Starting this thread to document the work I'm going to do on my ZHP. It's my second ever car and my first ever manual, and I plan to do all the work myself (hopefully), so a first for me as well. Been doing a lot of reading and building up the garage with tools. Located in North NJ
Some info on the car:
2004 330I
6 speed
Black Sapphire Metallic
Light Beige interior with black cube trim
Slick top
No heated seats
No rear folding seats
Harmon Kardon
2 owners, (1st one to 30k miles, 2nd one had til 192k miles)
192k miles currently
As far as i've seen completely stock
NO SERVICE RECORDS (WOOHOO)
Some pics:
Bought it in May, things done so far:
-changed the oil same day with Castrol 5W-30 (going to try the liquimoly Leichtlauf 5w40 next time)
-replaced battery (had cranking issues, went away with new battery)
-new air filter (had a K&N oil filter, replaced with standard paper)
-new cabin air filter
-worn rear trunk emblem replaced
-both rear window regulators, they were original and failed (vapor barrier was untouched)
-purge valve replaced
-gas cap seal replaced
-both front rims straightened and balanced
-rear rims balanced
Took it to a mechanic to have it looked at (Rennsport Motorworks), said he didnt find anything glaring and noted the car was in good shape for the mileage, save a few things
Current known issues:
-CCV issue (has -16 measured crankcase pressure), getting lean codes,
-vacuum leak, (this might be fixed, replaced purge valve, then got different leak code, replaced gas cap seal, different leak code, then just had a shop smoke test it and found a leak on one of the purge valve hoses, mechanic threw in a new o-ring, going to run the car to see if the code comes back)
-Oil filter housing gasket leak
-Shocks/struts and the associated bump stops feel worn
-cracked differential bushing
-cracked filter housing for evap system? (according to mechanic, dont know what part that is, he called it a vapor canister filter)
-condensation in passenger side turn signal
-chips in windshield
-messed up tint baked into rear windshield (REALLY hope this isnt a pain to remove, tint guy started laughing nervously when he saw it )
Planned work and upgrades:
Right around the corner
-fluids (transmission, differential, power steering, brakes)
-cooling system (purchased oem for most parts, aluminum rein water pulley, CSF OE Plus Radiator)
-M56 valve cover swap (was going to go GAS CCV but who knows when thats out, and I didnt know this existed, might as well do this instead of replace the CCV)
-Koni Special Active Shocks/Struts (bought them already, bimmerworld had a sale) Should I do control arms with these too? I hear a knock somethings when turning the steering wheel a lot on the front left wheel area
Later
-engine bay cleanup
-differential bushing
-fix condensating turn signal
-windshield replacement
-square rims/tires setup, drooling over the bimmerworld Ta5r currently, thinking of going 17s for the potholes in NJ
-fixing rock chips in hood to prevent them rusting
-fixing deep scratches on right fender (messed up a garage entry by dumping clutch too quickly while learning manual like a week into owning the car, looks like its either at primer or bare metal)
-Steering wheel leather wrap
-Other cosmetic detailing stuff