Preston's 2004 zhp project

[psells_zhp]

Hi, my name is Preston Sellers, son of Bruce Sellers or bcs_zhp.

I recently bought a 2004 zhp coupe from Charlottesville VA. Its a mystic blue 6 speed with grey interior and 84,000 miles when i first picked it up.

Ive started with some minor mods like window tint, khoalty side markers, reflectors, led interior, and new fog lights. And soon to come my afe cai stage 1 pro 5 dry once I can get it back from my father who stole it. Which he wont admit he actually likes it and so is against buying himself his own.

I plan to learn and share many great things with the zhp mafia family.

[derbo]

good find! welcome. Be sure to post some pics :D

[psells_zhp]

Thanks Derek, I plan to upload some soon. I havent had the chance to get any good clean pics of the car with all this crappy weather we've been dealing with.

[Hornung418]

Woo!

[derbo]

Is it weird to be on a forum with your father? :)

[danewilson77]

Lmao. Your Dad bought the car too, Preston! He should get the AFE.

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[danewilson77]

Is it weird to be on a forum with your father? :)

At Bruce's age, he may see Grandchildren soon :)

Love ya buddy.

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[Hornung418]

At Bruce's age, he may see Grandchildren soon :)

Love ya buddy.

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That's right...Grandpa Dane!

[danewilson77]

That's right...Grandpa Dane!

Not anymore bro :(

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[BCS_ZHP]

If he follows certain directions, no g-kids for many moons.

On the AFE CAI, why should I buy one right now when I have free use of his while he's at school, lol.

Your kid on the same forum, weird kinda but not so much, verifies great taste in cars.

And he forgot some details -- it's a slick top; all original paint except rear bumper repaint; cooling system refresh done, brakes done, & FCABs done by PO; all records since new included in a 3-ring binder; all fluids changed & VCG done last weekend (by him). Needed some cleaning (he's been working on it) and shadow line trim (dry rotting rubber in the corner)he's saving up for it.

[psells_zhp]

We agreed on a deal where I paid half for the car and pay for any mods that i want to do

[Hornung418]

No Sunroof?!?!?! That's amazing. It's gonna be a hit this Summer.

[danewilson77]

We agreed on a deal where I paid half for the car and pay for any mods that i want to do

Sounds fair to me. Good deal Preston.

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[Johal E32]

We agreed on a deal where I paid half for the car and pay for any mods that i want to do

sounds like a good deal.

You should supercharge it :thumbup

[derbo]

If he follows certain directions, no g-kids for many moons.

On the AFE CAI, why should I buy one right now when I have free use of his while he's at school, lol.

Your kid on the same forum, weird kinda but not so much, verifies great taste in cars.

And he forgot some details -- it's a slick top; all original paint except rear bumper repaint; cooling system refresh done, brakes done, & FCABs done by PO; all records since new included in a 3-ring binder; all fluids changed & VCG done last weekend (by him). Needed some cleaning (he's been working on it) and shadow line trim (dry rotting rubber in the corner)he's saving up for it.


Awesome bruce :thumbup

[GSEN820]

Score Preston!!!!!!! I'm sure pops will be all about the modding.....gary

[johnrando]

Score Preston!!!!!!! I'm sure pops will be all about the modding.....gary

+1

[az3579]

Holy crap, another ZHP??? You guys must have the record for the most number of ZHPs owned in a household!

Mystic blue... my gawd. Love that color. Nice find.

[JupiterBMW]

Sounds like a great deal and a good car to enjoy for both! Welcome to the crowd and post some pics! Love the Mystic Blue.

[kayger12]

Welcome to the site, Preston. Great to have you.

[nike001]

We agreed on a deal where I paid half for the car and pay for any mods that i want to do

Sounds like a good deal to me!

[Mtnman]

Welcome Preston. Pics of the sweet mystic Blue required. Immediately.

[Ryans323i]

Hey Preston, good to see you around here. Congrats on the car. We need pics immediately!

[Johnmadd]

Nice! In for pics.

[BCS_ZHP]

Here's a link to some "before" pics: http://imgur.com/a/YtpUJ#6

[BlackNTan]

Very pretty. Nice job!

[zhpnsnv]

Beautiful!!!! I had that gray leather in my 323i. It gets dirty quickly but looks awesome when clean, especially with the black cubes and the anthracite headliner.

[GMATT]

Nice!

Sent from my fancy telephone!

[static667]

Good to see you on here, Preston.

[JDDsZHP]

Hey, congrats Preston!

Congrats! I got an email from your dad and hunted this thread down. I'm John, the new owner of your last TiAg ZHP.

Sounds like it needed some clean up but looks like a solid car. Love the color. Have fun with it.

[BCS_ZHP]

Well, Preston went back to school before he uploaded some "mid-progress" pix, here's what he's accomplished so far:

69696970697169726973

[kayger12]

Looking good.

[BCS_ZHP]

And some guys have hot super models hanging on their cars, Preston has his Sugar Bear. She hung around his bedroom after he departed this morning and then guarded his car all afternoon:

69746975697669776978

[BCS_ZHP]

And some interior shots:
69816980697969826983

[BCS_ZHP]

69846985698669876988

[Hermes]

...and shadow line trim (dry rotting rubber in the corner)he's saving up for it.

ffff... me too. I will eventually just buy a whole new set of the 6 pieces but $$$$$$$

edit: I love this car. I will eventually buy a slick top and headliner to put on mine

[BCS_ZHP]

I found an alcantara interior local, need to convince him to come off the coinage. He needs it and just doesn't realize it yet.

[Hermes]

no... this car needs NB

edit: or I'll be a crazy man and let you have first dibs on M3 Alcantara when I eventually find it, lol...

[wertyu78]

I found an alcantara interior local, need to convince him to come off the coinage. He needs it and just doesn't realize it yet.

Alcantara is the best

[Hermes]

Bruce, if the seats are manual I want the info.

Assuming yes, your son can have my black leather if he wants it...

[BCS_ZHP]

JP,
No, not manual, power but not heated and his car has heated seats. Can heat be retrofitted? And there was a manual M3 leather & cloth set available locally last summer, I didn't realize how rare they were before they sold for a measly $500.

[Tnhl1989]

Welcome Lovely car! :)

[danewilson77]

That's a beaut Bruce.

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[Hermes]

JP,
No, not manual, power but not heated and his car has heated seats. Can heat be retrofitted? And there was a manual M3 leather & cloth set available locally last summer, I didn't realize how rare they were before they sold for a measly $500.

Damn, too bad. I do think heated seats can be retrofitted, but it is a PITA. Just keep me in mind if you ever see any manual M3 seats listed (non-vert).

[BCS_ZHP]

^^ will do, but shipping coast to coast would be a bieatch.

[Tnhl1989]

Heated seats can be added but it really is a pita. Here is the DIY for it.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=341242

[Hermes]

^^ will do, but shipping coast to coast would be a bieatch.

For a rare set I'll figure it out, and I mean anywhere... just let me know if you see them because I don't look around on the other forums.

...well, at least the ones for the 'newer' chassis codes

[JupiterBMW]

Great looking car Preston... I think this might be the first slicktop I've seen. I'm still a fan of the sunroof, but cool nonetheless! Love the color, and I really like the interior... Black seats and door panel inserts would be awesome I think...

[derbo]

non sunroof means more headroom! There is a ZHP locally to me that is a non sunroof sedan. I forgot his name on here though.. :(

[Torxuvin]

non sunroof means more headroom! There is a ZHP locally to me that is a non sunroof sedan. I forgot his name on here though.. :(

And less stuff to break. It seems like the vast majority of e46 sunroof cars (at least that I've seen) have broken the clips on the shade

[psells_zhp]

Been a while, came home for my little sister's b-day this weekend & got some time on the dyno. This is all stock with just a Magnaflow catback exhaust system added:

Waiting my turn
7202

In place
7203

Results
7204

And on the ride home
7205

[psells_zhp]

Added an AFE CAI on Sat night, will have to schedule another dyno session when I get back home

[BCS_ZHP]

And after you left today, moved your car to Jimmy's extra garage so mine/Brett's car gets a garage slot at home. Backed it in, put the car cover on it, and she'll sleep until you return in mid-March. Will go by a couple of times a month to crank it up for the battery's sake.

[psells_zhp]

Sounds good. Thanks dad

[Vas]

Not bad numbers for a mostly stock car. Plus that a/r is pretty smooth.

[Hornung418]

That dip...

From a GS3, this was sent.

[BCS_ZHP]

Justin,
Believe that dip is normal for our cars, it's when the DISA opens. This car has no noticeable dip at 4K when you're driving it. Rather, I was pleasantly surprised the curves were as smooth and consistent as they are considering we haven't had time to go through this car completely yet.
Bruce

[johnrando]

Did someone say dip?

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/images_zpsc72450e4.jpg

[Hornung418]

Yeah I know all about the DISA dip. That one is just very pronounced. G.A.S. makes the kit that should reduce the dip.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[nike001]

That dip...

From a GS3, this was sent.

Haha, I said the same thing to myself.

That being said, when I got mine dyno'd.. there was no dip.

[BCS_ZHP]

Preston,
Your latest new (used) mod arrived in the mail today. It was a bit dirty so tried to clean it up a bit but didn't have any carb cleaner in the cabinet, put that on your shopping list. Here are some pix:

735373527351

[Johnmadd]

Preston,
Your latest new (used) mod arrived in the mail today. It was a bit dirty so tried to clean it up a bit but didn't have any carb cleaner in the cabinet, put that on your shopping list. Here are some pix:

735373527351

Dayum Bruce, thats nice!

[BCS_ZHP]

John, he's paying for it, I'm just helping to install. Then my crusty old self might have to exercise his car a couple times a week while he's away at school, OPR!

[Hornung418]

Might want to add a long tube intake to get the full effect. Nice pick up.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[BCS_ZHP]

Justin,
Will an M52 engine cover fit on a M54? Saw a CF cover posted on e46f, it looks sweet.

[Hornung418]

It should. Was it the beauty cover or the valve cover?

From a GS3, this was sent.

[BCS_ZHP]

valve cover

[BCS_ZHP]

Oops, the beauty cover over the valve cover

[BCS_ZHP]

Here it is:

7355

[Hornung418]

Will def fit.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[BCS_ZHP]

Danke

[johnrando]

Nice. How long does that install take?

[BCS_ZHP]

The DIY I looked at said 2 hours if boot clamps are positioned poorly, less if you can get to them easily.

[Hornung418]

Fairly easy to get to all that. You just have to make sure you don't drop any of the 10mm nuts holding the TB on. Those are a pain. The others to be wary of are the vac lines that run to the fuel tank breather and the 10mm that hold the electrical box on. They are sneaky.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[BCS_ZHP]

So we installed Preston's TB last Saturday, one of those forgettable installs, what could go wrong did, didn't quite make the predicted 2 hour R&R window. Lower boot clamp was inaccessible so finally cut the boot off with a utility knife to allow enough room to get a 6mm socket on a 1/4" rachet to it, maybe a 1/16 of a turn was all the room we had down there. Next in the removal process we wrestled an extra half hour trying to remove the stock TB before my stubborn self finally realized there was a 5th nut on that TB that held the electrical bracket to it and this wouldn't allow the TB to come out. When cleaning the DISA, realized we needed a new round gasket, BMW doesn't sell that separately, researched on here and found the Fel Pro gasket P/N from a 91-94 Probe, so picked one up at Advance Auto. Going back together, pre-bought OEM lower boot went on nicely but noticed the rubber tab was in the wrong spot, thought that was odd but kept going. Next the DISA with new rubber gasket was tight, almost too tight but guaranteed there isn't any leak in that area. However, when we got to the very end of the reinstall on the upper boot there was no way it would fit on the MAF. Called BMW and found out boots for the 330 & 325 are different, both boots, both in length and diameter. Removed the new boots & back to the dealer, plenty of apologies for giving me the wrong boots, they blamed it on the book smart manager filling my original order and not my trusted favorite parts guy Dewain who was there for my 2nd trip and got the correct ones plus a free quart of oil for my trouble. Back home and everything went back together perfectly. Start to finish with a trip to Advance Auto 10 miles away and a trip to the dealer 20 miles away, plus a couple of frustration beers, almost 5 hours of which about 2 hours was driving around for the parts.

Test drive demonstrated a little more power via the butt dyno but the car felt confused, like it wasn't sure what to do with this extra air. So researched SW tunes and Preston decided to go with the Active Autowerke tune. AA wanted to know what specific mods are on the car so they could best match their tune, told them about the AFE CAI, Magnaflow catback, Dinan TB and that it currently had a DME45.1. Dropped his car off Monday night at our local AA authorized shop. They pulled the ECU Tuesday, overnighted it to AA in Miami, AA blew in the new SW on Wednesday and overnighted it back, the car was ready at 1030 this morning. Preston went to pick it up around 1 pm and I had texted him asking for 1st impressions, I'll quote his responses below because I found them entertaining:

- HOLY SH*TTT!!!
- the throttle response and torque gain are incredible
- Compared to Shark (he had on a previous e46), I'd give the Shark a 5-6 (on a 1-10 scale) and this AA is a 9 or 10
- Deff worth the extra money (AA tune was $200 more than a Shark)

So I drove it tonight, he's right, throttle response improvement is quite impressive. Torque off the line and in lower rpms is much better. He said he was turning at a stoplight and punched it coming out of the corner, the tires broke loose with DSC enabled. I did not try that, yet, give me some time. When you get on it, the combination of the CAI making its Hoover sound, the Magnaflow rumbling down low, the quicker acceleration and improved torque, well it put a smile on my face, guaranteed his MPGs will suffer for a little while as we have fun with this.

I don't think it's any one item but rather a culmination of the 4 mods that he chose, and he did so in an affordable fashion. The AFE CAI he had from a previous car so it was a sunk cost. The Magnaflow exhaust he traded for a stock ZHP exhaust, so essentially no cost other than buying the lower exhaust manifold gaskets, replacing one of the exhaust manifold studs that stripped and buying the six new exhaust manifold nuts. The Dinan TB he secure used from e46f for $350, a can of carb cleaner to spruce it up. And the AA tune cost him $489 plus an hour & a half of labor to R&R the ECU (decided to let them do that in case the tune wasn't correct & it had to be redone). All told he's in it for about a grand and the performance increase is definitely noticeable.

He's headed back to college this weekend, said he'll try to get it dyno'ed next time he's home. I think the improvement was worth his investment, actually I think enough of it that I sourced a BMW Performance intake and another Dinan TB. I'll install the Performance intake on my car immediately but will hold off on the TB until I can find the exhaust system I want. (If anyone knows of where I can find an HKS catback exhaust system, I'm all ears.)

[Hermes]

hmmmm... maybe I will finally get that TB. Between Perfomance Intake and TMS Pulleys I already have, that Dinan piece and a tune sound like the perfect next steps for me

[Tnhl1989]

Preston,
Your latest new (used) mod arrived in the mail today. It was a bit dirty so tried to clean it up a bit but didn't have any carb cleaner in the cabinet, put that on your shopping list. Here are some pix:

735373527351

Looks amazing :) I think I would go that route if I end up finding one. Any hints?

[BCS_ZHP]

On finding one, just keep scouring all the ads. Preston was darn lucky, these TBs normally sell for $500 ($800 is the new cost), him getting it for $350 was a steal.

When my used Dinan TB arrives and since we have Preston's stock TB, I'll post some pix so everyone can see the difference. 9% better air flow doesn't sound like much, looking at the two TBs you can definitely see the difference, I'm guessing that in conjunction with a tune is the winning ticket.

[johnrando]

Good stuff Bruce!

[Mtnman]

You forgot to mention the ZHPmafia stickers when you told them about the performance add ons! You left 10hp on the table!

Seriously, sounds like you got a good deal all told for the performance increase. In for Dyno numbers.

[BCS_ZHP]

David, Didn't forget the stickers, they were included in his first baseline dyno with just the exhaust when it posted 203.5 HP & 206 ft-lbs. He's at home washing and cleaning it today, going to put his car back in her slumbering spot tomorrow until he finishes up the semester in early May.

[psells_zhp]

New mods: Dinan TB, AA tune, VMRs

[Johnmadd]

Looks great Preston. Although I think clear fogs would be key in tying everything together. :idunno

[Mtnman]

I like it preston! And im for the yellow fogs..... I had them and like them. But they arent for everyone......

[danewilson77]

Looking good Preston.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[BCS_ZHP]

John, Think there might be some more yellow to come, he said he wants to paint his calipers again...

[illirep]

Looks great!

[psells_zhp]

Dont know if I want to do yellow calipers again or just stick with something simple like black or silver. But i plan to replace front bottom mesh grille, liscense plate delete. Then eventually when I bake my headlights apart I plan to spray the high beam bowls with yellow glass stainer to match the fogs.

[Hornung418]

Dont know if I want to do yellow calipers again or just stick with something simple like black or silver. But i plan to replace front bottom mesh grille, liscense plate delete. Then eventually when I bake my headlights apart I plan to spray the high beam bowls with yellow glass stainer to match the fogs.

I wouldn't mess with the headlights. I had it and it looked nice...but I got tired of it. Didnt really have a purpose. But putting the yellow nokia bulbs in there is easier to maintain and resale won't be hurt.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[HokieZHP]

I wouldn't mess with the headlights. I had it and it looked nice...but I got tired of it. Didnt really have a purpose. But putting the yellow nokia bulbs in there is easier to maintain and resale won't be hurt.

From a GS3, this was sent.

+1 I put nokya bulbs in my inners and they make the bowls look yellow from reflection but also still give you a nice deep yellow when you turn them on

[Newjack]

Don't know how I missed this thread but I just went through the whole thing. Great looking car Preston. I'm getting lots of good ideas here.

I'm curious to see what the afe intake does. Crossing my fingers that it doesn't reduce power as I have one installed as well.

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[328ioc]

My afe makes lots of sucking sounds. :-)

Loving the progress so far. Good job.

I also vote yes to yellow fogs. I have them and its great.

I have been considering yellow inners as well so that might have to happen as well.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[BCS_ZHP]

Need some help, Preston's car is throwing code 3C1E, camshaft position sensor. I've cleared the code several times but it just comes back the next time I start the car. The car is still running great, no symptoms, looking for ideas. Do I just need to replace that sensor, or are there some other things to check? And where is this silly sensor, and do we have a DIY procedure on here?


Also, Preston is correct on the improved torque from his tune. Did a stop on red today, came to a complete stop, then started to turn red through the light, remembered what he said earlier so waited until i got straight and I buried the throttle with the DSC enabled. On a 5-10 mph roll the right rear tire broke loose for 20-30 ft before I let out of it, and it would have definitely gone further if if I didn't back off of it. I'm liking the TB & AATune combo.

[Hornung418]

Depends which one it is, check with an actron scanner and you'll get P0340 signaling the intake CPS. If not then its the exhaust CPS.

They can be found on the near the VANOS solenoids. Intake side is around $120 and its best to go OEM to avoid return trips.

Replacement requires removal of the intake solenoid and snaking the new wire to the connection on the conduit box near the TB.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[BCS_ZHP]

Justin,
Ok, since we just replaced the TB last weekend, wondering if I didn't get a good re-connection at that electrical box. Hmmm, will check it tomorrow.

And what a biiiitch, I was just in that area today, replaced his new boots with some Stetts because I didn't like how much deformation I saw in those OEM boots. The AFE CAI definitely puts some pressure on the boots.

[danewilson77]

I've always understood a failed CPS would make car miss horribly. Preston's car is running perfectly.

[nike001]

Did a stop on red today, came to a complete stop, then started to turn red through the light, remembered what he said earlier so waited until i got straight and I buried the throttle with the DSC enabled. On a 5-10 mph roll the right rear tire broke loose for 30 yds before I let out of it, and it would have definitely gone further if if I didn't back off of it. I'm liking the TB & AATune combo.

What kind of tires are on the car? I could never dream of punching it in my car on a roll and smoking the tires for 30ft, and I'm sure a TB and a tune wouldn't yield me those same results.

[BCS_ZHP]

Nike,
Summer Kumos, 255/30-19, tires nearly brand new, it was over 50 degrees when I did this and granted the summer tires aren't sticky when cold. But I had just driven the car about 15 miles, turned off the main 4 lane road onto the 2 lane leading to my neighborhood, punched it and it made me smile, wasn't expecting it to do that much. Mods to date are catback exhaust, AFE CAI, Dinan TB, and AATune. More power than I was expecting.

[danewilson77]

Need dyno.

[BCS_ZHP]

Yeah, I know, Preston has the connection on the dyno, he'll likely do that in May when he gets out of school for the year.

[BCS_ZHP]

Shout out to Justin (Hornung), he was spot on with his diagnosis. Took everything apart in that area and all electrical connectors appeared intact. I walked away from the car frustrated, took a drive in my car, called Justin for ideas and he said to pull each electrical connection apart and spray MAF sensor cleaner into each side of each electrical connection, then let dry. Did this, reasembled, and no issues, no SES light. Drove it this afternoon to run some errands, thought I sensed that the same pep wasn't there ( the mind wanders when you're frustrated), started wondering about which connection wasn't making the good connection and why that would make more/less power. Came to a red light where I was turning right, let the light & traffic clear and made my turn, got to about 1500-1700 then buried the accelerator and it shot up to 4k and was climbing, definitely broke the rear end loose again. I am very impressed and can't logically explain where this extra power is coming from with the simple bolt-ons Preston did.

[Hornung418]

Any time brother.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[psells_zhp]

Knowing my dad, Ill come home next weekend for Easter to him with even more bolt ons on his car than I have -_- , always has to out do me. And I know hes definitely jealous his son has a faster car than him. Maybe will see some action start happening in his project thread.

And thank you Justin for helping my dad out today, I really appreciate it, as I was never able to clear the ses light before I came back to school.

[BCS_ZHP]

Preston hasn't posted in a while but he took these pics just prior to the Reunion & didn't share them, I'll post them in series, he took a couple of neat shots...

91619162916391649165

[Vas]

Cars look great.

Btw when you are ready to sell that vert, let me know.

[BCS_ZHP]

9171917091729173

[BCS_ZHP]

Fanny shots

9174917591769177

[danewilson77]

Looks great Bruce.

HTC DNA ON TT4 BETA, WILLIAMSBURG, VA

[BCS_ZHP]

Cars look great.

Btw when you are ready to sell that vert, let me know.

Possibly at the end of summer. I want the new GMC pickup, so pondering selling my wagon & her vert to avoid a payment. But nice days like today, she drives it and thinks she wants to keep it forever.

[cakM3]

Cars look great.

Btw when you are ready to sell that vert, let me know.

that vert has already been spoken for...:p

[Vas]

Possibly at the end of summer. I want the new GMC pickup, so pondering selling my wagon & her vert to avoid a payment. But nice days like today, she drives it and thinks she wants to keep it forever.

My wife is itching to get into a vert.

[BCS_ZHP]

that vert has already been spoken for...:p

True, true, Charlie laid first dibs on it many moons ago. And the wife knows this so whenever she starts to feel guilty for having two fine vehicles at her ready disposal, not driving one of them enough, and mulls selling it, I ask her if that means I should call Charlie. She can supress her guilt in a nanosecond and tells me to slow the heck down, it's not time to call Charlie yet.

[johnrando]

Looks great, thanks for posting. When Charlie gets the vert, he can give me his M3. Hehe

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[cakM3]

Looks great, thanks for posting. When Charlie gets the vert, he can give me his M3. Hehe

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Hehe.... nice John! I'll be adding to my stable....not getting rid of either car :) You're welcome to come up for a visit though ;)

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[Vas]

Money talks.

[Hornung418]

Money talks.

+1

From a GS3, this was sent.

[BCS_ZHP]

Sorry but that's not the way I roll. Charlie & I did make a verbal agreement a long time ago, so he'll get first right of refusal whenever my wife decides its time to part with it. And if he should pass for some unknown reason, then likely will not post it here for the following reason. I believe our family atmosphere on this forum is very unique, i suspect this car is quite desirable due to its low mileage, rare alcantara seating (rare for a vert), and being totally unmolested, so I would not want to screw up the friendly family atmosphere around here by starting a bidding war or having to choose between family members.

[Vas]

Thanks for the explanation

[BCS_ZHP]

Been quite a while since a post here, Preston doesn't frequent us much anymore. Think he lurks occasionally to see what I'm up to but that's about it. So time for an update on his car.

Whatever the first Friday was in Sept, Preston away at college coming back from his weekly grocery shopping and got hit in his ZHP. He was in the right lane of a 4 Lane road, 2 cars on his left adjacent & in front of him, both suddenly checked up hard as some a-hole coming from the other direction decided to cut across opposing traffic. Preston said braked hard & swerved left into the space just vacated by the other 2 cars but just barely clipped the right rear corner of a Blazer. No spin, no airbags, the Blazer's bumper killed the right headlight and caught under the leading edge of the right front fender and then ripped it off. Damage to the bumper, hood, obviously the right front fender and the fender inner liner. The other guy had zero damage and was cited for failure to yield and his insurance company paid for all repairs.

This happened on a Friday, I was talking with insurance that afternoon, night & the next morning, also talking with my buddy of 25+ years who owns a body shop. At a Saturday morning soccer game I decided I wanted my buddy fixing it, not someone 250 miles away where Preston goes to college, so borrowed a truck & trailer and headed down to SW VA with my little S10 on the trailer. Left the S10 so my son had wheels and brought the mystic ZHP back home to my friend's body shop then battled with the insurance company for a week or so. The state of Virginia has a rule where insurance companies can use "recycled" parts to repair your car if it doesn't structurally change the car. I bitched and protested with the insurance company, my buddy told me to jell. As the body shop chosen to repair a vehicle, he has to "accept" used parts but if they don't "fit or function" properly, he returns them. Well Virginia's law on this is you have to go thru at least 2 fit/no fit cycles before the insurance company must buy you new parts. So my buddy did that dance, all parts on the car are new down to the last plastic rivet and every little screw. Preston & I decided to repaint the whole front clip during this to eliminate all road rash, my friend obliged at the buddy price of zero, nice.

I didn't take any pics, things were all just happening too fast that weekend. The aforementioned dance with the insurance company added time, it took 4 weeks to get the car back. But the wait was worth it, it looks extremely nice!

[Hornung418]

Damn sorry to hear of the troubles. Hope the guy gets some bad karma headed his way. If your buddy wants to paint another mystic car I will gladly give him my business for a discounted buddy price...

GS3 + TT4

[BCS_ZHP]

And during this waiting time we talked and had a conversation about his seats, the driver's gray seat showed wear from a poor earlier re-dye, plus had one seam separating. I started looking and found a black M3 rear seat for cheap. Next found some black M3 door cards where the guy threw in his back seat, dash, & other odds & ends. Last found some black M3 front seats plus getting some little interior parts shipped in from Werty (Wyatt). I swapped the black aluminum cube trim of the arm rests over to the M3 black arm rests, looks quite nice but was a labor of love, don't wish this project on anyone. Door cards are now installed, the back rear seat has been test fitted, and the front seats are en route this weekend via Botond. If we have time this weekend, we will swap to a near complete black M3 interior, everything except the dash & carpet will be Black for now. (I also picked up a black dash for free, carpets we'd have to buy.)

There's been a 3.38 diff in the garage sitting for at least 6 months. Jon Estrella (Au2bahn) coming by Sat morning to lead a diff swap. I've then worked out a deal to swap the 3.07 ZHP diff for a H&R/Koni cup kit suspension with a local guy. If that suspension is off his car Sat night & available, we'll do the swap on Sunday.

So I've had his car since Labor Day weekend, only driven it about a week and a half, but having fun fixing things. It has received new Conti DWS tires due to me bitching about the tram lining of worn out tires, then an alignment, and there's a set of UUC Barbarians sitting in the garage begging to be installed.

So Preston came home from school this weekend to assist with the car upgrades, we know we can't get it all done so he probably won't get his car back until he comes home for T-giving in another 3-4 weeks.

I will try to remember to take pics of any progress we make this weekend.
Bruce

[cakM3]

Bruce, I'm happy to hear that Preston's ZHP came out perfect after all that trouble! At least there's a good ending to a very bad sequence of events. :thumbsup

[ELCID86]

I saw the car last weekend and it does look like a top notch repair. Hope the same shop can help me out w/ my new ride soon. Also glad Preston came out of this without a scratch--a real blessing.

[Vas]

Looking forward to pictures :)

[midlandtech]

Looking forward to pictures :)

Ditto

[derbo]

I love the care for the car while he is at school. Very awesome Bruce!

[BCS_ZHP]

3.38 open diff installed today along with UUC Swaybarbarians. I can feel the tighter nature of the car from the sway bar upgrade, doesn't lean near as much in corners. The diff change feels like it accelerates quicker but I didn't take "before" times to have a basis for comparison. Maybe tomorrow we'll line up stock vs. modified and see what we get.

[330i ZHP]

it will be close

[derbo]

3.38 open diff installed today along with UUC Swaybarbarians. I can feel the tighter nature of the car from the sway bar upgrade, doesn't lean near as much in corners. The diff change feels like it accelerates quicker but I didn't take "before" times to have a basis for comparison. Maybe tomorrow we'll line up stock vs. modified and see what we get.

Bruce what setting did you put the sway bars at? I found soft in the rear with medium to stiff in the front made the car feel the best.

sent from a Moto X

[JupiterBMW]

Wow, didn't know about the accident, glad to hear Preston wasn't injured, and also glad the car injuries were sorted out without too much trouble. Looking forward to pics of the new goodies and the fresh paint!

[BCS_ZHP]

Installed the black M3 interior today, those seats are nice. Still need black HK rear speaker covers & the 3 little black caps on the kid seat anchors on the shelf panel, most all else is done. Carpet is still gray & dash is still black/gray, those items may come another day. M3 seats seem to hug you a bit tighter, a Leatherique treatment is over needed.

Oh, and I'm terrible on pics, was concentrating on getting it done. Maybe Botond took some pics along the way.

[Lanister]

Do you find the seats to be much more comfortable or efficient in terms of performance of holding you in? I've been pondering about getting those.

[Pip]

Do you find the seats to be much more comfortable or efficient in terms of performance of holding you in? I've been pondering about getting those.

I think Charlie might be able to answer this fairly well because he has had m3 seats without lumber I believe.

My ZHP seats with lumber were better than the standard seats and my m3 seats with lumbar and side bolster are above and beyond. It actually squeezes you in the seat and is extremely comfortable. I'm glad I found that option on the car.

[JupiterBMW]

Glad to hear the install went well Bruce. :thumbsup

[cakM3]

I think Charlie might be able to answer this fairly well because he has had m3 seats without lumber I believe.

That is correct. On long drives I found my ///M seats w/o lumbar/side bolster support to be uncomfortable. I have since switched my OE seats for ones that had both lumbar and side bolster support. I love my newer seats so much more :thumbsup

[az3579]

Do you find the seats to be much more comfortable or efficient in terms of performance of holding you in? I've been pondering about getting those.

I found the seats that were installed in Preston's car to be comfortable. They do not have lumbar and are manually adjusted, but I think they're more comfortable and more supportive than my ZHP seats are (no lumbar).

Charlie's M3 seats with lumbar are just unbelievably comfortable and supportive.

[Lanister]

I believe that my OEM zhp seats have lumbar support adjustment. But side bolsters could be better. So maybe M3 front seats in the future.

Speaking of seats, if you guys were to do a seat swap to M3, would you do front and rear or only front? (on a coupe that is)

[Pip]

I believe that my OEM zhp seats have lumbar support adjustment. But side bolsters could be better. So maybe M3 front seats in the future.

Speaking of seats, if you guys were to do a seat swap to M3, would you do front and rear or only front? (on a coupe that is)

If you have the money do both. You'll notice a big difference in leather quality and the rear would look different than the front.

[Lanister]

Thanks for the info. :)

[BCS_ZHP]

Tomorrow's task

11085

Used struts, shocks & springs from Shane (BMWKnight) with new top hats, spring pads, etc.

Will try to remember to take before/after stance pix.

[330i ZHP]

nice

[GSEN820]

About time!!!!!

Can't wait to see it....

[Avetiso]

Have fun!

[Vas]

Moar Low.... :applause

[echo46]

Nice, that is going to really freshin up you ride.

[Johnmadd]

Nice... I'm jelly :)

[johnrando]

Sweet. Def looking forward to pics.

[BCS_ZHP]

Today we tended to a leaking oil filter housing gasket, plus while right there we replaced both belt tensioners, the pulleys, and both belts. Here's a pix of the car when apart after most of the OFHG residue had been cleaned up.

11212

Will put a few miles on it tomorrow to ensure everything is okay then time for a fresh oil change.

[danewilson77]

Excellent Bruce/Preston. What torque spec did you use on the OFH?

Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[BCS_ZHP]

We used the DW torque elbow method. It was pretty darn tight coming apart, went back together the same way, not enough room to swing my long torque wrench.

[330i ZHP]

nice work - pita job

[johnrando]

:like

[Lanister]

Excellent Bruce/Preston. What torque spec did you use on the OFH?

Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

I used 16 ft/lb on mine last weekend.

[Lanister]

Today we tended to a leaking oil filter housing gasket, plus while right there we replaced both belt tensioners, the pulleys, and both belts. Here's a pix of the car when apart after most of the OFHG residue had been cleaned up.


Will put a few miles on it tomorrow to ensure everything is okay then time for a fresh oil change.

That looks mighty familiar :)

[ELCID86]

Nicely done. Glad you got it all back together.

[danewilson77]

We used the DW torque elbow method. It was pretty darn tight coming apart, went back together the same way, not enough room to swing my long torque wrench.

:like

Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[echo46]

Nice job, men.

[BCS_ZHP]

Oil change today & sent the the winter wheels out for balancing. BBS-RKs shod with Michelin Alpines going on tomorrow.

[derbo]

BBS RK :drool

[BCS_ZHP]

This car will be listed for sale next month (February) as I'm buying a new GMC truck and will use the proceeds from this transaction for the new one. But for now, I'm driving it and enjoying, praying we don't get any snow. I'll post up a FS ad in our classified section in a couple of weeks when the new vehicle arrives and that ad will include the full history of mods & maintenance on this car.

A couple of members have already asked me about this car and what I want for it, believe I may have scared them away with my initial asking price so I'm rethinking that piece of the equation. I'd like it to go to a fellow enthusiast as I feel its an unique "non-special" ride.

[ELCID86]

I know you have mixed emotions about letting it go. Enjoy it (and rethink your position;) for the next few weeks. GLWS.

[az3579]

Isn't this Preston's car? I'm confused. lol

[Johnmadd]

Bilstein hd trade for the coilovers?

[midlandtech]

Isn't this Preston's car? I'm confused. lol

Me too

taptalk + Note 3

[BCS_ZHP]

Bilstein hd trade for the coilovers?
Doesn't have c/o, just a cup kit. And not intending to break it down, going to sell it as it sits.

[BCS_ZHP]

Isn't this Preston's car? I'm confused. lol

I paid for half the car up front, titled in my name, so under my control. He can't keep up with maintenance costs as a college student so a family decision was made to go in another direction. Thus I'm driving it for now and will put it up for sale when my new truck arrives.

[az3579]

I paid for half the car up front, titled in my name, so under my control. He can't keep up with maintenance costs as a college student so a family decision was made to go in another direction. Thus I'm driving it for now and will put it up for sale when my new truck arrives.

Gotcha. Thought he was returning home to a surprise!

Good luck with sale. It'll go quick I'm sure.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[BCS_ZHP]

Cleaned her up today, gonna park some photos here:
1181911820118211182211823

[BCS_ZHP]

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[BCS_ZHP]

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[BCS_ZHP]

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[BCS_ZHP]

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[BCS_ZHP]

1184411845118461184711848

[BCS_ZHP]

1185011849118511185211853

[BCS_ZHP]

1185511854118561185711858

[BCS_ZHP]

1185911860118611186211863

[BCS_ZHP]

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[BCS_ZHP]

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[BCS_ZHP]

11875118741187611877

[BCS_ZHP]

118781187911880

[PirateZHP]

Holy crap... this is beautiful!

[midlandtech]

Amazing looking car

taptalk + Note 3

[Hermes]

Bruce, you're killing me. So did you convince the boss that my slicktop for slicktop trade offer makes sense??? hahahaha...

[BCS_ZHP]

Boss is on an anti-German autos tirade, and she says this from the comfort of her x5, lol. Preston is on a power kick, thinks he needs an American v8, he's back at school now with my old GMC p/u (4.3L 4x4, couldn't pull a greasy string out of a cats a$$ power), saving madly for his dream and trying to land a good paying internship for the coming summer. You gotta have goals....

[BCS_ZHP]

When I do list it, fairly sure the first knowledgeable looker will buy it. Maintenance is all up to date, some minor performance mods for more pep, one of the only 10 year old e46s with no road rash on front, interior every bit as clean as our 2011 e70. Gonna need tires this Spring/summer, and the shadow line window trim is dry rotting, that's the only two demerits. I'd rather a family member buy it, hoped that would be JP, but we'll see in a couple of weeks.

[Hermes]

You know I want it, the timing is just not right for me. I hope it will go to somebody on here that will treat it like it should be, if not I know whoever buys it will appreciate it as you probably won't sell to somebody you don't feel will respect it for the rare car that this is

[PirateZHP]

You know I want it, the timing is just not right for me. I hope it will go to somebody on here that will treat it like it should be, if not I know whoever buys it will appreciate it as you probably won't sell to somebody you don't feel will respect it for the rare car that this is

Who wouldn't want this?! I can only hope it goes to the right person...

[Hermes]

Who wouldn't want this?!

There are certain paint colors I would pass on despite slicktop/6MT/manual seats, but this is definitely not one of them

[cakM3]

Who wouldn't want this?! I can only hope it goes to the right person...

Agreed.....this car needs to go to the right person :thumbsup

[SoDelBMW]

Great car you got there! I was wondering what kind of front bumper that is with the lip spoiler on it? I can't find them anywhere!

[ELCID86]

Mtech2 bumper is standard on the ZHP optioned car. You can find an aftermarket one. http://www.khoalty.com/bmw-e46-m-tech-2-front-bumper.html



Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[SoDelBMW]

Thanks for the info. Sometimes I wish I bought a ZHP

[ELCID86]

Your 04 330Ci has plenty of get up and go and looks, enjoy it!


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[BCS_ZHP]

Sale pending... Likely to take a couple of weeks because of long distance transaction.

And yes, will have the new owner join & introduce her/himself here if they do buy it. They're a bit introverted, not sure of their intended interaction here.

[ELCID86]

Sale pending... Likely to take a couple of weeks because of long distance transaction.

And yes, will have the new owner join & introduce her/himself here if they do buy it. They're a bit introverted, not sure of their intended interaction here.
Congrats. Hope it works out.

[PirateZHP]

Sale pending... Likely to take a couple of weeks because of long distance transaction.

And yes, will have the new owner join & introduce her/himself here if they do buy it. They're a bit introverted, not sure of their intended interaction here.

I didn't even see a FS thread... :(

[danewilson77]

I may have seen one. Can't remember.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

I didn't even see a FS thread... :(

here


This car will be listed for sale next month (February) as I'm buying a new GMC truck and will use the proceeds from this transaction for the new one. But for now, I'm driving it and enjoying, praying we don't get any snow. I'll post up a FS ad in our classified section in a couple of weeks when the new vehicle arrives and that ad will include the full history of mods & maintenance on this car.

A couple of members have already asked me about this car and what I want for it, believe I may have scared them away with my initial asking price so I'm rethinking that piece of the equation. I'd like it to go to a fellow enthusiast as I feel its an unique "non-special" ride.

[danewilson77]

Not really a for sale thread.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[PirateZHP]

There is no need for a FS thread... I was just waiting for it. That's all...

[ELCID86]

Not really a for sale thread.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Sometimes that's all it takes.

[BCS_ZHP]

I parked the photos here last month for eventual future use to build a FS thread, some family and non-family contacted me via PM/email/phone/other sites to inquire, one of them is making the moves to complete a deal. PPI scheduled for this weekend and things should proceed forward from there. If for some odd reason it doesn't (and not expecting that, I'm considering it sold right now), at that point I'll have to make a FS thread.

[cakM3]

Preston's car looked good when I saw it last night :thumbsup

[danewilson77]

Preston's car looked good when I saw it last night :thumbsup

+2

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[BCS_ZHP]

SOLD!!! Funds hit my acct today.

[cakM3]

SOLD!!! Funds hit my acct today.

Congrats Bruce! Glad everything has worked out brother! :thumbsup

[Au1994]

Congrats on the sale. Beautiful car so hopefully the new owner comes around.

What brand of fogs were on it? I want to go yellow!

[BCS_ZHP]

The fogs housings were eBay, plastic lenses not glass.

[johnrando]

Congrats

[Au1994]

The fogs housings were eBay, plastic lenses not glass.

Cool, thanks a lot!

[ELCID86]

Glad you got it gone.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Hermes]

Carrying on here:

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?12460-JP-s-slicktop-ZHP

;)