Sean's E46 M3 Maintenance and Project Thread

[UdubBadger]

You likey?

[Pip]

You likey?

Yes. Videos don't really do it justice. I was expecting more but I think that would require a new muffler and not really sure I'm willing to go down that path. I have had a couple previously that added drone and I'd prefer to keep this as comfortable as possible while adding some great sound. I think I have the best of both worlds at the moment.

[UdubBadger]

Agree.

Well they guy I sold my interior to has an RE El Diablo for sale if you want me to grab it and send it to you. :)

[WOLFN8TR]

Sean that soundsPerfect! In the videos where you were driving are the windows down?

So you have CSL Headers, Euro Cats in Sec 1, what in Sec 2? Modified stock Muffler.


Well they guy I sold my interior to has an RE El Diablo for sale if you want me to grab it and send it to you. :)

How much dare I ask?

[UdubBadger]

I don't know what Sean did in section 2 but I deleted my resonator and added in a Magnaflow x pipe. That was the plan for him too just forgot if he ever did it or not.


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[UdubBadger]

How much dare I ask?

Think he wants $1k


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[Pip]

Sean that soundsPerfect! In the videos where you were driving are the windows down?

So you have CSL Headers, Euro Cats in Sec 1, what in Sec 2? Modified stock Muffler.



How much dare I ask?

Windows down. Euro headers/section 1, x pipe (custom), modified muffler (oem fiberglass stuffing unlike most modified mufflers).

[Pip]

I don't know what Sean did in section 2 but I deleted my resonator and added in a Magnaflow x pipe. That was the plan for him too just forgot if he ever did it or not.


GoingHAM mobile

19260

[UdubBadger]

Ah custom x pipe nice work


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[WOLFN8TR]

Nice! Did you make that?

[UdubBadger]

Shop did it I believe


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[Pip]

Nice! Did you make that?


Shop did it I believe


GoingHAM mobile

Had a shop make it. Think it was $225 or close to that for materials and labor.

[Pip]

Nice! Did you make that?

Also meant to say that while I think the X pipe added a certain tone I'm not sure it's worth it. I would do headers section 1 and muffler before thinking about doing the X pipe.

[Pip]

What do you guys think of these tips? They are slip fit and are made for the 1 series but apparently fit. I'm sure they would touch because they are bigger than the Eurosport tips. Guy is selling them for $135 but new they would be ~ $166. The small delta has me wanting to buy new since this guy won't budge. Peace of mind knowing they'll be in great condition of bought new and could return if they don't fit.

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19571

19572

[UdubBadger]

I can dig. Contrast will look dope on TiAg!


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[UdubBadger]

You're worried about the slash cut shape though aren't you?


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[Pip]

You're worried about the slash cut shape though aren't you?


GoingHAM mobile

I actually think they'll look pretty good with the slant. Just hard to justify $160 for something I think will work. Guess there is always the return option.

[UdubBadger]

They'll work. If you like it go for it.


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[WOLFN8TR]

I can dig. Contrast will look dope on TiAg!

X2...Would look good but $160? Seems high to me. I wonder how much SGT muffler tips cost?

[johnrando]

I like too but yes, $160 seems steep, but $40 each does not sound too out of reason. Funny how things are like that, huh.

[UdubBadger]

Yeah the cost is actually about the same as any tips.


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[Pip]

X2...Would look good but $160? Seems high to me. I wonder how much SGT muffler tips cost?

$240 a set. Would also need to weld onto the muffler at a shop.

[UdubBadger]

Oh snap that's a bit more that I thought. The BMW performance tips are pricey though. What about just buying some and having painted?


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[WOLFN8TR]

$240 a set. Would also need to weld onto the muffler at a shop.

What? Dam that's way more than I thought. How about some copper couplings painted Black? :scratchinghead

[Pip]

I've been thinking of building exhaust tips or buying different tips for the OEM box for quite some time. I finally pulled the trigger on a set because of the price and return policy in case I don't like the look.

The standard set that fits the OEM box is the Eurosport tip which comes in a dual wall polished T304 with straight and angle cut. You rivet these on like the OEM tip. 2.25" inlet with 3" outlet, 6" length.

The tip I bought is a rolled edge single wall T304 bolt on made by Vibrant (2.25" inlet, 3" outlet, 5.5" length). I bought them from Summit Racing.

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[UdubBadger]

Nice what color we going with? I'm gonna have iND paint mine next time the car is in (few weeks). Thinking a Satin Titanium color (like gunmetal with a light hint of gold/bronze).


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[Pip]

Whoops. Tips are about 2mm off on the inlet diameter so they do not fit. Will take to a shop and see if they can widen or I'll have them cut a small piece off and spot weld in place.

[UdubBadger]

Seems like an easy fix. Those muffler guys can do some amazing things


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[Pip]

Tease. Real photos tomorrow.

Mods:
There is a piece of pipe that fits into the inner sleeve of the dual wall OEM tip that was cut flush with the pipe the tip is riveted to. This was done so that the pipe wasn't sticking into the new tip and making it look awkward and ugly.

Because the 3" tips touch slightly they'll be building sleeves to bring the tips apart a couple thousandths but straight from the rear. Should look great and will find out tomorrow. I told the shop to align the tips with the csl diffuser (flush) which should work well because the slant on the tip matches the slant on the diffuser.

19700

[UdubBadger]

Nice


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[WOLFN8TR]

Sweet! [emoji106]

[Pip]

Bad picture.

19705

[WOLFN8TR]

Looks good! Now drive the ///M up to Vegas so I can hear that exhaust! :headbang

[UdubBadger]

Cool.

Make sure you stop in Daly City to get a tune first [emoji6]


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[Pip]

Moar pics because people like pics.

19709

[UdubBadger]

They look good bud nice choice


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[WOLFN8TR]

Looks perfect...[emoji106]

[johnrando]

+1

[cakM3]

Sean the new exhaust tips look perfect! :thumbsup

[JB3]

Yeah, I'm definitely loving the tips, too. Looking good.

[Pip]

Haven't been on here in a while because I've been busy but figured I'd provide an update.

Got this beaut from Ray as part of the photo contest:
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It will be a new wall ornament.

Also bought a Spal fan bracket the other day, 16" Spal fan and controller so I'll be working on installing that sometime later this week if my back holds up.

A friend is coming over on Thursday after work so we can install his tow package onto his wrx. I think it is a curt tow pkg and seems straight forward. Couple boots, cut, wire...done. Probably more difficult when laying on the ground without a lift.

[WOLFN8TR]

That's cool. [emoji106]

Which fan bracket did you buy? Did you get the aluminum one off the guy on the M3 Forum?

[Pip]

That's cool. [emoji106]

Which fan bracket did you buy? Did you get the aluminum one off the guy on the M3 Forum?

Yea. One of Dario's friends in Sac. Nice guy with a full garage lol. Lots of cars to look at.

[cakM3]

Also bought a Spal fan bracket the other day, 16" Spal fan and controller so I'll be working on installing that sometime later this week...

I will be most interested in seeing how this install goes... curious how you're going to wire in the wiring harness for the fan... From what I have seen the Spal wiring harness does not work with the OEM temperature sensors...

This is what got my attention....link to the thread where I found the below statement is provided. Either way I'm most interested in seeing how you rig yours up Sean :thumbsup

"This kit will not wire up to any of the OEM temp sensors in an e46. You will need to get the kit that includes the SPAL temp sensor for it to trigger properly in an "only turn on when getting hot" mode. Even then, you will need to create a T-line to the radiator hose, to weld the SPAL sensor bung into. It is recommended to do this on the "hot" side, which is the same hose as the OEM temp sensor."

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=417747 (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=417747)

[Pip]

I will be most interested in seeing how this install goes... curious how you're going to wire in the wiring harness for the fan... From what I have seen the Spal wiring harness does not work with the OEM temperature sensors...

This is what got my attention....link to the thread where I found the below statement is provided. Either way I'm most interested in seeing how you rig yours up Sean :thumbsup

"This kit will not wire up to any of the OEM temp sensors in an e46. You will need to get the kit that includes the SPAL temp sensor for it to trigger properly in an "only turn on when getting hot" mode. Even then, you will need to create a T-line to the radiator hose, to weld the SPAL sensor bung into. It is recommended to do this on the "hot" side, which is the same hose as the OEM temp sensor."

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=417747 (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=417747)

Yes it won't work with OEM sensor. You can wire it into an OEM sensor and code the car to work as normal but would need to remove the front fan as well. I plan on just wiring with an aftermarket harness and putting a sensor in the radiator blades. Not for those looking for OEM only.

[Pip]

I've been hiding, busy, etc. My car sits in the garage three-four days a week and then I drive it on Friday and the weekends. It needs a detail and some work maintenance. I'll be working on some of the maintenance next week (hopefully).

Here are some photos from when I was playing around with my new camera last week.

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[WOLFN8TR]

Those shots turned out pretty good! [emoji106]
How was the wedding!
Are you going to make it up to Vegas on Veterans Day weekend?

[UdubBadger]

I like. Nice job Sean.


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[Pip]

Those shots turned out pretty good! [emoji106]
How was the wedding!
Are you going to make it up to Vegas on Veterans Day weekend?


I like. Nice job Sean.


GoingHAM mobile

Thanks! The wedding was an awesome time. Honestly surprised that I received most wedding photos and the video during the honeymoon. Pretty cool if you ask me.

We went to South Africa and did a safari. I've been posting photos on Instagram (@seanpippin1) if you're interested in seeing some animal shots.

Not sure on Veterans Day but I will try and make it.

[johnrando]

Nice pics
Will have to follow you on IG, Wld like to see those SA pics

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[Pip]

Nice pics
Will have to follow you on IG, Wld like to see those SA pics

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I'll post a link to my google album in the members only section.

[johnrando]

Saw them, thanks.

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[danewilson77]

Saw them, thanks.

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+1

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[Pip]

Drove the m3 down to see my parents for the holidays. The wife hasn't ridden in the car in quite some time. She was not impressed with the raw experience LOL. Pretty sure we won't be taking a trip longer than 1 hour in the car anymore.

[WOLFN8TR]

What! :eyetwitch

Let her drive next time, problem solved.

[Pip]

I've been thinking my coolant temp gauge has been running too far to the left these days. The m3 runs a little to the left of Noon but this was a little left of that. I just got a P0128 code showing up so will be storing the car for a couple weeks until the thermostat arrives and I can get some time for the swap.

[BMWCurves]

Sounds good. When I bought my car, it had the same issue of running cooler dead center. Failing thermostat was the culprit.

[Pip]

Sounds good. When I bought my car, it had the same issue of running cooler dead center. Failing thermostat was the culprit.

Yup had the same thing happen on the Range Rover. Seems like a straightforward fix. Will be researching the fan conversion and coolant flush while I'm at it.

[UdubBadger]

What range do you have Sean? Been looking at them lately.


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[Pip]

What range do you have Sean? Been looking at them lately.


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'06 Range Rover Sport (regular). We've had a bad thermostat, plastic coolant connector, MAF, hood alarm sensor, and battery. Most of these are preventative replacement items at our mileage (90k). The airbag suspension system is still working but from time to time it would sag overnight. I believe it was due to a valve but it has not seemed to repeat after a new battery so will need to wait and see. I wouldn't recommend the vehicle as something that's last and provide a luxury feel after so few miles. The car only has 90k on it but all the wood has cracked from the summer heat and the dash where the passenger airbag sits has split (eye sore, but not mechanically an issue).

All that being said I still love the car and plan on making it mind once the wife is done with it. It drives great, handles the snow, and is very comfortable. I can get over the cosmetic issues by the time I'm driving it because it'll be a off-road/snow toy but don't think that should happen in such an expensive car.

[UdubBadger]

Nice.

I've been looking vintage early 90s. Less tech = less problems lol


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[Pip]

Replaced my thermostat last night. Received only one o-ring so looks like I'll be back in there sooner than later. Also took off the front bumper to research the aux fan removal. Looks like a pain having to basically strip the front end.

[BMWCurves]

Replaced my thermostat last night. Received only one o-ring so looks like I'll be back in there sooner than later. Also took off the front bumper to research the aux fan removal. Looks like a pain having to basically strip the front end.

What do you have to do with the fan?

[Pip]

What do you have to do with the fan?

Guess I was a little unclear. For the thermostat replacement I just had to remove the mechanical fan like auto ZHPs. There is an Aux fan that is ECU controlled. I was going to steal the controller to drive a Spal fan I have that would replace the mechanical fan in my car. Unfortunately I needed to take the whole front end apart to get the aux fan controller so I decided against it for now. I just don't have the time to devote to it at the moment.

[WOLFN8TR]

Hey Sean when I removed the Mech fan in my ZHP I had to remove the Aux fan. Taking the front bumper off was actually pretty easy, especially if you have someone to help. Also take a look at this thread- http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=543019 when they go it's not good!

[Pip]

Hey Sean when I removed the Mech fan in my ZHP I had to remove the Aux fan. Taking the front bumper off was actually pretty easy, especially if you have someone to help. Also take a look at this thread- http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=543019 when they go it's not good!

Yea taking the bumper off was easy. Something like 8 bolts and 10minutes. Getting all the other stuff out of the way like the Kevlar bar, washer tank, etc seemed like it would take some time to figure out without a DIY. I didn't have the time so I just buttoned it up. Will research and figure out if I'm still going to use a Spal fan. I really want to because it'll be similar to OEM, isn't super hot here so should work just fine even in the summer and wouldn't need to remove the fan all the time for maintenance items.

I already have the fan and bracket from eurosonic so just need to figure out how to remove everything.

[WOLFN8TR]

Ya that is true. I want to do this Mod as well. Figure it out so I can copy your success! [emoji2][emoji106]

[UdubBadger]

Nice dude


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[johnrando]

Yup, nice

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[Pip]

I'm moving from Folsom to Midtown Sacramento at the end of this month which has made things a little hectic but it should be more fun to live in the "city". We wanted to experience city living before kids so we can do bars, dinners, etc within walking distance and take full advantage of our 30s. Downside to living in Sac is street parking but I might try and work something out so the m3 lives under the solar panels at work except for the weekend drives.

Now the car related update...Got a new computer at work today...sort of. It was riddled with problems so while IT figures out what is wrong with it I got a free day to do what I want. I worked around the house, finally changed my aluminum front reinforcement plate on the M3, and washed the car. It's looking sharp again and ready for the road. I need new tires soon but those can wait since my daily drive to work is 5 min away and I'll most likely be commuting in the merc when we move to Sac in a month.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160609/6eb64c053e0d10a0947f4ce53961f9df.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160609/8a9738de2cb557f4919ce85275550115.jpg


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[BMWCurves]

Looks great Sean! I really like the combination of the wheels and the CSL lid.

[Pip]

Looks great Sean! I really like the combination of the wheels and the CSL lid.

Thanks! The back end of my car is a transplant from Charlie's (lid and diffuser). I've been going back and forth with myself on getting a square set of OEM 18s for a more compliant ride but love the look of 19s.

Maybe Charlie will read this and comment on the ride difference between the OEM 18s and his 19s.

[cakM3]

Maybe Charlie will read this and comment on the ride difference between the OEM 18s and his 19s.

I did read and here are my thoughts... I have gone between my 19" BBS CH wheels and my OEM and ARC-8 18" wheels and have settled on my 18" wheels due to ride comfort.

I will say that my 19" BBS wheels look absolutely perfect but come at a price. You get heavier wheels and a much harsher ride going with these wheels.

The 18" ARC-8's I have on the other hand look great while providing you with better ride comfort. You still have excellent performance for street driving with this wheel set.

I also run with OEM 18" square setup and the ride is perfect.

Hope this helps :thumbsup



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[UdubBadger]

You should probably just sell me your car


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[WOLFN8TR]

You should probably just sell me your car.

Great idea!

Hey Sean what is the ride height of your car front and rear?

[Pip]

Great idea!

Hey Sean what is the ride height of your car front and rear?

I'll check and get back to you. I'll measure from ground to fender if that works for you.


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[WOLFN8TR]

Yep [emoji106]

[Pip]

Yep [emoji106]

Basically 25" front/rear. Front is 25 1/8 rear is just shy of 25"

Front
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160611/16c11c6acb5b255d352ff61d1a931800.jpg

Rear
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160611/6bd209d7997dacec7783a2bea5e6ed0d.jpg


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[Pip]

I've been driving the Merc to work as the carpool car and the M3 during the day or during weekends as the fun car. Most weekends it doesn't get driven though since the wife only drives auto and we only leave one car at home (others are parked about 30min away). I decided I wanted to drive the M3 home for the weekend last Friday so drove it home at night after work. It was about 7:30pm so night time and dark on the freeway. All of a sudden, I saw everyone braking on the freeway so I slowed aggressively from 75mph down to 55mph with about 5 car lengths ahead of me because of the carpool lane. Out of nowhere a black plastic/metal piece the size of a piece of plywood is flying through the air and I think it is about to hit my windshield when I swerve slightly to try and avoid it...well it hit the front driver side bumper and I ran over the rest of it. I couldn't tell if any major damage had been done, but did not feel a difference in driving.
I was about 5 minutes from home at this point so I continued home and inspected the damage. My fog light housing/light was gone, turn signal chipped, bumper scuffed and paint cracked, and bumper turn signal delete gone. Sad day. Luckily I found an extra turn signal delete that was already painted TiAg in the garage and I think I can buff out the scuffs (hope so). I'll need to buy a new fog light and housing which isn't too bad. I was thinking I'd mod the bumper for a SGT with CSL lip, but maybe I'll just repaint as that would be much cheaper.

My wife's car the Range Rover had some major maintenance yesterday since it was at 102k miles. I took the car into the shop because it was squeaking/groaning when going over bumps. I thought it was the sway bar bushings because it happened when the car tilted. Once the shop had it they couldn't reproduce it until the following morning, but it was indeed dry sway bar bushings. I had sway bar bushings lubed, end links replaced, front brakes/rotors, belts, tensioner, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and an oil change performed. Cooling system had just been performed about a few months earlier so the truck should be good to go for a while. It has cost about $1000/yr and I've done most of the maintenance up until now myself so it is a little pricier than the BMWs I've owned but I've always done my own maintenance for the BMWs. Had I paid for valve adjustments, VCG, and Vanos repair at an Indy for the M3 it'd probably be about the same so I guess I can't complain too much. I just don't have the time or space to do maintenance right now since we are living downtown. Once I get my garage back in 9 months I'll be happy to tinker on things once again.

[WOLFN8TR]

Oh man I hope there's not much damage! My worst nightmare right there. I got ran off the highway yesterday by a 80+ year old man. [emoji849]

[Pip]

Oh man I hope there's not much damage! My worst nightmare right there. I got ran off the highway yesterday by a 80+ year old man. [emoji849]
Only real damage is cracked paint on the lower portion of the bumper near the fog light and a missing fog light. I need to double check the bracket holding the fog light is still in tact.

Paint probably isn't worth insurance as it is probably around $500 for painting the bumper. If the fog surround is damaged maybe I'll look into SGT bumpers. Some look pretty nice.

[WOLFN8TR]

Well that's good news. Could of been a lot worse.

[UdubBadger]

Boooooooo


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[Pip]

Walked into the smog shop and the first question the guy asked is "Is your m3 stock?" I replied "yes, just a muffler." I'm immediately second guessing my decision to try this shop thinking that these guys will know what euro cats look like since they seem to know m3s. 15 min later they tell me congratulations it passed and I'm out the door.

The sad news is I'm going to try and sell it now. Not because smog but because I only need one car and the four door car wins.


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[UdubBadger]

Walked into the smog shop and the first question the guy asked is "Is your m3 stock?" I replied "yes, just a muffler." I'm immediately second guessing my decision to try this shop thinking that these guys will know what euro cats look like since they seem to know m3s. 15 min later they tell me congratulations it passed and I'm out the door.

The sad news is I'm going to try and sell it now. Not because smog but because I only need one car and the four door car wins.


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[emoji853] wish I could take it from you


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[WOLFN8TR]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170414/01d053b495cb02360353489080dbd0d1.jpg

[derbo]

Walked into the smog shop and the first question the guy asked is "Is your m3 stock?" I replied "yes, just a muffler." I'm immediately second guessing my decision to try this shop thinking that these guys will know what euro cats look like since they seem to know m3s. 15 min later they tell me congratulations it passed and I'm out the door.

The sad news is I'm going to try and sell it now. Not because smog but because I only need one car and the four door car wins.


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And my car doesn't fit the bill. :(


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[UdubBadger]

Got a 4 door acura for you to trade with me for ;)


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[johnrando]

Oh no! Sorry to hear Sean.

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[Pip]

And my car doesn't fit the bill. :(


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Yea, I actually thought that deal was going to happen.


Got a 4 door acura for you to trade with me for ;)


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:) I have my eye on the 535i in a few years.


Oh no! Sorry to hear Sean.

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Me too but it's time. ZHP really would've been the best choice due to 4 doors but I really wanted the power and then realized I didn't need the power.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170414/01d053b495cb02360353489080dbd0d1.jpg

:(

[derbo]

Yea, I actually thought that deal was going to happen.



:) I have my eye on the 535i in a few years.



Me too but it's time. ZHP really would've been the best choice due to 4 doors but I really wanted the power and then realized I didn't need the power.



:(

We were so close!!! It's all good. Good luck with whatever you get.


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[cakM3]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170417/0f703e834afc37f5ca5d3901913f0699.png


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[Vas]

Back into a zhp you should go IMO

[danewilson77]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170420/dee2ed648ffd9edccecd0d6f38a80dce.jpg

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[Pip]

Will write up in new thread