I sold my 2003 Imola Red ZHP in August of 2018 and got my second ZHP almost two years later, a 2004 Mystic Blue/Alcantara ZHP on July 4, 2020. To be completely honest, I did not expect to be back in the ZHP game for a long time if ever. Vas made a comment in another thread (can't remember which right now) to the effect that people who sell their ZHPs tend to pick up another again. I found this comment to be true as I found myself back in my second ZHP although this one is far from perfect as compared to others found on this forum.
For some reason I tend to pick up rescue cases with "lots of character" to sort out . . .
I’m back!!!
I found this Mystic Blue ZHP in
fredo’s CL findings thread where Notaniroc had posted a car he found in Facebook marketplace. I was looking for a project car so I started looking into this car and considered buying it. This poor ZHP was in real need of being rescued . . .
I contacted Brett (brettbimmer) and asked him if he could give this car a good look over since he was in the area and he obliged. I stressed to Brett that I was looking for a project car (one to work on and to have all of it's maintenance caught up) and if it met his approval I would drive down to purchase this car. Brett gave the car a good look over and sent me pictures and did not see anything to be too concerned about so I agreed to purchase this car and made the drive down to Maryland buy it and drive it back home with Botond’s assistance. It goes to say that Botond has had the opportunity to drive all of my cars over the time I have known him and it is always nice to have good friends like him and Brett to help out whenever you need it.
For those not familiar with what I have done with my previous ZHP here is the link to that project thread . . .
Here are a few pics of the car on the day of rescue...
I had to apply some painter's tape to the gas cap cover door because the spring mechanism was crapped up from tree debris (I did not know this at that time) that both the locking mechanism and door would not remain closed. Once this area was thoroughly cleaned out and some WD40 applied to the spring mechanism, the issue went away permanently.
The interior is worn which is typical of high mileage cars with alcantara interior... the alcantara interior was swapped out for Shawn Robertson's alcantara interior pulled from his M3 sedan. 
The alcantara front sedan seats from Shawn's interior were retrofitted with lumbar support w/ upper side bolster adjustment (both driver's and passenger's seats) so I got an upgrade to a very rare and unique interior.
In the picture above you can see those gaudy "BMW Performance" decal affixed to the OE door sills. Those ugly door sills were removed as soon as I got the car home for the M door sills which were then eventually replaced with the BMW Individual door sills which my ZHP currently has.
Those suede wrapped A-pillars, another poorly executed mod, was immediately replaced as soon as I got the car back home with OEM A-pillars and filler strip. How can anyone say these suede wrapped A-pillars look good??? In my opinion they make the car look cheap and ruin the clean look of the OEM interior. I am glad to see this changed back using fresh factory parts. Those suede wrapped A-pillars were poorly executed and went where they belong... in the trash.
As you see the first thing to replace for the drive home was the steering wheel and LCM...the radio is out as you can see in the pic below. Botond was trying to install his DICE adapter to the radio AUX port but for some reason his device was not working so we ended up reinstalling the radio without the DICE adapter.
Tyler, the previous owner, was not expecting to see me already working on the car before driving it home... some things needed to be changed out immediately for the drive home. At the time I had no idea what I was in for as Tyler bragged that he knew ZHPs and had 6 of them previously... I found out just how much Tyler did not know or care about these cars after I got the car home and began my own inspection of it....
I wanted a project car but Jesus, I was not looking for a full restoration/overhaul of this car with a shitload of issues identified to sort out... all the better because this poor ZHP will have been taken from it's poor neglected/abused state to one that has been sorted and restored back to where it belongs... Tyler did what he had to do to get rid of this poor and neglected ZHP, he is in this to make money from people and with this car he would have lost a lot more money which is why his cooling system refresh was performed using cheap and poor quality Chinese made parts. Fortunately for this poor ZHP, it will live again under my ownership and care
The rear diffuser was broken and at the time and I did not know to what extent but this was addressed once I got home... getting the car home was my immediate priority that weekend...
This was blauzed on the day I rescued her:
2004 BMW 330i ZHP
Production date: 17 May 2004
Mystic Blue w/ Alcantara Interior
6-Speed Manual Transmission (ZHP shift knob looked like ass and was replaced with a lit F10 M5 shift knob from my M3)
Halogen Headlights (retrofitted to Xenon headlights w/ driver's side headlight assembly having 3 broken clips from previous owner)
LCM s/w ver 3.56 (swapped in LCM w/ software ver 4.5 and Euro Faceplate)
Rain sensor with Auto Headlight function
BMW Assist (mirror had something broken and loose rattling inside so was replaced with an E90 hidden compass/homelink mirror)
Poorly wrapped Alcantara Steering Wheel (swapped out and given to Botond; replaced by my Coby Wheel from my first ZHP)
Poorly wrapped Alcantara A-pillars (replaced with OEM part as soon as the car was home)
Black Cube Interior Trim (traded with Botond for my Silver Cube interior trim used in my first ZHP)
Business CD Radio w/ Harmon Kardon Stereo
BMW Factory 6-disc CD changer (deleted)
Cheap quality 35% window tint film on rear windows only (rear window replaced with new OEM part)
Cold Weather Package (headlight washer system deleted)
Depot Euro Corner and Tail Lights
Depot Headlight lens
6th Gen TCU communications module - does not support Bluetooth hands free communication
empty gas tank - FML
all four tires not at proper tire pressure (found out when we got to Brett's house and fixed this issue)
230,399 miles
As I started working on this car, keeping in mind I got this car
as a “project car” to keep me busy… I found a shitload of issues reflective of people who either did not know
how to properly care for this car or worse . . .
did not care . . .
SMFH.
Most people would run away from this car
but not me…. It explains why Tyler only had this car for a month
(or so he claimed when I talked to him). I can easily see from the condition of this car that he did
the absolute minimum so he could flip it and be rid of it for good. I find it ironic that he even said he installed new coilovers on this car before I purchased it but when asked what brand he conveniently forgot... that in itself should have been a
serious RED FLAG. No matter... this will be an interesting journey as I continue to restore this ZHP one project at a time
Not many people get to have two 2004 3-series BMWs let alone an M3 and ZHP sitting in their garage. With this ZHP being Mystic Blue/Alcantara, the color combo I really wanted in a non-M BMW so as I continue to work on various parts of this car, I will restore using OEM BMW parts or upgraded parts… some of you on this forum have seen and/or ridden in my M3 so you know the level of care and maintenance I put into my cars . . .
Out of all the cars I have ever purchased, this poor ZHP is easily the car that has been in the worse material condition with cheap substandard parts installed upon purchase. Well this is going to change during my ownership . . .
The list below outlines what I have found during my initial inspection of this car after getting it back home to begin my journey:
Identified Issues:
- MAINTENANCE:
- Maxpeedingrods $300 coilovers installed by the previous owner. (Bilstein PSS-10s have been purchased and delivered - install planned for Spring 2023)
- Window regulators (all four) will need replacement (Front driver's window regulator replaced Summer2021, Summer 2023 for rest)
- VCG maintenance/new ignition coils/new spark plugs
- Steering wheel coupler needs refresh
- FCAB/RTAB replacement
- Vapor seals on all four doors need replacement
- Need to change out differential oil
- Rear passenger lower control arm reported slightly bent by previous owner (will be replacing with Turner lower adjustable control arms)
- COSMETICS:
- Passenger Shadowline trim glued to car because of broken clips
- Sagging headliner (will source a brand new one)
- B pillars and C pillars require replacement (will source brand new ones as time allow)
- Acoustic Sensor cover require replacement (will source a brand new one)
- Sunroof switch/Microphone surround cover require replacement (will source a brand new one)
- Driver’s side windows (driver’s door and driver side rear passenger door) chipped (will source new ones from Safelite)
- Outer shadow line glossy trim all need replacement
- Doors missing proper hardware (screws) to properly secure door panels to the door - (proper hardware ordered)
- Aftermarket front driver fender used (will replace with OEM front driver fender when I repaint car)
- Style 135 wheels curb rashed (all four wheels will need refinishing)
- Rubber seals for window need replacement
- Rear Reading Lights require replacement (both sides purchased, waiting for new C-pillars)
- PAINT:
- Paint color mismatch on driver’s side door and rear panel... will correct when time comes to repaint entire car
- Roof panel has one small dent and clear coat pealed off (thanks to the previous owner - perhaps a carbon fiber roof install might happen here...)
- Rear Bumper needs repainting (numerous defects noted)
- Overall condition of paint in bad shape
- COMPLETED ITEMS:
- Wrong engine oil used (previous owner used engine oil for diesels) - (proper engine oil for BMW motors put in)
- Wrong coolant was used (previous owner used coolant for asian cars) - (proper coolant for BMW motors put in)
- A-pillars replaced with brand new OEM Anthricite A-pillars - (the suede poorly wrapped A-pillars were removed and thrown away)
- Tires require replacement (replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 tires)
- OE ZHP shift knob in rough shape - (replaced with OEM F10 M5 lit shift knob)
- Water leaking inside car (sunroof drain/windshield cowl drain clogged) - fixed
- Center console requires replacement - replaced with new arm rest delete center console, cup holder, rear ashtray and coin tray
- Rear Window tint won’t come off and rear window requires replacement - (replaced with new window by Safelite)
- Wrong fasteners used to secure fog lights - (right ones ordered from dealer and installed)
- Windshield cowl degraded needs replacement - (replaced with new part sourced from FCP Euro)
- Windshield wipers crappy requires replacement - (replaced)
- Rear diffuser panel broken - (replaced with part sourced from ECS Tuning)
- Mounting brackets for rear diffuser broken - (replaced with new parts sourced from ECS Tuning)
- Engine compartment very dirty - (cleaned)
- Loose wiring loom left in engine bay - (old Angel Eye wiring loom not used so it was removed)
- Front brake rotors and pads require replacement - (replaced with new parts sourced from FCP Euro)
- Brake fluid needs to be flushed - (old brake fluid looked like used motor oil)
- BMW Assist rear view auto dim mirror broke needs replacement - (replaced by E90 hidden compass/homelink auto dim mirror)
- Gas tank cover was nonfunctional at time of purchase - (fixed)
- Interior of car was dirty - (cleaned)
- Missing trunk cargo mat - (sourced replacement part from eBay)
- No floor mats - (replaced with OEM BMW All Weather Mats)
- No trunk cargo liner - (sourced brand new OEM BMW All Weather Cargo Liner)
- No owners manual - (sourced a complete 2004 330I set from eBay)
- Front driver’s side fender support clip broken - (replaced with OEM part)
- Windshield cowl weather strip missing - (sourced OEM part from FCP Euro)
- Front passenger mid range speaker grill broken - (sourced from OEM Parts Online)
- Steering wheel poorly wrapped in Alcantara by previous owner - (replaced with my Coby Alcantara Steering Wheel from previous ZHP)
- Shark fin gasket severely deteriorated - (replaced using OEM part)
- Driver’s side headlight has 3 broken tabs - top three - (replaced with new driver’s headlight assy)
- Driver’s side lower headlight trim tabs all broken - (replaced with OEM no headlight washer part)
- Alcantara headrests for front seats broken - (replaced with spare set from my first ZHP)
- Dead pedal cracked/broken - (replaced with ///M dead pedal from ECS Tuning)
- Spark plugs need replaced - (replaced from parts sourced from FCP Euro)
- Hood alarm switch faulty needs replacement - (transferred from my M3)
- Interior seats either worn out or stained under previous owner's care - (new replacement set acquired from Shawn)
- Passenger side skirt is broken and is the wrong type of side skirt for MTEC II package - (proper part has been sourced from the dealer, painted and then installed)
- There is a very small rust spot just below the trunk centerline underneath the trunk weather strip - (Rust spot addressed and repainted)
- Door weather seals replaced
- Business CD Radio replaced - (Radio replaced with new AVIN 4 head unit)
- Speakers replaced w/ BAVSOUND speakers - (Rear Subwoofer Speakers also replaced with new Rockford Fosgate Subwoofer Speakers)
- Rear Parcel Shelf purplish - (Refurbished back to black)
- VANOS Oil Feed Line replaced
- OFHG replaced
- Full Cooling System Overhaul performed using Original OEM BMW parts
- Driveline GUIBO replacement
- Driveline Center Line Bearing replacement
- Transmission oil changed with Red Line MTL transmission fluid
This is just a start of issues that I have to sort out with this car. I have not addressed the suspension/FCAB/Control arms, RTABs and diff bushings… so there is still a lot of work to be done on this car and they all will get addressed as time progresses...
In the beginning, I was frustrated that anyone would allow a car like this to degrade to this level because I have found so many short cuts on repairs/maintenance done to this poor BMW. I don't understand how anyone could think that installing a set of $300 Maxpeedingrods coilovers is a good thing for a car of this caliber??? I have never heard of this brand so that explains why Tyler did not tell me what brand they were when I asked him. Then to add to my frustration Tyler overhauled the cooling system using cheap Chinese-made parts sourced from his NAPA store just before I purchased this car then used coolant for Honda cars instead of using the right BMW coolant. At time of rescue the car had a cooling system issue where cooling temps were running high around 109 C, close to red line, and I suspected a bad thermostat issue as a result of using cheap quality parts. The cooling system ended up getting a complete overhaul where every component was replaced using quality original OEM BMW parts and a Stewart water pump and have since been resolved running at consistent 93/94C temps. I have seen first hand the difference with a car that is maintained using cheap quality parts and a car that is maintained using quality original parts or better. The difference is huge. On critical systems such as the car's cooling system, it is always better to spend the coin to get quality original parts when replacing old worn out parts.
I have learned a lot about what an opportunist does to flip cars, especially ones that are in poor shape as my ZHP was. This car will take a lot of money, time and work to get her restored back to where she should have been to begin with but in the end will be rewarding for me to bring a car like this back to life
Now that this ZHP is mine, I will look at this one as somewhat
of an interesting journey, and hopefully not a bad one
I’m sure there will be lots of headaches and swearing along the way
(yes based on what I have said so far, I have already used choice words for a lot of the shit I have found wrong with this car) but then there will also be a lot of triumphs and good surprises/upgrades in store for this ZHP. Stay tuned because where I can mod, those of you who know me, will know I will
mod this car to OEM+. In fact, since July when I purchased this car I have already started making progress on this ZHP
Current state of blauzed as of December 2022: 241,686 miles
Mod List:
- OEM Factory Alarm retrofit
- Rear Fog Lights aktiv
(both sides coded to go on when rear fogs are selected)
- OEM M3 gauge cluster retrofit
(fully functional oil warm up and shift light LEDs - Red line LEDs adjusted to 7k RPM)
- OEM M3 front strut bar
(from my M3)
- OEM LCM w/ software 4.5 installed w/ OEM BMW Euro LCM faceplate with front and functional rear fog lights
- OEM Alcantara Sedan Front Seats with Lumbar Support/upper Side Bolster adjustment retrofitted (Driver's/Passenger's) and head rests
(from Shawn Robertson)
- OEM BMW First Aid Kit
(under front passenger seat)
- OEM lit F10 M5 shift knob taken from my M3
(from Tony Lam)
- OEM BMW SIRIUS Radio Module integration
(w/ lifetime subscription)
- OEM BMW 13th Gen TCU (remanufactured) - supports Bluetooth hands free communication
- OEM BMW Bluetooth Antenna installed
- OEM BMW E90 LED Rear License Plate lights
- OEM "
BMW Individual" Door Sills
- OEM BMW Umbrella accessory w/ leather holder
- OEM BMW Rear Electric Sunshade
- OEM TPMS (RPA) - aktiv
- 19” BBS CH wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires mounted
(19x8.5 ET35 235/35ZR19 front / 19x9.5 ET40 255/30ZR19 rear)
- Blue w/ Gold 3D BBS logo Centercaps for my BBS CH wheels
- Gruppe M carbon fiber Cold Air Intake
(from Cole Huneryager)
- Improved OEM hands free Microphone installed
- ///M Oil cap
- ///M Dead Pedal
- ///M Style Aluminum pedals
-
imolazed's Coby Wheel in black alcantara w/
red stitching
(summer driving only)
- Leather M-Spoke steering wheel used for winter driving only
- Coby Black Alcantara steering wheel w/ red stitching used for summer driving
(kept from my Imolazed)
- Glossy Black front Grills
(extra new set kept as spares)
- Silver Cube interior Trim from my previous ZHP
(stored)
- Piano Black interior trim currently installed
(from Gary Wolfinger)
- Gen 3 Sprint Booster
- Stage 2 Brake Force Display
(Botond coded this in for me)
- G.A.S. BMW 1.2 Bar Black Cooling System Cap
- G.A.S. M54 3.0L DISA Repair/Upgrade Kit
(///M Crazy - Dhar)
- AL bi-Xenon headlight assemblies with ZKW lenses installed
- Umnitza Orion V4 6000k Angel Eyes w/ remote and Night Commander
- Morimoto 6000k LED fog lights
- Valentine V1 Radar Detector hardwire
- LED bulb replacements
(front corner lights and rear lights)
- Phillips OSRAM 5000k D2S Xenon Bulbs
- H7 5000k bulbs
- Bright yellow LED side marker lights
- Gominigo tow hook front license plate holder
- Blacked out “glossy” rear 330i badge
- Updated UUC clutch stop
(from Brett Stark)
- BMW 3 Series E46 Coupe/Sedan OEM Black All Season Floor Mats - p/n: 82550151192
(front), 82550136373
(rear)
- BMW 3 Series E46 Coupe/Sedan OEM Black All Season Cargo Liner - p/n: 82110305084
(trunk)
- Arm Rest delete Center Console
- Headlight Washer delete
(Windshield Washer Reservoir w/o headlight washer pump installed, headlight washer hoses disconnected, Lower Headlight Trim w/o washer)
- Intake Air Scoop
- Aluminum eBrake handle
(from my E46 323i)
- Status Gruppe Tuning 2x2 carbon fiber CSL Bootlid for sedan fitment
- 2x2 Carbon Fiber seat backs for front seats -
(from Jacob - BadClown)
- Front Wilwood BBK w/ stainless steel brake lines installed
(325mm rotors front/rear) - from Colin
- BAVSOUND Stage 1 speakers @ 239,633 mi
- AVIN 4 Head Unit upgrade @ 240,479 mi -
(from Steve - SNA77)
- Water pump thread cap
(for use with Stewart water pump - NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Stewart Water Pump installed in lieu of Original OEM BMW Water Pump
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- ECS Tuning Aluminum light weight water pump pulley
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- G.A.S. M54 CCV Replacement Kit -
purchased from Roylan (REF84) (installed on NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
Upcoming Mods:
- AutoSolutions Gen2 SSK for ZHP - (Spring 2023)
- Clutch Delay Valve delete (Spring 2023)
- Rear Wilwood BBK w/ stainless steel brake lines - Colin (Spring 2023)
- Rear Subwoofer Speaker upgrade -
(Spring 2023)
- OEM M3 side mirror retrofit w/ auto fold motors - (Spring 2023)
- Bilstein PSS-10 Coilovers - (Spring 2023)
- Ground Control Camber Kit - (Spring 2023)
- Status Gruppe Tuning adjustable end links - (Spring 2023)
- Reinforced Front Radiator Support retrofit -
(Planned Summer 2023)
- Bi-Xenon lighting retrofit to include proper factory level wiring and programming -
(Summer 2023)
Future planned Mods: -
I'll call this my wish list
- Carbon Fiber rear diffuser panel (2023 car season)
- OEM Euro corner/side marker/tail lights (2023 car season)
- Titanium wheel studs and nuts
(planned)
- Shark Injector Tune
(planned)
- Limited Slip Diff
(planned)
- UUC TSE3 Corsa exhaust
(planned)
Maintenance Performed:
- Cooling system flush and refill/repressurize (previous owner used coolant for asian cars)
(Fall 2019)
- Engine oil change using Mobile 1 engine oil 0W 30 (previous owner used oil for diesel engines)
(Summer 2020)
- New spark plug replacement using NGK plugs (previous owner used cheap plugs)
(Summer 2020)
- Driver’s side headlight assembly replacement (previous owner broke 3 upper tabs)
(Summer 2020)
- ZKW Lens retrofit into both headlight assemblies
(Summer 2020)
- Unmitza Orion V4 Angel Eye install into headlight assemblies
(Summer 2020)
- Phillips 5500k D2S OSRAM bulbs replacement
(Summer 2020)
- Morimoto 6000k LED fog light replacement
(Summer 2020)
- Headlight washer delete w/ new lower headlight trims
(Summer 2020)
- Engine Bay cleaned and decluttered
(Summer 2020)
- Windshield Cowl replacement
(Fall 2020)
- Cabin Air Filter replacement
(Spring 2021)
- LED bulb replacement for corner signals and side marker lights
(Spring 2021)
- new Hazard/Door lock switch replaced
(Spring 2021)
- new OEM short Center Console w/ arm rest delete installed
(Spring 2021)
- installed Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 tires in 235 40/18 and 255 35/18 fitment on my Style 135s
(Spring 2021)
- new gas tank cap installed
(Spring 2021)
- swapped in a new windshield washer reservoir w/o headlight washers
(Spring 2021)
- new lit F10 M-5 shift knob installed
(Summer 2021)
- CSL Bootlid for sedan installed with E92 rear LED license plate lights installed
(Summer 2021)
- Fuel Pump replaced
(summer 2021 @ 233,250 miles)
- Passenger Side Skirt replacement - MTEC II side skirt
(Summer 2021)
- Front Rotor/Brake Pad replacement, Wilwood calipers
(Summer 2021)
- Front stainless steel brake lines installed
(Summer 2021)
- Brake fluid flush performed on front brake calipers (second time brake fluid flushed since ownership) - First (Summer 2020), second
(Summer 2021)
- Adjusted Heated Seat Temperature values from stock to 42 (Hex 2A), 46 (Hex 2E), and 50 (Hex 32) degrees -
(Fall 2021)
- Changed Speedometer Variance values (Hex 03 00 01 C8 00 01 CA) -
(Fall 2021)
- Replaced External Ambient Temperature Sensor
(Dec2021 @ 236,825 miles)
- Replaced Business CD head unit
(Feb 2022)
- DISA replacement with G.A.S. upgrade kit installed
(Jun 2022 @ 239,700 miles)
- OE CCV System deleted
(OCT 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- TPMS (RPA) Retrofit
(Oct 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Intake Manifold cleaning/new gaskets
(Oct 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Engine coolant sensor replacement
(OCT 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Fuel Injectors cleaned w/ new o-rings installed
(OCT 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Oil Filter Housing Gasket replacement
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- VANOS feed line replacement
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Engine oil switch sensor
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Original BMW Thermostat installed
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Stewart Water Pump installed
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Original OEM BMW Cooling system hard lines (both upper and lower) replaced
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Original OEM BMW Heater core cooling hoses replaced
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- ECS TUNING lightweight water pump pulley installed
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Vacuum lines renewed with new rubber vacuum lines
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Original OEM BMW Radiator installed
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Original OEM BMW Cooling System Hoses installed; upper and lower radiator hoses -
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Original OEM BMW Coolant Level Sensor installed
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Original OEM BMW Coolant Temperature Sensor installed
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- OEM BMW Throttle Body cleaned and new original OEM BMW Throttle Body gasket installed
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- OEM BMW Idle Control Valve cleaned and reinstalled
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- OEM BMW External Ambient Temperature sensor replaced
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- G.A.S. CCV Replacement Kit installed
(NOV 2022 @ 241,676 miles)
- Original OEM BMW Inlet Fuel Hose replaced - new part installed
(NOV 2022 @ 241,685 miles)
- Cooling system pressure checked and bled
(NOV 2022 @ 241,685 miles)
- Parking Brake Handle Assembly replacement
(Dec 2022 @ 241,686 miles)
- GUIBO/Center Line Bearing replacement
(Dec 2022 @ 242,349 miles)
- Transmission flush using Red Line MTL fluid
(Dec 2022 @ 242,349 miles)
PLANNED MAINTENANCE:
-
New DINAN Blue N-Series Ignition Coils - (Mar 2023 - parts ordered)
-
Spark Plug replacement using NGK BKR6EQUP spark plugs (x6) - (Mar 2023 - parts ordered)
-
Valve Cover Gasket replacement - (Mar 2023 - parts ordered)
-
Genuine BMW Valve Cover Nut x10 - (Mar 2023 - parts ordered)
-
Secondary Air System Overhaul - (Spring 2023)
.....- Mass Air Flow Sensor for secondary air pump -
(pn 11721438814 - part ordered)
.....- Genuine BMW Secondary Air Injection Pump Hose -
(pn 11727553059 - part ordered)
.....- Genuine BMW Secondary Air Pump Hose -
(pn 11727555681 - part ordered)
.....- BMW Secondary Air Injection Control Valve PIERBURG brand -
(pn 11727553066 - part ordered)
.....- Genuine BMW Self-Locking Hex Nut -
(pn 11721742644 - part ordered)
.....- Genuine BMW O-Ring -
(pn 07119904649 - part ordered)
.....- Genuine BMW Secondary Air Injection Pump Filter -
(pn 11721438813 - part ordered)
-
AutoSolutions SSK install - (Spring 2023)
-
Brake fluid flush - (Spring 2023)
-
CDV Delete - (Spring 2023)
-
A/C Belt Tensioner Assembly replacement - (Spring 2023)
- Flush Rear Differential fluid -
(Spring 2023)
- Bilstein PSS-10/Ground Control Camber kit installation -
(May 2023)
- Remove/Replace rear lower control arms with new Turner adjustable ones -
(May 2023)
- OEM BMW M3 Rear shock mounts to be used -
(May 2023)
- Remove/Replace Fuel Filter -
(Summer 2022)
- Cam Position sensor replacement -
(planned 2023)
- Power Steering system overhaul -
(planned)
-> New high pressure/low pressure power steering hoses
(planned)
-> New power steering pump (LUK20)
- planned
- New O2 sensor replacement -
(planned)
- Rear subframe reinforcement -
(planned)
- Oil level sensor replacement at next oil change -
(planned)
- Oil level sensor wiring repairs -
(planned)
This is just a start of my new ZHP project thread…
When I removed my windshield cowling to replace it with a brand new one I sourced from FCP euro, this is what I found. For those of you who park your cars under trees be well aware this is what can
and will happen to your car if you leave it under trees and not do proper maintenance to it...
There is absolutely no reason for this other than laziness and/or lack of care. The impression I have towards all the previous owners of this poor ZHP is low right now. I have never seen a car in such a lack of care as I have seen this poor ZHP but this is changing... as you can see by the cleaning I'm doing here...
Eventually, I got the underside for the windshield cowl completely cleaned off, the entire area redetailed, compounded and sealed before reinstalling the replacement windshield cowl in it's place.
When I saw this I knew all the drains would be clogged with this crap. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure this out. To avoid this mess, just check on your car frequently if you have no choice but to park your car under trees or just avoid parking them there to begin with...SMFH
When I got this ZHP, the fog lights were secured with the wrong fasteners. The previous owner used different types of Phillips screws to secure the fog lights and lost the fog light surrounds. No surprises there...
To get the proper fasteners DOES NOT BREAK THE BANK. You should do the right thing and get the proper parts for this car... when I got home and saw this, I sourced the right part with brand new fasteners and installed my spare set of Morimoto LED fog lights as well as brand new fog surrounds to this car.
Another issue I immediately recognized was the wiring loom for Angel Eyes that some previous owner half assed installed... this was taken off immediately and thrown away.
As soon as I got my ZHP home I ordered new A-pillars from FCP euro and installed them as soon as they arrived. It was good to get rid of those cheesy looking suede wrapped abortions that were there when I purchased this car.
I like the OEM look much better in the ZHP regarding pillars and headliners...it just looks cleaner. How the inside should look.
The broken passenger mid-range speaker grill as it looked when I purchased my ZHP
I ordered this part, yes I really did.... and the new part alone cost $48 from RealOEM.
Those wipers below were aweful as well. I ordered new sets that were more OEM to replace those ugly and worn out wipers.
This engine bay had loose wiring and was very dirty when I picked this car up. The power steering reservoir was filthy with power steering fluid residue and dirt all over. Here is another view of the engine bay showing just how dirty it was when I got the car...
The Driver's side headlight assembly came with three upper tabs broken so the lens would not be held water tight. They were carelessly broken by the previous owner probably due to carelessness. Anyway before winter I am left with trying to source good replacement Driver's side headlight assembly so that I won't have to worry about moisture intrusion while driving the car to and from work. I'm pointing to the two of three upper tabs that are broke. The tab to the far right is also broken.
I was not happy about this at all...
Another issue I discovered while working on the driver's side headlight assembly were the front fender clips that rivet on to the front edge of the front fenders. I noticed the driver's side being completely broken and barely holding the bumper aligned whereas the passenger side clip was solid as shown in the picture below.
Another thing I noticed is that the passenger side is completely riveted in place whereas the driver's side was not. hmmmmmmm! Another half-ass attempt done to this poor ZHP!!! I fixed this . . .
This part did not cost too much and I can't believe the previous owners would just try gluing this part back together thinking it would hold. This is that broken fender clip from the driver's side . . .
Here is the new part I'm about to rivet back in place like you're supposed to. Not using a Phillips screw as the previous owner did...SMFH
All it takes is to get a rivet gun and a few rivets. Getting this costs under $30 so it is not too expensive. It is better to use the right parts and the right tools to do the work.
After reading this post you can see I have a lot of work ahead of me. It is a challenge not many would accept or take the time to follow thru with. This is a hard luck case ZHP that has been abused and neglected far too long. A car worthy of rescue from past owners who had no clue how to properly maintain and care for a car of this caliber. Realizing my ZHP is 1 of 80 build, I feel that it deserves far better than what it had been exposed to under it's previous ownership.
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Originally Posted by BMWCurves
