Sean's E46 M3 Maintenance and Project Thread

[Pip]

Bought a stock section 1 for $20. Going to make a OEM rasp pipe and straight pipe to see which I like and then go from there. I hope the rasp pipe paired with some other goodness will make me happy for somewhat cheap.

[UdubBadger]

Yep good call


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

14027

Washed. Made me notice my front end has seen plenty of highway miles. I need to source some headlight trim (trim under the headlight lenses) because mine has some serious rash.

[cakM3]

Sean, the ///M is looking really good!!! :thumbsup

[UdubBadger]

Hideous Sean, absolutely hideous. ;)


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

Hideous Sean, absolutely hideous. ;)


Goin' HAM mobile

Yea I need to clean the garage lol. I'm excited to hear your setup, so stop talking trash and go bust out the camcorder.

[UdubBadger]

Hahah just getting finished up, hopefully installed by Friday


Goin' HAM mobile

[johnrando]

Sean, the ///M is looking really good!!! :thumbsup
+1

[derbo]

:drool sean. :drool

[Lanister]

14027

Washed. Made me notice my front end has seen plenty of highway miles. I need to source some headlight trim (trim under the headlight lenses) because mine has some serious rash.

:drool

[UdubBadger]

What's new Sean?


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

What's new Sean?


Goin' HAM mobile

Well not much. Met up with Dario and Dimitri the other day. Been working and trying to go through therapy for my mod addiction. Really wanting just a slight more volume from the exhaust so I've been looking at dinan, eisenmann sport mufflers as I wait on you :)

Realistically if I can find an non-res x-pipe local I'll probably give it a shot to see if I get a slight volume increase (theoretically it should). Other than that I'm enjoying the straight pipe section 1 which brought the rasp. Without an mid pipe/muffler setup the rasp pipe would have made the M docile.

I almost caved on the SGT header group buy because it is ridiculously cheap, but I remembered my therapy sessions lol.

Mods are on hold for now as I plan a wedding, finish off the remaining school loans, and just kick ass. Bonus season was fun (CSL diffuser, trunk lid, and vanos), but now I'm back to being a responsible adult...for now.

[cakM3]

.....but your ///M is looking so good right now ;) You've done a lot to your ///M since purchasing it...I'm sure there will be lots more in store for her...:thumbsup

[Avetiso]

Therapy, huh? Your "financial manager" must be taking things seriously.

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[Pip]

.....but your ///M is looking so good right now ;) You've done a lot to your ///M since purchasing it...I'm sure there will be lots more in store for her...:thumbsup

Thanks!! You had a lot to do with it :)

There will definitely be more to come and I've been enjoying most of my time with her.

I realize I cannot do everything at once. I've been debating making exhaust tips for now, but not sure I want to waste the time and effort doing it when an exhaust would be simpler.

[Pip]

Therapy, huh? Your "financial manager" must be taking things seriously.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

Haha...yea well I still get shit for the trunk lid. Luckily she understands mods and my love of cars. She is the one who turned me onto the zhp in the first place. I just took it to a new level.

[UdubBadger]

Lol.

Should be on this weekend.
Sorry for the hold up. :p


Goin' HAM mobile

[cakM3]

Sean, I find it amusing that you're still taking shit for the bootlid....you can say it was arranged by the ZHP Mafia carbon fiber fairies ;)

Besides....your ///M looks so much better now :thumbsup


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[Pip]

I agree :)

I have some more pics to post of my weekend drive on Hwy49, but I don't have internet because Comcast decided to not work with my router anymore. I'll try and post later today if I get a new router.

[Pip]

I'll leave these pics here. I went to my parent's house yesterday for my nephew's birthday so I took the long way home near Sonora via Hwy49. It had some good roads and great scenery. The scenery is dead grass because it is summer lol.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/14136055567_2107af64c9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nx9YPZ)cow (https://flic.kr/p/nx9YPZ) by seanpippin1 (https://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14322590205_dc20a03127_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nPD25r)lip (https://flic.kr/p/nPD25r) by seanpippin1 (https://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14319253501_f321f0ba83_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nPkVc4)b&w (https://flic.kr/p/nPkVc4) by seanpippin1 (https://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr

One of my favorites for the vintage look

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/14136057537_db909319c0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nx9ZpX)Vista (https://flic.kr/p/nx9ZpX) by seanpippin1 (https://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14136058107_9347011948_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nx9ZzM)town (https://flic.kr/p/nx9ZzM) by seanpippin1 (https://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5035/14135938799_d7764f92e7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nx9o7K)old49 (https://flic.kr/p/nx9o7K) by seanpippin1 (https://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5120/14135935328_10735399bf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nx9n5U)M3AN (https://flic.kr/p/nx9n5U) by seanpippin1 (https://www.flickr.com/people/71101842@N08/), on Flickr

[cakM3]

Very nice Sean!


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[Avetiso]

The picture next to the blacksmith is my favorite, but you made the right choice for the sig. Gorgeous.

[Avetiso]

Your car is now my desktop.

[Pip]

Very nice Sean!


Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk


The picture next to the blacksmith is my favorite, but you made the right choice for the sig. Gorgeous.


Thanks guys.

[Pip]

This is a really short vid of the rasp king. I'll take a better vid later, but thought I'd show what stock headers and a straight piped section 1 can produce.

I actually enjoy the rasp.

The setup:
US OEM Headers
Straight Pipe Section 1
OEM Section 2
OEM Muffler (Chamber 1&2 Straight Pipe, OEM Chamber 3-5)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsKQsgQOqpY&feature=youtu.be

[Avetiso]

Video doesn't do it justice. :p I love the rasp.

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[UdubBadger]

Wait you straight piped 1/2 and left 3/4 alone????


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[UdubBadger]

Great pix btw


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[ryankokesh]

Great pix btw


Goin' HAM mobile

Agreed!


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[Pip]

Agreed!


Sent from my iPad using the interwebz.


Great pix btw


Goin' HAM mobile


Thanks.

[Pip]

Wait you straight piped 1/2 and left 3/4 alone????


Goin' HAM mobile

Yea I was playing around and looking for something quieter but still a little more something.

Straight section 1 brought more rasp and sounds pretty good when revving, but under load sorta only brought rasp when in higher RPMs, so it felt wrong.

The muffler mod brought out the mean rasp and throughout the rpm band when giving it more than parking lot throttle. It sounds mean when driving spirited, but in a unique way. I'm sure most people will think it is broken or ears will bleed if I open it up next to them, but that's because it's unique. I'll see if I get tired of it and add the rasp pipe to section 1.

Overall volume is up to match the engine noise so it is pretty balanced when driving which is what I was after. Maybe a slight increase in drone, but I consider myself sensitive and it is not boomy and does not add any drone at all for highway. There is a slightly deeper tone to the exhaust idle, but at start up and idle it sounds OEM.

I might see if I can get chamber 4 straight piped on this one or I might do what you've done with my other OEM exhaust. This one cost $182 with tips so it didn't break the bank. Not sure how much the other would cost.

[TigerTater]

Sounds similar to mine lol. I've def gotten used to the rasp and enjoy it


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[UdubBadger]

Damn well that's not even 1/2 what I spent so you're good if you want it that way!


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

Damn well that's not even 1/2 what I spent so you're good if you want it that way!


Goin' HAM mobile

Yea well I paid for labor as well to put it on the car, but wasn't counting that. I didn't feel like crawling under the car in 95 degree hear.

[Pip]

14249

[ryankokesh]

14249

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/a1/a1a4305a7e8788f3b61dc4c414c9a7b870d8918d9ea9f780f8 6653f23bc692d9.jpg

[Avetiso]

:rofl

Looks good Sean. Subtle. I like it.

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[derbo]

I really love the CSL rear diffuser. Nice Sean!

[Lanister]

14249

LOVE IT :drool

[UdubBadger]

Still need to get mien.


Love it Sean


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

Still need to get mien.


Love it Sean


Goin' HAM mobile

Thanks. Tips were $12.

My original plan was to get $40 worth of stainless (2' of T304) and have it cut by a shop at a 20 degree angle ($40) and then have it polished for $30. This ended up being too much work and too expensive for what I was trying to do. Cheap and simple in case I didn't like it. I opted to pay the muffler shop for aluminized steel which wouldn't rust unless hung out in water all day, plus was $12 for 2'. Painted back and welded them to the muffler. Good to go and looks decent.

Admittedly it could look better with a ceramic coating or something, but I couldn't say no to $12 to test out the fitment and look of the 3" tips. I think I would make it more flush with the diffuser if I had to do it over. While it looks great from behind it looks a little weird seeing so much pipe from a side angle even though The tips only stick out about 1/4" when looking down at the diffuser from above.

[UdubBadger]

I hear ya.

I just reused my stock ones, trying to keep it stealthy ;)


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

I should have gone the route Seth went from the get go because the sound is still a little thin and strange with chamber 1/2 straight and 3-5 OEM. I would have preferred straight 3-5 so might do that with my old OEM exhaust to test it out.

Anyways here are some videos I took.

Rasp pipe, x pipe, modified muffler. This sounds pretty terrible with the modified OEM box, but I think it has the exotic tone that would be paired well with an aftermarket muffler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9lHGB0Bzl8&feature=youtu.be

Straight pipe section 1, x pipe, and modified OEM muffler. This sounds much better than the straight pipe section 1 and OEM section 2 with modified muffler. More exotic rasp. It still is a little thin. I was looking for a fuller sound, but good enough for now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQWsXkK8WL4&feature=youtu.be

[UdubBadger]

Which x pipe?


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

Which x pipe?


Goin' HAM mobile

Had one made. 3" similar to the SGT pipe except it was using my OEM section 2 so it is retaining the h pipe near section 1 because it was easier to make the Y pipe after the H.

I can tell it gives that exotic sound or throatier sound, but the muffler leaves me wanting something more. Honestly if the muffler were different the rasp pipe and x pipe combo would be to die for. Just didn't work with the current OEM modded box the way I have it.

[Avetiso]

Sounds great. I love the tone.

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[Avetiso]

So, what are the points of H and X pipes? What are the characteristics of each and their effect on sound?

[Avetiso]

I honestly think the SGT muffler might have sounded good here? The throatiness would complement it nicely.

[UdubBadger]

Had one made. 3" similar to the SGT pipe except it was using my OEM section 2 so it is retaining the h pipe near section 1 because it was easier to make the Y pipe after the H.

I can tell it gives that exotic sound or throatier sound, but the muffler leaves me wanting something more. Honestly if the muffler were different the rasp pipe and x pipe combo would be to die for. Just didn't work with the current OEM modded box the way I have it.

I agree you're section 2 blows mine out of the water right now. I am already wishing mine was louder.


I think end of the day I should have just ponied up for a supersprint race but what I have now was 1/4th the price for 3/4ths of the sound so I'll likely just keep it till I win the lotto.


Goin' HAM mobile

[UdubBadger]

I honestly think the SGT muffler might have sounded good here? The throatiness would complement it nicely.

I disagree the rasp/airy sound is so prominent on these cars. What would sound best with the way he did his sections 1/2 is a magnaflow section 3 or just a generic magnaflow muffler with some pipe welded to the tips. The straight thru design would intensify the great set up he has coming into that section 3.


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

So, what are the points of H and X pipes? What are the characteristics of each and their effect on sound?

H pipe is supposed to balance the exhaust pulses. X pipe is supposed to scavenge better, add a little more velocity to the gases and help to merge the gases/pulses even more. Think about how a V8 is lopy at idle when pipes are split, but if you merged it would have a less lopy sound.

It the case of the M3 the x pipe clearly added a more throaty sound and increased volume a bit. I'm happy I didn't use a resonator in the x pipe because with the rasp pipe and x pipe I could not hear the exhaust in the car at all. Almost quieter than stock.

[UdubBadger]

Where is the H pipe?


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

Where is the H pipe?


Goin' HAM mobile

14418

I'll make sure to take an actual picture when I have the car up.

[UdubBadger]

Ah ok just making sure. I thought I saw it on mine.


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

Never posted a pic of the x pipe section 2.

Working on finding a noise that bugs me. Seems to come around 90mph under load, but can come under load around town as well. Seems exhaust related and thought it was maybe cats breaking up, but not when only at speed or under load.

14688

[ELCID86]

^ slow down? ;-)


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[Pip]

^ slow down? ;-)


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

Yea that would probably help. To be fair I don't drive that fast, but at normal hwy speed (70mph) I heard a sound under load and tried to reproduce under load and then looked down I was doing 90mph and it was pretty easy to make happen. Had a flange tac welded and removed the plastic under shield for now...seems to be better at the moment.

Need to put the plastic shield back and see if it comes back (I was missing a couple screws). It might have been flapping, but don't think it would be enough to transfer a sound through the cabin.

[UdubBadger]

Sounds about right


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

Seth will understand this since we've been searching for the perfect sound.

http://youtu.be/rZEjCBG4kB0

Seth's is probably very close to this sound and I'll get a similar sound, but it won't be as good with US headers.

Apparently chamber 4 in the OEM muffler is the rasp machine. It seems correct since I straight piped chamber 1/2 and it increased the rasp a lot.

[UdubBadger]

Yep

I'm happy with where I am though. If you do the same thing with the custom piping after sec 2 and add tips it'll be as close to a home made Supersprint as you can get


Goin' HAM mobile

[cakM3]

Excellent progress on the ///M Sean! Love seeing good things being done!!! Keep it up my friend! :biggrin

[Pip]

14799

Actually really quiet. No drone, not as loud as the last setup and a beefier sound.

Main difference in mine compared to others is I kept the OEM fiber in chambers 1/2 instead of roxul. Overall I'm happy with the sound and could continue to increase volume, but would probably sacrifice interior drone and loudness.

[Avetiso]

No videos of the new setup?

[QC_ZHP]

Cool pic, +1 for vids.

[Pip]

Hmm. I'll have to do it later. I borrowed a friends camera last time. I can use my iphone for now.

[UdubBadger]

Looks dope!

Speaking of dope I forgot to send you roxul!

You still need it? I can mail tomorrow?


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

Looks dope!

Speaking of dope I forgot to send you roxul!

You still need it? I can mail tomorrow?


Goin' HAM mobile

Not sure if I'll need it, but send it. I'll paypal you once you let me know. I have a feeling I'm going to do the roxul because it is really quiet. Honestly I wish I would have done this to begin with because if you had a stock M3 and just did this mod it would give a beefier and slightly louder sound which would be perfect. I only have a hint of rasp and I like it with straight from the headers back (zero resonators).

I had the SGT muffler which was LOUD and killed my ears, but this is grown up and refined with zero drone. Definitely louder than stock on the outside, but not on the inside so you can still have conversations while driving. I want to see if I can stuff roxul loose, but full to see if I can increase the volume slightly. Only problem is I'm worried it'll change the interior volume.

[TigerTater]

Not sure if I'll need it, but send it. I'll paypal you once you let me know. I have a feeling I'm going to do the roxul because it is really quiet. Honestly I wish I would have done this to begin with because if you had a stock M3 and just did this mod it would give a beefier and slightly louder sound which would be perfect. I only have a hint of rasp and I like it with straight from the headers back (zero resonators).

I had the SGT muffler which was LOUD and killed my ears, but this is grown up and refined with zero drone. Definitely louder than stock on the outside, but not on the inside so you can still have conversations while driving. I want to see if I can stuff roxul loose, but full to see if I can increase the volume slightly. Only problem is I'm worried it'll change the interior volume.

Not sure what you do for a living, but sounds like it needs to engineering exhausts. Lol. Great work man taking what was already there and modifying instead of forking out cash for an expensive setup


Sent from my iPhone 13

[Pip]

Not sure what you do for a living, but sounds like it needs to engineering exhausts. Lol. Great work man taking what was already there and modifying instead of forking out cash for an expensive setup


Sent from my iPhone 13

I copied. I take zero credit. I do like to tinker though which is probably the engineering side of myself. I don't use the degree in work so I use it in the garage.

[UdubBadger]

Not sure if I'll need it, but send it. I'll paypal you once you let me know. I have a feeling I'm going to do the roxul because it is really quiet. Honestly I wish I would have done this to begin with because if you had a stock M3 and just did this mod it would give a beefier and slightly louder sound which would be perfect. I only have a hint of rasp and I like it with straight from the headers back (zero resonators).

I had the SGT muffler which was LOUD and killed my ears, but this is grown up and refined with zero drone. Definitely louder than stock on the outside, but not on the inside so you can still have conversations while driving. I want to see if I can stuff roxul loose, but full to see if I can increase the volume slightly. Only problem is I'm worried it'll change the interior volume.

Ok will do!


Goin' HAM mobile

[TigerTater]

I copied. I take zero credit. I do like to tinker though which is probably the engineering side of myself. I don't use the degree in work so I use it in the garage.

Yea that's me as well. I have degrees in medical field but would rather work in the garage all day...well gotta make money some how


Sent from my iPhone 13

[Pip]

As requested.

http://youtu.be/BjxrbnNKaWM

[Pip]

Sorry for all the vids recently, but there was a lot of playing to get the sound I was after. I think I've finally found the best sound for stock headers. Sounds great without the boominess and drone.

I imagine it would sound amazing with headers.

http://youtu.be/r6n_V7vopnU

[TigerTater]

Sounds great! I'm glad you found the sound you were after man.


Sent from my iPhone 13

[UdubBadger]

That roxul make it to you today?


Goin' HAM mobile

[Pip]

That roxul make it to you today?


Goin' HAM mobile

Haven't been home yet. I'll check in 1/2 hour.

[Avetiso]

By the way, I heard Sean's exhaust in person.

:drool

[UdubBadger]

Bump. This car even run anymore? ;)

[UdubBadger]

Moar updates

[derbo]

Moar updates

x2

[UdubBadger]

:mob

[Pip]

LOL. Can't update at work unless on my phone. I have been enjoying the car on the daily, but been traveling a lot lately on weekends which is when I normally drive it. I've been thinking of tinkering with the IAT relocation this evening if the Giants game goes the wrong direction. I'll take some photos soon after a wash and get this thread back up to snuff.

[derbo]

LOL. Can't update at work unless on my phone. I have been enjoying the car on the daily, but been traveling a lot lately on weekends which is when I normally drive it. I've been thinking of tinkering with the IAT relocation this evening if the Giants game goes the wrong direction. I'll take some photos soon after a wash and get this thread back up to snuff.

Let's hope you don't need to work on the car tonight. :)

[UdubBadger]

What is this IAT relocation you speak of?

[Pip]

What is this IAT relocation you speak of?

You basically buy an e36 iat sensor (intake air temp) and relocate away from the MAF downstream on the lower portion of the air box to get away from the engine. Main advantage is when it is hot because you don't get as much heat soak.

http://www.m3support.net/thread/68/diy-intate-tempurtare-sensor-relocate

[UdubBadger]

Ahhhhh well I don't have stock box anymore so no use. I'd just assume better (and easier) to go Alpha N, no?

[cakM3]

You basically buy an e36 iat sensor (intake air temp) and relocate away from the MAF downstream on the lower portion of the air box to get away from the engine. Main advantage is when it is hot because you don't get as much heat soak.

http://www.m3support.net/thread/68/diy-intate-tempurtare-sensor-relocate

That's interesting Sean. Not sure I want to do this on my Gruppe M CAI..... interesting however :thumbsup

[Pip]

That's interesting Sean. Not sure I want to do this on my Gruppe M CAI..... interesting however :thumbsup

Yea wouldn't make sense for you, but since I'm on an OEM box we shall see.

[Avetiso]

Anything new going on here? I feel bad, I feel like the only thing I have time to do is drive my car, lol.

[Pip]

Haha. Been driving it to work and driving home. I stare at the car in the morning and can't imagine parting with such a beautiful vehicle. I ride in it and try to take a phone call and think about parting or getting a DD. I drive long distance and realize it is stiff but that's why we have the RRS. I will be picking up the merc as a DD for now and see how that goes for a bit. I plan on doing a swap of MTF to MTL this coming week and maybe replacing the VCG since I think it is leaking, but need to check.

[Avetiso]

I'm running redline MTL now. I love it. Loved it on my ZHP, too.

[UdubBadger]

God I hate the phone calls in the M. Dynavin blows, gotta use earphones

[derbo]

God I hate the phone calls in the M. Dynavin blows, gotta use earphones

Time for an avant 2? :D

[Pip]

Even with earphones the car is loud. Personal problem I suppose.

[Pip]

I'm running redline MTL now. I love it. Loved it on my ZHP, too.
Good to know. Should be a simple DIY just need to find the time. I think I have a free week next week.

[UdubBadger]

Even with earphones the car is loud. Personal problem I suppose.

People who know me realize my phone calls often come with a side of GOING HAM in the background.

[Pip]

Transferred the title today for the new DD. Should allow me the luxury of enjoying a comfortable car for around town and a fun car for the weekend or just days when I want to have a little more fun driving.

This is just a photo of a similar car. Needs tint, drop, and wheels lol.

16446

[Avetiso]

Sweeet! Merc looks dope. Same color?

[derbo]

Ballinngg

[danewilson77]

Transferred the title today for the new DD. Should allow me the luxury of enjoying a comfortable car for around town and a fun car for the weekend or just days when I want to have a little more fun driving.

This is just a photo of a similar car. Needs tint, drop, and wheels lol.

16446
Implication here is that the ///M3 is not a comfortable car.

"No flamesuit required"

[Pip]

Sweeet! Merc looks dope. Same color?

Yea identical other than the tint.


Implication here is that the ///M3 is not a comfortable car.

"No flamesuit required"

Define comfortable. The M3 is comfortable from a seat, leather, amenities standpoint, but it has a harsher ride than the ZHP, louder interior (engine/exhaust) and the girl can't drive stick.

I didn't buy the merc for a comfortable car. It was a gift so it makes sense to have it as the DD/errand car. Actually the first day we have it and I can't play with it because it is sitting at the airport doing its job.

[UdubBadger]

Nice

[Pip]

Replaced the transmission fluid with MTL tonight. 1-2 shift feels much better. The car didn't like the other stuff because it had a crunchier feel. Now it is pretty smooth like it should be. I'll give it another drive or two and see if it gets better. Definitely happy for now. Was starting to piss me off before since it only has 68k on the clock.

[Pip]

Oh yea also did some searching and I do believe I have a VCG leak at the rear of the valve cover. I noticed the back had a cut or tear in the gasket last time I had it open and tried to use RTV since I didn't have another on hand. Looks like I'll be opening it up in the future but it isn't bad so I'll leave it until I have a free weekend. Felt good to drive the M tonight. BMW just has that road feel that makes a smile come naturally. I like air ride for comfort but you really have no driving experience with that.

[UdubBadger]

No bueno

[Pip]

No bueno

For the leak?

[UdubBadger]

Yeah. Just sucks. I hate all the tiny ass little things these cars throw at us.

[Pip]

I have a radar detector that has a mute button/display on top of the steering column that flashes when a signal is detected. I was tired of it being on the steering column requiring me to reach through the wheel to hit the mute button. It also obstructs the view of the cluster a bit which was annoying. After seeing all the SPORT button mods I thought it would be nice to use the HK speaker button to replace the "mute" feature of the radar button. I finished soldering the center console HK button and now need to wire it up to the radar circuit board and test it out. Hoping I can make it work...until next time.

[cakM3]

I have a radar detector that has a mute button/display on top of the steering column that flashes when a signal is detected. I was tired of it being on the steering column requiring me to reach through the wheel to hit the mute button. It also obstructs the view of the cluster a bit which was annoying. After seeing all the SPORT button mods I thought it would be nice to use the HK speaker button to replace the "mute" feature of the radar button. I finished soldering the center console HK button and now need to wire it up to the radar circuit board and test it out. Hoping I can make it work...until next time.

That's a great idea Sean!

[johnrando]

Ooh, that will be interesting. Great idea.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Pip]

Replaced VCG since I believe it was causing my leak...crossing my fingers. Could be the cam shaft sensor. Also tried wiring the HK button but couldn't get it to work. Need to do some more digging but for now I've just disabled the HK button... Whoops

[UdubBadger]

Nice buddy.

[Pip]

Well good news is I got the HK mute button for the radar working.
Bad news is I believe I still have a leak that isn't the VCG. Pretty much replaced all o-rings/gaskets that I know cause leaks on the m3. Need to check the cam shaft sensor cuz I haven't done that one.

Anyways for the mute button I had to scrap the idea that I would use the circuit board that came with the original me button and just recreate it as a simpler circuit.

Here is the circuit I created which emulates the original circuit without an additional LED. It worked like a charm.
Source: user Bacon from an Audi forum.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/04/7f38ad4511509635b3caf7ed49311788.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/04/41bb3b8e5ed2ff37a41d40d4b4b65e28.jpg

http://youtu.be/GyvOpyWhTm0

[UdubBadger]

Nice dude

[UdubBadger]

Lol sounds like you're in the bathtub

[Pip]

Lol sounds like you're in the bathtub
Close but no cigar. I had windows down when I took the car apart so when testing the car I had to bundle up and you're probably getting some wind noise. I wish there was an easier way to test but I basically just drive to my local grocery store.

[UdubBadger]

pick me up some Capt'n Crunch next time ;)

[Pip]

pick me up some Capt'n Crunch next time ;)
Haha I was actually sent for corn pops by the lady.

[Pip]

Feel like all I do is moan in this thread. On s high note I took the car for a glorious spin just now and then almost threw up due to the smell of burning oil. I have a good vcg and it is not leaking in the rear like I thought. I have a leak from the cam shaft sensor area but it has a new o-ring so not sure what to do other than buy the upgraded sensor which is slightly thicker on the inside (not sure if the portion that seals with o-ring is actually thicker). Guess I can be the guinea pig and measure them.

[UdubBadger]

Well if you wanna hear someone else do it head over to my thread ;)


GoingHAM mobile

[derbo]

Lol sounds like the joys of being an M owner.


Sent from iPad Mini

[UdubBadger]

It really is... :rolleyes


GoingHAM mobile

[cakM3]

Sean, I like how you got your mute botton mod working. Looks great!


Sent from my iPad Mini using Tapatalk HD

[Pip]

Sean, I like how you got your mute botton mod working. Looks great!


Sent from my iPad Mini using Tapatalk HD
Thanks Charlie. I would take photos but everyone has one lol.

I have the write up I'll post sometime for those interested in something a little more OEM.

On a side note I will be driving my car on a much needed canyon run this afternoon now that it is back on the road. It has been over a month since I've driven it longer than a mile lol. It desperately needs a wash as well.

[johnrando]

Nice. BTW, you can never have too many pics. Show us your sport button mod! :)

[UdubBadger]

YEAH SHOW US MORE PICS SEAN (returning the favor from my thread ;))

[cakM3]

YEAH SHOW US MORE PICS SEAN (returning the favor from my thread ;))

+1

[Pip]

My buddy and I always park in the same spot:

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/28/43aa1d3c214d30feaf753f7d6e7d2fe0.jpg

Random photo of my dirty wheels:

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/28/87bd5d67eb7b09125e06e09474dd65fc.jpg

HK radar mute button mod (led is unlit during regular driving and flashes when radar is detected):

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/28/7837a4329b4300dbc0f9b811ce0fc2d2.jpg

[Pip]

Explored Pollock Pines and ran into a road I didn't need to drive down but couldn't turn around so ended up at a boat dock in the middle of nowhere.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/28/7c4802ee3596f72e2542d8a19f505fc5.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/28/4577f386a97d3e98a89cb93b918a67e3.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/28/5211f9c8e951ac03a33d0e44e6c67daa.jpg

[UdubBadger]

Nice buddy. You're like me, Trollin the Audi's at work. :thumbs


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Been thinking a lot about my ZHP and how I wish I would have bought the manual to begin with. Not sure I would've moved onto the M if I had. Either way I'm loving the M, but have been thinking about the right car that provides the fun driving experience with functionality that'll last opposed to owning two cars (fun/functional). Other question is the incremental cost of owning the merc and BMW worth it or would one car fit the bill? Will the coupé be something that gets me what I want when kids are around? I guess I just don't drive the M like an M as much as I would like and think the ZHP was an overall better car for that but I didn't like the automatic. Would going back to the ZHP sedan really fit what I need or would I quickly lust after the M again because of the loss in power/diff? Happy Sunday :)

[cakM3]

Been thinking a lot about my ZHP and how I wish I would have bought the manual to begin with. Not sure I would've moved onto the M if I had. Either way I'm loving the M, but have been thinking about the right car that provides the fun driving experience with functionality that'll last opposed to owning two cars (fun/functional). Other question is the incremental cost of owning the merc and BMW worth it or would one car fit the bill? Will the coupé be something that gets me what I want when kids are around? I guess I just don't drive the M like an M as much as I would like and think the ZHP was an overall better car for that but I didn't like the automatic. Would going back to the ZHP sedan really fit what I need or would I quickly lust after the M again because of the loss in power/diff? Happy Sunday :)

This! As good as the ZHP is, there's a few areas where the ZHP fails....the lack of LSD and less horse power for example. Once you get used to owning and driving the ///M these will be the two areas you will look at Sean...

Yes there are differences between sedan and coupes but that's something you will have to decide... It is much easier to put in baby seats in a sedan as opposed to a coupe. I'm sure Rob can attest to this ;) :thumbsup There are also other advantages and I'm sure you know... I think that's why I ended up having two cars although I only need one... I enjoy having the versatility of having each (coupe and sedan - ///M and ZHP) ;)

[NoVAphotog]

This! As good as the ZHP is, there's a few areas where the ZHP fails....the lack of LSD and less horse power for example. Once you get used to owning and driving the ///M these will be the two areas you will look at Sean...

Yes there are differences between sedan and coupes but that's something you will have to decide... It is much easier to put in baby seats in a sedan as opposed to a coupe. I'm sure Rob can attest to this ;) :thumbsup There are also other advantages and I'm sure you know... I think that's why I ended up having two cars although I only need one... I enjoy having the versatility of having each (coupe and sedan - ///M and ZHP) ;)
Sometimes I dream of a world where BMW pulled their head out of the sand back in 2001 and crafted an E46 ///M3 sedan...like with every other generation.

[cakM3]

Sometimes I dream of a world where BMW pulled their head out of the sand back in 2001 and crafted an E46 ///M3 sedan...like with every other generation.

If that was the case I would have one in my stable :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[NoVAphotog]

If that was the case I would have one in my stable :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

:roundel

[UdubBadger]

Sean thoughts on an original Scorza muffler?


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Sean thoughts on an original Scorza muffler?


GoingHAM mobile
Love them with headers. Heard Mike's (status Gruppe) in person and it was eargasmic.

I even think it would sound good with my straight pipe section 1 and xpipe, but spent too much money messing with the OEM exhaust. You thinking of picking up Marv's?

[UdubBadger]

Ya was gonna but he sold it already :(


GoingHAM mobile

[cakM3]

Ya was gonna but he sold it already :(


GoingHAM mobile

Things like the original Scorza product don't stay "for sale" long. Something to keep in mind Seth.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Pip]

Ya was gonna but he sold it already :(


GoingHAM mobile
Could always grab one from Mike. It'll cost you a little more but internals are stronger, adjustable tips (and choice of tip) and the hangers fit better. At least that is what he says about the changes he made to the design. He basically did the same thing with the trunk (fitment and keyhole strength).

[UdubBadger]

Yeah might do that. 83mm tips would look pretty boss


GoingHAM mobile

[Vas]

Been thinking a lot about my ZHP and how I wish I would have bought the manual to begin with. Not sure I would've moved onto the M if I had. Either way I'm loving the M, but have been thinking about the right car that provides the fun driving experience with functionality that'll last opposed to owning two cars (fun/functional). Other question is the incremental cost of owning the merc and BMW worth it or would one car fit the bill? Will the coupé be something that gets me what I want when kids are around? I guess I just don't drive the M like an M as much as I would like and think the ZHP was an overall better car for that but I didn't like the automatic. Would going back to the ZHP sedan really fit what I need or would I quickly lust after the M again because of the loss in power/diff? Happy Sunday :)

Manual zhp IMO.

[Pip]

Yeah might do that. 83mm tips would look pretty boss


GoingHAM mobile
Yea they would. I was on his group buy right before buying the house and canceled because was trying to put as much down as possible at the time. Ended up playing with the stock stuff for much less same as you. I sometimes wish it were louder but know with the m3 exhausts tend to drone the louder they get so I'm thinking of just getting better tips to fill out the back end.

Plus I already spent the time and effort to find the right sound (comfort/sportiness). What don't you like about the muffler mod?

[UdubBadger]

I'm gonna do full exhaust so I get the most airflow possible and then the growl at the end.

I'll probably try to sell my muffler since it set me back $400


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Sitting on Southwest browsing the forum and searching for parking brake issues to see if anyone has had a similar issue as me. I tried to listen to a vid on YouTube but the internet speed isn't good enough (fine considering I'm somewhere above the U.S. on a plane. However the comments suggest it is a rock between the dust shield and rotor. This got me thinking and the mystery will only be solved once I take apart the car. What bugs me is I can't remember if it made the noise before I went off roading on the gravel roads or after. Knowing me it is a direct correlation to the gravel road and the culprit is a rock. I'll check when I get home next week. Otherwise I think I'll need a parking brake rebuild but it has been flawless for a year and showed no signs of crapping out which makes me believe it is related to the gravel road.

[UdubBadger]

Weird dude


GoingHAM mobile

[Avetiso]

Uh oh. Sean, you having flashbacks to your ZHP days, as well? I miss that car so bad. I still don't regret selling it, but definitely suited me better than the M.

[cakM3]

You drove your ///M on gravel roads? It hurts me just to think of it.....

[slater]

Sitting on Southwest browsing the forum and searching for parking brake issues to see if anyone has had a similar issue as me. I tried to listen to a vid on YouTube but the internet speed isn't good enough (fine considering I'm somewhere above the U.S. on a plane. However the comments suggest it is a rock between the dust shield and rotor. This got me thinking and the mystery will only be solved once I take apart the car. What bugs me is I can't remember if it made the noise before I went off roading on the gravel roads or after. Knowing me it is a direct correlation to the gravel road and the culprit is a rock. I'll check when I get home next week. Otherwise I think I'll need a parking brake rebuild but it has been flawless for a year and showed no signs of crapping out which makes me believe it is related to the gravel road.

should be easy to sort out, sean. the parking brake assembly is dirt simple. take the opportunity to put anti-seize on the moving parts while you're in there and then do a parking brake adjustment when done. it's a really nice system - SO much better than the way audi does it (spring- and cable-actuators on the rear calipers - they seize up often).

and re: your ZHP manual sedan "for the family down the road" comment... yes, do it! one car to maintain is better than two, when you have a family to maintain as well. i gots first-hand experience many times over on that one... ;)

peter

[Vas]

Uh oh. Sean, you having flashbacks to your ZHP days, as well? I miss that car so bad. I still don't regret selling it, but definitely suited me better than the M.
Time for another zhp.

[Pip]

You drove your ///M on gravel roads? It hurts me just to think of it.....

lol I almost cried. Luckily I'm not that low but still wasn't happy the road turned to gravel. Some areas near northern Sac region where there is hiking have roads that aren't maintained and this happened to be one I wasn't expecting. I wish my hiking book mentioned it.

[Pip]

Uh oh. Sean, you having flashbacks to your ZHP days, as well? I miss that car so bad. I still don't regret selling it, but definitely suited me better than the M.

:) really like the sedan and lines. Love the M and looks but if I have one vehicle I think it'll be a sedan or wagon. Probably won't happen for a little while but I'll end up in one.

It works to have a coupe and SUV at the moment.

[UdubBadger]

Same. Im always a sedan guy at heart.


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Fixed the weird scrapping sound coming from the parking brake. Thought it was rocks from a gravel road but it looked fine back there. I adjusted the screw on both sides and the nuts on the ebrake handle until it was happy. Probably need to go a little tighter to make me happy on hills but for now it is working and not noisy. Woot!!

Got the airbag recall completed at the Elk Grove dealer. Had awesome convo with the shuttle driver who was a retired man that owned a 2006 M3 SMG euro delivery with 20k miles on it (Dinan intake, exhaust, tune, something else...suspension maybe?) cool dude. One of the other customers waiting for his car (newer BMW) asked me what year mine was. I said '06 and he said no way looks brand new. Glad I washed it lol.

It felt great and to round it out...I wound it out to 8k through 4th gear twice on the way home :) it felt awesome to drive the car again (it has been three weeks) and the fact that it is clean makes me love it even more. I'll take a cell phone pic later since I know I'll get shit for no pics.

Here is the latest mod from Mike at Coby Wheel (shift knob)
18354

[UdubBadger]

looks almost as good as mine ;)

nice buddy

[johnrando]

:like

[cakM3]

:) really like the sedan and lines. Love the M and looks but if I have one vehicle I think it'll be a sedan or wagon. Probably won't happen for a little while but I'll end up in one.

It works to have a coupe and SUV at the moment.


Same. Im always a sedan guy at heart.


GoingHAM mobile

That's why I have my ZHP and M3.....I love daily driving my ZHP because having 4 doors is a real plus when people want to jump in when going out to lunch while at work... Having my M3 for weekend joy rides is priceless if I may say so. Love feeling the additional power the S54 provides and the sound :drool :drool :drool I think the only thing I would do to change what I now have is to add an Audi RS4 to my stable....

[UdubBadger]

That's the exact car Id be looking out for as well Chuck... Funny we have the same taste


GoingHAM mobile

[cakM3]

That's the exact car Id be looking out for as well Chuck... Funny we have the same taste


GoingHAM mobile

:thumbsup :)

Great minds think alike Seth :biggrin

[Pip]

Thinking of switching up strut bars from BMW perf to an ACS style rep made by Mechunich but unbranded and silver. That or Mason Engr. Whatcha think?

I like Mason better. I like ability to remove the center piece on ACS style similar to OEM when working on the car which isn't a huge deal since you can just take off and rethread the nuts with a bar that isn't the perf bar (sunken nuts).

18387

18388

[cakM3]

Sean, I think I like the ACS Style strut bar because you can take out the center part whenever doing maintenance. I do like that feature :thumbsup

[danewilson77]

Mason.

"No flamesuit required"

[WOLFN8TR]

I like the ACS and the fact (as Charlie stated) you can easily remove the center section for wrenching on the car.

[UdubBadger]

Thinking of switching up strut bars from BMW perf to an ACS style rep made by Mechunich but unbranded and silver. That or Mason Engr. Whatcha think?

I like Mason better. I like ability to remove the center piece on ACS style similar to OEM when working on the car which isn't a huge deal since you can just take off and rethread the nuts with a bar that isn't the perf bar (sunken nuts).

18387

18388

I think you're crazy for even suggesting it...

18390

[UdubBadger]

You'll regret that... seriously. Collectors item.

[Hornung418]

I think you're crazy for even suggesting it...

18390


You'll regret that... seriously. Collectors item.

Lol...Who said selling and switching were the same thing?

[Pip]

Lol...Who said selling and switching were the same thing?


You'll regret that... seriously. Collectors item.

Was actually thinking of selling to free up cash for other plans on the m. I do love the bar but I don't see it often enough. Maybe I'll just pop the hood when it hangs in the garage.

[WOLFN8TR]

Maybe I'll just pop the hood when it hangs in the garage.

There ya go problem solved!

[UdubBadger]

Was actually thinking of selling to free up cash for other plans on the m. I do love the bar but I don't see it often enough. Maybe I'll just pop the hood when it hangs in the garage.

Yeah, knowing where your head is at right now... I understand. But DO NOT sell that thing, you'll regret it. Just wait on some more money to free up if thats whats needed.

[danewilson77]

Sell it.

"No flamesuit required"

[UdubBadger]

Sell it.

"No flamesuit required"

Putting in an early bid?


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Lol. People are either for or against. I'll have to think about it some more. I'm not a huge collectable guy otherwise I wouldn't be driving the M but I do understand this piece is a beautiful one. I mean it is 100 times better looking than the OE bar. Dane just loves the Mason bar.

[danewilson77]

Nope. Not a huge fan of BMWPI.

Yes. Fan of Mason.

"No flamesuit required"

[UdubBadger]

Lol


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Thought about buying sgt tips for my muffler mod but since they are $$$$ I decided against that. I'll be going with my original idea of 3" pipe I already have cerakoted "stainless" and then welded in place after cutting off the old outlets. This will probably cost me $40 for cerakote and maybe $40 for muffler shop (could be free since I know them fairly well after chopping a couple mufflers with them). Didn't know tips were so hard to find. If I could guarantee I would make money I'd make a few sets in my spare time.

[UdubBadger]

Yeah weird right? They're just tips. Lol


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

18612

Tracking for gamble that I took straight from the motherland.

[UdubBadger]

ORLY


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

ORLY


GoingHAM mobile

Nothing special. Just a deal on euro headers. Not a huge discount but hoping I score a decent set for $400.

[UdubBadger]

Still excited for it tho!


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Let me start by saying this is a laugh at Sean moment. I started the night fixing my valve cover gasket because while it wasn't leaking it was seeping. I would get a oil smell at startup until warm and then it would be good while driving and after parking so I imagine some oil was seeping out onto the manifold or rear of the head. So I redid the gasket and figured I'd change the oil while I was at it.

Well, I busted my hand while taking the oil drain plug out so went inside to wash up while the oil drained in the catch pan. Well the pan had the plug in it so the oil just drained onto the floor of the garage. I noticed after coming out to a rather major oil spill. I quickly mopped up what I could and put the car back together. Removed all tools, jack stands, personal stuff, and backed the car out of the garage to get the remainder of the oil.

I noticed a crack sound when backing out of the garage and a trail of oil which I wasn't expecting. I backed up further since I was confident that I had put the car back together correctly but though maybe I missed a tool. Turns out I missed the catch basin and cracked it open. Even better night since now all the oil that was in the basin was now spilling onto my driveway. Mopped it up and layer kitty litter. Here are the photos.

18656

18657

[UdubBadger]

Oh man. Hope the hand is ok buddy. At least you know what needs fixing and replacing. Shit happens - you know I can vouch for that on this car.


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Oh man. Hope the hand is ok buddy. At least you know what needs fixing and replacing. Shit happens - you know I can vouch for that on this car.


GoingHAM mobile

Hands all good. Just took a top layer of skin off but it is a pain. Good news is I finally figured out the correct way to do the VCG and not have leaks. Drove it this morning without issues after letting it sit all night.

[fredo]

What a night. Glad to hear you are ok. It's incredible how a routine oil change can transform into something different very quickly.

[danewilson77]

What a night. Glad to hear you are ok. It's incredible how a routine oil change can transform into something different very quickly.
+1

"No flamesuit required"

[cakM3]

glad to hear everything turned out okay Sean.... yeah as Seth said shit happens ;)

[UdubBadger]

Good to hear


GoingHAM mobile

[WOLFN8TR]

Was actually thinking of selling to free up cash for other plans on the m. I do love the bar but I don't see it often enough. Maybe I'll just pop the hood when it hangs in the garage.

Hey Sean I just sold my BMW Perf Strut Bar and it paid for everything I just bought for the ///M the last few weeks. It was still sitting in my bedroom since I sold the ZHP. I'm just gonna stick with the stock one for now.

Oh and btw I thought only I did shit like that...:facepalm

[UdubBadger]

Ugh Cmon you guys that's a historical piece! Don't sell it please!


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Had an awesome time driving the car back from Monterey this weekend. I was out there for a bachelor party.

[UdubBadger]

Love hearing that kind of stuff buddy. I've been driving mine a lot lately too, cept today I woke up to 4" of snow. :(


GoingHAM mobile

[cakM3]

Love hearing that kind of stuff buddy. I've been driving mine a lot lately too, cept today I woke up to 4" of snow. :(


GoingHAM mobile

at least you got to take yours out Seth....mine has been in the garage since winter has started....:/

[Pip]

Love hearing that kind of stuff buddy. I've been driving mine a lot lately too, cept today I woke up to 4" of snow. :(
GoingHAM mobile

It feels great to have a sorted car. Mine has been in and out of storage because I didn't have time to fix the leak as was tired of smelling oil. Now I just need to figure out a spare tire so I don't mind driving on long trips like that.


at least you got to take yours out Seth....mine has been in the garage since winter has started....:/

Hopefully it'll come soon enough Charlie. ZHP can't be too terrible :)

[cakM3]

Hopefully it'll come soon enough Charlie. ZHP can't be too terrible :)

No Sean, the ZHP is not terrible to drive but it would be nice to have an option to take the ///M out from time to time.... roads up here are terrible from this past winter and I'm running 19's so I will have to wait just a little bit longer before taking the ///M out...

As for needing a spare tire... probably a good idea although I did make the drive a few years ago in my ///M to Omaha, NE and back to Rhode Island w/o a spare. Got lucky I guess but on my way home I did see an E46 ///M in the break down lane due to a blown rear driver's tire. I pulled over to check on the occupants and quickly realized there was nothing I could do to help... guess having a spare will allow you to continue on your journey. Just remember to put in a jack because our ///M's don't come with a jack either.

[UdubBadger]

at least you got to take yours out Seth....mine has been in the garage since winter has started....:/

Blizzaks FTW


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

OE headers out. Euro headers cleaned up and ready. Tomorrow will be routing and partial install day. Thursday will be final install.

I made one stupid mistake which will cost me some money (o-ring and recharge). There is a pesky cable in the way and I thought there was a bracket holding the cable in place so I removed the "bracket". Turns out it was the seal to one of the ac compressor lines. That was a butt hole pucker moment. The o ring broke so it bled the system dry and forced me to open the garage so I didn't die of poisoning. However, it made the removal extremely easy so might have been worth it...assuming the damage isn't terrible.

[UdubBadger]

Oops.

Hope it goes smoothly from her on out though!


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Oops.

Hope it goes smoothly from her on out though!


GoingHAM mobile

Me too! Good news is cats are set to arrive tomorrow. Wasn't expecting them for another few weeks but looks like I got 3 day shipping or something. Coming from the UK that's not bad.

[Pip]

Old

19020

New

19021

[UdubBadger]

Bauce dude!


GoingHAM mobile

[johnrando]

Gonna be sweet

Sent from mobile

[WOLFN8TR]

Nice Sean! How's the install going overall? Easy, Hard, Frustrating?

[Pip]

Nice Sean! How's the install going overall? Easy, Hard, Frustrating?

Time consuming. There are a couple nuts that's are difficult to get to but it has been ok. Would I do it again? Probably not unless I was helping someone and they were doing most the work. It is just tough on my back since you're bending over the car for most of the nuts and then laying on the ground for two or three.

The install of the euros was a piece of cake. However, I've had two major hiccups. Lost r234a in the ac system because of my boneheaded mistake and just broke the banjo bolt. Luckily the banjo bolt came out of the head so I just need to do another dealer run tomorrow.

[cakM3]

Awesome progress so far Sean!! Love seeing progress being made to your ///M :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone5S using Tapatalk

[TigerTater]

What's the claimed hp gain?? Where you installing the cats? Race cats? Looks sweet

[Pip]

Awesome progress so far Sean!! Love seeing progress being made to your ///M :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone5S using Tapatalk

Thanks Charlie.

[Pip]

What's the claimed hp gain?? Where you installing the cats? Race cats? Looks sweet

10-15 without tune. Up to 30 with tune/depending on everything. Cats go in the first section after the headers (where the euro cars had them). I bought the euro cat system which is 200cell cats compared to 800ish cell in OEM. They won't flow as well as race cats but they look OEM and don't require me to build anything.

Euro on the bottom showing cats and post O2 sensors

19032

U.S. M3 exhaust system after headers.

19031

Broken banjo bolt from last night.

19033

Empty

19034

Pulled a couple studs and used the double nut to get off the old nut. Thought I was going to need to build my own stud which is why you see the new stud on the bottom which is just a chopped off bolt.

19035

Reroute O2 sensors down from DME along the driver side transmission and over to the new car location. Bad photo.

19036

[UdubBadger]

Nice work dude.

Definitely get tuned on those headers!


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Nice work dude.

Definitely get tuned on those headers!


GoingHAM mobile

Definitely going to get a tune. I wouldn't have wasted three days of my life to get 10 hp lol.

[Pip]

No banjo bolts in sac area = disappointment. Won't be fixing the car until sometime late next week after I get back from Texas. Super bummed as I wanted to go for a test drive tonight.

[fredo]

Sorry to hear about it ... Texas, where at ?

[Pip]

Sorry to hear about it ... Texas, where at ?

Austin for a friends wedding. Wish I had time to explore but probably only have Sunday (if not hungover) and Monday.

I think I have a lifeline on the banjo bolt via a local hydraulic repair shop.

[fredo]

Austin for a friends wedding. Wish I had time to explore but probably only have Sunday (if not hungover) and Monday.


That sounds fun ! Let me know if you need a ZHP fix while you are here.

[UdubBadger]

Step 1. Go to The Salt Lick while in town.
Step 2. Thank me later.


GoingHAM mobile

[fredo]

LOL ... Seth knows, man.

[johnrando]

Or Pappasitos' for great Tex-Mex.

[Pip]

Thanks go the tips! I think I'm going to do salt lick at the airport for lunch.

Persistence and outside the box thinking with a hydraulic repair shop. Can't stop me from hearing the lovely purr

19044

[WOLFN8TR]

Nice...Get er Done! [emoji106]
Sean it's the freon 134a? Never heard of 234a before.

[UdubBadger]

Nice bud


GoingHAM mobile

[danewilson77]

Nice work dude.

Definitely get Eurotuned on those headers!


GoingHAM mobile

Fixed

"No flamesuit required"

[Pip]

Nice...Get er Done! [emoji106]
Sean it's the freon 134a? Never heard of 234a before.

Yes 134a. Typo

[Pip]

Nice bud


GoingHAM mobile


Fixed

"No flamesuit required"

Speaking of euro charged...how do you like the tune Seth? I'll follow up with you but would just need to find time when in the Bay Area of wanted a euro tune.

[UdubBadger]

Speaking of euro charged...how do you like the tune Seth? I'll follow up with you but would just need to find time when in the Bay Area of wanted a euro tune.

Don't have one anymore... AA SC tuning overwrote it.

Gonna have the boys cook me up something special this spring tho.


I loved it with headers tho, it opened the car up so much.


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

These euro cats were created by demons. Pure evil.

19054

Imagine putting O2 sensors in and then trying to fit with the other sections of exhaust piping. You have to remove the brace in section 2 and swing to the side to get the O2 sensors past because you aren't installing them once the piping is in.

Then bolting up the pipe is fun as well with the protective shield leaving zero room for fingers holding a nut. I got lucky to catch a thread on a couple of them.

19055

[UdubBadger]

Sheesh. All worth it in the end tho


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Sheesh. All worth it in the end tho


GoingHAM mobile

Yes it is. I just took a test drive and it sounds great. I was actually hoping it would be a little louder but it is just thriftier. I'm surprised the rasp is gone but there really isn't any rasp...just mean sounding beast like roars. Of course my muffler is not stock but the OEM headers were raspier.

No check engine lights which is a miracle. Thought it would be Christmas. Here is a pic of the wiring that I routed to the cats in section 1 -tucked away.

19059

Review:
Install - 3 days (~15 hours for both headers and section 1)
I would have hated this job if I did it in one sitting. Being able to go in and grab a beer or watch tv when I was frustrated was clutch. Regroup and kick ass.

Can I feel the power? Yes. First the car sounds gruntier rather than the thin rasp sound of OEM. It also feels like it is breathing much better (less restriction) and the throttle response almost feels the same in sport or not (probably needs time to adapt to header install).

Can't wait to actually drive it more than around the block.

[UdubBadger]

Mine responded well also, no lights or anything.


GoingHAM mobile

[Pip]

Thought I would try and put a list of my mods together and track what is to come.

Current Mod List:

Interior
- Alcantara ZHP shift knob
- 330D short shifter lever
- Alcantara boots (shift and e-brake)
- CobyWheel
- Escort radar detector
- Radar mute button mod into HK volume button
- Oval M3 mirror instead of the bulky SOS mirror
- Coupe rear "window up" mod (click to have windows close similar to front windows)

Coding
- triple blink
- euro hazards
- trifecta

Exterior
- plasti dip kidney/grills (came from PO) I'll be removing them when I get around to it.
- Angel eyes (currently not wired but installed)
- VMR 718 19" in hyperblack
- ST coilovers (for the low)
- CSL trunk lid with exposed CF lip
- CSL diffuser
- color matched front side markers
- smoked front turn signals
- smoked side markers
- road rash

Engine Bay
- Turbotoy hub
- IAT sensor relocation
- aFe drop in filter
- BMW Performance CF strut bar
- Euro headers
- Euro cats
- Section 2 x pipe
- OEM muffler mod (OE chambers 1/2 and filling, straight piped chambers 3-5)

Things I'll get around to sometime after the wedding
- Tune
- 18" wheels? OEM 18s?
- Spare tire/jack
- gloss black kidneys and side grills
- Exhaust tips? Seems like a waste of money right now unless I can fix up something myself.
- Center console (replacement)
- Intake boot
- BMW center caps for VMR wheels
- new OE reinforcement plate (mine is banged up)

[cakM3]

Sounds like I will have to do the CSL headers/Euro sec 1 w/ cats sometime..... so much to sort out right now though.....someday....

Your list looks good though Sean! :thumbsup

[Pip]

Sounds like I will have to do the CSL headers/Euro sec 1 w/ cats sometime..... so much to sort out right now though.....someday....

Your list looks good though Sean! :thumbsup

I definitely think if you ever plan on playing with exhausts on the m3 headers are required. You just won't be happy if you don't. The sound of a freer exhaust system is what you hope for but without the unrestricted headers they all have the same bleh sound (of course different tones). I was actually surprised that the volume or at least note of the exhaust went down in the cabin. I was expecting a louder exhaust but it is actually not as loud (maybe not as clogged up).

[WOLFN8TR]

Excellent work Sean! Very impressive list. How about an exhaust video now that the headers are installed?

Also I noticed you did your Vanos with the TurboToy hub. How difficult was that job? I really want to bullet proof me Vanos next fall. Hey maybe you can come up and assist and maybe even throw on some headers! :eyetwitch Charlie was talking about possibly coming out around Veterans Day,

you should do a road trip with Rando and come up! Actaully I wouldn't subject you to another header install but Vanos input would be nice. We could all go shooting up at my local range also. Could be fun! :guns2


Sean is this a temp sensor plug on top of the trans?

19059

[UdubBadger]

I'd come just for the golf...

[Pip]

Excellent work Sean! Very impressive list. How about an exhaust video now that the headers are installed?

Also I noticed you did your Vanos with the TurboToy hub. How difficult was that job? I really want to bullet proof me Vanos next fall. Hey maybe you can come up and assist and maybe even throw on some headers! :eyetwitch Charlie was talking about possibly coming out around Veterans Day,

you should do a road trip with Rando and come up! Actaully I wouldn't subject you to another header install but Vanos input would be nice. We could all go shooting up at my local range also. Could be fun! :guns2


Sean is this a temp sensor plug on top of the trans?

19059

That sounds fun. I could figure something out but I would probably just fly to maximize time in town since I'm spending most of my time off work for the honeymoon. I could do a weekend trip and maybe drive down with Rando or something. Header install wouldn't be that difficult especially with everything apart for the vanos but it would take some time and some beer lol. Honestly with people to hand you things and the knowledge of what works and what doesn't is worth a lot.

The vanos job wasn't too difficult. Thanks to Raj (Beisan) and his guides it is really a paint the numbers type of job. You just have to plan everything and make sure you have the tools for the job (timing tool, vanos seals/o-ring, valve adjustment stuff (might as well), and hub or the cheaper Beisan disc. Problem with buying the Beisan disc is not knowing if your hub is intact. You could always remove the VC one night and check it out to make sure before ordering (couple hours of your time vs paying for a hub ~$700).

Oh. By the way, I spotted your ZHP from the air this morning as you were driving to work :shifty. I'll grab a video sometime in the next week or two.

[WOLFN8TR]

I'd come just for the golf...

Come on out Seth! :headbang



That sounds fun. I could figure something out but I would probably just fly to maximize time in town since I'm spending most of my time off work for the honeymoon. I could do a weekend trip and maybe drive down with Rando or something. Header install wouldn't be that difficult especially with everything apart for the vanos but it would take some time and some beer lol. Honestly with people to hand you things and the knowledge of what works and what doesn't is worth a lot.

The vanos job wasn't too difficult. Thanks to Raj (Beisan) and his guides it is really a paint the numbers type of job. You just have to plan everything and make sure you have the tools for the job (timing tool, vanos seals/o-ring, valve adjustment stuff (might as well), and hub or the cheaper Beisan disc. Problem with buying the Beisan disc is not knowing if your hub is intact. You could always remove the VC one night and check it out to make sure before ordering (couple hours of your time vs paying for a hub ~$700).

Oh. By the way, I spotted your ZHP from the air this morning as you were driving to work :shifty. I'll grab a video sometime in the next week or two.

Cool! I would love to at least do my Vanos. Doing both over the weekend wouldn't leave enough time to just hang out and do some fun stuff. I've read that if you do the Vanos you should wait to do the valve adjustment until another 500 miles or so. I guess that's to give the Vanos time to break in maybe? Do you have the timing tool? I was going to buy a shim kit, what else would I need?

[Pip]

Oh and about the sensor. Not sure but I would think so since it has a similar look/feel as most temp sensors.

[johnrando]

Nice list Sean.

[UdubBadger]

Sounds like we need an M3Mafia reunion in Vegas [emoji6]


GoingHAM mobile

[WOLFN8TR]

Sounds like we need an M3Mafia reunion in Vegas [emoji6]


GoingHAM mobile

Totally!!

[johnrando]

I'm in.

[WOLFN8TR]

Here is a thread I started for a Vegas Meet in November.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15716

[Pip]

http://youtu.be/SoMSr3tMYw8

Latest cold start vid. It's actually very quiet for headers. Nice grumble. Please ignore the rattling that I need to track down. I think I left one bolt off of the heat shield.

[WOLFN8TR]

Latest cold start vid. It's actually very quiet for headers. Nice grumble. Please ignore the rattling that I need to track down. I think I left one bolt off of the heat shield.

That sounds Sweet! Now I want headers dammit.


Oh. By the way, I spotted your ZHP from the air this morning as you were driving to work :shifty. I'll grab a video sometime in the next week or two.

My ZHP? Where? I sold it back in January.

[Pip]

That sounds Sweet! Now I want headers dammit.



My ZHP? Where? I sold it back in January.

Gotta remember it isn't a stock exhaust either. Looks OEM though.

Oh yea LOL. I was kidding as I flew out and over Vegas on my way to Texas. No way I could actually spot your car but I did think of it.

[WOLFN8TR]

That's right you modified the stock muffler. [emoji106]

[UdubBadger]

Nice Sean!


GoingHAM mobile

[UdubBadger]

That's right you modified the stock muffler. [emoji106]

Gary I'll be selling my modified stock muffler soon too if you want it.


GoingHAM mobile

[WOLFN8TR]

Gary I'll be selling my modified stock muffler soon too if you want it.

Oh Ya? I might be interested depending on the price and shipping. Thinking about getting some Headers and Sec 1!

[UdubBadger]

I'm sure we can make it work ;)

[WOLFN8TR]

I'm sure we can make it work ;)

Ok Cool. I have that BMW car cover you might be interested in. [emoji2]

[Pip]

Very subtle difference with headers:
http://youtu.be/PN5X9-qSpYY

Tunnel clip of exhaust note in 3rd gear
http://youtu.be/v1MYMMDHHU8

1-2 shift. Shifted a little early because was hard to drive holding phone but 2-3 was better.
http://youtu.be/vtiesvG4mWk