The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[ComradeNick]

Any ideas on why I may be experiencing a concerning squeak coming from the trunk/rear end of my car when going over larger bumps and potholes? It's been too cold in the Chicago area for me to actually jack up the rear and investigate, hoping for nicer weather this weekend.
I know it's probably something to do with the suspension, but I can't help shake the constant thoughts of it being a subframe issue.

My suspension also tends to squeak going over bumps, it’s not too loud considering I don’t have any sound deadening in the back. Hopefully that’s normal.


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[ZHPizza]

Where does everyone leave their phones in their cars? I don’t like leaving mine in the cup holder because that’s where cups go, and the spot inside in the armrest that’s meant for it is too small for any phone newer than an iPhone 5. I’ve been putting it in the compartment in the back of the rest but it’s fallen out into the back seat numerous times. I have the wire routed under my shift knob right now and I’m going to route it to somewhere usable once I get a new phone so I’m trying to decide where to create a dock for it.


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I still don't have a great place to put my phone either. I usually throw it in the cupholder for easy access as I tend to be pretty textually active at stop lights, but it flops around and annoys the hell out of me.

I stuck these on either side of the center console in my last car and they were perfect for holding phones secure and within reach. I've been meaning to try them on the e46 console for....3 years now?

https://ebay.us/5BUYtn

Aux is so 2005.
Bluetooth! Wireless FTW!

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Says the man with no headphone jack on his phone...

I hate that they got rid of it on the Pixels the year after mocking Apple for removing it from the iPhones. Bluetooth is still trash sound quality compared to an aux.

[Prestovie]

My suspension also tends to squeak going over bumps, it’s not too loud considering I don’t have any sound deadening in the back. Hopefully that’s normal.


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Alright well that's good to hear, I tend to overanalyze every new noise that comes out of my ZHP, but then with my truck I just turn up the radio

[az3579]

Says the man with no headphone jack on his phone...

Yeah, and? I haven't used a 3.5mm audio jack in years.

It bugs me that Google went this route too, because despite never using it, I'd like to have the option. Words can't describe how much I hate Apple as a company for setting the trends everyone else blindly follows. You can thank them for flagship phones that cost a grand now, when the reality is that it costs them no more than $400 to make a phone.

Bluetooth is still trash sound quality compared to an aux.

In a car, there is no discernible difference. Unless it's a Rolls Royce with unmatched sound deadening, it will sound exactly the same between aux and Bluetooth.

[NYRhockey]

Any ideas on why I may be experiencing a concerning squeak coming from the trunk/rear end of my car when going over larger bumps and potholes? It's been too cold in the Chicago area for me to actually jack up the rear and investigate, hoping for nicer weather this weekend.
I know it's probably something to do with the suspension, but I can't help shake the constant thoughts of it being a subframe issue.

Not in the zhp, but a previous card i had (Saturn Sky) would sound like an old mattress when going over bumps while driving in the winter, then as soon as it warmed up (the weather, not the car) it went away. Had it checked out and was told it was the sway bar bushings, fwiw.

[ComradeNick]

Yeah, and? I haven't used a 3.5mm audio jack in years.

It bugs me that Google went this route too, because despite never using it, I'd like to have the option. Words can't describe how much I hate Apple as a company for setting the trends everyone else blindly follows. You can thank them for flagship phones that cost a grand now, when the reality is that it costs them no more than $400 to make a phone.



In a car, there is no discernible difference. Unless it's a Rolls Royce with unmatched sound deadening, it will sound exactly the same between aux and Bluetooth.

That’s definitely not the case, even in a car you can easily tell the diff between old style Bluetooth and a hardwire. Even on a 2017 accord I used to drive the difference was very noticeable. Even on my eonon Bluetooth vs Spotify directly from the head unit is much lower quality.



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[ComradeNick]

Who's plasti- dipped their interior, which material did you use? Most of what ive seen is the regular name brand plastidip while others are saying SEM is better.

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[papa_g]

Who's plasti- dipped their interior, which material did you use? Most of what ive seen is the regular name brand plastidip while others are saying SEM is better.

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I did my center console and tray with Plastidip and am pretty happy with the results. The back portion with the ashtray peeled real quick though because my daughter likes to kick her feet around indiscriminately. Otherwise, everything holding together very nicely. I'll have to wait til the summer to see how it does in the heat.

[John in VA]

SEM Color Coat is a more permanent solution - can't be peeled off like Plasti-dip.
https://www.semproducts.com/product/...aerosols/15013

[NYRhockey]

With the battery nearing 10 years old it's time for a new one this spring. Is that something you just call AAA over and get you a new one, or a specific brand is better?