Botond's Maintenance Log - KM08765

[cakM3]

a huge improvement from when we started BP :thumbsup I approve of the "new" engine bay
:like

[az3579]

I forgot to mention that I finally replaced my steering angle sensor. It broke on the 2nd day of my track event in July. Needless to say, I didn't care about not having traction control on the track since all it does it hinder performance, but the BRAKE and DSC lights have been on for about two months (in conjunction with the washer fluid light). That's a whole lot of orange lights I've been staring at for two months...

Pic during the swap. The entire steering column has to come out of the car in order to replace the LWS module. It's not hard overall to do the job, but it is very tedious contorting yourself into odd positions trying to get at the nuts and such under the dash in the footwell area. My friend and I did this with the driver's seat in place, so it may behoove you to take out the driver's seat if anyone here has to do this job. It is also a two-man job (as far as I'm concerned) with regards to aligning the column back up when reinstalling it.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/19/086594a4e636429ed0daaa9ba1403e29.jpg

Upon replacing the column, the error codes were still there. I ran the alignment procedure in ISTA/D but it was unable to complete the alignment due to "incorrect LWS ID". Not knowing what this meant, I looked it up and it turns out that the LWS has to be coded for VIN.

I used a DIY to accomplish this with PA Soft since I hadn't a clue how to do it. This is the DIY I used, courtesy of 1320ms on E46Fanatics.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=15996996

After coding the VIN, I cleared the codes in the ABS and LWS modules, and ran the alignment procedure again from ISTA/D. The alignment ran correctly and all is now well with the LWS module. The lights have not returned in the week or so that I coded it.

[ELCID86]

The Coding King!


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[az3579]

The Coding King!


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

Negative Ghost Rider. :shifty

[Vas]

Nice.

[WOLFN8TR]

Cleaned Botond's engine compartment....a night and day difference from where we started...it was that dirty...

Here is the finished result! :thumbsup

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/19/3b43743b0be6750d37885779cdf8884e.jpg

Looks Brand New!! [emoji106][emoji106]

[fredo]

Nice looking engine. I took the Saab to the car wash and asked to detail the engine. I will apply Silkolene, and I believe that will keep it clean longer.

[az3579]

Looks Brand New!! [emoji106][emoji106]

As close as it's gonna get, that's for sure. :thumbsup


Nice looking engine. I took the Saab to the car wash and asked to detail the engine. I will apply Silkolene, and I believe that will keep it clean longer.

That stuff is magical. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[NoVAphotog]

Cleaned Botond's engine compartment....a night and day difference from where we started...it was that dirty...

Here is the finished result! :thumbsup

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/19/4b24a5be2ba57ab42d5f8f71c86a814a.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/19/3b43743b0be6750d37885779cdf8884e.jpg

Getting it to "Charrie specs" ;) You're welcome BP :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone5S using Tapatalk
Looks sweet! If I may ask, what is proper procedure for prepping for an engine bay hosing on our cars?

Sent from an HTC One

[johnrando]

Nice werk

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[cakM3]

Looks sweet! If I may ask, what is proper procedure for prepping for an engine bay hosing on our cars?

Sent from an HTC One

Botond got some Simple Green Lemon (yellow formula) and we sprayed down the engine bay with simple green and allowed it to soak in for a few minutes....

Then we hosed down the engine bay using low pressure water..... the key Dan, use low pressure water to hose off the Simple Green....

For the engine covers I recommend this product...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/690/21743192915_0880a9c1c6_z.jpg

Meguiars Plastic & Vinyl Coating spray. This product does amazing work :thumbsup

[NoVAphotog]

Botond got some Simple Green Lemon (yellow formula) and we sprayed down the engine bay with simple green and allowed it to soak in for a few minutes....

Then we hosed down the engine bay using low pressure water..... the key Dan, use low pressure water to hose off the Simple Green....

For the engine covers I recommend this product...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/690/21743192915_0880a9c1c6_z.jpg

Meguiars Plastic & Vinyl Coating spray. This product does amazing work :thumbsup
Awesome, Charlie! Thanks! Did you cover up the alternator or not worry about with the low pressure water?

Sent from an HTC One

[az3579]

Awesome, Charlie! Thanks! Did you cover up the alternator or not worry about with the low pressure water?

Sent from an HTC One

No cover.

[NoVAphotog]

No cover.
:thumbsup

Sent from an HTC One

[BMWCurves]

No cover.

Cool. I need to get around to this, I don't think my engine bay has ever been washed since it left the factory.

Do you dilute the Simple Green, or just spray it on as is? Amazon has a bunch of different bottles but they all seem to be concentrated versions.

[az3579]

Cool. I need to get around to this, I don't think my engine bay has ever been washed since it left the factory.

Do you dilute the Simple Green, or just spray it on as is? Amazon has a bunch of different bottles but they all seem to be concentrated versions.

I just sprayed it, no dilution.

[ELCID86]

I just sprayed it, no dilution.

I think you can if desired. I've done it both ways. It's not overly strong if not diluted though.


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[BMWCurves]

I just sprayed it, no dilution.

I think you can if desired. I've done it both ways. It's not overly strong if not diluted though.

Great, appreciate the info!

[az3579]

2015-08-26 -- 230,579 -- Oil and filter change (Genuine BMW oil and filter) (5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY to the DAY!)

2015-09-07 -- 231,936 -- Steering angle sensor replaced (Genuine BMW, P/N: 32306793632)

2015-09-14 -- 232,353 -- Oil top-up (Shell 5W-30 Synthetic) - 1 quart

2015-09-19 -- 232,714 -- Replaced windshield washer pump strainer/gasket (OE BMW, P/N: 61667006063)

2015-10-01 -- 233,515 -- Replaced windshield wiper blades (RainX Latitude - 22" driver's side, 20" passenger)

2015-10-03 -- 233,560 -- M3 oval rearview mirror rebuilt by Radarmirror.com (lifetime warranty purchased)

2015-10-14 -- 233,952 -- Replaced steering wheel with new M tri-stitch leather wheel (Genuine BMW, P/N: 32342282020). Treated all other leather surfaces with Leatherique Rejuvenator oil and cleaned with Leatherique Pristine Clean.

2015-11-04 -- 234,641 -- Oil top-up (Mobil1 5W-30) - 1.5 quarts

2015-11-07 -- 235,504 -- Replaced left and right control arms and bushings (Control arms: OEM Lemförder, P/N 31122282121 (left), 31122282122 (right); control arm bushings: OEM Lemförder, P/N 31126757623)


OP updated.

[ELCID86]

Is this where we get to talk about maintaining Wobz?! :biggrin


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[az3579]

Is this where we get to talk about maintaining Wobz?! :biggrin


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

It does say maintenance in the title, so....... ;)

[az3579]

So it seems my streak of bad luck with brakes hasn't ended with the Wilwoods.

Pulling into the laundromat parking lot, I heard a very loud BANG. I nursed Wobz into a parking spot only to find the edge of the front left rotor completely marred, as well as the inside of my wheel and the top of my caliper. I suspect the caliper threw its hands in the air and said "NO STRINGS ATTACHED, BITCH!" and freed itself from its mount. It doesn't look loose, but it definitely isn't sitting right, so who the hell knows how much this is going to cost me now.

Wish it wasn't so fucking cold out, otherwise I'd be out there right now investigating...

[ELCID86]

Sorry dude.


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[BMWCurves]

Shoot, sorry to hear that. That's the kind of stuff that just makes you question if you did something terrible in a past life. "Was I Pol Pot, or perhaps the ancestor to the creator of in-app ads?" Let us know what shakes out from all of this.

[az3579]

We'll find out tomorrow... I really hope I don't have to special order anything because I'm dreading being without my car again.

[anandoc]

Sorry to hear this man. Anytime anything goes wrong with my car, I get really stressed out. I hope the damage is not too big and things get sorted out soon.

[az3579]

Sorry to hear this man. Anytime anything goes wrong with my car, I get really stressed out. I hope the damage is not too big and things get sorted out soon.


Well, at an absolute minimum I'm looking at a brand new caliper, which is over $200-300. It's pretty badly gouged by the rotor.
Probably going to need new rotors in the front, since I can't just replace one. I hope the pads are ok...

The wheel is damaged as well, but I can live with a gouge going all around the rim since it doesn't affect the integrity of the wheel. I planned on refinishing these wheels anyway.

[WOLFN8TR]

Man that really Sucks Bp. :eyetwitch

[johnrando]

Ouch. Sux. Hope it's not as bad as that.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[3ZHPGUY]

Ouch, I hate when that happens. Epically this time of the year. Hope everything works out and the pain is minimal.


Sent from my iPhone 6S using Tapatalk

[slater]

sorry BP, that sucks. and yes, it's getting cold outside (had a dusting of snow here yesterday). pics of the carnage?

(the common thread here through the different brake setups seems to be the installer... ;) )

[az3579]

Ouch, I hate when that happens. Epically this time of the year. Hope everything works out and the pain is minimal.


Sent from my iPhone 6S using Tapatalk


The hope is that I can just put it back together and drive it without having to purchase anything. I fear the bolts may be sheared or something; there's no way that nothing's undamaged after the loud bang that I heard.

I hope the caliper is still usable despite the physical damage; that would at least give me some time to replace it next spring.

[TheFinanceGuy]

In for updates.....

Sorry to hear this BP

[Karl Lazlo]

BP - I have a set of serviable 330Ci calipers from my 03... If you can use them in the mean time, say the word, they are your's if you need them.

[fredo]

Sorry to hear, BP. Keep us posted.

[az3579]

Still have the stock calipers. Since having the BMW Performance ones, I know better, since those were giving me grief every year. :(

[az3579]

So I finally got a chance to look at the calipers today. My worst fear was confirmed: I need a new caliper.

What I think happened:
Somehow the bolts that hold the caliper to the Wilwood carrier must have gotten loose because both bolts were popped out. Dunno how because I torqued them down and they've been fine for over 6 months, but I digress.

This caused the caliper to shift down, making contact with both the wheel and the rotor. The top of the rotor has some metal scrapings on it, which I'm not too concerned with. The caliper did, however, marr the inside of my wheel. At least both the rim and rotor look functional.

The caliper wasn't so lucky. One bolt hole is warped, so you can't fit the bolt through it anymore, and the other is stripped so the bolt just passes through without threading.

Miraculously, the bolts are fine and the threads are intact.

I did an emergency order of a caliper from Summit racing with overnight shipping, so I'll get it on Friday. The part number of the replacement caliper is different than the old one and is supposedly interchangeable left to right, unlike the old one.

Damage to caliper from the rotor hitting:

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/25/e116818924c2c43c7792ac0be40fd082.jpg



The warped hole. You can see that it's not perfectly round:

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/25/8953971c3cfb035414262c916e2770de.jpg



Threads are nearly smooth:

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/25/f2654ffa6f2b40e4f232ec98d68ff7ea.jpg

sent from my Droid Turbo

[ryankokesh]

Damn that sucks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BCS_ZHP]

BP,
Recommend you replace those bolts too. They were stressed beyond "normal" use, so if the threads are worn or stretched they could mess up your brand new caliper.
Bruce

[az3579]

BP,
Recommend you replace those bolts too. They were stressed beyond "normal" use, so if the threads are worn or stretched they could mess up your brand new caliper.
Bruce


The bolts thread into the carrier bracket just fine, just like any other bolt would. It's just the caliper threads they won't bolt in to. The bolts themselves should be fine.

[Sockethead]

On the bright side, It could of been much worse... I imagine you'll be using Loctite blue on those bolts when you put it back together, eh?

[az3579]

On the bright side, It could of been much worse... I imagine you'll be using Loctite blue on those bolts when you put it back together, eh?
I'd rather not use any Loctite since I service my brakes too often and don't want to risk being stuck not being able to remove my calipers.
I'm just going to apply more torque than I have before. The torque was probably insufficient or something.

[Johnmadd]

Damn bp, I think those bolts are too stretched and need new.

[Karl Lazlo]

I'd rather not use any Loctite since I service my brakes too often and don't want to risk being stuck not being able to remove my calipers.

Blue, not Red. A quick reference for Loctite applications. :-)

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr216/Karl_Lazlo/Public/Screenshot%202015-11-25%2021.09.13_zpsltffismh.png (http://s485.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Lazlo/media/Public/Screenshot%202015-11-25%2021.09.13_zpsltffismh.png.html)

[Sockethead]

I agree... if you're not going to use some kind of thread locker on there, I'd at least replace the bolts... Cheap insurance and peace of mind for such a critical component

[Vas]

Wilwood used to have a left and right side part number for caliper. Now they updated the design and made them universal iirc.

Replace the bolts as well.

[danewilson77]

The bolts thread into the carrier bracket just fine, just like any other bolt would. It's just the caliper threads they won't bolt in to. The bolts themselves should be fine.
No. Bruce is saying if they were torqued properly (as mentioned in your previous post), then they've stretched and are recommended to be replaced. It has nothing to do with threading them anywhere "just fine". Just a friendly bit of advice to someone who, by the way, just had these boots magically untighten whilst traversing the roadway at speed.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

Get 'er done BP. GL

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[az3579]

New entries:

2015-11-22 -- 236,293 -- FX-R v1.0 projector retrofit into spare bowl assembly, performed by Lightwerkz

2015-11-27 -- 236,395 -- Replaced front left caliper and bled line. Old Wilwood P/N: FU-120-8465-L, New P/N: 120-11132. Brake fluid used with ATE Typ200.

2015-11-28 -- 236,523 -- Replaced H7 high beam bulbs with Weisslicht Illustro Flex H7 LED bulbs

2015-12-02 -- 236,542 -- Oil top-up (FormulaShell Synthetic 5W-30) - 1 quart

2015-12-22 -- 237,192 -- Oil top-up (FormulaShell Synthetic 5W-30) - 1 quart

[johnrando]

Nice

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

She's still drinking oil. Thought about a catch can?


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

[slater]

2015-12-02 -- 236,542 -- Oil top-up (FormulaShell Synthetic 5W-30) - 1 quart

2015-12-22 -- 237,192 -- Oil top-up (FormulaShell Synthetic 5W-30) - 1 quart

dude... that is some SERIOUS consumption. have you done a leak down test?

[az3579]

She's still drinking oil. Thought about a catch can?


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

Nope. Don't really want to do that. It's more for me to remember to do, with regards to emptying it out.


dude... that is some SERIOUS consumption. have you done a leak down test?

No I haven't. It's usually a quart every 1000 miles or so, but this "top up" period had a lot of just sitting around idling involved, which is why it was down to such a small interval.

A couple of high mileage E46 folks I talked to said they were getting this kind of consumption as well with their M54's, though for them it was more like a quart every 1500 miles. I track mine, so I expect a little more usage than others. I'm just gonna chalk it up to high mileage at this point.

I know I have a leaky VANOS oil feed line that I need to fix...



New entry:

2015-12-23 -- 237,216 -- Replaced windshield washer pump with a Siemens/VDO unit, P/N: VDO-246082008025G

[WOLFN8TR]

Nice work BP! [emoji106][emoji106]

[az3579]

Nice work BP! [emoji106][emoji106]

Thanks Gary.




I will now start to track tire pressure adjustments going forward, or at least will try to remember to. This will more easily help me determine whether a tire or wheel has a fault. What prompted this was finding two of my tires more than 15 psi below what I set them to despite passing a visual.

So, to set a baseline...


2015-12-29 -- 237,447 -- Adjusted tire pressures. Set to 35psi on all four corners - baseline pressure. New tracking statistic.

[az3579]

I'm finally on the hunt to figure out why I have such excessive oil consumption. I had my friend take a look at he says the Valve Cover Gasket is definitely leaking, which I didn't think it was. Also, the VANOS oil feed line is leaking. So...

New parts on order:

VANOS oil feed line (Genuine BMW)
11361705532

Crush washers (Qty 4) for VANOs oil feed line (Genuine BMW)
32411093596

Valve cover gasket set (Genuine BMW)
11120030496

Valve cover seal washers (Qty 15) (Victor Reinz)
11121437395

[Tnhl1989]

Get a new valve cover too


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[johnrando]

Hope that's the trick

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[az3579]

Get a new valve cover too


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
How come?

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[az3579]

Parts have arrived. Also ordered a new oil level sensor as well. It's long overdue...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160107/aa86e0e7fbd42aa5f2b4c31ca0d1dd71.jpg

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

Ahh the oil level sensor... you just jogged my memory. I have one laying around somewhere that I need to swap out too.
How long since your last VCG change?

[az3579]

Ahh the oil level sensor... you just jogged my memory. I have one laying around somewhere that I need to swap out too.
How long since your last VCG change?

Last changed at 90,872. Now have almost 238k.

[Vas]

Nice man.

[az3579]

Nice man.

It'll only be nice if the oil leaks go away and that idiot light doesn't come on anymore. :)

[Sockethead]

I think you got your money's worth out of your replacement VCG ;)

[ELCID86]

Good call. Hope it stops Wubz's binge drinking.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member

[az3579]

I think you got your money's worth out of your replacement VCG ;)
I agree. :biggrin

Good call. Hope it stops Wubz's binge drinking.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46f member
Hopefully...


I received the oil level sensor today from FCP. I purchased the Hella OEM part instead of the OE BMW part. The part I bought was less than HALF the price of the BMW part.

Hella OEM: $74.99
BMW OE: $175.99

The OEM part is Made in Germany, which I was happy about. You can see an area where grinding took place; I assume this was the BMW logo's home originally. My VDO fuel pump was the same way.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160110/8ae0b38841b71d5c984817bdb953687b.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160110/fb2f447d8bda01704511fa1aa3b4bdc6.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160110/0797170742edb55f1d36b2b0f41362d4.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160110/b8e572e8dfc3c692b3e6406246da842b.jpg



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[az3579]

2015-01-07 -- 237,814 -- Oil top up -- Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic, 1 quart - 622 miles since last top-up
2015-01-10 -- 238,337 -- Cleaned air filter from GruppeM intake -- Rinsed, dried, and re-oiled using oil from aFe kit

OP updated.

[BMWCurves]

Good stuff. Is your oil level sensor acting up?

[az3579]

Good stuff. Is your oil level sensor acting up?
Hasn't worked in a year.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Hasn't worked in a year.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

Woof, that's a while. Now's a good a time as any then, huh?

[az3579]

Woof, that's a while. Now's a good a time as any then, huh?

Yeah, it was a great time to do it yesterday. I waited until I needed an oil change to replace it since I decided to fix it, and yesterday's temperatures were perfect to work in my buddy's garage. He doesn't have heat there, but there is a lift, so the 40's temps and the lift made everything come together.

So, adding all of my maintenance items from yesterday:

2015-01-17 -- 238,609 -- Replaced valve cover gasket (VCG), valve cover seal washers, VANOS oil feed line + crush washers, oil level sensor, oil change with filter, left and right lower wheel well covers. Installed wheel studs and nuts.

Parts list:
Valve cover gasket set (OE BMW) - P/N: 11120030496
Valve cover seal washers (OEM Victor Reinz) - P/N: 11121437395
VANOS oil feed line (OE BMW) - P/N: 11361705532
VANOS oil feed line washers (OE BMW) - P/N: 32411093596
Oil level sensor (OEM Hella) - P/N: 12617508003
Oil / filter - Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic / MANN HU 925/4x
Lower wheel well cover, left (OE BMW) - P/N: 51718265467
Lower wheel well cover, right (OE BMW) - P/N: 51718265468
Wheel studs and nuts (Turner Motorsport), 12x1.5 Bullet Nose, 90mm - P/N: TWH9950

[ELCID86]

BP have you had a chance to drive it post Vanos? Wondering how it feels as that on my to-do list.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[az3579]

BP have you had a chance to drive it post Vanos? Wondering how it feels as that on my to-do list.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

Post VANOS? Replacing the VANOS oil feed line doesn't do anything for feel... I was attempting to fix a leak.

This piece:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-vanos-oil-feed-line-11361705532



If you're talking about the VANOS seals, that's a different story. There's no doubt you'll feel a difference replacing those.

[ELCID86]

And no difference?! Sorry I read Vanos seals... Duh.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[johnrando]

Nice BP

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[az3579]

I bought yet another ambient temp sensor. Mine got ripped off in this past snow storm, as well as breaking my brand new pork chop. This is getting really irritating...

Glad the new one came with a harness pigtail because as usual, mine was ripped off at the connector. Bought this one from Advance Auto since I wanted to finish this on the weekend.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160129/d54cf2ab3170bb2627435bbc80807944.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160129/d958097bdc4c9422e12f9b3c5db897dd.jpg

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[az3579]

Also, great news to report; since I've replaced all of those oil-related items, I've used no oil in the 500 miles I've driven the car. Normally by now, I'd be getting ready to add another quart! This is such a great feeling to not have to go nuts checking it every other day.

[ELCID86]

Bad news. Good news! :-)


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[Johnmadd]

Also, great news to report; since I've replaced all of those oil-related items, I've used no oil in the 500 miles I've driven the car. Normally by now, I'd be getting ready to add another quart! This is such a great feeling to not have to go nuts checking it every other day.

Great news :like

[Sockethead]

I'm sure it makes you feel better about the engine internals...

[az3579]

I'm sure it makes you feel better about the engine internals...

Sure does. Considering I've got 239k miles, sees track usage on average 2-3 times a year, AND gets driven on average 31k a year, this is comforting. Now the question is how long it will go before requiring a top-off. The race is on...

[johnrando]

:thumbsup

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[BMWCurves]

Keep us updated on oil consumption. If those items replaced cures (relatively speaking) your oil consumption, that's awesome.

[az3579]

Keep us updated on oil consumption. If those items replaced cures (relatively speaking) your oil consumption, that's awesome.

So far, I'm about 800 miles in. Still at the very top of the line. I don't know why, but I'm getting both excited and depressed over this...

[slater]

So far, I'm about 800 miles in. Still at the very top of the line. I don't know why, but I'm getting both excited and depressed over this...

very weird. were you leaking that much oil from the VCG, VANOS line, and oil temp sensor? that's a lot of oil.

[az3579]

very weird. were you leaking that much oil from the VCG, VANOS line, and oil temp sensor? that's a lot of oil.

Apparently.

I don't think the oil level sensor was leaking at all. It was around the VCG area and the VANOS feed line that the leaks were apparent, but even there it didn't seem like the fountain of oil that it actually was. Those areas were wet with dirt, so it looked like a slow leak, but slow it most definitely was not.
Looks can be deceiving!

[slater]

Apparently.

I don't think the oil level sensor was leaking at all. It was around the VCG area and the VANOS feed line that the leaks were apparent, but even there it didn't seem like the fountain of oil that it actually was. Those areas were wet with dirt, so it looked like a slow leak, but slow it most definitely was not.
Looks can be deceiving!

they definitely can. glad it's sorted out! especially in time for calabogie. :)

[az3579]

they definitely can. glad it's sorted out! especially in time for calabogie. :)

The maintenance I'm actually worried about "in time" for Calabogie is as follows:
1) Cooling System - check the first page and you'll see that it was last done many miles ago, even if it was only 4 years. Without running specific numbers, I have about 151k on the cooling system. 151k and only 4 years old. lol
2) Tires - I have to buy THREE sets of tires this year as all three of my sets are worn. I need new summer daily tires, a set of track tires, and a set of winter tires. I already know what I want for the winter (Nokian Hakkapeliita R2) and track (Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R) sets, I just have to decide on whether I want to keep using the S-04 for daily summer.

[Sockethead]

We have a full set of Dunlop Star Spec with about 50% left we'll sell for cheap....

[slater]

The maintenance I'm actually worried about "in time" for Calabogie is as follows:
1) Cooling System - check the first page and you'll see that it was last done many miles ago, even if it was only 4 years. Without running specific numbers, I have about 151k on the cooling system. 151k and only 4 years old. lol
2) Tires - I have to buy THREE sets of tires this year as all three of my sets are worn. I need new summer daily tires, a set of track tires, and a set of winter tires. I already know what I want for the winter (Nokian Hakkapeliita R2) and track (Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R) sets, I just have to decide on whether I want to keep using the S-04 for daily summer.

easy. PSS for summer. :)

as for the cooling system, age and heat cycles are the major factors for the plastic and rubber bits. you probably don't have many more heat cycles than other folks in 4 years of daily use, yours just lasted longer. i'd say you're probably fine for that stuff, but the water pump would be good to change. ....and if you're doing that - might as well do the rest too. :)

[az3579]

We have a full set of Dunlop Star Spec with about 50% left we'll sell for cheap....

Thanks for the offer but I'll pass - new or bust when it comes to tires for me. :)
I go through them too quickly, so it's not economical for me to have to pay for dismount/mounting so often.


easy. PSS for summer. :)

But they cost so damn much considering I won't get nearly enough miles out of them!It's why I was considering purchasing my third set of S-04's. I easily get 20k + out of them and they cost quite a bit less than the PSS do, out the door. I always wanted to try PSS though... why do I have to make choices. lol



...but the water pump would be good to change. ....and if you're doing that - might as well do the rest too. :)

Of course! I go HAM when it comes to that kind of stuff... do it all!

[Vas]

S04 is the way to go. Not a single complaint from me about them

[Sockethead]

No big deal BP. Just thought I'd throw it out there

[slater]

But they cost so damn much considering I won't get nearly enough miles out of them!It's why I was considering purchasing my third set of S-04's. I easily get 20k + out of them and they cost quite a bit less than the PSS do, out the door. I always wanted to try PSS though... why do I have to make choices. lol

they are $801 (PSS) vs $665 (S-04) per set from tire rack now in 245/35/18 (that's the size you run, right?). the PSS has a better treadwear rating (300AA A vs 280AA A) AND it's 3lbs lighter per tire. plus - they have a 6yr/30K mile treadwear warranty if you're running a square setup. S-04's have no treadwear warranty.

just sayin'... ;)

man. i should get sponsored by michelin. all 3 sets of wheels for the ZHP are shod with michelins and the odyssey has michelin x-ice's on it. :)

[Vas]

they are $801 (PSS) vs $665 (S-04) per set from tire rack now in 245/35/18 (that's the size you run, right?). the PSS has a better treadwear rating (300AA A vs 280AA A) AND it's 3lbs lighter per tire. plus - they have a 6yr/30K mile treadwear warranty if you're running a square setup. S-04's have no treadwear warranty.

just sayin'... ;)

man. i should get sponsored by michelin. all 3 sets of wheels for the ZHP are shod with michelins and the odyssey has michelin x-ice's on it. :)

Still hard to justify that amount on a street tire for me. Both are pretty close in terms of performance.

[slater]

Still hard to justify that amount on a street tire for me. Both are pretty close in terms of performance.

if it was $400 vs $800, i would reconsider. but $136 is worth it for the warranty alone, to me.

[Vas]

if it was $400 vs $800, i would reconsider. but $136 is worth it for the warranty alone, to me.

I never considered the warranty mostly I do not want to own a set of summer for that long or put that type of mileage on them before replacing them. Maybe its just me but when the tire hits 2/32, I replace it with a new set.

And then dealing with the whole warranty claim is also a pita. Trying to prove to the manufacturer that you are covered under their warranty.

[az3579]

they are $801 (PSS) vs $665 (S-04) per set from tire rack now in 245/35/18 (that's the size you run, right?). the PSS has a better treadwear rating (300AA A vs 280AA A) AND it's 3lbs lighter per tire.

Treadwear numbers cannot be compared between manufacturers. A 300 treadwear is not the same between a Bridgestone tire and a Michelin.
By the way, too many people said they struggle to break more than 15k with a set of PSS tires. Granted, they are probably running staggered setups, but my mileage hasn't ever been a significant difference when I rotate compared to when I didn't rotate in the past. I get maybe 2-3k more if I rotate.
For reference, I got 23,682 miles out of my previous set of S-04's.

My personal take on PSS tires:

I don't care that it's lighter. That isn't a noticeable difference you can really measure with numbers. If they were maybe $10 cheaper for the set, I'd buy them, but we're talking a pretty big price difference for not much benefit.

I keep telling myself that I'll try a set of PSS tires one day, but balk every time I see the price of them...



plus - they have a 6yr/30K mile treadwear warranty if you're running a square setup. S-04's have no treadwear warranty.

Their warranty is kind of a joke. I've read numerous stories online of folks who tried to take advantage of the warranty when they had an issue and getting nowhere with Michelin. Let's not forget that even if they did cover it, it's a prorated warranty, so you'll still be paying for a replacement after the first 2/32" of wear is exceeded.

There's no denying that the PSS is the best in its class. It most definitely, however, is not good value, IMO.



man. i should get sponsored by michelin. all 3 sets of wheels for the ZHP are shod with michelins and the odyssey has michelin x-ice's on it. :)

Funny you say that, because I realized that over the past couple of years, I've been an exclusively Bridgestone guy, without even doing it on purpose. My track tires were RE-11's, my winters were Blizzak LM-32's, and my summers were S-04's. That will change next season when I buy the Nokians for the winter.

[slater]

My personal take on PSS tires:

I don't care that it's lighter. That isn't a noticeable difference you can really measure with numbers. If they were maybe $10 cheaper for the set, I'd buy them, but we're talking a pretty big price difference for not much benefit.

I keep telling myself that I'll try a set of PSS tires one day, but balk every time I see the price of them...

There's no denying that the PSS is the best in its class. It most definitely, however, is not good value, IMO.

no worries, man. we've all got different values.

i don't feel like we're talking seriously-expensive here; $136 per set more is not crazy or what i would consider bad value. $800 for a set of tires that lasts 2 summers - and provides what i consider the best tire performance i've ever tried (and i've tried a lot) - is not bad value, in my opinion. my life is too short to quibble over that. ;)



Funny you say that, because I realized that over the past couple of years, I've been an exclusively Bridgestone guy, without even doing it on purpose. My track tires were RE-11's, my winters were Blizzak LM-32's, and my summers were S-04's. That will change next season when I buy the Nokians for the winter.

weird! i'm curious to see how you like the nokians... i used to run hakka's back when i lived in VT. they were almost standard-issue there. :)

(AND... how are they priced compared to the bridgestones??? :) sorry, had to ask. ;) )

[az3579]

no worries, man. we've all got different values.

i don't feel like we're talking seriously-expensive here; $136 per set more is not crazy or what i would consider bad value. $800 for a set of tires that lasts 2 summers - and provides what i consider the best tire performance i've ever tried (and i've tried a lot) - is not bad value, in my opinion. my life is too short to quibble over that. ;)

What lasts you two seasons lasts me less than one. lol
That's the point I'm trying to get across.





weird! i'm curious to see how you like the nokians... i used to run hakka's back when i lived in VT. they were almost standard-issue there. :)

(AND... how are they priced compared to the bridgestones??? :) sorry, had to ask. ;) )

When I bought them, I paid over $900 for my set of LM-32's, mounted and balanced. Since I bought them locally, the price was higher.
I can get the set of Nokians for about $800, with a much much cheaper mount and balance (Road Force balance, mind you) price than when I had the LM-32's installed. Technically, I'll be paying less this go around. :thumbsup

Let's not forget, there is a pretty big performance bump with the Nokians over the LM-32's. The LM's are a "performance winter" category tire, so while they handle better in the dry, they're not as good in the white stuff as the Nokians. So, in this case, big gain for the technical price difference, even if I'm paying less than I did before! Since Tire Rack doesn't carry Nokians, I probably won't have to pay tax on the set if I order online, whereas the Blizzaks I'd have to pay tax on because I live in CT and they have a warehouse here. So, that drives the cost of the tires up by quite a bit, closing the gap even more. I have a do a bit of research on places that would potentially offer free shipping and see if the price can be offset somehow. Just getting the tires could prove to be a bit of a challenge as not a whole lot of places offer it.

This isn't set in stone, either. If I have to order another set of LM-32's, then so be it. I'll investigate more as the time comes closer to see what's better value.

[ELCID86]

We have a full set of Dunlop Star Spec with about 50% left we'll sell for cheap....

Finally getting rid of something?! ;-)


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[Sockethead]

Yep! Now if can get someone to buy my laptops, snow blower, garden tractor, style 135's and all the random shit I can't think of right now

[danewilson77]

Yep! Now if can get someone to buy my laptops, snow blower, garden tractor, style 135's and all the random shit I can't think of right now
You're not going to need a garden tractor or snow blower any more?

Sent from an S6 Edge

[ELCID86]

Yep! Now if can get someone to buy my laptops, snow blower, garden tractor, style 135's and all the random shit I can't think of right now

Tell us more about the 135s...


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[az3579]

Tell us more about the 135s...


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

Needs another thread...

[Sockethead]

exactly...sorry BP

[az3579]

exactly...sorry BP

No worries. :)

[ELCID86]

Needs another thread...

Yes. I thought about that after I hit reply.

/hijack


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[az3579]

Today I purchased a replacement headlight leveling motor for the driver's side. It has been defunct for a few weeks now, so I had to unplug it so it wouldn't keep adjusting upwards, blinding other drivers. Once I get that replaced, I can put back my GruppeM intake as I won't have to constantly go adjusting my headlight level anymore.

OE BMW, P/N:


67168372381


https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-head-light-vertical-aim-control-67168372381

[az3579]

Rest in Peace, LED fog light. I am very annoyed by your unfortunate demise and you will definitely be missed.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160226/a4d5a0d5dad2216c6106808e536bec2d.jpg

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[derbo]

Damn porkchops.

[Sockethead]

ugh... I had one die a violent death too..

[az3579]

ugh... I had one die a violent death too..

It wouldn't be so bad if there wasn't some work put into these. Stuart helped me retrofit these X5 LED foglights into the stock ZHP fog housings, which required grinding of the heatsink and modification of the housing to make them fit, so it won't be easy to just replace it. I'm stuck with having to buy new E46 stock ones... for $240 a pair
That's not even including the LED bulbs I planned on buying for them... :facepalm

[Johnmadd]

Rip

[az3579]

I'm wondering; has anyone else experienced this phenomenon? A couple of days ago, I checked my oil - it showed full on the dipstick. Today I checked it and it was a quart down. This has been happening to me all the time for the past few years, even before my crazy oil consumption. It's as though it physically gives me a false reading the first time I read it. What gives????

It's been 2,000 miles since I did the oil-related leak service on my car, which is a lot more reasonable than the 600-700 mile top-up range I was getting before. 2k is still a bit disappointing, but I'll still take it. I just want to know why it showed full just two days ago and now all of a sudden it jumped to quart low. Does anyone else experience this?

[johnrando]

Hmmm, no.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[cakM3]

Botond.... I did offer to give you a spare set of fogs I have in my garage....that way you wouldn't have to shell out $240 right now...


offer is there if you want to take me up on it ;) :thumbsup

[BMWCurves]

Ouch, sorry to hear about your fog light. How many have you gone through, I feel like this is your...third since I've joined?


I'm wondering; has anyone else experienced this phenomenon? A couple of days ago, I checked my oil - it showed full on the dipstick. Today I checked it and it was a quart down. This has been happening to me all the time for the past few years, even before my crazy oil consumption. It's as though it physically gives me a false reading the first time I read it. What gives????

It's been 2,000 miles since I did the oil-related leak service on my car, which is a lot more reasonable than the 600-700 mile top-up range I was getting before. 2k is still a bit disappointing, but I'll still take it. I just want to know why it showed full just two days ago and now all of a sudden it jumped to quart low. Does anyone else experience this?

Hmm...nope, haven't had this issue. Was your car on an incline at all between the two measurements, or did you measure the first time right after you turned off the car, giving you a falsely high reading as the oil was still trickling down into the pan? I'm sure you measure oil levels like you're supposed to, but you never know. I find myself doing rookie stuff from time to time that I know I should know better than to do.

[az3579]

Ouch, sorry to hear about your fog light. How many have you gone through, I feel like this is your...third since I've joined?

Nope, never had an issue with fog lights. All of my lighting issues so far have been with the headlights.
The porkchops were replaced a few weeks ago and now need to be done again, so those are also now appearing on my "WTF I just replaced this" list.
This wouldn't have happened if that f#$*ing piece of plastic hadn't broken like a cheap piece of crap. It would be sitting there in that little cubby if there wasn't a hole there. :shifty


[/quote]
Hmm...nope, haven't had this issue. Was your car on an incline at all between the two measurements, or did you measure the first time right after you turned off the car, giving you a falsely high reading as the oil was still trickling down into the pan? I'm sure you measure oil levels like you're supposed to, but you never know. I find myself doing rookie stuff from time to time that I know I should know better than to do.[/QUOTE]

Nope. I actually don't typically check my oil often for that reason. I always remember to do it right after a drive, or when I'm parked on a hill. The only times I bother checking are when I'm on flat ground and when the car has been sitting for a while.

[WOLFN8TR]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160226/a4d5a0d5dad2216c6106808e536bec2d.jpg

Wow! [emoji15]

[san]

I'm wondering; has anyone else experienced this phenomenon? A couple of days ago, I checked my oil - it showed full on the dipstick. Today I checked it and it was a quart down. This has been happening to me all the time for the past few years, even before my crazy oil consumption. It's as though it physically gives me a false reading the first time I read it. What gives????

It's been 2,000 miles since I did the oil-related leak service on my car, which is a lot more reasonable than the 600-700 mile top-up range I was getting before. 2k is still a bit disappointing, but I'll still take it. I just want to know why it showed full just two days ago and now all of a sudden it jumped to quart low. Does anyone else experience this?

Not exactly the same phenomenon but I had experienced something similar: i was getting yellow oil level light while turning off the engine usually after 3500 miles after a oil change, so I changed my ccv and yay I got 7000 miles before the yellow light showed up... But the next oil change I went with Mobil 1 ow-40 instead of shell 5w-30, because winter... And surprise surprise I get an yellow oil level light after 2500 miles!! I topped it off with a quart and and am waiting to see what happens...

Edit: when I get he yellow light I also check the dip stuck level and it shows the oil to be sort of on the low side, so it's not a faulty sensor

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[san]

Oops double post, sorry

[cakM3]

Rest in Peace, LED fog light. I am very annoyed by your unfortunate demise and you will definitely be missed.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160226/a4d5a0d5dad2216c6106808e536bec2d.jpg

Donated my spare fogs so that BP can address his fog light issues for the time being. Happy I could do this for him :thumbsup

[WOLFN8TR]

Donated my spare fogs so that BP can address his fog light issues for the time being. Happy I could do this for him :thumbsup

Nice Charlie!

[cakM3]

Nice Charlie!

[emoji1360]


Sent from my iPhone6S using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Need to backtrack a bit to cover some bases.


Today I purchased a replacement headlight leveling motor for the driver's side. It has been defunct for a few weeks now, so I had to unplug it so it wouldn't keep adjusting upwards, blinding other drivers. Once I get that replaced, I can put back my GruppeM intake as I won't have to constantly go adjusting my headlight level anymore.

OE BMW, P/N:


67168372381


https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-head-light-vertical-aim-control-67168372381

Okay, so. That Part Number was obtained from RealOEM. It turns out that the number is incorrect. I ordered the part based on what RealOEM specified for my car, only to find a part that doesn't match what came out of my car.

As others have said, their headlight leveling motors had metal arms. The part I received did not. Thinking that perhaps it was just an updated part, I didn't think anything of it. When the headlight was disassembled, it surely was the wrong part, as the connector didn't even match up to what was in my car.

Old motor:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/816303b459ce67eb60397cb8ab8aa7af.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/d09b0b0fd6489e95dcd6044514c7cb1c.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/5d2289f3f26e47172f20cb5b63a39fc7.jpg



New motor:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/f7b34e9411c62bba0ef7153bfd22ed42.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/bd87d7cc12978daa01e940fcfa435b1f.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/638a0a5ad96e8938fa01cd5efd64ba1b.jpg

Lesson learned: Do not use the RealOEM part number when ordering this part.
I got very lucky because Charlie of course had a spare one from a junk assembly, so we ended up installing it. I'm going to make an attempt to return the incorrect part. Let's see how painless FCP's return policy is...


Rest in Peace, LED fog light. I am very annoyed by your unfortunate demise and you will definitely be missed.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160226/a4d5a0d5dad2216c6106808e536bec2d.jpg

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

The foglight...
I took a closer look at the light and it appears that the only damaged part is the lens. The housing is still in good shape, so is the reflector part on the inside. After staring at it for about 5 minutes, I decided to try to repair this light.

I found a thread on E46F about how Mango had done a lens transplant from an aftermarket fog light onto the OE foglight housing. Aftermarket fog lights are cheap, so this shouldn't be an issue. Since I'd be putting Lamin-X over it again after repair anyway, the "cheaper" quality glass shouldn't be as big of a deal as long as I seal it properly. I would just transfer the whole thing as-is to a new aftermarket housing, but the housings require modification to make the LED fog assembly fit, so it's more work than is necessary in this case.

This will be a project for the warmer months as I just don't feel like dicking around with it at this point. The quick and easy plan:
1) Remove the broken shards of glass from the old fog light. Remove the lens from the good passenger side light.
2) Very carefully clean the reflector in the damaged unit. I'll think about whether I want to paint the reflectors yellow to match my high beam bowls.
3) Acquire two new aftermarket fog lights. Remove the lenses.
4) Install the new lenses onto the old fog light assemblies.
5) Install Lamin-X film to protect the lenses from road debris.


Donated my spare fogs so that BP can address his fog light issues for the time being. Happy I could do this for him :thumbsup

I can always count on Charlie to have spare parts. :thumbsup
The set I have in the car now is the set Charlie let me borrow. Since I'll be using these for the time being, I'm going to order some Lamin-X to prevent further pitting on this set. Once (read: if) I get my fog lights squared away, I'll be giving these back to Charlie so he has a spare set once more. I most definitely do not like the stock halogen lighting:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/7b86d1723a05b6919e041af17cde4c87.jpg

Tonight, I'm purchasing some Weisslicht Spektrum bulbs to go in the stock housings. I'm quite disappointed that I can't find a set of fog light bulbs in 3k that are worth a damn. Every set I've look at was of cheap Chinese made garbage quality. The only set that looked promising was way too expensive, at nearly $200. Honestly, I like the simple packaging of the Spektrum bulbs as they are precisely the same packaging size as the OE bulbs, with the added benefit of being LED. They're a bit expensive, at about $85, but at least they have a lifetime warranty.

[az3579]

Something ain't right...

Went 791 miles since my last top up... and needed a quart. Sigh...

2016-03-15 -- 241,539 -- Oil top up, Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic

[ELCID86]

Oh no.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous

[das boots]

Need to backtrack a bit to cover some bases.



Okay, so. That Part Number was obtained from RealOEM. It turns out that the number is incorrect. I ordered the part based on what RealOEM specified for my car, only to find a part that doesn't match what came out of my car.

As others have said, their headlight leveling motors had metal arms. The part I received did not. Thinking that perhaps it was just an updated part, I didn't think anything of it. When the headlight was disassembled, it surely was the wrong part, as the connector didn't even match up to what was in my car.

Old motor:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/816303b459ce67eb60397cb8ab8aa7af.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/d09b0b0fd6489e95dcd6044514c7cb1c.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/5d2289f3f26e47172f20cb5b63a39fc7.jpg



New motor:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/f7b34e9411c62bba0ef7153bfd22ed42.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/bd87d7cc12978daa01e940fcfa435b1f.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/638a0a5ad96e8938fa01cd5efd64ba1b.jpg

Lesson learned: Do not use the RealOEM part number when ordering this part.
I got very lucky because Charlie of course had a spare one from a junk assembly, so we ended up installing it. I'm going to make an attempt to return the incorrect part. Let's see how painless FCP's return policy is...



The foglight...
I took a closer look at the light and it appears that the only damaged part is the lens. The housing is still in good shape, so is the reflector part on the inside. After staring at it for about 5 minutes, I decided to try to repair this light.

I found a thread on E46F about how Mango had done a lens transplant from an aftermarket fog light onto the OE foglight housing. Aftermarket fog lights are cheap, so this shouldn't be an issue. Since I'd be putting Lamin-X over it again after repair anyway, the "cheaper" quality glass shouldn't be as big of a deal as long as I seal it properly. I would just transfer the whole thing as-is to a new aftermarket housing, but the housings require modification to make the LED fog assembly fit, so it's more work than is necessary in this case.

This will be a project for the warmer months as I just don't feel like dicking around with it at this point. The quick and easy plan:
1) Remove the broken shards of glass from the old fog light. Remove the lens from the good passenger side light.
2) Very carefully clean the reflector in the damaged unit. I'll think about whether I want to paint the reflectors yellow to match my high beam bowls.
3) Acquire two new aftermarket fog lights. Remove the lenses.
4) Install the new lenses onto the old fog light assemblies.
5) Install Lamin-X film to protect the lenses from road debris.



I can always count on Charlie to have spare parts. :thumbsup
The set I have in the car now is the set Charlie let me borrow. Since I'll be using these for the time being, I'm going to order some Lamin-X to prevent further pitting on this set. Once (read: if) I get my fog lights squared away, I'll be giving these back to Charlie so he has a spare set once more. I most definitely do not like the stock halogen lighting:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160301/7b86d1723a05b6919e041af17cde4c87.jpg

Tonight, I'm purchasing some Weisslicht Spektrum bulbs to go in the stock housings. I'm quite disappointed that I can't find a set of fog light bulbs in 3k that are worth a damn. Every set I've look at was of cheap Chinese made garbage quality. The only set that looked promising was way too expensive, at nearly $200. Honestly, I like the simple packaging of the Spektrum bulbs as they are precisely the same packaging size as the OE bulbs, with the added benefit of being LED. They're a bit expensive, at about $85, but at least they have a lifetime warranty.


BP. Where is that link by Mango on transferring lensenes to OEM housing? I could not locate it under which topic/subject. Thanks.

[az3579]

BP. Where is that link by Mango on transferring lensenes to OEM housing? I could not locate it under which topic/subject. Thanks.
Can't find it... :dunno

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

BP. Where is that link by Mango on transferring lensenes to OEM housing? I could not locate it under which topic/subject. Thanks.
This

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1057703

Sent from an S6 Edge

[az3579]

This

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1057703

Sent from an S6 Edge
Thanks, Dane. That isn't the thread was referencing but I am definitely bookmarking that thread now that you pointed me to it. Lol

I might just do it again...

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[das boots]

This

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1057703

Sent from an S6 Edge

Thanks. But not E46 specific.

[az3579]

Thanks. But not E46 specific.
That is a retrofit guide on retrofitting the X5 LED fogs into an E46 fog light housing. It's as specific for E46 as it gets. Lol

The thread you seek - I still couldn't find it. Funny thing is, when I mentioned it, it kept popping up while I was searching for something else. Now that I'm looking for it, it doesn't want to present itself...

Murphy's law I suppose.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[das boots]

That is a retrofit guide on retrofitting the X5 LED fogs into an E46 fog light housing. It's as specific for E46 as it gets. Lol

The thread you seek - I still couldn't find it. Funny thing is, when I mentioned it, it kept popping up while I was searching for something else. Now that I'm looking for it, it doesn't want to present itself...

Murphy's law I suppose.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk


Same here. I have also been searching. But could not come up with the one by Mango or any other.

[az3579]

It looks like the time has come to stop procrastinating.

The last time I replaced my cooling system components was on 02/20/2011 at 89,960 miles. Here is the entry from that session:

2011.02.20 -- 89,960 -- Radiator; expansion tank + cap; upper + lower radiator hoses, expansion tank hose; coolant temperature sensor; water pump (composite impeller); main drive pulley; deflection pulley; thermostat; AC + main drive belts

Today is 03/30/2016 and the car has exactly 242,150 miles. That is a difference of 152,190.

The signs are there that it's time. I get a coolant spray back from the expansion tank cap area, which sprays all over the intake, the intake boots, and makes it as far as the divider wall where the DME is. It's been like this for quite a while but my levels never get low and there aren't any leaks that I can see. I originally thought it was the G.A.S. cap venting coolant, but I didn't recall it doing that in prior years, so that tipped me off that something's wrong. Either way, it's got to get done before my track event in May, so even if there wasn't an issue, everything would be getting replaced anyway. Since my pullies started chirping recently and my belts are squealing ever so slightly, these components sure picked a great time to protest - and for once I can say that without sarcasm.

Here is a parts list of things I'd like to replace this go around. This is super comprehensive, and includes things that haven't yet been replaced, including pipes people overlook. I'm hoping I can pull this all off without major under-the-car work, because I'm quite allergic to being under without a lift. :)



Radiator
17119071518
$136.99
Behr/BEH-376716261
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-radiator-17119071518-17119071519


Lower radiator hose
11531436408
$44.99
Rein/CRP-CHK0002P
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-radiator-hose-kit-chk0002p


Upper radiator hose
17127510952
$32.99
Rein/CRP-CHR0001P
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-radiator-hose-upper-e46-17127510952


Bleeder screw
11537793373
$7.95
ECS/ES#2739096
https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Cooling/Bleeder_Screw/ES2739096/


Return hose
11531436410
$35.01
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-coolant-hose-expansion-tank-to-pipe-11531436410-1-2


Water pipe
11537502525
$68.63
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-coolant-pipe-e39-e46-z3-z4-11537502525


Hex bolt with washer (Qty 2)
07119904992
$1.59 ea
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-hex-bolt-with-washer-m8x20-u1-8-8-07119904992


O-ring (Qty 1)
11531435808
$2.13 ea
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-coolant-pipe-o-ring-n-a-11531435808oe


Heater inlet pipe
11531705210
$32.89
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-heater-hose-pipe-block-to-heater-inlet-11531705210


Hex nut with plate
07129904553
$1.00 ea
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-hex-nut-with-plate-genuine-bmw-07129904553


O-ring (Qty 1)
11531435808
$2.13 ea
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-coolant-pipe-o-ring-n-a-11531435808oe


Hex bolt with washer (Qty 1)
07119904992
$1.59 ea
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-hex-bolt-with-washer-m8x20-u1-8-8-07119904992


Fan switch (included with lower hose if using Rein hose)
13621433077
$37.54
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-auxiliary-fan-switch-13621433077


Expansion tank
17117573781
$95.99
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-expansion-tank-e46-17117573781


Expansion tank cap
17111742231
$17.29
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-expansion-tank-cap-17111742231


Expansion tank mounting plate
17111436250
$54.48
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-expansion-tank-retainer-e46-17111436250


Expansion tank mounting clamp
17111707777
$6.97
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-mounting-clamp-for-coolant-expansion-tank-17111707777


Coolant level sensor
17137553919
$16.19
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-coolant-level-sensor-17137553919


Thermostat assembly and gasket
11537509227
$54.58
Wahler/WAH-432697D
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-thermostat-assembly-oem-11537509227


Water pump
11517509985
$113.60
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-water-pump-genuine-bmw-11517527910oe


Water pump pulley
11511436590
$30.78
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-water-pump-pulley-plastic-11511436590oe


Water pump pulley bolts
07119904524 (Qty 4)
$0.99 ea
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-hex-head-bolt-10mm-hex-07119904524


Coolant drain crush washer at block
07119963200
$0.69 ea
Elring/ELR-242608
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/coper-washer-rcs-14-x18-elring-18671


Belt tensioner pulley
11281748131
$45.65
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-drive-belt-tensioner-roller-11281748131-2


Alternator deflector pulley (Drive belt idler pulley)
11287841228
$44.99
OE BMW
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-drive-belt-idler-pulley-11287841228


AC tensioner pulley






Alternator/accessory belt
11281706545
$14.99
Conti/CRP-6K1538
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-belt-alternator-water-pump-power-steering-continental-6pk1538


AC belt
11287512762
$6.99
Conti/CRP-4K863
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-a-c-compressor-belt-4pk863




Total cost: $868.68 + shipping (so stupid... FCP is 15 minutes from my house - DAMN ZONING REGULATIONS!)
Not including AC tensioner pulley and fan switch​.

Notes:
* The ECS Tuning brass bleeder screw may not happen. I'm not paying $7-8 for a part, only to have to pay another $7-8 to ship it. It costs less than a dollar to ship that part - I probably won't buy it purely out of principle. It's the only odd vendor out, so that makes the decision easy.
* The AC tensioner pulley is apparently difficult to get, hence why I don't have a part number, price, or link listed. I'll try to source this if I can, but it isn't a critical part and will not leave me stranded in the off chance that it fails, so it will probably end up in the "I don't care" bucket.

[ELCID86]

It does seem like you are due. And summer is coming (and track days...).


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous

[az3579]

It does seem like you are due. And summer is coming (and track days...).




And TWO sets of tires. FML. lol

[Vas]

Turner Motorsports has the brass bleeder screw.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2138-brass-radiator-bleeder-screw-see-application-list/

Dayco pulley number 89133 for mechanical a/c tensioner

http://www.amazon.com/Dayco-89133-Idler-Pulley/dp/B001C6ITTK

OR you can get it from ecstuning and get the metal pulleys kit with belts from them. Not sure why you are buying the plastic pulley for the water pump

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Pulleys/ES2731606/

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Pulleys/ES2863229/

[san]

Not going with GAS expansion tank cap?


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[Sockethead]

So you're replacing the pulley/tensioners or just the pulleys/bearings? Last time I replaced just the pulley/bearings but Kristen says she hears the belts slipping at high RPM shifts... I can't hear it...it's beyond the hearing range of this old guy with 1 deaf ear...

[cakM3]

Not going with GAS expansion tank cap?


BP has the GAS expansion tank cap

[san]

BP has the GAS expansion tank cap

His list of parts above has the BMW oem expansion tank cap, so I asked...[emoji4]

[az3579]

Mass parts order has just been placed, starting with a set of (4) Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 255/35-18 size all around. They were significantly more money than the S-04's I usually purchase, but so far it seems that from everything I've read, it'll be worth the $200 premium. We shall see, and am pretty excited to try 'em out. The Bridgestone S-04's tramline like crazy when worn, and worn they definitely are. From what I'm told, the PSS' don't do this, so hopefully that stands true for me as well.

I will be placing an order for (4) Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R tires as well as soon as Tire Rack gets their shit together. It shows availability as 4/20. I had planned on ordering them ahead of time and picking them up in the Windsor, CT warehouse, but the pickup option is greyed out when I go to check out, so I am going to call them tomorrow. Since I live in CT, I have to pay sales tax, and I don't want to pay shipping on top of that if I can help it, so I'll see if I can work it out with them. I'm going to be picking up the Pilot Super Sports as well, so I'm guessing they have that in stock at the Windsor warehouse and that they may have to ship the RE-71R's from another warehouse to Windsor when they do become available. We shall see.

Cooling system parts have also been ordered. Here is a full list.

FCP Euro

25368

ECS Tuning

25369


I have omitted some parts as I deemed them unnecessary at this time. They are:
* Coolant level sensor - mine works perfectly fine and this will never leave me stranded
* Expansion tank cap - I have two, a stock one and a G.A.S. cap - they can't both be bad... I'm not even convinced either of them is bad just yet
* AC tensioner pulley - I just don't care enough about it. I don't believe this would leave me stranded either, as the AC system is not crucial and is on its own belt and pulley

[Karl Lazlo]

Niiiiiiice! Glad to see that you came to your senses and put 255s up front!

[Vas]

What about the coolant temp sensor that sits in the lower radiator hose? Also when you get the pulley kit from ecstuning, check to make sure you have the correct belts. They had sent me the wrong a/c belt.

And in regards to the a/c pulley, they do get dry and make noise. Just get the pulley only and leave the tensioner.

[az3579]

Niiiiiiice! Glad to see that you came to your senses and put 255s up front!

I would have preferred the 245's since they're quite a bit cheaper, but I realized that my car scrapes on just about everything because the tire diameters are a noticeable amount smaller than the factory diameters when I'm running 245/35-18's. I wondered why I scrape now and didn't before I got the BBS'; this is probably why. This should raise the car a tiny amount, hopefully.


What about the coolant temp sensor that sits in the lower radiator hose?

It's included with the lower hose.



Also when you get the pulley kit from ecstuning, check to make sure you have the correct belts. They had sent me the wrong a/c belt.

Not a problem. If it doesn't fit, the old one will go back on, or I'll just leave it off 'till they fix the problem. Thanks for the heads up.

[az3579]

Ugh... another top-up to add. Getting really damn tired of this.

2016-04-12 -- 242,818 -- Oil top up, Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic - 1 quart

The last few entries to my log were all top-ups, all within a relatively short amount of time...

2016-02-20 -- 240,748 -- Oil top up, Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic - 1 quart

2016-03-15 -- 241,539 -- Oil top up, Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic - 1 quart

2016-04-12 -- 242,818 -- Oil top up, Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic - 1 quart



This Saturday looks like the day I do my cooling system again. It's quite a bit overdue. Time for another episode of Charrie's Garage... :thumbsup

[cakM3]

I will start getting the garage ready for the project.... will need some pans to allow coolant to drain... supposed to be breezy on Saturday but we can do this inside the garage to get out of the wind. I will have the garage cleared out so we will have plenty of room to work in :thumbsup

[az3579]

No cooling system job today. Something came up, but will do it one of these weekends.

I did, however, get a strange oddity on the way home tonight. My handbrake alert piezo constantly kept chiming, and the red BRAKE light kept flashing on and off sporadically as though my handbrake was up (it wasn't). I pulled it a few times while moving and released to see if it would fix itself. After much poking and prodding of the handbrake boot, I finally got it to stop. I'll have to take it apart tomorrow and see what's up in there...

[ELCID86]

That's odd. A sensor gone awry?

[az3579]

Updates:

2016-04-17 -- 243,070 -- Replaced radiator (OEM Behr), Upper and lower radiator hoses (OEM Rein), auxiliary fan switch (came with lower hose), expansion tank (OE BMW), expansion tank mount (OE BMW), expansion tank retainer clip (OE BMW), thermostat assembly (OEM Wahler), remanufactured composite impeller water pump (OE BMW), drive belt tensioner pulley (OE BMW), drive belt pulley (ECS Aluminum), drive belt (Contitech), block drain plug washer (Elring), coolant (OE BMW)

2016-04-30 -- 243,518 -- Installed Bilstein PSS10 coilovers - front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear shock/strut tower reinforcement plates (OE BMW)

2016-05-05 -- 243,852 -- Replaced summer tires with Michelin Pilot Super Sport (255/35-18 all around)

2016-05-07 -- 243,975 -- Replaced front left and right tie rod assemblies and boots (OE BMW). Transmission (Redline D4 ATF) and differential (Redline 75W-90 GL-5) fluid change.

2016-05-08 -- 244,007 -- Alignment

2016-05-15 -- 244,466 -- Swapped street brake pads with track pads

[ELCID86]

How are you liking the tires?

[az3579]

How are you liking the tires?

They're awesome, but I'm not seeing the extra $150-175 or so I paid for them over a set of S-04's...
I haven't really had a chance to push it yet though. Still waiting to have time to drive out to somewhere that I can let it loose.

[Karl Lazlo]

They're awesome,

Mich PSS also cure pink eye, and male pattern baldness.

[az3579]

Mich PSS also cure pink eye, and male pattern baldness.

Amongst other things...

[az3579]

Many new items added:

2016-04-17 -- 243,070 -- Replaced radiator (OEM Behr, P/N: 17119071518), upper radiator hose (OEM Rein, P/N: 17127510952), lower radiator hose with aux fan switch (P/N: 11531436408), expansion tank (OE BMW, P/N: 17117573781), expansion tank mount (OE BMW, P/N: 17111436250), expansion tank retainer clip (OE BMW, P/N: 17111707777), thermostat assembly (OEM Wahler, P/N: 11537509227), remanufactured water pump w/ composite impleller (OE BMW, P/N: 11517509985), drive belt tensioner pulley (OE BMW, P/N: 11281748131), drive belt pulley (ECS Tuning Aluminum, P/N: 2863229), drive belt (OEM Contitech, included with ECS pullies), aluminum bleed screw (ECS Tuning, P/N: 2739096), drain plug washer (Elring, P/N: 242.608), coolant replacement (OE BMW, P/N: 82141467704)

2016-04-30 -- 243,518 -- Installed Bilstein PSS10 (B16) coilovers (P/N: BIL-48126380) - front struts, rear shocks, springs; front strut (OE BMW, P/N: 51717036781) and rear shock (OE BMW, P/N: 51718413359) reinforcement plates

2016-05-05 -- 243,852 -- Replaced all four summer tires (Michelin Pilot Super Sport 255/35R-18 all around)

2016-05-07 -- 243,975 -- Replaced front left and right tie rod assemblies (OE BMW, P/N: 32106777503 [left], 32106777504 [right]) and boots (OEM Febi, P/N: 32131096910 (Qty 2); transmission (Redline D4 ATF, P/N: 30504) and differential (Redline 75W-90 GL-5, P/N: 57904) fluid changed

2016-05-08 -- 244,007 - Alignment (unknown specs - printout was unavailable)

2016-05-10 -- 244,105 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

2016-05-22 -- 245,466 -- Power steering poured out - loose hard line line to power steering pump. Re-inserted, tightened, and filled with new power steering fluid.

2016-05-25 -- 246,139 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30), 1 quart

2016-06-05 -- 246,729 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30), 1 quart

[anandoc]

2016-05-25 -- 246,139 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30), 1 quart

2016-06-05 -- 246,729 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30), 1 quart

Dude, 1 quart between 590 miles is insanity!!!

[BMWCurves]

A lot of great stuff. Let us know what you think of the tires and the suspension once you have it aligned and had some miles on it.

[az3579]

Dude, 1 quart between 590 miles is insanity!!!
I'm so sick of it, man... I'm actually relying on my oil level sensor now because it happens so frequently I gave up waiting a week to check levels like I used to...

A lot of great stuff. Let us know what you think of the tires and the suspension once you have it aligned and had some miles on it.
Nothing to report on the tires. Just look at the countless other reviews on it and you've got an idea of what they're like! :)

The suspension is phenomenal. I love being able to adjust the damping to my liking at any time. At my last track outing, I forgot to change the damping on my first session (from my street settings), and the car rolled and dove more than I cared for. I quickly changed the settings to full stiff and all was perfect. Love that adjustability.

They are also much more comfortable on the street than my previous suspension. What was previously jarring is now just a medium thud when hitting the various 'natural' speed bumps on the road here.

We'll see how the coilovers hold up with winter use...

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[san]

S54 swap time! :biggrin


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[az3579]

S54 swap time! :biggrin


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Easier said than done, man...

[san]

Easier said than done, man...

Not saying it's easy at all, but the thought must've crossed your mind...


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[az3579]

Not saying it's easy at all, but the thought must've crossed your mind...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes but I can't, because then I can't just do the engine - I'd need the tranny, maybe a driveshaft, rear end, and at that point I can't NOT do the fenders... it's way too much cost.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[az3579]

I had the car looked at this week to see if a shop can pinpoint why my engine is using so much oil. Unfortunately, other than a slightly leaky rear main seal, they don't see anything that would cause the excessive oil consumption that I'm getting. They say that there was a technical bulletin from BMW saying that up to 800 miles for a quart is "acceptable". I don't know what their definition is of the word "acceptable" but it sure as hell doesn't coincide with mine.

Either way, I'm using a quart in less than 800 miles, so even by their definition, my consumption isn't acceptable.

This is bad news - the fix for this will be a supremely expensive one. Don't know what to do about this...


They did try something. First, they added in BG EPR, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then changed the oil. Then they added BG MOA, which will stay in the new oil until the next oil change. The owner says that these products helped his oil consumption in his E46 330 as well (also high mileage), so we'll see if this does anything for me.

Finally, we applied BG 44K to treat the fuel system.



2016-06-11 -- 246,779 -- Engine "cleaning" (BG EPR [aka BG 109]); oil change (BMW TwinPower 5W-30) with filter (OE BMW); engine oil additive applied (BG MOA [aka BG 110]); fuel system treated (BG 44K - use every 30k)

[Vas]

Bg products are actually legit.

[az3579]

Bg products are actually legit.
I've heard - that is why I gave them the OK to use their products. I don't know why but I kind of feel the engine rev cleaner and pull easier. It's probably in my head - or just me getting reacquainted with it after it being at the shop for a few days. :)

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[Sockethead]

What's that stuff supposed to do? Free up stuck oil rings?

[az3579]

What's that stuff supposed to do? Free up stuck oil rings?
BG EPR, from their page:



BG EPR®*Engine Performance Restoration®*is a powerhouse of an engine cleaner! It effectively softens, emulsifies and dissolves even the most stubborn fuel gums that clog rings.

Engines are operating at higher temperatures than ever before. Combined with prolonged drain intervals and reduced engine cooling, automotive engine oil is under a lot of stress. Continuous thermal and oxidative breakdown contributes to oil thickening, heat retention and deposit formation. These heavy deposits can impede normal piston-ring function; thus reducing fuel economy, lowering power output, and increasing harmful exhaust emissions and oil consumption.

BG EPR®*softens and dissolves hard-to-remove deposits from piston rings in as little as 10 minutes! Properly sealed combustion chambers improve compression and reduce oil dilution through blow-by. BG EPR®*cleans micro passageways to maintain the critical hydraulic function of components such as valve train actuators and turbochargers. BG EPR®restores fuel economy and power and is harmless to seals and other engine components. Excellent for maintenance of Gasoline Direct Injection engines.


BG MOA:



BG MOA®*is the number one engine oil supplement! In a recent survey, dealership service managers chose BG MOA®*8 to 1 over the next aftermarket supplier.

Engines are running at higher temperatures than ever before. This, combined with the increasing regularity of stop-and-go driving, cause rapid depletion of critical oil additives. Without these protective additives, severe engine oil oxidation occurs. Oxidation reduces oil to heavy, black sludge in the crankcase, oil screens, oil passages, rocker arms and other critical areas of the engine.

BG MOA®*fortifies all qualities of engine oil, providing superior, long-lasting engine protection and maintain peak engine performance. It prevents engine oil oxidation and thickening*under even the most intense driving conditions. When installed by a professional, it keeps engine components clean to help extend engine life and reduce cost of operation.



BG 44K:



BG 44K®*is the number one fuel injector cleaner! In a recent survey, dealership service managers chose*BG 44K®*6 to 1 over the next aftermarket supplier.

BG 44K®*is the ultimate tank-treatment fuel system cleaner. It’s 11 ounces of high quality detergents and additives that you pour right into the gas tank to restore performance and gas mileage. It vanquishes deposits in combustion chambers, intake manifolds, ports and on valves and restores flow in fuel injectors. Basically, it cleans the entire fuel system!

Gasoline quality is inconsistent. And when gas at the pump is poor quality, it can cause deposit buildup, inefficient ignition and combustion and poor power output. To make matters worse, small, high output engines are extremely sensitive to deposits that build up on fuel injectors, intake ports, on intake valves and in combustion chambers. Even small amounts of deposits cause increased exhaust emissions, reduced fuel economy, drivability problems and engine knock.

BG 44K®*is formulated to safely and rapidly clean the entire fuel system, including fuel injectors, intake valves, ports, fuel filters and combustion chambers. Because it provides efficient removal of upper engine deposits, BG 44K®*reduces problems caused by deposit buildup such as engine surge, stalling, stumble, hesitation and power loss. BG 44K®*technology has been proven to increase combustion quality and power output. BG 44K®*will provide quick cleanup of coked fuel injectors and corrosive deposits on the Fuel Sending Unit. It is compatible with all fuel system materials, alcohol-blended fuels and common fuel additives.





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[danewilson77]

You don't think the BG EPR is appropriate?

S7 Edge, out

[az3579]

You don't think the BG EPR is appropriate?

S7 Edge, out
Who said that?

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

No. I guess I would have expected you to use the other product for oil loss, though I understand they can both help with that.

Settle down homey. I'm not poking you.

S7 Edge, out

[az3579]

No. I guess I would have expected you to use the other product for oil loss, though I understand they can both help with that.

Settle down homey. I'm not poking you.

S7 Edge, out
I still don't know what you're talking about lol :dunno

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[az3579]

Updates since last:

2016-06-26 -- xxx,xxx -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 0.7 quart - Forgot to record mileage - at a track event, didn't want to run low

2016-07-04 -- 248,929 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

2016-07-18 -- 249,772 -- Oil top up (Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

[anandoc]

Have you kept a track of how many 1 quart bottles of engine oil you have used up (apart from scheduled oil changes) during your ZHP ownership? :)

[TheFinanceGuy]

Have you kept a track of how many 1 quart bottles of engine oil you have used up (apart from scheduled oil changes) during your ZHP ownership? :)

This is sorta like looking back at all the money you've spent on the car. You track it, but don't ever go back and add it up.

[az3579]

Have you kept a track of how many 1 quart bottles of engine oil you have used up (apart from scheduled oil changes) during your ZHP ownership? :)


No - one should never have to do this. It's really unfortunate that I now have to...

[az3579]

2016-08-09 -- 251,018 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

2016-08-25 -- 251,909 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

[fw_fw]

2016-08-09 -- 251,018 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

2016-08-25 -- 251,909 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

uh oh......

[danewilson77]

Mmmm

S7 Edge, out

[az3579]

So my friend told me my car was smoking tonight...

I check and find a pool of oil sitting on my front pre-cat O2 sensor. I'm very annoyed by this - I just replaced my valve cover gasket not even a year ago, 15k or so miles.

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[WOLFN8TR]

That sucks BP. What brand of VCG did you use? Was it Elring by any chance?

[az3579]

That sucks BP. What brand of VCG did you use? Was it Elring by any chance?
Genuine BMW...

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[WOLFN8TR]

Hmmm that's odd. [emoji848]

[fw_fw]

Cracked valve cover??

[Johnmadd]

The rubber gaskets that secure the cover down can deteriorate.

[slater]

Cracked valve cover??

...or failed/plugged CCV, which can blow out the VCG.

i actually had a cracked valve cover due to a plugged CCV!

[das boots]

Cracked valve cover??

Warped Valve Cover due to heat.

[Dave1027]

Your log says you replaced the ccv two years ago. If I were you I'd replace the valve cover gasket again and inspect or replace the valve cover. Then make sure your oil dipstick tube is not clogged. Also, do the 02Pilot mod. That should help with the oil burning and also increase crankcase vacuum.

I bought a cheap oil filler cap and attached a vacuum gauge to it. I get 7 inches of crankcase vacuum at idle.

[johnrando]

Hope it's a quick n easy fix

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[GotZHP]

My valve cover gasket was done maybe 16,000 miles ago and it needs to be replaced. I don't think the guy/shop who replaced it were very competent and did poor work.

Just install the SULEV valve cover and you'll fix all the potential sources for problems! Aluminum valve cover with built in CCV for the win! Going to do this to my car eventually. (Pretty sure it works on a 330i and not just a 325i)

[holyc0w]

Just install the SULEV valve cover and you'll fix all the potential sources for problems! Aluminum valve cover with built in CCV for the win! Going to do this to my car eventually. (Pretty sure it works on a 330i and not just a 325i)

I read about that on e46 fanatics
http://e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1066308

[az3579]

The rubber gaskets that secure the cover down can deteriorate.

I've replaced every piece of rubber in there when doing the VCG.


...or failed/plugged CCV, which can blow out the VCG.

i actually had a cracked valve cover due to a plugged CCV!


Your log says you replaced the ccv two years ago. If I were you I'd replace the valve cover gasket again and inspect or replace the valve cover. Then make sure your oil dipstick tube is not clogged. Also, do the 02Pilot mod. That should help with the oil burning and also increase crankcase vacuum.


Just install the SULEV valve cover and you'll fix all the potential sources for problems! Aluminum valve cover with built in CCV for the win! Going to do this to my car eventually. (Pretty sure it works on a 330i and not just a 325i)

I am so fucking sick of this CCV. I'll be damned if I'm going to replace it again.
I need to start bugging Peter again to see if he would be willing to supervise a catch can install... oooooooh Peter! nudge nudge

I also do not think an integrated CCV is a good idea. That increases the cost to replace this cover significantly, not to mention future CCV problems being that much more of a pain to spend money on. I'm already not willing to shell out over $300 for the valve cover as it is...

M56 valve cover - it being metal, it probably isn't immune to warping, but at least it would help on the cracking front. I'm guessing at least its warping tolerance would also be higher.

I'm concerned about cost for two reasons:
1) I'm already debating whether I should replace the engine (want to supercharge, but way too many miles), buy another car, or just leave it and suppress all appetite for more power
2) I'd want to buy a new valve cover because I don't want someone else's problem - the difference in price between an M54 and M56 cover is a couple hundred dollars




At this point, there isn't even a guarantee that something is wrong with my valve cover. I don't even know how I'd test that if I can't find any cracks - I'm guessing take it out and lay it on the ground and check for wobbling?

[az3579]

On a separate note, I did have a compression test done a few weeks ago. Here are the results:

Cylinder 1 - Avg 177
Cylinder 2 - Avg 182
Cylinder 3 - Avg 180
Cylinder 4 - Avg 184
Cylinder 5 - Avg 183
Cylinder 6 - Avg 191

I'm quite happy with these numbers. With over 252k miles, I'm glad compression is still strong. Now if only it wasn't the automotive equivalent of an Irishman (drinking oil like it's its job)...

[anandoc]

...Now if only it wasn't the automotive equivalent of an Irishman (drinking oil like it's its job)...

I LOL'ed hard at this on a Monday morning :) Ayan and I were discussing wobbie's (oil) drinking issues over the weekend. Hope you are able to sort things out soon!

[slater]

I need to start bugging Peter again to see if he would be willing to supervise a catch can install... oooooooh Peter! nudge nudge

haha. sure, it's not a huge process - perhaps 2-3hrs. preparation is key. also, you should do a heated can, like mine - it just makes sense.



At this point, there isn't even a guarantee that something is wrong with my valve cover. I don't even know how I'd test that if I can't find any cracks - I'm guessing take it out and lay it on the ground and check for wobbling?

they typically crack in the webbed plug well areas. check there for oil residue - if you see any oil pooled, or oil wetness, you have cracking. it's minor, but should be addressed.



On a separate note, I did have a compression test done a few weeks ago. Here are the results:

Cylinder 1 - Avg 177
Cylinder 2 - Avg 182
Cylinder 3 - Avg 180
Cylinder 4 - Avg 184
Cylinder 5 - Avg 183
Cylinder 6 - Avg 191

I'm quite happy with these numbers. With over 252k miles, I'm glad compression is still strong. Now if only it wasn't the automotive equivalent of an Irishman (drinking oil like it's its job)...

those are decent numbers for 252K miles! you've got more than a 5% span between cyl 1 and 6 (weakest and strongest), but those are still decent.

[Karl Lazlo]

Now if only it wasn't the automotive equivalent of an Irishman (drinking oil like it's its job)...

Now, as the local Irishman clocking in at roughly 25% mic, I am about 1/4 offended at that comment. It made so upset I nearly spilled my breakfast beer.

[johnrando]

lol

[san]

I'm struggling to understand what could cause the oil consumption if the compression numbers are good...


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[danewilson77]

On a separate note, I did have a compression test done a few weeks ago. Here are the results:

Cylinder 1 - Avg 177
Cylinder 2 - Avg 182
Cylinder 3 - Avg 180
Cylinder 4 - Avg 184
Cylinder 5 - Avg 183
Cylinder 6 - Avg 191

I'm quite happy with these numbers. With over 252k miles, I'm glad compression is still strong. Now if only it wasn't the automotive equivalent of an Irishman (drinking oil like it's its job)...
What is the baseline compression? 200?

S7 Edge, out

[az3579]

What is the baseline compression? 200?

S7 Edge, out

Don't know. From what I've read, numbers in the 160-180 range seem normal. I've also seen some people post lower numbers (130's, 140's) - those are the folks that were trying to track down an issue.

[danewilson77]

Don't know. From what I've read, numbers in the 160-180 range seem normal. I've also seen some people post lower numbers (130's, 140's) - those are the folks that were trying to track down an issue.
OMG! You have high compression in cylinder 6! What will you do about that?

S7 Edge, out

[slater]

OMG! You have high compression in cylinder 6! What will you do about that?

S7 Edge, out

according to the bentley, if i remember correctly, the acceptable range is 159-188. giving a few PSI variance in compression testers, i would say BP is fine with that high one.

i did a compression test a few weeks ago on the M54B30 that is in my parts car, and got these results: 171-174-167-170-170-180 PSI (cylinders 1-6, respectively). so he's good, especially for 252K miles - that seems like a very healthy motor. mine listed above has about 112K miles on it.

notice my cyl 6 reading was the highest, too... oooooh.... ;)

[danewilson77]

Mmmm... Interesting. Thanks

S7 Edge, out

[Dave1027]

I'm struggling to understand what could cause the oil consumption if the compression numbers are good...

According to 02Pilot, it is caused by ring flutter on deceleration.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691347
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1629018-Oil-consumption-after-CCV-replacement

[san]

According to 02Pilot, it is caused by ring flutter on deceleration.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691347
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1629018-Oil-consumption-after-CCV-replacement

Damn... My oil consumption went up after I changed my ccv too...


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[az3579]

According to 02Pilot, it is caused by ring flutter on deceleration.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691347
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1629018-Oil-consumption-after-CCV-replacement
The solution posted here (http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1629018-Oil-consumption-after-CCV-replacement&p=23714558#post23714558) looks like the way I want to go. Thanks for the link!

It would be more ideal because it can utilize the factory system without having to spend time installing a catch can and subsequently having to empty it every so often.

Reading one of the comments blew my mind. The guy said he was using a quart every 1000km... That is an unbelievable amount, and is similar to what I was consuming. He said it completely resolved his consumption issue, and said 3 others reported the same results!

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[Johnmadd]

The solution posted here (http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1629018-Oil-consumption-after-CCV-replacement&p=23714558#post23714558) looks like the way I want to go. Thanks for the link!

It would be more ideal because it can utilize the factory system without having to spend time installing a catch can and subsequently having to empty it every so often.

Reading one of the comments blew my mind. The guy said he was using a quart every 1000km... That is an unbelievable amount, and is similar to what I was consuming. He said it completely resolved his consumption issue, and said 3 others reported the same results!

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Go for it man!

[Karl Lazlo]

Do it! I will buy you a burrito if it works and you show me.

[az3579]

Do it! I will buy you a burrito if it works and you show me.
Now I have to... I can't let a free burrito slip away.

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[Karl Lazlo]

See, that's the right attitude!

[slater]

The solution posted here (http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1629018-Oil-consumption-after-CCV-replacement&p=23714558#post23714558) looks like the way I want to go. Thanks for the link!

It would be more ideal because it can utilize the factory system without having to spend time installing a catch can and subsequently having to empty it every so often.

Reading one of the comments blew my mind. The guy said he was using a quart every 1000km... That is an unbelievable amount, and is similar to what I was consuming. He said it completely resolved his consumption issue, and said 3 others reported the same results!

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i would be curious to see your results. however... i can't help but think:

- this doesn't help to keep your CCV from freezing
- are you sure there's no buildup in your existing CCV plumbing that will get sucked back into the intake?
- do you really want the condensate draining back to your oil pan?

just my thoughts. i read that same thread a year ago. but the list above was enough to sway me. i hate 'unknowns'...

[az3579]

Answers in bold:


i would be curious to see your results. however... i can't help but think:

- this doesn't help to keep your CCV from freezing
--- No, but short trips are never good for the car anyway, so warming it up properly would prevent the condensate from being a problem. I tend to avoid short trips, and considering over 95% of my mileage is highway, it's not really an issue.

- are you sure there's no buildup in your existing CCV plumbing that will get sucked back into the intake?
--- While I was reluctant to replace the CCV system again knowing it would be a problem shortly after, I now don't have a problem replacing it one last time now knowing that there is a fix to the problem. So, this doesn't matter anymore. The fix involves installing a new CCV alongside the added vacuum hose to prevent this from being a problem.

- do you really want the condensate draining back to your oil pan?
--- I don't know. What I do know is that people much smarter than I have figured out a system that seems to be working with what appears to be no ill side effects, years later. I don't have reason to believe that there is an issue with this configuration. Since I was ready to give up on this car as it was, this working would definitely breathe new life into my interest in my car, so it's worth a shot, isn't it?

just my thoughts. i read that same thread a year ago. but the list above was enough to sway me. i hate 'unknowns'...

It's either this, or a catch can. I can barely remember to check my oil every few days as it is, so if I don't have to remember to check/empty a catch can, that's a super big win! If this doesn't work out, that's fine - the catch can is always there as an option.

Am I correct in thinking that the catch can and this solution have exactly the same positive effects, or do they differ in any way?

[slater]

Answers in bold:

i agree with your points - OEM is generally a preferred way to go! it fits. no guesswork. the fact that you don't do short trips helps a TON with this issue. i sometimes do 10-15min trips in my car - which is not long enough in the winter to warm things up enough.

re: the condensate - well, that was probably something the engineers didn't anticipate. i definitely don't want that going back into my oil pan.



It's either this, or a catch can. I can barely remember to check my oil every few days as it is, so if I don't have to remember to check/empty a catch can, that's a super big win! If this doesn't work out, that's fine - the catch can is always there as an option.

Am I correct in thinking that the catch can and this solution have exactly the same positive effects, or do they differ in any way?

well, the catch can has the added benefit of introducing more vacuum to the crankcase - which in theory helps the rings seal better. i definitely noticed a difference in how 'alive' my car felt after moving to this setup.

i check the can about once a month in the winter, maybe once every three months the rest of the year. not a huge hassle by any means. :)

and yes, you're right - catch can is always an option.

[Dave1027]

The solution posted here (http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1629018-Oil-consumption-after-CCV-replacement&p=23714558#post23714558) looks like the way I want to go. Thanks for the link!

It would be more ideal because it can utilize the factory system without having to spend time installing a catch can and subsequently having to empty it every so often.

Yep. That's the beauty of it. Only have to add one vacuum hose and don't have to empty a can. It gives similar results as a catch can but doesn't go as far. It has less vacuum.

[Sockethead]

Looks like the holy grail for the stock CCV

[slater]

Yep. That's the beauty of it. Only have to add one vacuum hose and don't have to empty a can. It gives similar results as a catch can but doesn't go as far. It has less vacuum.

yeah, but looking more at where that vacuum line attaches, i can't help but see how this could potentially also suck condensate back into the intake manifold - especially if it freezes. you don't want that. :)

here's a great post i had found explaining the operation of the CCV:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6089627&postcount=23

[Sockethead]

I have my intake manifold sitting in the garage with the CCV still attached. If you guys want pics of where the vacuum line goes, let me know...

[san]

I have my intake manifold sitting in the garage with the CCV still attached. If you guys want pics of where the vacuum line goes, let me know...

Yes please Rob!


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[anandoc]

I have my intake manifold sitting in the garage with the CCV still attached. If you guys want pics of where the vacuum line goes, let me know...

Lots of pictures of the Intake manifold removed here:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901967

Many other pictures of the M54 engine (removed) and related components here:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14015375#post14015375

[slater]

Yes please Rob!


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prepare for some blood, it's in a knuckle-busting position. ;)

[ELCID86]

prepare for some blood, it's in a knuckle-busting position. ;)

Check YourMechanic.com. I paid them to do my starter (new Bosch) and he removed the manifold and replaced the gasket. $500 all in. Money well spent...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/58c764f1c8a739485f38ee5d8b709d1b.jpg

[cakM3]

Much needed detailing started last night in my garage...

27291

and continued on today...

27292

Wobz is looking really good! ����

[ELCID86]

And so is our friend Botond;-)


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous

[johnrando]

:)

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[az3579]

The time has come to start collecting parts for what is hopefully the solution to my oil consumption issue.
I am going to implement the O2Pilot mod, outlined in this thread:
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1629018-Oil-consumption-after-CCV-replacement&p=23714558#post23714558

I have purchased a new CCV system in preparation for implementing this fix, and will buy the required vacuum hose on the day I attempt this.
I really hope this is it... if I can get down to maybe 2 quarts per oil change at a maximum, then I'll be one happy camper! The winter season is coming very quickly - ain't nobody got time to be out in the bitter cold filling it up every week. :)

[san]

Here's the video for the O2pilot mod -
https://youtu.be/Fo2rLSzNzt0

I plan to do this very soon too...


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[WOLFN8TR]

Good luck BP, hope it works out.

[az3579]

Here's the video for the O2pilot mod -
https://youtu.be/Fo2rLSzNzt0

I plan to do this very soon too...


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Good luck BP, hope it works out.



Thanks Guys.

[TheFinanceGuy]

Good luck BP! I hope this solves the ZHP's drinking problem.



Hurry up with that new head-unit plan, would ya?! :D

[az3579]

Hurry up with that new head-unit plan, would ya?! :D

I would've had it by now if I had the choice... lol :facepalm
I hope they honor "before the end of the year", though another part of me hopes it doesn't happen that soon. $700+ ain't pocket change!

They sure are taking forever...

[TheFinanceGuy]

Taking forever is an understatement.

[az3579]

O2pilot mod successfully applied tonight. I had the whole CCV system replaced and also implemented the one-way check valve.

Now we shall see how long I have to go before topping up. It's a quart low now, so I'll fill it up and let the 'count-up' begin.

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[Sockethead]

:fingerscrossed

[Johnmadd]

Highly anticipated to see the results!

[az3579]

I don't know if it's in my head, but it feels like the car pulls a little harder, and is a bit louder as well (in a good way). It's as though it's got more intake noise.

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[san]

BP did you use the 3/32" and 1/4" vacuum tubes as mentioned in the video?


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[az3579]

BP did you use the 3/32" and 1/4" vacuum tubes as mentioned in the video?


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Nope. Just a 5/32" vacuum hose that directly connects the CCV to the back of the manifold. I went to go buy the sizes recommended but my friend said that is the incorrect size. He worked as a tech at BMW for a long time, so I figured I'd take his word on that. Sure enough, 5/32" seems to have done the trick. He did the install, so I personally didn't see how it fit over the nipples, but he didn't mention anything about it not fitting right and I don't have any vacuum leaks, so I can only assume that it's correct.

[Johnmadd]

Zip tie if too big. :shifty

[az3579]

Zip tie if too big. :shifty

No need...



Update to the log:

2016-08-27 -- 252,016 -- Replaced exhaust gaskets (OE BMW, P/N: 18107502346, Qty 2); replaced studs with stainless steel nuts and bolts (from Lowes)

2016-09-09 -- 252,593 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

2016-09-28 -- 253,548 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

2016-10-02 -- 254,813 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

2016-10-05 -- 255,899 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

2016-10-22 -- 256,583 -- Oil top up (Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic), 1 quart

2016-11-06 -- 257,594 -- Replaced CCV system (cold climate version, OE BMW - P/N: 11617534237), breather hoses (Rein - P/N's: 11157532629, 11617504536), throttle body gasket (Victor Reinz - P/N: 13547504729); installed one-way check valve (Farmunion 12mm 1/2" aluminum valve)

[Vas]

And no pictures. What gives. Put that pixel to use.

[az3579]

And no pictures. What gives. Put that pixel to use.

Silly boy, you know there's a 2-3 week wait for the phone after ordering, right? :biggrin

I ordered mine about a week ago and the estimated delivery date, with expedited shipping, it showed November 18-21 as the expected delivery date. lol

Regular shipping would have been smack dab in the middle of Thanksgiving, and we know that wouldn't have happened until the Monday after.



Besides, I'm not really one to take pictures of maintenance crap - it's boring stuff. :)

[san]

Nope. Just a 5/32" vacuum hose that directly connects the CCV to the back of the manifold. I went to go buy the sizes recommended but my friend said that is the incorrect size. He worked as a tech at BMW for a long time, so I figured I'd take his word on that. Sure enough, 5/32" seems to have done the trick. He did the install, so I personally didn't see how it fit over the nipples, but he didn't mention anything about it not fitting right and I don't have any vacuum leaks, so I can only assume that it's correct.

Thanks BP! I too bought 5/32" and tried it on the oil separator from my old ccv and it seems to fit nicely. Wasn't able to get it done yesterday as planned but will get to it before thanksgiving...


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[az3579]

Thanks BP! I too bought 5/32" and tried it on the oil separator from my old ccv and it seems to fit nicely. Wasn't able to get it done yesterday as planned but will get to it before thanksgiving...


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Glad it fits!

[johnrando]

Very cool

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[san]

Any update on the oil consumption?


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[az3579]

Any update on the oil consumption?


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Not really. We did the mod on 11/06 and I put a quart in it that day. I just filled it up again yesterday, but I have a feeling I was lower than a quart (I never checked the dipstick after putting a quart after the mod). Now that I know it's full, I can start properly tracking it.

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[slater]

Not really. We did the mod on 11/06 and I put a quart in it that day. I just filled it up again yesterday, but I have a feeling I was lower than a quart (I never checked the dipstick after putting a quart after the mod). Now that I know it's full, I can start properly tracking it.

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cool.

does the car feel any different with the increased vacuum? my car did.

[az3579]

cool.

does the car feel any different with the increased vacuum? my car did.
Yes - that is actually the first thing I noticed without actually looking for it. I quite like it - feels like it's got bigger cojones. :)

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