William's 330Ci ZHP Maintenance and Project Thread

[BMWCurves]

I didn't do it yet, but a friend of mine said he added about half a quart after he was done...


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Perfect, all I needed to know

Absolutely not required to drain the engine oil. Just have some spare rags lined up right below where the VANOS sits so that the little bit of oil that spills does not go on the belts. Just top up a bit of oil after the job. In my case, I didn't even do that and I was still fine.

What I meant in my previous post was, when I took the VANOS apart, the little bit of oil inside was very dirty...especially since I had just had a oil change the week before. I am curious if you see the same.

Gotcha on the VANOS part. I'll let you know. The oil's relatively new, just over 1,500 miles on it although it is over a year old.

[ELCID86]

What did you buy the one year oil?! ;-)
Good luck on vanos. Not a bad job to diy.

[holyc0w]

I updated my original TSE3 install post with my current impressions (link). I'd be interested to hear what other TSE3 owners have to say in comparison to my thoughts:

Has your opinion settled a bit?

Start ups aren't exactly stealth with the stock exhaust either. I haven't noticed any cars with a louder start-up.

[BMWCurves]

What did you buy the one year oil?! ;-)
Good luck on vanos. Not a bad job to diy.

I gave my oil a top off and what's better than a friend for a gift?

Hopefully VANOS will be easy. I'm holding off though until all parts arrive and this ridiculous heat wave subsides (107F Wednesday and Thursday, apparently. And they say global warming doesn't exist )

Has your opinion settled a bit?

Start ups aren't exactly stealth with the stock exhaust either. I haven't noticed any cars with a louder start-up.

My opinion is about the same currently as what I said in that post. Regardless, I plan to keep it on for a while.

And the stock exhaust on a cold start isn't quiet, but this is appreciably louder.

[slater]

I'm holding off though until all parts arrive and this ridiculous heat wave subsides (107F Wednesday and Thursday, apparently. And they say global warming doesn't exist )

dang, that's hot for oregon...

[Sockethead]

I read you review of the TSE3. That's exactly the way I felt about it.. Not wanting to attract attention/ loud kid car but the more time I spent in the seat, the more I liked it. I just sounds really good.
There is no way to get around the loud startups though... Part of the noise canceling technology it uses. It has to build up some back pressure. It will be a bit louder on startups in the winter...

[BMWCurves]

dang, that's hot for oregon...

Yeah...I'm not looking forward to it. I checked weather around the world after I saw it...lemme just say I'm glad I'm not visiting Baghdad currently.

I read you review of the TSE3. That's exactly the way I felt about it.. Not wanting to attract attention/ loud kid car but the more time I spent in the seat, the more I liked it. I just sounds really good.
There is no way to get around the loud startups though... Part of the noise canceling technology it uses. It has to build up some back pressure. It will be a bit louder on startups in the winter...

The loud start ups don't really bother me. I just wish it were a few decibels quieter below 3,000 RPM under heavy throttle. Otherwise, I think I'd have few complaints. Maybe it crackles too much on that off-throttle, low RPM situation that often occurs through slower city driving.

[BMWCurves]

Mileage: 56,500 miles

1. Had the brake fluid flushed at Autobahn Motorwerks with ATE SL.6 brake fluid.
2. Had the mechanic give a second check of my exhaust install and looked for exhaust leaks - OK
3. Had the mechanic inspect possible oil leak from VCG. Confirmed weeping.

Question: The mechanic suggested replacing also the valve cover itself as well because it is plastic and warps with age (part no. 11127512839). Has anyone experienced this?

[Sreten]

From personal experience, I don't think it wraps with age, but it is made of plastic so it does get brittle over the years.

Just be careful when you take the valve cover off cause it will be stuck on there good. Once it's off, inspect the cover closely for any cracks or damage and if everything looks good, no need to replace it.

I've replaced many VCG so far and never had a problem, even on a X5 3.0 with 160k miles the valve cover was still good. Your car is very low mileage too so I wouldn't worry too much.

[BMWCurves]

From personal experience, I don't think it wraps with age, but it is made of plastic so it does get brittle over the years.

Just be careful when you take the valve cover off cause it will be stuck on there good. Once it's off, inspect the cover closely for any cracks or damage and if everything looks good, no need to replace it.

I've replaced many VCG so far and never had a problem, even on a X5 3.0 with 160k miles the valve cover was still good. You car is very low mileage too so I wouldn't worry too much.

Gracias, hombre.

I figured I'd chance it and just do the VCG and VANOS stuff, and if it starts leaking again, consider the valve cover.