The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

Whenever I'm shopping for parts, or I need quick spec on something (torque, part number, OE brand, etc), I don't really have a place where to ask on the forum.

For example, yesterday I needed to know what voltage our alternator was supposed to output at idle but couldn't find it without Googling for half an hour on my phone. Answer: 14.0V +/- 0.2V on new components and healthy engine.

I've been looking for such a thread forever, but couldn't find one. So here is the random E46/ZHP-related question thread, where repeat questions are welcome and "just google it" isn't the answer.

I'll start:

Do most ZHP's have hydraulic serpentine belt tensioners ? What's the production date cut-off if not ?

I've thought about this type of thread. Glad to see I'm not the only one.

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Originally Posted by alexandre

I'll start:

Do most ZHP's have hydraulic serpentine belt tensioners ? What's the production date cut-off if not ?

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The only way to find out is the look for the hydraulic unit. While I am not sure if they came with mechanical or not, I would imagine if any E46 came with a mechanical, they may have changed over to the hydraulic unit. It is likely that many have changed over since many E46s are now pass the cooling maintenance period. It is best to check.



Alternators:
How does one tell its a BOSCH or VALEO without removing any pieces?

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Alternators:
How does one tell its a BOSCH or VALEO without removing any pieces?

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To my knowledge, there isn't. The only way I could tell what mine was by pulling it out and looking. Glad I did it while it was out, too.

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Originally Posted by derbo

Alternators:
How does one tell its a BOSCH or VALEO without removing any pieces?

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By the pulley:

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/udp/udp...or_choices.jpg

thanks!! :]

I'm looking for a replacement PS res, but the one on ECS Tuning says "For use with CHF"...

Can anyone get me a P/N for the one for use with ATF? It probably doesn't matter, but I just want the cap to say the right thing, and the one on ECS is wrong.

BTW, Alex, perhaps recommend that everyone subscribes to this thread? If we all commit to check and reply to this thread, it could become a fantastic utility.

This is a great idea... quick place to go for an answer when you don't have the time to really dig it up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avetiso

I'm looking for a replacement PS res, but the one on ECS Tuning says "For use with CHF"...

Can anyone get me a P/N for the one for use with ATF? It probably doesn't matter, but I just want the cap to say the right thing, and the one on ECS is wrong.

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I don't think there is another part number for ATF. but there is a sticker to affix.

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2207466/

Is that a $13 sticker? Lol

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Originally Posted by stephenkirsh

Is that a $13 sticker? Lol

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:rofl I think I'll just remember to use ATF.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avetiso

:rofl I think I'll just remember to use ATF.

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You could reuse the cap and just change out the seal. #32411128333.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by derbo

The only way to find out is the look for the hydraulic unit. While I am not sure if they came with mechanical or not, I would imagine if any E46 came with a mechanical, they may have changed over to the hydraulic unit. It is likely that many have changed over since many E46s are now pass the cooling maintenance period. It is best to check.

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I figured maybe cars after x date came with strictly hydraulics, but info on the web does seem fuzzy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alexandre

You could reuse the cap and just change out the seal. #32411128333.

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I'll see what I do. Placed an order with ECS for the res.

Anyone know the approx cost for an indy to do transmission mounts and engine mounts? Yep, I think I can surely DIY it but if it's cheap I might as well have them do it. I'm not really sure if my jack can hold a transmission securely.

Prob 1-2 hrs @ labor rate

I have a bill for tranny mounts and flush from PO, about an hour labor + materials.

Does anyone have a list of grounds and positive connections on the car? Battery isn't charging when car is running. Both alternator and battery less than a year old.


iP4S + TT2

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alexandre

I have a bill for tranny mounts and flush from PO, about an hour labor + materials.

Does anyone have a list of grounds and positive connections on the car? Battery isn't charging when car is running. Both alternator and battery less than a year old.


iP4S + TT2

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There a lot of grounds. Have any specific region you have in mind?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avetiso

There a lot of grounds. Have any specific region you have in mind?

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Not yet. I picked up my friend's voltmeter this morning and brought some booster cables to school, I'll have some fun with that this PM.

I would take car to local autozone or advance and have both tested. I am guessing a faulty alternator


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Originally Posted by jakksfor20

I would take car to local autozone or advance and have both tested. I am guessing a faulty alternator


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I have neither in Canada haha. I doubt it's this as it all electronics work perfectly once the car is started and battery voltage doesn't go down. It just measures as 12.3-12.6V at the battery so I figure it's something with the circuit from engine bay to battery.


iP4S + TT2

I've always wondered if the zhp spare would fit over a big brake kit on the front wheels.

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Originally Posted by stephenkirsh

I've always wondered if the zhp spare would fit over a big brake kit on the front wheels.

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What spare, the donut? Only the rear style 135 clears the 1er BBK, but that wheel won't fit in your trunk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alexandre

I have neither in Canada haha. I doubt it's this as it all electronics work perfectly once the car is started and battery voltage doesn't go down. It just measures as 12.3-12.6V at the battery so I figure it's something with the circuit from engine bay to battery.

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Use the service menu in the cluster to read the voltage with the engine running. If it's not 14V it's most likely your alternator.

Yup that's how I do it. But if it wasn't putting out enough voltage, my electronics would run off battery, yet this isn't happening... Hence my loose connection hypothesis.


iP4S + TT2

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alexandre

Yup that's how I do it. But if it wasn't putting out enough voltage, my electronics would run off battery, yet this isn't happening... Hence my loose connection hypothesis.

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I'm confused. It's reading 12V at the battery and 14V at the cluster?

Alternator will put out 14v to charge, so that's what you're going to see while the car's running.


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Nope 12V at both. But the cluster reads off the positive terminal of the battery if I understood correctly.


iP4S + TT2

At the very least it could be the voltage regulator attached to the alternator. A loose connection would be showing some more intermittent issues and frankly some not so friendly ones (i.e such as when you disconnect/connect your neg battery terminal).

Any large chain parts (Napa, Carquest) stores should be able to test your alternator and battery.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hermes

What spare, the donut? Only the rear style 135 clears the 1er BBK, but that wheel won't fit in your trunk

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I can confirm this. :D

Attachment 11994

Wasn't expecting this. Look right above the label, sorry for the fuzzy pic... VR melted at positive terminal. This could've caught on fire... Avoided one heck of a disaster. Gonna get a warranty replacement. Moving on :)

For people who have done starter DIY:

Does the positive cable that leaves from the voltage regulator go directly to the starter or somewhere else ?

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES30131/

EDIT: Answer - yes. How much of a PITA would it be to replace just that ?

I thought this thread was going to be useless/redundant at first… nvm :)


Does anybody know which lights use less power?
1.) Xenon vs Halogen
2.) Halogen main lights vs fog lights

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Originally Posted by stephenkirsh

I thought this thread was going to be useless/redundant at first… nvm :)


Does anybody know which lights use less power?
1.) Xenon vs Halogen
2.) Halogen main lights vs fog lights

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If I remember, Xenon uses 35W and Halogen uses 55W.

Foglights should be the same as the halogen at 55W unless you guys change it from stock wattage.

man halogens fail all the way around. can't believe my ZHP didn't come w/ them!

Huh?

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Originally Posted by Hermes

Huh?

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+1

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by stephenkirsh

man halogens fail all the way around. can't believe my ZHP didn't come w/ them!

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I dont understand?

They're not nearly as bright and they use more energy than xenon. I was surprised my ZHP didn't come with them as an option.

Do a retrofit. Pretty straightforward.

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