What did you do for your ZHP/ BMW / MINI today? #2 [Archive] - Page 102 - BMW E46 330 ZHP For Sale Forum

roddykar

08-21-2021, 11:45 AM

They are ok tbh. Some of their stuff are expensive but it's just rebranded. I worked with them in the Scion tc/frs/subie brz crowd. Like most vendors, blame the installer for their defective products. Even when I showed that clearly their LEDs self destructed lol But usually for bulbs and stuff they are cool to deal with. It's their own specially made products that can apparently do no wrong. interesting. I’ll keep you posted I guess. They were on the more expensive side but warm LED replacement bulbs don’t exist in a package anywhere. I’ve checked almost everywhere I can think of.

I got my bulbs from weisslicht.com. The former Bimmian. they only sell 5000k which often end up being somewhere in between 5000-6000. I just don’t want the blue hint. I have an old set of Khoalty I’m trying to get out of, despite them being reliable as hell. Great experience otherwise.

sillieidiot

08-21-2021, 03:44 PM

Just piece together your own. It's like a bunch of 198 bulbs and a couple festoons from what I remember. I forgot we had lights. None of them work on my e46 lol

YoitsTmac

08-21-2021, 04:44 PM

Just ordered a full set of warm white led interior bulbs from diode dynamics. Spoke to them via email and they linked me to several separate bulbs they claimed should work. I’ll keep everybody posted here.

I just bought a bunch of LEDs for our Tacoma TRD pro too, and have heard rave reviews about their quality and service.

Definitely want to hear how these come out. Been dying for some LED’s that don’t look blue

roddykar

08-21-2021, 06:29 PM

Just piece together your own. It's like a bunch of 198 bulbs and a couple festoons from what I remember. I forgot we had lights. None of them work on my e46 lol Yeah, that’s essentially what I’ve done from diode dynamics! Dude, even when I was searching for just led bulbs at 3200k temp rating they either didn’t exist or I had to get them from different suppliers which would result in potentially variable temperatures if they weren’t designed exactly the same. Hoping getting them all from dd at the same temp would offer uniformity.

Definitely want to hear how these come out. Been dying for some LED’s that don’t look blue I’ll post pics. I did, however, get the lowest lumens of each bulb I selected. I didn’t want anything super bright. They offer different lumens ratings, though!

az3579

08-21-2021, 06:52 PM

I've been trying to do this for a long while, just on and off and kept losing the desire to look after not finding anything suitable or what I know would be exactly what I wanted. I didn't want to spend all that money experimenting like I did with the brake light bulbs on my ZHP.

Please do keep us up to date. The bulbs on my touring having burned out and kept dragging my feet continuing to look.

roddykar

08-21-2021, 11:37 PM

Will do! I’ll try to take some pics and video.

SC4ME

08-22-2021, 09:29 AM

Washed her, first time in a while. looks nice again. love that Imola

cakM3

08-27-2021, 04:24 AM

I took my M3 out to drive today and gave it a good wash before driving it to work this morning[emoji41]

Nice to have choices [emoji1]

Sent from my iPhone 11 Pro Max using Tapatalk Pro

t.er

08-27-2021, 07:33 AM

Anyone want some German newspapers?

This behemoth of a box arrived today, after 46 days in transit. I was worried the hitch wouldn't arrive in time for my move, given Deutsche Post's insanely slow delivery times.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210827/249fbd210960bf8c392bdc6020cb8006.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210827/dcca4491ef42a19ec7dffa5eed1c3c6b.jpg

I should've made the holes in the hitch reinforcement plates a bit bigger, but they will work with a bit of filing.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210827/f0dc16d5cde653fe91dc6be5fdec2f4e.jpg

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

BADCLOWN

08-27-2021, 02:02 PM

Ran some errands in the ZHP to include renewing the registration. Wont be going to our normal Saturday C&C due to working overtime so had to get the once a week driving in today.

fredo

08-31-2021, 07:43 AM

Replaced the batteries on the 3 key fobs for the X3. That was a nice surprise when we bought it. I remember asking the salesman : "do you have an extra fob ?" He said : "I have 2 more."

YoitsTmac

08-31-2021, 07:23 PM

Got under my car to investigate what my clunk and metal on metal noises are in my rear suspension. Boy did I discover a lot. First, my adjustable end links were in the more frontward position (as I wanted), but that caused the end links to be hitting the control arm. Ouch. The flange nut used to bolt the adjustable end link was also digging into the arm as it tensioned, so that was my metal on metal noise.

I couldn't directly see what my clunk was but my differential bushing, but seems my front differential bolts are touching the crossmember. I have no idea how, the bushings are clearly properly installed. I've tapped out and am dropping it off at a shop in the morning to see if he can see something I can't.

t.er

08-31-2021, 09:43 PM

l
I couldn't directly see what my clunk was but my differential bushing, but seems my front differential bolts are touching the crossmember. I have no idea how, the bushings are clearly properly installed. I've tapped out and am dropping it off at a shop in the morning to see if he can see something I can't.

I had this exact same problem! But I have ECS Tuning diff bushings, and the bushings never stayed fully seated, sounded like a scrapping noise. I hammered a flathead between the bolt heads and the aluminum bracket, squeezed seam sealer in the gap, and let it set. Has been like that for the past 4 years with zero NVH lol

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YoitsTmac

09-02-2021, 09:49 PM

I had this exact same problem! But I have ECS Tuning diff bushings, and the bushings never stayed fully seated, sounded like a scrapping noise. I hammered a flathead between the bolt heads and the aluminum bracket, squeezed seam sealer in the gap, and let it set. Has been like that for the past 4 years with zero NVH lol

Wait I have ECS differential bushings. What do you mean the bushings never stayed fully seated? Like the metal sleeve would press in fully? The bushing and sleeve both were directional. I got mine in with lube and a C-clamp.

t.er

09-02-2021, 10:00 PM

Wait I have ECS differential bushings. What do you mean the bushings never stayed fully seated? Like the metal sleeve would press in fully? The bushing and sleeve both were directional. I got mine in with lube and a C-clamp.

Oh damn, maybe these bushings just have bad fitment. Thought you installed OE ones.

It's been a while but I think mine went in with a lube and a few taps of a mallet. The aluminum top piece pressed into the bushing fine, but the bushing itself would not stay seated all the way in - there was always a gap between the shoulder and the bushing housing in the subframe. As a result, the bolt heads kept touching that aluminum bracket that goes around the tail end of the driveshaft.

Crappy pic of my "fix":

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210903/4d0d685fa89291e2755350b04026c035.jpg

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Galapolis

09-04-2021, 11:41 AM

Installed E46 M3 transmission mounts and a stock ZHP exhaust today.

384073840838409

The car is so smooth now that it's actually ridiculous. What's also ridiculous is how good this ZHP exhaust sounds. Like why do people even bother installing other stuff when this gem exists???

cakM3

09-04-2021, 12:02 PM

... What's also ridiculous is how good this ZHP exhaust sounds. Like why do people even bother installing other stuff when this gem exists???

Because I like the burble sound that the UUC Corsa TSE3 exhaust makes... it comes down to preference :)

BMWCurves

09-04-2021, 12:04 PM

Nicely done! I didn't notice too much of a difference when I installed my M3 transmission mounts, but thought it couldn't hurt.

As far as exhaust sound, it's such a subjective thing. However, I completely agree the ZHP exhaust is a definite improvement over the 330i stock exhaust! If I had a 330i, I'd jump on that in an instant. I picked up my UUC TSE3 exhaust because I had a chance to get it for very cheap. It's hard to justify $900+ for something that has no improvement in noticeable performance. Yes, you experience the sound every day, but still tough IMO when mechanical maintenance should come as a priority. I'd say a nice "cheap" bump from the ZHP exhaust is the BMW Performance or the Dinan axle backs if you can find them for a decent price. My sister's ZHP has the Dinan and I really like it, just enough of a growly bump. The TSE3 is childish with its increased volume, growl, pops and burbles, but it puts a smile on my face.

Galapolis

09-04-2021, 12:48 PM

I had poly transmission mounts before and they were atrocious. Then I went with softer poly mounts (the white ones as seen in the picture) and they were STILL atrocious. Finally gave up and went with rubber. So as it stands I have Group N engine mounts (solid rubber), E46 M3 transmission mounts and non-M diff mounts. I think the engine mounts are still a tad stiff but I do like having everything matched in the drivetrain (solid rubber, no fluid anywhere).

It's been a while since I've had my stock 330i exhaust but I would have never guessed that the ZHP exhaust is THAT much better. The BMW Performance exhaust was on my list but it turns out that it is not TÜV approved because it's a US only part. The ZHP exhaust technically isn't approved either, but it looks 99% stock so I'll definitely get away with it.

I mean I had an expensive catback before I swapped it today (the aFe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnwNDHwrkNA)) but nothing matches the smoothness and refined sound of the stock exhaust. Although to be fair, much of the engine sounds also comes directly from my engine through the Group N mounts.

Also another interesting fact, there is yet another factory option, the BMW Sport exhaust. I recently compiled a list of all BMW exhausts on the German forums, I'll just leave it here in case anyone is interested.

38413

The sport exhaust is similar to the 330i exhaust but features different tips and slightly louder sound. Still not as good as the ZHP exhaust though if you ask me.

38417

Vas

09-04-2021, 12:51 PM

Ucc Corsa is now $2,000 new for the full system. The price jumped up significant

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fredo

09-04-2021, 01:08 PM

The car is so smooth now that it's actually ridiculous. What's also ridiculous is how good this ZHP exhaust sounds. Like why do people even bother installing other stuff when this gem exists???

That's one thing I remember from my test drive before buying my car (Feb of 2015), thinking "Oh, man. I LOVE that sound. It's just right on this car." But as Charlie said, it's a personal preference.

cakM3

09-04-2021, 01:18 PM

Ucc Corsa is now $2,000 new for the full system. The price jumped up significant

Yeah I saw that Vas... I may just bite the bullet and pony up the cash for this exhaust....but it will have to wait till next car season...

I think it is safe to day I have done enough for my ZHP this car season... CSL bootlid, Wilwood BBKs, Bilstein PSS-10/Ground Control Camber kit, Lit F10 M5 shift knob, OEM SIRIUS Radio retrofit, BlueBus integration, and soon the M3 instrument cluster retrofit... lots was done this year :)

holyc0w

09-04-2021, 02:49 PM

Ucc Corsa is now $2,000 new for the full system. The price jumped up significant

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Yowza, Corsa axleback is also up to $1,000. I think that's for the Corsa only branded ones.

I'm seeing $1,386 for the catback and $800 for the axleback for the UUC ones on ECS. Wonder if there's any risk of these prices also following.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-uuc-parts/corsa-twin-silencer-exhaust/14551-2-ss~uuc/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-uuc-parts/corsa-axle-back-exhaust-system/14559-ss~uuc/

Galapolis

09-04-2021, 02:59 PM

With those prices I would seriously consider the Eisenmann Catback or Eisenmann axle back.

Something like headers + Eisenmann catback can produce unbelievably good results:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSjTbdbkCLA

JPMo

09-04-2021, 04:48 PM

The sound of the Eisenmann and headers is amazing but if I remember correctly, fitment was an issue on US cars.

Galapolis

09-04-2021, 04:52 PM

The sound of the Eisenmann and headers is amazing but if I remember correctly, fitment was an issue on US cars.

How so? There shouldn't be any difference.

t.er

09-04-2021, 05:53 PM

A full Eisenmann system is THE ultimate system for me. Right now I have the BMW Performance exhaust - if only it was ever so slightly louder, it'd be perfect. That paired with the BMW Performance intake is *chef's kiss*

I planned to install the hitch today but about an hour in some friends randomly stopped by and we went out. Continued a bit this evening, had to drill one of the stupid bumper bolts out since one was stripped. Re-tapped new threads since I drilled a bit off-centre, but it tightened up and will work.

https://i.imgur.com/tw4g1tEl.png

https://i.imgur.com/AvpxZMfl.png

Progress will continue Monday weather permitting, tomorrow there's an airshow downtown so I'm headed to that. Quite nice to live the retired life before starting work next month, and not really needing my car :rofl

az3579

09-04-2021, 06:21 PM

What's also ridiculous is how good this ZHP exhaust sounds. Like why do people even bother installing other stuff when this gem exists???

It's great on the street, but too quiet on track. Makes it difficult to hear when to shift.
I will certainly be doing a ZHP exhaust on the touring, unless I get a killer deal on yet another Corsa. We shall see.

cakM3

09-05-2021, 07:52 AM

It's great on the street, but too quiet on track. Makes it difficult to hear when to shift.
I will certainly be doing a ZHP exhaust on the touring, unless I get a killer deal on yet another Corsa. We shall see.

Better off to pony up the cash and buy brand new which is what I will be doing for my ZHP this time around...

YoitsTmac

09-05-2021, 09:34 AM

Oh damn, maybe these bushings just have bad fitment. Thought you installed OE ones.

It's been a while but I think mine went in with a lube and a few taps of a mallet. The aluminum top piece pressed into the bushing fine, but the bushing itself would not stay seated all the way in - there was always a gap between the shoulder and the bushing housing in the subframe. As a result, the bolt heads kept touching that aluminum bracket that goes around the tail end of the driveshaft.

Crappy pic of my "fix":

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210903/4d0d685fa89291e2755350b04026c035.jpg

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

I still have a clunk after two shops inspected it saying everything looked good. I wonder if my bushings are backing out. I'll have to take a look but I don't think they are...but they shouldn't be touching the crossmember. Ugh. I'm done with all this stuff on my rear axle lol

Yeah I saw that Vas... I may just bite the bullet and pony up the cash for this exhaust....but it will have to wait till next car season...

I think it is safe to day I have done enough for my ZHP this car season... CSL bootlid, Wilwood BBKs, Bilstein PSS-10/Ground Control Camber kit, Lit F10 M5 shift knob, OEM SIRIUS Radio retrofit, BlueBus integration, and soon the M3 instrument cluster retrofit... lots was done this year :)
Talk about an exciting retrofit year! Love all of these. Wish my list was as exciting. I just needed up with a bunch of cool stuff only 50% done. Starting iDrive 6 retrofit next month...

I had poly transmission mounts before and they were atrocious. Then I went with softer poly mounts (the white ones as seen in the picture) and they were STILL atrocious. Finally gave up and went with rubber.

Have you tried UUC black? That's what I've run for a combined 50k miles. Any average Joe that hops in my car has zero complaints for NVH in relation to my engine/trans mounts.

Galapolis

09-05-2021, 09:41 AM

Have you tried UUC black? That's what I've run for a combined 50k miles. Any average Joe that hops in my car has zero complaints for NVH in relation to my engine/trans mounts.

I haven't. They can't possibly be softer than the Condor ones though right? Those are 70A and about the same stiffness as Group N mounts. They even claim that they are the softest poly mounts on the market (I believe them, those things can easily be squished/bent with 2 fingers).

In any case I'm not buying any UUC products ever again. I had their poly RTABs and they were horrible. Extremely squeaky and with all the downsides of poly bushings including less comfort and no rear end grip due to binding. I learned the hard way that poly doesn't really make sense when spherical or solid bushings exist.

It's not important anyway, the engine mounts are what determine throttle response and I'm pretty happy with the Group N replicas.

YoitsTmac

09-05-2021, 07:52 PM

I haven't. They can't possibly be softer than the Condor ones though right? Those are 70A and about the same stiffness as Group N mounts. They even claim that they are the softest poly mounts on the market (I believe them, those things can easily be squished/bent with 2 fingers).

In any case I'm not buying any UUC products ever again. I had their poly RTABs and they were horrible. Extremely squeaky and with all the downsides of poly bushings including less comfort and no rear end grip due to binding. I learned the hard way that poly doesn't really make sense when spherical or solid bushings exist.

It's not important anyway, the engine mounts are what determine throttle response and I'm pretty happy with the Group N replicas.

All I'll say is that the UUC ones keep my transmission at bay more than OE with very mild NVH. When I warn people about the NVH they all end pleasantly surprised because there really isn't any in my car. I have one person who's OCD about NVH and she has no complaints when just cruising when it comes to comforts, although she vocally hates my M3 seats and says I should bring back the Non-M Sport seats.

I actually currently have their RTABs. My rear end is undoubtably more planted. The immediate install results were unmistakable. But now it's been 3 years and they're the loudest thing on my car. They are really creaky over driveways and speed bumps. I used copper grease on install but recently they have gotten very loud. What did you replace yours with? I don't know when you got yours but my UUC RTAB has a silver sleeve that can rotate independently of the main RTAB so I'm not afraid of binding but it is annoyingly loud, even for my standards. A shop suggested re-greasing but I don't feel an RTAB should be a regular service item.

ZHPizza

09-06-2021, 06:01 AM

All I'll say is that the UUC ones keep my transmission at bay more than OE with very mild NVH. When I warn people about the NVH they all end pleasantly surprised because there really isn't any in my car. I have one person who's OCD about NVH and she has no complaints when just cruising when it comes to comforts, although she vocally hates my M3 seats and says I should bring back the Non-M Sport seats.

I actually currently have their RTABs. My rear end is undoubtably more planted. The immediate install results were unmistakable. But now it's been 3 years and they're the loudest thing on my car. They are really creaky over driveways and speed bumps. I used copper grease on install but recently they have gotten very loud. What did you replace yours with? I don't know when you got yours but my UUC RTAB has a silver sleeve that can rotate independently of the main RTAB so I'm not afraid of binding but it is annoyingly loud, even for my standards. A shop suggested re-greasing but I don't feel an RTAB should be a regular service item.The RTAB joint has to flex in multiple axes in order to function correctly. That's why poly bushings that only allow rotation in one plane are a bad choice for that joint and end up squeaking/binding. OE rubber is good in that it allows flex in all the necessary axes but also lets the trailing arm shift in/out and you get variable toe during turns (hence the sloppy feeling). Limiters limit this toe change but also limit the axial flex so it's a pick your poison kind of deal. A bearing keeps the toe consistent while still allowing for multi axis movement so it makes your rear end hella planted. The only drawback is some added harshness on leading edges, but that seems to only be noticeable in coupes.

Galapolis

09-06-2021, 09:07 AM

All I'll say is that the UUC ones keep my transmission at bay more than OE with very mild NVH. When I warn people about the NVH they all end pleasantly surprised because there really isn't any in my car. I have one person who's OCD about NVH and she has no complaints when just cruising when it comes to comforts, although she vocally hates my M3 seats and says I should bring back the Non-M Sport seats.

I actually currently have their RTABs. My rear end is undoubtably more planted. The immediate install results were unmistakable. But now it's been 3 years and they're the loudest thing on my car. They are really creaky over driveways and speed bumps. I used copper grease on install but recently they have gotten very loud. What did you replace yours with? I don't know when you got yours but my UUC RTAB has a silver sleeve that can rotate independently of the main RTAB so I'm not afraid of binding but it is annoyingly loud, even for my standards. A shop suggested re-greasing but I don't feel an RTAB should be a regular service item.

Maybe I'll get to ride with someone who has UUC transmission mounts one day. I don't think my specific car can take any more than stock rubber though as it seems to be particularly bad with NVH. Even the M3 mounts can be "felt", though I'm happy with how close it feels to stock now. For comparison, one of my buddies ran the exact same poly transmission mounts that I had before in his E46 and there was 0 extra NVH. My specific car just can't take it.

I currently run Camry spherical RTABs. I had the same sleeve you talk about but even that can't rotate since it's surrounded by poly. I'd highly recommend getting the spherical RATBs. If you think it feels planted now, the spherical ones will blow your socks off. Also, they are free of maintenance and noise (at least on the sedan, coupe owners have reported clunks over sharp bumps).

Will

09-06-2021, 11:52 AM

Just did a quick clean and condition of leather. Nothing fancy, no Leatherique and it's extended baking / soaking; just some Lexol.

t.er

09-06-2021, 04:19 PM

More progress - electrical took more time than I thought it would, had to look up pinouts and whatnot. But I now have something phallic on the back of my car.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/ddd1e260600bb2a17ac667703d57bf12.jpg

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

Galapolis

09-06-2021, 05:04 PM

More progress - electrical took more time than I thought it would, had to look up pinouts and whatnot. But I now have something phallic on the back of my car.

Nice, now throw in a M57 as well for maximum towing efficiency.:thumbsup

ItsRichieRich

09-07-2021, 07:30 AM

t.er

09-07-2021, 07:39 AM

Nice, now throw in a M57 as well for maximum towing efficiency.:thumbsupThose things are super cool! With the right setup they can sound like a low-revving 2JZ.
When does your trip start?Leaving Oct 1st! I'm going to see if I can rent a trailer for a day or so beforehand to see how it is. I've never towed before so it'll be interesting.

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Rovert

09-07-2021, 08:47 AM

Nice, now throw in a M57 as well for maximum towing efficiency.:thumbsup

We did that yesterday. LOL. My friend mistakenly high centered himself on a “luckily” long hump. Lucky it distributed the vehicle’s weight over a large area so as to not do any damage underneath.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/a930ea97ad37425bcdd752f9a613bb23.file

After unsuccessful attempts, I grabbed the tow strap out of my car to hook on my friend’s X5 diesel. [emoji23]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/a57db4f2010786ae9edfb3e498e4ecba.jpg

All was right after. LOL
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/4e06a154af8c068cdbedf8ee00d6ab11.file

ItsRichieRich

09-07-2021, 08:51 AM

Leaving Oct 1st! I'm going to see if I can rent a trailer for a day or so beforehand to see how it is. I've never towed before so it'll be interesting.

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

Have most of the weight towards the tongue, that will help keep things stable. Give yourself plenty of braking room. When I would tow, I would engine brake when/where I can, only used brakes when it was needed. Definitely give us SoCal guys a heads up, would love to buy you a beer and hang out!

t.er

09-07-2021, 09:04 AM

We did that yesterday. LOL. My friend mistakenly high centered himself on a “luckily” long hump. Lucky it distributed the vehicle’s weight over a large area so as to not do any damage underneath.

After unsuccessful attempts, I grabbed the tow strap out of my car to hook on my friend’s X5 diesel. [emoji23]

All was right after. LOL

Hope his undercarriage wasn't too scrapped up! I have scrapped a couple times and had to touch up the rubberized undercoating.

Also LOOOOOOL loving the N sticker :rofl

Have most of the weight towards the tongue, that will help keep things stable. Give yourself plenty of braking room. When I would tow, I would engine brake when/where I can, only used brakes when it was needed. Definitely give us SoCal guys a heads up, would love to buy you a beer and hang out!

Thanks for the tips! I think I'm most worried about visibility, it's going to be weird to look in the rearview and see nothing. I'll probably post in the other thread closer to the date, but I'm pretty set on what I mentioned there! Too bad I'm not swinging by San Diego though.

fredo

09-07-2021, 09:05 AM

Leaving Oct 1st!

I got a better idea of your trip with this :

38429

t.er

09-07-2021, 09:08 AM

I got a better idea of your trip with this :

Pretty close! Want to do some sightseeing of some key places, so here's my planned route:

https://i.imgur.com/piBKY5R.png

fredo

09-07-2021, 09:10 AM

... here's my planned route:

That's a good plan !

cakM3

09-07-2021, 09:20 AM

Pretty close! Want to do some sightseeing of some key places, so here's my planned route:

https://i.imgur.com/piBKY5R.png

Tim, be sure to give Gary (Wolfn8tr) a shout before stopping in Vegas. He lives in the area :thumbsup

Rovert

09-07-2021, 09:22 AM

Hope his undercarriage wasn't too scrapped up! I have scrapped a couple times and had to touch up the rubberized undercoating.

Also LOOOOOOL loving the N sticker :rofl

He thought he could avoid and just drive on the edge. Except he was full too far in. [emoji23] The car just sat on the plethora of plastic/felt-like undercarriage trays which was enough to lift the rear tire off the ground 1mm more than having traction. The viscous LSD didn’t help any as it requires both rear tires to have traction to lock up so it became an open diff once airborne. LOL

Being on 3-4 hours of tight twisty roads with lots of hairpins, we were impressed with how the F15d’s fancy adaptive M sport suspension handled against the cars and how it was able to pull out of tight apex with its torque. Being an N driver he had to also make sure he didn’t die trying to keep up with my car and drive within his experience. He would have preferred using his E90d but it’s waiting on a crank position sensor.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/e1ecce0e41df1bc935b7ece513f9d51c.jpg

Galapolis

09-07-2021, 09:31 AM

Pretty close! Want to do some sightseeing of some key places, so here's my planned route:

BUT IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES DOES IT ALMOST FEEL LIKE NOTHING CHANGED AT ALL

38431

t.er

09-07-2021, 09:37 AM

BUT IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES DOES IT ALMOST FEEL LIKE NOTHING CHANGED AT ALL

38431:rofl

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Rovert

09-07-2021, 10:12 AM

you guys....HI-LARRY-US

ItsRichieRich

09-07-2021, 10:18 AM

Thanks for the tips! I think I'm most worried about visibility, it's going to be weird to look in the rearview and see nothing. I'll probably post in the other thread closer to the date, but I'm pretty set on what I mentioned there! Too bad I'm not swinging by San Diego though.

I'll make the trip up to LA if that's the area you're going to be in. Gives me a reason to get out and about.

BMWCurves

09-07-2021, 12:12 PM

We did that yesterday. LOL. My friend mistakenly high centered himself on a “luckily” long hump. Lucky it distributed the vehicle’s weight over a large area so as to not do any damage underneath.

Ouch. Nice looking 370Z though (more like a 368Z now, amirite??)

All was right after. LOL
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/4e06a154af8c068cdbedf8ee00d6ab11.file

Are you friends with Gary the Cat? (https://www.instagram.com/p/CRY_eZKpcR_/)

t.er

09-07-2021, 03:45 PM

I'll make the trip up to LA if that's the area you're going to be in. Gives me a reason to get out and about.

Hahaha sounds good man! Will keep you posted.

Are you friends with Gary the Cat? (https://www.instagram.com/p/CRY_eZKpcR_/)

Hooooooly smokes 400k+ followers for a cat

Spent a couple more hours in the garage after dinner. Uuuuuuuuuuuugh so weird, went to replace the rear brake lines and thought it'd be easy peasy lemon squeezy. The connections to the hard lines were no problem but the other end going into the calipers are completely seized on both sides. Which is super weird since I replaced them last year with no issues.

Thinking of cutting the lines and removing the caliper so I can get my impact on it, but given one side is a bit rounded I'm hesitant.

Will

09-07-2021, 06:22 PM

Pretty close! Want to do some sightseeing of some key places, so here's my planned route:

https://i.imgur.com/piBKY5R.png

Very cool, keep us posted with your road trip. And let us socal people know, I'll meet up in LA.

----------------

On a very different topic, I had a problem with the windshield washing system. No spray. The pump was whirring, but the no spray. Long story short, it wasn't the nozzle or the connections to the nozzle, but rather it was the washer pump screen that was clogged....

I don't know what it is; I don't know how it got there, but it looks gross. Cleaned it up and all's well in the world.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLVY5Hp3lCGwyKIVlM12P_OFAmeBHyH0011p156P489wom55p wmlRGRlXkqpOaDJJLXjq0zalvBK4C8BFXtrFxUosklAKskB9rp cYXtyYUJEtRfvh4TPpuJwozHUCBJwDAQ8xir1U6XceZfOmngxa 6Yk=w517-h689-no?authuser=0

and,

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLUfWkwNzNp1pE0s8x5YOobeMLVY3xSmiwkKEkmsthQXfCBG2 mVCMxw3RqJ7JnaDm2oZOciXhdDC2h0hiJRVFB-yKrVO0sXApYNEvMJp-UbaPG9nDm2WCqmnWTmMKUPcT_9sUAqjRb1zS41ePp9RyF0d=w5 17-h689-no?authuser=0

Rovert

09-07-2021, 06:46 PM

Ouch. Nice looking 370Z though (more like a 368Z now, amirite??)

Are you friends with Gary the Cat? (https://www.instagram.com/p/CRY_eZKpcR_/)

Hahahaha. I’m allergic to furry animals. [emoji2359]

t.er

09-08-2021, 09:07 AM

Very cool, keep us posted with your road trip. And let us socal people know, I'll meet up in LA.

EYYYYY LETS GET THIS MINI MEET GOING

On another note the impact made quick work of the brake lines.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210908/205d6821dc0615edead9332e73e729f4.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210908/30d2f74ca2c5c5cfc58b76a7d382376f.jpg

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

Spark330i

09-10-2021, 06:11 PM

Koni Struts (replaced under warranty due to previous Koni leaking oil) and Turner SS brake lines! I love working on this car :)

3844038441

YoitsTmac

09-10-2021, 07:26 PM

Will

09-11-2021, 05:28 PM

I'm in the SF bay but if there's a meet in LA let me know. This is the only thread I check every day or so and would love to put names to faces :)

Currently trying to determine if my gas pedal mod MS43 DME will pass smog with the new ECU Checksum part of California smog. I'm just going to be straight with my smog guy and ask for his advice, I've built a relationship with him

Keep us posted with what your smog guys says. It'd be great if he knows whether a tune is auto-fail / flagged for referee.

There's a thread on nam3forums discussing this situation (link (https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/113015-ca-la-smog)).

t.er

09-12-2021, 08:31 PM

A couple of my close friends recently picked up an E90 325 and 128 so we went for a bit of a cruise. Also with another friend who has an RX8 that shoots mad flames lol

I'll also be rocking this diffuser-less look until my trip since I don't want to fuss with the diffuser tabs with the bumper in place... looks kinda cool with it off!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210913/63738bb27abc34f49fc22cbc1f32da47.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210913/d35a44cf199491447c68a7d5982ba33b.jpg

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

t.er

09-14-2021, 01:36 PM

Time to warranty these DTC-60s:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210914/491e8f1427e4b0506e8c46cde688dbf6.jpg

Front caliper needs a rebuild. I'll probably deal with it in a few months and just swap it with a re-manufactured unit. Or go BBK:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210914/31b03b1a879d1c488807e6f92e517f55.jpg

Also the exhaust clamp for my BMWP muffler needs to be replaced, one of them cracked:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210914/01cff4905e5b167ef5453de770f5b889.jpg

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Galapolis

09-14-2021, 04:33 PM

Front caliper needs a rebuild. I'll probably deal with it in a few months and just swap it with a re-manufactured unit. Or go BBK:

I got rebuilt ones from FCP and the guide bushings were so bad that I had to replace them with brass bushings.

Go BBK.

t.er

09-14-2021, 04:40 PM

I got rebuilt ones from FCP and the guide bushings were so bad that I had to replace them with brass bushings.

Go BBK.

Tempting, but $$$. If I do a lot of tracking over there I might, especially since I will at least have a decent source of income. If I get rebuilt ones (more likely) I will be swapping over my brass bushings.

Exhaust clamp replaced:

https://i.imgur.com/iBbGkBKl.png

Galapolis

09-14-2021, 04:53 PM

Tempting, but $$$.

Too bad you missed these: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2448205-Boxster-S-996-Front-Calipers-Rally-Road

YoitsTmac

09-14-2021, 04:53 PM

t.er

09-14-2021, 05:06 PM

Got rear ended by a lifted truck. Never stood a chance. Pretty shooken up, denied hospital visit. Dude changed his story with the cop but undeniably his fault. Glad I switched to full coverage within the last three months.

Oh shoot sorry to hear! Well, I'm glad you're okay... wouldn't the hospital visit be covered under the other driver's insurance though? Hopefully no symptoms pop up down the road

YoitsTmac

09-14-2021, 09:35 PM

Oh shoot sorry to hear! Well, I'm glad you're okay... wouldn't the hospital visit be covered under the other driver's insurance though? Hopefully no symptoms pop up down the road

Yes, it would be covered. My back started feeling worse so I decided to go. I was told the next couple days will suck and to see how I feel then. I’ll unfortunately have to deal with what to do next about a car starting tomorrow. I’ll either be rebuild as salvage, repaired under existing title if insurance says it can, or worst case get a new chassis.

The idea of a new chassis and swapping everything over sound painful.

t.er

09-14-2021, 09:40 PM

Yes, it would be covered. My back started feeling worse so I decided to go. I was told the next couple days will suck and to see how I feel then. I’ll unfortunately have to deal with what to do next about a car starting tomorrow. I’ll either be rebuild as salvage, repaired under existing title if insurance says it can, or worst case get a new chassis.

The idea of a new chassis and swapping everything over sound painful.

Oh geez. I hope everything is alright with you. With my move to Cali next month I'm honestly a bit scared of healthcare and car insurance.

If it was a hard hit then it's likely to be totalled out given the age of our cars. I was in a similar situation and at least in Ontario you can fight the valuation of your car by getting your own appraisal. My car was supposed to be totalled in 2015 but I fought it and won, got my car fixed.

All of this is why I want to get an agreed-value policy when I switch, but you apparently cannot have that if you only have one car. Would hate to lose my car AND get screwed over in the payout because some Karen in an SUV was texting and just ran into me

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Galapolis

09-15-2021, 04:36 AM

Oh geez. I hope everything is alright with you. With my move to Cali next month I'm honestly a bit scared of healthcare and car insurance.

Car insurance should be doable, there are options. Moose drivers probably aren't great but multiply that by 10 and you get US drivers. I would recommend to start driving defensively and expect everyone else to screw up at any time. Avoid heavily congested areas if possible, even if it makes the route longer.

For health insurance, do you still have your Canadian insurance? That's basically what I'm doing, if something serious happens and I can still fly, I'll go back home and deal with it there.

YoitsTmac

09-15-2021, 05:20 AM

Oh geez. I hope everything is alright with you. With my move to Cali next month I'm honestly a bit scared of healthcare and car insurance.

If it was a hard hit then it's likely to be totalled out given the age of our cars. I was in a similar situation and at least in Ontario you can fight the valuation of your car by getting your own appraisal. My car was supposed to be totalled in 2015 but I fought it and won, got my car fixed.

All of this is why I want to get an agreed-value policy when I switch, but you apparently cannot have that if you only have one car. Would hate to lose my car AND get screwed over in the payout because some Karen in an SUV was texting and just ran into me

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

It went above bumper so crash integrity is in tact. Light quarter panel tweak, trunk, and trim below trunk (but not bumper). I don’t even know how to define the harshness of the hit. It all happened so fast. I was driving up a hill and didn’t even use the brakes to slow down, just gravity. Plowed by a lifted Tacoma.

Honest moment with my little family here. I found a really nice ZHP :) I kind of hope they total it, I would love to snag this ZHP I found. I wouldn’t have to do my headliner, get bumpers, repaint, find a door panel, etc. all these small things I want to do to my existing car that are just done on this ZHP. I’m finally out of college, I finally have a career. I think I deserve this really nice example. Only downside is it’s an automatic. I could move my manual over but the work...I already need to recover my subframe. So big picture it kind of evens out. Don’t mind giving a little TLC

fredo

09-15-2021, 06:18 AM

Sorry this happened to you. But good to hear you may grab a nicer ZHP in the near future.

t.er

09-15-2021, 07:54 AM

Car insurance should be doable, there are options. Moose drivers probably aren't great but multiply that by 10 and you get US drivers. I would recommend to start driving defensively and expect everyone else to screw up at any time. Avoid heavily congested areas if possible, even if it makes the route longer.

For health insurance, do you still have your Canadian insurance? That's basically what I'm doing, if something serious happens and I can still fly, I'll go back home and deal with it there.

Heh, yeah the area where I live in Toronto is I believe the 2nd worst area for insurance in the GTA and possibly all of Canada. But at least I know my insurance company won't screw me over - I had to fight them for my first accident, but my 2nd accident in Cali they had my back when the other guy's shitty company "Alliance United" wanted to total my car for like $3-4k. My company just approved like $5k worth of repairs without batting an eye, and sued Alliance United for the repairs. Hahaha suckaaaas. But this is why I really want to get an agreed-value policy, but seems not possible unless I get a 2nd car.

This is true actually. Stuff like dental and optical was covered under my parents' insurance plans as I was a dependent, but now I won't be so I won't have that privilege. But stuff like doctors or dermatologist appointments, or more serious stuff like surgerys I believe should still be covered with my health card. Within the last month I had to get an ultrasound done at the suggestion of my doctor for my checkup before I go. And years ago I had to get an MRI done... all covered by health card.

It went above bumper so crash integrity is in tact. Light quarter panel tweak, trunk, and trim below trunk (but not bumper). I don’t even know how to define the harshness of the hit. It all happened so fast. I was driving up a hill and didn’t even use the brakes to slow down, just gravity. Plowed by a lifted Tacoma.

Honest moment with my little family here. I found a really nice ZHP :) I kind of hope they total it, I would love to snag this ZHP I found. I wouldn’t have to do my headliner, get bumpers, repaint, find a door panel, etc. all these small things I want to do to my existing car that are just done on this ZHP. I’m finally out of college, I finally have a career. I think I deserve this really nice example. Only downside is it’s an automatic. I could move my manual over but the work...I already need to recover my subframe. So big picture it kind of evens out. Don’t mind giving a little TLC

Just make sure not to take the first offer from insurance. It will likely be very low, tell them all you have spent in terms of recent maintenance, make it sound like your car is a creampuff of an example and they should start bumping up the payout for it. With my first accident the initial offer was $6.2k, we made it to $8.8k before they agreed to just repair the car.

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sillieidiot

09-15-2021, 09:37 AM

It went above bumper so crash integrity is in tact. Light quarter panel tweak, trunk, and trim below trunk (but not bumper). I don’t even know how to define the harshness of the hit. It all happened so fast. I was driving up a hill and didn’t even use the brakes to slow down, just gravity. Plowed by a lifted Tacoma.

Honest moment with my little family here. I found a really nice ZHP :) I kind of hope they total it, I would love to snag this ZHP I found. I wouldn’t have to do my headliner, get bumpers, repaint, find a door panel, etc. all these small things I want to do to my existing car that are just done on this ZHP. I’m finally out of college, I finally have a career. I think I deserve this really nice example. Only downside is it’s an automatic. I could move my manual over but the work...I already need to recover my subframe. So big picture it kind of evens out. Don’t mind giving a little TLC

Sorry to hear. Hope you don't have any lasting injuries. Hopefully they give you a decent payout for totaling it.

YoitsTmac

09-15-2021, 10:34 PM

Checked out a ZHP. I mean I hang out here a lot and it would be cool if I owned one, but it not a requirement in my hunt. Sorry if you're the owner and reading this, but we talked about my honest opinion before I left anyway. I couldn't tell if they were active here. I'd love input from other members in regards to value. For me currently, I feel they oversold the condition so hard that seeing it in actuality was underwhelming. I feel I am being fair, but also I feel irritable with back pain, yet emotional with E46's since I have lost mine. Link to pics below.

First, the automatic. VERY slow compared to manual. I assume it has just been that long since I have driven an automatic E46, it's no secret they rob horsepower. It felt slower than my car to the point I wasn't sure if it was a ZHP.

Second, the condition. Exterior was very good. Aftermarket grill with a creaky fit but easy enough fix. Other scratches not worth mentioning. Interior was okay. The driver cushion has weird lines where I suspect they PO had buttons on the back of their shorts that scratched. Door trim was scratched. Dead pixels on nav. Steering wheel covered by crummy wrap. Just hard to overlook these issues when first text includes "you will not be disappointed. You will not find one cleaner than this, period!"

Third, mechanical. Engine was cleaned really well or leak free. Reports cooling system refresh. He has been the second owner for over a decade. I asked if ANYTHING has been done to the suspension, and he said no, never. On my test drive there is a bit of play going straight with no weight behind the wheel. I mentioned this to the owner and offered to show him as well, but he was adamant that there was nothing wrong. I don't know what to tell him about his ZHP, but my E46 just 30 hours prior had zero play. It wasn't a hill I wanted to die on but he wanted me to know that he would know if there was something wrong with the front, he would know. I just kind of ended on saying okay and saying I'm not going to fault a 15 year old car for having worn parts. Given how that conversation went, I decided not to mention how the engine mounts felt worn and that the diff felt like it moved a little on and off throttle. Its about that mileage for diff bushings. Again, not a hill I was going to die on.

He also mentioned his son drove it and got in a minor incident. He said something about being displeased with insurance and paying for it out of pocket (headlight, hood, fender maybe?). Those are decent costs at the dealer. I think between that and sentimental value, the owner believes this is the best example possible. In my opinion it's a really nice example, but I think in person and over text he wanted me to feel this was the most amazing car ever. I wouldn't call it that.

He wants $12k for 115k mile automatic with no heated seats and no lumbar (how???). After looking at comps such as BaT and curing CL listings, I think it's a smidge high. I feel people here are a little bias..you know...the website and all. But I'm looking for general feedback please. I really feel anything over $10.5K would be overpaying.

https://imgur.com/a/jmCoKHW

Just make sure not to take the first offer from insurance. It will likely be very low, tell them all you have spent in terms of recent maintenance, make it sound like your car is a creampuff of an example and they should start bumping up the payout for it. With my first accident the initial offer was $6.2k, we made it to $8.8k before they agreed to just repair the car.

Very useful information. How does this process work? I am taking it to a shop tomorrow. I talked to my adjuster and slid in all the parts I have put in within the last 12-16 months and he was like "yeah that sucks" and went onward. I definitely want that included in my evaluation, especially my LSD since it has under 1,500 miles on it.

t.er

09-15-2021, 10:44 PM

Very useful information. How does this process work? I am taking it to a shop tomorrow. I talked to my adjuster and slid in all the parts I have put in within the last 12-16 months and he was like "yeah that sucks" and went onward. I definitely want that included in my evaluation, especially my LSD since it has under 1,500 miles on it.

Bear in mind this is in Ontario - mine was some back and forth over email and phone. However I wouldn't state any mods or your claim could get denied, assuming you never told them about mods in the first place. I'd just talk about all the OE replacement parts and tell them that is all part of preventative maintenance. After $8.8k they told me to prove my car was worth what I said it was so I went ahead and paid $200 for an independent appraisal who valued my car at $13k.

Oooooo man. If you have the space and time for it, it could be worth it to take the car back if the buyout is low, otherwise you loose all the shiny new mod parts you've put on the car. For example say they offer $10k on the car and the salvage value is $2k, you could take the car and they would cut you a cheque for $8k. Then you could do whatever you want - fix and drive again as a salvage title, take the LSD off and swap back to stock and sell the car as-is, take all the parts for manual swap with the new ZHP if you go for it and part out the rest of the car...

Edit: oh and Re: ZHP, seems pretty high to me but this market is crazy right now and I've noticed in general the prices of cars in that area is sky-high anyways. Yeah that steering wheel is horrendous and funny how the rear diffuser is body colour, that looks so weird. Also missing fog light trim.

I'd recommend to leave it until you are least know what your settlement is with your car.

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YoitsTmac

09-15-2021, 11:37 PM

Bear in mind this is in Ontario - mine was some back and forth over email and phone. However I wouldn't state any mods or your claim could get denied, assuming you never told them about mods in the first place. I'd just talk about all the OE replacement parts and tell them that is all part of preventative maintenance. After $8.8k they told me to prove my car was worth what I said it was so I went ahead and paid $200 for an independent appraisal who valued my car at $13k.

Oooooo man. If you have the space and time for it, it could be worth it to take the car back if the buyout is low, otherwise you loose all the shiny new mod parts you've put on the car. For example say they offer $10k on the car and the salvage value is $2k, you could take the car and they would cut you a cheque for $8k. Then you could do whatever you want - fix and drive again as a salvage title, take the LSD off and swap back to stock and sell the car as-is, take all the parts for manual swap with the new ZHP if you go for it and part out the rest of the car...

Edit: oh and Re: ZHP, seems pretty high to me but this market is crazy right now and I've noticed in general the prices of cars in that area is sky-high anyways. Yeah that steering wheel is horrendous and funny how the rear diffuser is body colour, that looks so weird. Also missing fog light trim.

I'd recommend to leave it until you are least know what your settlement is with your car.

I'm glad you agree the ZHP feels high. I just wanted to be "leveled" if I was out of play. I will do my best not to get emotional. Definitely ISO coupe E46's with clean exteriors in CA. Inventory seems low right now in general.

My car is an 01' 330. KBB says $5.7k but market here is steering closer to 7.5k. I digress. in my opinion, I have to buy it back. My LSD, my suspension...not as much as others but my wheels. And the transmission. Honestly I can't imagine the ZHP (or my daily E46) without the manual. It was so lifeless for me.

Galapolis

09-16-2021, 05:22 AM

I guess my car is just a shitbox because the exterior/interior condition of that white ZHP looks excellent to me.

However it would still be a hard pass at that price because the car was clearly not taken care of. I'm sorry, 115k miles and no suspension work??? That's fine if it's just some random guy selling their car and you're expecting to make it your project, but like you said, he clearly knew what he had and was adamant about the great condition.

Control arms, dampers, strut mounts, driveline bushings, suspension bushings... These will all need to be replaced.

BMWCurves

09-16-2021, 06:25 AM

95% of the time, "You will not find one cleaner than this, period!" is inadvertent coded language (to me) for, "I am overvaluing my mid-tier condition car because I know the market is hot." I've interacted with enough people through Craigslist to feel comfortable with that claim.

It's difficult for me to understand how someone could drive that car regularly with that steering wheel as it is. You have to touch it for the majority of a drive, I wouldn't be able to put up with it, and would feel cheap whenever I had a passenger. While maybe that's acceptable to other people, it is red/orange flag for me because if they're willing to put up with that, what else are they okay with for the rest of the car?

There are some other odd aesthetic choices (to me) like the wrapped/painted roof, wrapped/painted side mirror mounts, missing fog light covers, rear painted diffuser. Also, what is happening with that other blue BMW in the background? It has 330Ci headlights, an M3-CSL front bumper that doesn't fit, and with the air intake inlet painted over?

One thing I will say though, Black Cube trim in the coupe scratches if you even *look* at it, so I wouldn't fault the guy for that. I have never seen a coupe without scratches on its door trim, it's just the coupe way. I genuinely marvel at how BMW got them out of the factory and onto the showroom floor without scratches.

All in all, while it does generally look "clean" and has a mouthwatering color combo (IMO), the maintenance needs and automatic makes it overpriced.

fredo

09-16-2021, 06:39 AM

That AW coupe looks very decent. For comparison, I bought my 2005 sedan with 137k miles on the clock. The only suspension work it had done at that point was:

90k miles = control arm bushings
126k miles = rear trailing arm bushings

I was very happy with the way the car drove after my purchase. But I decided to refresh the suspension at 150k miles. My main reason was : cupping tires. It was time to buy new tires and I didn't want the new set to be cupped eventually.

In your case, since the seller had the car for a long time (10+ years) very likely he can't tell the suspension doesn't feel like before because he doesn't have a clear "before" and "after" pic. For the "slow AT" factor, you may consider a Sprint Booster. That mod makes a day and night difference on the driving experience.

I also wonder why the rear diffuser was painted white. Hope this helps.

Edit: and yes, the price seems a little high.

YoitsTmac

09-16-2021, 09:00 AM

Thanks everyone. Last night I was like "what's $2k in the grand scheme of things when the condition is this good?" but you guys are really keeping me leveled out. I hope he will take 10 or 10.5. I won't pay more thanks to you guys. It's incredibly hard for me to walk away, but you're all absolutely right.

I need to swallow my damn pride here and just drive the company cars for a while.

fredo

09-16-2021, 04:20 PM

sillieidiot

09-16-2021, 06:18 PM

Checked out a ZHP...

https://imgur.com/a/jmCoKHW

From the pictures, it looks to be in pretty good condition. And with the current used prices, I feel like the seller is on the mark as far as listing prices go. Because I have seen way worst condition zhps go for that much. Sometimes with like 2x the miles which is BS lol But I would just negotiate down to like 10k or something. Even then I'd rather just pick up a normal 330. I literally did the exact same thing you're going through now. I found a ZHP I wanted, but it was in worst than described condition (and I flew to Norcal to see it, that bastard). I walked away and got my current 330 for cheaper and better condition. Rest is history.

t.er

09-16-2021, 07:34 PM

^ Two months ago someone was selling a 2010 335i locally for $12,000 on CL. It didn't sell, so they posted it on Autotrader for $10,500 and it sold in a week or so. There's hope. I remember that car because the miles were low.My friend bought a 6-speed 128i. It was listed for $11k for 2 weeks, then down to $9.9k. Long story short he offered $6.5k after looking at the car, and they met smack-dab in the middle at... $6.6k. He was a shrewd negotiator for sure

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YoitsTmac

09-17-2021, 06:07 AM

Thanks for the comments guys. Well as of now I have been unsuccessful even reaching out to the owner. He is definitely not a guy that is always near his phone or likes being in his phone, but it is annoying.

I have a locked price in my head that I think he’d take. But yeah I don’t know his schedule or what. He has been constantly promising carfax and never provides them. He said he’s retired so I will give him a ring at 10. For someone with no receipts, the carfax better list stuff (according to him, it has “all the maintenance”)

Edit: body shop called me on car arrival to say my E46 was a total loss. The damage to the right side pulled the left side. Such is life.

ItsRichieRich

09-17-2021, 07:56 AM

If I can find a replacement car, I have a manual sedan in black for sale :)

YoitsTmac

09-17-2021, 08:13 AM

Only coupe life for me! But thank you

BMWCurves

09-17-2021, 09:31 AM

Only coupe life for me! But thank you

Live that *ungh ugh mph, uhhhhhhhh SLUMP* ingress life of wide coupe door and a narrow entry.

Rovert

09-17-2021, 10:35 AM

Live that *ungh ugh mph, uhhhhhhhh SLUMP* ingress life of wide coupe door and a narrow entry.

[emoji23][emoji23]

sillieidiot

09-17-2021, 11:02 AM

YoitsTmac

09-17-2021, 11:19 AM

if he doesn't take it. Just have a bunch of the norcal ZHP members go see the car and bid even lower than you did. He'll come back around and offer to you at your price lol Then you can negotiate down even more and get it cheaper lol

hah, damn, I love you all here. :) I don’t know if he’s trying to fuck with me because I said I was a little underwhelmed, but I called and left a message this morning and I have not heard back from him. At this point, even if we can negotiate a deal, it would be the most sour taste in my mouth experience. I just called up a couple friends to kind of talk some sense into me. I’m obviously emotional losing my car and knowing what the market is like needing another, but thankfully between you guys and my other local friends I’m being kept in check and not gonna pay over for this car.

ISO sub 130k e46 330ci LCI. Any exterior color but tAig or black. Strongly prefer manual, flexible budget for the right car - just a reasonable or fair value

YoitsTmac

09-17-2021, 11:20 AM

ItsRichieRich

09-17-2021, 12:36 PM

He also said someone is scheduled to come look at it today. I bet this is why I haven’t heard from him and that he hopes to bid us against each other. I will not play game with that, especially without a Carfax. He’s dodged it so hard now it feels like there’s something wrong

For me personally, it's usually a bad sign. All of my favorite cars, (that I have owned) have been straight forward and great experiences with the previous owners. All the ones that I have dealt with that weren't so pleasant have been cars I regretted buying...

With that being said, if you see a car in the San Diego area that you like, I can always check it out for you.

Rovert

09-17-2021, 01:34 PM

Yeah all my cars chose me. I never worked to get them and they all worked out to be a great experience for both parties.

Remember there are more cars out there than a ZHP when you’re in a jam. Just go out there and make it a fun game. Find an undervalued reliable car that will be fun to experience while is in demand as you continue to search for what you really want in the meantime.

I’ve had fun with my friend going through cars and really enjoyed driving them…a Civic Si and FRS/BRZ are my favorites. They are easy to offload once you find a “perfect to you” ZHP.

Don’t get caught up with paying a bit more you need for something that ultimately you will enjoy for many many months or years. That difference will be negligible compared to the flood of great good memories. I paid more than I needed for my M3 as well as my 335d. But the fun and peace I‘ve had with these cars drown out my woes with the initial higher dollar value. I may have a different tone if I’m talking about paying extra for Corollas…LOL

YoitsTmac

09-17-2021, 01:55 PM

Yeah, I agree it’s worth paying more for something you like. I just haven’t heard from him. My last message from him was that he would send me the Carfax Wednesday night. I have not heard a single word after that message. I know he said someone was going to come look at it today, and that’s as much as I know at this time. The more time without communication, the more over it I am.

YoitsTmac

09-17-2021, 02:18 PM

Any opinions on this? https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/hercules-2004-bmw330ci-clean-titlemiles/7381611848.html

I have an entire donor drivetrain...Can carry out the engine with trans on my car as one piece. Clearly my budget can extend well beyond this but leaves lots of room on the table

EDIT: Nevermind because insurance wouldn't recognize it for what I put into it, again. Given my situation I think I want something with some measurable value.

sillieidiot

09-17-2021, 03:35 PM

Just buy E46 M3 instead. I have one for sale ;)

Honestly, I think I would walk away if it's that hard to get the carfax. There will be other cars I'm sure.

edit:
too bad you don't want black. I did a quick search and found 2 black normal 330s lol I would get it and wrap it. Boom color change lol

in case you want to look at it for kicks
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/santa-ana-2004-bmw-330-ci-for-sell/7381180555.html

YoitsTmac

09-17-2021, 05:12 PM

Beyond pissed off. Dude finally got back to me. He said I thought I wasn't interested and that he has no reception, is out of town, and that his son has facilitated a bidding war if I want to go further above ask. Also said he is not in a position to send me a carfax. Then why offer it? In person I said "I'm looking at another car in the morning, and will call you tomorrow" (that being on Wednesday). He said he would send me the carfax, but just admitted no intention. If you were going out of town, why wouldn't you mention that? He then asked me to join a bidding war. Was disrespectful in person, avoided offering any maintenance, avoided offering carfax. I'm over it. Everything about this deal smelled wrong, and I'm happy it's over and I'm not apart of it.

The car will come.

Sillieidiot, link to M3? I'm not sure I should get an M3 because I am 23 and because I am going to B58 swap and I think the community would castrate me for putting a non-M engine in a M.

Rovert

09-17-2021, 05:32 PM

I'm not sure I should get an M3 because I am 23 and because I am going to B58 swap and I think the community would castrate me for putting a non-M engine in a M.

Haha haha haha. I will tell all my E46M group!!! I have 60 in our Vancouver owners chat. [emoji1787][emoji1787]

Is it bad that I was thinking of Tesla powering it if my engine was done? [emoji23] good thing I found another engine just in case. Phewwwww. I would have been the silent E46M outcast. [emoji85]

papa_g

09-17-2021, 05:36 PM

Sillieidiot, link to M3? I'm not sure I should get an M3 because I am 23 and because I am going to B58 swap and I think the community would castrate me for putting a non-M engine in a M.

We talking chemical or surgical castration?

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Rovert

09-17-2021, 05:37 PM

We talking chemical or surgical castration?

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You guys and your medical lingo. LOL

papa_g

09-17-2021, 05:38 PM

You guys and your medical lingo. LOL

[emoji3166]

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t.er

09-17-2021, 09:10 PM

Live that *ungh ugh mph, uhhhhhhhh SLUMP* ingress life of wide coupe door and a narrow entry.

You guys have it easy. It's much worse with my bucket seat

I’ve had fun with my friend going through cars and really enjoyed driving them…a Civic Si and FRS/BRZ are my favorites. They are easy to offload once you find a “perfect to you” ZHP.

I drove my friend's BRZ on track today... holy hell what a car. Felt like a street version of the FSAE car. Kept traction control on because of liability but damn, you can play with it so much more than my E46. And my car is already a lot more lively on track than a stock one lol

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Rovert

09-17-2021, 10:17 PM

I drove my friend's BRZ on track today... holy hell what a car. Felt like a street version of the FSAE car. Kept traction control on because of liability but damn, you can play with it so much more than my E46. And my car is already a lot more lively on track than a stock one lol

It’s so easy to play with rotation on that car. Who said it doesn’t have enough power? [emoji23] It’s also comical with crappy tires on. When I went for a canyon drive with my friends FRS and the D, we swapped cars to come back home. Little did I know he didn’t tell me what kind of tires were on it while we drove back in the rain. I followed him into the first corner at a decent speed and the back end progressively came out and stayed out. LOL. Initial D’ing behind him at 65mph. He wanted to surprise me and not tell me that his winter tires were 10yo. [emoji23][emoji2359] He trusted me that much…..

After learning that, it was a kick ass drive home. Low speed drifting all the corners. LOL any throttle past 40% was rear traction loss. Any turn-in with a mild Scandinavian flick was met with rotation. Hahahah. That chassis is so nice to manhandle!

sillieidiot

09-17-2021, 11:45 PM

sillieidiot

09-17-2021, 11:47 PM

Haha haha haha. I will tell all my E46M group!!! I have 60 in our Vancouver owners chat. [emoji1787][emoji1787]

Is it bad that I was thinking of Tesla powering it if my engine was done? [emoji23] good thing I found another engine just in case. Phewwwww. I would have been the silent E46M outcast. [emoji85]

I thought about that too. But man I would just have 2 boring fast cars lol

It’s so easy to play with rotation on that car. Who said it doesn’t have enough power? [emoji23] It’s also comical with crappy tires on. When I went for a canyon drive with my friends FRS and the D, we swapped cars to come back home. Little did I know he didn’t tell me what kind of tires were on it while we drove back in the rain. I followed him into the first corner at a decent speed and the back end progressively came out and stayed out. LOL. Initial D’ing behind him at 65mph. He wanted to surprise me and not tell me that his winter tires were 10yo. [emoji23][emoji2359] He trusted me that much…..

After learning that, it was a kick ass drive home. Low speed drifting all the corners. LOL any throttle past 40% was rear traction loss. Any turn-in with a mild Scandinavian flick was met with rotation. Hahahah. That chassis is so nice to manhandle!

I did the same thing with my friend's BRZ. He had the stock tires and they had no grip. I was like damn this thing just wants to drift lol

t.er

09-18-2021, 06:15 AM

It’s so easy to play with rotation on that car. Who said it doesn’t have enough power? [emoji23] It’s also comical with crappy tires on. When I went for a canyon drive with my friends FRS and the D, we swapped cars to come back home. Little did I know he didn’t tell me what kind of tires were on it while we drove back in the rain. I followed him into the first corner at a decent speed and the back end progressively came out and stayed out. LOL. Initial D’ing behind him at 65mph. He wanted to surprise me and not tell me that his winter tires were 10yo. [emoji23][emoji2359] He trusted me that much…..

After learning that, it was a kick ass drive home. Low speed drifting all the corners. LOL any throttle past 40% was rear traction loss. Any turn-in with a mild Scandinavian flick was met with rotation. Hahahah. That chassis is so nice to manhandle!

I did the same thing with my friend's BRZ. He had the stock tires and they had no grip. I was like damn this thing just wants to drift lol

Heck it does that with RS4s lol. Plant your foot down in the corner and the back-end is just so eager. I can't imagine how it is with stock tires!

My friend drove mine and he said there was grip, but it's so... calm

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BMWCurves

09-18-2021, 08:56 AM

I can't keep up with all of these replies but:

Remember there are more cars out there than a ZHP when you’re in a jam.

https://i.imgur.com/pz5sOJK.gif

Don’t get caught up with paying a bit more you need for something that ultimately you will enjoy for many many months or years

https://i.imgur.com/mGKoRAh.gif

And finally - dude sounds like your run of the mill Craigslist experience, at least for me. Just take it in stride. I agree with people saying as long as the interaction is okay, it's worth pursuing, but people who are flaky, incommunicative, etc, it's not worth it. I will say my purchase was a bit of a struggle because the original owners sold to a guy who was clearly a flipper, and I just waited on Craigslist mashing refresh for a week before it popped up for a higher price :facepalm. But I have zero regrets about that purchase.

Rovert

09-18-2021, 09:03 AM

But I have zero regrets about that purchase.

Of course you don’t because you met me because of your ZHP purchase. [emoji41][emoji2957][emoji23][emoji23]

BMWCurves

09-18-2021, 09:06 AM

Of course you don’t because you met me because of your ZHP purchase. [emoji41][emoji2957][emoji23][emoji23]

https://i.imgur.com/rUgfUsb.gif

Rovert

09-18-2021, 09:11 AM

https://i.imgur.com/rUgfUsb.gif

Hahahahaha. What friend sends you to purchase 12 donuts for $42USD?? You!!! [emoji1787] I will never forget when the cash register told me the final bill. Thanks for being my friend! [emoji2957]

BMWCurves

09-18-2021, 09:53 AM

I didn't say friendship with me was cheap.

YoitsTmac

09-18-2021, 01:07 PM

So after yesterday when he said there was a bidding war, today I looked at a 335. Didn’t do it for me, fun wise.

Oddly enough mr. bidding war felt the need to send me the carfax he promised 4 or so days ago. This car is all original except a radiator hose, radiator...and that’s it. It’s been in THREE accidents, most recent being this year rated at “severe”. Car seems seriously neglected, and the odd painted mirror trim, bumper trim is due to repairing all these accidents. The red flags were hiding a big red flag.

I have walked, keeping my chin up. I get really emotional so thanks to all for keeping in touch. Please let me know if people don’t want updates on my hunt here, I feel a little spammy and don’t want people annoyed :)

holyc0w

09-18-2021, 01:32 PM

How was this bidding war supposed to work? Did he have other people interested? He could have been lying about that.

Did you have any temptation to give him a low offer after the Carfax?

YoitsTmac

09-18-2021, 01:56 PM

I’m not sure. Forgot to share the second half. When he wasn’t responding Thursday, to see if it was personal, I created a work email and set a new name with my spare phone number as my contact. Right after he sent me the carfax today telling me to be above ask, he immediately texted my alias saying the car was available asking when my alias would like to come see it.

So he was full of shit. There is no bidding war. I am two of two interested parties. If someone truly came Friday, they walked. I gave my friend my spare phone as the alias and told her to inquire about the car as if she was in the market buy. I also told her to make a reasonable offer when she feels properly informed about maintenance and accident history and to let me know if she finds reason.

My last message to him offered 11 cash. In the spirit of treating others how you want to be treated, I have blocked him. I’m currently willing to pay 0. It makes sense he withheld the carfax so long. 3+ accident, one rated as severe, he says it’s his maintenance records and virtually nothing has been done maintenance wise. Definitely makes you want a ppi which he said “there’s no need, it’s perfect”. It’s a good car to walk from.

holyc0w

09-18-2021, 02:18 PM

I figured that could be the case. It's probably a common tactic used to pressure someone into making a deal. Humans are the worst.

YoitsTmac

09-18-2021, 02:22 PM

sillieidiot

09-18-2021, 05:00 PM

My mom used give me shit for saying “I hate people”

Reasons like this is why. I bought all my cars through Craigslist and have never had someone pull this shit. Like I said though, chin up and waiting for inventory

Yeah, when you buy/sell enough shit, you see these things all the time. But you will find something. There's always someone selling their car lol

t.er

09-18-2021, 06:13 PM

I will say my purchase was a bit of a struggle because the original owners sold to a guy who was clearly a flipper, and I just waited on Craigslist mashing refresh for a week before it popped up for a higher price :facepalm. But I have zero regrets about that purchase.

Similar situation here. Looking back on it I could've easily gotten my car for $1k+ less than I paid. Zero regrets though because it's such a nice spec, has never really let me down and when it has it was an intermittent issue that was easily fixed and expected for a car of its age and mileage.

@Tyler don't worry man, keep your eyes peeled... the right car from the right seller will eventually pop up. You also probably have enough on your hands already dealing with insurance and the rest of the aftermath of the accident.

papa_g

09-18-2021, 07:32 PM

Good advice above. I’ll tell you from my own experience I was searching for an e46 for 6 months before I got my zhp. My friends were making fun of me for how long it was taking lol.
You walked away from what likely would have been a PITA. Hopefully that gives you some reassurance and motivation to continue your search

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Rovert

09-18-2021, 08:22 PM

Took me four months to find my M3 after the ZHP was a total loss. Driving a minivan was as fun as making oatmeal everyday. It took 6 months to find the 335d when I accepted the M3 is now more a toy to go HAM with every now and then. I needed to find a spare engine while preparing for engine rebuild and now my friend is trying to free up his shop from a customer’s nightmare E30 build before I can get my blue turd in there.

You’ll figure out a way to get around soon enough! Keep fighting. It’s the right of passage being a car enthusiast. LOL

sillieidiot

09-19-2021, 01:08 AM

Lol it took me like 2 years. God damn couldn't find one in the color combo w/manual. Then I find one and that guy turns out to be an ass so I end up with my current 330. I was driving around this POS ford tempo the whole time. But I ended up with a better car, which I'm still modding. Just really slow lol

san

09-19-2021, 12:25 PM

Oil pan gasket.

Got the pan out earlier today, now need to put everything back

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papa_g

09-19-2021, 05:00 PM

Oil pan gasket.

Got the pan out earlier today, now need to put everything back

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Godspeed

Spark330i

09-19-2021, 06:08 PM

Today I hopefully found the reason for my oil pressure light taking longer than expected to turn off at cold start (oil drain back valve) and part 2 of my oil leak! Replaced the Oil Filter Housing and gasket.

38479
38480

YoitsTmac

09-19-2021, 11:57 PM

edit: would love some thoughts on this car: https://lascruces.craigslist.org/cto/d/las-cruces-2005-bmw-330ci-zhp/7374845568.html

Mileage is right, combo is okay to me - would sell the alcantara if there's even a market for it. C's are peeling so headliner is likely next, but it's already a manual. As silly as it is, the only thing that concerns me is all the mods done to it. Pretty decent list of performance mods such as the brakes, suspension and differential. On the other front, it's a list of mods only a fanatic would get. I'm requesting service in the AM.

@Tyler don't worry man, keep your eyes peeled... the right car from the right seller will eventually pop up. You also probably have enough on your hands already dealing with insurance and the rest of the aftermath of the accident.

Totally dreading whatever comes next in relation to my current E46. They submitted the $15,000 estimate to insurance on Friday, hopefully that doesn't total it :). The Chevy Spark has been a total joy in the meantime and great for my back /s. It is officially the least powerful vehicle I have ever driven.

Lol it took me like 2 years. God damn couldn't find one in the color combo w/manual. Then I find one and that guy turns out to be an ass so I end up with my current 330. I was driving around this POS ford tempo the whole time. But I ended up with a better car, which I'm still modding. Just really slow lol

Well I hope it doesn't take me that long! Thankfully I have a spare manual transmission and can buy an automagic if I have to. Makes my search significantly easier. I'm preparing for a long hunt though since I am slightly picky. I may buy some tail lights and a trunk from the junk yard and get comfortable in my current car.

Now that "Mia" (my current E46) is on her final legs, a few of my friends have happily come forward to express their distaste for my M3 seats. In their defense, the white ZHP's seats felt 3x more comfortable. Seems I have a number of things to look forward to in the future :). I hope I can join you all in the ZHP club!

sillieidiot

09-20-2021, 02:21 AM

edit: would love some thoughts on this car: https://lascruces.craigslist.org/cto/d/las-cruces-2005-bmw-330ci-zhp/7374845568.html

Mileage is right, combo is okay to me - would sell the alcantara if there's even a market for it. C's are peeling so headliner is likely next, but it's already a manual. As silly as it is, the only thing that concerns me is all the mods done to it. Pretty decent list of performance mods such as the brakes, suspension and differential. On the other front, it's a list of mods only a fanatic would get. I'm requesting service in the AM.

Totally dreading whatever comes next in relation to my current E46. They submitted the $15,000 estimate to insurance on Friday, hopefully that doesn't total it :). The Chevy Spark has been a total joy in the meantime and great for my back /s. It is officially the least powerful vehicle I have ever driven.

Well I hope it doesn't take me that long! Thankfully I have a spare manual transmission and can buy an automagic if I have to. Makes my search significantly easier. I'm preparing for a long hunt though since I am slightly picky. I may buy some tail lights and a trunk from the junk yard and get comfortable in my current car.

Now that "Mia" (my current E46) is on her final legs, a few of my friends have happily come forward to express their distaste for my M3 seats. In their defense, the white ZHP's seats felt 3x more comfortable. Seems I have a number of things to look forward to in the future :). I hope I can join you all in the ZHP club!

The car looks good from the pictures. I was expecting more mods when you were like "all the mods." But it's like 3 items lol The plates and coils go together, and the SS brakes lines in the front go with the BBK.

There's definitely a market for the alcantara. Fairly standard stuff for the age of the car. The pictures look pretty good.

BMWCurves

09-20-2021, 06:21 AM

I mirror sillieidiot's statements, those modifications wouldn't worry me. I'd ask about maintenance such as oil service intervals, does the owner have receipts, etc. The Alcantara looks to be in good shape including the driver's seat, and can easily be sold (people seem to love it).

I would note that with the Alcantara it means the car does not have the Premium Package, and from pictures it does not have the Cold Weather Package either, although all coupes as you probably know have fold down rear seats.

Some other small modifications I notice are the metal pedals and black grilles (it's hard to tell but I don't think they're BMW Performance ones). Also, either this car was late enough in the production run or a previous owner modified it, but the shift boot, parking brake, and the steering wheel are all leather, unlike the more common Alcantara. The steering wheel looks to be the factory leather ZHP wheel so likely this is a late 2005 model when BMW changed to leather.

It looks to be in good shape, and if the maintenance is good, the price ("in this economy?!") seems fair to me, especially compared to what some other people are putting up on bidding sites and Craigslist.

johnrando

09-20-2021, 06:53 AM

@YoitsTmac please make a new thread if you want to further dicuss your search for a car. This thread is more focused in existing car efforts. GL with your search.

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t.er

09-20-2021, 07:08 AM

BMWCurves

09-20-2021, 07:33 AM

Really, are M3 seats that much less comfy than sports seats? Granted I haven't sat in one for an extended period of time but I did like them.

I think M3 seats are a little less comfy for long hauls, but make up for that considerably with how much better the side bolsters are. I am a fairly skinny individual, and I was slip-sliding around in the stock sport seats. Maybe alcantara would help with that, but the M3 seats I have in my car now are definitely preferred despite me enjoying the slightly improved comfort of the stock sport seats whenever I'm in my father's or sister's ZHP.

san

09-20-2021, 05:20 PM

Godspeed

Thanks!

Completed the job today. Replaced the oil pan gasket, steering guibo, engine mounts and control arm bushings.

Drove home about 30 miles and seems ok so far. Will need to check for leaks sometime this week after driving a bit more.

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BMWCurves

09-20-2021, 08:57 PM

How do those old but "new" motor mounts feel?

YoitsTmac

09-20-2021, 10:00 PM

Really, are M3 seats that much less comfy than sports seats? Granted I haven't sat in one for an extended period of time but I did like them.

After all is said and done I'd be curious to know if your insurance company gave you a fair evaluation, and if they were fairly flexible with adjusting that number based on the work you've done to your car. If they seem nice then I may have to go with them lol. Just had such a sour taste in my mouth from when the guy hit me in 2017, he was with "Alliance United" which was so crap

I have AAA. Anyone with experience please let me know. Apparently my boss was once an AAA insurance adjuster and said as long as I can justify my car value, they will give it to me. So the mods will be difficult but almost certainly up to market value fo 6-7k.

Also M3 seats are seriously that less comfortable, in my experience. Your butt has like 3x more Cush in the standard sport seats. I genuinely can't describe how much more comfortable non-M sport seats are, especially later year. Some are softer than others but all our softer than M3.

@YoitsTmac please make a new thread if you want to further dicuss your search for a car. This thread is more focused in existing car efforts. GL with your search.

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10-4 boss. Sorry for bustling the thread. Please sub guys I would love guidance! This is my first "for pleasure" car purchase I'd say :).
Thread: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?23925-Tyler-AKA-YoitsTmac-ZHP-Coupe-Hunt!&p=609941#post609941

johnrando

09-20-2021, 10:52 PM

[emoji1360]

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san

09-21-2021, 03:57 AM

How do those old but "new" motor mounts feel?

So much better but it’s not surprising considering that the passenger side engine mount was split in half and leaking the oil/fluid. The the driveline feels much more tightened down and the gear shifts are much smoother. I was expecting the NVH to be worse because I installed M3 mounts but considering the state of the mounts that were on the car, these are an improvement in every aspect.

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Galapolis

09-21-2021, 10:03 AM

Installed a Z4 wheel today.

38481

wstr75

09-21-2021, 10:48 AM

Have had the G.A.S. DISA parts and new intake boots for a while and yesterday my local independent shop rebuilt the DISA with a G.A.S. kit and also installed new intake boots.

Wow!

My ZHP had not been running poorly nor suffering power loss. Occasionally on cold mornings when allowed to idle for more than 5 minutes an error message would pop up (this happened twice over 18 months). I'd clear it and it would be months before it happened again. This got me to thinking about new intake boots and with thinking about replacing the intake boots, it logically led to rebuilding the DISA (125,400 miles) at the same time.

Today I did repeated acceleration pulls getting onto the local interstate and was surprised how smooth the engine transitioned across the rpm ranges. What I thought was smooth before has been replaced with a turbine kind of smooth with the new DISA and boots. The idle is a wee bit smoother, too.

fredo

09-30-2021, 07:09 AM

Replaced the windshield on my 2011 X3 with Safelite. They charged $495 as compared to $1,500 at the dealer. I'm very happy with the results. Safelite installed a Pilkington.

I only have one complaint: the driver's seat got some black stuff on it during the install. It was easy to clean, but I didn't notice until I sat on it.

papa_g

09-30-2021, 08:10 AM

cakM3

09-30-2021, 11:05 AM

I installed a 13th Gen TCU module into my ZHP this afternoon. The 13th Gen TCU module is the latest Gen TCU module you can install into an E46. Even though I am using BlueBus and using hands free communication thru BlueBus, if I ever decide to change out my head unit for an Avin head unit like what Botond has in his ZHP, I will end up losing BlueBus altogether as it is not compatible with the Avin head unit and I will have to reconnect the TCU module and I would rather use the most current TCU module since it will support Bluetooth hands free communication whereas the 6th Gen TCU module my ZHP was equipped with from the factory will not. It is nice to have options... :cool

Avetiso

09-30-2021, 02:30 PM

Test drove an E90 M3. Took it to a shop for a PPI. Took it back to the shop that fix a deer impact because they did a crappy job the first time around and they committed to making it right whether the current owner or I bring it in. Will be negotiating tonight.

wstr75

09-30-2021, 05:36 PM

I cannot answer your question regarding DISA and vacuum holding aspect. No vacuum testing, only an assumption it would be a good idea to replace intake boot components and rebuild the DISA at the same time.

3erZHP

10-02-2021, 12:03 PM

https://youtu.be/paoJCHZjxWk

Oil Change and inspection on my zhp that I recently picked up. Appreciate any comments/feedback, likes or follows. Will be documenting the refresh via YouTube.

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AM1GO

10-05-2021, 08:20 AM

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211005/299c29ffae216d4cca25bdcecb8e5291.jpg
So I decided to paint brake calipers... did not want it to be completely black and did not want it bright blue... so it’s a mix 50/50 of G2 paint... Superman combo kinda... what do you think?

Pics behind wheels are incoming.

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johnrando

10-05-2021, 09:51 PM

LIKE

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RUS_ZHP

10-14-2021, 08:43 AM

Hey family, I haven't been checking in here for quite some time. I see a lot of great posts.
Few days ago I had a pleasure of meeting in person one member and exploring his amazing BMW shop. I am talking about George at Hill Performance Bimmers. What a place! The amount of cool projects, M3 swapped wagons and sheer amout of great job that George is doing is simply astonishing! I spent few hours in this place and it was amazing experience. Sorry George for destructing you from work-:))) It was a pleasure of meeting you and spend time at your place.
Below is some pictures of cool bimmers. Please ignore that huge bus from Stuttgart. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211014/cfc961a4654e7f7c51b1cec18e9363f3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211014/c7a326e1831f423e815a2398e693fd8e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211014/1b07c284f5006030ffecb8d8f2370b26.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211014/35ace896cefad837bdc6bfbe071eb296.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211014/ca055fc9b2b32b6c8bd3cc73d40a8bbf.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211014/4c350bb64a529ee724402c9dced8fe60.jpg

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Vas

10-14-2021, 03:35 PM

fredo

10-15-2021, 08:07 AM

RUS_ZHP, glad to hear you are having a good visit to TX. I agree, George always has cool projects in his shop. :thumbsup

RUS_ZHP

10-15-2021, 08:31 AM

Thanks for checking in. What's new ?

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using TapatalkI have many news Vas. In May of this year, me and my wife left our jobs in Boston area, sold the house and left for a 5 month travel across the country. This Mercedes van is our motor home. We drove 18k miles already across US.
Hopefully, we will settle in Charlotte area by the end of this year. So, realy big changes. We always entertained an idea to move to a different state. This year, we finally made a decision.
Both ZHPs are in storage since May. Hopefully, they will be running well after the long hibernation.
RUS_ZHP, glad to hear you are having a good visit to TX. I agree, George always has cool projects in his shop. :thumbsupFor sure Fredo. George is a great guy and I was happy to meet him in Person.
So is Texas. This was not my first visit. But this time it was mega cool. I visited Big Bend National Park, El Paso, Guadalupe Mount National Park, USS Lexington museum in Corpus Christi, spent a few days in Padre Islands (what a place!) and finally two days in Austin area.

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Vas

10-15-2021, 11:54 AM

I have many news Vas. In May of this year, me and my wife left our jobs in Boston area, sold the house and left for a 5 month travel across the country. This Mercedes van is our motor home. We drove 18k miles already across US.
Hopefully, we will settle in Charlotte area by the end of this year. So, realy big changes. We always entertained an idea to move to a different state. This year, we finally made a decision.
Both ZHPs are in storage since May. Hopefully, they will be running well after the long hibernation. For sure Fredo. George is a great guy and I was happy to meet him in Person.
So is Texas. This was not my first visit. But this time it was mega cool. I visited Big Bend National Park, El Paso, Guadalupe Mount National Park, USS Lexington museum in Corpus Christi, spent a few days in Padre Islands (what a place!) and finally two days in Austin area.

Sent from my SM-G960U using TapatalkNice. Share some travel pics. Btw the wife and I are 4 hours from Charlotte so if you are passing through stop on by

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Galapolis

10-15-2021, 11:59 AM

I have many news Vas. In May of this year, me and my wife left our jobs in Boston area, sold the house and left for a 5 month travel across the country. This Mercedes van is our motor home. We drove 18k miles already across US.
Hopefully, we will settle in Charlotte area by the end of this year. So, realy big changes. We always entertained an idea to move to a different state. This year, we finally made a decision.
Both ZHPs are in storage since May. Hopefully, they will be running well after the long hibernation. For sure Fredo. George is a great guy and I was happy to meet him in Person.
So is Texas. This was not my first visit. But this time it was mega cool. I visited Big Bend National Park, El Paso, Guadalupe Mount National Park, USS Lexington museum in Corpus Christi, spent a few days in Padre Islands (what a place!) and finally two days in Austin area.

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ZHPizza is in Charlotte, you should give him a visit.

RUS_ZHP

10-16-2021, 08:07 AM

Nice. Share some travel pics. Btw the wife and I are 4 hours from Charlotte so if you are passing through stop on by

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using TapatalkVas, I knew that you're in VA somewhere. Frankly, when we started the trip, we drove almost non-stop to CO. We stopped in Charlotte for a few days, so we can wrap up our work and explore the neighborhoods. On our way back, we drove through KY, OH,NY and VA was not on the way unfortunately. I will stop by next time for sure.
I was in Portland area and knew that Will is down there. But, I had to make some changes in my trip due to the wild fires and had no time to spend in Portland area.

I started Instagram account just to "document" my trip in some extent. You can find me via VANVENYA name. I will post some pictures here as well.
ZHPizza is in Charlotte, you should give him a visit.I know him in person since 2019 and I saw him this year. I used his tools and his assistant to do some Rusky rigging on my van. Check this out. Do you recognize both cars? I was installing additional lights on my van in Pizza garage. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211016/950d4c484015ad99b122fd29a716536f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211016/18732ee981f769b9fdca1239c6ffa759.jpg

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johnrando

10-16-2021, 08:25 AM

Good to see you checking in, and very cool re the shop!

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BMWCurves

10-16-2021, 09:04 AM

Hot damn, sorry to have missed you

Fenrir

10-16-2021, 09:14 AM

Prepping the car to go to the shop tomorrow for a new starter. Just wrapped up installing a new valve cover gasket and changing the oil. Installed a new oem fuel pump, injectors, and spark plugs last week. Thinking about it now.... I should have done the valve cover gasket first [emoji2357]. Oh well.

Now just to wait for it to get back from the shop next weekend and install the new shifter bushings, water pump, radiator, ET, and associated hoses.

After that, wrapping the trunk and sanding the hood back to the clear coat over the carbon fiber.

The next few weekends should be fun lol.

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

Galapolis

10-16-2021, 09:16 AM

I know him in person since 2019 and I saw him this year. I used his tools and his assistant to do some Rusky rigging on my van. Check this out. Do you recognize both cars? I was installing additional lights on my van in Pizza garage.

Now you can visit (annoy) him every weekend.:)

I need to go harass him as well, we were going to do that chassis stiffness test at some point.

Rovert

10-17-2021, 07:47 AM

Now you can visit (annoy) him every weekend.:)

[emoji23] I’d do that. [emoji2957]

RUS_ZHP

10-17-2021, 08:24 AM

Now you can visit (annoy) him every weekend.:)

I need to go harass him as well, we were going to do that chassis stiffness test at some point.Once, I will move in and settle, the plan is to harass him and you every other weekend-:))) I think there are more members here is well. I need to be careful.
Are you in Charlotte area or somewhere far?
[emoji23] I’d do that. [emoji2957]Ha ha. I already annoyed him few times. My wife also annoyed him and his wife, because they have two amazing dogs-:)))
I wonder if Pizzaman reading these comments and making a game plan of how to change the address and phone number, so he can avoid Russian invasion

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Galapolis

10-17-2021, 08:51 AM

Once, I will move in and settle, the plan is to harass him and you every other weekend-:))) I think there are more members here is well. I need to be careful.
Are you in Charlotte area or somewhere far? Ha ha. I already annoyed him few times. My wife also annoyed him and his wife, because they have two amazing dogs-:)))
I wonder if Pizzaman reading these comments and making a game plan of how to change the address and phone number, so he can avoid Russian invasion

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I'm over in Raleigh. Maybe we should just show up to his front door one day uninvited and revbomb him.

RUS_ZHP

10-18-2021, 09:08 AM

I'm over in Raleigh. Maybe we should just show up to his front door one day uninvited and revbomb him.I like this plan! There was a guy in Greensboro I believe. He had Estoril Blue coupe. I forgot his first name. I hope he still have that amazing zhp and still around NC area.

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John in VA

10-18-2021, 05:09 PM

This weekend I cleaned up the coupe, changed the oil & added fuel stabilizer to put it away for the winter. Used it as a daily driver since June, putting over 4k miles on it. Parked at work this AM, planning to take it to storage at lunchtime & the landscaping crew decided to blow & collect leaves, coating the car in debris... Tomorrow's another day.

san

10-18-2021, 05:28 PM

I like this plan! There was a guy in Greensboro I believe. He had Estoril Blue coupe. I forgot his first name. I hope he still have that amazing zhp and still around NC area.

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@704sw

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

t.er

10-18-2021, 07:38 PM

@704sw

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We've been pinging him but he's never on!!!

It's been a bit of time since I've been on here, just been busy settling into my new home. Oh that reminds me, I should change my location haha. Anyways not today, but on Sunday I picked this up for the low low price of a few Rockstars. I asked on a couple local FB groups and one of the moderators happened to have one on hand from a car he was turning to a race car, very nice guy!

https://i.imgur.com/4vHe19nl.png

704sw

10-18-2021, 08:17 PM

@704sw

Thanks, San. I don’t know what’s going on but Tapatalk sends me like 1 notification every 6-9 months, and I don’t get any email alerts from the forum anymore for mentions. Hope you’re doing well.

I like this plan! There was a guy in Greensboro I believe. He had Estoril Blue coupe. I forgot his first name. I hope he still have that amazing zhp and still around NC area.

Hey man, I’m still here and still have the car. Unfortunately it hasn’t moved in a very long time. Definitely going to have a litany of things to sort out over winter and into spring before it gets back on the road—starting with draining the fuel tank [emoji2359]— but she’s not going anywhere, they’ll have to pry this car from my cold dead hands.

That’s awesome you’re moving to Charlotte. I’ll be down there for thanksgiving weekend, I’d love to catch up with you and Pizzaman if anyone/everyone will be around.

Galapolis

10-19-2021, 04:48 AM

Thanks, San. I don’t know what’s going on but Tapatalk sends me like 1 notification every 6-9 months, and I don’t get any email alerts from the forum anymore for mentions. Hope you’re doing well.

Hey man, I’m still here and still have the car. Unfortunately it hasn’t moved in a very long time. Definitely going to have a litany of things to sort out over winter and into spring before it gets back on the road—starting with draining the fuel tank [emoji2359]— but she’s not going anywhere, they’ll have to pry this car from my cold dead hands.

That’s awesome you’re moving to Charlotte. I’ll be down there for thanksgiving weekend, I’d love to catch up with you and Pizzaman if anyone/everyone will be around.

HE'S ALIVE WHAT IS THIS I CAN'T BELIEVE IT

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e4/94/00/e49400fd7bc70e68843528b58e4d917f.gif

YoitsTmac

10-19-2021, 04:13 PM

HE'S ALIVE WHAT IS THIS I CAN'T BELIEVE IT

Me too! I watch his thread so diligently. I've followed the car for years, I love the color.

Haven't done anything to my new ZHP. I bought it tons of toys, but I haven't even so much as plugged a computer into it. I think the PS pump is gone. I can't figure out how to install my BlueBus either, so after this I'm off to that thread to plead for help. Pretty ironic since I have one of the highest view videos on how to install it...

I can't wait to share with you guys what I have been doing behind the scenes. It takes so much in me not to share it with the world but I want a full finished project before I share with the world. Need to finish it fast though because of winter...

sillieidiot

10-20-2021, 02:44 PM

cakM3

10-20-2021, 03:53 PM

Damned Hieu!!! Seems nothing is working out for you at the moment... sorry to hear about this. Hope you get this sorted out quick!

Will

10-20-2021, 11:59 PM

fredo

10-21-2021, 04:55 AM

05Imola

10-21-2021, 06:20 PM

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51617202560_4529da28e2_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mDeE1h)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2mDeE1h) by Vr6 Hooptie (https://www.flickr.com/photos/109995012@N04/), on Flickr

Washed it and put it right back in the garage so I can take it to Cars & Coffee this weekend.

BMWCurves

10-21-2021, 06:53 PM

Time to update that signature with the correct color car.

704sw

10-21-2021, 07:01 PM

Dang that’s clean

Rovert

10-21-2021, 08:00 PM

Washed it and put it right back in the garage so I can take it to Cars & Coffee this weekend.

That’s way too shiny. Going to have to call you out on that as my civil duty.

Time to update that signature with the correct color car.

I like his Flickr name too. [emoji23]

t.er

10-21-2021, 08:28 PM

Made a last minute decision for a road trip with the ZHP. Departed socal this morning and 15 hrs later I'm in El Paso for the night. Tomorrow, onwards to Austin, TX. The ZHP did great, smooth and comfortable.

Any recommendations for Austin?

Nice! What's the reason for heading out there? Yeah, our cars are really, really good road trip-mobiles

Edit: oh wait, this weekend is F1... probably, maybe has something to do with it? Haha

YoitsTmac

10-21-2021, 10:52 PM

Yea I have been dealing with PS pump issues too. TS2 installed, PS pump dies. so lame. I'm taking the time to do the LF-30 while I'm at it. But the LF-30 pump I got doesn't fit the hose that goes with it. Hose fits used LF-30 pump I got from ebay to take the brackets I have so wtf. hate life rn lol

LF30 basically requires new everything. Even the intake hose from the reservoir, although its just a different length. Seems my new cars PS pump is sad too. Thankfully I have a spare LF-20 from when I wanted to do the conversion to my last car.

Why go to LF30 aside from reliability?

sillieidiot

10-22-2021, 12:05 AM

LF30 basically requires new everything. Even the intake hose from the reservoir, although its just a different length. Seems my new cars PS pump is sad too. Thankfully I have a spare LF-20 from when I wanted to do the conversion to my last car.

Why go to LF30 aside from reliability?

Yeah the reservoir/hoses is already replaced with the ESS one. Pretty much just reliability really. I mean my PS pump was in perfect working order, but I guess the strain just from the SC made it fail.

It doesn't require new everything. Pretty much just pump w/brackets and HP hose is required. Everything else fits fine. The one I bought doesn't work because they changed the adapter side that the HP hose screws in for some reason. But the HP hose fits perfectly fine on the used one I got. We tried to be smart and just swap the adapters, but noo they had to use some custom threads there too. Iono they did some revision change or some shit so now I'm getting another one.

You can't even buy any of the LuK one anymore which sucks. I might have to just rebuild the used one that I bought.

05Imola

10-22-2021, 07:01 PM

Time to update that signature with the correct color car.

Got lucky with my 2nd ZHP as it was an 05 and Imola. 3rd one kinda ruined my spiel.

That’s way too shiny. Going to have to call you out on that as my civil duty.

Have 180 miles planed for tomorrow. Getting it dirty is half the fun.

I like his Flickr name too. [emoji23]

2010 was a long time ago :biggrin

t.er

10-23-2021, 11:09 PM

Finally got my diffuser back in, but as the rightmost mounting point broke off due to rocks on the Angeles Crest Highway I just drilled and ziptied it. Something something drift car?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/b821a153975413b149ebe0f4da9cba33.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/fabe7fdc49f889e357cd138790ef0135.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/778dbc0703f62af2ecfd30c6a1ecb2f1.jpg

Also bought a 150w, 21k lumen UFO light for the garage. Holy crap it's like having a second sun lol

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/0e8853d4276d87d3edd98b7dbf46f8fd.jpg

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704sw

10-24-2021, 07:20 PM

Finally got my diffuser back in, but as the rightmost mounting point broke off due to rocks on the Angeles Crest Highway I just drilled and ziptied it. Something something drift car?

Pretty sure one or two tabs on my diffuser are zipped too. Luckily our cars are so darn low compared to the average car you really can’t see it. Also that light looks insane.

RUS_ZHP

10-25-2021, 05:31 PM

@704sw

Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThanks San. Frankly, I was lazy to open my inbox to find the right nickname. I had a very long conversation with him. His help was huge for bringing my touring from Canada.
Thanks, San. I don’t know what’s going on but Tapatalk sends me like 1 notification every 6-9 months, and I don’t get any email alerts from the forum anymore for mentions. Hope you’re doing well.

Hey man, I’m still here and still have the car. Unfortunately it hasn’t moved in a very long time. Definitely going to have a litany of things to sort out over winter and into spring before it gets back on the road—starting with draining the fuel tank [emoji2359]— but she’s not going anywhere, they’ll have to pry this car from my cold dead hands.

That’s awesome you’re moving to Charlotte. I’ll be down there for thanksgiving weekend, I’d love to catch up with you and Pizzaman if anyone/everyone will be around.Thanks. I am super excited to move down south. I am not sure if I will be there during Thanksgiving. But, I am sure will find another time to do a mini meet. It will be nice to reunite our Canadian cars-:))))
Finally got my diffuser back in, but as the rightmost mounting point broke off due to rocks on the Angeles Crest Highway I just drilled and ziptied it. Something something drift car?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/b821a153975413b149ebe0f4da9cba33.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/fabe7fdc49f889e357cd138790ef0135.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/778dbc0703f62af2ecfd30c6a1ecb2f1.jpg

Also bought a 150w, 21k lumen UFO light for the garage. Holy crap it's like having a second sun lol

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211024/0e8853d4276d87d3edd98b7dbf46f8fd.jpg

Sent from my SM-G781W using TapatalkHow is your move going so far? Are you settled in some place?

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RUS_ZHP

10-25-2021, 05:43 PM

I had an exiting weekend my friends. I removed and drove my cars from hibernation. They were seating in storage for 5 month. This is the longest time I was living without my beloved ZHPs. I was soo pleased that both cars were started without any hesitation. Frankly, I was pretty nervous.
You can't believe how happy I was to drive them for the last 3 days.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211026/a084cf6149f990cfe14869eb8d9c730b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211026/b21327d4718c17f25e292cca572754fc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211026/0d9b8393e61d9f67e2f77b4c058f35af.jpg

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ItsRichieRich

10-26-2021, 12:58 PM

Contemplating about painting the front end of my car (plus driver and passenger door) since my front end was rough when I bought it. Just not sure if I want to spend $2400...

Will

10-26-2021, 01:04 PM

Nice! What's the reason for heading out there? Yeah, our cars are really, really good road trip-mobiles

Edit: oh wait, this weekend is F1... probably, maybe has something to do with it? Haha

Yep, F1. I was too tired for Friday and didn't want to pay an arm and leg for Sunday, so I just went for Saturday's FP3 and qualifying. The speed and noise is so much more impressive in person than on TV. I posted up at T3 to watch them negotiate T3-4-5-6 esses in qualifying trim... my goodness they're fast. They make everything else that ran on track seem pedestrian.

I can only imagine what the banshee wail of the v10s and v12s sounded like back in the day. The Hondas had a distinctive sound when compared to the MBs, Ferraris, and the Renaults. It would be great for F1 teams to bring out old cars to run demo session as part of race weekend festivities, just to give people a chance to hear and feel the previous generation cars. It'll surely made the vintage footage seem more alive.

Surprisingly a huge amount of people for Saturday, someone standing next to me said there were more people this Saturday than for race Sunday from 2019. The sport's growing in the US.

These cars were made for road trips. And towing, too, apparently. Lol.

And to keep this post on theme for the thread: I filled up with some of the sweet Texas 93 octane. None of that wimpy 91 octane we get in CA. Lol.

edit: forgot some words.

YoitsTmac

10-26-2021, 01:06 PM

Yeah the TV bit was a bit commercialized compared to previous races, which unironically made it feel very American. It’s clear the sport knows they’re growing here and want some sponsor money and building hype to entice Americans.

I digress. Cmon you have to have some pics to share with us :)

sillieidiot

10-26-2021, 03:38 PM

Contemplating about painting the front end of my car (plus driver and passenger door) since my front end was rough when I bought it. Just not sure if I want to spend $2400...

Is it because of bad paint? Maybe you could just try doing paint correction on it first.

t.er

10-26-2021, 06:02 PM

How is your move going so far? Are you settled in some place?

Yeah, somewhat! Just been busy getting into the groove with work. Still gotta deal with swapping my cluster and going to the CBP Port at the airport, which kinda sucks since they're only open from like 9:30-4PM on weekdays. As far as the US and Canada are concerned, my car is still just a visitor, so I have to get a move on with that.

Your move is coming up too right? Keep us posted on how that goes when you have a chance, it's a super-busy time!

I can only imagine what the banshee wail of the v10s and v12s sounded like back in the day. The Hondas had a distinctive sound when compared to the MBs, Ferraris, and the Renaults. It would be great for F1 teams to bring out old cars to run demo session as part of race weekend festivities, just to give people a chance to hear and feel the previous generation cars. It'll surely made the vintage footage seem more alive.

Surprisingly a huge amount of people for Saturday, someone standing next to me said there were more people this Saturday than for race Sunday from 2019. The sport's growing in the US.

Yeah the TV bit was a bit commercialized compared to previous races, which unironically made it feel very American. It’s clear the sport knows they’re growing here and want some sponsor money and building hype to entice Americans.

I digress. Cmon you have to have some pics to share with us :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I0R5yZ80rA

Oh man, the things I would do to hear one of those old V10s running at full tilt...

Yeah, I read an article on Jalopnik, heard it was absolutely packed out there. Drive to survive has definitely upped how popular the sport is on this side of the pond.

And to keep this post on theme for the thread: I filled up with some of the sweet Texas 93 octane. None of that wimpy 91 octane we get in CA. Lol.

Haha. I was expecting cheaper gas over here, but nooooope with the conversion rate it's about equivalent to Ontario. I just fill up at Costco early in the morning before work, zero lineup on a weekday at that time.

ItsRichieRich

10-27-2021, 08:25 AM

Is it because of bad paint? Maybe you could just try doing paint correction on it first.

I think the front end (at least the hood and front doors) were painted and it shows. Poor quality repaint, both the paint and clear coat is flaking off. You would think it would oxidize first but it's not.

sillieidiot

10-27-2021, 02:00 PM

I think the front end (at least the hood and front doors) were painted and it shows. Poor quality repaint, both the paint and clear coat is flaking off. You would think it would oxidize first but it's not.

dang that sucks. Just do some M3 fenders while you're at it lol It's a mod, not a repaint lol That's what I did :rofl

t.er

10-28-2021, 06:36 PM

Time to import my car. Speedo is mph... for now.

https://i.imgur.com/9nCp6tNl.png

https://i.imgur.com/0eRLi3Cl.png

https://i.imgur.com/nytvKKfl.png

PdZHP

10-28-2021, 07:39 PM

How tough are the needle removal and replacements?

t.er

10-28-2021, 07:56 PM

How tough are the needle removal and replacements?

That's the thing, I didn't want to mess with it since you never get it aligned properly. That is why if you look closely, you can see a little slit on the speedo so I can get it over the needle without taking it off.

FWIW removal isn't that difficult, you just have to be careful not to scratch the face when you pry it off

sillieidiot

10-28-2021, 08:08 PM

I didn't think it's difficult to remove the needles. It just twists off. Why does everyone use a fork? lol

Rovert

10-28-2021, 08:28 PM

Why does everyone use a fork? lol

Maybe he was eating lunch while doing it? [emoji2371][emoji23]

704sw

10-28-2021, 08:33 PM

That's the thing, I didn't want to mess with it since you never get it aligned properly. That is why if you look closely, you can see a little slit on the speedo so I can get it over the needle without taking it off.

FWIW removal isn't that difficult, you just have to be careful not to scratch the face when you pry it off

Can confirm, despite being extremely cautious my needles were way off upon reassembly. Even after fixing all the others my temp needle is still comically wrong.

t.er

10-28-2021, 08:35 PM

I didn't think it's difficult to remove the needles. It just twists off. Why does everyone use a fork? lolIdk I just followed some YouTube videos :rofl

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sillieidiot

10-28-2021, 08:39 PM

Maybe he was eating lunch while doing it? [emoji2371][emoji23]

:rofl

You supposed to just rotate it CCW while gently pulling on it. After like 2 rotations it comes off. Then to align, you just put the needle back on and just rotate it to where it bottoms out again. then push keep pushing it to where you want it to be. Do it gently without the fork lol

t.er

10-28-2021, 08:51 PM

:rofl

You supposed to just rotate it CCW while gently pulling on it. After like 2 rotations it comes off. Then to align, you just put the needle back on and just rotate it to where it bottoms out again. then push keep pushing it to where you want it to be. Do it gently without the fork lol

ooooooo damn! Had no idea. But I still would've kept my cleaner km/h-only speedo either way. Maybe you should make these youtube vids :rofl

az3579

10-29-2021, 06:32 AM

Gosh, I've removed and re-installed gauge faces and needles too many times to count. I've got the alignment down to an art...

The trick is to put them on roughly about where they need to be. Then, take the cluster without reinstalling the front cover and plug in only the right-side connector (you facing the front of the cluster). The needles will do a sort of adjustment but will be in a slightly different position than where you put them. Then unplug the connector and adjust the needles till they're where they need to be. Plug the connector in again and check position after the self-adjustment.

It helps to have another untouched cluster next to you, or a really good picture of an unmolested cluster, so you can see the precise positions of the needles. Not all of them sit perfectly on the bottom line at rest (like the fuel gauge, which actually sits half a needle below the bottom line), and there are variations between them as to where on the line they sit.

The trick to easy needle positioning is to NOT push them on where they're firm. Just put them on just enough for them to not fall out when you turn the cluster front side down. They don't need to be on that tight.

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RUS_ZHP

10-29-2021, 01:09 PM

Yeah, somewhat! Just been busy getting into the groove with work. Still gotta deal with swapping my cluster and going to the CBP Port at the airport, which kinda sucks since they're only open from like 9:30-4PM on weekdays. As far as the US and Canada are concerned, my car is still just a visitor, so I have to get a move on with that.

Your move is coming up too right? Keep us posted on how that goes when you have a chance, it's a super-busy time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I0R5yZ80rA

Oh man, the things I would do to hear one of those old V10s running at full tilt...

Yeah, I read an article on Jalopnik, heard it was absolutely packed out there. Drive to survive has definitely upped how popular the sport is on this side of the pond.

Haha. I was expecting cheaper gas over here, but nooooope with the conversion rate it's about equivalent to Ontario. I just fill up at Costco early in the morning before work, zero lineup on a weekday at that time.For sure, I will update zhp family of how is my moving progress is going. I can tell you for sure, that I am not planning to tow anything with my touring, which is boring for sure-:)
How tough are the needle removal and replacements?I did it few times and it is uncomfortable for sure. I can tell you that my fuel gauge is slightly off for sure.
Gosh, I've removed and re-installed gauge faces and needles too many times to count. I've got the alignment down to an art...

The trick is to put them on roughly about where they need to be. Then, take the cluster without reinstalling the front cover and plug in only the right-side connector (you facing the front of the cluster). The needles will do a sort of adjustment but will be in a slightly different position than where you put them. Then unplug the connector and adjust the needles till they're where they need to be. Plug the connector in again and check position after the self-adjustment.

It helps to have another untouched cluster next to you, or a really good picture of an unmolested cluster, so you can see the precise positions of the needles. Not all of them sit perfectly on the bottom line at rest (like the fuel gauge, which actually sits half a needle below the bottom line), and there are variations between them as to where on the line they sit.

The trick to easy needle positioning is to NOT push them on where they're firm. Just put them on just enough for them to not fall out when you turn the cluster front side down. They don't need to be on that tight.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using TapatalkHey Borond, I forgot that you did it 1000 times and definitely an expert.

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t.er

10-29-2021, 06:46 PM

I can tell you for sure, that I am not planning to tow anything with my touring, which is boring for sure-:)

Haha you don't need to tow anything, you have the space! The beauty of a touring...

Within 1 day, got my car imported at San Jose Airport, smog'd (thanks to recommendations on here to go to Dhillon Motorsports), and registered with the state of California. Unfortunately, I still have to WFH another day or two to get my driver's license since it's non-transferrable from up north, but at least I got all the red tape out of the way. A big driving factor was the jank speedo, which was removed within 24 hours of installation. Unfortunately there is a piece of lint here and there in the display, but meh... all is good in the world now that I am back to the clean metric speedo. ;)

704sw

10-30-2021, 05:32 AM

all is good in the world now that I am back to the clean metric speedo. ;)

I wish I’d known NC doesn’t care about the metric speedo because it looks so much cleaner. I’ve gone back and forth over the years about whether I’d be willing to do the math on the fly, and if I should’ve kept it, but ultimately I just go the speed of traffic these days so only having Km/h wouldn’t have been an issue. Oh well.

az3579

10-30-2021, 06:59 AM

I wish I’d known NC doesn’t care about the metric speedo because it looks so much cleaner. I’ve gone back and forth over the years about whether I’d be willing to do the math on the fly, and if I should’ve kept it, but ultimately I just go the speed of traffic these days so only having Km/h wouldn’t have been an issue. Oh well.

There's a very simple formula for calculating, and after a short while it just becomes second nature. It was easy enough where I could tell you what speed I was doing in mph at any given time rounded to the closest 5mph, and get pretty close in between those increments.

The quick estimate is to take a base number, say for example 60mph (96kph), and add or subtract 8kph for every 5mph you go up or down. Learn where all the base speed limits are and you'll make quick work of this calculating.

The common speed limits to learn (at least up here):
25mph = 40kph
30mph = 48kph
40mph = 64kph
55mph = 88kph
65mph = 104kph

You can start to see the pattern emerge and you go.

I still have the gauge faces from your Estroil, BTW. :)

t.er

10-30-2021, 08:58 AM

I wish I’d known NC doesn’t care about the metric speedo because it looks so much cleaner. I’ve gone back and forth over the years about whether I’d be willing to do the math on the fly, and if I should’ve kept it, but ultimately I just go the speed of traffic these days so only having Km/h wouldn’t have been an issue. Oh well.
There's a very simple formula for calculating, and after a short while it just becomes second nature. It was easy enough where I could tell you what speed I was doing in mph at any given time rounded to the closest 5mph, and get pretty close in between those increments.

The quick estimate is to take a base number, say for example 60mph (96kph), and add or subtract 8kph for every 5mph you go up or down. Learn where all the base speed limits are and you'll make quick work of this calculating.

The common speed limits to learn (at least up here):
25mph = 40kph
30mph = 48kph
40mph = 64kph
55mph = 88kph
65mph = 104kph

You can start to see the pattern emerge and you go.

I still have the gauge faces from your Estroil, BTW. :)Yeah, I had my car with me for 4 months down here back in 2017, never had an issue. As long as you know what the speed limits roughly equate to, then it's fine. But then again, these limits seem to be more like suggestions, at least around here :rofl

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Will

11-03-2021, 07:39 AM

Changed engine oil and filter. Went with Castrol 0w-40 and Mann filter again.

Fenrir

11-05-2021, 05:17 PM

Full cooling system refresh plus a shiny CSF all aluminum radiator, oil change, and a new steering wheel installed!....again.

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YoitsTmac

11-08-2021, 12:47 AM

Been working on a secret project and I made a massive leap in progress tonight after a two week stalemate in the R&D. I am retrofitting newer systems into the E46 from other cars and today I officially kept my retrofit kit awake. Up until now it would fall asleep within seconds of getting power. Now I’m working on a custom chip in a custom harness so anyone can do this retrofit with zero work. Give me a couple more weeks and I will reveal my shenanigans.

Bought a ton of stuff for the new ZHP: transmission stuff, gaskets, cooling system, chassis reinforcements. My wallet bleeds for mercy.

Rovert

11-08-2021, 09:24 AM

https://media1.giphy.com/media/14uRnBOrCwkOMU/giphy.gif

Will

11-08-2021, 10:25 AM

YoitsTmac

11-08-2021, 10:32 AM

https://media1.giphy.com/media/14uRnBOrCwkOMU/giphy.gif

This made my morning [emoji51]. My best friend is so cool - looks somewhat like that person. She knows this project is important to me and when I showed her the rats nest of wires and computers in my room she basically did this face. Not because she cares, but because she knew that’s the reaction I wanted.

Sounds interesting!
Any chance you're retrofitting the active headlight from a facelift coupe into a sedan or pre-facelift coupe? I'd love to have those in my m3.

No but F30 LCI LED headlight retrofit is likely a project this summer. Sound interesting to you?

Edit: I’m talking about the projectors if that’s not clear

Will

11-08-2021, 10:36 AM

Stretched the legs of the ZHP again with another roadtrip. After returning from Austin, TX, and a brief stay in socal, I headed north.

Gas was over $5.30/gallon in Sacramento, that hurt. It's much more palatable at under $4 here.

Arrived in Portland late last night. Duration of trip is open ended.

Will

11-08-2021, 10:39 AM

No but F30 LCI LED headlight retrofit is likely a project this summer. Sound interesting to you?

Edit: I’m talking about the projectors if that’s not clear

That should be interesting. I had the LEDs on my i3 and they were great.
If they're competitive with the FXR retrofits then you'll have a hit with the e46 crowd. Good luck with the rats nests and keep us posted!

YoitsTmac

11-08-2021, 10:42 AM

Sounds interesting!
Any chance you're retrofitting the active headlight from a facelift coupe into a sedan or pre-facelift coupe? I'd love to have those in my m3.

Yeah I loved them on the G20. I have Morimoto Mini D2S on my pre-LCI coupe. If you’re looking for a light upgrade with a sharp cutoff, then you should PM me. They will be on sale as of November 20th.

AM1GO

11-08-2021, 07:58 PM

It was long overdue on my son’s daily (VCG, OFHG, CCV, etc.) Got low radiator coolant warning a few times lately, had little to no heat... adding water didn’t help much, no visible leaks, coolant not oily, oil had no coolant mixed in, pressure test passed, was losing a quart of oil each 1000 miles, had vacuum leak codes that was unable to track smoking it out....

Decided will do all at once... learned a few things...

1) if your hard cooling pipes not leaking DO NOT try to replace them, they WILL break, which means PAIN. You will have to take off water pump and thermostat to clean up the debris. Cleaning the residue will take half day to get proper tools, etc. Plan ahead! I didn’t. Sadly.

2) If you install Cold Weather CCV, the only way you can install it properly is with the intake OFF because it fits TIGHT. Check vacuum plug is not missing under all of that foam covering CCV.

3) cleaning all oil, steering fluid, and coolant will take time, budget an extra half day for it. I found it easier to use Lamp Oil to clean up gunk, takes off heavy oils and/or wax.

4) When reinstalling thermostat, water pump - get NEW hardware... using small torque wrench and going slow on old (no rust) studs/nuts I heard specific “crack” I thought I broke the stud... it took me a day to get replacement studs and new nuts from FCP (thanks big help)... could not get one of the studs out, it would not budge using 2 nut method... had to use an extra nut with a nylon washer, that took it out. Torqued again to 80 in/pounds, extra carefully this time.

5) taking out lower radiator hose is like wrestling with a bear, took me 30 mins, had to pry it on the side of the radiator bracket, nothing else helped.

6) draining coolant from the block, get one of those “form-a-funnel” to avoid any mess. Was unable to torque the bolt to specs so did it “good-and-tight” specs. Replace the washer.

7) was able to find a few bolts and nuts that disappeared years ago in the engine bay... some of them end up in the housing below brake booster.

8) reassembling next, coolant pressure test before I take manifold goes back in. Hoping it will pass as I opted not to use any RTV on the hard pipes but had some pitted areas.

9) PO used black RTV to glue DISA to the intake. Don’t do that! Took me good few hours to clean up DISA and intake. DISA was also rebuilt using GAS kit.

10) if you have replaced plastic pulley with some anodized aluminum MAKE sure you have some anti-seize on the water pump, or you will have troubles taking it off. Besides mine was flaking anodized solution and looked not that great after just 2 years.

11) Crank shaft sensor gasket... if yours original it will likely leak, replace the sensor or the gasket “while you in there...”. Mine leaked.

12) biggest oil leak was from VANOS line, not from VCG, not from OFHG although both needed to be replaced.

13) Intake gasket, although pliable, need to be replaced due to age and wear. Get new intake gasket even though some youtubers say you won’t need it.

14) Throttle body gasket, if replacing ( I did ) make sure it goes in tapered side in, read the instructions on the gasket and or comparing to original. Both sides are NOT the same!

15) Vacuum plugs on the back of the intake WILL be hard and likely cracked. Get new big and small plugs.

16) you don’t have to take off injectors/fuel rail when removing manifold, just unclip fuel line, remember how it routes.

17) when removing hard water cooling pipes remember routing and replace one by one. I messed up some knock sensors plug wiring and had to take off already installed rubber hose to the lower pipe.

18) installing manifold, remember to put knock sensor plug into a bracket, you have to do it by feel.

19) hard cooling pipe removal/install order... I took off top pipe first. Installed it last. Had to wrestle a bit and worried it could mess up sealing gasket as it was going at an angle. So far so good. Just be careful. That was also a reason not to use any RTV as it could be messed up if not installed cleanly and be more of a problem than solving one.

20) thick vacuum hose that goes to top intake F connector needed to be replaced. New from BMW is $20 or so... I got reinforced 5/16 gates 28410 water heater hose for < $1.50/ft at Oreillys, will see how it holds up. A little thicker than Bmw hose but I don’t see any problem so far.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211109/09764face1ef92a5065df7d08020f31a.jpg

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papa_g

11-09-2021, 06:55 AM

Thanks for the insights! I’m sure it will help some people some day.

In regards to the vacuum plugs behind the intake, I’ve been using the Dorman brand you can buy at autozone for last few years with no problem.

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sillieidiot

11-10-2021, 11:22 PM

pedro2u

11-11-2021, 06:56 AM

winter doldrums have arrived

Fenrir

11-11-2021, 02:23 PM

Finally got around to stuffing the rear deck lid with tennis balls and foam blocks. I can now resume listening to Tristam and Bela Fleck in peace.

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t.er

11-12-2021, 07:21 PM

I moved my car from 4 cars up the street to a spot that is right at the beginning of the of the opening to the garages. It's parked in front of this car that never moves. Now there will be 2 cars that will never move lol I swear my battery is dying already.

Just driving the Tesla around all the time?

I don't blame you - been using them for pretty much this entire week, and I feel slightly ashamed to say that when I got back in my car I kinda missed the Teslas... you definitely can't get that raw, old-school feeling of the E46 with them, but damn they are just such good daily drivers.

Will

11-12-2021, 08:28 PM

Will

11-12-2021, 08:51 PM

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLVoAgJy3GW6lNjhS7FoDxZ875OpffjJWkFq2T7PfiwiHoxFp RGYALEaoYcrrD6BSKBdIvLvsiv07y-UAgN7WBnIc8cIxRF5exlOirgpEMUzfBw9WWA0WnmRH1E0qlpUX 5TUSKM4bAHPdRUYTUU1Qlwm=w640-h480-no?authuser=0

My high-tech fix for the broken driver's side rearview mirror I sustained a few days ago (link (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?2784-Post-your-daily-ZHP-BMW-MINI-pics!&p=611278#post611278)).

Since the mirror got ripped off, I noticed some weird electrical activity:
- The passenger side mirror is always doing the tilting thing in reverse, regardless of the adjust mirror switch position.
- The BlueBus stopped working (Not sure if this is related to the mirror, but the timing's odd. It could be the cold temperature bluetooth wonkiness that Ted mentioned (link (https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/1227-bluebus-a-fully-integrated-a2dp-bluetooth-solution?p=133521#post133521)). It has been in the 40s here overnight.

I knew that duct-tape would be useful when I brought it. Hopefully's the only only time I'll use it on this trip.

YoitsTmac

11-16-2021, 04:05 AM

Officially sold my old car. I thought I would be sad but it’s a massive relief honestly. Word on the street is depending on if the shop that’s buying it can get the trunk to close, she may become a SpecE46 race car.

Obligatory anything you guys need from a chassis? I can see if I can pull it…

Also for my secret project, final piece comes in tomorrow :)

Edit: outside of the motor I can basically pull anything, don’t be shy

AM1GO

11-16-2021, 03:57 PM

Anybody knows part number for a flat clip on the back of valve cover holding down oxygen sensor wires under valve cover trim, seems like mine is missing for whatever reason. Tnx.

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John in VA

11-16-2021, 04:39 PM

Anybody knows part number for a flat clip on the back of valve cover holding down oxygen sensor wires under valve cover trim, seems like mine is missing for whatever reason. Tnx.
#5 here? https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BD53-USA-09-2005-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=11_2181

or #5 here? https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BD53-USA-09-2005-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=11_3555

AM1GO

11-16-2021, 04:44 PM

#5 here? https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BD53-USA-09-2005-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=11_2181

or #5 here? https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BD53-USA-09-2005-E46-BMW-330Ci&diagId=11_3555

No, it has triangular shape and clips in to the left back side of the valve cover to hold down those cable in the grooves, the silverfish one... I wish I had a picture

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AM1GO

11-16-2021, 04:52 PM

No, it has triangular shape and clips in to the left back side of the valve cover to hold down those cable in the grooves, the silverfish one... I wish I had a picture

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211117/44e6d0a05e3a5bed916db585608ff217.jpg
Sits in this corner and clips in that little pocket

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AM1GO

11-16-2021, 05:49 PM

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211117/44e6d0a05e3a5bed916db585608ff217.jpg
Sits in this corner and clips in that little pocket

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211117/e8b39d6d0c4aa1a40981cf3ff6b5dd2a.jpg
This one... found some videos that caught it on camera...

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sillieidiot

11-16-2021, 06:33 PM

Just driving the Tesla around all the time?

I don't blame you - been using them for pretty much this entire week, and I feel slightly ashamed to say that when I got back in my car I kinda missed the Teslas... you definitely can't get that raw, old-school feeling of the E46 with them, but damn they are just such good daily drivers.

Yeah. It's a god send for carpool. I woke up late to work. But I made up the time flying through the carpool lane lol Plus I can eat and do other stuff while the car is on AP. But yeah the car just feels numb to me. Great DD which is exactly what I use it for.

E46 is a great DD too when I used to DD it. But I mean, I would be doing $120/week on gas with the driving I'm doing currently. I'm only paying like $35 for charging.

Officially sold my old car. I thought I would be sad but it’s a massive relief honestly. Word on the street is depending on if the shop that’s buying it can get the trunk to close, she may become a SpecE46 race car.

Obligatory anything you guys need from a chassis? I can see if I can pull it…

Also for my secret project, final piece comes in tomorrow :)

Edit: outside of the motor I can basically pull anything, don’t be shy

cluster? door seals? oh visors. I need those lol

johnrando

11-16-2021, 07:02 PM

Congrats on the sale.

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YoitsTmac

11-16-2021, 08:14 PM

cluster? door seals? oh visors. I need those lol

Visors or black but driver mirror is cracked. Drunk friend stepped on it prior to install. Let me know though.

Cluster he specifically demanded per SpecE46. Door seals are grey, let me know if still interested.

YoitsTmac

11-16-2021, 08:15 PM

Congrats on the sale.

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Thank you! Getting rid of the old car feels like the final piece I need to put this all behind me. And I miss my go fast bits from the old car for sure.

YoitsTmac

11-17-2021, 12:21 PM

Found a full LED headlight from a G20 for $250. What do you guys think? I think that projector may look out of place in the E46, whereas an F30 LED projector - not so much. Thoughts?

az3579

11-17-2021, 05:18 PM

Found a full LED headlight from a G20 for $250. What do you guys think? I think that projector may look out of place in the E46, whereas an F30 LED projector - not so much. Thoughts?

Are you talking about the F32 LCI projector? The F30 used reflectors on their LED headlights.

YoitsTmac

11-17-2021, 05:19 PM

Are you talking about the F32 LCI projector? The F30 used reflectors on their LED headlights.

The F30 LCI reflectors. I thought the F32 LCI LED also had the same reflector design. Sorry I also thought the term was projector regardless, but yes it somewhat resembles a halogen housing

az3579

11-17-2021, 05:25 PM

The F30 LCI reflectors. I thought the F32 LCI LED also had the same reflector design. Sorry I also thought the term was projector regardless, but yes it somewhat resembles a halogen housing

So yes, the F30 LED lights are all reflectors. The F32 has two different LED headlight designs; one adaptive and one not. The non-adaptive ones used projectors, and look like this:

https://xenonled.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1943.jpg

The adaptive ones look like the F30 ones and are reflectors, like this:

https://eztuning.id/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2017-BMW-4-Series-lights-01-1024x681-1.jpeg

I believe the reflectors rely on the reflective housing inside the housing to project the beam pattern, whereas the projectors use the glass lens to project the light into a beam pattern. If I understand it correctly, headlights with projector lenses have a nicer, sharp cutoff.

I'm not sure if you knew about the projector one, but figured it could be another potential option for you to make it look as E46-OE as possible...

das boots

11-17-2021, 05:57 PM

So yes, the F30 LED lights are all reflectors. The F32 has two different LED headlight designs; one adaptive and one not. The non-adaptive ones used projectors, and look like this:

https://xenonled.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1943.jpg

The adaptive ones look like the F30 ones and are reflectors, like this:

https://eztuning.id/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2017-BMW-4-Series-lights-01-1024x681-1.jpeg

I believe the reflectors rely on the reflective housing inside the housing to project the beam pattern, whereas the projectors use the glass lens to project the light into a beam pattern. If I understand it correctly, headlights with projector lenses have a nicer, sharp cutoff.

I'm not sure if you knew about the projector one, but figured it could be another potential option for you to make it look as E46-OE as possible...

Are the F32 non-adaptive adaptable to the E46? I figure some modifications, mountings and wirings would be required. It would not be a cut and paste modification.

Would also probably work best on a Sedan lens since they are removable?

YoitsTmac

11-18-2021, 03:53 PM

So yes, the F30 LED lights are all reflectors. The F32 has two different LED headlight designs; one adaptive and one not. The non-adaptive ones used projectors, and look like this:

https://xenonled.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1943.jpg

The adaptive ones look like the F30 ones and are reflectors, like this:

https://eztuning.id/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2017-BMW-4-Series-lights-01-1024x681-1.jpeg

I believe the reflectors rely on the reflective housing inside the housing to project the beam pattern, whereas the projectors use the glass lens to project the light into a beam pattern. If I understand it correctly, headlights with projector lenses have a nicer, sharp cutoff.

I'm not sure if you knew about the projector one, but figured it could be another potential option for you to make it look as E46-OE as possible...

Massive thanks for this. I did not know. I’ve been looking at all G series and F30 LCI but I didn’t know about this projector LED. Any idea how it performs compared to the reflector design? Did they come under a different name? I agree, it would look much more OEM

YoitsTmac

11-18-2021, 03:55 PM

Are the F32 non-adaptive adaptable to the E46? I figure some modifications, mountings and wirings would be required. It would not be a cut and paste modification.

Would also probably work best on a Sedan lens since they are removable?

I can R&D on a sedan headlight, good call. But I think LCI sedan = Pre LCI coupe and LCI coupe is its own animal. (Someone correct me?)

I did an excellent job adapting my Morimoto Mini D2S 4.0 projectors into the stock housing. There’s some great stock mounting points, so I’m ready to tackle something more complex. I think LED is the way to go. I loved them on the G20

Edit: how do you guys feel about a dual projector on e46?

AM1GO

11-19-2021, 08:43 PM

It was long overdue on my son’s daily (VCG, OFHG, CCV, etc.) Got low radiator coolant warning a few times lately, had little to no heat... adding water didn’t help much, no visible leaks, coolant not oily, oil had no coolant mixed in, pressure test passed, was losing a quart of oil each 1000 miles, had vacuum leak codes that was unable to track smoking it out....

Decided will do all at once... learned a few things...

1) if your hard cooling pipes not leaking DO NOT try to replace them, they WILL break, which means PAIN. You will have to take off water pump and thermostat to clean up the debris. Cleaning the residue will take half day to get proper tools, etc. Plan ahead! I didn’t. Sadly.

2) If you install Cold Weather CCV, the only way you can install it properly is with the intake OFF because it fits TIGHT. Check vacuum plug is not missing under all of that foam covering CCV.

3) cleaning all oil, steering fluid, and coolant will take time, budget an extra half day for it. I found it easier to use Lamp Oil to clean up gunk, takes off heavy oils and/or wax.

4) When reinstalling thermostat, water pump - get NEW hardware... using small torque wrench and going slow on old (no rust) studs/nuts I heard specific “crack” I thought I broke the stud... it took me a day to get replacement studs and new nuts from FCP (thanks big help)... could not get one of the studs out, it would not budge using 2 nut method... had to use an extra nut with a nylon washer, that took it out. Torqued again to 80 in/pounds, extra carefully this time.

5) taking out lower radiator hose is like wrestling with a bear, took me 30 mins, had to pry it on the side of the radiator bracket, nothing else helped.

6) draining coolant from the block, get one of those “form-a-funnel” to avoid any mess. Was unable to torque the bolt to specs so did it “good-and-tight” specs. Replace the washer.

7) was able to find a few bolts and nuts that disappeared years ago in the engine bay... some of them end up in the housing below brake booster.

8) reassembling next, coolant pressure test before I take manifold goes back in. Hoping it will pass as I opted not to use any RTV on the hard pipes but had some pitted areas.

9) PO used black RTV to glue DISA to the intake. Don’t do that! Took me good few hours to clean up DISA and intake. DISA was also rebuilt using GAS kit.

10) if you have replaced plastic pulley with some anodized aluminum MAKE sure you have some anti-seize on the water pump, or you will have troubles taking it off. Besides mine was flaking anodized solution and looked not that great after just 2 years.

11) Crank shaft sensor gasket... if yours original it will likely leak, replace the sensor or the gasket “while you in there...”. Mine leaked.

12) biggest oil leak was from VANOS line, not from VCG, not from OFHG although both needed to be replaced.

13) Intake gasket, although pliable, need to be replaced due to age and wear. Get new intake gasket even though some youtubers say you won’t need it.

14) Throttle body gasket, if replacing ( I did ) make sure it goes in tapered side in, read the instructions on the gasket and or comparing to original. Both sides are NOT the same!

15) Vacuum plugs on the back of the intake WILL be hard and likely cracked. Get new big and small plugs.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211109/09764face1ef92a5065df7d08020f31a.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211120/270648454d2c709593708d8f5c243019.jpg
And it’s back looking like an engine again. Now... got another problem... replaced mechanical tensioner along with other pulleys... and it looks like it’s defective... that... or the power steering pump... the only thing that was not replaced this time around

https://youtube.com/shorts/8RQ6P8ERQLE?feature=share

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sillieidiot

11-19-2021, 10:23 PM

I can R&D on a sedan headlight, good call. But I think LCI sedan = Pre LCI coupe and LCI coupe is its own animal. (Someone correct me?)

I did an excellent job adapting my Morimoto Mini D2S 4.0 projectors into the stock housing. There’s some great stock mounting points, so I’m ready to tackle something more complex. I think LED is the way to go. I loved them on the G20

Edit: how do you guys feel about a dual projector on e46?

Well it's a lot harder on the e46 facelift coupe to do, that's for sure. especially if you're trying to do a retrofit on the bixenon headlights. It's way easier to do it on halogens. there's more material to work with.

I think it's fine. personally, I only really like them on the sedans and pre-facelift. It's due to being able to have shrouds. It just cleans it up nicer. on the fl coupe, it kind of looks weird to me.

I like the BMW LEDs. It's a nice color and it has a lot of visibility. I don't like any of the aftermarket LED options. The beam pattern sucks. It just looks cool and instant on is nice.

sillieidiot

11-19-2021, 10:25 PM

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211120/270648454d2c709593708d8f5c243019.jpg
And it’s back looking like an engine again. Now... got another problem... replaced mechanical tensioner along with other pulleys... and it looks like it’s defective... that... or the power steering pump... the only thing that was not replaced this time around

https://youtube.com/shorts/8RQ6P8ERQLE?feature=share

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk on

I'm pretty sure if it's your ps pump, you would have heavy steering too. Honestly, that noise sounds to me like it's pulleys more than tensioner. Like the bearings on the pulleys. Usually the tensioner is more of a squeaky type noise.

AM1GO

11-21-2021, 09:09 AM

I'm pretty sure if it's your ps pump, you would have heavy steering too. Honestly, that noise sounds to me like it's pulleys more than tensioner. Like the bearings on the pulleys. Usually the tensioner is more of a squeaky type noise.

Nope, this new mechanical tensioner was the problem. I guess there is a reason why BMW switched to hydraulic style. I was choosing the convenience of having a 16mm nut to detention... but given this I would not recommend it, replaced with a new style and no problem, purred like a kitten.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211121/a440211c847ebd2a2e2ab0e1440af07d.jpg

This one gave me the noise..., here it sits on the box packed to go back to FCP. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211121/1ed7dcff1f6bec94148f99f740b9540f.jpg

Here is the clip... no belts run to eliminate potential unrelated issues due to a massive job done to everything else.

https://youtube.com/shorts/p_XHjXruK3s?feature=share

And a run with a replacement new hydraulic tensioner.

https://youtube.com/shorts/tHxdWu_zlyg?feature=share

In summary, if your tensioner is due for a replacement and it’s mechanical - replace with a new hydraulic style and get an extra 50T bolt just in case you take belts often and risk stripping.

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PdZHP

11-21-2021, 10:19 AM

Very good info.

Nope, this new mechanical tensioner was the problem. I guess there is a reason why BMW switched to hydraulic style. I was choosing the convenience of having a 16mm nut to detention... but given this I would not recommend it, replaced with a new style and no problem, purred like a kitten.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211121/a440211c847ebd2a2e2ab0e1440af07d.jpg

This one gave me the noise..., here it sits on the box packed to go back to FCP. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211121/1ed7dcff1f6bec94148f99f740b9540f.jpg

Here is the clip... no belts run to eliminate potential unrelated issues due to a massive job done to everything else.

https://youtube.com/shorts/p_XHjXruK3s?feature=share

And a run with a replacement new hydraulic tensioner.

https://youtube.com/shorts/tHxdWu_zlyg?feature=share

In summary, if your tensioner is due for a replacement and it’s mechanical - replace with a new hydraulic style and get an extra 50T bolt just in case you take belts often and risk stripping.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk on

Will

11-21-2021, 12:37 PM

Lots of good work and documentation, AM1GO. Glad you got that tensioner sorted out.

YoitsTmac

11-22-2021, 08:56 AM

Alright. What did I do to my ZHP….

- manual swap to 6spd
- LF30 conversion - requirement for a future project
- front subframe swap with old car
- engine mounts
- coilovers
- spark plugs
- mechanical tensioner conversion…because the hydraulic failed.
- UUC exhaust
- subframe reinforcement
- WP, thermostat, expansion tank. I had new rad hoses but forgot from all this work

In the midst of all that, I also admired the absolute cleanest BMW valvetrain either me or my friends have ever seen…damn. Photos later for sure.

Consequentially, a lot of this was possible by picking off my old car. So the old car got a
- front subframe swap
- suspension swap with the ZHP
- removed manual transmission and exhaust system.

Who knows what else. Hell of a weekend. Bribes two of my friends to make this all possible.

BMWCurves

11-22-2021, 03:11 PM

Damn, you got that all done in a single weekend? Nicely done.

cody_94

11-22-2021, 05:00 PM