Sean's '05 ZHP Maintenance and Mod Log

[Pip]

I'm keeping track of the maintenance and mods that I do via excel so thought I'd start a maint/mod thread for my car.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0ApAU-rTkDS5bdHhhUGdETGxmdjI1OVo1SjlYd1lqX0E&single=true&gid=0&output=html

I'm going to consolidate pics from other threads and try to make it comprehensive.

[danewilson77]

I like the way you have that setup Pipsky. Thanks for sharing.

What does hvac relocation consist of?

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[Pip]

It consisted of me bending over for dealer pricing lol. It is the relocation kit to go from std business radio to nav (dynavin). Basically you lose the sunglasses tray and need it to move the a/c controls down.

I needed it for the dynavin install to make it look pretty.


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[danewilson77]

Got it....

[johnrando]

Very nicely done.

[Pip]

Two weeks ago I paid $100 and went sky diving. Today I paid $100 an my ZHP became dent free :)

Before:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7743223400_a1f9b7a498_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743223400/)
rear driver dent (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743223400/) by seanpippin1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7743224720_4c60e53eaf_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743224720/)
front passenger dent (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743224720/) by seanpippin1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7743194376_ae87ed8615_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743194376/)
IMG_2739 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743194376/) by seanpippin1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr

After:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7743206006_66c2697be2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743206006/)
IMG_2744 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743206006/) by seanpippin1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7743208652_faf1b03d67_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743208652/)
IMG_2743 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743208652/) by seanpippin1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7743211636_bfae3232b0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743211636/)
IMG_2742 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71101842@N08/7743211636/) by seanpippin1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr

[UdubBadger]

nice

[danewilson77]

Did a paintless guy do that?

[cakM3]

Looks great Sean! :thumbsup

[Pip]

Did a paintless guy do that?

Yea a local brick n mortar place. I was hesitant to use a mobile guy so I've been living with the dents for a while but once I found a place on yelp with a couple good reviews I pulled the trigger.


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[jayjay_dee]

car is lookin good Sean...

[danewilson77]

Yea a local brick n mortar place. I was hesitant to use a mobile guy so I've been living with the dents for a while but once I found a place on yelp with a couple good reviews I pulled the trigger.


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How did he get to the ones in the door panel?

[Pip]

He had some old tools (20yrs old) that basically looked like a screw driver that had been modified (bent and shaved to provide a flat surface). He went through the windows with them down an had some suction cup tool that stabilized the door when massaging the dent. They used a special light to look at the dent while slowly removing it to make sure they didn't push out too far. I can't tell any work was done other than a clean window.


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[Pip]

My M3 mirror journey started a couple weeks ago after picking up some M3 mirrors from a fellow zhpmafia member. This project is going to take time and some effort. I talked to a shop in the area and to a metal expert (my dad) about the mirrors. My dad and I are going to take on all the mods and I'm having a local shop paint them once done.

I spent last weekend taking my doors apart to check out what needed to be done and how it would work. I've had a lot of help from Charlie but sometimes you need to get a closer look for yourself. That being said I'm going to have Charlie on speed dial lol.

Here are a few photos. The mirror housings and base plates need a lot of work, but that'll happen later when I'm ready for paint.

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My only concern with the mirrors is the section in the picture below. I'm thinking it won't be noticeable with paint but I can't sand anymore than what's already been done because I think it'll cause too much of a gap. Look at the area where the mirror housing and the base plate meet.

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[Pip]

Taking apart the door to check things out:

Removing the ribbon connector from the door.
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Detaching the mirror to find out how detailed the mirror housing is. Honestly I think the m3 mirror is less complex.

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I'll have to either create or find a washer to create a 1/8" spacer since I had to cut the stub where a screw head popped off. Couldn't use a screw extractor.

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I'll take more photos as I progress and hopefully more in depth to help anyone else out that is willing to do this.


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[derbo]

Sean,

I have a question. How was did the Eurocharge upgrade experience go? I would love to do it and Vlad is in Daly City so it seems like a no brainer to do it. How much was it and how long did it take?

I like your style for the excel sheet! I have one too :)



comes with mileage too.

https://img.skitch.com/20120822-fkq1uuaxmue47wjshgria58mjy.png

[Pip]

Derek the ASP shop was a little messy and slightly ghetto, but that being said I'm ok with it. I felt a little worried about giving my car up to a group of guys that couldn't keep a shop clean. It is a city garage where you pull in cars one after the other and they don't do major mechanic work, but have wheels, lights, tunes, etc. I was in the city for work one week and tried to get ahold of Vlad a couple times but he was out due to his wife being in the hospital. ASP was supposed to call me back when he returned, but no luck.

I called back on my last day I was in the city and got ahold of Vlad. He was incredibly nice and easy to talk to about the tune. I felt like I might have known more about the tune since he works with Jerry to perform the tune (and Seth has provided a bunch of info). After arriving at the shop Vlad was prompt to help me and I spent about 30min on the couch before getting hungry. He said it would take about an hour to read the DME so I asked for a local food place and he suggested a Filipino BBQ place down the street.

After reading the DME he sends the file off to Jerry and Jerry does the tune so it's smart to do it earlier in the day because I think Jerry is in Seth's neighborhood. After the tune is received it is a simple upload.

Overall I had a good experience. I prefer tidier spaces, but once getting in contact with Vlad it was smooth sailing and I felt more comfortable with him being the one touching my car. It took two hours and he didn't hesitate to offer the forum pricing of $299 from Seth. You might check with Seth to see if it still stands or if there is a better deal. I'm extremely happy with the results of the tune and can go back anytime I get a new mod that needs the tune adjusted.


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[derbo]

you sir, have basically persuaded me to do eurocharge on my car. :) I was little skeptical with ASP.

[Pip]

More werk on the m3 mirrors today. I plan on doing a write up with info from Charlie, Jon, and myself because I'll be doing the fab work myself with the help of my father. I'm missing a few screws here and there that I'll need to procure before mounting but things ate coming along well. I completed the rogue engr mod, passenger door modification, and test fit the passenger side mirror. Next steps are to get the mirrors professionally painted and finish the driver side door mod. I'm going to attempt to finish the door mods and mirror motor swap the same weekend so I'm not out of a legal car.

Couple teaser photos:
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Note to self - don't be a dumb ass when drilling holes in your car door. I'll be modifying a washer since I drilled in te wrong spot. I meant to use the foam inserts to check and get the correct hole placement but got side tracked. Just a little extra weight savings for when I get interested in autox =P


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[cakM3]

Sean, looking great so far!!! :thumbsup

Yeah, those foam inserts will help you out when you need to locate holes to drill in the door :) Nice progress so far!

[Pip]

Mirrors are at the paint shop getting the works. They needed sanding, pin hole filling, try to fix a gap issue and then two tone paint (black base and color matched mirror housing). I should have progress pictures later in the week. Got charged an arm and a leg but it was something I was unwilling to do myself. Arm and leg = $350. I justify it based on the shape* (edit: current quality of the mirrors) of the mirrors and work needed to be done before paint. Also I'm doing all fab work myself so just my time involved. Thinking total project will be ~$620.

Gas tank cover is being used along with the paint code for paint matching.

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[328ioc]

Great progress.

[Pip]

Mirror progress:

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Can't wait to pick them up tomorrow - received these pics from the shop this morning. Apparently the mirror caps were wavy so took more time and are being painted today.



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[HokieZHP]

Gas tank cover is being used along with the paint code for paint matching.

5619


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Ah so that's why that's missing haha

Mirrors look good

[cakM3]

Those mirror housings and base plates are looking great Sean! When you're finished it will be well worth all the efforts you had put into them :thumbsup

[johnrando]

Agree. Looking good.

[cakM3]

John,

The OEM M3 side mirrors are a direct bolt on to your vert. You don't need to modify the mirror base plates like we do for sedans. Then the only thing you need to do is transfer your mirror motors from your OE side mirrors and mount them inside the mirror housings and you have M3 side mirrors :thumbsup

[Pip]

Yee! Pics to come in t-minus one hour. Mirrors look so good.


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[Pip]

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[toddness]

Beauty - can't wait to see them on!

[cakM3]

Sean....that was the easy part! Now get those bad boys mounted :foottap

[Pip]

If I didn't have to drive to LA this weekend I would already have had them on the car. The shop took a little longer to finish the paint. I have next weekend free so hopefully by Saturday night I'll have them mounted and pictures posted - assuming the mirror glass shows up on time. Darn shipping from Europe takes forever. I should've just bought them from ECS or something instead of trying to find a deal.


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[jayjay_dee]

daym Sean, i want to see pics of those m3 mirrors installed... im jelly!!! lol...

any chance you can share with me the excel file template for the mods and maintenance log?

[Pip]

Definitely, just pm me your email.


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[webster]

looking good. i too am really close to getting the M3 mirror project done...actually posted in the thread in the general forum with a few questions...but your pics help!!

[Pip]

Let me know if you need any advice or extra photos. Charlie is also a great contact.


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[cakM3]

daym Sean, i want to see pics of those m3 mirrors installed... im jelly!!! lol...

any chance you can share with me the excel file template for the mods and maintenance log?

jayjay,

If you are looking for a template for the mirror motor mount plate (OEM M3 side mirror project), PM me your mailing address and I will have it out to you by tomorrow :thumbsup

@ Sean....those mirrors are looking awesome!!! Can't wait to see them mounted finally and thanks for the recommendation :biggrin

[Pip]

Didn't have time to write anything up yet but I had a lot of trouble making the motor mount plate and made the mirror project drag on. They look great but whole taking apart the mirror 10 times I broke a vein in the ribbon cable. I'm going to try and repair it sometime soon but I'm pretty booked. I'll just rock te great looking mirrors without the functionality which is fine for now but I'd love to have them OEM again.

Teaser:
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[cakM3]

The mirrors look good Sean! Yeah, getting them centered is a PITA....I still have my driver's side to address....

[Pip]

Mirrors are now functional. I was able to patch the ribbon cable but I worry about the longevity. Time will tell but for now it is great having the mirror functionality back :thumbsup


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[derbo]

They look great Sean! Shame zhp didn't get these stock.


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[cakM3]

Mirrors are now functional. I was able to patch the ribbon cable but I worry about the longevity. Time will tell but for now it is great having the mirror functionality back :thumbsup


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That's good news Sean! :thumbsup

[Pip]

Did the front brakes pads, rotors, kinda did the sensor, and finished the eibach pro street shocks in the rear.

Front to ground:
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Rear to ground:
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Now I'm sitting at 26" in the rear to the ground - I'll be bringing that to 24.75" tomorrow when I have time. Looks super raked right now.

Anyone have any advice on getting the front brake sensor connected? I ran out of patience trying to plug it in without any luck. I just placed it in the electrical box not connected for now.


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[danewilson77]

Plugged into caliper?

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Pip]

I'll try and take a pic later. Basically it is attached to the pad, routed up to the electrical box inside the wheel well and supposed to connect to the piece inside the electrical box but it was giving me trouble. I thought maybe I need to just push like hell but decide against it and thought I'd come back after I thought for a bit.

It looks like the black sensor on the right and the little connector "latch" was being a pain.

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It is supposed to be a quick connect and I am not fond of it lol. Should be super easy but either I was tired or just fed up with the position I was in trying to connect it.


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[Pip]

^super easy fix with channel locks.

Wish I would've thought of this the first time but luckily it was a simple fix.


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[Pip]

Lumbar project for tomorrow. I'll see if I need additional parts after I take off my seat plastic tomorrow morning.

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[derbo]

:O i want lumbar in my alcantara seats....

[Pip]

Drivers side test - success.

6741l


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[Pip]

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Blood, sweat, and no tears = all worth it. I think I just changed my life/comfort. I was driven to do this mod because I'm making a few trips back and forth to LA which is quite the drive. I'll see if it was worth it after this weekend, but it was pretty easy to do. Just need to dremel the switch area and button her up.


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[Pip]

:O i want lumbar in my alcantara seats....


I want alcantara seats lol. I'm not sure the passenger side would work (prob just need a new switch so it isn't upside down), but it might. If I don't use the passenger side lumbar I'll let you know.

[wertyu78]

YES! I wish our cars had lumbar supports. It would help on the long drives I often take. Please post more pics/DIY thread on this!

[derbo]

Sean,

a little googling found this DIY as well. Looks like the wire loom and switch would need to be ordered if I were to use the passenger side. >=)

http://www.tmk.com/lumbar/index.shtml

[cakM3]

Nice link Derek! :thumbsup: This is what I was looking for as well :)

[Pip]

Yup I've been using that as a guide and the extra seats I had as a practice set :thumbsup

I bought convertible seats which have a different wiring harness and pump or something but they work perfectly because the wiring connection is the same.

Got the driver's side complete and the passenger side is halfway done. Turns out the upper bag didn't work so just installing for lower lumbar support. Wouldn't have wanted to sell you this one cuz it wasn't fully functional.

Scariest part of this DIY is taking the plastic protector off of the seat that sits over the memory selections. You have to pull like hell.

EDIT: passenger side works I had just kinked the hoses. I came back into the garage in the morning and did a final check before buttoning up and realized the passenger side didn't work at all. I searched for clues and realized that my routing caused the hoses to link. I fixed the routing (more free flow) and both bags inflated :)

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[Torxuvin]

:O i want lumbar in my alcantara seats....

+1 Sweet project bud

[derbo]

Glad to see you got it to work! :)


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[Pip]

Spent some time working on the ZHP yesterday. I replaced one of my angel eyes from Khoalty because half of the ring wasn't working. They were quick to get me a replacement!

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Here is finally a picture of the G.A.S. ET cap.

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I installed the disa repair kit, washed/detailed the car, cleaned the leather, and cleaned the engine bay. After everything was done I gave her a spirited drive.

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[Tnhl1989]

I did the lumbar support retrofit into the alcantara seats myself. It wasn't too bad actually. I had to order another cover for the seats. Overall I wouldn't say it was hard but the right tools really do the trick. The other thing to purchase were those push in trees that are only one time used. Got them for about .54 a piece.

[Pip]

I did the lumbar support retrofit into the alcantara seats myself. It wasn't too bad actually. I had to order another cover for the seats. Overall I wouldn't say it was hard but the right tools really do the trick. The other thing to purchase were those push in trees that are only one time used. Got them for about .54 a piece.

Yea it wasn't really bad. Just figuring how to get the plastic covering the seat controls off and dealing with cut up hands if you didn't use gloves. I love that mod.

I'm getting to the point where I want to stop modding because I'm going to cry if anything happens to the car. I've been putting in dollars and work getting it to where I want it. Just don't want something unfortunate to happen.

[johnrando]

Nice work Sean.

[Tnhl1989]

That plastic cover is really crazy as far as how tightly put on it is. I actually broke the driver side on the zhp because it wouldn't fit on correctly. Well there goes 20 dollars and the new one you have to drill/cut out the lumbar hole for the control. I wish there was a easier way to remove the cover though.

[cakM3]

looking good so far Sean! :thumbsup

[Pip]

Nice work Sean.


looking good so far Sean! :thumbsup

Thanks guys!

I'll put up some actual photos of the car soon so I can show off the stance and ride height. Seems like I've only posted little things here and there.

Mods I'm pondering:
- RCR and clears
- Coding off the DRL's
- VMR or other CSL reps
- Performance shift knob for steptronic
- OEM rubber mats?
- Maybe AFE CAI but can't bring myself to spend that much money for sound.

[Pip]

Ride height when measured from bottom or rim through CL to fender. I'm bottomed out on eibach pro street coilovers. I could remove the rubber pads in the rear but that would look lame without more drop in front. Right now I'm the perfect height for DD, speed bumps, and for my liking.

Front - 22.5"
Rear - 22.25"

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[UdubBadger]

hmmmm, looks good. I should go measure mine and share a REALLY good laugh.


Update...

F 21.8ish (more like 21.78)
R 21.6


No wonder I scrape my front end on everything.

[Pip]

Yea I'm sure yours haz more low. DW's as well. KW's can go the distance.

[UdubBadger]

haha and to think I've raised these twice since Eli gave um to me.

[UdubBadger]

BTW Sean, I highly suggest the AFe... see if you can get one used. Found mine for under $200.

[Pip]

BTW Sean, I highly suggest the AFe... see if you can get one used. Found mine for under $200.

If I were to do this would it make sense/a difference to get retuned?

[derbo]

good height for daily! Looking great Sean.

[UdubBadger]

If I were to do this would it make sense/a difference to get retuned?
Did you have any kind of intake when you got it the 1st time? If you did, you don't NEED a retune but we can if you want. the intake itself will add some kick by itself.

If you were stock airbox then yeah a retune will add a touch more power.

[Pip]

Changed the belts and water pump pulley today 80.6k miles.

AC belt was in good shape but I was in there.
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Water pump pulley was good too but again I was in there and I got a good deal from Seth.

[UdubBadger]

:)

[Pip]

hmmmm, looks good. I should go measure mine and share a REALLY good laugh.


Update...

F 21.8ish (more like 21.78)
R 21.6


No wonder I scrape my front end on everything.

Holy smokes. I thought I had to worry about parking up against those curb things. One mistake and your ZHP would be missing a tooth.

[UdubBadger]

its been scraped many times...

[echo46]

Nice job, looking really good.

[Pip]

AFE intake, RCR's @ ~81k
ATF flush (D4 ATF) and filter replacement ~81k.

The DIY for ATF change was simple in concept and the most difficult part was getting the car in the air and putting the pan back on. It took me about 4 hours. Ill probably do another fluid flush in about 15k-30k miles - dunno yet. I was able to put ~6 liters in.

[danewilson77]

AFE intake, RCR's @ ~81k
ATF flush (D4 ATF) and filter replacement ~81k.

The DIY for ATF change was simple in concept and the most difficult part was getting the car in the air and putting the pan back on. It took me about 4 hours. Ill probably do another fluid flush in about 15k-30k miles - dunno yet. I was able to put ~6 liters in.

^That's a good fluid swap right there.

Williamsburg, VA, Droid DNA, Tapatalk

[Pip]

Yea finally got the balls to do it. Had to get a few DIYs under my belt before being ok with such a crucial part of the car.

[cakM3]

great job Sean :thumbsup

[Pip]

Secured a SMG paddle wheel for my car today. Need to secure a slip ring and make a harness.

Also need to talk to Coby about wrapping it and a couple other things.

If anyone is interested I'll have a ZHP alcantara steering wheel with 82k on it available soon...crickets.

[johnrando]

Awesome Sean! GL with it all. Keep in touch with Charlie as his friend is always parting out M3s on e46f, and maybe he can get you first crack at one. Check e46 and ebay, they are around.

[Pip]

Thanks for the tip. eBay has ridiculous prices, so I'll contact Charlie and keep scanning e46f.

[johnrando]

I have an extra one but the ribbon cable is slightly damaged. You can have mine for the cost of shipping if you can find just the ribbon cable for sale from BMW. It's the white cable that wraps around the back of the clock spring that carries all the signals.

[Pip]

Thanks. Dealer doesn't sell the ribbon separately and I wouldn't want to do this repair. The DIY repair online looked crazy and could have airbag implications down the road if I do shoddy work.

[johnrando]

OK, so you're just going to try to find a used one?

[wsmeyer]

I have an extra one but the ribbon cable is slightly damaged. You can have mine for the cost of shipping if you can find just the ribbon cable for sale from BMW. It's the white cable that wraps around the back of the clock spring that carries all the signals.

Actually you don't have an extra one anymore. I chucked it after I saw that the ribbon cables are spot welded onto the connectors on the ends. Taking into account the price they are on ebay I considered it irreparable.

:oops

[johnrando]

Actually you don't have an extra one anymore. I chucked it after I saw that the ribbon cables are spot welded onto the connectors on the ends. Taking into account the price they are on ebay I considered it irreparable.

:oops

LOL, turns out no problem.

[Pip]

No problem. I'll buy a used one or one from ECS.

[johnrando]

Was gonna ping you, found a clock spring on e46, but I'm guessing it was you who PM'd him. For that price, grab it!

[Pip]

Yea that was me. Pip here (pippin on e46f). Just waiting to see when he logs back on.

[johnrando]

Cool. GL. Do you have the SMG wheel or should I keep an eye out for that too? I did see a really nice one for sale but no buttons (competition model), which I would not do but I don't know where you're at on that.

[Pip]

Hmm where did you see it? I have a line on one I'm looking at this weekend for $200. Some wear, but I figured it wasn't a bad price.

[johnrando]

Hmm where did you see it? I have a line on one I'm looking at this weekend for $200. Some wear, but I figured it wasn't a bad price.

No, that's not a bad price at all, especially if you're going to re-wrap. I looked in "parting out", and "interior", as well as "CA", so it was one of those.

[Pip]

Spent the last 2 hours doing an oil change on the range. That was such a PITA. This is what I was working with:
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Trying to get that oil filter out was a pain. I ended up just muscling it with my hands because my filter wrench couldn't get in that mess. I used a k&n filter with raised 1" end wrench nut when I replaced it so I could get it out easier next time. Oil looked great after 10k miles.

This car is much harder to work on than the e46.

[UdubBadger]

:rofl

damn brits

[Avetiso]

The hell is the oil filter doing there?

[danewilson77]

That's awesome.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[johnrando]

What kind of car is that?

[Pip]

What kind of car is that?

'06 Range Rover Sport.

[Pip]

Sent off my wheel to Coby today. Looking forward to it!!

[Pip]

Wheel, knob and e-brake handle arrived at Coby today. Now I wait. Also finally got a line of communication open on a SMG clock spring. Hopefully that'll pan out.

[Avetiso]

Wheel, knob and e-brake handle arrived at Coby today. Now I wait. Also finally got a line of communication open on a SMG clock spring. Hopefully that'll pan out.

You sent yours in instead of a core exchange?

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[Pip]

Yea he is going to try and wrap my step knob and figured why not just send the others in at the same time. :dunno

[johnrando]

Did you score the clock spring?

[Pip]

Did you score the clock spring?

Not yet. I found them online for ~$100, but the guy on e46f said he has it and he'll look for it, but he is slower than molasses. I have time to wait since Coby is doing the wrap and I won't actually have time to do the DIY until after Easter.

[Pip]

Alright so I've procured all necessary parts for the SMG wheel mod. I also had a wheel rewrap done by Mike at Coby Wheel. I originally wanted to get an alcantara wrap with perforated alcantara just like John and William's leather wheels, but Mike didn't have a template yet. I'll be looking forward to those who order one in the future!

I ended up copying Seth with the wheel wrap (OEM gray, dove grey time stripe, and ///M stitch with purple middle stitch) and getting my e-brake in black alcantara. I wanted the dove grey to make the paddles and I think it is pretty close. He was trying to wrap my steptronic knob but didn't have time and didn't want to ruin mine. I'm looking forward to getting it done once he can make a template and hopefully persuade others as well.

I bought John R's old OEM paddles which aren't on the wheel yet to clean up the look since mine are worn.

On to the pics:

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7596

[derbo]

very nice wheel!! cant wait to see it installed :D.. would you try and install an E60 m5 SMG knob too?

[echo46]

Wow that wheel looks real real good.

[johnrando]

Oh yeah!

[Pip]

very nice wheel!! cant wait to see it installed :D.. would you try and install an E60 m5 SMG knob too?

Trying to make me spend more money. I wouldn't mind entertaining the idea but it'd cost about the same I paid for the wheel just for a better looking knob. Those things aren't cheap but it would look cool :(

[Avetiso]

Good stuff Sean!

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

[Pip]

Received my Coby Wheel today :drool. Seriously it is super thick due to leather wrapped m3 wheel and soft as a babies bottom. I don't want to use it in my car for fear of ruining it. The ebrake handle is pretty sweet but a huge PITA to install. Thanks to the bockchoys website I created my own 14mm hex tool. Thanks for the assist Dario. I'll let you know if my tool doesn't work.

Maintenance going on in the next day or two:

- Brake fluid flush
- Diff fluid change
- Plasti-dip aFe heat shield
- Oil change
- Detail
- Clean ICV and replace upper/lower intake boots

I'll probably tackle the SMG wheel retrofit next weekend since I'm still waiting on the slip ring and harness materials. Can't wait!

14mm hex wrench
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I know it's dirty which is why a detail is on the list. I've been out of town a lot recently.
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aFe heat shield
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Brake fluid flush
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[UdubBadger]

Dude quit copying me! I've had a plastidipped afe heat shield since November. This is not helping people tell us apart.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[Pip]

Wow this is getting bad. I didn't know about the aFe heat shield, but the steering wheel was on purpose.

Similar car that I can't help but copy because it's what I want and similar taste in women? Hide your kids, hide your wife... I'm gonna copy ya!

[UdubBadger]

Wow this is getting bad. I didn't know about the aFe heat shield, but the steering wheel was on purpose.

Similar car that I can't help but copy because it's what I want and similar taste in women? Hide your kids, hide your wife... I'm gonna copy ya!

You are literally the west coast version of me... our names are even too close for comfort. ;)

[UdubBadger]

I should ask you, how do you hold your afe and your plastic boot together? I have a creative solution (i bought mine used and it didn't come with all the right hardware) but wanted to see what people normally do first.

[derbo]

This is strange. Its like a mirror talking to each other... hahaha jk

[UdubBadger]

no you really have no idea - it is.

[Pip]

I'll take some pics later when I get home.

[UdubBadger]

Thanks dood


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[Avetiso]

Sure thing, Sean. Better than a drive all the way to West Sacramento, no doubt! Looks great!

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

[Pip]

Thanks dood


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

The MAF clips attach to the aFe collar.
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You can see the collar screwed into the heat shield body
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Filter on inside of collar and banded down.
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[UdubBadger]

mine didn't fit for some reason. :(

[Pip]

It took a while for the MAF to line up and snap in because of the rubber o-ring on the inside. I thought it wasn't going to work but finally got it. If I have it apart later I'll snap some more photos showing the connection.

[Pip]

7693

Diff fill. 0.95 qts for automatic. Pretty simple task once I built the hex socket. Spent something like $1 to make it outta a bolt and two nuts.

[johnrando]

Good stuff. Post pics of the wheel. Speaking of twin car setups, we happen to own a ZHP vert and a silver Honda Pilot, w/2 kids. Discovered friends of ours (from kids school) own a E46 Vert sport package, a silver Honda Pilot and have 2 kids. Somebody is copying someone there too.

[UdubBadger]

i want a pilot for photocruzer

[johnrando]

The funny thing is, both sets of cars are the same years.

[Pip]

Man I'm sore. I spent most if the day yesterday working on the car. A lot of it was coming up with creative ways to do things which was time consuming. Creating the right wobble swivel extension for the passenger engine mount. Getting the intake boot off...PITA.

I replaced a couple torn intake boots, oil level sensor, engine mounts (not necessary but had the subframe lowered), torqued oil pan gasket (looked good after my last quick fix), tightened up the guibo, changed thermostat, and checked out my buddies new s5 :thumbsup found out this morning on a drive that I didn't bleed the cooling system completely. I didn't have heat this morning so I must have some air in there.

7922

H&R springs and spacers. 2011, 6MT, Silver grey with black alcantara interior. Incredibly beautiful car with two mods that improve its look 10x over a stock s5.

I'll be ZHPless for a week or so since I'm borrowing my parents truck to move. I'm sure mom will treat her well.

[Dave1027]

Hey Sean,

Glad everything worked out OK. How's the tightened guibo? Trying to place where that Audi is parked. Is that like maybe the Sutter Creek area?

[Avetiso]

Beautiful Audi! And great work on the car.

Sent from my LG-LS970 using Tapatalk 2

[Pip]

Guibo is tight :thumbsup

I'm not sure where the audi is parked. It was on his way home from Vegas where he picked it up.

[UdubBadger]

sean is it the V8 (looks like it from the older LED headlight design)?

those things are FUN, I get to drive um at work on occasion.

[Pip]

Must have missed this...oops. Yes it is the 2011 NA V8. It is lowered on H&R springs and has H&R spacers. It sits perfect for my buddy so it's slightly aggressive and he can get around town without having to worry about speed bumps etc.

It rides pretty good on the freeway but is fairly stiff in town. It's a little softer compared to my stiff ride lol. It seems very well connected to the road more so than the S4 but the adaptive steering feedback takes some getting used to. I like mine heavy pretty much all the time.

I love the alcantara interior and recaro seats. I'll get my buddy drunk one night and make him let me drive it :) worked on his A4 so might work again :thumbsup

[UdubBadger]

Nice, I love the V8's.

I have noticed H&R springs tend to be pretty stiff (even the sports) for city driving, you really feel everything in your seat. Eibachs are supposed to be a bit more comfortable for everyday use.

[Pip]

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I never did post a photo of my Coby wrapped SMG wheel. Paddle shifters are working and I've been loving it.

Finally received the TSE3 in the mail. It arrived a couple days late so will be shelved until the end of July/early August :(

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Can't wait to hear it in person! I need to figure out what I'm going to do with an exhaust after I take my stock one off. At least the TSE3 is in pieces.

[Avetiso]

Wow, that wheels looks great. :thumbsup

[UdubBadger]

:like

[MiniD]

Pip, what's it like driving with the paddles? Like driving a non DCT E9x? How's the 'shift time'? Sometimes I wish I had an AT in traffic..

[derbo]

Im jealous of your TSE3. i want it.

[johnrando]

Sweet Sean. I kept my old one in case I ever want to switch back.

[Pip]

Pip, what's it like driving with the paddles? Like driving a non DCT E9x? How's the 'shift time'? Sometimes I wish I had an AT in traffic..

Pretty much like DCT E9x. Shift times are identical to using the step knob. They are pretty fast but not DCT fast. If I pull the paddle it will shift immediately after. Downshift is slightly slower but we are talking less than a second. It's just nice to have the downshift or shifting capability on the wheel to use both hands.

[Pip]

Im jealous of your TSE3. i want it.

Well if I don't like it you're more than welcome to it for what I paid for it. We can talk about that later if I don't like it.

[derbo]

Well if I don't like it you're more than welcome to it for what I paid for it. We can talk about that later if I don't like it.

I highly doubt you wont like it but sure. :)

[johnrando]

Pretty much like DCT E9x. Shift times are identical to using the step knob. They are pretty fast but not DCT fast. If I pull the paddle it will shift immediately after. Downshift is slightly slower but we are talking less than a second. It's just nice to have the downshift or shifting capability on the wheel to use both hands.

Hmmm, my shifting seems quicker with the paddles than the knob, but it could just feel like that as it's a flick of the wrist vs. a hand movement.

[Pip]

Hmmm, my shifting seems quicker with the paddles than the knob, but it could just feel like that as it's a flick of the wrist vs. a hand movement.

I understand what you're saying, but it is the same signal so not sure why it would actually be any different. It does feel better because the "throw" is shorter with the paddle.

[johnrando]

Yup. And then I added the Dinan STEP s/w, which provides a very minor difference, but you can tell when your gunning it.

[Pip]

I think it is officially time to let go... I won't be contributing to the thread anymore unless someone has questions about mods I've done to the ZHP in the past.

Hopefully the new owner will become a member.

[Lanister]

Congratulations Sean! I'm sure the new owner will enjoy and appreciate all the hard work and thought you put into the z.

Where is the Zhp going to live from now on?

Sent from outer space...

[Pip]

Near Derek in the Bay Area.

[UdubBadger]

Was a good one Sean.

Hard for me to let go of mine as well, probably in part my initial trouble with the M, but I walk up to it every morning and think how beautiful it is now and don't regret switching for a minute.


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

I'm sure I'll feel that way shortly.

Any word on that video of headers and OEM 1-2-3? I'm interested to see how raspy is is. I took a video I'll have up tomorrow (hopefully) of the OEM setup. I have hopes of a muffler and then maybe headers & resonated section 1 with cats. If I do that it'll require a tune so maybe next year.

[UdubBadger]

Yeah I'll get it on cold start tomorrow at work.

Headers with stock 1 and 3 and eventually a resonated xpipe are how I'm gonna roll. I like this car fairly stock with some growl to it.

Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

That's what I've been searching for. Finding it is rather difficult since there are so many options.

Would a resonated x-pipe remove most the raps like the rasp pipe? I don't need to kill it completely because I kinda like it, but just wish it had a little louder growl. The car is rather quiet other than blissful engine noise.

[Avetiso]

Congrats on the sale, Sean.

[Pip]

Congrats on the sale, Sean.

Thanks Dario. I need to swing by sometime and see the new stuff you have going on with the car.

[UdubBadger]

That's what I've been searching for. Finding it is rather difficult since there are so many options.

Would a resonated x-pipe remove most the raps like the rasp pipe? I don't need to kill it completely because I kinda like it, but just wish it had a little louder growl. The car is rather quiet other than blissful engine noise.

It should from what I've researched. The xpipe is what gives it that exotic purr.

Also considered gutting the muffler (fiberglass) myself and repacking sections 1-2 of the muffler with rock wool. Some pretty nice sounds coming out of that setup. Then with the resonated x pipe, which also will bump power just a bit, and the headers it should have a pretty deep growl.


Goin' HAM mobile

[derbo]

Near Derek in the Bay Area.

Hopefully the NO becomes a member! :)

Congrats on the sale Sean.

[Pip]

Found my old car on CL...now do I buy it back? Hmm...looks like it has been taken care of.


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[san]

Found my old car on CL...now do I buy it back? Hmm...looks like it has been taken care of.


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Yes! It was meant to be lol


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[nextelbuddy]

lol fate...

[slater]

Found my old car on CL...now do I buy it back? Hmm...looks like it has been taken care of.

first off, how cool is that?

go and drive it! then you'll have your answer. :cheers

[johnrando]

cool!

[Vas]

Go take a look at it and see what condition it is.