Wobz

[Vas]

Looks great

[az3579]

Looks great

Thanks Vas. I can only hope to make it look anywhere near as new as your freshly painted car. Might as well start with the interior, where I have a chance. :)

[Vas]

Thanks Vas. I can only hope to make it look anywhere near as new as your freshly painted car. Might as well start with the interior, where I have a chance. :)
I want to come rub your leather no homo lmao

[az3579]

I want to come rub your leather no homo lmao

Mmmm, my (car's) skin is always available for rubbing.

The sections that are softer now due to the Leatherique are just ... sooooooooooooo soft and supple... man, it sure is nice.

[Vas]

I had sat in Daniels zhp after he treated his interior and I was impressed.

Sounds like great stuff that I need to do to Sketchi

[az3579]

I had sat in Daniels zhp after he treated his interior and I was impressed.

Sounds like great stuff that I need to do to Sketchi

If SKETCHI doesn't have any kind of window film applied, chances are the rear headrests and possible bolsters and seat tops are rock hard. Mine were, and still are to some degree. They're softer now due to a couple of Leatherique treatments, but they're still pretty hard. Apparently the PO of my interior didn't care for it too well, ad evidenced by the bad wear on the driver's seat. Oh well.

[Vas]

If SKETCHI doesn't have any kind of window film applied, chances are the rear headrests and possible bolsters and seat tops are rock hard. Mine were, and still are to some degree. They're softer now due to a couple of Leatherique treatments, but they're still pretty hard. Apparently the PO of my interior didn't care for it too well, ad evidenced by the bad wear on the driver's seat. Oh well.
It had tint at some point. But it its a black car with black interior. I'm up to the challenge though

[anandoc]

Did you get the paddles functional?

Yup! There are a few DIYs floating around. I made a proper harness and plugged it into the steptronic harness. Works like a charm.

[az3579]

Yup! There are a few DIYs floating around. I made a proper harness and plugged it into the steptronic harness. Works like a charm.

Nice.
I got to experience paddles when I drove Rando's vert last year. Paired with the Steptronic software he has, it was a pretty nice combo.

[BCS_ZHP]

BP is inbound, about an hour out right now, we're going to tackle his LCAs in the morning.

[Vas]

BP is inbound, about an hour out right now, we're going to tackle his LCAs in the morning.
Have fun. Wear ear plugs.

[NoVAphotog]

BP is inbound, about an hour out right now, we're going to tackle his LCAs in the morning.

Have fun! Might stop by in the afternoon to say hello, we shall see

[BCS_ZHP]

Have fun. Wear ear plugs.

Ear plugs? The sound of the impact gun making that center support brace vibrate when you remove it is like sweet music, it means new LCABs too by the end of the day. 16mm deep socket IIRC.

[ELCID86]

22463

22464


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[anandoc]

Shawn, you were able to capture a picture of the mystical creature (BP) in its natural habitat (working on his wobz)!!

[ELCID86]

Shawn, you were able to capture a picture of the mystical creature (BP) in its natural habitat (working on his wobz)!!

Yes! LOL


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[az3579]

What the heck, man! Hate getting my photo taken [emoji14]

sent from my Droid Turbo

[ELCID86]

What the heck, man! Hate getting my photo taken [emoji14]

sent from my Droid Turbo

I know. Don't ask don't tell... ;-)


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[Johnmadd]

What the heck, man! Hate getting my photo taken [emoji14]

sent from my Droid Turbo

Lol! I agree.

How does the new parts feel?

[az3579]

Lol! I agree.

How does the new parts feel?
Much better. I still get a popping when I apply the brake, which I don't understand. That was supposed to have been resolved with the new bushings and ball joints (control arms).

sent from my Droid Turbo

[Johnmadd]

Maybe just a break in period? I wouldn't think it's the rack but with your mileage I guess you can't rule it out. Have you inspected the front subframe for cracks?

[ELCID86]

BP doesn't the pop/clunck sound more towards the rear?


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[johnrando]

Keep us posted

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[az3579]

The pop is sort of gone. I feel some very minor shifting going on but no more audible pop noise. Odd.

[az3579]

Alright, back on track. This thread isn't meant for maintenance related posts, so it's time to reign it in. :)

Currently I've got a couple of projects cooking. First and foremost, Wobz is getting upgraded lighting!
The AL projectors I had were great for lowbeam, but had non-working highbeams. My lights are currently in the trusted hands of Caesar at Lightwerkz getting some FX-R v1.0's retrofitted. The FX-R's were given to me by Charlie a while ago since he decided to go a different route with his lights, and I am finally taking advantage of having them.

Folks are typically going with v3.0's because they have a slightly sharper cutoff line (lol) and more foreground light than the 1.0's. I chose to stay with the 1.0's because I prefer the wider beam pattern. From pictures I've seen, it seems like they have slightly more color flicker (lol) as well than the 3.0's. Even though that stuff can be tweaked, I like to have these things out of the box. --- Cutoff line and color flicker are inside jokes. You know who you are. :biggrin ---

I will be re-using my 4300k Phillips 85122 bulbs that I had installed in the AL's. The other project I am working on is adding a pair of Weisslicht Illustro H7 LED bulbs to the high beam housings to replace the halogen bulbs currently installed. These bad boys put out well over 3000 lumens of light, and because of their instant on/off trait, they are PERFECT for flash-to-pass. They are bright enough to actually be usable as standalone high beams at night. They are designed to be low/high beams for standard halogen lights, so I know they are up to the task of doing some actual lighting. :thumbsup

These are the bulbs that I purchased:
https://bimmian.com/Accessories-for-BMW/Lighting/Fog-and-Head-Lights/Illustro-LED-Headlight-Fog-Light-Bulb/

To top it all off, the projectors are getting installed in a spare headlight bucket that I bought from Dane, and Caesar is going to do his best to clean the bowl and paint them. Hopefully he does a better job of it than I did, because when I painted my existing bowls yellow, they lost all their reflectivity and the H7 high beams were useless, so I effectively had no usable high beams. Since the high beam shutters work on the FX-R's and the H7 LED's aren't meant for lighting on my car, I don't care if I lose a little reflectivity. We shall see how it turns out. I'm getting excited to have perfectly functioning lighting again...

[Vas]

Cesar told me they use a 2.5" lens not the 3" lens. If that is the versions.

[johnrando]

Lol. Good luck!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Cesar told me they use a 2.5" lens not the 3" lens. If that is the versions.

Various links demonstrating the different versions of the projector.

v1.0's vs 3.0's:
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?44545-fx-r-v1-1-v2-and-v3-0&p=462447&viewfull=1#post462447

v1.0's vs 2.0's:
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?41428-FXR-1-0-vs-2-0-Output-Shots-(pics-inside)&p=422133&viewfull=1#post422133

A few shots demonstrating why the early 2.0's sucked. Bad downwards bowing. Not sure if this was corrected or not as I have completely ignored the 2.0 in my research for this reason.
http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?40462-FX-R-v2-0-projector-vs-FX-R-projector&p=412117&viewfull=1#post412117


I think my 1.0's have a 3" lens.

[WOLFN8TR]

Cut off Line and Color Flicker!!! Oh Ya!!!

[cakM3]

Cut off Line and Color Flicker!!! Oh Ya!!!

+1


Sent from my iPhone6S using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Still haven't found my DSLR, though to be fair, I haven't actually looked for it. :)

For when I do find my camera, I can now capture both of my lighting mods. Today I installed the Weisslicht Illustro H7 LED bulbs into my high beam housings. It took a bit of work due to the all the hardware, but it really isn't bad and managed to get it all inside the housing.

This is the box the bulbs came in. Inside the box are just the two bulbs along with the small wiring harness already connected to them.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5696/23359125716_a78d50f75e_k.jpg


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5770/23276868012_b6913fbdbc_k.jpg



As you can see, there is plenty of space in there to stuff all the hardware...

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5755/23359038176_ca941afa01_k.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5728/23017230689_68053eb931_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/B4XjLZ)



The flexible headstink ribbons are really neat because you can position them wherever you like!

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/745/23276782642_65cc70cb8c_k.jpg





Until I get my DSLR back, I'm not going to take any output pictures yet because it's a pointless effort, as evidenced by the first two photos. Low light photos come out terrible on my phone, so I'll refrain from those until I can do it right. :thumbsup

I did take a couple of daytime photos with the lights set as DRL's per Derek's request. After a minute of coding, I came up with this. Note, these are only HALF brightness in the photo since that is the brightness they run at when set as DRL's:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/774/23359124886_adb7c9f979_k.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5806/23017316399_06be281d00_k.jpg



If my high beam bowls weren't painted yellow, they'd be even brighter, and would be a crisp white light. I did power one on outside of the housing last night to see how bright they are. Let's just say that it clearly lit up a good part of the street all on its own without a reflector...



And... some pics of the new caliper I brought up in the maintenance thread. I might replace the other calipers on the car as well since the rear two are faded as heck due to high temps and the other front isn't a matching part number anymore. The new caliper has a new part number due to an internal change they made to the caliper, so the new part can now be used on both sides and isn't left/right specific anymore. Who knows... for now I'll leave them since it's low on the priority list.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/752/22756907764_ff94144105_k.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/657/23089508710_117eb8c064_k.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/768/23302702731_4df79b5c50_k.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/566/23359126306_242408e587_k.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5820/23017317849_eea763cd2f_k.jpg

[WOLFN8TR]

Looks Great BP!

[az3579]

Looks Great BP!

Thanks Gary. :thumbsup


Forgot a pic...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/724/22756905704_50ab9b8023_k.jpg

[fredo]

Well done, BP. Glad to see you took care of the caliper. :thumbsup

[az3579]

Well done, BP. Glad to see you took care of the caliper. :thumbsup

You know, I ordered it with overnight shipping on Wednesday, expecting a Friday delivery. I was shocked that 1) it was in stock (Summit Racing), and 2) that the total cost, including overnight shipping, was only $186. Dare I say, this caliper is significantly cheaper than a new OE caliper, which is $307 (ECS)!

[az3579]

Oh whaddya know... I found my camera. :)



These shots were taken with some ambient light from down the street.

Low beam:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/653/23387344295_d871f50cea_k.jpg



High beam (Xenon high beam and H7 LED inners together):

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5693/23387343295_9c2446c996_k.jpg



Wall shotz:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/680/23019374589_a0c38967b2_k.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5666/23019374269_bf075900cf_k.jpg



The closest backroad to me with no street lighting, about 15 minutes away in the woods.

Low beam:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5766/23278917662_957ce545af_k.jpg



High beam (Xenon high beam and H7 LED inners together):

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5768/23019373019_1204d09ead_k.jpg



H7 LED high beams alone with the X5 LED fogs, which don't really contribute to the lighting at all. The H7 LEDs take all the credit in this pic, taken with the stalk pulled back for flash-to-pass:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5753/23387342165_7dffc22a04_k.jpg



And finally, the infamous FX-R v1.0 dead zone, directly in front of the car. The fog lights fill this area nicely (fogs are off in this picture):

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5767/22760165393_9b535c67c7_k.jpg

[derbo]

good shots BP. :)

[NoVAphotog]

Lovely lovely light cutoff...mmmm Looks great.

[BCS_ZHP]

Thanks Gary. :thumbsup


Forgot a pic...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/724/22756905704_50ab9b8023_k.jpg

BP,
Did this resolve the mysterious clunk you had after the LCA/LCAB replacement? Or do you think that's still the tophats?
Bruce

[ELCID86]

Still haven't found my DSLR, though to be fair, I haven't actually looked for it.

...

The flexible headstink ribbons are really neat because you can position them wherever you like!

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/745/23276782642_65cc70cb8c_k.jpg





Tell me again what those head stink ribbons are for! (Grin)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Great progress Botond.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[az3579]

BP,
Did this resolve the mysterious clunk you had after the LCA/LCAB replacement? Or do you think that's still the tophats?
Bruce

You know what, that is exactly what the clunk was. The stupid thing is that I suspected the bolts were loose a couple of months ago, but never bothered to check it. I kept thinking "nah, it can't be", and got punished for not following my instincts. :(

Needless to say, those bolts are TIGHT now with not a clunk to be heard.


Tell me again what those head stink ribbons are for! (Grin)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not sure if you're being sarcastic, so I'll just explain. lol
There are some bulbs that come with heatsinks and other that come with fans. The cheap ones tend to have the fans, which fail after some time due to having moving parts. This one has a heatsink, but the heatsink is actually these metal ribbons that you can move around so that the bulb and heatsink fit inside whatever housing you're installing them in. The bulbs that have fixed heatsinks wouldn't allow the rubber protective cap to go back on because they'd take up too much space, which is what makes this design so genius.


Great progress Botond.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk


Thanks DeeDub. :thumbsup

[Vas]

Love that cutoff

[ELCID86]

So it was the top hat bolts?

Yes I was kidding about the head stink (vice heat sink)...
I do like the design. Pretty ingenious.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

So it was the top hat bolts?


No, it was the caliper bolts.



Yes I was kidding about the head stink (vice heat sink)...


I really didn't even catch that spelling mistake (obviously) until I read your last post. :facepalm

[ELCID86]

Glad you traced the source. It was hard to localize.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cakM3]

BP.... glad to see you finally got the fx-r's installed. They look great!

[az3579]

BP.... glad to see you finally got the fx-r's installed. They look great!
Couldn't have done it without the projectors you gave me. :)

sent from my Droid Turbo

[Karl Lazlo]

BP.... glad to see you finally got the fx-r's installed. They look great!

They look great in person, too, when BP went to pass me last night on Rt8. Good stuff.

Now that I think about it, I have a whole xenon ass'y (L&R) showing up later this week...

[cakM3]

They look great in person, too, when BP went to pass me last night on Rt8. Good stuff.

:thumbsup


Now that I think about it, I have a whole xenon ass'y (L&R) showing up later this week...

If you got a set of ZKW lenses then you could easily swap out the Bosch lens for a better quality lens... light output would be amazing Ray! :) I did this to my ///M and Gary did this to his. We both love the light output using OEM headlight components... ;)

[Sockethead]

Glad to see you're getting everything sorted out, BP. The lighting is huge. The FX-Rs made a big difference on my car too. I never had the time to aim them though... that was 2 years ago. I love the LED mods

[az3579]

Glad to see you're getting everything sorted out, BP. The lighting is huge. The FX-Rs made a big difference on my car too. I never had the time to aim them though... that was 2 years ago. I love the LED mods

I love lighting. I can't get enough of how crisp certain lights look, and strive to make my car as modern as possible without sacrificing its classic OE look. :thumbsup

I'd love to continue the LED modding, but unfortunately I'm not a fan of the white interior LEDs. I like the softer glow of the stock interior lighting. The same goes for the license plate illumination; I don't want it to be "cold". So, until they come out with LEDs that's closer to that color, unfortunately that is where my LED mods will end.

I was thinking of saying screw it and buying LEDs for my rear running lights to fully complete the LED bulb replacement strategy, but it's kind of hard to justify the cost for bulbs that otherwise wouldn't be doing much. At least the important lights have been converted: brake lights, turn signals front and rear, reverse lights.

[Sockethead]

I agree with you on the interior lighting... some of those interior LEDs are horrible and why would I make my license plate easier for the cops to see :)

[NoVAphotog]

I agree with you on the interior lighting... some of those interior LEDs are horrible and why would I make my license plate easier for the cops to see :)

I'm hesitant...some days I love the interior led's other days I agree with BP...it depends. When I get into a newer BMW and they have the white led lights it makes me want them in mine, but then when that warm glow washes over the interior on a cold day I like the stock ones...idk...I have the kit to install so I might as well try them out. Can always change them. Of course, I'm also an Amber man so who knows...

[az3579]

I'm hesitant...some days I love the interior led's other days I agree with BP...it depends. When I get into a newer BMW and they have the white led lights it makes me want them in mine, but then when that warm glow washes over the interior on a cold day I like the stock ones...idk...I have the kit to install so I might as well try them out. Can always change them. Of course, I'm also an Amber man so who knows...

The only thing with the LEDs compared to the newer cars is that the newer cars have a soft, less crisp white light, which is very nice. Every single aftermarket LED kit I see for our cars have a very cold blueish white light, which to me is very uninviting. The new cars either diffuse the light somehow or use different LEDs to give it a more natural light. If I could score LEDs like that, then I would just install those.

[Vas]

I been satisfied with the Ziza LED Kit. And when they are on they are bright which is the point of them for me.

[az3579]

I been satisfied with the Ziza LED Kit. And when they are on they are bright which is the point of them for me.

That one is among the offenders as well. The light is too cold for my tastes, unfortunately.
The factory setup is plenty bright. It comes down to color preference at that point.

[Vas]

That one is among the offenders as well. The light is too cold for my tastes, unfortunately.
The factory setup is plenty bright. It comes down to color preference at that point.

The factory light in the glovebox and the trunk is horrible. Always having to fumble around in the dark at least for me.

I can see what you mean though about preference. I just do not see it as cold but more like daylight.

Maybe Phillips Hue will make automotive bulbs on day that let you choose a color spectrum.

[NoVAphotog]

The only thing with the LEDs compared to the newer cars is that the newer cars have a soft, less crisp white light, which is very nice. Every single aftermarket LED kit I see for our cars have a very cold blueish white light, which to me is very uninviting. The new cars either diffuse the light somehow or use different LEDs to give it a more natural light. If I could score LEDs like that, then I would just install those.

I wonder if you could just get the factory bulbs from newer cars and put them in? Can't see the design changing that much...

http://huskerparts.com/part-search/63122212787.html

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=3A93-USA-01-2015-F30-BMW-335i&diagId=63_1322

[az3579]

I wonder if you could just get the factory bulbs from newer cars and put them in? Can't see the design changing that much...

http://huskerparts.com/part-search/63122212787.html

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=3A93-USA-01-2015-F30-BMW-335i&diagId=63_1322

Ya know, I've never bothered looking into it. I should do a bit more research to see if the bulb types are the same and if so, to make sure they're the same soft-lit lights I'm thinking of.

[slater]

That one is among the offenders as well. The light is too cold for my tastes, unfortunately.
The factory setup is plenty bright. It comes down to color preference at that point.

agreed. i like the OE color temps. brighter just distracts your outward visibility, too - at least, for me it does.



The factory light in the glovebox and the trunk is horrible. Always having to fumble around in the dark at least for me.

hmmm, that is actually a good idea for upgraded lights - i could use more light in the trunk.

[az3579]

The factory light in the glovebox and the trunk is horrible. Always having to fumble around in the dark at least for me.



If you had to fumble, you were due for replacement anyway. lol
My lighting is just fine and is plenty to see in the trunk area.

[NoVAphotog]

Ya know, I've never bothered looking into it. I should do a bit more research to see if the bulb types are the same and if so, to make sure they're the same soft-lit lights I'm thinking of.
I'll do the same...might be worth picking up one or two and testing them out.

[BMWCurves]

I wonder if you could just get the factory bulbs from newer cars and put them in? Can't see the design changing that much...

http://huskerparts.com/part-search/63122212787.html

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=3A93-USA-01-2015-F30-BMW-335i&diagId=63_1322

Husker has really OEM parts apparently:

"You are viewing the 2015 Bmw oem oem oem oem oem oem oem oem oem oem oem Bmw Led Interior Lamp Packag639050"

I agree with BP though, I like the warmer tone of the OE interior bulbs. When my father's BMW was in and out of the dealer over the past six months he had a myriad of loaners (328i, 328i GT, 428i, 428i x-drive, 428i GC, all brand new [one had 17 miles on the clock]). I liked a lot of the new creature comforts but the interior lights were not one of them. They were bright and illuminated the car well, but were too much of a white/blue hue for me. They feel...sterile, which to me is also a reflection of newer BMW's driving experience. I wish the stock bulbs in our cars were slightly brighter, but I'll take the hit to output over the more harsh hue in newer BMWs.

[az3579]

I'll do the same...might be worth picking up one or two and testing them out.

Installing the same bulbs may not provide us the same effect. I realized that the new Fxx cars have frosted plastic instead of the clear that the E46 has, so installing those bulbs in our cars won't result in the same diffused light but instead something more direct and harsh.

[NoVAphotog]

They feel...sterile, which to me is also a reflection of newer BMW's driving experience.

:mafia :gun1

[johnrando]

Nice BP!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

Is this a lighting thread or a Wobbie thread?! ;-) my $0.02= I like my Ziza lights!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Is this a lighting thread or a Wobbie thread?!

Well... we are discussing lighting that is used on Wobz, so........... :dunno

[az3579]

Revamped the mods-to-date list. I literally spent a couple of hours making this list from scratch, since the original one was quite a bit out of date. I'm actually surprised and happy about the outcome of this list:

Exterior Aesthetics


Yellow high beam bowls
Yellow LaminX on fog light lenses
OE euro clear lenses
OE BMW Performance grilles
Gominigo tow hook license plate mount
OE E46 M3 side mirrors with OE aspherical glass
Llumar AirBlue 80 tint
Summer wheels: BBS CH - 18x8.5 et35 on all four corners, black BBS caps
Track wheels: Kosei K1 - 17x8.5 et40 on all four corners
Winter wheels: OE BMW Style 68 - 17x7.5 et47 front, 17x8.5 et50 rear - wheels used with 12mm Turner Motorsport spacers on all four corners
Gloss black 330i badge




Interior


Full heated Natural Brown leather interior swap with lumbar support
Armrest delete
Eonon GA5150 head unit with backup camera
LCM software v4.0 with euro faceplate (auto, self leveling with front and rear fog buttons)
LeatherZ Lit ZHP shift knob with leather boot
E9x M-Sport perforated leather shift knob, alternate
E46 M3 tri-stitch steering wheel
E46 M3 oval auto-dim rearview mirror
Low-profile USB Quickcharge 2.0 power adapter
Extra belt buckles for Schroth QuickFit 4pt harness - harness in use when on track, driver and passenger
OE BMW all-weather rubber floor mats
Turner Motorsport aluminum pedals
Custom clutch stop, made by Chad44




Lighting


Morimoto FX-R v1.0 projector retrofit - Phillips 85122 D2S bulbs
Weisslicht Illustro Flex H7 LED bulbs
City lights - hooked up to angel harness, wired as DRLs
OE BMW F15 X5 LED fog light retrofit
eBay CREE 25W amber 1156 CANBUS turn signal bulbs, front and rear
LEDAutomotive.com white LED bulbs for brake lights
Unknown brand white projector LED bulbs for reverse lights
Rear fog lights enabled




Drivability/Performance/Misc


Conforti Shark Injector
GruppeM intake
Stett Performance silicone intake boots
Dinan throttle body
German Auto Solutions 1,2bar expansion tank cap, black
OE E46 M3 oil filter cap
Headlight-washer delete reservoir
E46 M3 motor and transmission mounts
BMW Performance short shift kit
AKG 95A poly differential bushings
AKG 90A poly rear trailing arm bushings
UUC/Corsa TSE3 stainless steel catback exhaust
UUC Stainless steel braided brake hoses, all four corners
Wilwood Forged Superlite 4-piston calipers, all four corners
Street brake pads: Hawk Performance Ceramic
Track brake pads: Front - PFC01, Rear - Hawk DTC60
E46 M3 front and rear slotted rotors
ATE Type 200 brake fluid
H&R Race springs, Bilstein Sport shocks/struts
OE E46 M3 strut/shock mounts
Summer tires: Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position, 245/35-18 on all four corners
Track tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE-11, 255/40-17 on all four corners
Winter tires: Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32, 225/45-17 on all four corners

[BMWCurves]

Very solid list :thumbsup

[danewilson77]

Legit.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Legit.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk
Maybe. There may be a level of "general shadyness" involved, as Ray would say. ;)

sent from my Droid Turbo

[Karl Lazlo]

Well, thanks to you, BP (and a trenta iced coffee from SBUX), this helped me decide my custom plate for my project.

[cakM3]

Maybe. There may be a level of "general shadyness" involved, as Ray would say. ;)

sent from my Droid Turbo

I'd say!!! :p

[BMWCurves]

Well, thanks to you, BP (and a trenta iced coffee from SBUX), this helped me decide my custom plate for my project.

Do tell. Shady?

[Karl Lazlo]

Do tell. Shady?

Well, that sounds like a good idea. Getting 'AZ3579' on my registration plate sounds like less than a good idea...

[az3579]

The studs I bought from Daniel have arrived in quick order. I believe these are Turner Motorsport studs, and they're pretty long so they can accommodate spacers, which I utilize for the winter wheels.

Inventory taken and found two brand new extra studs along with the associated nuts. Nice surprise - thanks Daniel. :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160110/d58356b829f50134fcab9a4129df1fab.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160110/f0fc004487011a794226e683739f42f6.jpg

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

You'll like them me thinks.


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

[NoVAphotog]

The studs I bought from Daniel have arrived in quick order. I believe these are Turner Motorsport studs, and they're pretty long so they can accommodate spacers, which I utilize for the winter wheels.

Inventory taken and found two brand new extra studs along with the associated nuts. Nice surprise - thanks Daniel. :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160110/d58356b829f50134fcab9a4129df1fab.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160110/f0fc004487011a794226e683739f42f6.jpg

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk
No problem, you are welcome sir!

They work great with spacers.

[az3579]

I am now starting to accumulate quite a lot of parts in my room that I've yet to install, most of which are maintenance items. Today, however, I spent some quality time making things better.

I had recently ordered a set of black cube trim from Gary, who is parting out his son's wrecked ZHP. I already have two sets of trim, a black cube and silver cube set. The black cube set was already installed on my car prior to today, but my radio trim piece is quite broken, and is very loose as a result. After searching with the inability to find a suitable replacement (nobody wanted to separate their full sets), I broke down and bought the full set from Gary.

I was very pleasantly surprised at the condition of the set. This set looks the nicest out of all used sets I've seen in person. The only imperfections on the set you'd actually have to be looking for, because the rest of it is so nice. It's pretty much as close to new as you'll get for used black cube trim. :)

Unfortunately, the radio piece has the almost the same issue as my broken one. That same tab is halfway cracked. It's one removal away from breaking, which would almost defeat the purpose of buying all the trim. The advantage I have with this one, however, is that if the piece breaks, I'll at least have the piece to superglue back on, whereas with the old set I lost that broken piece, never to be fixed again. I'm going to try everything in my power not to have to remove that radio piece ever again if I can help it. Here is the crack, which is only on this side and not the other side of the tab:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160113/d28eeeeda746e08f15cddba976088113.jpg

I figured while I was swapping out trim, I should reinstall my Bimmian mount. The phone holder part of it is useless to me because it only supports "microscopic" phones now (by today's standards), so there's no chance my LG V10 would fit in there. Instead, I've mounted the metal bracket, and I'm going to buy a different mount that I can attach to the bracket, one that will fit my phone.

The last time I had the bracket installed, I unfortunately had issues with the radio trim constantly popping out. It wasn't sitting firmly in the dash like it was supposed to. Here are some pics of how it sat the last time I used it:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160113/f66447f6826749f0b21d5b2b89882dce.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160113/6b4dbd4caa7dfa7554ab4e329f3b9f50.jpg

Charlie never had an issue with his, but I know a few folks on the board had problems with theirs, so I decided to try to fix this issue so I don't have to remove my trim again. The fix for me was to bend the bracket a bit so that the metal sits closer to the actual dash all the while keeping the mounting hole straight so it can be bolted into the dash. It's hard to describe and I didn't take pics of where I bent it because I forgot. I had tried a few different bends and wasn't quite sure which bend did the trick. Anyway, here's the finished product (the last pic shows all of the new trim installed):

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160113/200aedbc35f7270082b1ebeae9c0f6e2.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160113/5cf0ee1f14f864e56bd03a4ddff57bb1.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160113/6734297cac09f3be85c2293b911e0cfd.jpg

[johnrando]

Nice

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Nicely done. I didn't have to bend my bracket but I definitely had to fiddle with it for awhile to get the trim to fit properly..

[ELCID86]

Schön werk BP.


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

[az3579]

Nice

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk


Schön werk BP.


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

Thanks guys.


Nicely done. I didn't have to bend my bracket but I definitely had to fiddle with it for awhile to get the trim to fit properly..

I'm convinced that not all of these mounts are the same. When I saw Charlie's mount, the arms that extend on the holder itself I think were metal (or at the very least silver in color), where mine is just the same cheap plastic that the holder itself is made of. If there's a difference like that, it makes me wonder what else is different.

[Sockethead]

This gives me hope that I can get my mount to lay flush :)

[cakM3]

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/299/19784015344_d83cb862c6_o.png

This is the new Bimmian cell phone mount I put in my M3 but the one in my ZHP looks exactly the same... to get my trim piece to set perfect I really tightened that nut so that the mount was starting rest into the dash material itself... Then the trim pieces could fit flush as you see in the picture below...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/524/20380408016_6c647d3828_o.png


It's been a few months now since I installed this mount and on both cars my trim pieces are still tight and flush.

[az3579]

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/299/19784015344_d83cb862c6_o.png

This is the new Bimmian cell phone mount I put in my M3 but the one in my ZHP looks exactly the same... to get my trim piece to set perfect I really tightened that nut so that the mount was starting rest into the dash material itself... Then the trim pieces could fit flush as you see in the picture below...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/524/20380408016_6c647d3828_o.png


It's been a few months now since I installed this mount and on both cars my trim pieces are still tight and flush.
That right there proves the mounts are different. The ridges on the mount didn't come anywhere close to matching the line on the dash. That, and when bolted faaaar in, the mount sat a good quarter of an inch above the dash part it is supposed to rest on, thereby forcing the trim up and out. You can see that in Charlie's pics, the mount sits perfectly flat against the dash. Mine was not this way at all.

I have a feeling the design was revised. I've read numerous reports of loose trim as a result of instaing the mount, which may attribute to it possibly being different. I can't be sure...

The trim still isn't 100% kosher, but at least it stayed tight. You can see the gap above the radio...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160113/e99a347c930223f1fd27964816e4385b.jpg



Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[az3579]

It looks like things have taken a turn - all of a sudden I'm going HAM on ordering stuff for the car. Not good!

I've got a set of Bilstein PSS10 coilovers waiting for pickup at UPS. I made the mistake of forgetting to consider the offset when ordering tires, so I need to raise the car a bit to make my PSS tires fit. That's quite alright, because I had planned on buying coilovers anyway, just not quite so soon. I had also planned to raise it a bit as well, so this just happened to work out even if it did force my hand.

I've also got part of a PDC retrofit on its way. I ordered a used PDC control module, the wiring harness, and 4 sensors as part of a kit. I just need to find a mounting bracket and the bumper trim to get this installed.

[BMWCurves]

Does the PDC fit right into the bumper trim on a sedan? That's pretty nice.

[az3579]

Does the PDC fit right into the bumper trim on a sedan? That's pretty nice.

Yes. I need to replace the black center trim that has the holes for the sensors, but I do not need a new bumper cover.

[san]

BP did you figure out if the oil level sensor needs coding? I remember you having issues with it...


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[az3579]

BP did you figure out if the oil level sensor needs coding? I remember you having issues with it...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes... my car just eats a lot of friggin' oil. That's all it came down to, most definitely not the answer I was looking for.

[BMWCurves]

Yes... my car just eats a lot of friggin' oil. That's all it came down to, most definitely not the answer I was looking for.

Huh. So what happened in that stretch of 1,000 or so miles where your car was barely consuming oil?

[az3579]

Huh. So what happened in that stretch of 1,000 or so miles where your car was barely consuming oil?
Hell if I know. I give up trying to figure this crap out. I'm beyond frustrated with my oil consumption.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

If it makes you feel any better, my car uses a fair amount of oil too. I never checked mileage wise but it seems like that yellow oil light is always coming on.

[az3579]

If it makes you feel any better, my car uses a fair amount of oil too.

Not really... lol
Peter sent me a parts list for a catch can install. I'm going to try this soon to see if it's the CCV (again).

[Sockethead]

yea I was thinking of the catch can too after putting one on Kristen's car last year

[derbo]

It looks like things have taken a turn - all of a sudden I'm going HAM on ordering stuff for the car. Not good!

I've got a set of Bilstein PSS10 coilovers waiting for pickup at UPS. I made the mistake of forgetting to consider the offset when ordering tires, so I need to raise the car a bit to make my PSS tires fit. That's quite alright, because I had planned on buying coilovers anyway, just not quite so soon. I had also planned to raise it a bit as well, so this just happened to work out even if it did force my hand.

I've also got part of a PDC retrofit on its way. I ordered a used PDC control module, the wiring harness, and 4 sensors as part of a kit. I just need to find a mounting bracket and the bumper trim to get this installed.

You were going to buy it anyways. Now it will be just that much more fun BP :)

PSS10 is a wonderful choice.

[cakM3]

I need to replace the black center trim that has the holes for the sensors, but I do not need a new bumper cover.

It will be easier to buy that piece brand new than wait unless I get impatient and replace my rear bumper trim pieces for brand new ones.....

[az3579]

It will be easier to buy that piece brand new than wait unless I get impatient and replace my rear bumper trim pieces for brand new ones.....

Easier yes, but I'd also have to buy new trim on the left and right, and that adds up QUICK. I'd rather just buy used trim and respray all of the trim so they match each other.

[az3579]

PSS10 is a wonderful choice.


So I've seen! People seem to be really happy with them on various forums I've researched.

[slater]

It looks like things have taken a turn - all of a sudden I'm going HAM on ordering stuff for the car. Not good!

it happens... i did this last year. "well, if i'm already IN there and have the subframe out..." etc, etc... :) i can justify it (ha) by saying that i'll never have to replace it again. and since i plan to keep this car until i can afford an F80 M3... that should be a good long while. ;)



Hell if I know. I give up trying to figure this crap out. I'm beyond frustrated with my oil consumption.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk


Not really... lol
Peter sent me a parts list for a catch can install. I'm going to try this soon to see if it's the CCV (again).

i think it's your rings. the catch can/PCV setup will help seal them with the increased vacuum.

also, i owe you more details. will send them this week.

[az3579]

and since i plan to keep this car until i can afford an F80 M3... that should be a good long while. ;)
.

You are outlining my EXACT plan.... Scary!

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[Vas]

I am also heading that way. Keeping my zhp till I can afford an F80 M3.

[slater]

You are outlining my EXACT plan.... Scary!

haha. yasmarina blue 6MT sedan? :)



I am also heading that way. Keeping my zhp till I can afford an F80 M3.

cool! :) great minds think alike... :cheers

[az3579]

haha. yasmarina blue 6MT sedan? :)

Sakhir Orange with either Sonoma or Silverstone interior - haven't decided yet.

[QC_ZHP]

Put me down for an alpine white please. :)

[09mageec]

Sakhir/Silverstone looks gorge in my head right now.....:drool

But I need San Marino Blue with Silverstone...

[Sockethead]

Looks like we're all going in the same direction lol

[Vas]

Either BSM Or Yas Marina with Cloth Interior. 6spd and as little options as possible. Would love to have full LED headlights and butt warmers.

[09mageec]

Either BSM Or Yas Marina with Cloth Interior. 6spd and as little options as possible. Would love to have full LED headlights and butt warmers.
+1 on the "6spd, little options" and rump warmers!

[QC_ZHP]

thread officially hijacked lol. The good news is we could just turn this into a F8x forum one day and keep it touch.

[az3579]

Out of here with that "minimal options" bologna... Options, options, optionssssssssssssss!!!

Anyway, back on topic...
My friend offered to let me use his lift on Saturday, so I'm going to do my coilover install then. So glad I don't have to do it on jackstands...

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[09mageec]

ahhh, the beauty of friends with lifts!

[TigerTater]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160427/b5722fbc87eb458c40ccd1c8cbdf449b.jpg

[cakM3]

Out of here with that "minimal options" bologna... Options, options, optionssssssssssssss!!!

So many options to choose from........

[derbo]

Out of here with that "minimal options" bologna... Options, options, optionssssssssssssss!!!

Anyway, back on topic...
My friend offered to let me use his lift on Saturday, so I'm going to do my coilover install then. So glad I don't have to do it on jackstands...

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

Best part is this is a R&R swap so it should be fast and easy! Now..adjusting the height and camber will be the fun part. :)

[Rovert]

Max OEM camber should suffice! Align with no toe up front and 0.1° in the rear!

[az3579]

Best part is this is a R&R swap so it should be fast and easy! Now..adjusting the height and camber will be the fun part. :)

I hope so. My buddy seems to think it's going to take quite a while, about 6-7 hours. Not sure why, but I am with the thinking that we shouldn't rush it, so I'm okay with that. :)


Max OEM camber should suffice! Align with no toe up front and 0.1° in the rear!

I'm leaving the alignment up to the alignment shop. For camber, less is more - I want to get more out of my tires since it's driven on the street 95% of the time. I'm not sure where it's at right now, but I may not be able to do much less camber because of the tire issue I'm having (being too wide on an et35 wheel). I think I was last aligned to around -2 in the back, so if it stays around there then I will be content! I do think I'll go to a performance shop for the alignment this time and consult with them for what they think would be the best compromise for track/street. 0.1 degree toe in the rear - is this an M3 setting?

[Rovert]

Camber doesn't mean tire wear. What kills tires are toe settings because those are the settings that are constantly scrubbing the tires. I find OEM M3 setting is far too aggressive in toe. But I know it's setup for the general population to keep the car very stable feeling. I've dialed out front toe to keep it neutral and just a bit of toe in for the rear to keep that stabilized since the tires are wide. Toe in = stability. Toe out = go-kart handling. Neutral toe in for the front or hardly any hasn't made my car feel like it wants to wander when in highway ruts. I guess the car is heavy enough. Things could change if I'm running wider front tires though.

[slater]

I hope so. My buddy seems to think it's going to take quite a while, about 6-7 hours. Not sure why, but I am with the thinking that we shouldn't rush it, so I'm okay with that. :)

it depends on who is doing it, and when you've got coilovers... the rear height adjustment process is a bit tedious.

to give you a baseline - this pic is with the 7 visible threads below the front perch lock ring, 4 threads visible below the rear perch (you can easily could the number of threads on the strut body and rear adjuster):

(and regarding alignment - go for max negative camber up front too!)

[az3579]

The coils went in on Saturday. So far I am very pleased with this upgrade. I have accomplished both of my goals, which were:
1) Make the car more comfortable to drive daily
2) Raise the car up a bit for the same reason, and to fit my new summer tires!

I'm not really a pic whore so I don't have much in the way of pics, but here is what I do have.

Some pre-op pics. They suck, I know, but I just wanted to get started and get it over with!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7466/26735854311_4af6f8ffad_k.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/26199108033_c9512f9318_k.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/26735855631_403e2f7832_k.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7762/26802605405_4d84a1fa16_k.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/26197754194_617abcdcff_k.jpg

Out with the old:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7535/26778358526_82cef9f913_k.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/26197756084_74082497d9_k.jpg



I took this pic a few days before the coilovers got installed, so it shows a decent reference of ride height with the H&R Race springs and Bilstein Sport shocks. With this configuration, the car is uncomfortable to drive in areas with bad roads, such as everywhere in the Northeast. It was also a decent bit lower, and non-adjustable.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/26199106173_5ce978502c_k.jpg


After coilover install. For adjustments, I left the front all the way at the lowest setting, which is odd because the front of the car isn't that low. I don't know why this is, but I'm perfectly okay with this, as this is the ride height I wanted anyway. The rears were adjusted once after we finished the install, and this is about where I want to leave it.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/26778348326_30f63ba24d_k.jpg



You can see there is more wheel gap now, but to me this is the PERFECT ride height.

Front:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/26802593735_1fb110997f_k.jpg

Rear:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/26199098963_1e94d5b38d_k.jpg




Perhaps now my 255/35-18 Michelin PSS' on the BBS' will fit. lol

[fredo]

Looks good, BP ! :thumbsup

[slater]

glad you're happy with the suspension. i think you're going to have to raise it more than that to get the rear not to rub. when do you test-fit the 255s?

[az3579]

glad you're happy with the suspension. i think you're going to have to raise it more than that to get the rear not to rub. when do you test-fit the 255s?

I have that feeling too. I'll test fit them when it stops raining. They have forecasted rain every single day this week.

The thing I'm worried about now is that in order to do an alignment, I have to replace a tie rod. I have both ready to go, but still...
Also, my friend who helped install them told me that I'll need camber plates to get a proper alignment on the car. I don't want to go crazy with alignments. Because of my conservative requirements, Derek recommended a -2 degree front, -1 degree rear setup, with 0 degrees toe front and 0.1 degrees rear. Would I be able to achieve these alignment specs without camber plates? I don't want to drop $400 on those plates right now, especially with the track event ever looming.

[slater]

you can get the toe settings, yes. rear camber will be doable if your eccentric camber bolts are in good shape (mine were rusty and awful with actual material missing from the middle of the bolts! i replaced with new).

fronts - you'll be able to get about -1.5deg max without camber plates.

i run -1.25deg up front, -0.75deg in the rear. loved it with the 225's up front - i want a bit more negative camber up front with the 245's - i'm aiming for -1.5deg.

[Vas]

I have -1.5 on the front of Sketchi with the pins still in the upper mounts.

Car is lowered.

If I remove the pins, pretty sure I can get -2.0.

Rear is set at -1.8 and the range is between -1.8 to -2.2 if you want everything to be in the allowed range.

Toe is set to just factory specs. I didn't want 0 toe on the front. Some people like it since it makes the car more twitchy.

[BMWCurves]

Looks good! :thumbsup

[ELCID86]

Looking good Botond.

[fw_fw]

Perfect height!

[az3579]

Looks good, BP ! :thumbsup


Looks good! :thumbsup


Looking good Botond.


Perfect height!
Thanks guys.

I'm gonna sign up for the lifetime alignments from Firestone so I can tweak at will!

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[WOLFN8TR]

Looks good BP! [emoji106]

[san]

There is something about your Zhp that I like, can't pin point what it is but your's looks unique in a way... Even during last year's reunion when there were so many imolas I could clearly tell which was yours... :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slater]

There is something about your Zhp that I like, can't pin point what it is but your's looks unique in a way... Even during last year's reunion when there were so many imolas I could clearly tell which was yours... :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

the M3 mirrors help a TON... :)

[az3579]

Looks good BP! [emoji106]
Thanks Gary. High praise from someone who keeps his car as clean as can be. :)

There is something about your Zhp that I like, can't pin point what it is but your's looks unique in a way... Even during last year's reunion when there were so many imolas I could clearly tell which was yours... :thumbsup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


the M3 mirrors help a TON... :)
It is definitely the look I'm going for. I'm going for the "special edition" kind of look, where the car looks stock-ish but with modifications a manufacturer would make for a special edition kind of car. I like the OE+ look!

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[san]

the M3 mirrors help a TON... :)

Yup, I agree...

[san]

It is definitely the look I'm going for. I'm going for the "special edition" kind of look, where the car looks stock-ish but with modifications a manufacturer would make for a special edition kind of car. I like the OE+ look!

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

You have certainly achieved it IMHO... [emoji4]

[ELCID86]

Thanks guys.

I'm gonna sign up for the lifetime alignments from Firestone so I can tweak at will!



How much does that run?

[az3579]

You have certainly achieved it IMHO... [emoji4]

Thanks! I have to think hard about what else I want to do - nothing comes to mind that I haven't yet already put into motion. I'm sure I'll think of something. lol


How much does that run?

shrug
Less than BMW's $180 alignment I'm sure...

[BMWCurves]

Thanks! I have to think hard about what else I want to do - nothing comes to mind that I haven't yet already put into motion. I'm sure I'll think of something. lol



shrug
Less than BMW's $180 alignment I'm sure...

I think San looked for me at some point and it was ~$160.

[derbo]

I have that feeling too. I'll test fit them when it stops raining. They have forecasted rain every single day this week.

The thing I'm worried about now is that in order to do an alignment, I have to replace a tie rod. I have both ready to go, but still...
Also, my friend who helped install them told me that I'll need camber plates to get a proper alignment on the car. I don't want to go crazy with alignments. Because of my conservative requirements, Derek recommended a -2 degree front, -1 degree rear setup, with 0 degrees toe front and 0.1 degrees rear. Would I be able to achieve these alignment specs without camber plates? I don't want to drop $400 on those plates right now, especially with the track event ever looming.




I have -1.5 on the front of Sketchi with the pins still in the upper mounts.

Car is lowered.

If I remove the pins, pretty sure I can get -2.0.

Rear is set at -1.8 and the range is between -1.8 to -2.2 if you want everything to be in the allowed range.

Toe is set to just factory specs. I didn't want 0 toe on the front. Some people like it since it makes the car more twitchy.

BP, sounds like you should be able to get what I want in the front with the pins knocked out. Since your car is a track car too, I still stand by my suggested settings for your car.

[johnrando]

Good stuff BP!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[az3579]

BBS wheels have been mounted. Verdict: the car is drivable, though it needs some fine tuning.

I get a rub in the back on the deepest of bumps. I'm talking epic dip in the road kind of bump, which we have one of right near my house on the highway. I go through there every day, so I'm gonna have to figure out where to go from here. So far it's fine on pretty much every type of road surface I've tried, so it is usable for daily driving.

I'm thinking my next set of tires will probably be greeted with a new set of wheels...

Unfortunately, the BBS' have been nothing but trouble since I got them. I love the size, but I do not like the offset or the weight, and they've had a very rough life from the previous owner(s). I don't care about weight from a performance perspective because I don't feel the difference in performance between these and my track wheels. There is a huge difference, however, with regards to wheel changes. I damn near hurt myself lifting one of these today. I'm reminded of this every time I swap wheels, which is at least 4 times a year.

Damn I love these wheels though...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160505/cf44232916eb5a04cd9a5a3a157bce7f.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160505/7d87ce1a30fed35902e9ba584cb4c575.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160505/5915a23b3f17ecd90310ee6b6bd6bdce.jpg

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

curious, what offset are you running? I can't remember

[az3579]

curious, what offset are you running? I can't remember
18x8.5 et35
255/35-18 Pilot Super Sport tires. These things are wiiiide shouldered.

Sent from my LG V10 on Tapatalk

[Vas]

255 is pushing the limit of a 8.5 wide rim. As a result, the sidewall starts to bubble outwards. Should have went with 245 imo.

[az3579]

255 is pushing the limit of a 8.5 wide rim. As a result, the sidewall starts to bubble outwards. Should have went with 245 imo.
255 is perfect, dude... and it's factory size as well, so I maintain the same wheel diameter that the car was designed for. I've ran 255's on my track wheels for years on my 17x8.5 set. Also don't forget that Tire Rack also recommends 255 tires for 8.5" wheels.

The 245's are a decent bit smaller in diameter.

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[Vas]

Nah dude. 255 is right on the limit of a 8.5 wheel. Sure it can work and is factory on our cars but that doesn't mean it's correct.

Next time you are fitting a 255 section tire mounted, go see how difficult it is to get it on the rim.

Also tirerack has a wheel width range.

If you want to run a 255 go with a 9 inch wide rim.

It's like putting on a pair of pants trying to squeeze your fat ass in but you know the next size up works better and is more comfy.

[Sockethead]

I have et 35 all the way around on mine as well but I'm still running staggered setup with 8" up front and 9'' on the back. I have 255 on the back. I still rub on that pesky piece of plastic for the bumper mount but that seems to be the only place where its rubbing

I just noticed that you had the H&R red race springs and I have the blue sport springs I thought we were running the same setup back when we were comparing height now I know why you were sitting lower. The new height looks great BTW

[az3579]

Nah dude. 255 is right on the limit of a 8.5 wheel. Sure it can work and is factory on our cars but that doesn't mean it's correct.

Next time you are fitting a 255 section tire mounted, go see how difficult it is to get it on the rim.

Also tirerack has a wheel width range.

If you want to run a 255 go with a 9 inch wide rim.

It's like putting on a pair of pants trying to squeeze your fat ass in but you know the next size up works better and is more comfy.

Listen, Vas. I am not going to argue this with you. 255 is the perfect size for my situation, that is the end of that. I am not buying 9" wide rims. I did not buy 245 tires. I bought 8.5" rims and 255 width tires, which have been a perfect combo for the 6 years I've had my car. Thank you for understanding.


I have et 35 all the way around on mine as well but I'm still running staggered setup with 8" up front and 9'' on the back. I have 255 on the back. I still rub on that pesky piece of plastic for the bumper mount but that seems to be the only place where its rubbing

I had that issue when I first got my BBS wheels. I shaved that piece of plastic because that was also where I was rubbing. Ever since it was shaved, it's been all good. :thumbsup

(until now, that is - lol)



I just noticed that you had the H&R red race springs and I have the blue sport springs I thought we were running the same setup back when we were comparing height now I know why you were sitting lower. The new height looks great BTW

I thought we had the same as well. The height as it sits now is going up slightly to cure the rubbing in the back. It only rubs with passengers in the rear or on really deep bumps (when I'm by myself), so for now, the height will go up a bit. I'm having a hard time deciding if I'll end up getting new wheels or not. I love the BBS wheels, but they're not cooperating. I haven't found anything else that I like that a million people don't already have!

[Vas]

Listen, Vas. I am not going to argue this with you. 255 is the perfect size for my situation, that is the end of that. I am not buying 9" wide rims. I did not buy 245 tires. I bought 8.5" rims and 255 width tires, which have been a perfect combo for the 6 years I've had my car. Thank you for understanding.



I had that issue when I first got my BBS wheels. I shaved that piece of plastic because that was also where I was rubbing. Ever since it was shaved, it's been all good. :thumbsup

(until now, that is - lol)



I thought we had the same as well. The height as it sits now is going up slightly to cure the rubbing in the back. It only rubs with passengers in the rear or on really deep bumps (when I'm by myself), so for now, the height will go up a bit. I'm having a hard time deciding if I'll end up getting new wheels or not. I love the BBS wheels, but they're not cooperating. I haven't found anything else that I like that a million people don't already have!
Not trying to argue with you. Just saying it worked in the past but it does not now. So I gave you a solution. That's all.

[Sockethead]

I haven't found anything else that I like that a million people don't already have!
I'm in the same boat I want something different than the typical CSL replica wheel that I swore I'd never put on my car...except I have no funds having just paid for the expenses moving to Charleston and these twins, My God! they're expensive... they already eat more than I do!

[cakM3]

BBS CH wheels are played out.... I need to sell mine....

[johnrando]

Really? I like the way they look.

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[BMWCurves]

BBS CH wheels are played out.... I need to sell mine....

Maybe, but you don't see them that often. I'd say Apex ARC-8s are "played out" but I don't mind at all :)


Really? I like the way they look.

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Agreed. I think they're great looking on our cars and very unique styling.

[brettbimmer]

Really? I like the way they look.

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+1. Still have a soft spot for BBS wheels myself.

[az3579]

Not trying to argue with you. Just saying it worked in the past but it does not now. So I gave you a solution. That's all.

The problem is the wheel offset. I've had 255's on et40 without issues. The aggressive offset is the root cause of why the tires won't fit. The urge to fit M3 fenders is so strong... yet so uneconomical! :(


I'm in the same boat I want something different than the typical CSL replica wheel that I swore I'd never put on my car...except I have no funds having just paid for the expenses moving to Charleston and these twins, My God! they're expensive... they already eat more than I do!

Being a car guy with kids is hard, unless you're loaded!


BBS CH wheels are played out.... I need to sell mine....


Really? I like the way they look.

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Don't worry, Charlie's not serious. :p

[slater]

Unfortunately, the BBS' have been nothing but trouble since I got them. I love the size, but I do not like the offset or the weight, and they've had a very rough life from the previous owner(s). I don't care about weight from a performance perspective because I don't feel the difference in performance between these and my track wheels. There is a huge difference, however, with regards to wheel changes. I damn near hurt myself lifting one of these today. I'm reminded of this every time I swap wheels, which is at least 4 times a year.


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160505/5915a23b3f17ecd90310ee6b6bd6bdce.jpg

first off, BP - the car looks great with those wheels and those meats.

secondly - dude, you are being a pansy about the wheel and tire weight. you're as big as me. you should be able to lift 49lbs of wheel and tire, man! do some pushups or something. ;) even my 63lb 8-year old son can lift one of the ZHP's wheel/tire combos!

thirdly - i don't know if it's just me, but your back wheel looks cock-eyed in this picture above and the one you posted of your winter wheels. do you have a bent control arm? it just looks like it's sitting too far back in the wheel well...



255 is perfect, dude... and it's factory size as well, so I maintain the same wheel diameter that the car was designed for. I've ran 255's on my track wheels for years on my 17x8.5 set. Also don't forget that Tire Rack also recommends 255 tires for 8.5" wheels.

The 245's are a decent bit smaller in diameter.

remember that not all tires are the same width, even if they are listed as the same size. the 255/35/18 PSS have a 9.5" wide tread width - that's pretty fat for a 'normal' 255. and, they are very square-shouldered.

re: the diameter, the 255/35/18 PSS is 25". the 245/35/18 PSS (i run these now) is 24.8" in diameter. a difference, but not huge.



Listen, Vas. I am not going to argue this with you. 255 is the perfect size for my situation, that is the end of that. I am not buying 9" wide rims. I did not buy 245 tires. I bought 8.5" rims and 255 width tires, which have been a perfect combo for the 6 years I've had my car. Thank you for understanding.

LOL!!!

:cheers



I had that issue when I first got my BBS wheels. I shaved that piece of plastic because that was also where I was rubbing. Ever since it was shaved, it's been all good. :thumbsup

(until now, that is - lol)

so where is it rubbing? on the fender lip?



Maybe, but you don't see them that often. I'd say Apex ARC-8s are "played out" but I don't mind at all :)

me either. they look amazing on the car, i wouldn't care if every car in the world ran them. they're awesome. :)



The problem is the wheel offset. I've had 255's on et40 without issues. The aggressive offset is the root cause of why the tires won't fit. The urge to fit M3 fenders is so strong... yet so uneconomical! :(

LOL, so true. :) i think you'd be good with 245's or a higher offset wheel - the offset isn't the only problem. when you stray from stock... compromises must be met. ;)


does it rub on both sides?


also, if you ever decide to sell those CHs... let me know. ;) :cheers

[derbo]

I rubbed on 255 RE11s w/ 18x8.5 +40. I rolled, sawoff the threaded bolt and still rubbed on the inner fender. I think I need to increase my rebound settings and stiffer springs.

[az3579]

thirdly - i don't know if it's just me, but your back wheel looks cock-eyed in this picture above and the one you posted of your winter wheels. do you have a bent control arm? it just looks like it's sitting too far back in the wheel well...

Nope, this is normal. Take a look at E46 sedan pics online... they look the same to me. Specifically look at a ZHP because that'll give you the same size wheel as a reference. Last 3 pics I looked at looked the same. :dunno





remember that not all tires are the same width, even if they are listed as the same size. the 255/35/18 PSS have a 9.5" wide tread width - that's pretty fat for a 'normal' 255. and, they are very square-shouldered.

Yeah that's another problem I discovered after I had ordered. The freak-of-nature shoulders on the PSS are definitely interesting, but I made it work. Look at it this way - I forced myself to get something I probably would have slacked on for another few years. :)



re: the diameter, the 255/35/18 PSS is 25". the 245/35/18 PSS (i run these now) is 24.8" in diameter. a difference, but not huge.

I did want as much "free" height that I could possibly get from the car, even if that meant getting 'only' a 3-5 mm higher ride height. I'm perfectly fine with this for now. I'll raise the car a touch more the next chance I get.







so where is it rubbing? on the fender lip?

I think so...





also, if you ever decide to sell those CHs... let me know. ;) :cheers

We'll see... ;)


I rubbed on 255 RE11s w/ 18x8.5 +40. I rolled, sawoff the threaded bolt and still rubbed on the inner fender. I think I need to increase my rebound settings and stiffer springs.

I never had an issue with 17x8.5 et40 wheels running 255/40-17's (Bridgestone Potenza RE-11's) all around (pretty much same diameter). All I did was roll the fenders to not have clearance issues with that particular size. When I got the BBS wheels mounted on 245/35-18's, I had to shave some plastic off in the rear for it to not rub. I'm surprised you rubbed with 18x8.5 255/35's.

[orange260z]

I'm going to Porsche you guys yet. :)


You are outlining my EXACT plan.... Scary!

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[slater]

Nope, this is normal. Take a look at E46 sedan pics online... they look the same to me. Specifically look at a ZHP because that'll give you the same size wheel as a reference. Last 3 pics I looked at looked the same. :dunno

weird. it definitely looks off to me - here's my car, the wheel sits evenly front-to-rear in the rear wheel well. to me, it looks like other E46s - and yours looks off. ;)

[az3579]

weird. it definitely looks off to me - here's my car, the wheel sits evenly front-to-rear in the rear wheel well. to me, it looks like other E46s - and yours looks off. ;)
I can't help you. Lol
There isn't anything wrong with my rear suspension, I can assure you of that. :)

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[Vas]

I can't help you. Lol
There isn't anything wrong with my rear suspension, I can assure you of that. :)

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Didn't you have an issue with your akg rtab?

[az3579]

Didn't you have an issue with your akg rtab?
Not anymore.

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[az3579]

It looks like someone went on another shopping spree...

Now in my collection of craziness is an F10 M5 shift knob and boot (Part # 25112284205). I longed for a lit shift knob again after the previous one got worn enough to bother me, so I purchased this F10 M5 knob with its gorgeous OE lighting. I decided to be daring and retrofit the shift boot as well! It was very time consuming, and I'm not entirely sure it was worth the effort since the new boot doesn't quite sit properly on the E46 frame, which causes issues with installation of the frame. I followed this DIY (which was excellent!): http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=471240
The fact that the leather has no grain to it also bothers me, as I'd like to match my Dakota leather seats.

We'll see in time if I decide to swap it out for a new OE one.



New knob, right out of the package:

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7039/27599680255_e2fbe02da7_k.jpg



As you can see, it was previously stapled to the frame. Glue also held it in place. I had already begun to remove the staples when I snapped this pic.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7337/27599683625_4d1288bb94_k.jpg



The glue is some strong/nasty stuff...

https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7376/27599686445_77f783c139_k.jpg



Finally removed from the F10 frame.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7101/27599688865_fbf9d6e239_k.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7411/27599693105_4a0e2a739a_k.jpg



Used my old leather shift boot frame to mount it to. Here is the E46 frame without the boot:

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7662/27599696395_5e1c472fe0_k.jpg



I positioned the new boot to the frame and secured it with clothespins per the DIY so I could remove a couple at a time and glue the boot down in those sections.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7443/26989491854_7a5be3187c_k.jpg



Attached to the E46 frame "successfully"!:

https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7374/26989493914_82cc60fc8f_k.jpg



I used quick splices on the cigarette lighter wiring to wire up two extra wires, to which I will attach a connector that fits the shift knob's connector. I attempted to put a terminal on each wire and put them in an OE connector, but that process proved to be a real pain in the ass. I spent at least an hour trying to get these damn terminals on, and went through all but one of my 6 terminals that came with my "repair kit". For reference, the part number of the "repair kit" I purchased is 61132360043. Here is a pic of what comes in the kit:

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/676213_x800.jpg



Tested the knob's lighting for functionality:

https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7384/27565641356_1ed973dc97_k.jpg



Here's my ghetto'rigged setup for now. I had to do this temporarily because for some reason, the lighting wouldn't work when the terminals were inserted into the connector and the connector was plugged in. I have to figure out why, but I also need to order another connector repair kit because I am down to a single spare terminal and I'm not happy with the crimp job I did on the two terminals that I did manage to finish. I need to order a proper crimp tool because all I had to use with my pliers. I will be revisiting this once I have the proper tools...

One of the wires is wrapped in fabric tape so it doesn't short with the other terminal. They are hooked up directly to the pins on the shift knob connector.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7121/26990626263_0b1b63e6e8_k.jpg



All done!

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7392/26990628523_584ac5c53b_k.jpg



The shift boot doesn't quite sit right. It bulges up a bit at the edges where the stitches are, which I feel is twisting the frame slightly. There are also gaps on either side of the boot, which is going to drive me crazy, I can just see it. If I can't finagle this thing to sit properly, then I'm ordering a new E46 leather boot and I'll cut this one off the shift knob.

You can see the boot stretches slightly in 5th gear...

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7436/26990631003_1d5d69e22b_k.jpg



The money shot. This doesn't quite properly show the exact lighting match with the rest of the interior lighting, but it certainly does match.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7348/26990633783_33fddcd5be_k.jpg





On to the next - I also installed 25W CREE CANBUS LED bulbs into my brake light and running light sockets to "complete" my LED bulb upgrade for exterior lighting. I say "complete" for two reasons:
1) I still haven't decided on whether I want LED license plate lights. I like the warm glow they provide with the incandescent bulbs, and no LED that I've found seems to be able to provide a "glow" instead of a cold harsh light.
2) I forgot to order the trunk lights! Now all but the trunk running lights are LED. I ordered another pair last night so I could swap those out as well.

This is my solution to LED lighting without having to buy Depos or Eagle Eyes, neither of which I like the look of. I like the OE look for tail lights, so I opted to use LED bulbs instead and get the same effect! Unfortunately it's nearly impossible for me to catch a good picture of the lighting as it is now because LED is super hard to capture in pics when they're on for some reason. I'll try with my DSLR and see if it makes a difference.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7178/27527301311_5dda5101b1_k.jpg



Before, with my mismash of different bulbs. I had a weaker white LED bulb in the brake light socket, I had matching (to the new bulbs) 25W CREE CANBUS amber LED bulbs in the turn signals already (bright!), and incandescent running light bulbs.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7591/27527305761_e775ea5023_k.jpg



Now, they all match! All are 1156 bulbs, even though my turn signals require 7507 (euro bulb carriers that came with my OE tail lights). I still managed to get the 1156 bulb in there though, and it works just fine.

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7401/27527310011_1fe720c87d_k.jpg



I will attempt to get good pics of the lighting somehow, some day...

[BMWCurves]

Very cool. Sorry to hear that the shifter boot didn't quite work out. Sadly that's the way of some DIYs.

What bulbs did you use for the interior lighting of your trunk? I'm considering swapping those out for something brighter.

[az3579]

Very cool. Sorry to hear that the shifter boot didn't quite work out. Sadly that's the way of some DIYs.

What bulbs did you use for the interior lighting of your trunk? I'm considering swapping those out for something brighter.
Stock. Only one bulb works. lol
When it comes to interior lighting, I prefer a warm color, not the harsh light that LEDs provide. I especially hate the fluorescent lighting at work for the same reason. I may go the way of LED for the trunk purely because I'm rarely in there, but that's undecided along with the license plate lights.

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[BMWCurves]

Stock. Only one bulb works. lol
When it comes to interior lighting, I prefer a warm color, not the harsh light that LEDs provide. I especially hate the fluorescent lighting at work for the same reason. I may go the way of LED for the trunk purely because I'm rarely in there, but that's undecided along with the license plate lights.

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Gotcha, misread that. Yeah, it just can get dark in there sometimes so I'm considering a brighter LED solution.

[az3579]

I never really had an issue with the brightness in there. :dunno

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[anandoc]

Awesome work with the LED lights! Mind posting the eBay links (or wherever you bought the LED bulbs from) so that we can buy from the same source, knowing that these are BP approved/tested :)

[rguti153]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/547585b596c3baacffc43c7e1e5a28e4.jpg
link of purchase

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[anandoc]

link of purchase

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Looks like BP does not want to share his secret supplier for LED bulbs :)

[az3579]

Looks like BP does not want to share his secret supplier for LED bulbs :)

I'm not sure about them yet - I won't be sure until I get the trunk bulbs in and everything has uniform lighting. I can't recommend something that isn't fully implemented yet... so far so good, but if you really have to have it now now now, then here's the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231134019756?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


I still have to do some comparisons and testing before I can officially recommend them though. They seem a bit too bright for running lights, and I want to figure out if this is a coding issue or if they really are that bright. There is a small difference between brake light brightness and running light brightness, but this has been the case with incandescent bulbs as well, so I want to make sure this is not a bulb issue before I go saying anything about them.

[anandoc]

Thanks BP. This one would not ship to Canada but I found a few others on ebay which do. However, I did not have a lot of success in finding amber LED lights for the turn signals...those are the ones I am more interested in. Do you have a link for the source which you used for the amber bulbs?

[az3579]

Thanks BP. This one would not ship to Canada but I found a few others on ebay which do. However, I did not have a lot of success in finding amber LED lights for the turn signals...those are the ones I am more interested in. Do you have a link for the source which you used for the amber bulbs?
Not the same seller, but just search for "CREE CANBUS 1156 amber" and you'll find ones that look similar to these. If they look the same (with the projector lens and the 5 CREE LED chips) then those are good.

I stay away from SMDs because they're weaker.

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[anandoc]

Thanks man! Any ideas what is the difference between 7225 and 7506 bulbs? They look the same but the tail-light running lights are supposed to be 7225, whereas the brake lights are 7506.

[WOLFN8TR]

Nice work BP!

[az3579]

Thanks man! Any ideas what is the difference between 7225 and 7506 bulbs? They look the same but the tail-light running lights are supposed to be 7225, whereas the brake lights are 7506.
My running lights are 1156... all references I've seen to running light bulbs state 7506/1156...

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[az3579]

A couple of updates! Man, I'm getting lazy with updating this thread...

I finally pounced on adding a second power outlet so I could have a semi-permanent home for my car charger without having to keep the socket tray cover open.

After scouring Pep Boys with Charlie, he found a suitable socket to use. It was a cigarette lighter socket attached to some clips, to be used for directly attaching to a battery for the socket to be powered. We cut off the clips and used the wires to tap into the existing cigarette lighter wiring. Thus, it is switched power, and operates in exactly the same way as the factory outlet.

Of course, I wrote all this up without realizing that I don't have any pics. I'll have to take some when I replace my console, which I'll be ordering very soon. The phone charger and cable are all routed to be under the console, so it is removable.



Another project I started is the PDC retrofit. I took some pics and plan on doing some kind of a write-up on how to do it, as there aren't any proper complete DIYs for a factory PDC retrofit on a sedan. I'm lazy so I hope I took enough pics to satisfy those looking to do it.

I only managed to install everything from the control module backwards. The module is currently installed, as is all the wiring going to the sensors. I also installed the bumper trim and sensors.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160713/e8797b69b033c642ed5eb55e8f971bf8.jpg

Unfortunately I couldn't get the sensors connected because the connectors were really difficult to insert, so I didn't force it. All of them are keyed correctly. My friend tells me that it's just the gaskets that are making it difficult, so I will try it again. I also need to paint the trim so they all match.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160713/73947a4f17d54e3c9162e93a3f537932.jpg



What's left with the PDC? I still need to run the wires from the PDC control module to the front of the car and make the connections for it to function. Then, I will have to do the proper coding to enable the feature. I do have the harness that goes to the front of the car, which is extremely difficult to find since nobody wants to rip the wiring out of a junk car for that, so most of them just end up cutting the harness at the control module instead. I got lucky, so my kit had everything I need except for the gong. I don't plan on using the gong anyway - I am going to code it to use the piezo instead. Thinking about it, I think I'm going to order a gong and hook it up, in the interest of creating a complete DIY.

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[BMWCurves]

Nice work. I never thought I'd want PDC when I found out my car had it before I bought it. I've found it really useful and has kept me scuff free on my bumper since I've had my car.

Can you explain why you need a second power outlet and where you put it?

[az3579]

Can you explain why you need a second power outlet and where you put it?

I had kept a low-profile phone charger plugged into the cigarette lighter socket previously. That took up the only socket I had, so if I had to pump my tires up, I'd have to force it out, since it's really tight in there. Not really a big deal, but I really don't like having that tray flipped up - it looks unsightly. I'd rather have the lid closed as it looks much better. The benefit is twofold - it looks better having it hidden out of sight, and also doesn't "get in the way" having my cable route in front of my shifter, which sometimes my fingers would catch on.

[johnrando]

Good stuff... good luck.

[cakM3]

Good stuff... good luck.

+1


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[az3579]

Today marks exactly 6 years of ownership.

Fun facts:
In that time, I have driven 175,988 miles, averaging 29,331.3 miles per year, currently at exactly 251,951 miles total
--- and haven't worked more than 15 minutes from home for more than 6 months total---;
I have attended and completed 20 track days, 1 of which was a skidpad day;
Wobz has taken part in 12 autocross events;
I have replaced my entire cooling system twice due to mileage, not age;
I have owned 6 sets of wheels, including the ones that came with the car (135's);
Have received 3 offers to buy my car;
I can count on one hand how many times I have been a passenger in my own car (with someone else driving);
The longest distance travelled in "one sitting" (not including the short breaks in between) is 674 miles (2015 Reunion);
Have done exactly zero burnouts and 1 instance of easy donuts in the snow in the winter of 2013;
The interior of my car has been changed to an entirely different interior, which is 1 instance more than most people;
I have successfully achieved 35.6 actual mpg over exactly 100 miles of standard hilly Northeastern highway terrain on I-95, which is bloody next to impossible on that route;Wobz has only been in for CPO repair once under my ownership, and that is when I decided to learn coding instead of getting shafted again


That's all I've got for now.

[fredo]

Impressive. I don't think I have driven that much in all my life.

Edit: I did the math. I drive 5k per year on avg. I started driving 30 years ago. That means 150k miles total.

[Sockethead]

That's some serious seat time.

[az3579]

Impressive. I don't think I have driven that much in all my life.

Edit: I did the math. I drive 5k per year on avg. I started driving 30 years ago. That means 150k miles total.

Wow. The 175,988 mile figure I posted was just in Wobz... then there's the E30, which I drove even more often than the E46 over the course of 4 years!
I've only had the pleasure of owning 2 cars, unfortunately. Wish I could own more...


That's some serious seat time.

Yep - my fatass has adorned my vehicle's seat nearly every single day since I've had it. I think the longest I've gone without driving it was 2 weeks, but I'm not too sure on the exact number of days. That was vacation - when not on vacation, you bet I was driving almost every day. :)
The days I haven't driven are "exception" days - the car is in for service, or is disabled for some reason, which very rarely ever happens.

[WOLFN8TR]

That's pretty impressive BP and the fact your ZHP has 251K on it and is still reliable and looks great! Well done....:thumbsup

[az3579]

That's pretty impressive BP and the fact your ZHP has 251K on it and is still reliable and looks great!

Thanks Gary, but you obviously haven't seen it in person! lol
The front looks like a teenager's face - pepped with imperfections. I do say though, it's been super reliable, but I also don't want to know how much I spent on maintaining it. I probably could have bought another car for the amount of money I've spent on this car, not including purchase price! I definitely lucked out with this one though. :thumbsup

[orange260z]

This is awesome!

When will you actually start using this garage queen? [emoji51]


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[ELCID86]

This is awesome!

When will you actually start using this garage queen? [emoji51]


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Lol. Nice update, record keeping and memory BP.

[johnrando]

Good stuff!

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[cakM3]

Good stuff!

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+1


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[az3579]

I finally jumped on something I've been wanting to do for a long time. So, yesterday, in went an armrest delete kit! I installed it along with a euro tray and a storage tray in the back section of it to replace the ash tray. I installed a cigarette lighter splitter in to the additional 12v socket that I hardwired in a while back, so now I have two phone chargers installed (out of sight) with two cables coming out of the euro tray if needed. They are stored inside the tray when not in use, for a nice clean appearance.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8556/29932069936_4b670b2d4a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MAZFzj)0926161339 (https://flic.kr/p/MAZFzj) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



You can see a small opening inside the tray. This is where I stuck the cables through.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8398/29339541253_ced21b090e_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LGCPrx)0926161343a (https://flic.kr/p/LGCPrx) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Installed! I wasn't able to reinstall my arm rest way back when because the bolt is crossthreaded into the body. I remembered this when installing this kit, and sure enough, wasn't able to remove that bolt. For now, it'll have to stay a bit loose 'till I can get the hole re-tapped with a larger bolt.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8358/29852131582_8b231116e7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MtVYFQ)0926161541 (https://flic.kr/p/MtVYFQ) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8468/29672453310_6833b9317d_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Md45AA)0926161541a (https://flic.kr/p/Md45AA) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



This is how the cable comes out of the tray, when needed:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5320/29672454840_5f4ea61336_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Md463Y)0926161542 (https://flic.kr/p/Md463Y) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



With regards to the lit F10 shift knob, I've had trouble getting it to light. When I first got the kit from FCP euro (connector repair kit, P/N: 61132360043), they only sent me the connector without the terminal pins. I needed the pins to make this look like an OE implementation, so I talked to them and they sent me another kit, once again missing the pins. They went on for one more cycle until they said I should try to source it from elsewhere. While they say they were getting these sent to me directly from BMW, the connector wasn't arriving in BMW packaging, and the first time I ordered this kit from BMW of Morristown, it was complete with the pins (all of which I messed up since I didn't have the crimp tool). Finally, I got the kit from ECS alongside my armrest delete kit, and it was complete!

Alas, I finally I have a lit shift knob, after months of having it unlit!

https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8809/29852137532_9f7a00db01_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MtW1sq)0926162001a (https://flic.kr/p/MtW1sq) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

[Jconlin16]

Excellent use of that storage tray, great idea! I wish I had an additional 12v socket it my car. The delete kit looks great and that natural brown interior makes me happy every time I see it.

[az3579]

Excellent use of that storage tray, great idea! I wish I had an additional 12v socket it my car. The delete kit looks great and that natural brown interior makes me happy every time I see it.
Thanks, the interior makes me giddy whenever I see it as well.

The 12v socket was actually pretty easy. I bought it at Pep Boys - it's the one with the clips at the end (meant for connecting the socket to the battery). The clips were cut off and the remaining wiring spliced into the cigarette light socket wiring, then run underneath the shifter and center consoles to hide it.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

[Karl Lazlo]

No cup holder for a trenta iced coffee. Fail.

Looks great, BP! I may have to wire up some more 12VDC in my car(s).

[WOLFN8TR]

Nice work BP! It turned out really nice.

[az3579]

No cup holder for a trenta iced coffee. Fail.

Looks great, BP! I may have to wire up some more 12VDC in my car(s).
Charlie did bring up a good point via text... Splicing in the socket may be easy for him (does electrical work and took point on my install) and me (know how to and have done it in the past), but keep in mind that soldering is involved if you want to do it right. So, if you want to do it, consider this before starting. Taps can work, but soldering is better as it's a more reliable connection.

BTW - Coffee would never see the inside of my car. Gross... [emoji14]

I do now have a solution for the beverage problem, however. Charlie recommended the Ultimate Cupholder (http://www.ultimatecupholders.com) that he's been using in his M3 for a few years. Looking at it, I think this would be the perfect solution to my Cupholder problem, so I'm going to order two, one for me and the other for the passenger, so I can restore full cupholder functionality and make it better in the process!

Nice work BP! It turned out really nice.
Thanks Gary!

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

[WOLFN8TR]

Thanks for the cup holder link! [emoji106]

[Vas]

The armrest delete is a nice touch. Too bad that fugly cupholder solution is the only option.

Sure it may work but it does not flow with the interior. Same goes for phone mounts.

[az3579]

The armrest delete is a nice touch. Too bad that fugly cupholder solution is the only option.

Sure it may work but it does not flow.
Let me know if you find something better. I plan on spraying these black so they don't stick out.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

[WOLFN8TR]

That's funny I really like my Bimmian phone mount. [emoji41]

[az3579]

That's funny I really like my Bimmian phone mount. [emoji41]

He was referring to the cupholder link I posted.
I think that as far as cell phone mounts go, the Bimmian mount coupled with the Wizgear magnetic phone mount attached to it can't be beat as far as convenience goes! Love mine.

[slater]

hmmm, i might get one of those cupholders. not for coffee, but for water bottles as they are impossibly tall and impede comfortable shifting. thanks for the link, BP!

[az3579]

hmmm, i might get one of those cupholders. not for coffee, but for water bottles as they are impossibly tall and impede comfortable shifting. thanks for the link, BP!

Thank Charlie for the link - those cupholders didn't even occur to me 'till he mentioned it, despite me having been in his M3 numerous times.
Those pesky water bottles sure do get annoying in the factory cupholders...

[ELCID86]

I've had issues with my ultimate cup holder not staying in place. Maybe there is a trick to getting the "arm" to stay under the console trim?


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[johnrando]

same here, mine tends to fall out.

[az3579]

Perhaps if you bend it slightly so it puts pressure on what's holding it?

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[WOLFN8TR]

What if you take the shift trim off and see where exactly it's held in and bend it to help hold it in place?

[johnrando]

Good ideas

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[ELCID86]

Worth a try. I've tried a few bends. 3M tape may do the trick!?


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[az3579]

Time for a change.
And now I'll have a piece of Estoril in my ZHP. :)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2487/32005456354_5922322254_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QLdk81)IMG_20170211_205152 (https://flic.kr/p/QLdk81) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

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[derbo]

Haha it's not estoril color though.


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[704sw]

Time for a change.
And now I'll have a piece of Estoril in my ZHP. :)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2487/32005456354_5922322254_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QLdk81)IMG_20170211_205152 (https://flic.kr/p/QLdk81) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

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Glad you got it! I was going to PM you today to check but got sidetracked.


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[johnrando]

Nice

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[cakM3]

Nice

+1

[az3579]

Glad you got it! I was going to PM you today to check but got sidetracked.


Not only have I received it, but I've also already installed it. :)



Ready for disassembly:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2373/32709172092_5634337d64_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RQp4hY)IMG_20170212_101759 (https://flic.kr/p/RQp4hY) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/767/32709167072_4baa08d7a7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RQp2Nq)IMG_20170212_102039 (https://flic.kr/p/RQp2Nq) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Man, geting these needles off was nerve-wracking...

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2794/32862650395_892f339a23_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S4XF3B)IMG_20170212_104904 (https://flic.kr/p/S4XF3B) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



What a very pleasant surprise... looks like I won't have to buy a whole cluster for these after all. These are replaceable, so I will try to source the euro ones with the symbols instead!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/763/32821516566_eb7de55f1a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S1jRoE)IMG_20170212_110041 (https://flic.kr/p/S1jRoE) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



And finally back together again...

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/533/32709151882_b10f66ca39_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RQoXhw)IMG_20170212_110457 (https://flic.kr/p/RQoXhw) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Installed pics. With lights off:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2093/32048909713_2e11ae63ef_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QQ43hR)IMG_20170212_131301 (https://flic.kr/p/QQ43hR) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Lights on:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/601/32740118291_7774602569_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RT8Ew8)IMG_20170212_131255 (https://flic.kr/p/RT8Ew8) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



So far liking the grey faces. Not sure about italics just yet, but there is a clean quality to the speedometer that I really like.
I've done the coding to convert everything to metric t complete the package.

We'll see if I decide to swap it back in the future or if it stays.

[ELCID86]

So you only wanted km/h?? Moving north?

[az3579]

Moving north?

Nope.

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[anandoc]

Nope.

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You know, you want to move here. You are just in denial :)

BTW, 421K KMs on your odo 'looks' a lot higher than 263K miles.

[Johnmadd]

Ses light?

[derbo]

BP is going to be bugged that the redline isnt 6800rpm. It's going to peeve him for sure. :)

[704sw]

If the US faces were also grey I was going to cut off and keep the fuel gauge section. Not saying "unleaded" looks so much better.


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[az3579]

You know, you want to move here. You are just in denial :)

BTW, 421K KMs on your odo 'looks' a lot higher than 263K miles.
Sure does... It would take some getting used to, having to do conversions on my maintenance log.

Ses light?
Yeah. Who the hell knows why. Two different places couldn't figure it out. When it gets warmer I'll pursue it.

BP is going to be bugged that the redline isnt 6800rpm. It's going to peeve him for sure. :)


If the US faces were also grey I was going to cut off and keep the fuel gauge section. Not saying "unleaded" looks so much better.


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Agreed about the unleaded message. It looks so dumb. Weird thing is not all the clusters with mph have that message.

I thought the 6800 redline not being there would bother me more, but it somehow doesn't. If it was the 6k redline, that would definitely bother me. I actually thought about splitting the tach side and using the US RPM gauge if I ever found a black face euro cluster, but then I'd have mpg there and that just doesn't match and would look stupid.

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[ELCID86]

Ses codes?

[derbo]

Not only have I received it, but I've also already installed it. :)



Ready for disassembly:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2373/32709172092_5634337d64_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RQp4hY)IMG_20170212_101759 (https://flic.kr/p/RQp4hY) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/767/32709167072_4baa08d7a7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RQp2Nq)IMG_20170212_102039 (https://flic.kr/p/RQp2Nq) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Man, geting these needles off was nerve-wracking...

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2794/32862650395_892f339a23_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S4XF3B)IMG_20170212_104904 (https://flic.kr/p/S4XF3B) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



What a very pleasant surprise... looks like I won't have to buy a whole cluster for these after all. These are replaceable, so I will try to source the euro ones with the symbols instead!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/763/32821516566_eb7de55f1a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S1jRoE)IMG_20170212_110041 (https://flic.kr/p/S1jRoE) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



And finally back together again...

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/533/32709151882_b10f66ca39_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RQoXhw)IMG_20170212_110457 (https://flic.kr/p/RQoXhw) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Installed pics. With lights off:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2093/32048909713_2e11ae63ef_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QQ43hR)IMG_20170212_131301 (https://flic.kr/p/QQ43hR) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



Lights on:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/601/32740118291_7774602569_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RT8Ew8)IMG_20170212_131255 (https://flic.kr/p/RT8Ew8) by botond.pal (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/), on Flickr



So far liking the grey faces. Not sure about italics just yet, but there is a clean quality to the speedometer that I really like.
I've done the coding to convert everything to metric t complete the package.

We'll see if I decide to swap it back in the future or if it stays.

Dammit BP, now I want those litttle Euro icons LOL

[Avetiso]

What the fuck is going on in here?

[Rovert]

^LOL

[holyc0w]

:rofl

Hipster mods for the E46?

[derbo]

$35 shipped lol

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-3-SERIES-COMPACT-SPEEDO-CLOCKS-INSTRUMENT-CLUSTER-DIALS-6940872-/112293495303?hash=item1a2536c207:g:DToAAOSw241YlxT i

[derbo]

What the fuck is going on in here?

BP is going metric. LOL

[Avetiso]

BP is going metric. LOL

Hahaha. Figured. My first post in a while.


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[derbo]

29077 Shame the check gas cap and EML is still in english BP :P

[az3579]

You're really trying hard there, aren't ya Derek? :p

Dario, see what happens when you leave me alone? I get crazy ideas. :)

[Avetiso]

You're really trying hard there, aren't ya Derek? :p

Dario, see what happens when you leave me alone? I get crazy ideas. :)

You've always had crazy ideas.


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[az3579]

You've always had crazy ideas.


Says the guy who bought a ZHP that had a fire. :rofl

(probably one of your best ideas yet lol - I still miss that car)

[Avetiso]

Says the guy who bought a ZHP that had a fire. :rofl

(probably one of your best ideas yet lol - I still miss that car)

Is it really a crazy idea if I do it?

I miss that car, too. Was a damn good one.

[johnrando]

It's a freakin light show in there, awesome!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[slater]

29077 Shame the check gas cap and EML is still in english BP :P

those are all the same as the canadian ones...

[Rovert]

Soon BP will move to the nation where the speedo came from to match the street signs.

[Karl Lazlo]

Soon BP will move to the nation where the speedo came from to match the street signs.

I will vote for BP.

[az3579]

Soon BP will move to the nation where the speedo came from to match the street signs.


I will vote for BP.


Eh?

[Karl Lazlo]

I believe that Rovert was making a reference that you would be responsible for finally moving the US to the adoption of the metric system. My post was making reference that I would vote for you in such an endeavour, if it ever came to referendum.

[slater]

I believe that Rovert was making a reference that you would be responsible for finally moving the US to the adoption of the metric system. My post was making reference that I would vote for you in such an endeavour, if it ever came to referendum.

clearly trevor was referring to when BP moves to canada. which, hey, is a good idea - we've got racetracks, beautiful women, free healthcare, and great food.

and no trump. ;)

[Karl Lazlo]

Clearly, I took license with Trevor's posting. Canada is a great country, but we keep BP, he's a national treasure.

[Rovert]

Hahahaha

[704sw]

we've got beautiful women

Come to think of it, I did see some ridiculously attractive Leafs fans in Toronto. Attractive female hockey fans are in short supply down here. Sigh...



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