The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[slater]

Thanks, 704sw.

Update with more detail:

-- I checked the ATF fluid and it was around the middle of the two markers. Adding a little raised the level fairly high, so I didn't add any additional.

-- There was dirty fluid around the cap and the sides of the canister.

-- Fluid inside does appear to be the 'right stuff,' in that it's bright red.

-- The steering is not consistently stiff. When driving, after a turn, the center position feels very hard to move out of, in either direction. however, once I do start a turn, it gets a bit easier, but then further into the turn, a bit harder again. The result is a weird lumpy feeling in the steering where a full spin of the wheel goes stiff-normal-stiff-normal.


Any thoughts? Is this more likely to be the pump? Anything else I can check? Thanks again!

weird. i would raise the front of the car (wheels off the ground) and then start the car, and turn the steering wheel lock to lock and see how it feels.

[BMWCurves]

It also sounds like possibly an alignment issue if your car no longer returns to center when turns i.e. minimal toe in, but I really don't know, since that wouldn't affect your other symptoms.

[BADCLOWN]

Will a rain tray cover for an M3 fit a ZHP?

[Karl Lazlo]

Will a rain tray cover for an M3 fit a ZHP?

The windshield cowl? If so, yes, the P/N is identical for coupe/vert E46, incl M3. Ref: 51718232894

[ELCID86]

Ugh. SES popped on this week. Pulled the codes p0440 and p0461. Fuel sending unit/pump? (The pump is only 1-2 years old.)
It runs a bit rough at low rpm off a start but fine when driving it.

[Newjack]

Thanks, 704sw.

Update with more detail:

-- I checked the ATF fluid and it was around the middle of the two markers. Adding a little raised the level fairly high, so I didn't add any additional.

-- There was dirty fluid around the cap and the sides of the canister.

-- Fluid inside does appear to be the 'right stuff,' in that it's bright red.

-- The steering is not consistently stiff. When driving, after a turn, the center position feels very hard to move out of, in either direction. however, once I do start a turn, it gets a bit easier, but then further into the turn, a bit harder again. The result is a weird lumpy feeling in the steering where a full spin of the wheel goes stiff-normal-stiff-normal.


Any thoughts? Is this more likely to be the pump? Anything else I can check? Thanks again!

Sounds like your power steering fluid pump is failing. I had a leaky steering hose which drained the reservoir while driving. Without fluid my steering wheels would shake violently when turning, a more aggressive version of your symptoms.

I had the hose replaced along with the power steering pump. Mechanic said when you run the pump with no fluid it damages the pump. If I didn't replace it, chances are I would have to shortly after.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[Newjack]

Ugh. SES popped on this week. Pulled the codes p0440 and p0461. Fuel sending unit/pump? (The pump is only 1-2 years old.)
It runs a bit rough at low rpm off a start but fine when driving it.

Did you replace the fuel filter when you replaced the pump?

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[san]

Thanks, 704sw.

Update with more detail:

-- I checked the ATF fluid and it was around the middle of the two markers. Adding a little raised the level fairly high, so I didn't add any additional.

-- There was dirty fluid around the cap and the sides of the canister.

-- Fluid inside does appear to be the 'right stuff,' in that it's bright red.

-- The steering is not consistently stiff. When driving, after a turn, the center position feels very hard to move out of, in either direction. however, once I do start a turn, it gets a bit easier, but then further into the turn, a bit harder again. The result is a weird lumpy feeling in the steering where a full spin of the wheel goes stiff-normal-stiff-normal.


Any thoughts? Is this more likely to be the pump? Anything else I can check? Thanks again!

Replacing the tie rods significantly reduced the effort to turn the steering wheel.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[704sw]

Does anyone know if they make exhaust hangers for the mid-bracket with longer studs? Maybe for a different BMW model? (#10 in the below screenshot) If not I might have to get creative.

[Sockethead]

You're having the same problem I'm having with the magnaflow exhaust, eh?
I'd like to find some Solid rubber blocks to take the place of those and see how they do...
It's a shame that magnaflow took a "close enough" approach on that exhaust system. All they had to do is bend enough for another 1/2" of clearance in that area and it would of been good. It's very annoying