Electronics! Need Advice ASAP!

[Avetiso]

Ok, so as you all know, just sold my car. And I like fixing salvage title cars.

That in mind, please stay on the topic of the issue at hand (i.e., please no "You shouldn't buy salvage cars." I've been beyond that point of sanity for a long time. :rofl).

Okay, so there is a car in Ohio, and it auctions in 5 days, so I need as much info as I can get as fast as I can get it (prices, work, potential issues, whatnot). The whole 9 yards.

The car is a 2003 330i ZHP, Orient Blue (I assume), Dove interior, 6MT. 70k miles.

The car suffered an interior burn somewhere around the dash area, and does NOT START.

Link to the car: http://www.copart.com/c2/homeSearch.html?_eventId=getLot&execution=e1s3&lotId=16669163&returnPage=SEARCH_RESULTS

If link doesn't work, go to copart.com and search for "16669163".

A few general questions I have:

1) Why does the car not start? Is it simply because ignition wiring may be burned? Or something else?

2) The cluster still powers on to show the mileage, and there is no tamper dot. Is the cluster still good?

3) What the hell is that white stuff? (please, resist the urge to joke here)

4) It does not look like anything in the engine bay was damaged, but I'm sure I have a shit load of wiring to do.

5) A general question: What kind of parts am I looking at replacing, how readily can I find them, and what do they cost?

Any other info is greatly appreciated, as well. Time is of the essence here, so I need help FAST.

Thanks.

[Johnmadd]

#3 fire extinguisher dust

[Johnmadd]

Looks like the lighting control has melted, maybe its something with that.

[Avetiso]

Looks like the lighting control has melted, maybe its something with that.
That's kinda what I was thinking, but if I'd expect the LCM to be a little more damaged if that is indeed where it started...

Was talking to my dad right now. He's weary of the car because technically, a fuse should have blown, but didn't. Makes me wonder. I'll be pulling a CarFax on it soon, hopefully.

[trancenation]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901890

See this thread. Might be of some help.

[ryankokesh]

God only knows what happened back there. I can't even imagine what would cause fire to come out of the vent.

And once you fix the whole not starting thing, you'll have to make sure fire doesn't come out of random places again.


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[ryankokesh]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901890

See this thread. Might be of some help.

So LCM's just spontaneously combust? Brb, gotta stick a fire extinguisher in my car.


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[Avetiso]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901890

See this thread. Might be of some help.
Thanks, Jay. That might be exactly what happened. This may be a chance for me to retrofit auto headlights with a newer LCM... two birds with one stone, but that is the least of my issues.

[Avetiso]

God only knows what happened back there. I can't even imagine what would cause fire to come out of the vent.

And once you fix the whole not starting thing, you'll have to make sure fire doesn't come out of random places again.


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I assume that it doesn't start because of the fire. The fire was probably caused by a faulty LCM. Once I replace the wiring and LCM, I would HOPE that takes care of both issues. I would, of course, try to upgrade my LCM at the same time.

[Avetiso]

Also, I'm thinking I may buy this car, then buy another E46 that is wrecked for parts. I'd try to get something newer to steal some updated parts, and hopefully an interior, because I don't like Dove all that much.

[Avetiso]

Stu? Tony? Meric?

[rguti153]

Buy my car

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[Avetiso]

Buy my car

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Looking to fix, not to buy something ready.

[Johnmadd]

I would have to pull the dash to see what's up, at least pull the cluster and shine some light in there. I do like the idea of you buying another and making 2 into 1... and parting the rest out here on the cheap. Keep me informed as for the right price I may add a little money if needed.

[Avetiso]

I would have to pull the dash to see what's up, at least pull the cluster and shine some light in there. I do like the idea of you buying another and making 2 into 1... and parting the rest out here on the cheap. Keep me informed as for the right price I may add a little money if needed.
Spoke with Chuck on the phone for nearly an hour today, and he gave me some fantastic info. But, he also thinks that buying another ZHP for parts would be the best route to avoid any surprises in terms of wiring.

Will be pulling dash, for sure.

What do you mean by adding cash? Do you mean adding cash to buy another wrecked ZHP? I'm a little confused by that.

[Johnmadd]

Stu? Tony? Meric?

I thought this post was asking for partners in owning the parts zhp. ^

[Avetiso]

I thought this post was asking for partners in owning the parts zhp. ^
Oh, no. I was asking for these guys because they know a lot about E46 electrical, so I wanted their opinions. The car listed in the advertisement is for me to buy, fix, and keep.

[Johnmadd]

Its cool bro, I like to see you fix cars! If I had available e46 cars to rebuild I would be all over it too.

Fyi- I need the button out of the cluster that controls the clock and everything if anyone can help me out.

[Johnmadd]

As for knowledge... wires require fuseible links and resistors but can be identified and replaced. More than likely its only a few wires to replace... I hope.

[Avetiso]

Its cool bro, I like to see you fix cars! If I had available e46 cars to rebuild I would be all over it too.

Fyi- I need the button out of the cluster that controls the clock and everything if anyone can help me out.


As for knowledge... wires require fuseible links and resistors but can be identified and replaced. More than likely its only a few wires to replace... I hope.
I hope so, too, but I'm trying to get as much info as I possibly can because...well, I'm not gonna drop over $4,000 before I even see the car on hope. :rofl

But, if I do end up buying a parts car, I'll let you know to see if there is anything you want off it.

[Vas]

I thought you wanted a coupe ?

Btw I wasn't a fan of dove gray either but after cleaning one, it's really nice actually.

Btw if you need any electrical help, let me know. At one point I was ASE certified.

[Avetiso]

I thought you wanted a coupe ?

Btw I wasn't a fan of dove gray either but after cleaning one, it's really nice actually.

Btw if you need any electrical help, let me know. At one point I was ASE certified.
I'll keep that in mind, Vasya, thanks for the offer.

I'm torn on the Dove Gray. I'm not a fan of the color, but I hear it's the softest of all the colors (not sure if this has any evidence behind it. Regardless, I'll probably try to switch colors either way).

I do want a coupe, but that's not a must. ZHPs are hard enough to find at auction, and options are limited. When you see something good, you go for it. I'd probably die of old age looking for a white coupe with alcantara on Copart or IAAI, but that is the combination I would ultimately want.

[Vas]

Well good luck on the search. But I'll keep an eye out since I browse the auctions as well at times.

Maybe even find an imola. :-)

[Avetiso]

Thanks. Btw, what do you think about this car and the damage?

If you are browsing the auctions, too, let me know if you find a ZHP for parts with either an alcantara/natural brown interior. I'd really appreciate it.

[Vas]

Honestly I rather do electrical work then body or frame.

Only issue is you don't know how far the wiring is damaged or how many modules are toast.

It might not start because the imobilizer is toasted. Just saying you won't know until you start taking things apart and looking. But if you are handy with electrical tools you can pin the wiring and find out what's wrong. Kinda tedious for some but I enjoy it.

[Vas]

Edit:

Depending on the price plus fees and transport, it might be a good deal.

Ideally another parts car to just swap things over will make things soo much more simple. Or if this one is cheap you can use it for parts lol.

[Avetiso]

I want this one to be my driver (the Orient Blue). Love the color. I see another one in FL that's perfect for parts, but I'd have to eat over 2k in shipping on both cars. I'd make money back on parts, but I don't think I'd have enough to eat all the cost up front.

http://www.copart.com/c2/individualLot.html?lotId=20583713&searchType=onSaleNow

[Vas]

Iaai has another imola and 6spd.

[fredo]

http://www.copart.com/c2/individualLot.html?lotId=20583713&searchType=onSaleNow

Looks like the PO owner took good care of this IR ZHP. It appears to have Michelin tires and the engine bay is clean. Both are good points in my book.

More info: It has NAV, as well.

[Avetiso]

Looks like the PO owner took good care of this IR ZHP. It appears to have Michelin tires and the engine bay is clean. Both are good points in my book.

More info: It has NAV, as well.

Yes, I noticed that, too. Interior looks very clean. It's just so far from Sacramento.

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[ELCID86]

Wow, what a shame. I'd love to have that interior.

[Avetiso]

Wow, what a shame. I'd love to have that interior.

If I can win it for cheap enough, I would bring it back to Sacramento for parts. I'd put the two cars together, swap interiors, and part out the imola. There's a slim chance that I could own both cars.

Family would get priority for parts.

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[Vas]

Man you make me want to get back into the auction life. But Virginia and salvage titles are a pain. Soo much worse then California.

[Avetiso]

Man you make me want to get back into the auction life. But Virginia and salvage titles are a pain. Soo much worse then California.
What's so bad about doing it in VA? I understand salvage is a pain a lot of the times, but is there anything specific there about it?

[Vas]

Salvage inspection and how long it takes. A couple friends of mine had a complete car sit around for months before an inspector would come to look at it. And then it has to be converted from salvage to a rebuilt. Just a pain plus the cost of it makes it just a better option to buy a clean title car

[Avetiso]

Salvage inspection and how long it takes. A couple friends of mine had a complete car sit around for months before an inspector would come to look at it. And then it has to be converted from salvage to a rebuilt. Just a pain plus the cost of it makes it just a better option to buy a clean title car
Ohhh, okay. That sucks. You could still play for parts cars, though. Plenty of wrecked ZHPs sitting around there.

[Vas]

Dario, Maybe one day I will get a vert for the wife.

But check these out

https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/VehicleDetails.aspx?auctionID=14058160&itemID=14913316&RowNumber=1

and a cali car in the east bay
https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/VehicleDetails.aspx?auctionID=14046433&itemID=14817617&RowNumber=0

[Hornung418]

You would need to pull the dash and check the connections to the LCM. It's possible that you can save the body harness, but you will need new ancillaries.

Easy swap IMO if you have a second car that has engine or body issues.

[Avetiso]

You would need to pull the dash and check the connections to the LCM. It's possible that you can save the body harness, but you will need new ancillaries.

Easy swap IMO if you have a second car that has engine or body issues.
That's what I like to hear. Thanks for the info, Justin.

[Avetiso]

Dario, Maybe one day I will get a vert for the wife.

But check these out

https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/VehicleDetails.aspx?auctionID=14058160&itemID=14913316&RowNumber=1

and a cali car in the east bay
https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/VehicleDetails.aspx?auctionID=14046433&itemID=14817617&RowNumber=0
Grey one is already sold, and it's not a ZHP, so I'm not sure if everything swaps clean.

Problem with a lot of these cars, like the Imola listed here, as well, is that they are fixable. :( Meaning that they will go for a price that reflects someone's interest in restoring the car. The only one I've seen as a good 'parts-only' car is that other Imola on Copart. But it's far away, and already has like a $1,500 bid on it.

[330i ZHP]

electrical issues are scary territory.

not only would you need to replace the harness and directly effected components, but costs could rise when you find other modules needing to be replaced due to spikes during the event

Further - you would need to isolate WHAT caused the problem in the first place

SO, it would likely be the best financially to not only buy the damaged car in question, but a wrecked car that has everything electrical in good shape. The good news - the donor car would likely need to be a zhp. even though you aren't directly dealing with the engine harness for an MS45.1 DME - you will need to have the appropriate harness that connects the DME to the LCM and to the KOMBI (instru cluster)

my wagon is 2004 (325, auto, MS43) and the ZHP was (330, 6spd and MS45.1)...the harnesses (engine and dash) were different

If it were me - try to find a car with mechanical issues - not elec....what you are thinking is doable, but there is a lot of room for error and increased costs and hassles

[Avetiso]

electrical issues are scary territory.

not only would you need to replace the harness and directly effected components, but costs could rise when you find other modules needing to be replaced due to spikes during the event

Further - you would need to isolate WHAT caused the problem in the first place

SO, it would likely be the best financially to not only buy the damaged car in question, but a wrecked car that has everything electrical in good shape. The good news - the donor car would likely need to be a zhp. even though you aren't directly dealing with the engine harness for an MS45.1 DME - you will need to have the appropriate harness that connects the DME to the LCM and to the KOMBI (instru cluster)

my wagon is 2004 (325, auto, MS43) and the ZHP was (330, 6spd and MS45.1)...the harnesses (engine and dash) were different

If it were me - try to find a car with mechanical issues - not elec....what you are thinking is doable, but there is a lot of room for error and increased costs and hassles
Stu, I appreciate the info. The damage looks very similar to a bad LCM setting on fire.

Do you think that parts of like the car like the DME can be damaged from this? What other modules can be damaged from such a fire?

[330i ZHP]

I wouldn't even know how to GUESS what COULD be damaged

I bow out as an "expert"

lol

[Avetiso]

I wouldn't even know how to GUESS what COULD be damaged

I bow out as an "expert"

lol
Heh, I know what you mean. Can't find much info on the net about all of this. Gonna have to pioneer myself for the most part.

[Hermes]

if you need a parts car my buddy has a 00 323i with an overheated motor that he will sell cheap, just bring a trailer down to SD

[Avetiso]

if you need a parts car my buddy has a 00 323i with an overheated motor that he will sell cheap, just bring a trailer down to SD
Thanks for the offer, but I'm looking to get a ZHP as a parts car to make sure there are no differences in wiring. Plus, I'd have more use of a ZHP for parts.

[Hornung418]

Any e46 built after 09/03 will have the necessary wiring. MS45.1.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[Avetiso]

Any e46 built after 09/03 will have the necessary wiring. MS45.1.

From a GS3, this was sent.
Wow, I'm glad to hear this. I wasn't sure if there was something different between ZHP and regular 330's. This expands my options for parts cars by a great deal. Thanks!

[Hornung418]

Sorry. Forgot to include that the only exception is 325xi. That retained MS43 through the production run.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[Avetiso]

Damn! The car was pulled from auction less than 18 hours before it was set to be sold. So frustrating. Gonna be giving them a call tomorrow to see why that happened.

EDIT: It's back! MAN that scared the crap out of me.

[Hornung418]

You should bid on it.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[Avetiso]

You should bid on it.

From a GS3, this was sent.

Auction in less than 12 hours.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.

[Avetiso]

I won the car for $3,250. It's a little bit higher than what I wanted to pay for it, but I when I pulled the CarFax and saw the maintenance history, I knew I wanted it.

[fredo]

Congrats ! That's sounds very good, about the maintenance. Do you have the auction link to the car ?

[Pip]

Congrats. I gotta check this thing out when you get it in. Stoked to see your progress on this car. I'm scared of electrical gremlins so it'll be interesting to learn a bit more.

[Avetiso]

http://www.copart.com/c2/individualLot.html?lotId=16669163&searchType=onSaleNow

There's the link, it will die very soon, though, as the car is sold.

Sean, I come back from SD on the 13th, feel free to stop by and check it out when you can.

EDIT: ORIENT BLUE FTW

[fredo]

Oh yes, the OB ZHP. Since you were talking about buying 2 cars, I was not sure this auction was for the OB one.

What items on the maintenance history got your attention ?

[Avetiso]

Oh yes, the OB ZHP. Since you were talking about buying 2 cars, I was not sure this auction was for the OB one.

What items on the maintenance history got your attention ?
New battery at 59k miles.

63k miles: VCGs replaced, windows switch replaced, FCABs replaced, Serpentine belt replaced, T-stat replaced. Car has been dealer service all it's life, and I will be the second owner.

[Johnmadd]

Good stuff man.

[trancenation]

Congrats on the pick up!

[Hornung418]

Nice purchase. Can't wait to see it on the road!

From a GS3, this was sent.

[Avetiso]

Thanks, guys. I can't wait to get it.

Sent from a junkyard via GS4.