Next on the list...

[Johnmadd]

I thought a good section or thread topic should be the next upgrade we would like to do to our car. I will be getting the sprint booster with the 3way switch as my next upgrade.

[Tampa330i]

Not really an upgrade, but I'm going to need new front tires very soon :) I'm thinking Michelin.

[MsRN]

Good choice; PS2s are hard to beat.

[adb1028]

Slotted rotors with stoptech pads.

And I see an H&R cupkit in my near future

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Good choice; PS2s are hard to beat.

That would be my choice as well. Sure footing in both wet and dry.

[danewilson77]

Tires/Rims (Still deciding on rims), Meyle HD RSM's (Just purchased...awaiting arrival), O2 sensors (just maintenance...still need to purchase), Paintless ding repair, Full detail again (Spring), Install custom Shift surrounf plate (From Feia)

[az3579]

And I see an H&R cupkit in my near future


I actually found out from someone that the H&R Cup Kit is actually what's installed on my car. So, if you want to know what it'll look like, look at mine. lol

[Smilez]

Slotted rotors with stoptech pads.

And I see an H&R cupkit in my near future
*cough cough* :shifty

paint my hood
paint my trunk
paint my wheels back to silver

[Kudos]

Vanos rebuild by Dr. Vanos, VCG, Front Strut tower. I'm interested in seeing dane's boot cover, i know feia makes some nice custom work.

[thesixsins]

Next on the list, Tint and Clear bra.

[nk_zhp]

Cooling overhaul would be my next item in about 15K miles. I am at 52K now.

[Mtnman]

friday i had new thermostat and water pump intalled, and installed bmw performance intake. tonight, install new washer pump and get that frieken low washer fluid light on my dash to finally turn off. Next up non-maintenance, H and R springs.

[nk_zhp]

.. H and R springs.

This should be an excellent bang for the buck upgrade...

[adb1028]

*cough cough* :shifty

You'll be hearing from me in a few months, I got you covered Ray

[adb1028]

This should be an excellent bang for the buck upgrade...

Hmm, interesting. Would it be worth going for the whole cupkit or just getting the springs? I'm at 58k, original suspension.

[Alphatek45]

My wife just added this to my list :
Fix the side view mirror on the Touareg that she bashed while exiting the garage this morning!

[nk_zhp]

Hmm, interesting. Would it be worth going for the whole cupkit or just getting the springs? I'm at 58k, original suspension.

To be honest with you I don't know much about E46 suspension options. Most of my mods are limited to my M3. I have heard that sways alone do very little. Also a guy I auto-x with (he is very fast), owns an E46 and he only replaced the shocks with Konis leaving springs stock (sport). He LOVES that setup because of the adjastability. All I know is that the out-of-the box ZHP seems to have a little more body roll than I'd like to see, slightly stiffer springs will cure that to some degree.

It really all comes down to how crappy the roads are where you live and what it is that you do with your car. For us, in the snow belt, ride height is also an issue in snow.

[MsRN]

I just did wide-angle DS mirror, belts, intake filter, microfilter, plugs, and oil (69k miles). Next up (this week): fuel filter and differential oil. After that, it's thermostat & housing (OE), coolant pump (EMP Stewart), OE hoses and a coolant flush, followed by rear pads & rotors. Spring will see new PS2s on stock M135s. And then, the Stage 1 speaker upgrade from BSW, as one of my mids is blown. Then, PS mirror, detailing, and (maybe)

[johnrando]

Ran out of money after the holidays... thinking of something cheap, like the aluminum foot pedals. John

[danewilson77]

Ran out of money after the holidays... thinking of something cheap, like the aluminum foot pedals. John

www.modbargains.com is where I got mine....

[kayger12]

www.modbargains.com is where I got mine....

+1

$55 for the ///M aluminums. (http://www.modbargains.com/_e/E46_Interior/product/Aluminum_M_logo_pedal_set_for_E46_JS1/Aluminum_M_Pedal_Set_for_BMW_E46_3_Series.htm) Very happy with them.

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff401/Kayger12/2010-12-04_15-04-07_820.jpg

[Mtnman]

Wish my car wasn't missing a pedal... Id love to see those every time i got in the car. Nice All weather mats too.

[kayger12]

Thanks. BavAuto mats. $65 for all four mats. I like 'em. They do the job without being too thick.

[danewilson77]

Yeah...I gots the non ///M....

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/DSC03538sz1200.jpg

[johnrando]

[QUOTE=danewilson77;14564]Yeah...I gots the non ///M....



Love those non-M ones. Thanks for the location, I'll order from there.

[az3579]

Just ordered the Shark Injector software yesterday.

On the pedal front, I don't like any of the pedals I've seen all over the net with the exception of one. I looooooove the pedal set from Turner Motorsport, the ones that are pure metal and have little diamond-shaped cuts in them that bite into your shoe's sole. I also love the fact that they don't have any logos on them and don't look cheap, and can be ordered in black if so desired. Of course, all of this comes at a price; more than double the prices of some of the pedal sets you guys are talking about. BUT, it'll definitely be worth it in the useability department.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=TMS-3-PEDAL-SET

[kayger12]

Just ordered the Shark Injector software yesterday.

On the pedal front, I don't like any of the pedals I've seen all over the net with the exception of one. I looooooove the pedal set from Turner Motorsport, the ones that are pure metal and have little diamond-shaped cuts in them that bite into your shoe's sole. I also love the fact that they don't have any logos on them and don't look cheap, and can be ordered in black if so desired. Of course, all of this comes at a price; more than double the prices of some of the pedal sets you guys are talking about. BUT, it'll definitely be worth it in the useability department.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=TMS-3-PEDAL-SET

Yeah- I looked hard at the Turners. Too raw a look for me. And they do have a logo on them-- "Turner" is etched in the gas pedal.

[Washburn]

@ thesixsins:
Tit and clear bra sounds great :) J/K. (somehow I had a hard time associating tint with bra and the gutter-mind went for the tit)

in my case, barring something unexpected, it will be the 1st oil change after buying (in a few weeks).
and then in the not-so-near future, probably a tint and changing the Pilot summer tires out and getting Conti DWS tires.

[az3579]

And they do have a logo on them-- "Turner" is etched in the gas pedal.

You see; it's so subtle I didn't even notice it. I like not having logos pop out into your face when you look at the pedals. Etching to me is more classy and less of a "HEY LOOK AT ME!" item. I would prefer people didn't know I have aftermarket pedals, so you can see why the black ones from Turner would work perfectly for me.

[gr330zhp]

Install my splitters, maybe Homelink mod?

Maintenance is really pretty much taken care of so we'll see...

[jjcools]

Stupid homelink, I still need to figure out mine will not work.
Next up for me is yellow fogs and hopefully some clear corners next month. Maybe even wheels in march?????

[pyreguy]

Since the blowout forced my hand in getting the rear tires sooner than I expected, the BSW upgrades will be pushed back till later, maybe next year. Next I am thinking spacers.

[BurghJR]

ECS aluminum thermostat (http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/ES2091306/ES2091306/?salesrep=JHorak&utm_source=e46fanatics&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=JHorak&utm_campaign=postreply) is going in ASAP. The ZHP has been mostly parked since Thanksgiving bc my temp reads at 1/4 MAX on the highway. Milage is down big time and if I keep running rich my cats are going to die.

I have a DIY to do the install but have never done a full coolant flush. Any tips on that? Is running distilled water through the rad before refilling really necessary?

[SC4ME]

Just completed my complete cooling system overhaul. Next up will be oil change and new spark plugs. After that I have to replace my angel eyes, the ones from JSLevi are @#$%#$^ and look bad - I guess you get what you pay for.

[kayger12]

Is running distilled water through the rad before refilling really necessary?

I don't believe so. I've never done so in the past.

Old coolant out, new coolant/distilled water mix in.

[danewilson77]

Just completed my complete cooling system overhaul. Next up will be oil change and new spark plugs. After that I have to replace my angel eyes, the ones from JSLevi are @#$%#$^ and look bad - I guess you get what you pay for.

The Weisslichts? What's the problemo senor'?

[SC4ME]

I had some of the more original types (forgot the original manufacturer) but they were simple 64-LED lights. The first set lasted about 4 months before some of the LEDs stopped working in one ring. JSLevi replaced the one ring (required a $25 deposit since I didn't want to open up the headlight twice ) and that was it. When the others started failing, I got a very cold shoulder from their customer service people (the same people who take orders, etc - a very small operation here). When I took the car by the shop (I lived locally so the customer service was very surprising - it being in person and all) I pointed out that the others were failing. They looked at them, said I already used the warranty and to 'go away'. Now the three other original rings are malfunctioning and the whole effect is pretty lame.

[danewilson77]

mmmm...lemme check on something...

[Linh]

I would like some headers for the noise and HP :)

[danewilson77]

Installing genuine CF Splitters....

[gr330zhp]

Just ordered.....awwwww yeah!!! :)

http://c1552172.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/100824_x600.jpg

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Suspension/Strut_Bar/ES127350/

[kayger12]

Nice!

[danewilson77]

Wut? A new secondary air pump? Very nice brutha.

[gr330zhp]

Hahah...nah a new blinker fluid tank :)

I cant wait for the part to come in

[danewilson77]

Hahah...nah a new blinker fluid tank :)

I cant wait for the part to come in

I hear thats got lifetime fluid too!

[gr330zhp]

I hear thats got lifetime fluid too!

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh but you still gotta swap it for Redline :rofl

[pyreguy]

:rofl

love it

[az3579]

Remember, the blinker fluid has to be Synthetic Long Life (LL), otherwise it's not going to provide you the usage and protection you need.
Blinker fuel efficiency is also an important factor; the more you use them the less blinks per gallon you get.

[MrMaico]

Install the newly re-wrapped, tri-stitched Alcantara wheel and shift knob Friday.

Here's another choice for pedals. Not cheap but pretty nice looking.....

http://www.bmwpedals.com/products/e46.html

[az3579]

Install the newly re-wrapped, tri-stitched Alcantara wheel and shift knob Friday.

Here's another choice for pedals. Not cheap but pretty nice looking.....

http://www.bmwpedals.com/products/e46.html

Those are a close second for me. The Turner Motorsport pedals to me are the bees knees; they look sooo sexy.
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1570-turner-motorsport-racing-aluminum-pedal-set-e30e36e46e90e92-3-series-manual-transmission.aspx

They're mega expensive though, as you have to pay more for a black finish (this is what I want) and pay even more for a dead pedal, like $60 or so. Ridiculous prices, but I'm still getting this as one of my first "non-maintenance" mods for my car. :)

[MrMaico]

Those are a close second for me. The Turner Motorsport pedals to me are the bees knees; they look sooo sexy.
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1570-turner-motorsport-racing-aluminum-pedal-set-e30e36e46e90e92-3-series-manual-transmission.aspx

They're mega expensive though, as you have to pay more for a black finish (this is what I want) and pay even more for a dead pedal, like $60 or so. Ridiculous prices, but I'm still getting this as one of my first "non-maintenance" mods for my car. :)

Ouch! I hadn't noticed that. Makes the ones I posted a little more tempting. Along with the CF strut bar and Performance intake and a Shark and.....and.....:biggrin

[danewilson77]

I like the pedals....alot.

[ZSP-Mafia]

Next mod

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=3798851240BS&wheelMake=Enkei+Racing&wheelModel=RPF1&wheelFinish=Bright+Silver+Paint&showRear=no&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=330i+Sport+Package&autoYear=2001&autoModClar=&filterFinish=All&filterSize=18&filterBrand=Enkei+Racing&filterSpecial=false&filterNew=All&filterWeight=All&sort=Brand

Tirerack recommends 225-35-18 for the 18x8.5's, but I want to get 245's on there... Should be fine no?

[danewilson77]

I completely endorse those rims as they are one of my choices.....

Those will fit your car superbly.....but use the tire fitment calculator to make sure.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?527-Wheel-Fitment-101

[ZSP-Mafia]

I'll try and do the math when I get home but, do you know off-hand what kind of stance I'd be looking at? I want to get the rim as close to the fender with out rubbing or spacers.



Tasty goodness

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t355/jamesfogarty05/dbfe1b55.jpg

[danewilson77]

I say go with what you're looking at....then tweak with maybe a 5mm spacer. Got to be careful if you lower....unless you plan to roll the fenders.

[MrMaico]

Next mod

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=3798851240BS&wheelMake=Enkei+Racing&wheelModel=RPF1&wheelFinish=Bright+Silver+Paint&showRear=no&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=330i+Sport+Package&autoYear=2001&autoModClar=&filterFinish=All&filterSize=18&filterBrand=Enkei+Racing&filterSpecial=false&filterNew=All&filterWeight=All&sort=Brand

Tirerack recommends 225-35-18 for the 18x8.5's, but I want to get 245's on there... Should be fine no?

Why so narrow? The stock rear 8.5 rim uses a 255/35-18. I've heard they fit fine on the fronts as well. IOW, people run the rear 135M ZHP wheel with the 255/35 on the front for a square setup.

[danewilson77]

He may be looking to lower.

I have ET40, 18's (which is what he's looking at), and I am lowered and have about 7mm clearance in the rear. I think if I had a 255...I would rub.

I would like to eventually go to 255's though and roll the fenders.

[ZSP-Mafia]

Why so narrow? The stock rear 8.5 rim uses a 255/35-18. I've heard they fit fine on the fronts as well. IOW, people run the rear 135M ZHP wheel with the 255/35 on the front for a square setup.

That's what I was thinking... If you try to get a wheel/tire combo, that's the size it defaults to. I'm sure it'll fit but I know it'll look bad.


He may be looking to lower.

I have ET40, 18's (which is what he's looking at), and I am lowered and have about 7mm clearance in the rear. I think if I had a 255...I would rub.

I would like to eventually go to 255's though and roll the fenders.

I dont plan to lower it very much. I think I'm gonna try for 245's. What size tire are you running Dane?

[danewilson77]

I'm sure it'll fit but I know it'll look bad.

Wut?

[ZSP-Mafia]

Wut?

Having such a skinny little tire.

[danewilson77]

That's what I was thinking... If you try to get a wheel/tire combo, that's the size it defaults to. I'm sure it'll fit but I know it'll look bad.



I dont plan to lower it very much. I think I'm gonna try for 245's. What size tire are you running Dane?

245's in the rear....225's up font with spacers. I think it looks badass!!!!!

[ZSP-Mafia]

Same offset up front? I think 225 up front is perfect, just a bit small for rears.

[Johnmadd]

I have ET40, 18's (which is what he's looking at), and I am lowered and have about 7mm clearance in the rear. I think if I had a 255...I would rub.

I would like to eventually go to 255's though and roll the fenders.

Do it man, that's baddass in my book, no coming back from there.

[danewilson77]

Same offset up front? I think 225 up front is perfect, just a bit small for rears.

min for rear is 245's.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/DSC04056.jpg

[ZSP-Mafia]

Your front wheel is also an 8.5 et40?

[danewilson77]

I am 18x8 ET40 square setup with 225's on front and 245's in rear. My rims are on Tirerack as well.

[ZSP-Mafia]

Thanks for the help Dane.

[danewilson77]

Thanks for the help Dane.

Anytime.

[jjcools]

I was set on getting new wheels and tires next month but now I am thinking maybe put some money into suspension. Has anyone seen these? I want better performance but I am not going to put KW cash into it so give me some budget options that are still performers...

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Suspension/Suspension_Kits/ES1876719/

[danewilson77]

It says it's gonna raise your car...which I cannot support.

[jjcools]

How did I miss that??? No, I do not want to lift it, lower only!!

[MrMaico]

What makes you think it's going to raise the car? Is it already lowered?

[jjcools]

No, stock.

[ZSP-Mafia]

"Cars with factory Sport Suspension will have a slightly less aggressive drop"

[danewilson77]

"Cars with factory Sport Suspension will have a slightly less aggressive drop"

That's what I was lookin at. +1

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[MrMaico]

Our cars are supposedly .6 inches lower than a non-sport car and it lowers those 1.4 inches so that sounds to me like you would get a .8 inch drop. Correct? Or are you guys seeing something here that I'm not?

I'm not a big fan of lowering an already low car but .8 inches I could probably live with. Reduced suspension travel is just asking for trouble though IMO. When you only have 4 or 5 inches of travel and you reduce that by an inch it just makes it easier to bottom out the suspension and that force has to go somewhere......like strut towers and rear subframes.

As for those Konis though, they sound like a great shock. I'd like to get a set of those but keep my stock ride height. I wish I had bought a set last summer when TireRack had them on sale.

I see they are on sale again at TR but iirc they were quite a bit cheaper during last summers sale.

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Koni&model=FSD+Damper+Set&group=FSD+Damper+Set&partNum=2100-4006&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=330CI+Performance+Package&autoYear=2004&autoModClar=

It looks like if you would want the full 1.4 inch drop ECS had that package too but it's another $200!

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Suspension/Suspension_Kits/ES1876720/

TireRack has either kit for the same price though so if you want the drop TR is the place to go.

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Koni&model=FSD+Damper+Set+%26+Springs&group=FSD+Damper+Set+%26+Springs&partNum=2150-4006&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=330CI+Performance+Package&autoYear=2004&autoModClar=

Barry