The offical Cheap Mod thread.

[spoonerDee]

We all love to mod, otherwise we probably wouldn't be here. Nothing beats a cheap mod that makes a big difference and puts a smile on your face.

Having said that, post up your cheap mods that you have done that cost under say... $50.00

Post the name of the mod, the cost, what you did and how you did it. Feel free to add pictures or link a DIY that shows how you did it. This way we can compile one grand list of all the "poor man" mods and share new ideas that others may not have thought of.

Golf Tee Mod: Free if you have a golf tee or screw, Not applicable to all vehicles! Works on stock mufflers. If you have the stock exhaust with the flap in it, remove the vacuum line from the top and plug it up with a golf tee. the flap remains open at all times, giving you a deeper exhaust note.

How do you know if you have the flap? Look at your muffler, don't ask here, just go look.

Paint match trunk spoiler: Cost, 30-40 dollars. Bought on ebay from here. Perfect paint match and fit http://myworld.ebay.com/bmwchop168/&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2754
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x351/spoonydee/20130108_165347.jpg


E46 to E39 shifter swap:Cost, 30-40 and patience. Search ebay for used knobs find the one you want then follow this DIY on how to swap them out http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?7886-DIY-How-to-disassemble-an-automatic-shift-knob.
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x351/spoonydee/20120908_104242.jpg

Carbon fiber key wrap: Cost, free. Get a free sample of vinyl carbon fiber wrap, cut out the pieces needed and wrap your key. Here is the DIY http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1832000
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x351/spoonydee/20130112_081249.jpg

LED Interior: Cost 10-40. Depending on where you shop, ebay or superbrightleds.com Remove old bulbs and replace with LED's. Here are the bulb sizes
2 39mm x 10mm for the footwells
2 39mm x 10mm for the license plate
2 44mm x 10mm for the vanity mirror lights
2 44mm x 10mm for the trunk lights
3 194 bulbs for the center light/front maplights
4 194 bulbs for the rear/rear interior lights
1 39mm x 10mm for the glove box.
http://imageshack.us/a/img16/5791/lights2001.jpg

Intake Heat shield: Cost, around $20 or less. Buy a sheet of aluminum, cut, bend and shape into a heat shield for aftermarket intakes. DIY found here. http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?6884-E46-home-built-intake-and-heat-Shield-DIY-for-less-than-80
http://imageshack.us/a/img27/6730/20120421101844.jpg

Add yours below.

[johnrando]

The $5 alarm chirp.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?8951-5-DIY-Alarm-Chirp

Different color roundels from Bimmian, Khoalty or others.

For verts, a shorty antenna (~$20).

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/IMG-20110112-00043.jpg

[spoonerDee]

^^ Reminded me of a mod I did to my e36 which can work on an e46.

Under hood roundel: Cost free or the cost of a set of new or aftermarket roundel(s) I had bought a set of carbon fiber roundels to replace the OEM ones. I had 2 left over OEM roundels. I popped the hood, removed the cowl, measured out dead center, drilled two small holes and popped on the roundel.
http://imageshack.us/a/img213/6990/bolts.jpg

[nike001]

Matte Black kidney grilles - Cost of a can of plasti-dip

body molding cleaning - Cost of a Mr Clean Magic Eraser

[JupiterBMW]

Debadge.... $free

[johnrando]

Good point Jon. Or, rebadge with "ZHP" for just a few $$, letters available at bimmian.

[alexandre]

OEM Aux input - $30 BMW P/N 82110149389.

I mounted mine next to the right heated seat button - discrete when not in use, looks OEM and works perfectly.

Buy this cable (http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-3-5mm-Stereo-Audio-Cable/dp/B007PE3FC4/ref=pd_sim_e_3) and the Bimmian Mobile dash mount (http://www.bimmian.com/Mobile-Dash-Mount-for-BMW-from-bimmian.com) for a clean setup.

[danewilson77]

Kidney stripe mod. > $20.00

http://www.bimmian.com/M-Colored-Grille-Stripe-Decals-for-BMW-E46-3-Series

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/ML_060.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/ML_080.jpg

Cell phone mount mod. > $45

http://www.bimmian.com/Mobile-Dash-Mount-for-BMW-E46-3-Series

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/ML_026.jpg

LED license plate bulb mod. > $2.54 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-2-Pcs-39mm-16-LEDs-SMD-3528-Super-White-Festoon-Dome-Car-Bulb-Lamp-LED-Light-/370713473375?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3 D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D5296204537344593478%26pid%3 D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D370713473375% 26

CDV delete. Free. Or buy the blank insert....but it's $95.00 and doesn't meet the requirements of this thread.

http://www.zeckhausenracing.com/BMW/E46.htm

http://www.zeckhausen.com/cdv.htm#Benefits

Water Pump thread cap. > $10.00

http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-engine.shtml

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/capnut2-1.jpg

Clutch Stop. > $10.00

http://www.clutchstopper.com/index.html

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/clutch_final.jpg

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[johnrando]

How about the GAS Gold Valve DISA? I guess that counts as a mod as it's different from OEM. :dunno

[alexandre]

How about the GAS Gold Valve DISA? I guess that counts as a mod as it's different from OEM. :dunno

$300 :p

[johnrando]

Holy cow, I forgot they were that much.

[Hermes]

oil change

tranny fluid change

diff fluid change

replace expansion tank cap

drain/refill coolant

aluminum water pump pulley

brass coolant bleeder screw

spark plugs

upper/lower intake boot

drop in air filter for the stock intake or replace with another paper one

clean your MAF and ICV

fuel filter

re-grease your brake pads so they don't squeak

[Ryans323i]

Sharpie Mod-$ Free- Color your white instrument needles red. Use and combo of red and orange sharpie pens (markers) to color needles to mimic the M3 and ZHP e46 models.

DIY to remove gauge cluster. (http://youtu.be/dYuZDDAtm2I)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/aprilsmom04/Interior/Mileage.jpg

Valentine 1 Radar Detector hardwire- $Free- Eliminate the annoying cordage!

DIY link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO_cZZdFPP4)

(also pictured- sharpie mod)
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/picture.php?albumid=1281&pictureid=6306

[danewilson77]

So...oil changes and shit are mods now. Check.

[Hermes]

So...oil changes and shit are mods now. Check.

yup...

http://oel-shop.eshop.t-online.de/WebRoot/Store5/Shops/Shop40006/4EB1/AA31/068A/D340/F8E3/AC14/504A/32A3/Quartz_Ineo_MC3_5W40_1ltr..jpg

[johnrando]

It might be just me, but I'd prefer to keep this to mods (which would be making an OPTIONAL change with a different part vs. OEM (not including fluids)), instead of including maintenance items which every one should do.

[JupiterBMW]

Debadge.... $free

[johnrando]

Repeat post.
Repeat post.
:biggrin

[spoonerDee]

Give some information about the mods so people know what they are and how to do them.


Kidney stripe mod.

Cell phone mount mod.

www.bimmian.com

LED license plate bulb mod $2.54 shipped. www.ebay.com

CDV delete. Free.

Water Pump thread cap.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[spoonerDee]

This is a CHEAP MOD thread, not maintenance. Please keep it that way :)



oil change

tranny fluid change

diff fluid change

replace expansion tank cap

drain/refill coolant

aluminum water pump pulley

brass coolant bleeder screw

spark plugs

upper/lower intake boot

drop in air filter for the stock intake or replace with another paper one

clean your MAF and ICV

fuel filter

re-grease your brake pads so they don't squeak

[danewilson77]

Give some information about the mods so people know what they are and how to do them.

Right. I didn't have time to fill in the blanks. Forgive me.

[danewilson77]

My post is updated.

[derbo]

OEM M3 Fuel pump baffle $15 from dealership :)

prevent fuel starvation when below 1/4th tank at the track!

[Hermes]

if this is gonna be modification defined as replace stock parts with other stuff I think some of those are still considered cheap mods

bleeder screw (non-plastic) - $6
http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/363341_x600.jpg
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Engine/Cooling/Bleeder_Screw/ES2608507/

aluminum water pump pulley (non-plastic) - $34
http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/249960_x600.jpg
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Search/Pulley/ES2534820/



Kidney stripe mod. > $20.00

http://www.bimmian.com/M-Colored-Grille-Stripe-Decals-for-BMW-E46-3-Series

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/ML_060.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/ML_080.jpg

I did this with electric tape, $0

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/zhp%20projects/18085f3c.jpg


OEM M3 Fuel pump baffle $15 from dealership :)

prevent fuel starvation when below 1/4th tank at the track!

Derek, pn?

[derbo]

Derek, pn?

16112229656

[Hermes]

thx

[JupiterBMW]

Repeat post.
Repeat post.
:biggrin

You try dealing with my internet service out here!

[Johal E32]

license plate delete mod hehe

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/7933785350_14462bec47_b.jpg

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-323i-M52_2.5L/Search/License_Plate/ES75224/

[kayger12]

Clutch stop. $4.63. Best value mod I've done by far.
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?884-Clutch-Stop&p=16124#post16124

[JupiterBMW]

I'd just like to say thanks to the OP for this thread, it's a great one! :thumbsup

[328ioc]

I'd just like to say thanks to the OP for this thread, it's a great one! :thumbsup

Aaa. Greeeed

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[BRGcoopahS]

No holes license plate bracket. (For those with the lame front license plate law)
around $50-60 if I remember correctly.

[Oli77]

Sock Mod FTW!

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac208/othibau/DSC07199.jpg

Dark A pillars:

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac208/othibau/DSC06766.jpg

[328ioc]

Free second use for Bimmian Phone mount......

Hat holder. Lol

7097

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[spoonerDee]

Next time I clean under the hood, I really need to do the sock mod.

[Dave_B]

Sock mod... is that because that cap is always nasty with fluid?

Reason I ask, mine always is...

[Oli77]

Yup.

[Dave_B]

Why does it do that? Seal of some sort?

Drove me NUTS when I first got this car.

[spoonerDee]

Why does it do that? Seal of some sort?

Drove me NUTS when I first got this car.

Because BMW.

Ultimate driving machine regarded by many as one of the best cars out there, leaks power steering fluid for no reason. Scumbag BMW

[Torxuvin]

Because BMW.

Ultimate driving machine regarded by many as one of the best cars out there, leaks power steering fluid for no reason. Scumbag BMW

It's probably a relief to keep from over pressuring the power steering system. I would hazard a guess that it's protection for the pump. Otherwise there is no engineering purpose behind it. ;)

[ryankokesh]

Needs a new seal perhaps?

[aurelius]

I've put new o-rings on 5 different PS reservoir caps and it doesn't really solve the problem. There's what appears to be a small weep hole on the cap. Presumably, as suggested above, to relieve pressure.

Reminder: check reservoir level with motor running. Also: in BMWs you must use ATF to top up, not power steering fluid.

[derbo]

I've put new o-rings on 5 different PS reservoir caps and it doesn't really solve the problem. There's what appears to be a small weep hole on the cap. Presumably, as suggested above, to relieve pressure.

Reminder: check reservoir level with motor running. Also: in BMWs you must use ATF to top up, not power steering fluid.

I am planning to add a remote breather can to that hole so that it doesn't splash everywhere during track days.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[aurelius]

Appears to have an OE cap, therefore probably does not solve the drip issue and it surely isn't a cheap mod but looks good...

Replaceable filter. BMP Design. p/n 107911. $275.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l584/aurelius3/Random%20BMW%20Pics/alumPSres_zps9f417ae6.jpg

[UdubBadger]

surprised nobody has mentioned this stuff. About 100 things on the car you can paint... including the car itself.

http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE3-5947470dt.jpg

[Dave_B]

Excellent point. I'm picking up a few cans next time I'm at my local home improvement store.

[ryankokesh]

surprised nobody has mentioned this stuff. About 100 things on the car you can paint... including the car itself.

http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE3-5947470dt.jpg

+100


Sent from my iPad using the interwebz.

[ejp2fast]

http://www.bimmian.com/M-Colored-Grille-Stripe-Decals-for-BMW-E46-3-Series



I did this with electric tape, $0


Where did you find electrical tape in m colors?

[Hermes]

Where did you find electrical tape in m colors?

mine were actually German flag colors but I'm sure somebody makes blue and purple tape

[ejp2fast]

ebay has colored tape - $3.50 a roll: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110995775398&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123
(for future reference, if that link above doesn't work, search " 1" gaffers grip tape " in ebay)
they have the electric baby blue and the red, but the purple isn't the right purple...
i may just go with what bimmian has to offer for m logo striping, which will have the right colors...

[WOLFN8TR]

Matte Black kidney grilles - Cost of a can of plasti-dip

body molding cleaning - Cost of a Mr Clean Magic Eraser

Thanks, gave it a try except I used Krylon Fusion matte black. Took out the center piece and just painted over the chrome outer ring. Cleaned it, sanded it with 400 grit wet and dry. Sprayed two coats of paint and then cleared it with matte finish.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/18/ze3a8uju.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/18/u8ytu2a5.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/18/zuhyre9y.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/18/y3yqu6eg.jpg

[danewilson77]

Came out nice Wolfy.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[WOLFN8TR]

Thanks Dane! I really liked the way they turned out.

[cakM3]

Gary, loved the outcome....very sharp! :thumbsup

[static667]

That looks sweet, Gary.

Sent from my yet to be hacked GS3.

[WOLFN8TR]

Thanks Fellas!

[LivesNearCostco]

I'm planning to do this so I can run track/autoX with a lighter fuel tank. Looking at the E46 fanatics DIY, here's the part number: 16 11 2 229 656 and here's the RealOEM diagram from the E46 M3. It's part #7.
Edit: local dealer quoted $38.40+tax and 3-4 days to get it. AutoHausAZ doesn't seem to have it. Guess I'll order from BavAuto or Pelican... or let me check which other Mafia affiliates might have it.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/b/l/316.png

OEM M3 Fuel pump baffle $15 from dealership :)

prevent fuel starvation when below 1/4th tank at the track!

[johnrando]

These shift/e-brake boots are around $20 manual, $30 STEP. From ebay, overseas.

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/IMG_20130416_104712_476_zpsf98411a9.jpg (http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/johnrando/media/IMG_20130416_104712_476_zpsf98411a9.jpg.html)

[aurelius]

I'm planning to do this so I can run track/autoX with a lighter fuel tank. Looking at the E46 fanatics DIY, here's the part number: 16 11 2 229 656...local dealer quoted $38.40+tax...[/IMG]

That's some aggressive pricing at your local dealer. $16.89 HERE (http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/). You'll be charged ~8 bucks shpg., therefore if you need anything else in the realm of dealer-only / Genuine BMW parts, you may want to add some things to the order. Btw, your order will probably arrive in a bizarrely large box.

[derbo]

I'm planning to do this so I can run track/autoX with a lighter fuel tank. Looking at the E46 fanatics DIY, here's the part number: 16 11 2 229 656 and here's the RealOEM diagram from the E46 M3. It's part #7.
Edit: local dealer quoted $38.40+tax and 3-4 days to get it. AutoHausAZ doesn't seem to have it. Guess I'll order from BavAuto or Pelican... or let me check which other Mafia affiliates might have it.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/b/l/316.png

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/16_11_2_229_656/ES36021/


Which dealership did you go to?!

[spoonerDee]

These shift/e-brake boots are around $20 manual, $30 STEP. From ebay, overseas.

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/IMG_20130416_104712_476_zpsf98411a9.jpg (http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/johnrando/media/IMG_20130416_104712_476_zpsf98411a9.jpg.html)

Wow, those look great. How hard is it to swap out the ebrake boot?

[danewilson77]

Wow, those look great. How hard is it to swap out the ebrake boot?

Just as easy as the shift boot.

1/10

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks Fellas!

Have to add, this looks great, nicely done Gary... And I'd also like to give a +1 to the Krylon Fusion paint, that stuff is pretty good on the plastics...

[wsmeyer]

These shift/e-brake boots are around $20 manual, $30 STEP. From ebay, overseas.

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/johnrando/IMG_20130416_104712_476_zpsf98411a9.jpg (http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/johnrando/media/IMG_20130416_104712_476_zpsf98411a9.jpg.html)

Here's the manual version from same seller
8019

[Hermes]

dealer placards - $0... but you gotta know/ask the right people at the dealer since they're not for sale ;)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/ZHP%20Photos/null.jpg

[Johal E32]

dealer placards - $0... but you gotta know/ask the right people at the dealer since they're not for sale ;)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/ZHP%20Photos/null.jpg

GAHHH! I NEED one of these for the E39 M5 ASAP!

Looks good as always JP!

[LivesNearCostco]

Thanks for the tip. (Derbo, the dealer was Stevens Creek BMW.) By the time I saw your message 1.5 weeks ago I'd already placed the order with Bav Auto. Got my steering guibo a few days ago but fuel tank baffle and front right pork chop won't arrive until tomorrow, as it was special order then shipped from New Hampshire. On a $155 order I probably would have saved $15 or $20 by going with them. Now I need one new PS hose (the one that I never replaced) and an ET-to-heater hose, so will check them out if AutoHausAZ (Mafia affiliate) doesn't have them.


That's some aggressive pricing at your local dealer. $16.89 HERE (http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/). You'll be charged ~8 bucks shpg., therefore if you need anything else in the realm of dealer-only / Genuine BMW parts, you may want to add some things to the order. Btw, your order will probably arrive in a bizarrely large box.

[LivesNearCostco]

I plan to replace the PS hose from reservoir to pump--the only PS hose I haven't already replaced. Since I'll be draining much of the fluid, thinking about upgrading to synthetic. Currently running generic Dex-III ATF. Is a quality synthetic ATF going to boil out the vent less often? Which synthetics should I look at, Mobil 1? Redline?

Or is the only answer to keep using standard ATF and do the sock mod?


It's probably a relief to keep from over pressuring the power steering system. I would hazard a guess that it's protection for the pump. Otherwise there is no engineering purpose behind it. ;)

[LivesNearCostco]

Metric gasket kit (hundreds of nitrile rubber gaskets for $10) from HF has gasket right diameter but too thick, around 3.5mm. Went to local Ace hardware, had one slightly thinner in diameter (1/8" or 3.17mm) but it's still a little too thick. Went to BMW Stevens Creek and they charge $10 PS reservoir cap O-ring! I just put the original O-ring back on, cleaned the mating surfing of the reservoir, and stuffed a Q-tip into the vent hole. The current O-ring doesn't seem to be in that bad shape. Seems to be 1.8mm or 2mm thick.

$10 for an O-ring is outrageous IMHO, but I guess it's demand-based pricing. If your PS res is really leaking out the top, you really need one, for $10. AutoHaus AZ has them for $1.71. Wish I'd included it in my recent Pelican or BavAuto orders. Oh well.

Today I hope to install the fuel tank baffle. Ran my tank down to a little below 1/4 full.

[derbo]

Thanks for the tip. (Derbo, the dealer was Stevens Creek BMW.) By the time I saw your message 1.5 weeks ago I'd already placed the order with Bav Auto. Got my steering guibo a few days ago but fuel tank baffle and front right pork chop won't arrive until tomorrow, as it was special order then shipped from New Hampshire. On a $155 order I probably would have saved $15 or $20 by going with them. Now I need one new PS hose (the one that I never replaced) and an ET-to-heater hose, so will check them out if AutoHausAZ (Mafia affiliate) doesn't have them.

I dont like Steven's Creek BMW.

[Johal E32]

I dont like Steven's Creek BMW.

Weatherford BMW ftw.

[derbo]

Weatherford BMW ftw.

I dont like them either..lol.

[Johal E32]

I dont like them either..lol.

Is it because they are in Berkeley? :shifty

[NorCal-Dimitri]

///M seatbelt pads. $15 on eBay.

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y508/dimitri1337/20130908_140959_zpsab13ff35.jpg?t=1378674884

[danewilson77]

///M seatbelt pads. $15 on eBay.

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y508/dimitri1337/20130908_140959_zpsab13ff35.jpg?t=1378674884

:like

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4

[Washburn]

NorCalDimitri: a few questions:
which ebay seller? do you have a link?
is the M logo on both sides?
If not, can they be turned around during install so that the 'plain' side is visible?
SB pads are a nice idea! well done!

Are there seat belt pads that just has BMW on them or just plain ones, I wonder...gonna check them out.
There are enough M badges on the ZHP for not being an M - i am trying to avoid adding more.

[spoonerDee]

Wow, seat belt pads, I didn't know those still existed. I hadn't seen those since I had my eclipse about 14 years ago. Nice "retro" touch.

[WOLFN8TR]

1 Year Bump! :fistpump

Just bought some LED License Plate Bulbs on eBay for $5!


20687

20688

20689

[johnrando]

Lol, nice.

[WOLFN8TR]

Got them installed. I like the and the fact their not too bright. [emoji106]


20692

20693

20694

Another plus is the old bulbs get really hot compared to the LED's. Interior bulb vs license plate bulb.

20695

[BMWCurves]

Nice! Link to the seller? I've been thinking about doing that for a while but it's been on back burner.

[WOLFN8TR]

Nice! Link to the seller? I've been thinking about doing that for a while but it's been on back burner.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111281649565?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[BMWCurves]

Gracias :thumbsup

[NoVAphotog]

Sock Mod FTW!

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac208/othibau/DSC07199.jpg

Dark A pillars:

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac208/othibau/DSC06766.jpg

Thread bump! What kind of sock are you using here Oli? Want to do this soon as well.

[danewilson77]

Thread bump! What kind of sock are you using here Oli? Want to do this soon as well.
Black footie sock.

Sent from an S6 Edge

[Oli77]

Lol. I got rid of the sock. I felt, should I say,... ashamed of the dirty sock on the power steering canister.

It was my only mod for a while.

[ELCID86]

Lol. I got rid of the sock. I felt, should I say,... ashamed of the dirty sock on the power steering canister.

It was my only mod for a while.

Lol. I hear it's not a bad idea for track events.


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"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

[derbo]

Lol. I hear it's not a bad idea for track events.


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"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

I haven't done this yet but this would be my anti-sock mod.

Power steering catch can
http://i.imgur.com/w6kiWBJl.jpg

[ELCID86]

I haven't done this yet but this would be my anti-sock mod.

Power steering catch can
http://i.imgur.com/w6kiWBJl.jpg

Cool.


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"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

[cornercarver]

Had some time this weekend to do the mod I've been wanting to do for a while now. I've seen a few videos from people who have done it and I didn't think the resulting sound was objectionable. My previous cars were fairly loud V8's and this car was just too quiet for me.

So I chopped out the old muffler (20lb weight savings!) and installed some tips on sections of straight pipe with flex connectors. I think all of it was under $50. I know it's pretty ghetto, but who ever looks under there? ;) Besides, it serves the purpose and sounds great now. It's a tad loud at start up, but then it quiets right down. Video and a couple of photos follow for anyone interested...

http://youtu.be/NSj9IsI0VsM
30118
30119 (http://youtu.be/NSj9IsI0VsM)
edit;
threw together a few clips with my GoPro, laid them over the audio from one clip... The clips don't match the audio well, but it's all about the audio! :)
https://youtu.be/KuCv4D1Hdgw

[papa_g]

no more cheap mods out there?

[Joerdan23TN]

Here is one!
Saw this on eBay, took a gamble and it paid off.
Fit is off by a few mm on each side, and the sheen of black is slightly off. All in all, if you weren’t examining it, it would look stock to the casual observer.

https://i.ibb.co/LzqS9Pg/77-CFE533-AFAC-4320-BC20-79-A7-BCFF5-F13.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/RP9LmgK/5-C557-D94-3-A0-F-4-F5-B-8149-462-EF58913-C7.png
https://i.ibb.co/j33M6LC/1-E831-B3-A-BA2-F-446-A-85-C6-8004-DFFD8-B9-E.jpg

[papa_g]

Nice! I would get that if my 5 year old wasn’t the only person that sat back there.


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[Joerdan23TN]

Nice! I would get that if my 5 year old wasn’t the only person that sat back there.
.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did it precisely for that reason, only my son is now 10

[Reasoned1]

Nobody eats or drinks in my cars. : )

[Overboost]

I know it's been 3 1/2 years since the power steering reservoir discussion but thought I would throw in a really cheap mod. Not sure about the effectiveness on track but this will solve the basic vent hole leaks.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=274849&stc=1&d=1302916096

[papa_g]

That’s pretty cool, haven’t seen that one before


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[fredo]

:like

[Reasoned1]

I’ll have to take a look at that one...

[racer2086]

I haven't read that PS reservoir discussion thread but all of those ZF reservoirs have an o-ring on the cap that flattens and goes bad, which causes that slow deep of fluid around the outside. New one is like $4. I've replaced them on my E46, E39, E38. All the same o-ring. Never had to plug the vent hole...

[704sw]

I haven't read that PS reservoir discussion thread but all of those ZF reservoirs have an o-ring on the cap that flattens and goes bad, which causes that slow deep of fluid around the outside. New one is like $4. I've replaced them on my E46, E39, E38. All the same o-ring. Never had to plug the vent hole...

Unfortunately the vent hole design is still an issue, even if the o-ring is new, for cars that see track time, autocross, and overly “spirited” driving. Hot, expanding fluids and vapors + rapid directional changes = messy engine bay.

[papa_g]

+1. Even after replacing the o-ring I get some nasty black stuff on my reservoir. Honestly I don’t really mind it. I just wipe it off whenever I’m under the hood