Ok, hopefully you saw my brief intro explaining how I came to own my 2005 ZHP. By way of background my relationship with BMW’s actually started with an E46, a 2006 M3 coupe I picked up in late 2007 with 16k miles on it. That was my dream car, Silver-Grey over cinnamon with the SMG transmission (I was commuting in Houston at the time and had been driving a 5 speed 2003 IS300 and I was just tired of the clutch in traffic). As I am prone to do, I jumped right into the brand and it wasn’t long until I rediscovered my love of my high school icon, the E30. At this time, mid 2008, E30’s could be had cheap and I picked up a brilliantrot 318i sedan for $2,500. My intent was to restore this one and eventually retire the M3 to garage queen and daily the E30. Fast forward a few months and my unicorn pops up on Houston craigslist, a diamond-black slick top 318iS. $3,500 later I am now the owner of 3 BMW’s and an increasingly agitated wife, decisions needed to be made. The 318i was a basket case, the M3 was absolutely pristine and the 318iS was right in the middle, great patina and mechanically sound. After a few weeks of just driving I made up my mind, the 318iS is my forever car. Fast forward to today and I now live and work in Ohio, my commute being back country roads and zero traffic. As soon as we moved here the E30 was taken off the roads between November and March, so to fill that gap I started down the Land Rover rabbit hole (because I just can’t drive boring, and I enjoy tradition and uniqueness). It didn’t take long for that left leg to start itching for action and there was only one choice, the car I should have bought brand new but didn’t, the ZHP. So with the history behind us let’s pick up where we left off in the intro:
So it was Friday before Memorial Day weekend when the delivery happened. With a long list of house/yard to-dos in front of me I only had time for a quick spin through the neighborhood and a visual inspection before putting her away for the night. I had not been idle the days prior to delivery, however. Due to Tom’s complete transparency and quite detailed history of the maintenance and issues he provided me pre-purchase, I knew I had a few things to knock out immediately.
Saturday morning and time to do some work.
So as to not create any immediate relationship issues, wash the E30 first:
Then we knock of the delivery grime:
And into the “maintenance bay” for a more thorough evaluation of what lies ahead:
I mentioned before my credit card had been active prior to delivery, here is the first parts shipment:
Up on the Quick Jack (best purchase ever) for the exam:
Brakes are ok, plenty of pad in the front, discs are ok. I am thinking I may do something here this summer just to baseline the car:
As expected as a NC car up to now, zero corrosion issues underneath:
Transmission is a little wet, visible drip here, so will try and run this down:
And our first issue I need to address on the mechanical side, both sides torn, more to come on this later:
And now the first mods complete:
Sunday morning and we are off to Costco for my appointment to rectify the rubber. I decided on A/S tires for now as I have a longer term goal (1-2 years) to bite the bullet and purchase new 135’s at all four corners. When that happens I will probably go to summer’s and run these wheels with winters.
Michelins, very nice so far:
Attachment 36667
And now we just drive, and enjoy. And wait for parts to trickle in. Will be continued…