Hi all,
I acquired a gorgious Titanium Silver/Gray Leather ZHP 10 days ago. Now that I have this beauty in my garage, I am trying to make it even better, both cosmetically and mechanically.
Starting Point:
The car is 10/03 production, but didn't get registered until 07/04. Just over 96,000 miles on the clock. Overall condition is excellent, BMW of Irvine did a PPI, and only found a cracked fog light cover, and need new tires soon.
Exterior is 9/10, on 2 minor scratchs on the front bumper, no door dings, paint is still smooth and shining.
Interior is 8/10, super clean and except the drivers seat, all others are in mint condition.
Service history:
- Brakes - 10/11mm, new pads and rotors @77K and @92K
- New DISA valve - @95K
- VCG - @95K (the PO said spark plugs were replaced with OEM ones, but I did not see that on the receipts)
- All belts/pulleys - @95K
- New battery - @88K
- Driver's window regulator - @89K
- DSC module replaced @77K mile, cost $1,100, ouch
- Cabin and engine filer @92K
- Tail light grounding recall is performed @82K
- New fuel pump per PO, but no receipt
- Front Control Arm Busing - @65K
That's it, just average.
1. The first thing I attend is the driver's seat - the leather is dirty with creases and minor cracks. I used Glipton first, which cleaned a bit and the lotion certainly softened the leather a bit. Applied Leatherique yesterday, which worked way better than Glipton. It removed loads of dirt, and I can now see the original light gray color in most part of the seat. One more round might remove the remaining dirt.
Unfortunately, the cracks are still too noticeable so that I am considering recover the seat with OEM leather. My local upholstery specialists (refered by BMW dealer and used by many other new car dealers) quoted me $550 labor with $1,050 aftermarket customized cover. Well, Tischer BMW sells both back and bottom pieces for about $1100, so it will cost about $1,700. Not cheap, but it will be a brand new seat. And if I ever going to do it, probably better do it earlier than later.
Several people suggested to look for a better used driver's seat. Based on what I saw on ebay and other forum, mine is actually in good shape. Maybe I am just too anal.
2. I have ordered the re-wrapped wheel from Mike at Coby Wheels - Just got it, need to put it on this weekend.
3. I also ordered the following from Tischer BMW: a new 6-speed shift knob, The Aux output cable, a new key fob emblem, a new cup holder (it is one of the best part of e46 I like vs e39), a new Windshield cover/cowl grille (it's old and cracked) - Arrived
4. The car is missing the spare, and I did not find anything decent locally. So I got an aftermarket 17" wheel with a new 225/45/17 tire from tire rack. About $200 out door.
I am thinking of the titanium/shealth turning signal light bulbs since my car has the clear lens. But I heard that are much darker and can hardly be seen under direct sun light, so still weighing on them.
I am taking the car to the local mechanic for some fluid changes (transmission, rear diff, brake fluid, fuel filter).
It also needs new shoes, which I will attend later on. I am thinking of Kumho 4x.
This is it for now. Cooling probably is not due for another 10K miles or so (the car is at 96K now).
Will try to post some pictures.
Thanks for reading.
Henry
Sorry, I am not sure how to insert pictures into a thread, but here is the link to some pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/henryzh...7603130385593/
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ZHP Coupé AT - Sparkling Graphite Metallic | 
Originally Posted by cakM3
