What did you do for your ZHP/ BMW / MINI today? #2

[Pip]

Drove to Manhattan with the GF to see some of her friends for the weekend, 26.77 MPG averaging 75 or so. Pretty pumped about that.

After being in Manhattan for a weekend I'm not sure I'd ever want to drive there.

[squashman702]

After being in Manhattan for a weekend I'm not sure I'd ever want to drive there.

It was easy enough to get in and out of there, parked for 24 hours for $37, didn't think it was too bad.

[UdubBadger]

After being in Manhattan for a weekend I'm not sure I'd ever want to drive there.

My buddy who's a trader (and traitor) moved out there a year ago. He was paying $950 a month for his e90 M3 and $450 a month to park it and not drive it.

[stephenkirsh]

$450 a month for a parking spot seems dirt cheap for that area.

[UdubBadger]

Yep

[mbeckel]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/15/fab04665e1211889e1456244e3dc2e16.jpg

This and new gaskets equals no more leaks! Videos coming soon to a computer or smart phone near you!

Sent from in the bushes

[ELCID86]

So it worked?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[mbeckel]

So it worked?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.
Sure did! Leaks fixed. Videos uploaded on my project thread! Figured out how to put them up so everyone can see on tapatalk

Sent from in the bushes

[Johnmadd]

Fixed the squeaking pulley.

[ELCID86]

Got a lot done, actually! Finally installed the Koni Sport struts on the 330Ci (did the rear shocks last weekend) I've actually had the parts for more than a year, just couldn't get around to putting them in. :rolleyes

I've read that new struts take a bit of time to 'break in' - what's the consensus of the experts here, is that true? Just wondering when it's safe to form a real opinion of the upgrade. Either way, it IS an upgrade....appears the old struts were original with 102K on them!

Also got my dash trim swapped out from the brushed aluminum to the black cube pieces I bought. Huge improvement, in my opinion... Sorry for the crappy pics - the trim isn't as shiny as the flash makes it appear. Will try to get better pics in natural light, but it looks very nice with the Rustoleum satin black.

Very nice.

[cakM3]

Not necessarily today but yesterday after work I took my ZHP to the auto hobby shop at the Naval base where I work and gave it a very nice bath in one of the heated stalls reserved for car washes. I have to say that there's absolutely nothing that looks better than a freshly washed Imola :drool :drool

Of course having the luxury of washing my car inside a heated stall is a very nice thing.... I realize most don't have this availability. Winter cleaning won't be as difficult for me ;)

[NoVAphotog]

I have to say that there's absolutely nothing that looks better than a freshly washed Imola :drool :drool


No pics?!

And two nights ago leaving my gf's house in DC, I discovered my Imola with a natty brown coloring all over the top from the windshield to the trunk. Apparently the LAST BIRDS LEFT IN DC and probably a few SQUIRRELS decided to take aim at my car!!!!

I could barely see out of the windshield...fortunately I discovered a "touchless wash" by my house, I had never been through one of those before but it was awesome! Just did the economy wash 3 times to avoid whatever soap mixture they use beyond the basics and it got all of it off and cleaned the underbody. I know where I'll be going to get salt and stuff off later on!

[cakM3]

Very nice Daniel! Unfortunately I can't use touchless car washes....my lowered ZHP won't clear... such as a life of a lowered car....

I didn't take any pics because it was black outside by the time I was finished washing the car. I will take pics today however.... can't get over the depth of the Imola paint on my car.... guess I still have a great coat of wax on her :thumbsup This weekend I will be doing more PC on my Imola to get her ready for the upcoming winter ;)

[LivesNearCostco]

Saturday I replaced idler and tensioner pulleys. Last night I changed the oil (7600 miles on it) and replaced high pressure power steering hose for the 2nd time.

Plan for this to be the last time I use Total 9000 5w-40. Nothing wrong with it, just easier and cheaper to get M1 0x-40. But I have almost 2 quarts left of the Total. Since I buy it 5 quarts at a time, I guess I could do one more change with it.
Both pulleys were previously replaced in 2010, 4.5 years ago and both spun freely with some slight play in the bearings. These were "INA" brand replacements. New ones were SKF for tensioner and URO for idler. Maybe their bearings will last longer than 4 years.
My PS pressure hose was also replaced 4.5 years ago and really looked like it was leaking again. But the fluid appeared to be oil not ATF. Not sure if it was really leaking or if it's the slow oil leak dripping onto the PS hose. The new hose is CRP--we'll see if it gets covered in oil again. I definitely have an oil leak from either oil pan gasket or front main seal, or both.


The engine does seem a bit quieter with the new pulleys. Sent oil sample to Blackstone.

[az3579]

No pics?!

And two nights ago leaving my gf's house in DC, I discovered my Imola with a natty brown coloring all over the top from the windshield to the trunk. Apparently the LAST BIRDS LEFT IN DC and probably a few SQUIRRELS decided to take aim at my car!!!!

I could barely see out of the windshield...fortunately I discovered a "touchless wash" by my house, I had never been through one of those before but it was awesome! Just did the economy wash 3 times to avoid whatever soap mixture they use beyond the basics and it got all of it off and cleaned the underbody. I know where I'll be going to get salt and stuff off later on!

Be careful with touchless washes. They have been known to use some pretty harsh chemicals and I believe can strip waxes or other protective coatings.
I tried finding more info on this but there's nothing conclusive.


Very nice Daniel! Unfortunately I can't use touchless car washes....my lowered ZHP won't clear... such as a life of a lowered car....

Touchless washes do not have any rails to clear. You drive in and the machine works around your car.

[Rovert]

I always bring mine through the spinny Disney like wash at the BMW dealership. It's like my car is within a grand ball oh twirling characters and after the song, my car is clean. It's magical! LOL. I've never had an issue with those. If 760Li and X5M's can go through repeatedly, so can mine!

[az3579]

I always bring mine through the spinny Disney like wash at the BMW dealership. It's like my car is within a grand ball oh twirling characters and after the song, my car is clean. It's magical! LOL. I've never had an issue with those. If 760Li and X5M's can go through repeatedly, so can mine!

The 7's and X5M's that go through there don't go through there on a regular basis over the course of years...

I'm curious to see the paint on a car that goes through a touchless on a regular basis over the course of say 5 years or so.

[cakM3]

Touchless washes do not have any rails to clear. You drive in and the machine works around your car.

the ones we have here in Rhody have rails to clear..... my ZHP won't clear and I'm okay with this since I have access to a better car wash facility :)

[alexandre]

The 7's and X5M's that go through there don't go through there on a regular basis over the course of years...

I'm curious to see the paint on a car that goes through a touchless on a regular basis over the course of say 5 years or so.

I run mine through 2-3x every winter. Can confirm my sealant is gone after 3 months while it usually lasts 6-8 during the summer.

[Rovert]

Touchless have to use harsher compounds to clean than spinny spinny ones. The one I use, I've been to the back to see what they inject into the water and it's pretty diluted soap. I turned it up once to see what max is and it wash bubble bath central. LOL. I guess that's why my black car needed little clear correction nor needed waxing and sealing every few months.

[NoVAphotog]

Be careful with touchless washes. They have been known to use some pretty harsh chemicals and I believe can strip waxes or other protective coatings.
I tried finding more info on this but there's nothing conclusive.



Touchless washes do not have any rails to clear. You drive in and the machine works around your car.
BP, I'll probably only go back for emergency situations like this...ill take the hit once or twice rather than let the birdshit sit on there till I get a chance to do my own wash which is God knows when with work and the weather and all...

[az3579]

Touchless have to use harsher compounds to clean than spinny spinny ones. The one I use, I've been to the back to see what they inject into the water and it's pretty diluted soap. I turned it up once to see what max is and it wash bubble bath central. LOL. I guess that's why my black car needed little clear correction nor needed waxing and sealing every few months.

Not sure what you mean by "spinny spinny ones"... :scratchinghead


BP, I'll probably only go back for emergency situations like this...ill take the hit once or twice rather than let the birdshit sit on there till I get a chance to do my own wash which is God knows when with work and the weather and all...

When I went last year, I only used it very sparingly, when the car was completely loaded with salt. I would go about 2 months at a clip without washing the car, and when I did, I'd go to the touchless. It shouldn't be too bad if you don't go there often.

Someone seriously needs to start a unique business; a car wash with DIY, closable bays that have heat. Charge a little more than a regular car wash, people will still come.

[Rovert]

Not sure what you mean by "spinny spinny ones"... :scratchinghead


LOL I mean the full body contact washes. The ones that actually take the crap off the car and make it clean. I feel spinny spinny now being up for 24 hours and it's not over yet. Next flight, Central America!

[az3579]

LOL I mean the full body contact washes. The ones that actually take the crap off the car and make it clean. I feel spinny spinny now being up for 24 hours and it's not over yet. Next flight, Central America!

Oh... those are terrible for your clearcoat as well!



I so wish there was some kind of magic mixture that gets applied and removes everything from the paint/clearcoat without any physical contact needed. [sigh]
Too bad I guess...

[squashman702]

Dropped a bunch of money on it at ECS/Rogue Engineering/Advance Auto Parts, going to be a good holiday for the ZHP.

[Vas]

More details right meow

[squashman702]

More details right meow

I gots:

Advanced:
-Cabin air filter (Mann)
-NGK plugs
-3 oil filters (Mann)

ECS:
-AFE Stage 2 intake (had a random clearance today on them I guess)
-Valve cover gasket
-Magnetic drain plug with washers
-Strut reinforcement plates
-Rear diff service kit
-Trans service kit
-Oil filter housing gasket
-Idler pulley
-Brake flush kit
-Oil storage bag

Rogue:
-Underdrive pulleys, because I'm going to have to take a belt off to do an idler pulley anyway . . .

Need to get some oil still, Mobil 1 5w-30 from Wally World cool, or am I committing a major crime in the ZHP world?

[Vas]

Mobil 1 0w-40 is what most people run from wally world.

Good list though :applause

But be careful with those magnetic plugs. Some people had issues with them.

[squashman702]

Mobil 1 0w-40 is what most people run from wally world.

Good list though :applause

But be careful with those magnetic plugs. Some people had issues with them.

What were the issues?

[danewilson77]

They break and the threaded portion stays in the pan. Don't buy ecs.

+1 on Mobil 1 0W-40.

"No flamesuit required"

[squashman702]

They break and the threaded portion stays in the pan. Don't buy ecs.

+1 on Mobil 1 0W-40.

"No flamesuit required"

Hmm, did some Googling and I see a bunch of stuff from 2012 from people having issues, hopefully the plug has been redesigned. I'll be super careful on a test install I guess.

[danewilson77]

Don't over tighten for sure.

"No flamesuit required"

[squashman702]

Don't over tighten for sure.

"No flamesuit required"

Noted.

[stephenkirsh]

Hmm, did some Googling and I see a bunch of stuff from 2012 from people having issues, hopefully the plug has been redesigned. I'll be super careful on a test install I guess.

I remember seeing something from ECS that it was redesigned. Can't find it now.

[Vas]

Here

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7487

[squashman702]

Here

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7487

Thanks- may end up returning the ECS plug and reusing the stock one.

[mbeckel]

Had a rattle from the larger exhaust pipes on the transmission cross member. I had to file down an area slightly. Rattle solved!

Sent from in the bushes

[JupiterBMW]

Wow, 3 pages to catch up on and I feel like I just read through this thread yesterday! Anyway, today was a pretty big day for the X5 as well.

Took it in and had the wheels balanced and the alignment done today. Also picked up a bunch of small interior bits that needed replacing as well. And, lastly, picked up an O2 sensor, hopefully I can get it installed and get that damn check engine light off. :thumbsup

[mbeckel]

Wow, 3 pages to catch up on and I feel like I just read through this thread yesterday! Anyway, today was a pretty big day for the X5 as well.

Took it in and had the wheels balanced and the alignment done today. Also picked up a bunch of small interior bits that needed replacing as well. And, lastly, picked up an O2 sensor, hopefully I can get it installed and get that damn check engine light off. :thumbsup
Sounds like you have some fun ahead of you

Sent from in the bushes

[JupiterBMW]

"Fun"... Yeah, something like that.

[Yass_ZHP]

Well just ordered the e46 ActiveAutowerke exhaust and the 2014 shopping for the Heinz is done....

[ELCID86]

Changed the oil in Colin's car.

Also got estimate for bumper repair and front clip respray.

Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[NoVAphotog]

Changed the oil in Colin's car.

Also got estimate for bumper repair and front clip respray.

Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.
Did you use the oil extractor or get down and dirty?

[Fenrir]

Knocked an item off of the to do list :D. I fixed the gap in my bumper today. Had to re-weld *plastic glue* the bumper cover back onto the bracket but after that I buttoned everything up and it was right as rain!

[danewilson77]

Knocked an item off of the to do list :D. I fixed the gap in my bumper today. Had to re-weld *plastic glue* the bumper cover back onto the bracket but after that I buttoned everything up and it was right as rain!
Nice work buddy.

"No flamesuit required"

[Jconlin16]

35% Tint went on the windows today! Power steering pressure line is next.

[stephenkirsh]

Seems like a lot of ppl are doing that pressure line lately.... Ok maybe just three (myself and LivesBehindCostco)

[Johal E32]

Seems like a lot of ppl are doing that pressure line lately.... Ok maybe just three (myself and LivesBehindCostco)

Add me to the list! Just did all new lines, reservoir and pump on the M3.

[Fenrir]

Nice work buddy.

"No flamesuit required"

Thanks ^_^. It looks so much better now and my OCD doesn't kick in when looking at the front end anymore lol

[jwalther]

Well just ordered the e46 ActiveAutowerke exhaust and the 2014 shopping for the Heinz is done....

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/jeffw63/408844DA-34E6-4D82-A421-FC191269DD8C_zpszrbkrovh.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/jeffw63/media/408844DA-34E6-4D82-A421-FC191269DD8C_zpszrbkrovh.jpg.html)

[mbeckel]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/jeffw63/408844DA-34E6-4D82-A421-FC191269DD8C_zpszrbkrovh.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/jeffw63/media/408844DA-34E6-4D82-A421-FC191269DD8C_zpszrbkrovh.jpg.html)
Like

Sent from in the bushes

[Vas]

How do you like it? Any pics of the rear of the car with it?

[mbeckel]

I like how the active looks compared to the magnaflow.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/19/a435fe9700a569ee29d5c8b457e6be65.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/19/0e53cfa2d0562a5d2e59133576738993.jpg

The active muffler looks better. But the magnaflow tip fills out the opening perfectly

Sent from in the bushes

[Fenrir]

I like how the active looks compared to the magnaflow.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/19/a435fe9700a569ee29d5c8b457e6be65.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/19/0e53cfa2d0562a5d2e59133576738993.jpg

The active muffler looks better. But the magnaflow tip fills out the opening perfectly

Sent from in the bushes
Love my AA exhaust. Yours looks great on the car.

[Yass_ZHP]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/jeffw63/408844DA-34E6-4D82-A421-FC191269DD8C_zpszrbkrovh.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/jeffw63/media/408844DA-34E6-4D82-A421-FC191269DD8C_zpszrbkrovh.jpg.html)

Yepppppp gotta love it :)

[poke08]

Decided to try out the RWL look. Time to finish the last 3 tires :thumbup

17038

[cakM3]

Decided to try out the RWL look. Time to finish the last 3 tires :thumbup

17038

They look great right now but won't stay white long....

[brettbimmer]

They look great right now but won't stay white long....
Actually if you use a product called Bleche-Wite, spray on, scrub with brush, rinse, they'll stay fairly bright.

[danewilson77]

Actually if you use a product called Bleche-Wite, spray on, scrub with brush, rinse, they'll stay fairly bright.

+1

The friendliest forum on the planet.

[johnrando]

RWL? Oh and that AA exhaust looks great!

[Fenrir]

Decided to try out the RWL look. Time to finish the last 3 tires [emoji106]

17038
Oh that's awesome

[jwalther]

How do you like it? Any pics of the rear of the car with it?

I'm a fan. Looks and sounds great.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/jeffw63/F0E946C1-6473-4BCF-BC46-D039029B3040_zps6f5l36q4.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/jeffw63/media/F0E946C1-6473-4BCF-BC46-D039029B3040_zps6f5l36q4.jpg.html)

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/jeffw63/BD03F532-0D0E-4907-81E3-B5DB9B4CF4AA_zpsun16co3b.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/jeffw63/media/BD03F532-0D0E-4907-81E3-B5DB9B4CF4AA_zpsun16co3b.jpg.html)

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s216/jeffw63/471B58CF-56ED-42A4-A029-B6169F71E399_zpsea8o7niw.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/jeffw63/media/471B58CF-56ED-42A4-A029-B6169F71E399_zpsea8o7niw.jpg.html)

[UdubBadger]

Decided to try out the RWL look. Time to finish the last 3 tires :thumbup

17038

What are you using for that?

[cakM3]

Took BP to the car wash facility I use at the Navy Base where I work at. Its nice and warm in here!!!

17041

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17044

17045

[poke08]

What are you using for that?

I used a paint pen

[Rovert]

That's what BP looks like. He looks like he is part of a mafia. And I know at least one he's associated with.

[ELCID86]

Did you use the oil extractor or get down and dirty?

Sucked it!


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[ELCID86]

Decided to try out the RWL look. Time to finish the last 3 tires :thumbup

17038

Those would look so good on my red car! (They look great on AW too!)


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[squashman702]

Rogue pulleys came in Thursday, AFE intake came in today, gonna throw those on tomorrow afternoon I think.

[Hornung418]

Rogue pulleys came in Thursday, AFE intake came in today, gonna throw those on tomorrow afternoon I think.
You're gonna love the way the steering feels after the install.

Top tip with the pulleys though, if you have to remove the alternator, you will need to take the pulley off. The pulley is in the way.

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

[cakM3]

Its snowing outside right now...my ZHP is parked right outside

17058

17059

While BP and I continue detailing his ZHP :thumbsup This is helping a brother out :)
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[Rovert]

I need someone like you on the Pacific Northest coast....

[squashman702]

You're gonna love the way the steering feels after the install.

Top tip with the pulleys though, if you have to remove the alternator, you will need to take the pulley off. The pulley is in the way.

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

You're talking about pulling the alternator after they're installed?

[Hornung418]

You're talking about pulling the alternator after they're installed?
Yes. Just as a heads up. I went to change my oil filter housing gasket and when I got to the alternator I started undoing the bolts and sure enough I had to back track and slip on the drive belt so I could loosen the bolts on the PS pulley and then remove the belt and so on and so forth...just make a mental note if you need to take it out. [emoji6]

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

[mbeckel]

I think it's time to replace my drivers side window regulator.... sigh....

Sent from in the bushes

[stephenkirsh]

You're gonna love the way the steering feels after the install.
[/B][/I]

Noob question: why will the steering feel be different?

[cakM3]

I need someone like you on the Pacific Northest coast....

Thanks Trevor! :thumbsup

[Hornung418]

Noob question: why will the steering feel be different?
Bigger pulley means the outside is spinning the same speed as before, but since the pulley has a larger radius the center is spinning slower. This takes some of the help from the power steering pump and increases the feel of turning the steering wheel. Makes it heavier so to speak.

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

[stephenkirsh]

Gotcha. Didn't realize there was any difference in steering feel from it. I've looked into under drive pulleys a lot and never seen that mentioned.

[Vas]

I think it's time to replace my drivers side window regulator.... sigh....

Sent from in the bushes

I was going to tackle the passenger side today but the weather was not on my side.

BTW I got an OEM BMW regulator for $103

[slater]

Bigger pulley means the outside is spinning the same speed as before, but since the pulley has a larger radius the center is spinning slower. This takes some of the help from the power steering pump and increases the feel of turning the steering wheel. Makes it heavier so to speak.

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

hmmm, sounds good. i may try this out. does it require a longer belt?

peter

[Tnhl1989]

I was going to tackle the passenger side today but the weather was not on my side.

BTW I got an OEM BMW regulator for $103

I actually purchase the eBay plastic repair kit and did the zip tie method. Still holding up for less than 20 dollars. Be sure to confirm which shape your holder is. Mine was like crown shape instead of square shape. Been holding together for well over a year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tnhl1989]

I connected the new center console switch. Resprayed my rear deck. Wired up everything temporary to see it all work. Tomorrow I'm going to reinstall everything and wire it all up.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/20/a63a6c44845cb5e07b60599a5a30dda4.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/20/4a93f56bed73f63ac0557b3c888d46a5.jpg

Easily a 500 dollar mod. Now time to make some money back.

All is working for this rear shade.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hornung418]

hmmm, sounds good. i may try this out. does it require a longer belt?

peter
Should come with one.

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

[LivesNearCostco]

Hornung, do you mean remove the alternator pulley or remove the power steering pulley before pulling the alternator? When I did my OFHG (it was 4 years ago so memory is a bit hazy) I believe I unbolted the PS pump from the OFH and removed the alternator, but I don't remember removing the alternator pulley.

I did swap the alternator pulley to put on an underdrive one later and it was tricky to prevent the center from turning while removing the nut. I probably rigged some combo of hex wrench with spark plug socket?


Yes. Just as a heads up. I went to change my oil filter housing gasket and when I got to the alternator I started undoing the bolts and sure enough I had to back track and slip on the drive belt so I could loosen the bolts on the PS pulley and then remove the belt and so on and so forth...just make a mental note if you need to take it out. [emoji6]

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

[TheFinanceGuy]

Its snowing outside right now...my ZHP is parked right outside

17058

17059

While BP and I continue detailing his ZHP :thumbsup This is helping a brother out :)
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Looking good guys!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

Nice work Tony.
BP, what did you use on the glass?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[cakM3]

Nice work Tony.
BP, what did you use on the glass?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

Tony??

[cakM3]

BP had this installed today

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Spent all day doing the install. Learned how I will wire up my rear camera today for when I do this in spring. I will be getting the GA5150 for my ZHP as well :thumbsup

Enjoy playing with your new updated setup!! Looking forward to reading your review!!

[squashman702]

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/squashman702/Mobile%20Uploads/300FEAE9-6EA7-47C3-AAFB-B901664180E3_zpsksvi3kc7.jpg (http://s243.photobucket.com/user/squashman702/media/Mobile%20Uploads/300FEAE9-6EA7-47C3-AAFB-B901664180E3_zpsksvi3kc7.jpg.html)

Installed these today- RE underdrives with a new belt that they included. Vas- both pulleys are flat in my hands with the RE pulleys on the inside, so this should give you a decent idea of the size difference between stock. Install was easy- got to say, for the first real work I've done on this car, I was impressed with how easy it was.

Installed the AFE Stage II intake as well, then took it back out once I got everything together. Fitment was poor. The casting of the tube caused issues with MAF fitment, then the filter was jammed into the back of the ballast on the headlight, and was not able to bolt into one of the leftover holes for the factory air box- heatshield was about an inch away from where it needed to be to bolt up. I have some sort of retrofit from Lightwerkz that the previous owner did, but I have a factory xenon car, so from what I can tell, nothing substantial was changed at the rear of the headlight housing that would cause issues. I'm probably going to call AFE tomorrow and see if this is a known problem with the factory xenon cars.

[Vas]

Thanks for the pic. Impression on the car ?

[squashman702]

Thanks for the pic. Impression on the car ?

Seems snappier in the mid range for sure, steering feel is awesome. Wheel got a little bit heavier, but not to the point where it's a bear to turn.

[slater]

Seems snappier in the mid range for sure, steering feel is awesome. Wheel got a little bit heavier, but not to the point where it's a bear to turn.

sounds great. i might give these a shot!

peter

[UdubBadger]

I used a paint pen

I like the look

[Lanister]

Oil change and bottom of the motor inspection. No leaks! :thumbsup

[az3579]

Nice work Tony.
BP, what did you use on the glass?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

The glass was cut with 3M rubbing compound, which Charlie applied. The pic was me applying the Menzerna PowerLock sealant.


Tony??

He was referring to the rear shade project. :)

[cakM3]

He was referring to the rear shade project. :)

That's what I get when you are working my ass off detailing your car... :facepalm I'm still wiped out from the weekend....going to the Naval base soon so I can properly clean my ZHP in preparation for work I have planned for it during the week, including a much needed PC!

Tony did a great job retrofitting his rear sun shade by the way.... I helped him make the final wiring connections by use of soldering and heat shrink. His button panel is completely populated now. Looks like his ZHP will have every available option for the E46 :thumbsup

[johnrando]

:like

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[stephenkirsh]

Whoa e46 had a rear motorized sun shade option?!

[az3579]

Whoa e46 had a rear motorized sun shade option?!

Yep. A manual one was available as well.

[Johal E32]

The motorized one is sweet. My buddy had it in his M3 but he sold it

[mbeckel]

Shopping window regulators, which is the best

Sent from in the bushes

[az3579]

Shopping window regulators, which is the best

Sent from in the bushes

They're all crap...

[mbeckel]

OE.
That was the plan, just wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything better out there

Sent from in the bushes

[Vas]

Shopping window regulators, which is the best

Sent from in the bushes

I bought mine from the bmw mini parts store for $103 last week.

[az3579]

That was the plan, just wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything better out there

Sent from in the bushes

I modified my post really quickly. I don't think there are any good alternatives... as far as I know, they're all the same from a durability perspective. Bad design. :(

[Hornung418]

Hornung, do you mean remove the alternator pulley or remove the power steering pulley before pulling the alternator? When I did my OFHG (it was 4 years ago so memory is a bit hazy) I believe I unbolted the PS pump from the OFH and removed the alternator, but I don't remember removing the alternator pulley.

I did swap the alternator pulley to put on an underdrive one later and it was tricky to prevent the center from turning while removing the nut. I probably rigged some combo of hex wrench with spark plug socket?
You have to remove the power steering pulley to remove the bolts that mount the alternator to the block. The PS Pump can't be removed until the alternator is out of the way.

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

[johnrando]

Whoa e46 had a rear motorized sun shade option?!
Yes. They are called convertibles. :biggrin

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[cakM3]

Yes. They are called convertibles. :biggrin

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

the ultimate sun shade option!

[ELCID86]

Shopping window regulators, which is the best

Sent from in the bushes
Go OEM. I do think they all tend to fail at some point. I got my from a dealer for @80 online.

[Tnhl1989]

The motorized one is sweet. My buddy had it in his M3 but he sold it


Yep. A manual one was available as well.


Whoa e46 had a rear motorized sun shade option?!

My car has it ;)

Check my build thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Added a quart of BMW 5W-30. Only after just over 1k miles. :facepalm


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[Tnhl1989]

Added a quart of BMW 5W-30. Only after just over 1k miles. :facepalm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ofhg? Lol


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[ELCID86]

Ofhg? Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Try a different lube?

[az3579]

Ofhg? Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Did that twice. I already checked the usual stuff.


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[Hornung418]

Added a quart of BMW 5W-30. Only after just over 1k miles. :facepalm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Think the weather might have a play on the viscosity? I add a quart every 400miles...need to address that soon. But the only other thing that might be an issue is the valve seals. You are over 200k miles

"You don't have to blow out my candle just to make yours shine brighter."

[LivesNearCostco]

BP you know there are only about 3 ways oil can leave the engine.
1) Drip out of a seal or gasket so you will eventually see it
2) Leak into cylinders directly (rings or headgasket) or via intake (CCV) and get burned up
3) Leak into coolant (headgasket)--this seems pretty rare.

Have you seen any drips underneath after removing the splash tray? Or any blue smoke from the exhaust? How old is your CCV?

Edit: Or what Hornung just said, valve seals. I add about 1.5 quarts in 7500 miles so about 1 quart per 5000 miles. I see oil slowly dripping off the engine block. Just not sure if it's only the oil pan gasket or also getting help from the front or rear main seals.

[danewilson77]

I bought OES (window regulator) last time.

"No flamesuit required"

[toddness]

(1) Michelin Pilot Super Sport 255/35ZR18 - SMH

[az3579]

BP you know there are only about 3 ways oil can leave the engine.
1) Drip out of a seal or gasket so you will eventually see it
2) Leak into cylinders directly (rings or headgasket) or via intake (CCV) and get burned up
3) Leak into coolant (headgasket)--this seems pretty rare.

Have you seen any drips underneath after removing the splash tray? Or any blue smoke from the exhaust? How old is your CCV?

Edit: Or what Hornung just said, valve seals. I add about 1.5 quarts in 7500 miles so about 1 quart per 5000 miles. I see oil slowly dripping off the engine block. Just not sure if it's only the oil pan gasket or also getting help from the front or rear main seals.

I didn't mean to start a discussion on the causes of oil leaks; it's been brought up quite a few times. I just get frustrated with it so frequently that I need to vent...

I kill enough oil topping off to equal about 3 oil changes a year. lol
After a certain point, it's just comical.

[squashman702]

Rest of my order from ECS and Advanced came yesterday, threw in the Mann cabin air filter this afternoon, old one was filthy. Now I just need one for my ass so my car doesn't continue to smell like farts.

[danewilson77]

Rest of my order from ECS and Advanced came yesterday, threw in the Mann cabin air filter this afternoon, old one was filthy. Now I just need one for my ass so my car doesn't continue to smell like farts.
:rofl

"No flamesuit required"

[squashman702]

I think ECS will be taking my intake back as well- the AFE Stage 1 fits with Xenon's, right?

[ELCID86]

I think ECS will be taking my intake back as well- the AFE Stage 1 fits with Xenon's, right?

Should fit with any stock lights.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[JupiterBMW]

Well it wasn't for my BMW to be exact, but lets just say it was for a BMW... I shopped for one. :biggrin

[Vas]

New headlight lenses. Next up is to replace a window regulator.

[ELCID86]

Well it wasn't for my BMW to be exact, but lets just say it was for a BMW... I shopped for one. :biggrin

And?!?

[JupiterBMW]

And?!?

Well, shopping was an online thing. Today I am meeting to go look at a car around 10:30. I will report back.

Good news... It is a pretty awesome BMW... Bad news... It is an automatic, as the next car must be in order to be usable by my wife. And at this point, I'm ok with that. :)

[fredo]

... Bad news... It is an automatic ... :)

That's not bad news at all ! Keep us posted !

[JupiterBMW]

Yeah agreed, and automatics are fun with paddles! will post more later!

[squashman702]

Bought 11 quarts of M1 0w40 at Wallyworld today, was not able to find any on sale at AZ in the ridiculous clearance they've had over the past couple of days.

EDIT: Also sent back the AFE Stage II today, probably going to wait until after the holidays and see if the Stage I goes on sale.

[poke08]

I just picked up this afe stage 2 intake. It fits pretty snug against my drivers headlight. Is It supposed to fit that close? 17122

[das boots]

Went to BMW of Vista to do a courtesy inspection. That's where Vince, who is the supervisor and Master Tech work. He was the one that did the inspection and anything I could not handle, he does them on the side. Some items for attention....

- Ground wire to my trunk lights is opne somewhere in the loop bundle or from the trunk switch.
- Rear tires are close to be replaced.
- There is a slight leak on the left Side Seal of the Diffferential. He will do all seals and gaskets together all at once when his schedule opens up. I will have to leave my ZHP with him the whole weekend. But I will get a loaner by trading one of his cars.
- He replaced my A-Pillar panels.
- A complementary car wash.

He also stated that my passenger side airbag will be replaced when the drivers side airbag recall becomes official anyday now......

[squashman702]

I just picked up this afe stage 2 intake. It fits pretty snug against my drivers headlight. Is It supposed to fit that close? 17122

My filter was crammed into the back of the headlight and the tab for the factory bolt was about an inch to the rear of where it needed to be.

[poke08]

My filter was crammed into the back of the headlight and the tab for the factory bolt was about an inch to the rear of where it needed to be.

And it works fine?

[squashman702]

And it works fine?

I sent it back- couldn't get the heat shield to bolt down, so the filter would've been rubbing the back of the filter more than I was comfortable with.

[poke08]

She's idling really rough after start up. Not sure why though. https://vimeo.com/115302067

[danewilson77]

When is the last time the filter was cleaned. MAF sensor plugged in?

"No flamesuit required"

[poke08]

When is the last time the filter was cleaned. MAF sensor plugged in?

"No flamesuit required"

The guy cleaned it and oiled it before he sent me it. Maf sensor was plugged in.

I took it out and reinstalled the original intake and it's back to normal.

[stephenkirsh]

Probably something wrong with the filter.

Also, in terms of fitment, they seem to be hit and miss...

[Rovert]

Unicorn Juice for my lady!

17131

[Pip]

Bought 11 quarts of M1 0w40 at Wallyworld today, was not able to find any on sale at AZ in the ridiculous clearance they've had over the past couple of days.

EDIT: Also sent back the AFE Stage II today, probably going to wait until after the holidays and see if the Stage I goes on sale.
I think Shawn still has his aFe for sale. Good deal for a hardly used new to you product.

[Pip]

I need to get some of that juice for the next oil change. Previous owner used it and I've been using Castrol.

[az3579]

Well, shopping was an online thing. Today I am meeting to go look at a car around 10:30. I will report back.

Good news... It is a pretty awesome BMW... Bad news... It is an automatic, as the next car must be in order to be usable by my wife. And at this point, I'm ok with that. :)

Hey, if it's an 8-speed auto from the newer BMWs then it's most definitely NOT bad news! Those trannies are awesome.

[JupiterBMW]

Hey, if it's an 8-speed auto from the newer BMWs then it's most definitely NOT bad news! Those trannies are awesome.

It'll either be a 5 speed step tropic or a 7 speed double clutch.

[az3579]

It'll either be a 5 speed step tropic

:(



or a 7 speed double clutch.

:headbang

[cakM3]

Today I picked up and ordered more parts for my BMWs. Picked up my new trunk handle that will be going on my sedan CSL bootlid...

17134

And got more expanding plastic rivets for the ///M
17135

I fixed the driver's side rear folding seat this morning and decided to use new rivets rather than reuse the old ones...I now have fully functional rear folding seats again :)

[mbeckel]

Today I picked up and ordered more parts for my BMWs. Picked up my new trunk handle that will be going on my sedan CSL bootlid...

17134

And got more expanding plastic rivets for the ///M
17135

I fixed the driver's side rear folding seat this morning and decided to use new rivets rather than reuse the old ones...I now have fully functional rear folding seats again :)
When will the csl lid be finished?

Sent from in the bushes

[rguti153]

I'm about to chunk mine to the trash matt . The spare one I have

[mbeckel]

I'm about to chunk mine to the trash matt . The spare one I have
Is that the one that has the damage?

Sent from in the bushes

[rguti153]

Yep

[Vas]

Currently installing a passenger window regulator.

[johnrando]

Good to see you around Lawrence. :hi

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[cakM3]

When will the csl lid be finished?

Sent from in the bushes

I will be painting my bootlid during Spring Break, then my ZHP will be getting the Eonon GA 5150 installed along with the CSL bootlid and rear camera. Should be fun when that time comes.....of course I will already have Peter's heated lumbar seats installed ;)

[Pip]

Anything wrong with previous trunk handle or trying to get the elongated trunk handle?

[Vas]

New bmw window regulator installed on the wife's car.

[danewilson77]

New bmw window regulator installed on the wife's car.
Nice. I need to install two fronts on Justins ZHP.

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

Not bad at all to install. Need to do the drivers side next but might wait till the spring.

[cakM3]

Anything wrong with previous trunk handle or trying to get the elongated trunk handle?

Sean, I have the OEM CSL bootlid installed on my ///M and they don't have a trunk handle. Since we all know E46 sedans never had a CSL bootlid, it only made sense to have one with a trunk handle and smooth rear for my ZHP. There is nothing wrong with my original trunk handle, I just wanted to keep it with the OE bootlid, that's all. The elongated trunk handle would not fit this bootlid although I still have one that came off my ///M when I removed the damaged OE bootlid from it... :)

[Pip]

Sean, I have the OEM CSL bootlid installed on my ///M and they don't have a trunk handle. Since we all know E46 sedans never had a CSL bootlid, it only made sense to have one with a trunk handle and smooth rear for my ZHP. There is nothing wrong with my original trunk handle, I just wanted to keep it with the OE bootlid, that's all. The elongated trunk handle would not fit this bootlid although I still have one that came off my ///M when I removed the damaged OE bootlid from it... :)
Ah. Just went through your ZHP thread and realized it didn't have a handle on the trunk.

[Johal E32]

Changed my throttle body, no more sticky throttle!

[Whammy]

ZHP is back in the carport with the cover on and battery and steering wheel pulled. Jeep is back in DD duty after some unplanned work.

[cakM3]

Ah. Just went through your ZHP thread and realized it didn't have a handle on the trunk.

Yeah Sean and the VIS bootlid I got requires a trunk handle… wanted some differences between my OEM CSL bootlid on my ///M compared to the CSL rep I'll be putting on my sedan. I also got my sedan CSL bootlid for a killer price….I couldn't turn it down it was that good ;)


ZHP is back in the carport with the cover on and battery and steering wheel pulled. Jeep is back in DD duty after some unplanned work.

Nice to hear Whammy! :thumbsup

[terraphantm]

Just changed my water pump and drained/filled my coolant. Really glad the s54 cooling system is self bleeding

Still have to clean up a bunch of crap. That'll be in the morning

[Sockethead]

Santa was good to the ZHP this year!
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/25/41310cbe7ad1d2507b6173c57c44bfc1.jpghttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/25/2928c4cedd4528ff21c152bff38ef163.jpg

[Vas]

Same here. Santa delivered alcantara boots.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/25/550f51d47cc1d8dc6b10d29cee9b2027.jpg

[Whammy]

Same here. Santa delivered alcantara boots.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/25/550f51d47cc1d8dc6b10d29cee9b2027.jpg

:drool

[Vas]

Just finished installing them. They sure look nice

[Whammy]

I will be shipping mine soon!

[cakM3]

I jail breaked my iPad Mini today and got CarPlay to run on it....still working the kinks out...
17152

17153

I get this to work, I'll have this in my ZHP somehow ;)

[Vas]

I will be shipping mine soon!
The quality is really nice. You will not be let down.

[squashman702]

My parents got me a gift card to ECS and my girlfriend got me a gift card for a full exterior detail, so the ZHP did pretty well this Christmas.

[johnrando]

Nice

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[BCS_ZHP]

Monday & Tuesday, full cooling system refresh including the radiator, new belts/tensioners/pulleys, OFHG, fuel filter, and oil change on the '04 330xi. Visited a junkyard and bought a jack and rear view mirror.

Wednesday, mounted & balanced 235/40/18 & 265/35/18 Conti DWSs on style 135 wheels for the 330xi, replaced the rear view mirror, replaced a xenon headlight bulb & rear license plate bulb, both pointed out during VA safety inspection, other general putzing around getting to know the car better.

Today:
- Brett gave Preston a 5-series lighted ZHP shift knob for Xmas, my part of the job was separating the attached leather boot from the knob so it could be installed on an e90, the boys accomplished the install.
- Noticed last night the right side angel eye was out on my wife's X5, found another new one in my tool box, install took less than 5 min, FTW.
- Replaced cabin micro filter on 330xi, broke 3 hood emblems trying to remove/replace that bugger, now the hood is silver/black cf while the rest of the car is OE white/blue, Brett needs to decide which color scheme he prefers and buy some more emblems.

Tomorrow:
- planning to get the 330xi re-inspected, wash engine bay, maybe visit a junkyard for some little things (nut to secure jack in trunk, wing nut to secure spare tire in trunk, etc.)
- had to move the car in the middle of the cooling system refresh, cranked it up and moved it 30 feet rather than push it, all kinds of things were unhooked at that point, SES light came on and haven't been able to clear the codes with my Peake code reader, gotta get someone with a real computer to clear the stored codes.

[Tnhl1989]

Nice job! Haha I did all that work 2 winters ago during the nemo snow storm. Well I just got a bunch of Bmw scanners ready to ship. :)


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[BCS_ZHP]

Tony,
I bought one of your first batch of PASoft s/w but am an admitted novice wrt IT/computer stuff. My IT savvy son (Brett) is working tomorrow, will ask him to install the s/w on his laptop tomorrow evening and see if we can clear the codes. Despite SES, the car runs great.

Current mystery is the intermittent wipers. Wipers are fine on low or high speed, flip it to intermittent and it only swipes one time then stops. Change the intermittent wiper speed and again only get one swipe. I'm thinking the auto wiper rain sensor is bad, will try disconnecting that tomorrow to see if intermittent wiper mode will function correctly.
Bruce

[Tnhl1989]

Oh right! Totally forgot. The rain sensor may have a bad optical sensor. Which is my current problem with my auto rain sensor. I changed the sensor a few times and still the same problem. Not sure if it's a retrofit thing I did which isn't allowing it to work correctly or it's a common thing with these cars.


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[NoVAphotog]

mounted & balanced 235/40/18 & 265/35/18 Conti DWSs on style 135 wheels for the 330xi

maybe visit a junkyard for some little things (nut to secure jack in trunk, wing nut to secure spare tire in trunk, etc.)


Very nice work Bruce! Definitely getting that xi ready to go without a hitch! We'll have to see how my ZHP fairs on snows compared to the xi on all-seasons come our first real snow. :dueling

Is the bump in stock tire sizes for front/rear a cosmetic one or is it particular to the xi in some way? If so, definitely down for pics of that fitment (and of this xi in general). :thumbsup

Also, where are the junkyard(s) around here?

[BCS_ZHP]

Daniel,
Bumping tire sizes up by 10mm each was purely by chance, and a steal at 60% of the new price. Found the Conti DWS tires on CL, someone bought them for his wife's MB along with custom wheels, she didn't like them (IDKW, tire or wheel?), he took them off and got her new tires for her stock wheels Colored lines are still on the tires in the tread, little nobs/nibs all over the tires, or at least they were before we started driving the car. He estimated less than 100 miles on them, they sure looked to be new so I believe him, he paid for the dismounting of the tires from his wheels too. The fit is perfect, this is the same size tires the ZHP runs on the VMRs in the warmer months except the VMRs are 19" diameter. Local junkyards I frequent are located inDumfries (Rte 234) and Woodbridge (Rte 1), also one out in Manassas but I haven't been there yet, most are "pick-n-pay" so bring your tools. Dumfries has a nice e46 sedan sitting just inside the gate, I went to start taking parts and they said it's not officially theirs yet so I couldn't take anything from it.
Bruce

[Lanister]

After all the rains, my zhp was pretty dirty. With a number of people coming to check her out tomorrow and this weekend, I had to made sure she looks her best. Nice bath, vacuum, and seat leather lotion treatment. She looks and smells mint :)

[JupiterBMW]

A little update from me. The BMW I mentioned turned out to be an ok car. Its an... wait for it.... :biggrin..... '05 ZHP sedan, Orient Blue over Grey Leather, automatic. The car has 139k miles on it, and the guy is asking $8500. Its in good condition, a lot of receipts and a pretty detailed history, but I can't help be concerned over the strength/reliability of the automatic. The car is in ok shape, but there's a laundry list of things that I could address.

The biggest concern for me (aside from the automatic) is that the car clearly spends ALL of its time outside, and the Florida sun is beating up the weatherstripping. The ZKW lights are showing some burn marks, and it needs a lot of cleanup. Also, there are a ton of small dents and scratches all over the car. From 20 feet away, it looks like a million bucks, but not from up close.

So, it'd be a really affordable way to get into a 2nd car for the short term, I'm just not sure I want to have anything else to stress over.

Here's the link to the car. Take a look and let me know your thoughts. http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/4808868304.html

[Imola.ZHP]

Wow, so much work going on!

All the while, mine has just been sitting in the garage, sleeping.

I did get a sweet BMW Puma shirt for christmas. Its a little much for the public, but I'll tool around in it at the house.

[Vas]

A little update from me. The BMW I mentioned turned out to be an ok car. Its an... wait for it.... :biggrin..... '05 ZHP sedan, Orient Blue over Grey Leather, automatic. The car has 139k miles on it, and the guy is asking $8500. Its in good condition, a lot of receipts and a pretty detailed history, but I can't help be concerned over the strength/reliability of the automatic. The car is in ok shape, but there's a laundry list of things that I could address.

The biggest concern for me (aside from the automatic) is that the car clearly spends ALL of its time outside, and the Florida sun is beating up the weatherstripping. The ZKW lights are showing some burn marks, and it needs a lot of cleanup. Also, there are a ton of small dents and scratches all over the car. From 20 feet away, it looks like a million bucks, but not from up close.

So, it'd be a really affordable way to get into a 2nd car for the short term, I'm just not sure I want to have anything else to stress over.

Here's the link to the car. Take a look and let me know your thoughts. http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/4808868304.html
I wouldn't be too concerned.

Did you drive it ?

[BCS_ZHP]

A little update from me. The BMW I mentioned turned out to be an ok car. Its an... wait for it.... :biggrin..... '05 ZHP sedan, Orient Blue over Grey Leather, automatic. The car has 139k miles on it, and the guy is asking $8500. Its in good condition, a lot of receipts and a pretty detailed history, but I can't help be concerned over the strength/reliability of the automatic. The car is in ok shape, but there's a laundry list of things that I could address.

The biggest concern for me (aside from the automatic) is that the car clearly spends ALL of its time outside, and the Florida sun is beating up the weatherstripping. The ZKW lights are showing some burn marks, and it needs a lot of cleanup. Also, there are a ton of small dents and scratches all over the car. From 20 feet away, it looks like a million bucks, but not from up close.

So, it'd be a really affordable way to get into a 2nd car for the short term, I'm just not sure I want to have anything else to stress over.

Here's the link to the car. Take a look and let me know your thoughts. http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/4808868304.html

Jon,
Was the car warmed up or cold when you first went to see it? Found a similar ZHP automatic several months ago, the car was warmed up when I went to see it. I prefer to look at a car that's cold, told the owner then I can listen for 1st start of the day noises -- valve train, cooling system, belts/tensioners, etc. He apologized and explained he intentionally warmed it up because his transmission must be shifted in manual mode until the tranny temp warms up which only takes about 5 min/5 miles, after that auto & semi-auto worked fine, he said it had been doing this for over 5 years. I asked why he didn't try a tranny fluid service to see if the issue would go away, he said his indy tech told him not to do that as it might fix it, might make it worse, or might drive a final nail into the tranny. Other than that, read Mike Miller's comments on the steptronics from his Old School Maintenance guidance.
Bruce

[JupiterBMW]

Bruce- thanks for that. I did take note that it was warmed up when I went to see it, something I don't like either. I did drive it and it felt fine in automatic mode, manual mode seemed a little slow when trying to really get on it, but I have never driven an AT ZHP so maybe it was fine. I expect them all to shift like the 8AT in the newer BMW models, which I know isn't realistic. Going to go back and look again, hopefully with a friend that owns an AT ZHP.

[BCS_ZHP]

From having owned both, you are absolutely correct, the older steptronics (e46 & e39) do not shift anywhere near as smooth or fast as the 8-spd e70.

[Sockethead]

So, it'd be a really affordable way to get into a 2nd car for the short term, I'm just not sure I want to have anything else to stress over.

Sometimes you just have to take your OCD and toss it out the window...

[Vas]

Passed Virginia state inspection

[ELCID86]

Always a good feeling Vas.

Nice wurk Bruce.

Jon, the car does look good. You said it's not a 9/10 on the exterior as he noted in the ad and he's apparently not ready to negotiate on the price?


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[johnrando]

Met up with Fredo for lunch in Temple, TX today. Great to meet him, a great guy. Drove all the way from Austin, over 90 minutes so I really appreciated the effort. Note: notice we're both reppin' BMW, and in my case, The Mafia.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/26/5179bdd44c93d52aed5c9ba1eaa835c8.jpg

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[danewilson77]

Awesome. Nice shirt fredo!

"No flamesuit required"

[ELCID86]

Met up with Fredo for lunch in Temple, TX today. Great to meet him, a great guy. Drove all the way from Austin, over 90 minutes so I really appreciated the effort. Note: notice we're both reppin' BMW, and in my case, The Mafia.


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Awesome!


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[fredo]

Thanks, guys ! This was a good chance to meet a fellow mafioso, and I didn't miss it. Rando, it was great to meet you. Keep me posted next time you visit TX.

[Tnhl1989]

Meet up with Charlie today in trying to figure out a solution to the alternator whine and came to a conclusion that it was probably just his alternator. Nothing solved from today's trip technically however Charlie does love pho.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/26/46f6cbde0c95017d7c0668de0fa92b38.jpg


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[squashman702]

Drove it to go riding today- too nice not to take the dirt scooters out. I've got a 2007 YZ250F that makes my ZHP seem like a slug. Why do all fast things have to be so pricy?

[Vas]

Pho is awesome

[cakM3]

Pho is awesome

+1


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[LivesNearCostco]

Installed half the 90mm race studs I bought from Smilez onto the E36. And put my rear camber back to where it was after last alignment (-2.2°). Had set it around -2.6° during last (first) track event because of fender rub. Just ran out of time to do the fronts. Installing the new studs was really easy but taking out the old ones was such a chore. Guess I used too much red thread locker and/or torqued them too tight (around 50 or 60 foot-lbs) when I installed them.

New studs are going in with 20 foot-lbs and less thread locker. Maybe I will install the front ones Sunday--tomorrow is my first AutoX in the E36.

Edit: And I love Pho!

[BCS_ZHP]

On the 330xi, retook the VA safety inspection and passed. Washed the engine bay, then washed the outside of the car, tomorrow's task may be the inside, if Brett is around to help. Replaced the cowl cover, the rubber was dry rotten. Finally got some of the codes cleared but the Peake code readerwon't clear them all, will try to get by a friend's house on Saturday to use his fancy Snap-On reader.

On the 335xi, changed the upper trim around the side windows to shadow line black, a very simple swap. Preston found the trim on CL, $50 for both pieces which is a steal. Then we removed the 4 horizontal door pieces, took them to a friend's shop tonight to paint them and bake the paint under a heat lamp. It's 3 am and I'm just getting home, we kept getting one or two fish eyes in each piece of trim, the friend is more OCD than I, so we stripped the paint, resanded each piece, and repainted them. After 3 iterations of this, the horizontal trim pieces look pretty darn good, but not perfect. Glad its done, disappointed the result doesn't quite match the effort put in, Preston gave up on us after 3 hours, Sean and I worked on it for 4 more hours. Next we'll try reinstalling it, the back doors are straight forward but think we're going to have to remove the side mirrors on the front doors to reinstall this trim.

[az3579]

A little update from me. The BMW I mentioned turned out to be an ok car. Its an... wait for it.... :biggrin..... '05 ZHP sedan, Orient Blue over Grey Leather, automatic. The car has 139k miles on it, and the guy is asking $8500. Its in good condition, a lot of receipts and a pretty detailed history, but I can't help be concerned over the strength/reliability of the automatic. The car is in ok shape, but there's a laundry list of things that I could address.

The biggest concern for me (aside from the automatic) is that the car clearly spends ALL of its time outside, and the Florida sun is beating up the weatherstripping. The ZKW lights are showing some burn marks, and it needs a lot of cleanup. Also, there are a ton of small dents and scratches all over the car. From 20 feet away, it looks like a million bucks, but not from up close.

So, it'd be a really affordable way to get into a 2nd car for the short term, I'm just not sure I want to have anything else to stress over.

Here's the link to the car. Take a look and let me know your thoughts. http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/4808868304.html

My only concern would be aaaaaaalllllllll thaaaaaaaaaaatttt greeeeeeeeeeeeyyyy....

[squashman702]

Cleaned the moisture out of the D/S headlight.

Also got my first kill last night (on a closed course in Mexico, obviously). Veloster Turbo with a BOV and an A pillar full of gauges. Had him by a length through 2 gears shifting before redline. Of course I got the fly by when it was over, but I figured 2 gears on city streets was enough.

[Vas]

Ordered her m3 engine and transmission mounts.

[Fenrir]

I found out my tablet fits perfectly in my center console so I loaded my Dash Command account on it and used it for data logging today.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/27/f9ee6433cfe95b62bffce0275b8ce0d0.jpg

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http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/27/5c0b4d8ee3e8526ceeefa5be139938ed.jpg

[Vas]

Cleaned the interior of my wifes zhp. Good weather here in Virginia today.

[JupiterBMW]

My only concern would be aaaaaaalllllllll thaaaaaaaaaaatttt greeeeeeeeeeeeyyyy....

Oh well, aren't we just Mr. Snotty Pants with our new found Natural Brown...?!?! :biggrin I keeeeed I keeed.

Honestly, it is a lot of grey, but it stays a lot cooler and I like the different look. It has silver cube (which looks better than it does in Natural Brown... :rofl :shift :biggrin) and I will do some stuff to make it "custom".


In other news, drove the car again today, this time with a fellow Mafia member (Stefan, screenname ZHPasta) as his ZHP is also an automatic. He confirmed that it isn't quite as tight as his car (I agreed after driving his car too) but he said it feels pretty good.

So, next up is to review the expendable income and make an offer. Hoping for an opening offer of $7000. Lots of cosmetic work needed. We shall see.

[johnrando]

GL!

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[SoCalZman]

Wait wait. You're getting another ZHP? Nice to have you back. Haha. These cars must be like a drug.

Auto so the wife can drive it?

[BCS_ZHP]

330xi, finally cleared all the codes. Was getting a faulty fuel injector on cylinder #1 code from my Peake reader but it ran perfectly fine. Drove to a friend's shop, used his Snap-On reader, it said faulty radiator temp sensor. Told him I just replaced the whole cooling system. He said to unplug the temp sensor on the lower radiator hose, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect. Went to grab that sensor,'s wire, the wiring harness wasn't fully pressed onto the sensor. Did that, to complete a firm connection, all codes gone, it runs like a top, so happy for a zero cost fix. Next started on removing the window tint, it had browned out over the years. Finished the side windows but that rear window is proving to be a PITA. Had to quit when the sun went down and temp started dropping, will try to complete this chore tomorrow.

335xi, re-installed the repainted window trim, the shadow line trim looks so much nicer on montego blue than the factory chrome.

[JupiterBMW]

Wait wait. You're getting another ZHP? Nice to have you back. Haha. These cars must be like a drug.

Auto so the wife can drive it?

Eh, I'm thinking about it. We would really like to have a 2nd car, and I'm torn between a lower overall cost used vehicle, such as a ZHP or other older, used BMW versus a low headache but higher cost new vehicle, such as a 228i.

I'm not in love with the ZHP I looked at, I just feel it could be a decent, low cost option.

[Yass_ZHP]

Gave Heinz a bath, just so it could rain 2 hours later while I was at the supermarket.... aawww yesss

[illirep]

Eh, I'm thinking about it. We would really like to have a 2nd car, and I'm torn between a lower overall cost used vehicle, such as a ZHP or other older, used BMW versus a low headache but higher cost new vehicle, such as a 228i.

I'm not in love with the ZHP I looked at, I just feel it could be a decent, low cost option.
I vote ZHP over a hyper-depreciating new car! Feel like you should find a 6 speed to scratch the itch, if you have one!

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks Bill. I definitely understand your thought, but I can't help but think that a new car will last me longer (especially with 4 years warranty/service) and be completely headache free. As for the transmission choice, I'd love to, but wife won't drive a stick, so I have to get an auto...

That DCT 1 series is still available too... That is what I REALLY want. Or wait for DCT M2. :shifty

[NoVAphotog]

Getting her ready to hibernate for the trip to Toronto. Wash, interior vacuum and engine bay wash with 303 application. Got the Style 135s cleaned up as well...if anyone wants to swap rears for a pair of fronts let me know. :thumbsup

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/27/07555b9f5bda5d1236417dff4515fb7e.jpg

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[Vas]

I say zhp over a new car as well. Plus the zhp is not hard to maintain. Will give you something to wrench on. Plus how often will your second far get driven ? Having something new just sit around makes sense ?

Plus 4 doors is more practical for the wife and kids.

[3ZHP]

Looks like I've got some work to start on.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/31237a060d231ef01086530c85a54ef8.jpg


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[danewilson77]

Win Guy. Very nice kit.

"No flamesuit required"

[3ZHP]

Win Guy. Very nice kit.

"No flamesuit required"

That wasn't enough so. I just blew the gift certificate I also got on this!

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/5+inch+orbital+conversion+kit.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=

[JupiterBMW]

That wasn't enough so. I just blew the gift certificate I also got on this!

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/5+inch+orbital+conversion+kit.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=

Fantastic addition to a fantastic kit. I've got the Griot's 6" polisher, love it... However I've got NO time to use it... Feel free to come down and unleash all that potential on the X5. :biggrin

[3ZHP]

Fantastic addition to a fantastic kit. I've got the Griot's 6" polisher, love it... However I've got NO time to use it... Feel free to come down and unleash all that potential on the X5. :biggrin

I've got plenty of things here to keep me busy for a while.

[rguti153]

Looks like I've got some work to start on.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/31237a060d231ef01086530c85a54ef8.jpg


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Lile the zhp in the background

[az3579]

Oh well, aren't we just Mr. Snotty Pants with our new found Natural Brown...?!?! :biggrin I keeeeed I keeed.

:biggrin




Honestly, it is a lot of grey, but it stays a lot cooler and I like the different look.

I'd say that even if I still had alcantara though, and you know it's true. lol
I really wouldn't mind grey. If I got stuck with a grey car, I'd give it the two-tone treatment, OE style, with the dash and carpet. Hell yeah!


It has silver cube (which looks better than it does in Natural Brown... :rofl :shift :biggrin) and I will do some stuff to make it "custom".

While I agree, don't let Brettski hear you!
The silver cube is actually growing on me a little with this interior, but I'm still itching to find a passenger dash black cube piece so I could reinstall my black cube set. :)



So, next up is to review the expendable income and make an offer. Hoping for an opening offer of $7000. Lots of cosmetic work needed. We shall see.

I'd say $7000 is a fair starting point for a car that needs extensive cosmetic work, but are the cosmetics really that bad? Either way, if they agree to a price near your offer, that's a win. I'm sure that even if you didn't do any cosmetics on it after getting it, it wouldn't be so bad, right?

[squashman702]

Gave it a bath today after it picked up way too much bird poo in the work parking lot.

[ZHP Dave]

Not much, but I gave the interior a quick cleaning today. I work at a refinery dock, so small rocks and pebbles everywhere.

[johnrando]

Avoided my 2nd accident in a month. 2 of the 3 lanes turn right, and I'm in the middle. As we both turn right with the light, the inside right person decides to swing out wide right into me. Fortunately I was quick on the brakes and had just a little room to move left, and I avoided it. Phew!

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[stephenkirsh]

Good moves. Did you lay into the horn?

[1 M Mike]

Avoided my 2nd accident in a month. 2 of the 3 lanes turn right, and I'm in the middle. Aa we voth trun right with the light, the inside right person decides to swith out wide right into me. Fortunately I was quick on the brakes and had just a little room to move left, and I avoided it. Phew!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Phew is right. Then again you drive in a city where there are 5 million registered cars, half of them driving and/or braking badly regularly and you are posting about two close calls within 30 days? Maybe post only on those days where you don't have to exhibit bad driver evasion tactics............even though that would mean we would probably only hear from you twice a year. :p

[brettbimmer]

:biggrin




I'd say that even if I still had alcantara though, and you know it's true. lol
I really wouldn't mind grey. If I got stuck with a grey car, I'd give it the two-tone treatment, OE style, with the dash and carpet. Hell yeah!



While I agree, don't let Brettski hear you!
The silver cube is actually growing on me a little with this interior, but I'm still itching to find a passenger dash black cube piece so I could reinstall my black cube set. :)



I'd say $7000 is a fair starting point for a car that needs extensive cosmetic work, but are the cosmetics really that bad? Either way, if they agree to a price near your offer, that's a win. I'm sure that even if you didn't do any cosmetics on it after getting it, it wouldn't be so bad, right?
Just give it some moar time BP. [emoji16]

Actually the beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so change it up if you aren't satisfied. I agree that there is a lot going on with silver cubes and natural brown, but I find the black cubes get lost with the rest of the black interior parts. I guess I prefer the contrast the silver provides. Just no purple cubes ok?

[BCS_ZHP]

Finished up tint removal on the 330xi yesterday, bought some used window switches and installed, found the wing nuts to secure jack & spare tire. Today scheduled a re-tint appt, going for 35% all around tomorrow at 11 am. Next things after that are fix the door lock (parts should arrive tomorrow) and get the emissions test complete, then this car should be done for a while.

[cakM3]

Finished up tint removal on the 330xi yesterday, bought some used window switches and installed, found the wing nuts to secure jack & spare tire. Today scheduled a re-tint appt, going for 35% all around tomorrow at 11 am. Next things after that are fix the door lock (parts should arrive tomorrow) and get the emissions test complete, then this car should be done for a while.

Bruce, I think going 35% will look much better in my opinion. :)

I gave my ZHP an oil change and got my ///M some additional functionality ;)

[danewilson77]

I think the law states 50% for the fronts Bruce.

I could be wrong though.

"No flamesuit required"

[Vas]

VA law is 35% rear and 50% front.

[das boots]

Kinda late...Gummi Pfledge both sides of door seals, trunk seals and hood seals over the weekend.

[BCS_ZHP]

Dane & Vas,
VA law is 50% front side windows, 35% rear side windows, 20% rear window. So yes, 35% all around is definitely not within regs, but a little lighter on the rear and nothing on the windshield helps lighten it up a little bit, as does a gray vs. black interior. All of this is fully understood by the young Jedi, he knows the consequences and has still decided to go 35% all around. It's his mod money on the tint, I couldn't change his mind, and it will be his money if he should ever get a tint violation.

[JupiterBMW]

Well, after doing some reading on the Xbimmers forum, I decided to look and see if a common crankcase breather tube was cracked. Apparently this corrugated plastic vacuum line is known for failing due to heat (understandable as it runs right over the two turbos), so I checked into it, and sure enough, mine had a crack. I figured I could get by for a day until I get to the dealer and pick up a replacement part, but while trying to wrap it with electrical tape (temporary fix FTW!) it cracked in another location, into two pieces. :facepalm. So, I managed to tape it there too... Lovely...

Luckily the part is in stock at the local dealer, only $30 too. I can stomach this repair cost, so tomorrow I'll pick up the new part and install. Of course, obligatory test drive to make sure temporary fix will suffice. Luckily it works.

Oh, and launch control still works too.... :shifty

[johnrando]

Yes, I did lay on the horn as I was avoiding. And, lol, maybe I should post the days WITHOUT a close call.

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[az3579]

I guess I prefer the contrast the silver provides. Just no purple cubes ok?

But I always wanted Technoviolet cubes... :(


Finished up tint removal on the 330xi yesterday, bought some used window switches and installed, found the wing nuts to secure jack & spare tire. Today scheduled a re-tint appt, going for 35% all around tomorrow at 11 am. Next things after that are fix the door lock (parts should arrive tomorrow) and get the emissions test complete, then this car should be done for a while.

I don't recall ever seeing any pics of this car... :shifty

[BCS_ZHP]

I don't recall ever seeing any pics of this car... :shifty

True, will try to take some today.

[cakM3]

Yes, I did lay on the horn as I was avoiding. And, lol, maybe I should post the days WITHOUT a close call.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

John, I think this is a good idea for a new thread....."Days Without a Close Call"

I can remember a few times where people weren't paying attention and tried to turn into my lane while my car occupied it....if it weren't for my "cat-like" reflexes, I would have been slammed into. My horn get's plenty of use because of stupid drivers.....

[ELCID86]

Bruce had his (and Brett's) Xi windows tinted. And I saw the mystery machine.

17195

17196

Tony, you don't have all the switches!

17197


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[fredo]

I see how you squeezed the IR on the first pic. :biggrin

[ELCID86]

I see how you squeezed the IR on the first pic. :biggrin

Good eye Fredo. Adds something to the shot, huh? ;-]

[cakM3]

Bruce had his (and Brett's) Xi windows tinted. And I saw the mystery machine.

17195

17196

Tony, you don't have all the switches!

17197


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

No but Tony has a "full rack" ;) ;) ;) ;)

[BCS_ZHP]

Good eye Fredo. Adds something to the shot, huh? ;-]

Come on, admit it, you liked sapphire black...

[ELCID86]

Come on, admit it, you liked sapphire black...

Not bad at all. (even dirty ;-])

[BCS_ZHP]

Tony, you don't have all the switches!

17197


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

And the switch that doesn't need to be pressed, XI mode, Tony needs that in the NE corridor.

[BCS_ZHP]

Not bad at all. (even dirty ;-])

Agreed, ran it thru a car wash this afternoon, the bird crap & streaks were bothering me.

[ELCID86]

Agreed, ran it thru a car wash this afternoon, the bird crap & streaks were bothering me.

I'm one to talk. I think a flock of birds was hovering over mine!

[Johnmadd]

Come on, admit it, you liked sapphire black...

:shifty

[Vas]

Black sapphire can be nice.

[Johnmadd]

Black sapphire can be nice.

I have seen the founder of this site actually drool on my bsm :biggrin