Input on ZHPs?

[M3TA5IN]

Guys, what are your thoughts on the difference between 03 to 03.5? Is it big differences, or not really?

I might have the chance to get a ZHP in a trade with MiniD.

The car has 140k on it, not sure how I feel about that yet lol.

I told MiniD I would be asking some questions around here, just to get some input. I don't keep up on all the ZHP info as much as you guys since I have the e90. I know I could probably search a lot of this, but I am pretty busy this weekend before flying to Arizona for a month.

Any thoughts you guys have on picking up a 03 140k mile zhp are welcome.

[zhpnsnv]

Depends on what you're trading, of course, and most importantly, what the service history of those 140k is. I'm not too sure about the differences in the ZHP from 03 and 03.5, but more info on the actual trade would be good to know. Would you be getting rid of the E90?

[M3TA5IN]

No, trading the e36 M3. The idea is Katie could drive the zhp. We could sell the gas guzzling jeep.

[Johnmadd]

Coupe or sedan.

[zhpnsnv]

How much does she drive/year?

[M3TA5IN]

Sedan, it's MiniD on here, first one in project section.

Right now Katie doesn't drive much at all. She is in between jobs.

[MiniD]

It's a very late 03' production. Not an early fwiw.

[Ryans323i]

Do you use your Jeep for the dogs? If so, how are you going to transport them once the Jeep is gone?
IMO, the mileage isn't a huge deal as long as the maintenance has been done.

On a side note, Kyle and I are contemplating the same kinda stuff. Keep or sell the Tacoma for an M3 or e39 M5, or Sell Lucy for one of these or do a motor swap. We're coming to realization road tripping to the BMW meets is going to become a bigger part of our life and we want to take a BMW to the BMW meets. Lucy's seats are just not comfortable and she's got 200k miles. I'm not worried about the miles, but I want more power and we can't afford to pick up a 4th vehicle right now. So we're starting to way out our options too. Sorry for the OT.

[M3TA5IN]

Do you use your Jeep for the dogs? If so, how are you going to transport them once the Jeep is gone?
IMO, the mileage isn't a huge deal as long as the maintenance has been done.

On a side note, Kyle and I are contemplating the same kinda stuff. Keep or sell the Tacoma for an M3 or e39 M5, or Sell Lucy for one of these or do a motor swap. We're coming to realization road tripping to the BMW meets is going to become a bigger part of our life and we want to take a BMW to the BMW meets. Lucy's seats are just not comfortable and she's got 200k miles. I'm not worried about the miles, but I want more power and we can't afford to pick up a 4th vehicle right now. So we're starting to way out our options too. Sorry for the OT.

I know what you mean Ryan, we have been back and fourth about this because if we get rid of the jeep, what do we do with the dogs. In the end though the goal is to go to a better mpg car for Katie. We have the back seat cover for the dogs and eventually want to get another truck.

I'm not so much concerned about the vehicle situation, I'm trying to balance the wedding and keeping cars we are into. My bigger concern is 140k miles.

[Ryans323i]

My car has 197K. I bought it with 100k. Most of my maintenance was performed after 130k miles. Mostly the cooling system, vanos, and everything rubber in the engine bay and suspension. Depending on what MiniD has done (I didn't reread his thread to remind myself) those are the maintenance items you're going to have to worry about. Lucy's not a ZHP, but from my experiences on the forums, the maintenance issues on all e46s are pretty similar.

Also Katie's gonna have to learn to drive a manual!

[Ryans323i]

So I just reread MiniD's project thread. Doesn't look like he's done any maintenance. He has deleted a resonator so it's going to be a louder exhaust then the ZHPs at the meet. Just something to think about. I don't know how many miles he's put on the car since other maintenance has been done. So you'll want to see the previous owners maintenance records.

[MiniD]

Resonator delete did nothing. Sounds the same.

[MiniD]

The car has emmense amount of work done to it. I've done work - I just don't post it in my thread. The car mechanically is perfectly sound. I've had two 150k mile M3s, my dad is the original owner of a 100k M5, and our E90 has 90k. Mileage is just a number when the car is maintained properly.

[Nivo]

I am all about low price high mileage cars since I can fix anything on them myself...lol
I previously had a Jeep GC with 300k miles and the thing was still running but ended up getting a SAAB 9-5 Aero, junked it for $50 but it was still running and those are as crude and low tech as they get. As long as oil is changed in regular intervals, DISA is ok, Vanos is OK, Cooling system is ok then cool.

[iZHP]

03 to 03.5 doesn't matter much on the ZHP's, unlike the e46 M3.
2004's have the available premium package, which I would recommend getting.
I agree with "mileage is just a number if proper maintenance is performed".
My ZHP has 114k, my Jeep GC has 228k. Both running perfectly.


-Sent via iPhone 4S

[Johnmadd]

I am all about low price high mileage cars since I can fix anything on them myself...lol

:word

[nike001]

I've spoken to MiniD on a few occasions about his car and he has told me that it's a solid car. If I were looking for another Silver Grey ZHP, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

[terraphantm]

03 to 03.5 doesn't matter much on the ZHP's, unlike the e46 M3.
2004's have the available premium package, which I would recommend getting.
I agree with "mileage is just a number if proper maintenance is performed".
My ZHP has 114k, my Jeep GC has 228k. Both running perfectly.


-Sent via iPhone 4S

There is one major difference. The zhp didn't exist until the 03.5s started rolling out. So anything before that isn't a zhp.

[iZHP]

Not true. My car is a first production ZHP. 03/2003


-Sent via iPhone 4S

[M3TA5IN]

There is one major difference. The zhp didn't exist until the 03.5s started rolling out. So anything before that isn't a zhp.

Did not know this.

[sna77]

other than adding mp3 capability to the radio in 05, and bluetooth tcus finally working in 06, were there any other things the late models got? part of the attraction of the zhp is that they were all essentially late model e46s. this car has many things ironed out that my old 09/00 325i did not.

[terraphantm]

Not true. My car is a first production ZHP. 03/2003


-Sent via iPhone 4S

... 03/2003 is 2003.5



other than adding mp3 capability to the radio in 05, and bluetooth tcus finally working in 06, were there any other things the late models got? part of the attraction of the zhp is that they were all essentially late model e46s. this car has many things ironed out that my old 09/00 325i did not.

Models built before 09/2003 couldn't be specified with the premium package. So early ZHPs didn't have the rain sensor, auto headlights, lumbar support, or the autodimming mirror.

[iZHP]

2003.5 means the second half of 2003. Which would mean June of 2003.

Edit: seems to be a lot of confusion on whether March of 03 is considered 03.5 or not. I've always considered May and onward is 2003.5.

-Sent via iPhone 4S

[sna77]

2003.5 means the second half of 2003. Which would mean June of 2003.
-Sent via iPhone 4S

If I'm not mistaken, production for 2003's starts in late 02. So if 09/02 were the first 2003 model year cars, then 03/03 would be about halfway through the 2003 production run...



Models built before 09/2003 couldn't be specified with the premium package. So early ZHPs didn't have the rain sensor, auto headlights, lumbar support, or the autodimming mirror.


Interesting--my 2004 without premium package has a rain sensor, leather, auto headlights and I retrofit the auto dim mirror. I guess the only thing I'm missing from PP is lumbar support. ;)

[iZHP]

If I'm not mistaken, production for 2003's starts in late 02. So if 09/02 were the first 2003 model year cars, then 03/03 would be about halfway through the 2003 production run...
This. That's what I've been finding now.

Thanks :)



-Sent via iPhone 4S

[rvariverguy]

Do you use your Jeep for the dogs? If so, how are you going to transport them once the Jeep is gone?
IMO, the mileage isn't a huge deal as long as the maintenance has been done.

On a side note, Kyle and I are contemplating the same kinda stuff. Keep or sell the Tacoma for an M3 or e39 M5, or Sell Lucy for one of these or do a motor swap. We're coming to realization road tripping to the BMW meets is going to become a bigger part of our life and we want to take a BMW to the BMW meets. Lucy's seats are just not comfortable and she's got 200k miles. I'm not worried about the miles, but I want more power and we can't afford to pick up a 4th vehicle right now. So we're starting to way out our options too. Sorry for the OT.

Ryan, have you thought about a touring version? Or do you not like wagons?

[SoCalZman]

Interesting--my 2004 without premium package has a rain sensor, leather, auto headlights and I retrofit the auto dim mirror. I guess the only thing I'm missing from PP is lumbar support. ;)

that's how mine is too. Exactly. I am glad I don't have that leaky auto dim mirror, but I wish I had adjustable lumbar.

[sna77]

that's how mine is too. Exactly. I am glad I don't have that leaky auto dim mirror, but I wish I had adjustable lumbar.

NorCal, you're going to hate me for making you do this, but you simply must retrofit the 07-12 autodimming rearview mirror with Homelink garage door opener and compass integrated. BMW switched suppliers for the mirrors, and the new ones are quite superior to the old ones.

Retrofitting it is a 15 minute job... And about $200 for a used mirror:

My mirror DIY (from ages ago, old mirror style, but exact same process):
http://www.bigpatsfans.com/mirror/compass.htm

Here's a comparison showing them in my X3 (same exact mirror): http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370674

Notice the newer style mirrors have a low profile clown nose and the compass is etched into the mirror not a cutout. The 2011+ even have a charcoal clown nose instead of red... As far as I can tell--pretty much all models from about 99+ share the same mirrors except for M3s and convertibles--so they are all easily swappable.


Prob has compass:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/09-BMW-528i-Auto-Dim-Rear-View-Mirror-Homelink-OEM-Used-/360458697015?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2009|Make%3ABMW&hash=item53ed033937&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-X6-MIRROR-OEM-2009-2010-OEM-/160754427648?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item256db5e700&vxp=mtr


http://www.bigpatsfans.com/x3compass/4.jpg

[SoCalZman]

Haha. Oh man, That does look like a nice mirror...the compass would be nice for sure. After I get my intravee set up and all my Bluetooth parts ordered and in I could look into this. :)

[sna77]

It's so much fun spending other people's money. LOL

But don't worry--I wouldn't recommend anything I haven't already done myself. :thumbsup

[RichardP]

Not quite on topic, but if you like gadgets in your mirror, I have the Valentine-One remote display mounted in mine.

Turned off :

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/members/33656-richardp-albums-666-various-picture10885-dsc-3299a.jpg

Powering up :

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/members/33656-richardp-albums-666-various-picture10886-dsc-3302a.jpg

Monitoring :

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/members/33656-richardp-albums-666-various-picture10887-dsc-3303a.jpg

[Ryans323i]

Ryan, have you thought about a touring version? Or do you not like wagons?

I like wagons, but at this point in time, I have no idea what my next BMW will be. Looks like I'll have to wait a few years anyways.


Not quite on topic, but if you like gadgets in your mirror, I have the Valentine-One remote display mounted in mine.

Turned off :

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/members/33656-richardp-albums-666-various-picture10885-dsc-3299a.jpg

Powering up :

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/members/33656-richardp-albums-666-various-picture10886-dsc-3302a.jpg

Monitoring :

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/members/33656-richardp-albums-666-various-picture10887-dsc-3303a.jpg

I love this! Where is your V1 mounted?

[RichardP]

I love this! Where is your V1 mounted?
It's here :

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/members/33656-richardp-albums-666-various-picture10883-dsc-3297a.jpg

It just nicely fits in the hollowed out foam of the centre head rest.

I believe the center rear head rest was an option in the E46 (not sure about the US market), I've seen some with and some without, so this may not be possible for you.

[nike001]

I'm loving the new guy RichardP! Now I want one of those mirrors.

I've always wondered but never asked or really saw.. but how do people get their V1 mounted in their mirror like that?

[RichardP]

I've always wondered but never asked or really saw.. but how do people get their V1 mounted in their mirror like that?
Contact Scott at Radar-Mirror http://www.radar-mirror.com/ Based in Frisco near Dallas TX.

[danewilson77]

Contact Scott at Radar-Mirror http://www.radar-mirror.com/ Based in Frisco near Dallas TX.

Ahhhhh.................

[nike001]

Contact Scott at Radar-Mirror http://www.radar-mirror.com/ Based in Frisco near Dallas TX.


Ahhhhh.................

I KNOW.. lol. Bookmarked!

Richard, stop showing me awesome stuff that I want! :P

[M3TA5IN]

^^^^ that is the coolest damn thing I have ever seen!

on another note.

This is what was done to the car...

CPO'd until 100k I would assume...

Inspection I and II
Power steering pump
Front brake pads/rotors
Clutch disk and pressure plate
Taillight recall
Brake fluid change
Alternator pump/belt
Rubber/hydraulic mont, front axle wishbone
Rear pads/rotors
Window regulator
Ignition coils replaced
Sunroof repair
MAF replacement
Evaporator core and expansion valve

Mini says it has no vanos rattle too and agreed, he showed me a video..

So I am thinking first preventative maintenance is cooling system? Would you guys feel the same at 140k?

What components would you replace first, if you weren't able to just do a whole cooling system redo at once?

[nike001]

Wait, so it's CPO'd until 100k, and you're assuming that your list is what HAS BEEN done? If not, and it's still under CPO, I'd get all of that taken care of. I'd also add the CCV to that list.

As per the cooling system, it's tricky. If there are no problems.. just save up and do the whole thing at once. It's annoying to have to keep going in and bleeding and doing all of that over and over again when you decide to replace a different part. Me thinking of it, I would think that doing a water pump would be a good first step.. but a hose or an expansion tank can also go at any minute. So, I stand by my statement I made before in saying to just replace it as a whole when you get the money (assuming nothing is wrong right now)

[MiniD]

Dalton, that is what has been done.

[M3TA5IN]

Dalton, that is what has been done.

^This... car "was" CPO'd

[webster]

so that's 140k on a mostly original cooling system?! holy cow. that's gotta be the first thing to address for sure. i would even be hesitant to drive long distances at that point...

[MiniD]

Please --- that's just ignorant. The car is top notch mechanically. I've driven the car long distances and it's done just fine, thank you. Just for your information, my previous 140k mile M3 with original cooling system never blew up, but my 97' with an aftermarket one did.

[nike001]

so that's 140k on a mostly original cooling system?! holy cow. that's gotta be the first thing to address for sure. i would even be hesitant to drive long distances at that point...

It depends on how/where the car has been driven. Obviously, if a car sees a city and is at a constant stop/go, there is less wind cooling the engine.. and thus more stress on the cooling components. The opposite goes for highway vehicles; more wind flowing through a car at 60-80mph.. so less stress on those components.

[webster]

Please --- that's just ignorant. The car is top notch mechanically. I've driven the car long distances and it's done just fine, thank you. Just for your information, my previous 140k mile M3 with original cooling system never blew up, but my 97' with an aftermarket one did.

didn't mean to offend. just that pretty much every E46 maintenance guide i've read advises overhauling the cooling system somewhere in the 60-90k mile range. to more than double that on original parts is risky IMO. YMMV, of course...

[terraphantm]

If I'm not mistaken, production for 2003's starts in late 02. So if 09/02 were the first 2003 model year cars, then 03/03 would be about halfway through the 2003 production run...




Interesting--my 2004 without premium package has a rain sensor, leather, auto headlights and I retrofit the auto dim mirror. I guess the only thing I'm missing from PP is lumbar support. ;)

Well I didn't want to go too far into detail, but as of MY04 (09/2003) BMW decided to make the rain sensor standard. So the only ZHPs without the rain sensor/auto headlights are 03 sedans.


It depends on how/where the car has been driven. Obviously, if a car sees a city and is at a constant stop/go, there is less wind cooling the engine.. and thus more stress on the cooling components. The opposite goes for highway vehicles; more wind flowing through a car at 60-80mph.. so less stress on those components.

Even so, I don't know if I'd trust a cooling system with 140k on it. My car was mostly highway driven (I was driving 25k miles/year lol), and my cooling system blew right at 104k. Granted it wasn't the expansion tank or water pump that failed. The hose leading to the thermostat just blew clean off the fitting. It looked like there was a very large pressure build up or something.

Because M54s are aluminum engines, I tbink it'd be wise to preventatively replace the components. $300 for everything beats several thousand for a new engine. If they were iron blocks, then there would be less risk involved - perhaps enough to justify waiting until the components fail.

[danewilson77]

so that's 140k on a mostly original cooling system?! holy cow. that's gotta be the first thing to address for sure. i would even be hesitant to drive long distances at that point...

Not ignorant, and politely put. This is something we all preach (preventative maintenance - esp on cooling system). I did my overhaul around140k miles. Many systems fail well before this.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[das boots]

Dunno if this helps, but on all of my BMWs, everytime after I use them and return home, I open up the bonnet/hood to air out the heat. Even though the car is already shut off, the heat circulation still continues. Especially now our vehicles have this splash shield below delaying the circulation of cold air. My .02.

[M3TA5IN]

Didn't realize all parts were only $300. Can def tackle all that first.

[webster]

Didn't realize all parts were only $300. Can def tackle all that first.

The ECS Level 2 kit w/ Genuine BMW parts is ~$465. http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Engine/Cooling/ES263522/

The kit that uses OEM parts is ~$355 http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Engine/Cooling/ES2063861/

The Level 3 kits that include the radiator are substantially more $$$

[johnrando]

Sounds like if all you need is a cooling system refresh for preventative reasons then it's a GO.

[sna77]

Not ignorant, and politely put. This is something we all preach (preventative maintenance - esp on cooling system). I did my overhaul around140k miles. Many systems fail well before this.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2


Agreed--the comment did not warrant the response it got...

Personally, I wouldn't buy any car that had been modded... but that's just me. When I hear things like resonators have been cut off , but basic mechanical stuff like a cooling system has been ignored--that's a major red flag.

[MiniD]

Agreed--the comment did not warrant the response it got...

Personally, I wouldn't buy any car that had been modded... but that's just me. When I hear things like resonators have been cut off , but basic mechanical stuff like a cooling system has been ignored--that's a major red flag.

Yes it most certainly did.

You guys are making assumptions about a car you've never seen, driven, etc.

Modded? You call deleted resonators "modded"? I suggest you change your idea of what modified is. Newsflash, an intake and resonator delete does not make a car "modded".

Clearly, if you read, the "basic mechanical stuff" has been taken care of besides the cooling system. The car is always at the perfect temperature, and never runs hot nor cold. To sit here and say my car has a "major red flag" is absolutely ridiculous. Do not make assumptions. I work at one of the top BMW shops in the south and the car has been checked out by former master BMW technicians. As I said, there has been no need to replace the cooling system.

[cakM3]

Agreed--the comment did not warrant the response it got...

Personally, I wouldn't buy any car that had been modded... but that's just me. When I hear things like resonators have been cut off , but basic mechanical stuff like a cooling system has been ignored--that's a major red flag.

Steve,

I understand where you are comming from regarding this statement....well, sort of... I would add... it depends on what was done on the car. The reason I say this is because both my bimmers are modded. It all depends on how the car is modded. If done tastefully and with function in mind, then I don't have a problem buying a "modded" car as long as it has not been abused. I think most people think modded car = abused, thrashed around car. In that case, I too would steer clear of a modded car however, if the car has been modded and babied and I happen to like how the car was modded, I would buy that car in a heartbeat :thumbsup

[kayger12]

Yes it most certainly did.

You guys are making assumptions about a car you've never seen, driven, etc.

Modded? You call deleted resonators "modded"? I suggest you change your idea of what modified is. Newsflash, an intake and resonator delete does not make a car "modded".

Clearly, if you read, the "basic mechanical stuff" has been taken care of besides the cooling system. The car is always at the perfect temperature, and never runs hot nor cold. To sit here and say my car has a "major red flag" is absolutely ridiculous. Do not make assumptions. I work at one of the top BMW shops in the south and the car has been checked out by former master BMW technicians. As I said, there has been no need to replace the cooling system.

No-- it didn't. Nor did anything deserve this response.

The E46 cooling system failure rate is incredibly well documented. The fact that many components have a history of failure between 60K-80K is also well documented.

It is clear to most reasonable owners familiar with the E46 that any car at 140k on the original cooling system is at a high risk for a cooling system failure. Period.

If you choose to operate your vehicle that way, that's your business and I couldn't care less.

What I do care about is the tone of your posts in this thread and their unnecessarily adversarial tone.

Feel free to either conform to the rules of conduct here or to show yourself the door.

If you choose to post in that manner again, I will make the decision for you.

[MiniD]

Sorry, but I'm not acting in a rude way. I'm not denying the fact the cooling system is a downfall. It's a downfall on all BMWs. I'm not going to let a bunch of random people attack or make assumptions on my car. That isn't fair at all. Choosing to judge the cars 'life' based on me not replacing a coolant system or calling my car a red flag based on an intake and resonator delete is just ridiculous. Cody likes it and that's all that matters.

[Ryans323i]

I'd like to say nobody is attacking you. People are just stating their opinions based on your facts. Cody has not owned an e46 and we'd like him to be aware of what he's getting into. Obviously the cooling system will need to be overhauled and the temp gauge watched closely until that happens. We're not saying your car's "bad". My only concern about the car is you have a detailed project thread with no maintenance documented. If it's running great now, awesome, but when Cody gets it home he'll need to do some preventative maintenance that will cost him some out of pocket money and time. IMO, it's a pretty fair trade as long as it's straight up, car for car.

[kayger12]

Again-- not here to argue about your car. Truly couldn't care less.

I didn't see anyone attack anything. All I saw were people voicing opinions and concerns in a respectful manner. The only unacceptable posts in this thread were penned by you.

No need to discuss it further, just mind the tone of your posts.

Moving on...

[WOLFN8TR]

4338

[ryankokesh]

The hose leading to the thermostat just blew clean off the fitting. It looked like there was a very large pressure build up or something.

It's interesting to hear that happened to you... same thing happened to me after replacing my thermostat.

[webster]

hey Mini, i will say this publicly for all to see - it wasn't my intention to criticize you or your car at all, i was just bringing up something i thought M3TA5IN should be aware of, since he himself stated that he wasn't too familiar with the E46. all i meant was that should be the first thing to be addressed if he bought the car, and that a cross-country journey on a cooling system with 140k would not be something i myself would consider. that's the last thing i'll say about the topic. as keith said, moving on...


BTW, your car DOES look ridiculously clean for a 140k mile car. and i love the look of those CSL reps.

[MiniD]

Fair enough. Apologies to all.

[WOLFN8TR]

4339

[das boots]

I was searching a scene for the Group Hug. But you got it.

[WOLFN8TR]

Funny...

[nike001]

I don't see what the big deal is for the cooling system that MiniD hasn't done yet. I wouldn't say he 'neglected' to do it, he probably just has bigger issues.

I say this because I'm in the same boat. There is/was always something more important than changing cooling system parts as a part of preventative maintenance. Also, to be honest, I'm just waiting for a part of my cooling system to go until I replace it... Or if I have enough money to blow, then I might do it as preventative maintenance.

[kayger12]

I don't see what the big deal is for the cooling system that MiniD hasn't done yet. I wouldn't say he 'neglected' to do it, he probably just has bigger issues.

I say this because I'm in the same boat. There is/was always something more important than changing cooling system parts as a part of preventative maintenance. Also, to be honest, I'm just waiting for a part of my cooling system to go until I replace it... Or if I have enough money to blow, then I might do it as preventative maintenance.

If you can't do it, you can't do it.

But let's consider the following statements that I think most people can agree on.

1- the E46 cooling system is very prone to failure starting at 60k miles.

2- The E46 has a low coolant capacity versus other similar sized motors.

3- The M54 is very susceptible to catastrophic damage from overheating.

4- You can address virtually the entire cooling system for less than $400.

5- Damage from overheating is typically in the multiple-thousand dollar range.

Considering these facts, it seems quite prudent to me to replace cooling system parts on a preventative basis. This seems to be the conventional wisdom followed by the E46 community by and large.

Someone who does not have the money to do this might not be in a financial position to address preventative maintenance and might, instead, only address things after they become a problem.

Given the choice between buying a car from a person like that versus from one who practices aggressive preventative maintenance, I would choose the latter every time.

Nothing personal, just the way it is... for me anyway.

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

[nike001]

Someone who does not have the money to do this might not be in a financial position to address preventative maintenance and might, instead, only address things after they become a problem.

Given the choice between buying a car from a person like that versus from one who practices aggressive preventative maintenance, I would choose the latter every time.

Nothing personal, just the way it is... for me anyway.

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

I'd say that most people who own cars only address things after they've become a problem.

Also, almost everything I've done to my car in the last ~2yrs is/was preventative maintenance. I'm only 20 years old and aside from my monthly $250 payment, I'm well over $7k into my car, so I'd say that I'm not one of those people who only address problems as they arise.

[kayger12]

I'd say that most people who own cars only address things after they've become a problem.

Also, almost everything I've done to my car in the last ~2yrs is/was preventative maintenance. I'm only 20 years old and aside from my monthly $250 payment, I'm well over $7k into my car, so I'd say that I'm not one of those people who only address problems as they arise.

I hear you. Wasn't referring to you- just saying that you have to make generalizations when you're evaluating a seller/car, and those are mine.

And I agree with you that most people don't address things until they become a problem- but most people agree that the key to longevity with the E46 platform is preventative maintenance.

That is why I would only buy a well-maintained E46. But that's just my opinion. That and $2 will get you a cup of coffee.

I am anal about preventative maintenance and am personally not interested in buying a car from someone who isn't.

Was just offering my perspective. I recognize that there are certainly opposing opinions that are viewed as equally valid.

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

[M3TA5IN]

Keith I find you and your jersey ways quite intriguing :p

[kayger12]

Keith I find you and your jersey ways quite intriguing :p

:biggrin

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

[Mike V]

The ECS Level 2 kit w/ Genuine BMW parts is ~$465. http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Engine/Cooling/ES263522/

The kit that uses OEM parts is ~$355 http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Engine/Cooling/ES2063861/

The Level 3 kits that include the radiator are substantially more $$$

At 140k miles, I would also add a fan clutch.

But what I would really do is keep the E36 M3. :)

[Johnmadd]

Dunno if this helps, but on all of my BMWs, everytime after I use them and return home, I open up the bonnet/hood to air out the heat. Even though the car is already shut off, the heat circulation still continues. Especially now our vehicles have this splash shield below delaying the circulation of cold air. My .02.

This is good, the engine gets heated the most after shut off because of no air movement or circulation of the coolant.

[zj96sc]

In all of the brands I've dabbled in, the BMW folks are a little more hardcore on preventive maintenance than the rest of the brands I've owned, but with good reason - some of the stuff is just prone to failure and the community is tight enough to have built a technical base around it. Keith, you spelled it out about as clearly as you can.

I guess you can always balk in the face of overwhelming evidence and statistics.......or swap an expansion tank and some hoses.

[cakM3]

If you can't do it, you can't do it.

But let's consider the following statements that I think most people can agree on.

1- the E46 cooling system is very prone to failure starting at 60k miles.

2- The E46 has a low coolant capacity versus other similar sized motors.

3- The M54 is very susceptible to catastrophic damage from overheating.

4- You can address virtually the entire cooling system for less than $400.

5- Damage from overheating is typically in the multiple-thousand dollar range.

Considering these facts, it seems quite prudent to me to replace cooling system parts on a preventative basis. This seems to be the conventional wisdom followed by the E46 community by and large.

Someone who does not have the money to do this might not be in a financial position to address preventative maintenance and might, instead, only address things after they become a problem.

Given the choice between buying a car from a person like that versus from one who practices aggressive preventative maintenance, I would choose the latter every time.

Nothing personal, just the way it is... for me anyway.

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

+1

I'm inclined to agree with Keith 1000% here...

@ MikeV... "At 140k miles, I would also add a fan clutch." Not sure the ZHP has a fan clutch. I know my E46 ///M does but don't recollect seeing one on my ZHP :scratchinghead

[iZHP]

Preventative maintenance FTW. :)


-Sent via iPhone 4S

[cakM3]

Agreed Ian :thumbsup ZHP Mafia FTW :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

[zj96sc]

+1

I'm inclined to agree with Keith 1000% here...

@ MikeV... "At 140k miles, I would also add a fan clutch." Not sure the ZHP has a fan clutch. I know my E46 ///M does but don't recollect seeing one on my ZHP :scratchinghead

If I remember correctly, autos have an engine driven fan (and therefore a fan clutch), manuals have an e-fan.

[danewilson77]

If I remember correctly, autos have an engine driven fan (and therefore a fan clutch), manuals have an e-fan.

Yes

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[M3TA5IN]

But what I would really do is keep the E36 M3. :)

Done sir! Off the market.