+1

Can't Wait.

[jayjay_dee]

subscribed...

[GSEN820]

Good luck with the new car.

I had the pleasure of driving a friends 2008 135i (European delivery). Mods were K & N, software update, KW 3, BMW perfromance BBK. I completely understand your love for this car. Went driving on some twisties in the middle of nowhere. I loved every bit of the car.

I loved the way the start/stop button had 1st year of the one around the start/stop button.

In for pics of the new whip

[Hornung418]

Awesome news, Seth!

[trancenation]

Looking forward to hearing about this! It's always hard to let go of sentimental cars!

[onepercent]

Definitely tough letting go of a great car. You'll enjoy the ZHP though! Plenty to look forward to.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Congrats on the new car, Seth.

[johnrando]

Can. Not. Wait!

[ryankokesh]

Congratulations! (now hurry up with some pictures!) :cheers

[brettbimmer]

^What he said! G/L with the ZHP!!

[UdubBadger]

:rofl

you guys are funny. I left immediately after posting that 1st one and just got back about an hour ago. it was a long day in the car and it didn't start out well...

I'm going to rest up and I will post about my day tomorrow but here is just a very small teaser for you guys, the ZHP might look familiar (it was a family members).

So the top was the result of a 7 hr drive through rain, then sleet, then snow and then single digit temps and high winds.

The 2nd shot is the new (to me) ZHP, very well maintained and polished up for delivery to me (thanks again buddy). A proper photo shoot will be along shortly.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/394864_591571311333_214200725_32232822_1635249066_ n.jpg

[Hornung418]

What suspension? Looks hawt!

[derbo]

i like the silver gray! :D way to make your old girl look dirty and used. haha

[nike001]

Is that Eli's (mimalmo's) car?!

[UdubBadger]

'tis (or 'twas) Eli's and Eli was a great guy, glad we were able to hook up for the sale.

[Hornung418]

Oh shit! I should have known!

[johnrando]

Wow. Congrats! Keepin' it in the family.

[UdubBadger]

thanks Jon, but when you say it like that I feel quite incestuous.

[danewilson77]

I knew it!

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[kayger12]

Congrats!

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Hermes]

I knew it!

+1 - Congratulations Seth, you got one of the best cars around

[GMATT]

Nice pickup.............I'm sure you will enjoy. Please give us all a update on comparison to the 1er.

[UdubBadger]

Nice pickup.............I'm sure you will enjoy. Please give us all a update on comparison to the 1er.

I will be this morning - probably from school in an hour or two

[Jon D]

Congrats

Jon D. Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[Smolck]

Very nice! Congrats! Let the modding begin!

[Hermes]

What did Eli get as a replacement??? (I hope it's a ///M)

[UdubBadger]

No idea, we didn't get that far. I'm sure he'll let us know soon.

[Hornung418]

He's in an M50B25 e34 for the time being.

[danewilson77]

He's in an M50B25 e34 for the time being.

Yes.....this.

[Ryans323i]

What a great car to pick up! So glad Eli's car went to a fellow enthusiast. She looks beautiful as always. Congrats!

As for your 135 :jawdrop That picture needs to be showcased. My goodness that was some serious weather.

[UdubBadger]

1/17/12
Day 1 - The Switch
PART I (combo of Cannon and iPhone 4s pix)


So I packed the 135i the night before and was ready to go early in the AM. Of course the day after I get the car detailed and ready for its new owner, we get a blizzard. I left the house around 6:15am and headed out as the snow was still a light rain.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6720418257_bf7aeda887_o.jpg

Made it out to the 1st Oasis ok, needed some gas. Weather was ok but I could tell it was about to take a turn for the worst.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6720418343_624634dde2.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6720418413_a6575e1287.jpg

And it did...
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6720418507_888f003868.jpg

It got so bad that I switched on the eurofogs so the people behind me could see where I was at.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6720418699_15bb4f3573.jpg

Despite the bad weather I made it to Madison... REALLY wanted to stop in but no time. :(
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6720419157_5f2530778d.jpg

Saw a bunch of people who were in the ditch, accidents and all of that. Surprised that in a state that gets so much snow annually people still lose control of their vehicles. It's called winter tires people. :rolleyes
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6720419319_da9d81e9c6.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6720419421_fe9f4fa162.jpg

Things cleared up even more and I decided to fill my tank up again so I could clean my wipers and go straight to Minneapolis and not stop anymore. My car grew a beard of ice/slush and I was only 1/3 of the way there.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6720419697_b0b0fcd46b.jpg

I was able to get moving again (instead of going 45mph). Hadn't been up this far in Wisconsin for a long time, forgot how pretty it was.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6720419793_12487efaa4.jpg

Gotta have a little snack for the drive... delicious. :drool
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6720419949_3ec05c7e84.jpg

Contrary to my initial thoughts, the further North I went the cleaner the roads became so I was back up to cruising at 80mph and closer to Minnesota.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6720420059_71026d652d.jpg

Around 12:45pm I finally reached the St. Croix River and crossed into Minnesota. I made my way to the meet up spot to pass along the 135i to the new owner by 1pm - meeting my initial ETA of 12-1pm by mere seconds.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6720420833_cf7a3bd069.jpg

So at this point, I had a 7 hour trip through a mini blizzard and temps of 35 when I started to 8 and windy where I ended. The 1er was not happy with me, especially for our last trip together. I felt bad I couldn't even wash her up, I don't usually trust car washes with my cars. Luckily the new owner was very understanding of the situation so it wasn't an issue. I showed him around the car, all the features, all the little in's and out's and then signed the bill of sale and it was final. I no longer owned the 1er.

One Last Look
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6720453617_a0386ef7a4.jpg

So Eli was also present and after I was finished there, he showed me around the ZHP a little, some of the features and little in's and out's of the car and that was that. Kind of strange how it just worked out that the person who purchased my car and Eli were both in Minneapolis. When I found out I told the new owner I'd be happy to deliver the car for $150 for gas which was PLENTY to fund the trip (and my gummy worms). I felt pretty :pimp about organizing that one.

So Eli said goodbye and I pulled across the way to hit up a bathroom before my trip home and snap a quick pic of the new car with my phone for the Mrs.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6720453421_e8b99b053c.jpg

I sat in the car and played around a bit and just started thinking how foreign it all felt. And then it happened. I have NO issues admitting that I started to cry right then and there thinking about that 1 series and what it actually meant to me. I worked so hard to find that car, it was off of the 1st boat of N55 powered cars in late May of 2010, as a 2011 model. It was EVERYTHING I wanted in a car, even the color (which I wasn't sure about originally and had to let grow on me). I spent hours upon hours researching parts, audio equipment, diy's and everything in between. My boss Jerry and I worked on the 1st ECU tune for the N55 on it - a tune that with full exhaust and high flow intake filter made 391ft/lbs AT THE WHEELS on a dyno without an intercooler or meth. It was the 1st car I had where I didn't feel like there was something I had to do to it to make it something it wasn't. Usually I'd find some way to "trade up" to a car I thought was superior but never had to with this car because I loved it just the way I had it, and wanted it forever... it was more than I could have asked for. It was the car I flew to Cincinnati to pick up and drive home 8 hours, the car I moved back to Chicago from Madison in (that was hard), most of all it was the car my wife and I drove away in it after we got married. I know we all feel deep connections to our cars (even Eli said he felt weird selling me his ZHP) but I've never felt so attached to a car like I did that one. The problem is the price was more than I could afford and offer enough support to my family as we moved into our own house.

As all of these thoughts clouded my brain and some tears started forming at my eyes, my phone rang. It was my wife, checking in on me between giving her kids their final exams. She knew instantly I was upset, she asked why and I even had a problem telling her... physically. I was choking up and couldn't get the words out. She talked me through it a little, not trying to say its just a car or that there will be others, but by validating how much the car also meant to her and how it will be missed. I felt like a little piece of me grew right then and there. It became a lot more clear as I remembered WHY I was giving up the car. As someone who's always over valued "stuff" in my life, I began to realize that stuff always pales in comparison to family - mostly my wife. I don't have a big family (other than you guys :grouphug ) and after my dad's passing, it was always hard to think of not taking care of myself first. I think I'm getting the hang of this though, the money I'm saving will contribute even more to building a future with my wife (and dog) instead of just living in the present with cool "stuff" regardless of how much I feel attached to it or not.

And then I realized how lucky I was to have this beautiful ZHP at my fingertips and decided it was time to come home.

TO BE CONTINUED...

[jayjay_dee]

great story...

[Ryans323i]

Great story! What a treacherous looking trip, geeze.
I don't know how I would feel if I ever have to give up my Lucy, but it would probably pretty similar to your experience. I'm glad you're now happy with your decision and are looking to the future and not living in the past. The sacrifice you made yesterday will bloom into a greater reward not yet known. I wish you and your family (wifey and doggie) the very very best!

[Smolck]

I've never cried over a car, not even my 323i which launched a lot of things in my life. But I understand the emotion part of it. But hopefully you will find comfort in the seats of your new ZHP. And while not a 135i, it is the very best E46 IMO. Could be worse, some people have had to sell their bimmers and buy Honda's!

[danewilson77]

Pants tight.

[UdubBadger]

Great story! What a treacherous looking trip, geeze.
I don't know how I would feel if I ever have to give up my Lucy, but it would probably pretty similar to your experience. I'm glad you're now happy with your decision and are looking to the future and not living in the past. The sacrifice you made yesterday will bloom into a greater reward not yet known. I wish you and your family (wifey and doggie) the very very best!

Thank you

[UdubBadger]

I've never cried over a car, not even my 323i which launched a lot of things in my life. But I understand the emotion part of it. But hopefully you will find comfort in the seats of your new ZHP. And while not a 135i, it is the very best E46 IMO. Could be worse, some people have had to sell their bimmers and buy Honda's!
I was promised a BMW, just an affordable one, the wife did me well in that department. ;)

[Oli77]

That's cool and a great "in-the-family" trade.

[johnnyrad]

I have NO issues admitting that I started to cry right then and there thinking about that 1 series and what it actually meant to me. I worked so hard to find that car

Great moment right there. Time to fall in love again.

[UdubBadger]

It's already starting... You'll see in my next post which I'm going to prepare for tomorrow morning.

[edlvrt]

I'm looking forward to the other half of the story! How does it compare while cruising on the interstate? Steering response/feedback, ride quality, agility? I realize it it likely a step down from your tuned 1er, but how much? Spill the beans!! Oh, and CONGRATS!

[danewilson77]

It's already starting...

.....You can't stop it now....

[UdubBadger]

1/17/12
Day 1 - The Switch - PART DEUX


So as we left off, I was torn up about leaving my 1er behind in Minnesota but after a phone call with my wife, I was ready to embrace the new life ahead of me, and the new BMW at my fingertips. As I started to pull out of the lot, I notice the 1er still sitting across the way and stopped for a minute. I saw the new owner walk to the car, get in and pull away. I was at peace with the goodbye finally, so I pulled out and went to the highway entrance ramp right near the parking lot. I honestly didn't know what to expect out of the car but I guess I was eager to find out.

Now let me start by saying on paper, this was a HUGE downgrade in power from my 1er. I was making close to 400 ft/lbs at the wheels when it had all the toys on it and that was with a very 1/2 ass tune on the car. I'm sure there was another 20-30 in there if I had pulled out the DME and done a full reprogram on it. Anyway, I was prepared for a car that had some pep to it but more like my 328xi - you need to get her going to really have some fun in it.

I got onto the entrance ramp and punched it in 2nd gear and was QUITE surprised at how quick the car was. I totally underestimated what the car was going to be able to do, and a small grin started to form on my face. I made a good choice. :)

So I headed back across the border to Wisconsin and began my journey home.

Just before I hit that border though, I saw something VERY disturbing - the highway totally shut down going the other way and a person being put into a body bag from what looked like a fatal accident. It kinds killed the mood I was in but I cruised along despite it (took a pic but decided not to post it... feels kinda weird and a little uncouth in my eyes).

I got back into Wisconsin and just kinda got into cruising mode for a while, enjoying the ride and peppiness of the new car. That being said, I'm so used to having full torque/HP at low RPMS I was in 6th and tried to accelerate and it didn't go anywhere so I do need to get back in the habit of down shifting to pass. Overall though, I'm quite happy with the engine as something to keep me interested for a few years.

Anyone up for a Leinenkugel's?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6720420181_76e63e310d.jpg
(totally random but when I looked at this pic I noticed how dirty my sensor is on my camera... time for a cleaning)

So as I made my way through the land of beer and cheese, I fussed with the stereo QUITE a bit. My initial complaint is that its really muddy, the stereo in my 1er wasn't HK so I had to add some MBQuart components and then some underseat subs to get it where I wanted it. This will probably be similar but I need to address the needs of not having iDrive navi/iPod/bluetooth anymore either. Sure I could live without it but the question is do I want to live without it. Probably not. I do a lot of driving and like my music so iPod control is important (never been a radio guy). The iSimple Eli had in the car will do for now but the control of it is still very stone-aged compared to what I'm used to. I'd like to be able to scroll through my menus on screen. Bluetooth is very important too, Chicago has a pretty strict hands free policy and the fine for violating it is a hefty one that I'd like to avoid. And then the navigation, well... a Garmin would do. I don't use it that much, usually only when I work my photography jobs and need to get somewhere I've never been. I'm kind of like a homing pigeon after I go somewhere once, I can always find my way home from there and even back to the same spot years later... must be a 6th sense. Despite that I like having it and having a map to look at as I go places, sometimes just for reference of where I am in my travels.

Anyway, back to the trip. Another thing those of you who know Eli's car will be familiar with is his suspension - the ENORMOUS drop on the car. It handles very tight and I have to be honest as great as it looks and feels, I'll probably raise it up a bit. I can feel myself getting really close to scraping the front end of the car up here in Chicago. I am usually very careful but at the same time, this city moves at pretty high speeds so I also risk getting rear ended for going too slow over bumps. Ugh. I also don't want the wheels to rub and I've felt them touch a few times already. We aren't known for our level, smooth roads out here. At any rate, it'll be a lot of fun to be able to play with.

So the ride home was a lot better than the ride there, roads were all clear, cops were for the most part non existent and I even made it all the way to Rockford on the 3/4 of a tank that Eli left me which was great.

Was a little preoccupied with getting home and playing with the car to take a lot of photos but I did manage to snap a few that I liked at dusk/twilight.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6720420271_ba3c34ebdf.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6720420467_959612bcc5.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6720420591_380fb14082.jpg


So I got into Chicago and pulled into the garage, grabbed my stuff out of the car and was met with a bear hug and machine gun kisses from Mrs Badger at the door. The total trip lasted from 6:15am to 8:45pm... not bad time at all (return trip only took 6 hours flat).

Overall, I'm really happy this all worked out the way it did. Eli can attest that for some reason securing a loan for an older car with 89k miles wasn't easy on my end (7 banks, 5 loans, 4 approvals, and 3 of those said nothing older than 2005 or over 75k miles). I think a few times we were both ready to say the hell with it and go our separate ways, but we didn't and I'm glad he stuck with me for it all.

To Eli - Thank you again so much for everything you've done. Not only were you patient with me and the process but your kindness and the great deal you gave me just reflects upon what great people are part of "the family" here. I really wish you the best of luck and can promise that as much as I might change or keep the same on this car, I'll take as best care of it as I possibly can and one day maybe play the part of the guy who passes along the generosity and candor that was once showed to him.

Stay tuned over the next few days as I map out some plans for some extras and maintenance I have planned for this beauty.
I'll be getting in touch with my guys at IND, getBMWparts.com/TischerBMW and most importantly, my boss (and tuning genius) Jerry of Eurocharged Performance. ;)


Thanks for reading.

[mimalmo]

Forgot to tell you, in the 4 years I've owned it, every tank of gas I've put in that car except 3 or 4 has been the ethanol-free premium. She seems to like that stuff as it feels peppier and the mpgs I get are 2-3 mpg better than the regular premium with ethanol stuff.

[UdubBadger]

naturally. the part that sux is EVERYWHERE in IL has ethanol. :(

at least I can give her 93 instead of 91 at Shell.

[midlandtech]

Great story so far... do you have any BP's up there? that seems to be the only place I can find ethanol free 93 octane

[mimalmo]

naturally. the part that sux is EVERYWHERE in IL has ethanol. :(

at least I can give her 93 instead of 91 at Shell.

Any of these close to you?

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=IL

[UdubBadger]

Any of these close to you?

http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=IL

:rofl

not a single one of course. I might be able to find a non ethonol 91 vpower shell around here though.

[kayger12]

Could be worse, you could be in the Jerz- where ethanol is mandated to be in all gasoline sold in the state...

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[UdubBadger]

pretty sure thats a county law out here in chicagoland

[ryankokesh]

Congrats on the amazing car! Let me know if you're ever in the Schaumburg area, I'd love to see it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Whitexi]

That's a cool trip you had there. Congrats of the new car.

[UdubBadger]

Congrats on the amazing car! Let me know if you're ever in the Schaumburg area, I'd love to see it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

twice a week for school

[nike001]

Moar pics!

[UdubBadger]

That's a cool trip you had there. Congrats of the new car.

thanks it was hectic but worth it

[Kudos]

i'm sure i'll see u around IND i'm there like every other week.

[UdubBadger]

i'm sure i'll see u around IND i'm there like every other week.

seriously? so am I... :rofl

[UdubBadger]

Moar pics!

3101

[Johal E32]

looks like my car!

very nice story, and it looks like you got a great car in your hands :)

Now post up some more picturess

[johnrando]

3101

You did it! :biggrin

looks good.

[jayjay_dee]

very nice pic.... so jealous that you dont have to put front license plate...

[UdubBadger]

Oh I do, just haven't gotten the payoff letter from BMW so I can title the car and get plates. good thing is I'll have temps for about 6-10 weeks before needing a front. Maybe I'll be able to squeeze a few photo shoots out of that till I have to get the front one on.

[webster]

Texas 'legally' requires front plates but I can't stand the idea of ruining my zhp's beautiful face with an ugly license plate. So I don't have one. Hasn't been an issue in the 5 months I've had the car. of course now that I say that I'll probably get pulled over lol

[UdubBadger]

some states dont care. Illinois isn't one of them though, they will take your money any way the can get it. this state is broke as a joke.

[UdubBadger]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6761832711_cb55f5b310_z.jpg

[danewilson77]

Dayum. :drool.

Nicely done...

[nike001]

That's my soon-to-be iphone background

Are those OEM Clears or DEPO?

[Hermes]

Maybe I'll be able to squeeze a few photo shoots out of that till I have to get the front one on.

here you go...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USuF2wM_Moc

MFest Quick Release License Plate Holder (http://www.mfestlab.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=qckrelichldr)

[UdubBadger]

Dayum. :drool.

Nicely done...

thanks D

[UdubBadger]

That's my soon-to-be iphone background

Are those OEM Clears or DEPO?

I think Eli said OEM (which is why I'm reluctant to do EE LED's)

[UdubBadger]

here you go...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USuF2wM_Moc

MFest Quick Release License Plate Holder (http://www.mfestlab.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=qckrelichldr)

I have one of those just not the quick release ones... maybe I should invest.

[mimalmo]

That's my soon-to-be iphone background

Are those OEM Clears or DEPO?

OEM. Once I was shown the difference, I had to have the OEM corners, sides and tails.

[zhp43867]

I think Eli said OEM (which is why I'm reluctant to do EE LED's)

Don't do it! IMO you have the best compromise. The EEs can be unreliable (for some users, bulb out warnings and potential leaking). With OEM there is no chance.

[nike001]

I think Eli said OEM (which is why I'm reluctant to do EE LED's)

Please don't. Coupes are the only ones that can wear those kind of lights. You have the perfect set up right now!


OEM. Once I was shown the difference, I had to have the OEM corners, sides and tails.

I never really saw a side-by-side comparison.. but I always knew I wanted OEM. So that's what I got. But these look like they're in a lot better condition than my own. I need the new inner lenses that go on the trunk since mine leak. I think I'm probably SOL when it comes to that. I'll probably have to get whole new lights to fix it.

[johnrando]

I have one of those just not the quick release ones... maybe I should invest.

I love that. Went over to buy one, cough cough, $169! Wow. I'm gonna have to pass.

[Hermes]

yeah, double the price of the Go Mini Go one... but if you think about it probably cheaper than the James Bond style hiding ones. I've never priced those out but I'm sure they're probably even more of a joke in pricing

[UdubBadger]

yeah i saw the price and said no thanks also

[cakM3]

Rhode Island is a two plate state as well but it seems that the LEOs here are more tolerant of people running on one plate. I've been running on one plate for a month now w/o any issues :)

Funny... I notice more people stare at my Imola ZHP over the TiAg ///M, but I get pulled over in the ///M if I tried to do anything regarding my license plate. I had lightly smoked license plate covers on the ///M last year and got pulled over for that and window tint (also illegal in RI). I have the same smoked license plate covers installed on the ZHP and, so far, haven't been harassed by the LEOs. Oh, the ZHP also has window tinting :)

[UdubBadger]

Huh... That's weird. Maybe they just pull people over who look like they have money to pay the tickets.

[danewilson77]

Badger...is this going to be your project thread?

[johnrando]

Badger...is this going to be your project thread?

Was just thinking the same thing. You should make it one.

[danewilson77]

Was just thinking the same thing. You should make it one.

Well..I was gonna move it over if he rogers up.

[johnrando]

Well..I was gonna move it over if he rogers up.


Roger that, we were on the same page.

[UdubBadger]

yes please move it - that was my intent

[danewilson77]

yes please move it - that was my intent

Done.

[UdubBadger]

thanks guys, I also reformatted my 1st post for easy navigation.

[danewilson77]

thanks guys, I also reformatted my 1st post for easy navigation.

Perfection.

[UdubBadger]

I'll be posting an update sometime in the coming week of what changes the car has had since I got her. ;)

[UdubBadger]

my lights (photo lights) were out for repair but it looks as if 1 of them will be back tomorrow so I will shoot some of the interior stuff tomorrow and post the pics with an update of what's been done to the car since I got it.

[derbo]

Can't wait for new updates! :)


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[M3TA5IN]

I throughly enjoy the title of this thread :)

Cant wait to see what you do with this one man, loved the 1 series!

[UdubBadger]

thanks guys

[ryankokesh]

Moar pics.


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[UdubBadger]

Pipe down airbags


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[ryankokesh]

Lol, first of all it's only one airbag. Well, an airbag and an occupancy sensor technically... And second of all, both those guys thought it looked right!


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[mimalmo]

and then....?

[UdubBadger]

I've got a photo set coming soon.

[derbo]

and then....?

No and then!!



Can't wait for some new pics :)


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[ryankokesh]

No kidding... such a slacker.

[Hermes]

Why have I not seen Eurocharged listed as a mod on this thread yet?

[danewilson77]

Why have I not seen Eurocharged listed as a mod on this thread yet?

Lol.... Yeah.... Seth should have the dyno data.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[UdubBadger]

Busy schedule, need to get together with my boss to tune.


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[Hermes]

Busy schedule, need to get together with my boss to tune.

excuses... worthless


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hahahahahahahahahahahaha...

[UdubBadger]

3/8/12

Well I've been busy with school and work and its only about to get worse so I realized I should get cracking on letting everyone know what I've been up to.

First off - did the cooling system overhaul with my guys at A&L/iND. It got pricey even with their great discounts but it got done which is the important part. I also had them install some Rouge UD pullies. The car doesn't feel much quicker with them but I think after tuning and seeing a dyno it will reveal a hp or 2 pick up over stock from efficiency.

Funds have been tight, after all that is why I jumped into this ZHP in the first place - to save money. However that being said, I know who I am, I know I want to mod the car, so I left myself some room to get a few things and to save a few things for down the road.


Interior -
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6963730549_d80892092d_z.jpg

First you'll notice the navi - which was not my first choice and I'm still not even sure it's working out right now... but I took the plunge on a Dynavin. The functionality it has on paper looked great, the fit and finish looked really good too, the price was a tad much but justifiable for all that it is supposed to do. My unit, however, must be from a bad batch. I installed it and combined it with the OEM relocation kit for the HVAC controls (got a steal from Tischer on that) and it was fairly easy to physically put in but from the minute I turned it on I had problems with the unit. Most of the problems have come with the screen and the iPod function. It's like the unit is freezing when I try to go through playlists to find what I want. Sometimes I do need to turn it on and off, sometimes not. Sometimes my iPod playback starts right up, sometimes I need to unplug and re plug it in. Sometimes the unit shows what song I am listening to, sometimes it shows a song I haven't listened to in 3 years. I am told they are sending me a new unit when it comes in from China - we will see if the problems are fixed by then (by the way I purchased from OTTONavi).


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6963730289_2863667142_z.jpg


Next, I did a few more interior items. I changed the gauge faces to the ///M grey ones with the orange/red RPM redline indicators. I like the color and how it matches the silbergrau paint. The downside is at night you see nothing but amber.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6964503195_af86f0e3d9_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6963730319_126e7c04a8_z.jpg

I also got in touch with Coby Wheel and spoke with Mike about 2 items - steering wheel and shift knob - being rewrapped in OEM grey alcantara.
The results were fantastic and I want to thank Mike for his great communication and more so his awesome work on both pieces.

The wheel is OEM grey with a dove grey stripe at 12 oclock and ///M tri color stitching.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6817606646_942927c06e_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6963730477_ab5a168979_z.jpg

The shift knob was wrapped in OEM grey.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6817606620_606aba29d7_z.jpg

When I am ready for a new shift boot I will be going right back to Mike at Coby Wheel.

Another item I fixed/upgraded were the interior lighting - the xenons in the car were dull and a few didn't work so I went to bimmian.com and purchased an LED bulb pack. They work well and are pretty bright now - plus they don't get as hot and melt the bulbs into place - had to dremel some of the old ones out.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6939116503_e4a1297d5b_z.jpg
The exterior of the car has been left alone thus far. I am in the process of choosing some summer rims but not sure the funds are all there just yet. At this point I'd like to get a set for cheap - recondition them and then also take my 135's and recondition those too (but that doesn't have to be till October or so). I also would like to start saving for an exhaust system which will be a very high priority. Hopefully this summer keeps me busy with paying gigs. I do have a new set of rear window tints to put on when the weather is nice out - switching the 35% rears out to a 20%. The glare I'm getting on the Dynavin is really bad at some times of day going in the right direction. Hopefully (if I keep it) that will help a bit. I wish someone just made a snap in rear window shade like I had on my 135i.


Tuning is taking place this weekend so I'll try to update on how that all goes. As of now it doesn't look like I'll have a dyno but that should be along shortly.

Thanks for reading.

[johnrando]

Looks great! Love the extra stitching on the steering wheel.

[UdubBadger]

thanks John, Mike from Coby Wheel did a fantastic job and I recommend him to everyone.

[derbo]

Love the knob and the wheel! I've been meaning to get an alcantara knob.

[jayjay_dee]

awesome pic as always Seth!!!

[imola red zhp]

Looks Great Seth!!!

[UdubBadger]

Thanks guys


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[webster]

looking good! details on the gauge cluster? im loving that. where'd ya get it and how much?!

[nike001]

Wow. Love the gauges.

Kinda pissed about my wheel now. I wish I went with what you did. M colors & a gray time stripe were an option for my at one point but I don't know why I didn't go with it. My charcoal stitching just isn't doing it for me..
Still LOVE coby's work.. just not happy with my own part of it.

[UdubBadger]

looking good! details on the gauge cluster? im loving that. where'd ya get it and how much?!

Bimmian gauges - grey with big mph small kph

Originally $100 but got um for $50 on sale


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[webster]

Bimmian gauges - grey with big mph small kph

Originally $100 but got um for $50 on sale


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word...just bought the same grey gauge face. thanks for the info.

[UdubBadger]

Nice


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[UdubBadger]

wheels r on the way. will have some pix this weekend

[danewilson77]

wheels r on the way. will have some pix this weekend

Nice. In for pics.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[UdubBadger]

Should be done this weekend


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[UdubBadger]

Pretty sure I'm pulling the trigger on this:
http://www.magnaflowdepot.com/p/magnaflow-14816-universal-muffler

[328ioc]

Definitely in for pictures and video once installed.

[UdubBadger]

yeah thats the wrong one - need 14815 which has 3" tips not 3.5"

I just learned the hard way.

[UdubBadger]

man have i been slacking...

[derbo]

man have i been slacking...

Its okay we still love you :)


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[ryankokesh]

Your exhaust is installed, right?

[328ioc]

Your exhaust is installed, right?

+1 I'm considering the full cat back so I want to hear how yours sounds as well as hear about your experience with that website.


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[webster]

pics of the new wheels or ban!

[UdubBadger]

I've been working almost every day, hard to take time out to go do all this. I'll do it soon I promise.

[UdubBadger]

Wow I need to update

[UdubBadger]

New photo of how she sits (since June)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7749586378_52acf4e1f8_c.jpg

[Eurocharged]

nice car (yes I'm talking to myself) :)

[danewilson77]

New photo of how she sits (since June)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7749586378_52acf4e1f8_c.jpg

I'm gonna say :drool

I bet one of those eurocharged vinyls would look Bauce on imola.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[nike001]

Hmmph.. I'd be more than willing to rock Eurocharged vinyls @ bimmerfest in exchange for a tune :shift

[UdubBadger]

Dalton I can surely get you a vinyl in exchange for buying one of our tunes :D


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[nike001]

Haha - that'd be great, but unfortunately a tune doesn't fit into my budget ATM :/

Broke college kid status with $48.50 in my bank account :)


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[UdubBadger]

I feel ya...

Graduating college kid (I use the term "kid" loosely here) - $70k and counting on my tab (not including a few full CC's for all my art supplies) :(
My portfolio show coming up next month is going to cost me close to $1500 in supplies to be ready for it with prints and stuff like that.

[johnrando]

Car looks great Seth.

[UdubBadger]

Thanks John. I'm going to try to do a big update tonight/tomorrow since I've seriously been slacking here.

[nike001]

I feel ya...

Graduating college kid (I use the term "kid" loosely here) - $70k and counting on my tab (not including a few full CC's for all my art supplies) :(
My portfolio show coming up next month is going to cost me close to $1500 in supplies to be ready for it with prints and stuff like that.

What did you go to school for?

[UdubBadger]

Photography. I'll have my BFA on Sept 20th

[M3TA5IN]

Seth takes good pictures, they make me happy ;)

[UdubBadger]

8/10/12

Well it's been way too long, almost 6 months. I'm overdue for an update.

Since we last left off:

Was looking for new summer wheels - found new summer wheels.

VMR VB3's from Modbargains. I went 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 wrapped in Conti DW Summer tires (235/265).
The fiasco that ensued with getting these rims painted, them chipping, deciding on being powdercoated, not holding air, replacing a tire damaged by the powdercoating place, and then FINALLY working out the wobbling steering wheel by getting an alignment and new spacers.... well, you don't need the details so I'll spare them. I love the color - Textured Anthracite and am very happy with the final product.

http://img.tapatalk.com/180d2235-85d9-81d3.jpg

Before/After
http://img.tapatalk.com/180d2235-8602-0719.jpg

Next on the list was the brake calipers. Can't afford a BBK so I just painted what I've got now, however the original paint was crap (too bad cuz I mixed the perfect color too - a golden yellow/orange). For anyone thinking of doing this, buy the spray paint, not the brush on stuff... it runs and drips and doesn't coat well, spray works much better. I did them with VHT caliper paint in blue but the blue came out too dark for my taste so I repainted them with just Rustoleum Premium paint in more of an electric blue and am happy now with the outcome. Reinstalling I drained the brake fluid and freshened that up as well as upgraded to stainless steel lines in the front (not by choice - one of my lines got stripped putting the caliper back on). I still need to swap out the rears when I get a chance. Oh and then there was the trip to Timmayfest when both of my front left caliper bolts fell off on the highway... That is all I have to say about that.

http://img.tapatalk.com/180d2235-8624-6b11.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/482130_625392797803_1039261022_n.jpg

Speaking of Timmayfest, it was a blast this year. I did a few drag runs in the car and despite being 200hp less than my car last year, it was fun. Wil beat an E90 M3 in my car but only cuz the bozo driving the M3 didn't know how to launch for S*#%. The show was good, people seem to look right past the ZHP when sitting next to AMG's, M5's and SLR's among other cars but I got a lot of compliments for having such a "not so special" BMW E46.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/538442_621655811753_2146160652_n.jpg

Also some of you might be wondering about the tuning. I did get my tune put on and I love it, makes the car even more alive around 3k rpms, but no dyno was done because well I was waiting on doing my VANOS swap (and hoping the company would pay for the runs). I am now waiting on our headers partnership to pan out with bimmerbrakes and then I'll be doing a bunch of dynos so that will show everything including just software gains.

I also changed the exhaust a bit. Instead of doing a full magnaflow catback I went with just the muffler. I like the sound now with the stock midpipe, plus it was cheaper and until I have a full time job that is the name of the game. Painted the tips black for stealthy look.

http://img.tapatalk.com/180d2235-86ac-53e0.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/180d2235-86cf-5692.jpg

I also added an Infinity Basslink sub to the stereo system (for space reasons) and it has turned out to be a little pointless as it doesn't get through the rear seats very well. If I can somehow bassblock the other speakers it would work better because I can turn up the bass on the dynavin but until then it really is just a light fill of lower bass than the 6x9's put out.

Loved waiting for that install... not.
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/418835_600780316413_549878484_n.jpg

VANOS

Well I am just gonna say - holy cow. Just read this thread if you need more info on what a circus I went through (with Ryan) to get this one done.
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?7600-Dr.-Vanos&highlight=dr.+vanos
http://img.tapatalk.com/180d2235-86f1-8b00.jpg


I'm trying to think of what else I've done here... little odds and ends like a new front roundel, new plates (see below) with my boy C. Withers... stuff like that. The headers will be a big deal so expect a nice write up on those.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/480990_630731039923_1153156601_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/578884_628250965013_1853221239_n.jpg


Thats about all I have for now.

I'm gonna try to keep doing more pix of the car but haven't had time. Soon.


Oh by the way, anyone ever see Mark and Casey snuggle? It's a beautiful sight...
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/576314_612698302673_306299550_n.jpg

[Newjack]

Great read Seth. I've been following the progress on your car since it was purchased, so nothing new to me. Nontheless, a great write up and nice to see everything in one spot.

Love the calipers and the license plate, and can't wait to see the dyno sheet for those headers. Keep up the good work! :thumbsup

[UdubBadger]

Danke :D


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[Mike V]

I'm very late to this thread, but I was curious how you lucked out on finding a buyer in MN for the 135? That worked out great.

[UdubBadger]

:rofl

Yeah I SERIOUSLY lucked out there. I actually found him before I was 100% on Eli's car as he inquired about my car 1st and wanted to meet me in Madison to pick it up. Just so happened that Eli's car was the best deal out there of what I was looking for (almost flew to Idaho for an IR/Nat Brown ZHP from a small dealer but they wouldn't budge on price nor did it have all the great extras Eli included) so I guess I was 2/2 on that trip. When I decided to take this car, I called the other guy up and told him I'd deliver the 135i to him for a $150 fee. Paid for my gas on the trip and then some. :)

[UdubBadger]

Great moment right there. Time to fall in love again.

Just also wanted to update you all on this as I was reading through this again...

It happened. I'm not sure when or how, but it did. :wub

[derbo]

awesome update! :D

I'm loving the color of the rims.

[UdubBadger]

Thx bud


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[HokieZHP]

Linky to the magnaflow muffler you purchased?

[UdubBadger]

I believe it was this one.
http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/shopexd.asp?zone=main&id=10456

[Mike V]

:rofl

Yeah I SERIOUSLY lucked out there. I actually found him before I was 100% on Eli's car as he inquired about my car 1st and wanted to meet me in Madison to pick it up. Just so happened that Eli's car was the best deal out there of what I was looking for (almost flew to Idaho for an IR/Nat Brown ZHP from a small dealer but they wouldn't budge on price nor did it have all the great extras Eli included) so I guess I was 2/2 on that trip. When I decided to take this car, I called the other guy up and told him I'd deliver the 135i to him for a $150 fee. Paid for my gas on the trip and then some. :)

That couldn't have worked out any better!

[M3TA5IN]

Car looks amazing Seth. Just read the whole thread. Nice work.


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[UdubBadger]

Thanks Cody. Hoping to add some cool stuff in the next few months too ;)

[Pip]

What offsets are the vb3's and spacers if any?

Seriously considering either square 8.5's or 8.5/9.5 vb3's in hyperblack. Still trying to gauge how the color would look next to silver gray but I think it'd match the gray black theme without being too dark.


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[UdubBadger]

IIRC 40/45 offsets and I run 5mm spacers up front.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[Torxuvin]

Great thread. I really enjoyed the story. You do what you have to do. Love the car. Back when I was looking for a replacement for my first e46 M3, I was set on finding a Silver grey/imola combo.

What a great find on the gauges! Aside from the power difference and lack of lsd, I think my biggest disappointment (don't get me wrong, I love the ZHP) is no longer having the M3's light up redline.

[JKO_ZHP]

Great thread. I really enjoyed the story. You do what you have to do. Love the car. Back when I was looking for a replacement for my first e46 M3, I was set on finding a Silver grey/imola combo.

What a great find on the gauges! Aside from the power difference and lack of lsd, I think my biggest disappointment (don't get me wrong, I love the ZHP) is no longer having the M3's light up redline.

I have a confession to make....every time I see someone mention LSD, I think of acid. Besides that, I have no idea what the car version of it means :facepalm

[Torxuvin]

No worries. Easy answer: Makes the car 2 wheel drive instead of 1 wheel drive. My old eclipse (open differential, ie no Limited-slip differential) would leave one long black stripe down during a burnout. My corvette leaves 2 long black stripes.

Light reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited-slip_differential

Eh, sorry to threadjack UdubBadger

[nike001]

Torx said it best. It's an acronym for Limited-Slip Differential.

Open diffs aren't always necessarily 1-wheel drive, they just transfer power from side to side if the car so needs it. I've done my fair share of launches and burnouts and a good amount of the time they get both wheels spinning but once I turn it's game over.

[UdubBadger]

No worries guys, I'm always up for conversation. Reminds me I need to post an update soon too!


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[UdubBadger]

^this guy is an update slacker for SURE

however I have no problems sitting at work and rereading the entire thread :biggrin

[nike001]

Think you're a slacker? Look at my mod thread.. :rofl

[UdubBadger]

hahaha

[UdubBadger]

There will be a major update to this thread today...

Chapter 2 will be unveiled.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[Pip]

We'll be waiting.

[derbo]

/me waits some more..

[jayjay_dee]

hmmm... im here...waiting too...

[UdubBadger]

Coming to ya live from Minneapolis... Should be about an hour till the cat is out of the bag. ;)


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[UdubBadger]

Kokesh might never speak to me again.

Here she is
8257
8258
8259


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[zhpnsnv]

NICE! Give us the details!

[UdubBadger]

Driving home, will post tonight


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[nike001]

I knew you'd freakin get an E46 M3!

I've been holding out for an AW on cinnamon

[UdubBadger]

So was I but I caved when I saw this one.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[zhpnsnv]

I love red. And thasalatta freekin red!

[Johal E32]

IR on IR E46 M3 6 speed. Very nice!

[Avetiso]

Moar pichures now!

[E_Rak]

:jawdrop can't wait for more!

[jgt_zhp]

Freaking sweet. Need more details, ASAP

[danewilson77]

:foottap

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[illirep]

Nice - my guess was close - I had the e46 m3 right! Congrats.

[bcleaver]

More details...

[UdubBadger]

Just got home, having issues. Will post tomorrow.

Quick details are '04 IR/IR 6MT 86k 19" OEM CSL's and PSS9s

[derbo]

Hmm..deserves a new project thread imo. ;)

[UdubBadger]

and to be completely honest, it will be a project, though it was not supposed to be.

So to be totally honest with everyone, I should be thrilled with this purchase and at the moment I am not. I flew to Minneapolis to pick up the car after working closely with the seller to make sure this was the deal for me. We had exchanged 30+ emails with each other, and I had asked the obvious questions about the car, what was wrong with it, what had been done to it, how well it had been cared for, ect... I guess I really underestimated 2 things, 1) the power of a PPI and 2) the complete and total piece of mind you get from buying something from a fellow member/enthusiast (such as was the case when I got my ZHP from Eli).
I'm not going to sit here and make a laundry list of things I have found wrong, a good majority of it is cosmetic with a few small mechanical items as well, but I am simply going to say it is partially my fault for not running over the car with a fine toothed comb before handing over the check. The car was parked in a dimly lit garage and instead of taking it outside, I took his word for the condition and even waived off driving it to the bank just to save the gas in the tank for my ride home. Shame on me for buying a car I hadn't seen in daylight let alone even drove. It really sheds light on the fact of how much of a stand up guy Eli was when he sold me the ZHP, describing more the small minor faults of the car to me than boasting about all the great stuff on the car so I knew what I was in for.

Needless to say I am now in a bit of a bad spot, but my plan is to document everything wrong and go back to the seller and ask that those things be addressed out of his pocket book (at least a good portion of them) to sell me the car in the condition I thought I was getting. Unfortunately for me, I have no leverage here as the check was cashed and the bill of sale was signed by both parties so he really would only have to do this out of the goodness of his heart (I do still have the title which I haven't filled out yet, it only has his signature so maybe that's at least 1 thing). Hopefully when he sees all of this stuff on paper and I cite the descriptions he gave me of the car via email he will feel inclined to make things right somehow.

So until this is all sorted out it is with a semi enthusiastic heart that I will be driving this car and trying to figure out what to do.

[danewilson77]

Damn. Sorry to hear Seth and good advice. Let us learn from this.

Can you/Will you list some of the more major items you got tagged with?

[UdubBadger]

Eventually as I get it sorted out yes. Right now it's looking to be:

Swiss cheese looking paint on front end -/hood (rock chip heaven)
-side mirror 4" deep scratch
-front fender rash
-misaligned front bumper on passenger side
-misaligned side skirt same side (possibly a diver error minor accident running over something?)
-cracked fog lens on drivers side
-2/32 tread tires... Rears more like 1/32 and shredding quickly, had black tire spray all over car like I was at a track day
-2 rear bumper scuffs bigger than a thumb
-both door handles stick hard when opening from outside ( he told me about the drivers door before i left and said it was a common easy fix )
- missing clown nose
- blown left rear speaker, P.O. had stereo set to fade only fronts with no bass when I left and found out
- cig lighter is loose and loses power frequently
-creeking noise from front suspension at low speeds and take off (either the pss9s or maybe control arms or bushings?)
-alignment pulls left
-high speed vibration in steering wheel, could be flat spots on tires or something else in suspension.
-rear plate bracket busted - I knew this.


Also tires were at 45psi after 45 min of driving on highway and a 15 min cool down for lunch, seemed way too high even for 19's.

Car was also quite dirty even though he said he cleaned it. Dog hair inside and dried dirty rag soap residue all over outside.

He told me he had a recent PPI too, checked date of receipt - 7/09 lol.



- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[illirep]

Damn - sorry to read all of this. Hopefully seller does the right thing and reimburses you for some of these items.

[danewilson77]

That's bullshit Seth.

[UdubBadger]

That's bullshit Seth.

Well I agree but I also know I need to be more diligent on taking the right steps for my own protection and remember the entire world doesn't act the same way towards each other as we do on here (even though I try to on my end).


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[jgt_zhp]

Well, that sucks. Hope you are successful getting some reparations. Maybe send the mafia out there to "tune the guy up".

[UdubBadger]

Eli is right down the road from him... Maybe he can show the guy what a real maintained car should look like.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[GMATT]

Seth so sorry to hear of these misfortunes ...best of luck with the po and car


.

Sent from my fancy telephone!

[johnrando]

Seth so sorry to hear of these misfortunes ...best of luck with the po and car


.

Sent from my fancy telephone!

+1

[Torxuvin]

That bites man. It's a pretty car. IR/IR isn't something you see every day. Does he have receipts for the valve adjustments or any vanos work? Those would concern me most under neglect. Also if it isn't from the coil-overs, check the strut towers and bushings for the front suspension creak. Maybe it will be something simple. If it were rear, my first thought would have been rsms or subframe...

[UdubBadger]

It's going back, estimate to fix it all and not even including rear tires is over $4k


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[UdubBadger]

Call in the lawyers, call in the dogs.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[fredo]

Man, sorry to hear the news. $4k for repairs ? Keep us posted.

[Johnmadd]

It's going back, estimate to fix it all and not even including rear tires is over $4k


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile


Call in the lawyers, call in the dogs.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

:mob

[zhpnsnv]

I hope you're protected somehow here. When you said the PPI was on '09, are you saying that is the PPI that you relied upon to purchase this car?

[UdubBadger]

No he told me he had one done and would give it to me. I thought ok, it's clean. Then saw receipt after I got home with the date. :facepalm


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[E_Rak]

Oh jeez, good luck with it, tough situation there...

[danewilson77]

So when you drive it out there you're going to be out airfare again?

I would make him pick it up. :shifty

[UdubBadger]

I'll be lucky just to get him to agree to take it back (or pay for most of repairs).

[danewilson77]

Just looking at stuff.

Vehicle damage disclosure: When is it required, and by whom?

November 23, 2010
Failure to disclose damage to new and used vehicles continues to be a fertile area for litigation, the general counsel of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, Dennis O'Keefe, said recently.
According to a 1995 Illinois law, a manufacturer is required to disclose in writing to a dealer, before delivery, all in-transit, post-manufacturer or other damage to a vehicle that was sustained at any time before it is delivered to the dealer.
In turn, O'Keefe said dealers must disclose in writing to the purchaser, before delivery, any damage to a new vehicle which they are aware of having occurred between the end of the manufacturing process and the time of customer delivery. The threshold for disclosure is 6 percent of the vehicle's MSRP.
Disclosure is not required when the cost to repair does not exceed 6 percent of the MSRP. Further, damage to glass, tires, bumpers and in-dash audio equipment is not considered as damage, if replaced with OEM equipment.
No Illinois statute concerns damage disclosure to used vehicles. However, O'Keefe said "the theory of common law misrepresentation provides for dealer liability for an intentional misrepresentation of a material fact relied on by the customer to his detriment.
"In this context, intentional means the dealer 'knew or should have known' of the damage. Accordingly, it is time well spent to investigate a vehicle's history.
"In addition, one can document due diligence in trying to determine the history and present condition of a vehicle by having the customer fill out and sign a disclosure form." Such a disclosure form could include:
1. Customer's name
2. Year, make and VIN
3. Declaration by seller that vehicle is NOT a salvage or
former police, fire or taxi vehicle
4. Statement verifying odometer mileage and that the odometer
is in good working order
5. Certification that none of the following conditions are
present:
• welded or bent frame;
• welded or bent chassis;
• motor or cylinder head(s) cracked, welded or repaired;
• air bag has been deployed;
• if air bag was replaced, it was OEM equipment;
• emissions or exhaust systems modified or removed;
• prior damage from accident, hail, theft, vandalism or
other causes.
6. Statement accepting financial responsibility for undisclosed liens, incorrect payoff information or hidden deficiencies. Finally, there is no substitute for a thorough inspection of the vehicle by a qualified person. Look for obvious prior damage and signs of most noticeable damage.
"Remember," O'Keefe said, "a dealer is regarded as a 'car expert' and may be held responsible for disclosing all prior damage, whether the dealer had direct knowledge or not.
Dealers can obtain vehicle history reports from ExperÃ*an, through DriveChicago.com/ Call 847-806-4270.

[UdubBadger]

Thanks Dane.



- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[Avetiso]

Sorry to hear about this, Seth. I've had similar situations (albeit with salvage cars) where the damage is much worse than you expect. You just feel like shit.

[danewilson77]

I think there is something written that says seller has to disclose all known deficiencies. I know it's slippery, but I wish I could find it.

[UdubBadger]

Yes I believe I saw that as well


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[danewilson77]

I wonder how many cars he's sold this year?

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/usedcar-comply.shtm#Intro

Under the Rule, the term "dealer" includes any person or business that is presently selling or offering for sale a used vehicle, after having sold or offered for sale five or more used vehicles during the previous twelve months. In other words, a person or business becomes a "dealer," for purposes of the FTC Used Car Rule, upon offering for sale the sixth used vehicle in twelve months. The Rule does not impose any requirements on persons or businesses that offer fewer than six used vehicles for sale in twelve months. Illustrations 2.1 and 2.2 discuss this provision of the Rule.

IV. Sales Contract and Warranty Disclosures
A. The Used Car Rule's Requirements

Pursuant to § 455.3(b) of the Rule, information on the Buyers Guide will override any contrary provisions that there may be in the sales contract. To inform consumers of this provision of the Used Car Rule, you must place the disclosure that follows in the sales contract in a conspicuous manner:

The information you see on the window form for this vehicle is part of this contract. Information on the window form overrides any contrary provisions in the contract of sale.12

See Illustration 4.1 for a discussion of whether a financing document must contain the disclosure.

B. The Warranty Disclosure Rule's Requirements

If you offer a warranty, you must comply with the Federal Trade Commission's Warranty Disclosure Rule, 16 CFR Part 701. The disclosures required by this Rule may be placed in the "sales contract" or in a separate warranty document, but they must all appear together in the same document. Specifically, in simple and readily understood language, your warranty document must:

(1) State whether the warranty offered is "full" or "limited."

(2) Indicate the percentage of the repair costs that you will pay.

(3) List the specific systems that are covered by the warranty.

(4) List any parts or systems that are excluded from coverage under the warranty, if it is necessary for clarification. For example, "battery not covered."

(5) Indicate the duration of warranty coverage for each of the covered systems.

(6) Explain how a customer gets warranty service. Include your company's name, address, and the telephone number of the person to call concerning warranty service.

(7) Include the following disclosure: "This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state."

(8) Disclose all obligations that the consumer has, if any, as a condition to obtaining warranty service.

(9) Include the following disclosure only if you wish to limit the duration of implied warranties: "Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you."

(10) Include the following disclosure only if you wish to exclude or limit consequential or incidental damages: "Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you."

(11) Indicate who is covered by the warranty, if you choose to limit the coverage. For example, "warranty covers only the original purchaser" or "commercial use excluded."

Put into the warranty document everything that you will do and everything that you expect your customers to do under the warranty. Make sure that your customers can find each item of information in the warranty easily.

The Federal Trade Commission has prepared several publications that also may help you to comply with the laws and regulations governing warranties. "Writing Readable Warranties" is available for $2.00, from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402, GPO Order #: 018-000-000303-1. "A Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law," GPO Order #: 018-000-00324-4, is available for $1.50, also from the Superintendent of Documents. A supplement to that publication, containing the relevant statutes and regulations, is available at no charge from the Publications Branch, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580.

You may also want to consult your lawyer to be sure that your warranty meets all the requirements of both Federal and state laws.

[UdubBadger]

yeah unfortunately for me I don't think thats him

[Pip]

Has the conversation with the PO already started?

[UdubBadger]

unfortunately no... :(

trying to give benefit of the doubt to him being busy but I'm getting close to boiling over.

[UdubBadger]

got word, not good news... said "he can't help me as I purchased the car "AS-IS".

[midlandtech]

got word, not good news... said "he can't help me as I purchased the car "AS-IS".

Was that stated in any of the emails between you two or verbally?

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2

[UdubBadger]

yes in the emails. i can quote him saying the car is in perfect condition minus the rear view mirror not dimming, which he later fixed.

he also indicated the "ACTUAL" mileage was 85700 on the bill of sale, i have a photo of the car with mileage of 85667, can that be used?

[midlandtech]

Looks like your options are going to be litigation which could eclipse the cost of the repairs and your not guaranteed a win. Or swallow a bitter 4 grand pill. Maybe ask Marcus what he thinks but he is a pretty busy dude.

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2

[UdubBadger]

i have resources that wouldn't cost that to help out.

[JupiterBMW]

Man, I was just informed of this story and I thought I'd read up and catch up on the situation at hand... What a terrible thing to go through. I'm really sorry to hear you got fed a bunch of BS in regards to the condition of the car.

But (and please don't hate me for this), you really don't have a leg to stand on. If you didn't do your due diligence (emails and phone calls aren't worth crap) by looking over the car in person, or at least having someone else look over the car, then you're pretty much on your own.. Your emails might stand up in a court, but you did agree to buy it as-is... The biggest problem is that condition of things is all very subjective and that will fall out in court. You didn't look the car over (or you would've seen these things), you didn't test drive it (you would've found the issues with suspension parts, at least felt the weird handling and thought to look closer), and by giving him a check, you essentially agreed that the car was what you wanted for the amount on the check.

I'm sorry man, but I don't know what to say. I think your best bet is to just step forward and skip the mods for now, slowly recoup the condition of the car to where it should be. Get the tires/suspension stuff handled first (safety issues here) and then work the cosmetic stuff. From there, mod it...

Good luck and I hope all works out in the end..

[UdubBadger]

Thanks Jon

I know all of these things unfortunately, just hoping I can at least find a shred of hope somewhere to get something, even if its just him getting fucked over some how.

I was told by a guy the sale could be considered unlawful as if the tires were 0 tread it is an unsafe vehicle to drive on public roads. Just a shot in the dark.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[illirep]

Seth - Look into small claims court. $4k should qualify. The question is where you would have to file - not sure if it is where you live or where the transaction ocurred. "As-is" doesn't give someone the right to lie / mistate the facts. Perhaps just the threat of small claims court would encourage him to split the difference with you.

All of that aside, in my experience, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. I would be relentless in demanding some sort of restitution from him. Politely explain that you have rights, and can pursue it legally, but would prefer to settle it as gentlemen. Maybe that strikes a cord and he'll send you a check...

Bill

[UdubBadger]

Thanks bill


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[UdubBadger]

Well I wanted to update this thread about the ZHP.

Car had undergone some removal of stuff I am keeping with the help of one mechanic slave and all around sweetheart Ryan Kokesh.

I got in today and realized its the last time I'll be driving her to work and welled up a little as Tom Petty's "Last Dance With Mary Jane" played on the radio. I am either a HUGE sap and have the emotional capacity of a pregnant woman or I really truly fell in love with this car over the last year and a half and am really sad to be giving her up. Maybe the old saying of you don't know what you've got till its gone holds true for me in the way of vehicles.

Anyway, I am going to clean her up and freshly wax her for the new owner who will be in tomorrow morning from Virginia to drive her back out east. I know she'll be in good hands with a true enthusiast (who should be joining the site any day now).

Hoping the weather clears up a touch so I can snap a few more pics of her too.




- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[Pip]

You probably just have the emotional capacity of someone who has to give up something he perfected and now has another project. I would feel the same way man. I've been thinking about the m3 switch as well but I've put a lot of time and effort into my first car and not sure I would want to give that up.

Of course I'd love more power and it might happen one day, but when that day comes I'll be extremely sad.

[UdubBadger]

Precisely


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[illirep]

I think it is a silver gray thing in all honesty. I have regretted selling my silver gray sedan back in December ever since. I've been exchanging texts all morning with the buyer of the car and he is still simply enamoured with the car. I'm trying to get him to join here. I never felt that way about another vehicle in my entire life. I've owned 10 zhp's now, and for some reason, that was the only one that broke my heart...lol.

[UdubBadger]

Hahaha yeah maybe


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[UdubBadger]

Well...

She's cleaned up for delivery tomorrow and tucked away. Still gonna be tough for me to see her go. If anyone ha told me I'd feel this way about giving up this car 18 months ago when I got her from Eli I would have told you that you were crazy. But it's true, I fell in love again and now it's hard to say goodbye.

8313


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[mimalmo]

I still miss that car. She's a good one.

[Leon]

Indeed she is.

[cakM3]

She was a great car Seth but I'm sure in time you'll get the ///M all sorted out :thumbsup Can't wait to see you start your ///M project thread here :cool

[UdubBadger]

Hey look its Leon!

Get to bed you have an early flight. ;)


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[BavarianZHP]

Your silber grau is a thing of beauty Udub... A model for the rest of us to revel at. At least the new owner will take good care of her! Just make sure you slip in the conditional purchase agreement in the fine print, "I get to have her every other weekend...." ;)

[UdubBadger]

Hahaha


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[UdubBadger]

Well she's gone and my heart hurts more than I had thought it would giving her up. I know Leon will be takin good car of her but just feels weird not seeing her parked in my garage and all my parts not scattered about.

Thanks again for being such a great car.

8316


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[nike001]

So long, sweet prince. :(

[Pip]

It is now time to update your sig.

[kayger12]

Just got caught up on this whole thing.

Sorry for the bag of shit you're now dealing with. That's my worst nightmare and the reason I always sweat out the first few weeks after I buy a car.

[UdubBadger]

It is now time to update your sig.

Gonna give it a few days... The other car is not even close to sig worthy yet and I need to adjust mentally and emotionally still.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[UdubBadger]

Just got caught up on this whole thing.

Sorry for the bag of shit you're now dealing with. That's my worst nightmare and the reason I always sweat out the first few weeks after I buy a car.

Thanks KG.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[johnrando]

At least she's gone to a good home. Here's to your time together:

:cheers

[BCS_ZHP]

Seth,
It's kind of like an old long lost girlfriend, you know you had good reasons for calling it off but some time later you run across her and your mind wanders. So dont go down that road, look at the other side of the equation, here's your chance -- you have the M3, forget about the ZHP, make the M3 your new love and love her better than any previous owner/lover ever did. And know what, she'll love you back for it in spades. Before long, she'll be turning heads wherever you go, then smile to yourself that you saw something worth saving, some understood, some didn't, but you sure as heck did.

[cakM3]

Seth,
It's kind of like an old long lost girlfriend, you know you had good reasons for calling it off but some time later you run across her and your mind wanders. So dont go down that road, look at the other side of the equation, here's your chance -- you have the M3, forget about the ZHP, make the M3 your new love and love her better than any previous owner/lover ever did. And know what, she'll love you back for it in spades. Before long, she'll be turning heads wherever you go, then smile to yourself that you saw something worth saving, some understood, some didn't, but you sure as heck did.

Seth....there is some truth to what Bruce said...:thumbsup I call it a rescue....that's because you will take a car that has not been treated anywhere as good as you do and get her back up to your standards. In time she will snap heads and you can beam with pride for getting her back to her glory :thumbsup

[UdubBadger]

thanks boys, that is the plan!

[JupiterBMW]

thanks boys, that is the plan!

And that is the spirit! I agree with Bruce and Charlie... I never felt I'd be happy with a new car after the loss of my first ZHP, but now that I found a new car, even though she's older and has more mileage, I'm even happier. You will be too... Good luck!

[UdubBadger]

Last one I took of her... parked at O'Hare ready to go home with Leon. :(

8566

[MiniD]

Gorgeous!!