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

[Prestovie]

So, just found out that my battery is totally shot
And I only figured that out by attempting to replace the battery in my key, which I brutally mangled rendering it useless, then trying to start the car anyway to no avail.
Also does everyone else have key holes in their doors? Weird question, I know, but for some reason my car doesn't have them. Not sure if previous owner did a delete or what, but it's majorly inconvenient that whenever my battery dies in either my key or my car I have to crawl through the ski portal in the trunk to unlock the doors

[holyc0w]

They must have done the keyhole delete
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?3108-ZHP-Mafia-BMW-330i-Official-Keyhole-delete-DIY-doityourself

[ELCID86]

^ yep. I think someone sells a cover that snaps over it too. But driver's side should have a hole.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous E46 fanatic

[az3579]

^ yep. I think someone sells a cover that snaps over it too. But driver's side should have a hole.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous E46 fanatic


Yeah, it's just a cover. You should be able to snap it off and access the hole.

[Prestovie]

Yeah, it's just a cover. You should be able to snap it off and access the hole.

Oh ok cool I'll check it out after school and see if I can

[Prestovie]

Also, bad news guys: I'm an idiot.
So I thought my key battery was dead, so instead of paying the outrageous $200 for it I wanted to test my luck and buy a pack of the batteries for $10. Long story short that failed and I messed up the internals when I was soldering it back together. BUT, it may not have failed, because I just figured out that my car battery is dead. So my key was probably fine, and I just ruined it :biggrin
Took my battery out this morning and of course, covered in corrosion. And under that corrosion? Rust. There isn't a lot, but it's there... So I had to go into the dealership and swap out the batteries, then got some nitrite gloves from them so I don't kill myself in the process of installing this new battery.
So what could have been a $200 battery fix has turned into a $400 nightmare, but I am glad that the battery died now because it allowed me to find some developing rust, so I gotta clean that out and spray some rust preventer on it, then paint over it

[BMWCurves]

Glad you see the silver lining. Sucks you mangled your key though.

[Prestovie]

Glad you see the silver lining. Sucks you mangled your key though.

Yea just trying to stay positive right now, also now I'll have a new shiny key!

[usinjin]

After getting the rear bumper resprayed my old diffuser was looking pretty tired. Decided to go CF :P
28281
28282

Thanks for this--so that's what that's called! Decided to poke around before posting asking what to call this part.

Recently I was parked in the street, parallel-parked, stayed in my car for a few minutes--it was raining really hard, and I didn't hear the motorcyclist park his bike /right/ behind my car. Not knowing he was there, I backed up and..crunch. Put a hole in the diffuser. (There wasn't even space for him behind me).

Really digging the CF too

[jwalther]

Winter wheelset and hardtop installed.

[Prestovie]

Finally got the first snow of the season in my area, so you know what that means: time to "test" the new Blizzaks!
28364
So had some fun getting her sideways for a bit, surprisingly grippy even when traction control is off, definitely worth the money!

Also, quick question: does anybody know how to fix foggy headlights? Not like glazed over or something that can be restored, because they are mint when its dry out, but I noticed especially after driving in the snow that wherever the snow landed on my headlight it would fog up majorly. Will this go away after it gets used to the cold, or do I have to replace the headlights/headlight seals? Thanks

[Vas]

Have to replace the seals.

[Johnmadd]

Have to replace the seals.

+1
Car looks great also.

[Prestovie]

Have to replace the seals.
Ok, do you know of a place I could get those?

[holyc0w]

+1
Car looks great also.

+1

Did it used to have clear corners and blinkers?

[Vas]

Ok, do you know of a place I could get those?
Khoalty, fcp euro, ecs tuning or dealer. They are not expensive

[Prestovie]

+1

Did it used to have clear corners and blinkers?

Yea it did but I put the originals back on it shortly after I bought it. Just wasn't digging the shiny LED look

[Prestovie]

Khoalty, fcp euro, ecs tuning or dealer. They are not expensive

Thank you!

[Sheepdog84]

Bought a new set of Bridgestone Blizzaks for my winter rims! Saving my 135's the pains of Ohio winters.

I've never had a winter specific tire- i've always just learned to drive with a lack of traction, so it should be interesting.

I'm almost fully ready for cold weather. still need an oil change, but that'll come in next few weeks.

[Vas]

Bought a new set of Bridgestone Blizzaks for my winter rims! Saving my 135's the pains of Ohio winters.

I've never had a winter specific tire- i've always just learned to drive with a lack of traction, so it should be interesting.

I'm almost fully ready for cold weather. still need an oil change, but that'll come in next few weeks.

Driving on winter tires is enjoyable. Knowing that they are not rock hard is also a good thing.

[Prestovie]

Finally got my snowboard mount attached to my OEM roof rack, but now that it's on there there's an obnoxious whistling whenever I go above 30mph, and I mean it's LOUD. Right above my head the entire drive, not really in the mood to listen to it for hours on end driving into the mountains, anybody know a fix for this? I was looking at fairings, but I'm not sure if that will stop the whistling, also I need one that would fit onto the OEM e46 bars.
Any help?
2838828389

[Sockethead]

Dane had a fairing on his but IDK if it was an OEM rack

[danewilson77]

Dane had a fairing on his but IDK if it was an OEM rack
Not OEM. Thule

Sent by the Pixel XL

[az3579]

Do you have a ski-pass through? If so... put it in a bag and put it through there, perhaps and not use the roof rack at all.

[Prestovie]

Do you have a ski-pass through? If so... put it in a bag and put it through there, perhaps and not use the roof rack at all.

I actually do, but I'm not a fan of putting it through the portal, both a good amount of work and I don't like putting a wet snowboard inside. And it eliminates the middle seat in the back which is usually full when I'm going boarding anyway.
I like to have options :)

[Prestovie]

Not OEM. Thule

Sent by the Pixel XL

Trade? ;);)

[danewilson77]

Trade? ;);)
Sold. Sorry.

Sent by the Pixel XL

[Prestovie]

Sold. Sorry.

Sent by the Pixel XL

So close haha

[KTS317]

Almost 3 weeks later I picked up my steering wheel trim. He told me 2 weeks ago he would ship it that day. I called him today to tell him i haven't received it yet. He said there was a "miscommunication" and it's still in his office. Nothing but bad experience at BMW Motorwerks.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161210/f3113acf0ddc3ec62272ea63caf48e53.jpg


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[Karl Lazlo]

Snows, LCABs, brakes (rotors, pads, all 4 corners)

[ELCID86]

Not OEM. Thule

Sent by the Pixel XL

I have an OEM rack with Thule fairing (not for sale).

(Hanging in garage for the winter)

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161210/734afb919c3d0f6edfe26ccaf6514dab.jpg

[Sheepdog84]

Driving on winter tires is enjoyable. Knowing that they are not rock hard is also a good thing.

Oh absolutely. Just had them fitted today. They're not nearly as spritely as 135s with michelin's, but more cushion-y riding on just 17's.

For the first time in my 3 series driving, i shall fear no snow.



http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161210/e6aa7074d27008964d39021f43344434.jpg

Aforementioned 17's w/ blizzaks. Aka, snowmode.


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[slater]

Oh absolutely. Just had them fitted today. They're not nearly as spritely as 135s with michelin's, but more cushion-y riding on just 17's.

For the first time in my 3 series driving, i shall fear no snow.

get an LSD... it only gets better. :)

[Rovert]

^I concur!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfs1Q2N_JAI

I was revving just to feel the road surface because that's what the E46 is good at communicating with the driver so well! If I need to move the rear to the right I just punch the throttle steering left and countersteer. It's so perfect. LOL

Today I did a decent sideways drift turning left up an incline, which made it easy to control at 2mph. 😂 Drifted past 15 poor souls waiting at the bus stop as the rear spat chunks of snow at them! I could have just slowed down to straighten out but the M just begged to stay sideways so I let her have her fun...it wasn't me..it was her! :ducking

[John in VA]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161210/e6aa7074d27008964d39021f43344434.jpg

Aforementioned 17's w/ blizzaks. Aka, snowmode.
What wheels are they? They look similar to my wife's F30 set.

[Sheepdog84]

What wheels are they? They look similar to my wife's F30 set.

these are the OEM style 119 e46 wheels.



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[GreatFrog]

What wheels are they? They look similar to my wife's F30 set.

They are stock on sport package. Really loved the design when I had my ZSP.


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[Prestovie]

Ok so I'm usually a pretty positive guy, but this... pardon my French but I'm god damn furious.
Driving along when all of a sudden I look at the bottom of my windshield to find a 2 foot crack a couple inches up from the bottom. Got out of the car just to make sure it wasn't some sort of string or anything, but of course, nope.
As pissed as I was about having a 2 foot crack, I was driving home after that on flat road and heard a loud crack, and the thing grew another 8in! Now it stretches from the middle left of the windshield all the way past my radar detector in the middle...
so, I'm pissed, has this happened to anyone else? If it has how much did it cost you to replace? I'm going into my dealership on Tuesday to finally get my. Ew airbags installed, and now I'm gonna be asking for a quote for a new windshield. Anyway to get insurance involved in this? I'm not really in the mood to dish out over $600 at the moment. 28417

[terraphantm]

My windshield cost me about $450 with dealer parts. Didn't bother going through insurance since my deductible was $500

[holyc0w]

I would check the policy to see what the limits are or if they mention glass coverage anywhere.

Also, tape off or remove your lower trim since there's a good chance the dealer will scratch it.

[Sheepdog84]

yeah thats a bummer @Prestovie. Happened on my old e30.. first, the front, and then at some point the rear exploded after a car wash.

I imagine the changing weather and the use of heat may have contributed to your troubles?... especially if that's the OEM windshield.


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[az3579]

This is the reason I get full glass coverage with my insurance. I paid absolutely nothing for a new windshield last year.
I do feel your pain though - a cracked glass really can get under your skin.

[RUS_ZHP]

Changed oil and added Ceratec liqui moly

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[Vas]

Let us know the cost of the windshield from the dealer

[Prestovie]

yeah thats a bummer @Prestovie. Happened on my old e30.. first, the front, and then at some point the rear exploded after a car wash.

I imagine the changing weather and the use of heat may have contributed to your troubles?... especially if that's the OEM windshield.


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Yea that might have contributed to it, my blower was on when it cracked, about 29F outside. Pretty sure it's OEM

[Prestovie]

This is the reason I get full glass coverage with my insurance. I paid absolutely nothing for a new windshield last year.
I do feel your pain though - a cracked glass really can get under your skin.

Didn't know that was a thing up until now, may be looking into that for the future..

[Prestovie]

I would check the policy to see what the limits are or if they mention glass coverage anywhere.

Also, tape off or remove your lower trim since there's a good chance the dealer will scratch it.

Really? Thanks for the heads up I'll make sure to do that

[Prestovie]

Let us know the cost of the windshield from the dealer

Will do, I'll be calling them tomorrow morning along with my insurance company

[holyc0w]

Really? Thanks for the heads up I'll make sure to do that

Several people reported scratches in the airbag thread. My incident is on page 135:
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?16384-BMW-Drivers-side-air-bag-recall-July-2015-letter/page135


There's also a multi-quote button in the bottom-right that helps respond to multiple quotes.

[RUS_ZHP]

I replaced my windshield almost two years ago at the dealership. Total job was something like $800 and change, which include almost 500 for the window, 300 for the labor and some fees or taxes. Likely in MA your windshield is cover by insurance and there were no limitations. It's actualy interested since my insurance policy is $950/year.

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[Vas]

Will do, I'll be calling them tomorrow morning along with my insurance company

Sweet. Thanks

[hcbeck2689]

Window tint ftw. Windshield won't be done til Thursday bc they had to order the film I want.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161212/270556a8d457466d185253fad0ed2f23.jpg



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[johnrando]

Looks good

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[John in VA]

This is the reason I get full glass coverage with my insurance. I paid absolutely nothing for a new windshield last year.
I do feel your pain though - a cracked glass really can get under your skin.

That's what I have, and had the E39 windshield with rain sensor replaced last year and the 02/2002 325xi windshield (no rain sensor) replaced earlier this year - no charge!
My local dealer had the glass - 51318196154 - for $250, and I had my buddy with a glass shop install it. You'll also need the outer weatherstripping - Covering Upper - 51318196162.

[Prestovie]

So I decided to get a second opinion and appraisal on the windshield so I called Gerber Glass and Collision earlier today, they got me in touch with my insurance agent who told me words I never wanted to hear come out of my agents mouth, "sir, your deductible is only $1000." Great. Awesome. Just what I wanted to hear. So I'm getting zero help from State Farm, but on the plus side Gerber quoted me $290.10! What a steal! And that's including installation, they'll be giving me a call tomorrow morning and hopefully be installing it then too :biggrin

[az3579]

So I decided to get a second opinion and appraisal on the windshield so I called Gerber Glass and Collision earlier today, they got me in touch with my insurance agent who told me words I never wanted to hear come out of my agents mouth, "sir, your deductible is only $1000." Great. Awesome. Just what I wanted to hear. So I'm getting zero help from State Farm, but on the plus side Gerber quoted me $290.10! What a steal! And that's including installation, they'll be giving me a call tomorrow morning and hopefully be installing it then too :biggrin

I don't think you're going to get OE glass for that price. Make sure you get OE or OEM glass (Pilkington branded) - you WILL notice a difference between those and the cheapo Chinese branded glass Gerber is quoting you for.

When I had my glass replaced under insurance initially, they gave me PGW, which used to be good but isn't anymore (apparently). I noticed waves throughout my glass and it drove me up a friggin' wall. I went back to Safelite and they "warrantied" the glass for me, and got me OE BMW glass to boot just to make me happy! The difference between the two was night and day.

The DOT # on the glass will tell you where it was manufactured.

[slater]

I don't think you're going to get OE glass for that price. Make sure you get OE or OEM glass (Pilkington branded) - you WILL notice a difference between those and the cheapo Chinese branded glass Gerber is quoting you for.

When I had my glass replaced under insurance initially, they gave me PGW, which used to be good but isn't anymore (apparently). I noticed waves throughout my glass and it drove me up a friggin' wall. I went back to Safelite and they "warrantied" the glass for me, and got me OE BMW glass to boot just to make me happy! The difference between the two was night and day.

The DOT # on the glass will tell you where it was manufactured.

i have non-OE glass in both my sedan and my coupe, and both are flawless. no waves.

[Rovert]

BP is always the chosen one for failed end user product designs. He was meant to help the industry get better. LOL

[az3579]

i have non-OE glass in both my sedan and my coupe, and both are flawless. no waves.

Either you don't notice the flaws, or you got lucky. lol


BP is always the chosen one for failed end user product designs. He was meant to help the industry get better. LOL

This. I should be hired for quality control. :shifty

[RUS_ZHP]

Window tint ftw. Windshield won't be done til Thursday bc they had to order the film I want.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161212/270556a8d457466d185253fad0ed2f23.jpg



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Looks good. Nice car

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[slater]

BP is always the chosen one for failed end user product designs. He was meant to help the industry get better. LOL

LOL. it's just all of the crappy chinese-made stuff that trump is secretly backing that BP gets... ;)



Either you don't notice the flaws, or you got lucky. lol


dude... i notice everything.

[BimmerDude]

Replaced my headlight lens for 23$ new :) thanks ebay
28418

[BADCLOWN]

Still amaze me how much of a difference new lenses make

[trancenation]

Replaced my headlight lens for 23$ new :) thanks ebay
28418

THat's a steal! Do you have a link to the listing?

[johnrando]

Nice. Wish us coupe/verts cld that easily.

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[holyc0w]

Had to cancel my trip to the gym for a different kind of exercise. I heard some scraping and discovered the splash shield was loose. I pulled into the garage. Some time later...good as new :shift
28474

The screws are rusty, so I'm not sure if they would hold up on their own. Is it possible to replace the screws or does the whole shield have to be replaced?


I wonder if the dealer touched it when they did their inspection.

[Rovert]

^ Holy Cow! [emoji15]

[ELCID86]

^ Holy Cow! [emoji15]

I see what you did there. ;-)

[slater]

Had to cancel my trip to the gym for a different kind of exercise. I heard some scraping and discovered the splash shield was loose. I pulled into the garage. Some time later...good as new :shift
28474

The screws are rusty, so I'm not sure if they would hold up on their own. Is it possible to replace the screws or does the whole shield have to be replaced?

yep, you can buy new hardware for it. i got some spares from ECS or FCP, for 'inventory' (LOL). check realoem.com for part #s.




^ Holy Cow! [emoji15]

GROAN..... :cheers

[holyc0w]

yep, you can buy new hardware for it. i got some spares from ECS or FCP, for 'inventory' (LOL). check realoem.com for part #s.


Pretty complicated... http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EV53-USA-10-2003-E46-BMW-330i&diagId=51_3274

I already had 7 of the c-clip nuts. I thought I needed 7 screws and it looks like 3 plastic rivets for the front edge. This is saying 6x 19-circlips and 6x 20-quick release screws. What's 8, 18 and 10 for?

So I'm guessing 7x part 19 and 20 and then I need to find the part number for the plastic rivets.

[slater]

Pretty complicated... http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EV53-USA-10-2003-E46-BMW-330i&diagId=51_3274

I already had 7 of the c-clip nuts. I thought I needed 7 screws and it looks like 3 plastic rivets for the front edge. This is saying 6x 19-circlips and 6x 20-quick release screws. What's 8, 18 and 10 for?

So I'm guessing 7x part 19 and 20 and then I need to find the part number for the plastic rivets.

you want QTY 3 of #20 and #11 for the rear of the belly pan.

[Prestovie]

So good news and bad news. Good news is I got my new windshield installed and I love it, crystal clear!
Bad news is when I was pulling my car out of my garage my brother backed into my rear and scratched up my trim, then punched me in the face.
Any ideas for the trim? I'm gonna go home and hit it with some rubbing compound, but if that doesn't work anyone know how I'd get my hands on specific trim pieces? I've already got the paint to match it up w the rest of the car.
First time that I've been "hit", knocked my head against the head rest pretty good, and my e brake was cranked.

[holyc0w]

you want QTY 3 of #20 and #11 for the rear of the belly pan.

Is that the same all around? There's 3 screws in the back and 2 on each side. I already have new c-clip nuts (#11) in place on all 7 points.

Then there's three holes in the bumper and the front of the shield. I'm guessing the rivets were not put back at some point. Though I don't think they would be very useful?

edit: Looks like the same screw all around so 7x 07147177492. Rivets seems kind of useless since the shield is already resting above the bottom of the bumper.

[BimmerDude]

Still amaze me how much of a difference new lenses make
I know right?!


THat's a steal! Do you have a link to the listing?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/122237236978

They are sold out but id just watch their inventory super close they'll get more

[holyc0w]

I'll replace the seven screws. I poked around a bit and a zip-tie also seems like a good idea.

[fredo]

Replaced the 3 wiper blades on the X3. The front ones are Bosch Icon, not sure about the rear. I asked them (Discount Auto Parts) to install for me. This was followed by a trip to the car wash. Double win.

[danewilson77]

Replaced the 3 wiper blades on the X3. The front ones are Bosch Icon, not sure about the rear. I asked them (Discount Auto Parts) to install for me. This was followed by a trip to the car wash. Double win.

Nice Fredo. I just threw Bosch Icons on the Mini.

[slater]

Nice Fredo. I just threw Bosch Icons on the Mini.

have you used them before? i used to use bosch blades, maybe 10-15 years ago. they were the best. then they started sucking. i didn't buy any for years and years, finally picked up a set of icons last year. they lasted about 2 months. maybe i got a bad batch? i dunno. when they worked, they were decent.

[John in VA]

i used to use bosch blades, maybe 10-15 years ago. they were the best. then they started sucking. i didn't buy any for years and years, finally picked up a set of icons last year. they lasted about 2 months. maybe i got a bad batch?
The Bosch Micro Edge worked great for the past 30 years, on the 2002, E30 & E28s. In my experience, with the Icon beam style blades you're lucky to get six months from them at quadruple the price.

[Sockethead]

Yep, the Icons last about 6 months at best. Awesome blade while they last...

[fredo]

First time I have Bosch Icons. I will keep an eye on the longevity. I paid $75 for the set of 3. They work great IMHO.

[holyc0w]

I replaced the 7 speed screws (part# 07147177492) for the splash shield. There's also 7 washers keeping the screws from falling out. I didn't have those, but was able to re-use the old ones. It seemed to be holding up fine on the old rusty screws.

Also, refilled the oil


First time I have Bosch Icons. I will keep an eye on the longevity. I paid $75 for the set of 3. They work great IMHO.
Generally, it seems to me there's 2 phases of wiper wear. There's the initial stage, where everything works great for a short while. Then there's the 2nd stage where it stays for a long while, which seems to vary a lot from wiper to wiper. I guess that's the worn stage for most people. :dunno

[wstr75]

Passenger side Xenon is out on my 2004 convertible. Pulled out light assembly and found a broken wire and two exposed wires feeding the ignitor assembly. Soldered the two broken wires and used shrink tubing extensively. Used rubber tape for the three other broken insulation places. Put it all back together and still no Xenon light. Have a Xenon bulb being delivered tomorrow.

A frustrating job as I looked at several Youtube videos and did not see a Youtube dealing with headlight washer system, as a result I did not know how to remove it. Used the old pry and jerk method. Got a feeling the headlight washer to pump extender interface may not have the same degree of sealing going forward. Also lost a 8mm socket and 3/8 to 1/4 adapter somewhere under the motor. Fished around with a flexible magnet to no avail. Started car and nothing clanged or jammed, so will back down my uphill driveway and slam on the brakes to see if it will find its way out the backside as I am in no mood to take the under pan off the car.

[anandoc]

1. Installed Viofo 119C dashcam (hardwired it to the homelink connector)
2. Got the rear 17" winter wheels (style 137) straightened out (they were bent from the time I had bought the car)
3. Got 2 new winter tires installed on the aforementioned rear wheels (General Tires - Altimax Arctic - made in Germany)

[anandoc]

A frustrating job as I looked at several Youtube videos and did not see a Youtube dealing with headlight washer system, as a result I did not know how to remove it. Used the old pry and jerk method. Got a feeling the headlight washer to pump extender interface may not have the same degree of sealing going forward.

Which part in the headlight washer system are you having trouble with? Refer a RealOEM link maybe? I troubleshot this not too long ago - maybe I can lend a hand.

[Aeternalis]

Oil change. 172,686 miles.

Hoping the Blackstone report will be better this time around.

[Sheepdog84]

28598

Mobil 1 0w-40 Oil & filter change at 94316 miles, then installed my newly acquired CCA membership badge a few days prior (clubs on clubs! :biggrin ).

Great way to kick off 2017! Hope everyone's having a good one so far

[PdZHP]

I would recommend switching the bulb and the ballast over to the other light and test them separately. I thought it was the bulb and turned out to be the ballast.

[hcbeck2689]

Cleaned off all the wax that was on my black trim from PO. It looked like a monkey had tried to wax the car. Have it a good wash after that. Tomorrow I'm gonna clay and wax.

[rkneeshaw]

I looked at her longingly as I walked past her in the garage to grab a tool :(

I'm having fun in the truck doing 4wd drifts in the snow, but, I will be happy to drive her again in a few months!

[hcbeck2689]

I'm having fun in the truck doing 4wd drifts in the snow, but, I will be happy to drive her again in a few months!

We are supposed to get some snow here in NC tomorrow, I plan on testing out the driftability of the X5.

[Sockethead]

We are supposed to get some snow here in NC tomorrow, I plan on testing out the driftability of the X5.
The X5 will 4 wheel drift quite nicely ;)

[anandoc]

We are supposed to get some snow here in NC tomorrow, I plan on testing out the driftability of the X5.

Don't end up like this :biggrin

https://i.redd.it/58wm3kbw438y.jpg

[wstr75]

Thanks to Anandoc and PhZHP for your suggestions. It turned out to be a bad ballast. The wiring feeding the ignitor was in poor shape. One wire completely broken apart 1" from the ignitor plug and the other two wires feeding into same plug were missing insulation and becoming frayed. The shorting must have zapped the ballast. The ground wire and the three ignitor wires had additional places with broken insulation. These wires were soldered together and completely covered with shrink hose their entire lengths. We will see if the heat gets to the dark shrink hose over time. My guess it will be okay.

My question to the esteemed audience of this forum is: Is it because the lighting system moves as the car turns that the wires all broke at the same place 1" away from the ignitor? In other words, the back and forth movement of the headlights coupled with the wiring degradation caused by heat eventually fatigued the wiring and the point at the end of the light at the ignitor is where the most wire flexing is occurring?

[sillieidiot]

Thanks to Anandoc and PhZHP for your suggestions. It turned out to be a bad ballast. The wiring feeding the ignitor was in poor shape. One wire completely broken apart 1" from the ignitor plug and the other two wires feeding into same plug were missing insulation and becoming frayed. The shorting must have zapped the ballast. The ground wire and the three ignitor wires had additional places with broken insulation. These wires were soldered together and completely covered with shrink hose their entire lengths. We will see if the heat gets to the dark shrink hose over time. My guess it will be okay.

My question to the esteemed audience of this forum is: Is it because the lighting system moves as the car turns that the wires all broke at the same place 1" away from the ignitor? In other words, the back and forth movement of the headlights coupled with the wiring degradation caused by heat eventually fatigued the wiring and the point at the end of the light at the ignitor is where the most wire flexing is occurring?

Yep that's pretty much it.

[Sockethead]

Not only do BMW gaskets suck, so does their wiring... we'll have to replace one of the headlight assemblies in the 135 for the same reason... not an easy fix on the E82

[holyc0w]

Sometimes I wonder if BMW does this on purpose, so people just trade in the cars for new ones. They also make money on the parts, so it's a win/win either way.

[Sockethead]

I wonder that every day! The new cars leak just as bad as the old ones so nothing has changed

[sillieidiot]

Not only do BMW gaskets suck, so does their wiring... we'll have to replace one of the headlight assemblies in the 135 for the same reason... not an easy fix on the E82

Their wiring inside the car is pretty good. They use a higher gauge than what other cars would use. Maybe it's AL that's skimping out to increase their profits lol

[Johnmadd]

Drove it through at least 10 inches of snow and got stuck in the cul-de-sac on the way back in.

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20170107_132655.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20170107_132655.jpg.html)

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20170107_132627.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20170107_132627.jpg.html)

[BMWCurves]

Drove it through at least 10 inches of snow and got stuck in the cul-de-sac on the way back in.

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20170107_132655.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20170107_132655.jpg.html)

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc407/johnmadd1979/20170107_132627.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/johnmadd1979/media/20170107_132627.jpg.html)

Solid brake cooling right there.

[holyc0w]

Flat-face 135's - my favorite

They should be pretty low drag too.

[Johnmadd]

Solid brake cooling right there.


Flat-face 135's - my favorite

They should be pretty low drag too.

:rofl :rofl :rofl @ both of you

[holyc0w]

I would've enjoyed that drive. How did the Continentals work out in that snow?

[Johnmadd]

I would've enjoyed that drive. How did the Continentals work out in that snow?

I want winter tires lol.

[jorbon]

Detailed interior yesterday.
Had badly ripped FCAB's and Diff Mounts replaced today. Absolutely love it when a maintenance item makes a noticeable difference in how the car drives. Feels new!

[330i Lover]

Replaced front and rear rotors and ceramic pads all around, installed coby wheel, replaced rear bushings, brake/coolant flushed. Used all genuine OEM parts.

[terraphantm]

Rear wheel bearings went on my ZHP (well driver side). I don't have time to deal with it, so M3 has come out of hibernation. The whole point of getting a beater was so that I wouldn't have to drive the M3 in winter :facepalm.

[Vas]

Detailed interior yesterday.
Had badly ripped FCAB's and Diff Mounts replaced today. Absolutely love it when a maintenance item makes a noticeable difference in how the car drives. Feels new!


Replaced front and rear rotors and ceramic pads all around, installed coby wheel, replaced rear bushings, brake/coolant flushed. Used all genuine OEM parts.


Knocking out some maintenance during winter. Nice.


Rear wheel bearings went on my ZHP (well driver side). I don't have time to deal with it, so M3 has come out of hibernation. The whole point of getting a beater was so that I wouldn't have to drive the M3 in winter :facepalm.

Sorry to hear.

[az3579]

Rear wheel bearings went on my ZHP (well driver side). I don't have time to deal with it, so M3 has come out of hibernation. The whole point of getting a beater was so that I wouldn't have to drive the M3 in winter :facepalm.

It's just making noise, right? You can still drive it until you have time to replace it... they usually last a long while when they start making noise.

[terraphantm]

It's just making noise, right? You can still drive it until you have time to replace it... they usually last a long while when they start making noise.

Nah it degraded pretty quickly. Started as a noise, but was vibrating more than I was comfortable with on my last drive home with the car. I might just have a shop deal with it one of these days

[oclvframe]

Started a quick thermostat and expansion tank replacement this weekend.....28684

...f'ng remnants of this bolt are not budging....I'm weighing options on how to remove it....no amount of pb-blaster and locking pliers will get it to budge.

[slater]

...f'ng remnants of this bolt are not budging....I'm weighing options on how to remove it....no amount of pb-blaster and locking pliers will get it to budge.

was that t-stat leaking? just based on the amount of corrosion above that bolt where the gasket was, makes me suspect that bolt has had some coolant chemical warfare enacted on it.

how tight are you getting the vise-grips? i highly recommend the flat-jawed ones. get them as tight as you can, and then tighten it a little more. and more PB Blaster - spray, let sit for 5min, then go at it again. back it out s l o w l y . . .

oh ya - and prayer works better than anything else.

[oclvframe]

was that t-stat leaking? just based on the amount of corrosion above that bolt where the gasket was, makes me suspect that bolt has had some coolant chemical warfare enacted on it.

how tight are you getting the vise-grips? i highly recommend the flat-jawed ones. get them as tight as you can, and then tighten it a little more. and more PB Blaster - spray, let sit for 5min, then go at it again. back it out s l o w l y . . .

oh ya - and prayer works better than anything else.

Yes...it appears as though it has...but it couldn't have been more than a dribble because I never had a puddle nor was I needing to add any coolant. So yes, that coolant mixing with the cheap steel and the aluminum wreaked some havoc. Unfortunately, I have clamped the vice grips down and it just refuses to come out....I've sprayed pb nightly on it. Im feeling Im going to have to drill it. I was toying with the idea of welding a nut to it but not sure what that would gain me other than the bolt breaking further in to the head.

-r

[slater]

Yes...it appears as though it has...but it couldn't have been more than a dribble because I never had a puddle nor was I needing to add any coolant. So yes, that coolant mixing with the cheap steel and the aluminum wreaked some havoc. Unfortunately, I have clamped the vice grips down and it just refuses to come out....I've sprayed pb nightly on it. Im feeling Im going to have to drill it. I was toying with the idea of welding a nut to it but not sure what that would gain me other than the bolt breaking further in to the head.

-r

how about grinding flats on either side of the bolt fragment? you could gain some more leverage that way, plus it would get a little heat into the bolt.

i had to do that once - it worked well.

[BimmerDude]

how about grinding flats on either side of the bolt fragment? you could gain some more leverage that way, plus it would get a little heat into the bolt.

i had to do that once - it worked well.

thats a good idea

I would also try using a butane torch to heat up that section

[Sockethead]

You need to heat that up to get it out and you're going to have to get it pretty hot. Make sure your heating the area around the broken bolt, not the bolt itself...

[san]

Started a quick thermostat and expansion tank replacement this weekend.....28684

...f'ng remnants of this bolt are not budging....I'm weighing options on how to remove it....no amount of pb-blaster and locking pliers will get it to budge.

I had something similar happen to me when I changed my radiator, I took a hacksaw blade and made a groove on the broken bolt so I could use a flathead screwdriver to remove it... worth a shot if all else fails..

[Overboost]

Finally finished the folding mirror upgrade and NCS Expert coding for FA vehicle order with comfort open/closing and keyfob operation. Works like a champ!


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

[ELCID86]

I want winter tires lol.

They are great. We don't need them often but when we do...

[Hermes]

Received a NK valve cover for the 2000CS

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/2000CS/938891B0-22BC-4F24-869B-A4C42DCE1C29.jpg

Yeah, I know I need to clean it up. I'll get to that after I take the head off and inspect the bottom end

[wstr75]

I fixed my xenon passenger light last weekend. It required a new ballast. Afterwards got the dreaded blinking green light on the lighting dial. Took it to the BMW dealer and got it cleared as well as having a couple of other things corrected. It looked so good after their clean up it called for a photo at the Costco pumps just down the street tonight.
28709

[johnrando]

Posted some updates in my project thread, but a little addition to my new engine liner.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170117/45abc27301c8e3326daff1f697de4674.jpg

Heiu and I (mostly him :) re-installed new splitters.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170117/bcb33329b8373e7d58e831932de74299.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[oclvframe]

Posted some updates in my project thread, but a little addition to my new engine liner.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170117/45abc27301c8e3326daff1f697de4674.jpg


So when someone asks...just pop the hood!

Looks awesome John!

-r

[johnrando]

Thanks.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[iya_e46]

this week

power steering leak fixed, new shortened sway bar link, lower hose + coolant flush, amsoil oil change.

[johnrando]

Geared up (hat from the new mafia cafe express shop)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/97f1b58846f380132d71c94ca60c0be3.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[UdubBadger]

Stylin' JR


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[Sockethead]

I replaced the electric water pump in the wife's 135. It wasn't too bad to swap out. It had the typical 1 bolt that's impossible to easily reach that every BMW seems to have but it wasn't the nightmare everyone makes it out to be.
Took me a couple of hours... Definitely much longer than the M54B30.

For folks that are curious, the electric water pump is mounted externally approximately where the AC compressor is on the e46. The Thermostat is also externally mounted right next to the water pump.
There are some good videos from bavauto on YouTube

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/056199ef781f8807388247979d57b679.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/0a752196f4b6516637e7984b8d8e69c3.jpg

The bleeding procedure is awesome: simple fill the system with coolant until it runs out the bleeder then cap it off. Turn the key on, set the heater temp on max, fan on low then press the accelerator to the floor for 10 seconds. That starts the auto bleed routine which cycles the water pump for about 10 minutes. When it's done, the coolant is bled and at the perfect level... Awesome!

As a side note, I was impressed at the size and quality of the AR Design down pipes. They must be well over 3"

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/bee064059167c19e121e2542fa85620d.jpg

[johnrando]

Ok, this is special. After a 3 year search (3 years!), Philip (BavarianZHP) found me the holy grail of trim as far as I'm concerned. It is a special order MY Individual Birch Anthracite, a gorgeous black wood trim with intricate swirls and designs in the wood. Not only is it rare, but to find it in a vert which has it's own trim vs coupes/sedans is nearly impossible, let alone for sale. Well, he found it in Europe, and it looks amazing! Absolutely no way the pics do it justice. In fact, when he sent the pics I was worried that I made a mistake in buying it, until I saw it in person. Very pumped!
:roundel
It's so hard to capture the character and nuances with pics, but here is a sample.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/10baa4c43b65968334dbb66a66642ab2.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/8418d65ce8eb3411e298e1e38eeb1aa2.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Rovert]

The whole point of getting a beater was so that I wouldn't have to drive the M3 in winter :facepalm.

The ZHP beater. LOL

Luckily the M is totally fine in the winter so long as the vehicle is prepped for those conditions. So much fun with an LSD and over abundance in power!!!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/aa4b65103c9cd8bd7fd7f9fcca0e98b1.jpg

[Hermes]

nice John!

[danewilson77]

The ZHP beater. LOL

Luckily the M is totally fine in the winter so long as the vehicle is prepped for those conditions. So much fun with an LSD and over abundance in power!!!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/aa4b65103c9cd8bd7fd7f9fcca0e98b1.jpg

Looks so right... But feels so wrong in my loins.

Ok, this is special. After a 3 year search (3 years!), Philip (BavarianZHP) found me the holy grail of trim as far as I'm concerned. It is a special order MY Invididual Birch Anthracite, a georgeous black wood trim with intricate swirls and designs in the wood. Not only is it rare, but to find it in a vert which has it's own trim vs coupes/sedans is nearly impossible, let alone for sale. Well, he found it, and it looks amazing! Absolutely no way the pics do it justice. In fact, when he sent the pics I was worried that I made a mistake in buying it, until I saw it in person. Very pumped!
:roundel
It's so hard to capture the character and nuances with pics, but here is a sample.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/10baa4c43b65968334dbb66a66642ab2.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/8418d65ce8eb3411e298e1e38eeb1aa2.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Congratulations!

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[slater]

Looks so right... But feels so wrong in my loins.

LOL. cars are meant to be driven! and the LSD makes snow driving soooo much better - safer, actually.

[WOLFN8TR]

Ok, this is special. After a 3 year search (3 years!), Philip (BavarianZHP) found me the holy grail of trim as far as I'm concerned. It is a special order MY Individual Birch Anthracite, a gorgeous black wood trim with intricate swirls and designs in the wood. Not only is it rare, but to find it in a vert which has it's own trim vs coupes/sedans is nearly impossible, let alone for sale. Well, he found it in Europe, and it looks amazing! Absolutely no way the pics do it justice. In fact, when he sent the pics I was worried that I made a mistake in buying it, until I saw it in person. Very pumped!
:roundel
It's so hard to capture the character and nuances with pics, but here is a sample.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/10baa4c43b65968334dbb66a66642ab2.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/8418d65ce8eb3411e298e1e38eeb1aa2.jpg

Oh very nice!! [emoji7]

[Dual]

Ok, this is special. After a 3 year search (3 years!), Philip (BavarianZHP) found me the holy grail of trim as far as I'm concerned. It is a special order MY Individual Birch Anthracite, a gorgeous black wood trim with intricate swirls and designs in the wood. Not only is it rare, but to find it in a vert which has it's own trim vs coupes/sedans is nearly impossible, let alone for sale. Well, he found it in Europe, and it looks amazing! Absolutely no way the pics do it justice. In fact, when he sent the pics I was worried that I made a mistake in buying it, until I saw it in person. Very pumped!

Congratulations! Quite a find: send along more pics if you find a better shooting situation.
I def would like to put a good wood package on my coupe...

[Damian]

Heard a clunking going over bumps in the road on my way home Friday so Saturday I find this.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/ba00ea0ac8639cd8bd0bfcb6f67a1772.jpg
I was able to get the sleeve back in the shock and found a washer to make sure it doesn't happen again. Also swapped out busted trans mount and tie rods. Note that the trans isn't twisting in finding out is very easy to get the rear end out, you know in case of emergency!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/bd5ccac56e2c9a32f24b97d5ee4555b0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/4039565f6e1eff5d671c900b69fb64c8.jpg
Also seat belt had enough. It wouldn't click so I had to replace it with a new one. Easy enough and had a chance to clean out the carpet and the junk stuck between the rail.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/6db0e15a3e49a02de97ed018661fb255.jpg
172k on the clock

Sent from my Droid Turbo2

[az3579]

I cannot believe you found a set, JR! Congrats!!

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[oclvframe]

I replaced the electric water pump in the wife's 135. It wasn't too bad to swap out. It had the typical 1 bolt that's impossible to easily reach that every BMW seems to have but it wasn't the nightmare everyone makes it out to be.
Took me a couple of hours... Definitely much longer than the M54B30.

For folks that are curious, the electric water pump is mounted externally approximately where the AC compressor is on the e46. The Thermostat is also externally mounted right next to the water pump.
There are some good videos from bavauto on YouTube


The bleeding procedure is awesome: simple fill the system with coolant until it run out the bleeder then cap it off. Turn the key on, set the heater temp on max fan on low then press the accelerator to the floor for 10 seconds. That starts the auto bleed routine which cycles the water pump for about 19 minutes. When it's done, the coolant is bled and at the perfect level... Awesome!

As a side note, I was impressed at the size and quality of the AR Design down pipes. They must be well over 3"



My E61 is set up the same way.....hasn't given me any faults yet but I will soon have to do this. I did replace the radiator already and got to experience the super cool self burping process!!

[johnrando]

Thanks Dane, JP, BP, Gary, Dual! Still smiling at that find.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[jwalther]

Great addition John :cheers

[fredo]

Unique find, indeed. Congrats, JR !

[Karl Lazlo]

Well, it's been ZHP week for me...

Last week, replaced warped rotors - good times and relatively easy. Heading to my friend's place, my low coolant light came on. In his garage, noticed a small coolant leak from a hairline crack in the expansion tank.

Last night, tackled the ET and in the final process of buttoning everything up and bleeding the system, the bleeder screw broke in half. Spend a good 45 minutes working a plan to remove the lower half of the POS plastic screw. Ended up heating a screwdriver that had approx the same diameter of the screw, melted it through the remaining piece, let it cool and threaded it out. Put a stopper in there and got it home. Will still have to bleed it better - definitely have an air pocket in there somewhere. Heading to BMW today to grab a bleeder screw until a brass replacement arrives.

[Sockethead]

Yep that's the removal procedure when the bleeder breaks off. :)
The bleeder seals with an o-ring so there is no need to get it super tight.
Make sure you have the heater set on max temp, fan on low when bleeding and you should be good to go

[slater]

Make sure you have the heater set on max temp, fan on low when bleeding and you should be good to go

yep, that procedure works awesome - always amazed at how quickly you can fill and bleed the system in these cars - love it!

[oclvframe]

Ok.....so no sooner do I sort out the broken bolt at the thermostat, now I have another issue. My ZHP is a convertible. All of a sudden, I have a blinking seatbelt light. I have googled this and most of the info I find is that it is related to the micro-switch that lowers the headrest as you lean the seat forward...the blinking light essentially indicating that you have the seat in the leaned forward position. Some folks say they have pulled the switch and cleaned the contacts and it's fixed. So I pulled the passenger seat out and pulled the switch out to find that it is a micro-switch and the contacts are internal. I went so far as to buy a new switch ($60!) and nothing...still blinks. Per the dealer (they had to re-set my airbag light since pulling the seat triggered an airbag fault) the headrest fault returned right away. I am not sure what to do next short of tracing the wiring through the harness to determine if the wire is skinned along the way. I am pretty sure the issue is related to the passenger seat because if you lean the seat forward it lowers the headrest as it should, but when set back upright, the headrest does not go back up. The driver's seat operates properly. So something else that makes me go hmmm...the fact that the headrest goes down tells me that the switch is obviously working since it lowers, but since it doesn't go back up, its almost like the headrest program needs to be restarted. Oh, and to add insult to this, windows aren't doing the express up either...per what I read there, the window limits need to be reset. Ive followed all procedures I've found and nothing. At the end of the day, this is not the end of the world, the light quits blinking at some point (maybe after 10min) and the windows can be brought up by holding the switch up.

Anyone have any experience with either of these????

-r

[san]

Plan was to do the O2pilot mod, I removed the bottom hose from the ccv which goes to the dip stick/oil pan and I saw this-
28757

I replaced the ccv only a year and half ago but looks like I need to replace it again soon. I also noticed that my ofhg is leaking :facepalm

On the plus side atleast I know now why my oil consumption had gone up.

pic of the Zhp parked in the garage
28758


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hermes]

Found the leather cover for when the rear folding thing is down

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/LJI/C54C9B95-5153-42D3-A0C2-4D0A34FEE751.jpg

[Prestovie]

Finally got my wheel back today- last week I backed into a curb and did some pretty nasty damage to both my wheel and my tires sidewall- so it's great to have it back and be able to take that damn spare off.
Before
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170122/8397775aa79e91eb1e965105eaa9de34.jpg
After
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170122/5156b0d2febd4a45e1e596f6cdd0ee37.jpg
So I'm really excited about that! The sidewall held up through the removal and installation process, so I'm banking on it being sturdy. Zrazy glued the flap of rubber back into it and am waiting for that to dry, if that doesn't work I'll epoxy it.

[Hermes]

Please go buy a new tire; your sidewall is permanently weakened and I wouldn't trust it anymore

[Prestovie]

Please go buy a new tire; your sidewall is permanently weakened and I would trust it anymore

Damn really? :/ that blows, I honestly can't afford it at the moment after fixing the wheel(probably should've bought the tire first, hindsight is 20/20)
I'll try and purchase one by the end of January/early February


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

Wheel looks good. Tires needs replacement ASAP.

[fredo]

Took the Mini to the car wash. $15 later, looks good ! And I applied black Turtle wax on some scratches, that helped to hide them.

[BMWM3186]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170128/a5cb8c7552b2132d59a1ff886e958f35.jpg

Installed some LED license plate lights.

[Prestovie]

Took my roof rack off tonight, got tired of being thrown around by the wind on the highway combined with terrible fuel economy. I only use it for snowboarding anyway so whenever I'm getting ready for a trip I can always put it back on in 5mins https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170130/61b884a3f8ecff6098e5be20c69fd955.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Damian]

Damn really? :/ that blows, I honestly can't afford it at the moment after fixing the wheel(probably should've bought the tire first, hindsight is 20/20)
I'll try and purchase one by the end of January/early February


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
How much did it cost to fix the rim? I have a few rims with similar curb rash i'd like to get fixed in the spring.

Oh and definitely get a new tire soon pls. I'd trust the spare tire more than I'd trust that one, especially at highway speed.

Sent from my Droid Turbo2

[Prestovie]

How much did it cost to fix the rim? I have a few rims with similar curb rash i'd like to get fixed in the spring.

Oh and definitely get a new tire soon pls. I'd trust the spare tire more than I'd trust that one, especially at highway speed.

Sent from my Droid Turbo2

The rim fix cost me $195, it could have been $165 but to match the paint it was another $30. I highly recommend if they look good as new


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hermes]

Put a head together

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/53048ae99aee25ad61a80fe13ed55d85.jpg

Landed

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/5e839a6f99555fef7256c358480c866b.jpg

[johnrando]

Nice!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[az3579]

The rim fix cost me $195, it could have been $165 but to match the paint it was another $30. I highly recommend if they look good as new


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ouch. I thought I was getting raped at $150 per wheel...

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

I paid $139 for straitening and fresh powder coating matching the original color

[Prestovie]

Ouch. I thought I was getting raped at $150 per wheel...

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

It sure didn't feel great, but I called the dealership twice and they kept telling me their "collision advisor" would call me back because they weren't allowed to quote me. Probably would have been higher either way


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[ELCID86]

Talked Dan out of selling his LSD!

And possibly found the source of my P0456 codes.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/3cd096ab6cbf677af6d7ab8b63f33952.jpg

Hoping this will fix it.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/96f97cd8bd95df4fe80c462cdc705c04.jpg

Also had a great little drive on the VA twisties near Quantico with Novaphotog, BMWCurves, DonAdolpho and met up with Jazzhp.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/38c5e1243a33ba9c868c80659d3a8c3d.jpg

[Vas]

I missed out. Dang it

[KTS317]

Talked Dan out of selling his LSD!



So I guess I'll stop wasting my time waiting for it to be pulled.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Talked Dan out of selling his LSD!



What kind of drugs was he taking??

[ELCID86]

I missed out. Dang it

Yep. Not like I didn't invite you ;-)

[Sockethead]

Talked Dan out of selling his LSD!

And possibly found the source of my P0456 codes.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/3cd096ab6cbf677af6d7ab8b63f33952.jpg

Hoping this will fix it.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/96f97cd8bd95df4fe80c462cdc705c04.jpg



Which hoses are those?

[Dual]

Also had a great little drive on the VA twisties near Quantico with Novaphotog, BMWCurves, DonAdolpho and met up with Jazzhp.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/38c5e1243a33ba9c868c80659d3a8c3d.jpgThat's what it's all about.

[Vas]

Yep. Not like I didn't invite you ;-)
Next time for sure

[704sw]

Spacers arrived today. 12.5F, 15R. I'll go out for a jaunt after dinner and see what I think. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/dc519135a63f476bd272ea9f3a2a8f5f.jpg


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[ELCID86]

Which hoses are those?

They are right near the gas filler tube. Some type of vents. One goes to the charcoal can.
I hooked the smoker up to the fuel filler (after not finding any issues on the front End previously). We were a bit worried about doing it as I'd never heard of anyone doing it this way but what the heck... Anyway smoke started stream out from the rear near charcoal canister. I pulled the rear right wheel and dropped the back well shroud and voila!... found this rusty turd.

PN 16137177237

Supposed to look like this.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170205/96491d35fd25833369be09967e7db32a.jpg

[ELCID86]

Next time for sure

:thumbsup

[johnrando]

Cool that you could hv a mini meet

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[Sockethead]

They are right near the gas filler tube. Some type of vents. One goes to the charcoal can.
I hooked the smoker up to the fuel filler (after not finding any issues on the front End previously). We were a bit worried about doing it as I'd never heard of anyone doing it this way but what the heck... Anyway smoke started stream out from the rear near charcoal canister. I pulled the rear right wheel and dropped the back well shroud and voila!... found this rusty turd.

PN 16137177237

Supposed to look like this.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170205/96491d35fd25833369be09967e7db32a.jpg

Good find! Probably never would of found that without the smoker.

[ELCID86]

^ yeah I think you are right. One clue was I noticed a gas smell on that side after I parked when I'd fill the tank and then drive it.

[stephenkirsh]

Removed front electric fan after doing an electrical/mechanical fan swap.

28955


Painted this while the bumper was off. It didn't come out as well as I hoped. Oh well.

28956

[Sockethead]

Don't you just hate BMW plastic? It's so brittle!

[stephenkirsh]

Don't you just hate BMW plastic? It's so brittle!

Ugh. Don't even start me.

One of the plastic push rivers got stuck so bad. I had three different pry tools and all I did was eventually tip the plastic apart. Then I had to drill out the remainder. So dumb.

[anandoc]

^ yeah I think you are right. One clue was I noticed a gas smell on that side after I parked when I'd fill the tank and then drive it.

Shawn, in your opinion should this be a PM item for our cars?

[ELCID86]

Shawn, in your opinion should this be a PM item for our cars?

My car was a New England car. Not a bad idea to check it in bad climates... pretty easy to access.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170206/98f2d0709ca31f45d4c0529e9314696d.jpg

Hope this fixes it. Need to stop at Advance tomorrow and clear the codes.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170206/65a63962bc0d1f89090bdceaaf209b28.jpg

And yes I hat the rubber and plastic bits that fail. I broke two plastic rivets near the charcoal can. That's why I always have spares on hand.

[Prestovie]

My car was a New England car. Not a bad idea to check it in bad climates... pretty easy to access.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170206/98f2d0709ca31f45d4c0529e9314696d.jpg

Hope this fixes it. Need to stop at Advance tomorrow and clear the codes.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170206/65a63962bc0d1f89090bdceaaf209b28.jpg

And yes I hat the rubber and plastic bits that fail. I broke two plastic rivets near the charcoal can. That's why I always have spares on hand.

Hopefully your car doesn't get smashed like NE is right now lol


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[anandoc]

Shawn, you have PA Soft, dont you? Why don't you clear out the codes with that?

[Sockethead]

Hmm... My car was in Syracuse for its first three years... I think I'll check that

[slater]

good find and fix, shawn! :cheers

[anandoc]

Hmm... My car was in Syracuse for its first three years... I think I'll check that

My car has always been in Ottawa/Toronto...so I will check it when I switch to summer wheels in the spring.

[ELCID86]

Shawn, you have PA Soft, dont you? Why don't you clear out the codes with that?

Lol. I thought of that As I pulled into Advance Auto! It's actually quicker to borrow their code reader and it's about a mile from my house.

Certainly worth a check. I've seen other pics on e46f that makes it appear it's worth a look-see.

[fredo]

I set a MINI appt for March 01 to replace the sagging headliner. I'm excited about it ! It will cost $300 and the place was recommended by my Indy.

[rguti153]

Oil change , fix suspension

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[704sw]

(Yesterday) I shampooed carpet in the cabin and trunk. Car slept like this overnight:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170209/27dccfe46724a0a6d312d1b7ecf954c7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170209/02096ef6136791a4614713ee48d70282.jpg


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[KevinC]

Ordered a new ACDelco AGM battery from Amazon of all places. H7 size. I replaced my battery shortly after buying the car but that was 4-1/2 years ago now and it's starting to crank over slowly. That's a LONG time for a battery to last here in Arizona, so I'm proactively replacing it. It also is AGM, a Duralast from AutoZone.

The ACDelco battery was the best deal out there, only $149.21 with free shipping. That's an awesome price.

http://a.co/5OeI9Sn

[stephenkirsh]

Ordered a new ACDelco AGM battery from Amazon of all places. H7 size. I replaced my battery shortly after buying the car but that was 4-1/2 years ago now and it's starting to crank over slowly. That's a LONG time for a battery to last here in Arizona, so I'm proactively replacing it. It also is AGM, a Duralast from AutoZone.

The ACDelco battery was the best deal out there, only $149.21 with free shipping. That's an awesome price.

http://a.co/5OeI9Sn

Free shipping on 30 lbs? Lol nice

Why do batteries only last 4.5 years there?

[KevinC]

Free shipping on 30 lbs? Lol nice

Why do batteries only last 4.5 years there?

Actually shipping weight is 55 lbs, and it's coming from PA - so that's gotta be expensive to ship.

Heat is why batteries don't last here. At least with BMWs all being rear-mounted, that helps considerably. All the VW's me and my girl have owned in the last 13 years have gone through batteries like candy. When they're under-hood, even with insulating wraps or boxes, they don't last AT ALL.

4.5 years from my last battery is excellent. AGM does well resisting the heat.

[Karl Lazlo]

I cleaned a foot of snow off of my ZHP and took it out for a drive.

[VAB5]

Replaced a failing xenon ballast, put my cleaned-up alcantara steering wheel back on.

[Lorenzo]

1) Oil and filter change. Mobil 1, 0W-40. Shout out to Lobstertail for leaving me the oil with car purchase.
2) Replaced intake air filter
3) Replace cabin air filter

Small jobs but still very satisfying as DIY. Next weekend I plan on tackling a brake flush - DIY, my first time. Appears straightforward. I ordered the Motive power bleeder kit from ECS Tuning.

[Vas]

1) Oil and filter change. Mobil 1, 0W-40. Shout out to Lobstertail for leaving me the oil with car purchase.
2) Replaced intake air filter
3) Replace cabin air filter

Small jobs but still very satisfying as DIY. Next weekend I plan on tackling a brake flush - DIY, my first time. Appears straightforward. I ordered the Motive power bleeder kit from ECS Tuning.
Nice job

[BMWCurves]

Good work. Be sure to bleed the brakes it in the order suggested. I believe it is passenger rear, driver rear, clutch line (optional), passenger front, driver front.

[Johnmadd]

Good work. Be sure to bleed the brakes it in the order suggested. I believe it is passenger rear, driver rear, clutch line (optional), passenger front, driver front.

,+1

[ELCID86]

And be sure to suction out the reservoir (turkey baster) then refill part of the way before starting with the power bleeder.

[az3579]

Swapped my cluster faceplate with a Canadian one, with metric readouts.

[nextelbuddy]

moisturized the seats.... have a space heater for now to warm up everything. tonight im just going to re apply and let it sit over night even longer as well as all day tomorrow and then clean it when i get home with prestine cleaner.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2287/32741567971_5a7696e4d7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RTg6sB)IMG_20170212_125351 (https://flic.kr/p/RTg6sB) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[Lorenzo]

moisturized the seats.... have a space heater for now to warm up everything. tonight im just going to re apply and let it sit over night even longer as well as all day tomorrow and then clean it when i get home with prestine cleaner.

Looking forward to seeing the results!

[san]

Gave the Zhp a bath.
Also clayed, compounded and waxed a friend's car (not a Zhp or a BMW)


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[hcbeck2689]

They are right near the gas filler tube. Some type of vents. One goes to the charcoal can.
I hooked the smoker up to the fuel filler (after not finding any issues on the front End previously). We were a bit worried about doing it as I'd never heard of anyone doing it this way but what the heck... Anyway smoke started stream out from the rear near charcoal canister. I pulled the rear right wheel and dropped the back well shroud and voila!... found this rusty turd.

PN 16137177237

Supposed to look like this.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170205/96491d35fd25833369be09967e7db32a.jpg

Do you have an actual smoker or something DIY? I need to find a leak and have planned on doing a cigar method. My leak might be back there as well


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[ELCID86]

Do you have an actual smoker or something DIY? I need to find a leak and have planned on doing a cigar method. My leak might be back there as well


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Yes. I bought it from the guy on e46f. Come on up if you want to smoke it!

Oh I forgot he's a member here too. Drummr8.

[hcbeck2689]

Yes. I bought it from the guy on e46f. Come on up if you want to smoke it!

Oh I forgot he's a member here too. Drummr8.

A bit of a drive to smoke it, but hopefully we'll get an east coast meet I can make it to soon. Life's been too busy these past years.


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[stephenkirsh]

Had my precat O2 sensors shipped to work. Got them today but left the box at work. Sigh.

Prepped and ready to put them in tomorrow.

29082

[rguti153]

Had my precat O2 sensors shipped to work. Got them today but left the box at work. Sigh.

Prepped and ready to put them in tomorrow.

29082
Ordering a set tomorrow

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[Sockethead]

The Christmas lights are a nice touch ;)

[ELCID86]

The Christmas lights are a nice touch ;)

Lol. Still in that holiday spirit. And a good idea!

[stephenkirsh]

Actually, lol, it's a Luninoodle. Bought it on Kickstarter. It's a magnetic string of LEDs that run off any USB power source.

They have newer versions which are brighter (I think), which Id recommend. Helps add some overall ambient light.


https://powerpractical.com/products/luminoodle-led-light-rope

[SWO Daddy]

Not a fan of chrome, blacked out the 330 lettering on the rear. Came out well I think. And since I had the material, blacked out the front bumper mesh as well which really makes the car look better.

http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/medium/image39.jpeg

http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/medium/image40.jpeg

[danewilson77]

Actually, lol, it's a Luninoodle. Bought it on Kickstarter. It's a magnetic string of LEDs that run off any USB power source.

They have newer versions which are brighter (I think), which Id recommend. Helps add some overall ambient light.


https://powerpractical.com/products/luminoodle-led-light-rope
Digging the humbleness

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[johnrando]

Looks good SWO Daddy. i did the same with mine.

[SWO Daddy]

Looks good SWO Daddy. i did the same with mine.

Thx!

[DARXIDE]

Looking forward to seeing the results!

+1

Mine are in need of the same. Looking recommendations on leather treatments as well.

Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

^ Leatherique.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous E46 fanatic

[Dual]

Not a fan of chrome, blacked out the 330 lettering on the rear. Came out well I think. And since I had the material, blacked out the front bumper mesh as well which really makes the car look better. Looks great! Is that a 'wrap' product you used? Could you apply it in place on the grille or did things have to be disassembled?

[SWO Daddy]

Looks great! Is that a 'wrap' product you used? Could you apply it in place on the grille or did things have to be disassembled?

I sprayed both with plasti-dip. Removed nothing for either job. For the lettering, tape off local area, spray and then once dry, remove excess. Many youtube DIYs on this. For the bumper mesh, spray in place after taping off some of the bumper exterior and using the balloon method to protect the inner part of the bumper / cooling fan / engine.

[nextelbuddy]

Looking forward to seeing the results!


+1

Mine are in need of the same. Looking recommendations on leather treatments as well.

Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk

i updated my project thread with the finished pictures.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?19366-Nextel-s-Imola-Sedan-ZHP-thread-(another-imola-sedan-)/page6

even today they are much better after sitting in them and they have "dried" out more. not dry as in cardboard but MATTE finish dry but still much softer than before. the seats are nice, firm but dont feel like they are going to break at the stitches.

[Dual]

....using the balloon method to protect the inner part of the bumper / cooling fan / engine.You jam partly-inflated balloons into the space?

[SWO Daddy]

You jam partly-inflated balloons into the space?

There's a diy somewhere on the forum, but you insert evenly spaced medium sized balloons thru the mesh and then inflate. I used 3 balloons from a ten pack that I bought at a dollar store. Used my bike pump with nozzle fitting to blow up the balloon then tied off outside the mesh. Once inflated, the balloons are wedged in there and prevent the dip from settling on anything you don't want sprayed. Once done painting, I used needle nose pliers to grab hold of the balloon, punctured the balloon and then pulled back thru the mesh. Pretty simple.

[Dual]

Pretty cool, actually. Thanks!

[SWO Daddy]

Pretty cool, actually. Thanks!

my pleasure

[L0veZHP]

Revved up my car yesterday for some fun.. (don't worry the car was warm and no it's not burning oil)
https://youtu.be/rgutIn7PiAk

[hcbeck2689]

i updated my project thread with the finished pictures.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?19366-Nextel-s-Imola-Sedan-ZHP-thread-(another-imola-sedan-)/page6

even today they are much better after sitting in them and they have "dried" out more. not dry as in cardboard but MATTE finish dry but still much softer than before. the seats are nice, firm but dont feel like they are going to break at the stitches.

Good to hear. I think they will keep getting better. Don't give up on them. Another treatment in the summer sun should help too


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[az3579]

Cleaned my steering wheel and shift knob with Leatherique Pristine Clean.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2891/32542924800_ad380a3cae_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RzGZLm)IMG_20170215_170013 (https://flic.kr/p/RzGZLm) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/515/32542923860_76713a92ac_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RzGZu9)IMG_20170215_170220 (https://flic.kr/p/RzGZu9) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

[wstr75]

Ordered G.A.S. DISA rebuild kit and 1.2 bar coolant cap

[Sockethead]

Cleaned my steering wheel and shift knob with Leatherique Pristine Clean.


Looks great BP! I remember when my wheel still had the leather grain on it... It's mostly worn off now

[az3579]

Looks great BP! I remember when my wheel still had the leather grain on it... It's mostly worn off now

Thanks Rob. I have come up with a theory; I think the grain on the leather steering wheel makes my hands sweat more. Whenever I get in a car with a smooth leather (no grain), my hands don't sweat at all, like in the MKV GLI that we have. Any BMW with a grained leather wheel makes my hands sweat. It's strange. I have a feeling I may be re-wrapping my wheel (when it needs to be done years down the road) with smooth leather the next go-around.

[Rovert]

Or we can trade wheels. LOL I'll take your grain. [emoji12]

[704sw]

Or we can trade wheels. LOL I'll take your grain. [emoji12]

And all of his hand sweat.


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[Lorenzo]

Happiness in a box :)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170216/3ac3494a6292a97a4c7c27989dd9cba1.jpg


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[johnrando]

:roundel

[Vas]

Happiness in a box :)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170216/3ac3494a6292a97a4c7c27989dd9cba1.jpg


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Nice project for a warm weekend.

[stephenkirsh]

Finished my O2 sensor replacement.

[rguti153]

Finished my O2 sensor replacement.
How's the car running

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[stephenkirsh]

31 miles to work today, just fine.

It was running fine before, but kept getting SES light and too rich codes.

[cakM3]

I had the interior and exterior of my ZHP cleaned and detailed while I was away on business. I picked her up tonight and man did she look awesome! I will have to take some updated pics tomorrow when there's light. She looked good..... nothing like a freshly cleaned and detailed Imola in my opinion :drool

[ZHPizza]

31 miles to work today, just fine.

It was running fine before, but kept getting SES light and too rich codes.
Hmm I've had some rich codes and stumbling on startup, but runs great otherwise. Didn't know the O2 sensor was a possibility. How did you narrow it down?

[stephenkirsh]

Hmm I've had some rich codes and stumbling on startup, but runs great otherwise. Didn't know the O2 sensor was a possibility. How did you narrow it down?

I was getting rich codes and everybody said O2 sensors. 145k and original O2 sensors, which is apparently is quite long. No other issues for me.

My dad has an E61 N52 that has had SES light and really rough idle at start up. Two mechanics told him O2 sensors. Not sure how relatable that is for our M54s, just throwing that out for ya, since it sounds like similar symptoms.

[BMWM3186]

Coded in a smaller temperature buffer for the temperature gauge, so it displays more truly.

[KTS317]

Installed the summer wheels and tires! The next few days look nice and warm

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170218/b89e4df7eed373ab9e975558e94f67f3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170218/493ff195ef902c8885678a0fb9283479.jpg


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[az3579]

Installed the summer wheels and tires! The next few days look nice and warm

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170218/b89e4df7eed373ab9e975558e94f67f3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170218/493ff195ef902c8885678a0fb9283479.jpg


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Jumping the gun a bit, no?

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[KTS317]

Jumping the gun a bit, no?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Definitely. It doesn't get driven much in the snow. When the cold hits next week I'll just park it back it back in the garage


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[BMWCurves]

I still really like the look of those wheels.

[anandoc]

Installed new (to me) LCM with 4.5 SW (thanks to Terra) and now I have 5 blinks!!

[KTS317]

Replaced the headlight seals and BMWPerformance air filter. I found a microgard filter for $8 at oreillys but it doesn't fit perfect so I'll have to stop in and swap one out. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170218/a7f509225c228990ce2eedcd8a3d18bf.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170218/5f40078396761a7545a7007a6c7cd445.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170218/f380229ae42b25e70af54440196de345.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170218/bf510e6c1958e72010b3f22343a473f4.jpg


I still really like the look of those wheels.

I wish I could take credit for them. The previous owner put them on. I have always wanted a set but could never find any. A 330ci with a set was for sale locally a few years ago but he wouldn't separate ☹️




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[anandoc]

Replaced the headlight seals and BMWPerformance air filter. I found a microgard filter for $8 at oreillys but it doesn't fit perfect so I'll have to stop in and swap one out.

I wish I could take credit for them. The previous owner put them on. I have always wanted a set but could never find any. A 330ci with a set was for sale locally a few years ago but he wouldn't separate ☹️


That's great work. I replaced mine late last year but did not take out the full headlight assemblies. I just popped out the headlight lenses and swapped the seals.