The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[BMWCurves]

Increasing positive caster effectively increases the wheel base and should increase straight line stability. It should also effectively increase negative camber when turning, improving the feel when in the corners.

[Ssparrow]

Sounds good. Thanks again for the help! I'll definitely spring for the z4m fcabs and possibly rtabs when the time comes. Hopefully within the next month or so. Depending on if utahs weather will cooperate with me...

[bshovers]

Is this the correct belly pan? I was on real oem and it was being excluded from the parts list I was looking at. Does the Zhp have a different belly pan to accommodate our aerodynamic brake cooling ducts?



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[Vas]

That is the correct one. Check out fcp euro might have better pricing

[az3579]

That is the correct one. Check out fcp euro might have better pricing

They do price match.

[Stewbie]

I'm planning on installing strut tower reinforcement plates (like these: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-32...ates-pair.aspx) and have a few questions.

1. All my research says yes, but I'd like to be certain on this. The spring is contained on the strut assembly. I don't need to contain it before lowering the strut assembly, correct?
2. The alignment tab on the strut mount means I won't need an alignment after I'm done?
3. Do I need to disconnect the stabilizer bar link, brake hose, wires, etc. (I don't have Xenon headlights) if I'm just lowering the strut assembly enough to slip the reinforcement plate on top?

Thanks in advance!

[BMWCurves]

I put in the strut tower reinforcement plates when I did my suspension refresh. They just sit between the strut assembly and the strut tower.

I'm planning on installing strut tower reinforcement plates (like these: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-32...ates-pair.aspx) and have a few questions.

1. All my research says yes, but I'd like to be certain on this. The spring is contained on the strut assembly. I don't need to contain it before lowering the strut assembly, correct?

Correct. The strut assembly is a unit comprised of the strut mount, some other plate thing I can't remember the name of, the strut itself, the spring, spring pads, and dust boots. When you remove the three nuts on the strut tower the strut assembly will remove as one piece (after you've removed the strut from the lower attachment points)

2. The alignment tab on the strut mount means I won't need an alignment after I'm done?

I'm pretty sure you need an alignment afterwards. After I did my refresh, despite using the same springs and just using new shocks/struts, I needed an alignment.

3. Do I need to disconnect the stabilizer bar link, brake hose, wires, etc. (I don't have Xenon headlights) if I'm just lowering the strut assembly enough to slip the reinforcement plate on top?

If you're just sliding the plate in I don't think you should have to detach any of that stuff. There should be enough give for you to slide in the plate, but I can't be sure since I had the whole assembly apart when I did.

[ELCID86]

You may need an alignment as it will move the settings a bit. Not sure which ones or how much. The plates just sit on top but sometimes the nub has to be drilled out to get alignment into spec (but you will put the pin into the hole when reinstalling ).


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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." - an e46f member

[ELCID86]

Also, you might be able to slide them in when dropping the strut, but I couldn't. There wasn't enough clearance. Maybe if Bruce or someone is monitoring this thread they can chime in.


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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." - an e46f member

[jakksfor20]

Sounds good. Thanks again for the help! I'll definitely spring for the z4m fcabs and possibly rtabs when the time comes. Hopefully within the next month or so. Depending on if utahs weather will cooperate with me...

I have a set of the z4m fcabs that I got just a couple of weeks ago. I decided to not put them on. Bought for $48 as they were on sale, but I'll send to you $40 shipped.

Edit: Sold!!!


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