05Imola Maintenance and Mod Ledger

[05Imola]

I never made a thread like this before but I always appreciated seeing it for cars I was interested in. I really enjoy this car and want to keep it for a while so I feel like it's worth it to finally create one. I have a habit of holding on to cars for less than a year so hopefully that won't happen again:biggrin
Purchased May 2015 with 125k miles. No previous history came with the car. According to carfax the first owner had it until 80k miles and maintained it very well. Transmission and differential fluid changed around 60k and a bunch of other maintenance done. The last owner had it for only a month and in that time he had the valve cover gaskets done, some bushings and new tires with refurbished Style 135s. Car has no oil leaks and looks like it was very well maintained. Body has a ton of rock chips and paint is faded. (now fixed)

------------------May '15 125k Ordered Cobywheel interior (steering wheel, shift boot, knob, arm rest, e-brake boot)

------------------126k Installed oem spark plugs, cabin filter

------------------June '15 126k Installed Ceramic Tint 50% (expensive but worth it)

------------------126k Installed new Oem BMW roundels, fog light surrounds, depo turn signals

------------------July '15 127k Painted front end

------------------127k Refinished Oem Style 135s Chrome Shadow( e39 m5 color) and new Federal 595 RS-R (great autocross tire)

------------------127k Installed 12mm spacers in the rear, oil change done

------------------128k Installed 15mm front spacers

-------------------Installed blue tint euro mirror glass

------------------Aug '15 Installed custom Magnaflow exhaust

------------------Installed new H&R Touring Cupkit

------------------Installed Front and Rear Centric Blank rotors with StopTech pads

------------------8Hrs spent detailing the car

------------------Installed Parrot CK3000 with the Connect2 harness Bluetooth module

------------------Installed Injen Intake

------------------Sep '15 Installed M3 transmission mounts

------------------ Installed Meyle HD control arm bushings

------------------Installed new OEM left fender liner + Outside Temp sensor

------------------Oct '15 Installed cupholder delete tray

------------------133k Installed used cluster with 111k due to old cluster acting up.

------------------Nov '15 Installed new TMS F+R sway bars and adjustable sway bar links

------------------Installed new Lemforder tie rod assemblies + alignment

------------------Installed new General Altimax on e90 wheels for winter

-------------------Dec '15 Redid the exhaust. Y pipe into single pipe with Magnaflow resonator and muffler.

-------------------Feb '16 OEM expansion tank and coolant flush.

------------------ New OFHG

------------------New OE Cold Weather version CCV (117k on new cluster)

[05Imola]

Day 1
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/0A4C60F6-34E9-4472-BFE9-1B7A13EF4A2B.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/0A4C60F6-34E9-4472-BFE9-1B7A13EF4A2B.jpg.html)

Not even a week later
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/5BACA234-2D96-494F-9FCB-019208A72D64.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/5BACA234-2D96-494F-9FCB-019208A72D64.jpg.html)

Previous owner Replaced valve cover gaskets but not spark plugs
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/1F02D3DE-95C3-49A7-A391-114C7FD864DE.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/1F02D3DE-95C3-49A7-A391-114C7FD864DE.jpg.html)

Mmmm Cobywheel
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/6CC0F56A-C883-45A0-AAA1-3CF8CEDC5EE4.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/6CC0F56A-C883-45A0-AAA1-3CF8CEDC5EE4.jpg.html)

Paint!
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/6D9E43B9-2197-486A-8361-55D217218048.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/6D9E43B9-2197-486A-8361-55D217218048.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/C803962E-99CA-49EA-B451-2B5DD284C218.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/C803962E-99CA-49EA-B451-2B5DD284C218.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/F037DF27-D824-46F7-8D54-21AA6B0ECCBE.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/F037DF27-D824-46F7-8D54-21AA6B0ECCBE.jpg.html)

Wheels
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/42B0CEEE-A394-4778-A6B2-B874816C553B.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/42B0CEEE-A394-4778-A6B2-B874816C553B.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/7D06E1F1-3BB1-4037-8CFE-26AC79361FAA.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/7D06E1F1-3BB1-4037-8CFE-26AC79361FAA.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/E8FF6B0B-1BEF-4A97-8AFB-932B658B1354.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/E8FF6B0B-1BEF-4A97-8AFB-932B658B1354.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/AB27DF65-B908-49B2-82F1-9865BCE1C277.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/AB27DF65-B908-49B2-82F1-9865BCE1C277.jpg.html)

More pics to follow with new wheels installed and car fully assembled

[ELCID86]

Great work so far. Those plugs really needed replacement! And I like what you've done with the wheel color on the IR car.

[Vas]

Welcome. Post more pics. Curious about the interior

[05Imola]

Thanks guys! Here are some more pics. Paint came out great. Rest of the body needs a good buffing. Wheels came out great and I added many pics to get an idea how they look under different lighting.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/1FDF2E6F-BE2E-4570-80CF-6C14AB432803.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/1FDF2E6F-BE2E-4570-80CF-6C14AB432803.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/D2A495FE-08A7-4040-A3CE-8504E318DA93.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/D2A495FE-08A7-4040-A3CE-8504E318DA93.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/482D1F9D-119F-4AFE-9228-478D37F27A13.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/482D1F9D-119F-4AFE-9228-478D37F27A13.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/970BA7D4-DDC4-4AF2-A531-565E6071E9D2.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/970BA7D4-DDC4-4AF2-A531-565E6071E9D2.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/62CDB245-5623-4F54-8F57-963BDA759C4E.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/62CDB245-5623-4F54-8F57-963BDA759C4E.jpg.html)

12mm spacers in the rear. Just wanted to see how they fit but will change them to the front and put 15mm in the back.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/4016B0F0-F299-49C6-B82C-7B62FFA37D01.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/4016B0F0-F299-49C6-B82C-7B62FFA37D01.jpg.html)

[05Imola]

No new updates. Ordered a bunch of maintenance stuff but have not gotten to install them yet. Finally installed the armrest cover. As you can see, i am no good at gluing stuff. It has two creases but I can live with it. I have to order another shift boot since I installed it backwards the first time. Its barely on right now :D

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/29883BC2-239B-40E4-844E-9626D8267699.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/29883BC2-239B-40E4-844E-9626D8267699.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/448544C4-1ADE-4CA5-B4AA-9B2C6BED7E20.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/448544C4-1ADE-4CA5-B4AA-9B2C6BED7E20.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/29974353-B466-459B-87DD-5F91EC9182A5.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/29974353-B466-459B-87DD-5F91EC9182A5.jpg.html)

[Vas]

That armrest cover can be tricky to install. It took me a couple of tries to make sure it came out even.

I also installed my shift boot the same way you did.

[05Imola]

So I did a few things since last time. I had a magnaflow muffler installed which makes it sound almost stock http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/39A72B7D-26E5-45DE-AD3D-1E444C0AED37.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/39A72B7D-26E5-45DE-AD3D-1E444C0AED37.jpg.html)
The car received a full detail by yours truly. Spend over 8 hours: clay bar, swirl removal, polish, glaze, sealant. I'm not fully satisfied with it since the paint was in pretty rough shape and I only had some cheap pads that came with my DA when I bought it. Cake out pretty well tho. Also painted my door mouldings.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/42B2F11E-2403-40DF-BB6E-A7D7940797CA.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/42B2F11E-2403-40DF-BB6E-A7D7940797CA.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/3B893093-8169-423F-ACA2-887B611853A4.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/3B893093-8169-423F-ACA2-887B611853A4.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/4348E1FF-43EF-4F86-A9EF-9FAF157FAC06_1.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/4348E1FF-43EF-4F86-A9EF-9FAF157FAC06_1.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/FF3345A6-4099-4ED1-ABBE-AF1DB77FEDD7.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/FF3345A6-4099-4ED1-ABBE-AF1DB77FEDD7.jpg.html)

I also installed a Parrot CK3000 with the Connect2 harness Bluetooth module. What a pain in the butt that was
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/A4A0EA90-00FD-490A-89AF-2356B6E5629C_1.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/A4A0EA90-00FD-490A-89AF-2356B6E5629C_1.jpg.html)
Also installed my Injen intake. Great quality and it is a good copy of the AFE stage 2
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/th_AC1B7A1A-148C-4EDD-BDD3-5F8D7E8BA28F.jpg (http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/AC1B7A1A-148C-4EDD-BDD3-5F8D7E8BA28F.mp4)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/601E0CA4-F1B5-4756-ADF7-9A9FD8EB4A40.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/601E0CA4-F1B5-4756-ADF7-9A9FD8EB4A40.jpg.html)

Two days ago I installed new brakes all around. Centric blank rotors which are some awesome rotors with stop tech brake pads. I also installed a new H&R touring cupkit. I hope to god it settles because right now the car sits higher than stock :crying:crying
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/D1162882-B2C6-4734-BDBC-B4624ABD0486.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/D1162882-B2C6-4734-BDBC-B4624ABD0486.jpg.html)
And finally I took a 700 mile road trip helping a friend pick up a new car. The car rolled past 130k
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/00C3B803-CA60-4AF4-A7FE-8E57DCB769A4.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/00C3B803-CA60-4AF4-A7FE-8E57DCB769A4.jpg.html)
I have a few more maintenance items to take care of and the car will be ready for winter.

[BMWCurves]

Wow, lots of stuff! Good work. What do you think of the Parrot BT system?

[johnrando]

:like

[05Imola]

Wow, lots of stuff! Good work. What do you think of the Parrot BT system?

I really like it. If you have big hands the install is a pain to do. Not much space behind the headunit for all the wiring harnesses. The connect2 harness allows you to make hands free calling with the steering wheel controls and connects really easy to my iPhone. I don't understand why a bluetooth system doesn't allow you to stream music tho. I have an aux cable but it would've just been easier that way.

[05Imola]

Not much has been going on with my car. I have just been enjoying it. Had an alignment done and was surprised at how good the alignment was even after the car was lowered.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/66FC3A8D-2EAA-46FE-9953-A2F340F5A3CD.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/66FC3A8D-2EAA-46FE-9953-A2F340F5A3CD.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/F292F40C-7B03-45F6-953A-F509888FBFBB.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/F292F40C-7B03-45F6-953A-F509888FBFBB.jpg.html)

I did get a new set of snow tires. Got them for 100$ off with tire racks rebates. General Arctic Alitimax. I've had two other sets on my previous cars and I was really impressed with them. I had a set of Blizzacks on a previous car and they really do lose a lot of deep snow capability after a few thousand miles. Also picked up some oem e90 wheels for dirt cheap.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/43A550CC-6EC0-495B-8B78-247A1690FCD5.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/43A550CC-6EC0-495B-8B78-247A1690FCD5.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/AB38CC08-B3F2-4E5F-8BC6-66F63B7C736A.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/AB38CC08-B3F2-4E5F-8BC6-66F63B7C736A.jpg.html)

[Vas]

Dude your garage is awesome

[05Imola]

Dude your garage is awesome

I wish that was mine. I'm only up there while in school. Unfortunately it's packed with the landlords junk.

[05Imola]

I've put a lot of miles on her recently. Just some more pictures.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/D636C913-72BE-49A9-9194-30FC3029BD35.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/D636C913-72BE-49A9-9194-30FC3029BD35.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/a188c2df-658a-41d8-bfa0-71c643766df2.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/a188c2df-658a-41d8-bfa0-71c643766df2.jpg.html)

Today I also changed the transmission mounts with OE M3 ones. The old ones were not cracked or very old. Seems like they were changed not too long. They were very soft however. New ones are a much better improvement and I believe you could go with much harder aftermarket ones without more NVH. Feels so much better!
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/A1E9A03D-6853-40BB-BF4A-6C566064A3C5.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/A1E9A03D-6853-40BB-BF4A-6C566064A3C5.jpg.html)

Yes those scuffs are new...Let my friend borrow the car for two hours and that happened...
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/741EBEF9-B735-41B1-AE6C-318F8880DE70.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/741EBEF9-B735-41B1-AE6C-318F8880DE70.jpg.html)

[05Imola]

Also forgot to mention that I have a new dash cam I will install soon. Might start uploading some videos as well.

[BMWCurves]

What prompted you to change the trans mounts in the first place?

Nice work, sorry about the stuffs. Thankfully the previous owners had already scraped the bottom of my bumper before I bought it so I don't have to worry about that ha...ha...ha :facepalm

[05Imola]

What prompted you to change the trans mounts in the first place?

Nice work, sorry about the stuffs. Thankfully the previous owners had already scraped the bottom of my bumper before I bought it so I don't have to worry about that ha...ha...ha :facepalm

I've been having some driveline slop that I attributed to the rear diff bushings but I wasn't sure. Last time I shopped on ECS I needed to add some items to the cart to qualify for free shipping so I just bought these since they were cheap haha. It seems like the mounts were 80% causing the slop. I'll have to take the car to an indy for the rear diff bushings since I will not try to attempt them.

[Vas]

M3 trans and engine mounts are a great upgrade. One of my favorite upgrades to my car(s).

Diff bushings are not a bad job if you have the tools. Just did them.

[slater]

I've been having some driveline slop that I attributed to the rear diff bushings but I wasn't sure. Last time I shopped on ECS I needed to add some items to the cart to qualify for free shipping so I just bought these since they were cheap haha. It seems like the mounts were 80% causing the slop. I'll have to take the car to an indy for the rear diff bushings since I will not try to attempt them.

that's very encouraging to hear. i've got some drivetrain slop and i'm installing M3 engine mounts and UUC trans mounts (poly), along with a lot more. excited for the difference.

peter

[BMWCurves]

I've been having some driveline slop that I attributed to the rear diff bushings but I wasn't sure. Last time I shopped on ECS I needed to add some items to the cart to qualify for free shipping so I just bought these since they were cheap haha. It seems like the mounts were 80% causing the slop. I'll have to take the car to an indy for the rear diff bushings since I will not try to attempt them.

Nice. I have a clunking sound in the rear during engagement of the clutch and under sudden/hard acceleration or throttle pedal lift that I attribute to old differential bushings. I'm having it looked at by a mechanic tomorrow while it's up on the lift. I haven't thought to look into transmission mounts. Glad to hear the OEM M3 mounts helped you though! How long did the job take you? Did you use a DIY guide or did you already sort of know what to do? If the former, care to post a link?


that's very encouraging to hear. i've got some drivetrain slop and i'm installing M3 engine mounts and UUC trans mounts (poly), along with a lot more. excited for the difference.

peter

I'd be interested to hear what you think of the poly mounts and if they add any NVH, although your massive lineup for maintenance looks like any changes could be down to multiple sources!

[slater]

I'd be interested to hear what you think of the poly mounts and if they add any NVH, although your massive lineup for maintenance looks like any changes could be down to multiple sources!

i know, i know... and if i had the luxury of time, i would install stuff in stages. but it's not going to go down like that. :)

peter

[05Imola]

Nice. I have a clunking sound in the rear during engagement of the clutch and under sudden/hard acceleration or throttle pedal lift that I attribute to old differential bushings. I'm having it looked at by a mechanic tomorrow while it's up on the lift. I haven't thought to look into transmission mounts. Glad to hear the OEM M3 mounts helped you though! How long did the job take you? Did you use a DIY guide or did you already sort of know what to do? If the former, care to post a link?


I did it a bit backwards than most diys. I loosened the two bolts for the exhaust hanger and then raised the trans a bit. I removed the 4 bolts from the bracket and then the two bolts that hold the transmission mounts. Remove the bracket and now you have more access to the top nuts of the mounts. Lower the transmission now to get more space. I have no idea how people got to the top two nuts with the bracket in place. I tried using a wrench but it's so tight in there. I was able to use a ratchet with a short 13 mm after lowering the transmission. To install the new ones I just did it backwards. Much easier to install the mounts on the transmission and then the brace. It took me about an hour to do.

[05Imola]

So I bought a 3.38 rear diff and went to install it but I ran into a few problems. I couldn't take the driveshaft off since I didn't have a hammer :shift and then the external torx sockets I have were so thick that I couldn't remove the axles because they were hitting the clamp for the boot...that was an annoying couple of hours. I guess I will tackle everything once I press in new bushings in the spare rear subframe I just picked up. I did install the cupholder delete tray and it looks so much nicer now.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/81F6A99C-602A-4F34-A078-EC95CDFB5B41.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/81F6A99C-602A-4F34-A078-EC95CDFB5B41.jpg.html)

I also went autcrossing two weeks in a row with the local BMWCCA guys. I got 2nd place in my class the first time and last week I got 1st. I can say Im pretty happy about that. Next up are some Turner sway bars and adjustable links. Since I have the Touring cupkit I'm going for the soft spring thick sway mentality. Hopefully it will work but I wont find out until next year.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/C3D1C4F6-5DA0-47D7-A1EF-61D6B1108CC0.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/C3D1C4F6-5DA0-47D7-A1EF-61D6B1108CC0.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/3573C761-56DB-49AD-B91B-0297F5DDE47C.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/3573C761-56DB-49AD-B91B-0297F5DDE47C.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/420CDBC4-A2E1-454B-9ABF-AA49BC77F0E8.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/420CDBC4-A2E1-454B-9ABF-AA49BC77F0E8.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/B65204E7-86AB-4F2A-B99E-923FBB363ACE.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/B65204E7-86AB-4F2A-B99E-923FBB363ACE.jpg.html)

And this just because it looked so purtty after the car wash.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/7F46443B-0C66-4C80-9C80-D2997AE3DC37.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/7F46443B-0C66-4C80-9C80-D2997AE3DC37.jpg.html)

[johnrando]

Nice

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[05Imola]

So I had a busy week. I bought and installed a set of TMS Sway bars and adjustable links. The difference is incredible! I installed the front first and have it on full stiff. The install was pretty easy. The car handles so much flatter and turn in is more immediate. I did notice that there was more understeer at lower speeds which was expected. I installed the rear on the medium stiffness setting yesterday and the car is really balanced now. Ive taken the stock sway bar out two times already so I was pretty efficient in taking it out. The new one was more of a pain. I installed the sway bar without the links first and then installed and adjusted the links on the car. It wasn't hard, just more tedious. The understeer is gone but I did have the back end come out today which was unexpected. I contribute that the 42 degree weather and my RS-Rs which are way too aggressive for this weather. Car also got new Lemforder tie rod assemblies and an alignment.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/60697D5C-5715-49C0-8AC4-3085609A3FEF.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/60697D5C-5715-49C0-8AC4-3085609A3FEF.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/24FC21B6-DD4D-463A-823D-2206576B579E.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/24FC21B6-DD4D-463A-823D-2206576B579E.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/AAA8D482-FB62-40DA-9A0E-51A1CC872C92.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/AAA8D482-FB62-40DA-9A0E-51A1CC872C92.jpg.html)

[Vas]

Nice. I was thinking of getting those sway bars from e46 fanatics.

Do you think the stock sway bar links would work ?

[05Imola]

Nice. I was thinking of getting those sway bars from e46 fanatics.

Do you think the stock sway bar links would work ?

I planned to leave the stock ones and install the adjustable ones in the spring. My fronts were bad so I just changed them. The fronts I barely adjusted. I left them pretty much stock length and I didn't see any binding. The rears I made a little shorter than stock as it's pretty tight back there. I feel like the rears would be better to buy adjustable depending how low you are.

[05Imola]

Not much of an update. I've had my snow tires on for the last month. Unfortunately the weather has been unseasonably warm. I do like the way the e90 wheels look on my car tho. Also I will be installing poly bushings in the rear subframe in the coming weeks.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/C41743AA-6976-4CE4-911E-F847CC3F8C63.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/C41743AA-6976-4CE4-911E-F847CC3F8C63.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/14F9DC7F-11CB-48E1-8E36-C70AEA59FCCD.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/14F9DC7F-11CB-48E1-8E36-C70AEA59FCCD.jpg.html)

[Vas]

Let us know what you think of poly bushings for the diff.

[05Imola]

Let us know what you think of poly bushings for the diff.

The diff will receive OEM rubber ones

[05Imola]

While my mechanic has been using mind control techniques (3 weeks and counting) to press out/in the bushings in the spare subframe I brought him, I did a thing. The welds from the previous owner on the resonator delete have been slightly leaking so I decided to make the car a little louder. I had a Y pipe installed and made the exhaust single out back. After reading a few threads it seems that there is some performance benefit. While I did feel the car more willing to rev, the noise is what makes me happy I did it. The first set up was just straight pipe into the magnaflow muffler. The sound was perfect. Really deep and zero rasp. Unfortunately it droned really bad so I had a Magnaflow glass pack installed the next day. That did quite down the exhaust while eliminating 90% of the drone but in the end I'm glad I did it. I tried to record the sound but my iPhone just picks up the intake. It is much louder under load.
Out with the leaky old
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/3E68CD4F-F594-4A0A-A86F-E90D2329F054.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/3E68CD4F-F594-4A0A-A86F-E90D2329F054.jpg.html)
The exhaust shop placed the Y pipe a bit too far down most likely due to laziness
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/00C2160D-CACB-4247-9E27-221C5D2A5818.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/00C2160D-CACB-4247-9E27-221C5D2A5818.jpg.html)
Pre glass pack
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/75ACCB29-8EA0-4B60-AE21-5F58F0809A90.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/75ACCB29-8EA0-4B60-AE21-5F58F0809A90.jpg.html)

Also picked up an Active Autowerke strut bar for a great price. Did not install yet

[johnrando]

Nice! Would love to hear that live.

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[BMWCurves]

Nice! Would love to hear that live.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

+1

Take a video if you can.

[05Imola]

+1

Take a video if you can.
I made a video! Doesn't fully capture the sounds but you can tell it sounds deeper than the usual exhaust setups.


https://youtu.be/oUepCU98sMQ

[BMWCurves]

Me likey

[05Imola]

Thanks! It's not too loud and raspy. I could've bought a full cat back since I went back there so many times but oh well haha.

[05Imola]

So over the weekend my car developed a coolant leak. Looked like the expansion tank. I went and bought a new oe tank from the dealer and installed it. I guess the O ring went bad in the other one. Also did a coolant flush.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/B28E7F12-5840-484A-BE8D-264E544308D2.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/B28E7F12-5840-484A-BE8D-264E544308D2.jpg.html)

Since I was there I decided to tackle the OFHG since I developed a bad leak. After taking out the old gasket I was surprised to see it still soft. Hmmmm. I cleaned everything up and installed the new gasket.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/EBD9C524-51E8-482C-8D62-871A1E9833A7.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/EBD9C524-51E8-482C-8D62-871A1E9833A7.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/5C2C3C97-ACEC-4580-8EC0-62D59B17C488.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/5C2C3C97-ACEC-4580-8EC0-62D59B17C488.jpg.html)

Now the crappy part...I took out the car for a drive and when I came back I saw oil again. Wtjdbsnsbbdsb. A closer look showed that there was oil at the oil filter cap. Could it be that it was just that all along???? Looking at the dirty ofh you can see a lot of deposit coming from the cap. I'm going to change the filter and O ring tomorrow. I really don't want to do the housing gasket again even tho it wasn't a hard job.

[Vas]

What oil filter do you use?

[05Imola]

What oil filter do you use?
Last time I got an oil change I brought the wrong type of MANN filter. My mechanic used some other brand so it's possible it didn't fit correctly. Come to think of it this oil leak is recent. I was sent the correct MANN filter after so I'll put that in tomorrow.

[Vas]

Yeah use the correct filter and O-Ring. Could be a bad one

[johnrando]

Nice work. Hope it's just a filter/o-ring thing

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[WOLFN8TR]

Since I was there I decided to tackle the OFHG since I developed a bad leak. After taking out the old gasket I was surprised to see it still soft. Hmmmm. I cleaned everything up and installed the new gasket.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/EBD9C524-51E8-482C-8D62-871A1E9833A7.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/EBD9C524-51E8-482C-8D62-871A1E9833A7.jpg.html)

Now the crappy part...I took out the car for a drive and when I came back I saw oil again. Wtjdbsnsbbdsb. A closer look showed that there was oil at the oil filter cap. Could it be that it was just that all along???? Looking at the dirty ofh you can see a lot of deposit coming from the cap. I'm going to change the filter and O ring tomorrow. I really don't want to do the housing gasket again even tho it wasn't a hard job.

Somebody needs to make a Viton OFHG Oring. When I had my ZHP I did it at 98K and again at 135K. The first time it was hard as a rock, the second time it was still soft.

Sounds like it was the oil filter cap leaking down all over. At least you have a new OFHG Oring. [emoji2]

[05Imola]

Wheww it was just the O ring. >>insert happy dance

[BMWCurves]

Nice, glad to hear!

[05Imola]

Nice, glad to hear!

Thanks!
I did the CCV system with the OE cold weather version. Most tedious job I have ever attempted. You're working blind and if you have normal sized hands you will be in pain. My mk4 Gti clutch job was less tedious than this. Not a hard job but just a big pain in the arse. The CCV was all gunked up so Im sure something failed inside. I also replaced the lower intake boot with an OE one since my fingers went thru when I tried to put it back on.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/6473D8CB-E0D4-42DB-BF80-939E0462B545.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/6473D8CB-E0D4-42DB-BF80-939E0462B545.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/D4FCBE16-CF58-4029-BAB9-81BE05A06515.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/D4FCBE16-CF58-4029-BAB9-81BE05A06515.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/3177535E-096B-4009-B0EB-E110EA7B9AFD.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/3177535E-096B-4009-B0EB-E110EA7B9AFD.jpg.html)

[BMWCurves]

Last picture seems appropriate. I really do not look forward to doing my CCV. Nice work getting it done.

[05Imola]

Last picture seems appropriate. I really do not look forward to doing my CCV. Nice work getting it done.

For what it's worth, I'm not sure if I would do it again. If you do decide to do it, don't bother getting the cold weather version. I had to take off the foam of the CCV and one of the hoses since it's impossible to wiggle it in place. Also make sure you have a lower boot since it's so fragile and the damn F connector that goes into the upper hose will most likely snap off. Make sure to have one on hand.

[johnrando]

It is a PITA. If you take off the intake manifold you can install using the cold weather covers. I don't know how you could use the covers w/o taking the manifold off. Ask me how I know. :)

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[05Imola]

It is a PITA. If you take off the intake manifold you can install using the cold weather covers. I don't know how you could use the covers w/o taking the manifold off. Ask me how I know. :)

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Apparently it's possible because I've seen people say its soooooo easy. Maybe they read the DIY and thought it looked easy :p Im glad it's done with...free cold weather cover anyone :) ?

[MtechJon]

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/3177535E-096B-4009-B0EB-E110EA7B9AFD.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/3177535E-096B-4009-B0EB-E110EA7B9AFD.jpg.html)

Lol I feel your pain, one of the first things I changed on my car when I got it


Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk

[05Imola]

Lol I feel your pain, one of the first things I changed on my car when I got it


Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk

Oh big pain..

I finally installed my Apex wheels wrapped with BFG G force rivals. I'm in love. The wheels are so much lighter. The car revs out quicker for sure. I have a bit of rubbing in the rear but nothing in the front which was surprising since I'm running 255-40-17 square. Did I say I'm in love?
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/73B1ACB3-6795-4716-B198-795B94D6AF20.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/73B1ACB3-6795-4716-B198-795B94D6AF20.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/7EE5CC65-A7C1-457F-80B6-85C9909357F1.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/7EE5CC65-A7C1-457F-80B6-85C9909357F1.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/7651B6F9-5435-4BBA-849D-5341E969A25E.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/7651B6F9-5435-4BBA-849D-5341E969A25E.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/FD3A405D-0DF1-47CD-9876-B48CA2DD8C4F.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/FD3A405D-0DF1-47CD-9876-B48CA2DD8C4F.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/8B992341-5A3A-41B0-826C-47F44600EC4A.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/8B992341-5A3A-41B0-826C-47F44600EC4A.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/F1E855FE-528A-4FD4-A6FD-312377623827.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/F1E855FE-528A-4FD4-A6FD-312377623827.jpg.html)

[johnrando]

:like

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[BMWCurves]

:like

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

+1

[RUS_ZHP]

Oh big pain..

I finally installed my Apex wheels wrapped with BFG G force rivals. I'm in love. The wheels are so much lighter. The car revs out quicker for sure. I have a bit of rubbing in the rear but nothing in the front which was surprising since I'm running 255-40-17 square. Did I say I'm in love?
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/73B1ACB3-6795-4716-B198-795B94D6AF20.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/73B1ACB3-6795-4716-B198-795B94D6AF20.jpg.html)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/7EE5CC65-A7C1-457F-80B6-85C9909357F1.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/7EE5CC65-A7C1-457F-80B6-85C9909357F1.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/7651B6F9-5435-4BBA-849D-5341E969A25E.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/7651B6F9-5435-4BBA-849D-5341E969A25E.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/FD3A405D-0DF1-47CD-9876-B48CA2DD8C4F.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/FD3A405D-0DF1-47CD-9876-B48CA2DD8C4F.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/8B992341-5A3A-41B0-826C-47F44600EC4A.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/8B992341-5A3A-41B0-826C-47F44600EC4A.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/F1E855FE-528A-4FD4-A6FD-312377623827.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/F1E855FE-528A-4FD4-A6FD-312377623827.jpg.html)
255 on front, that's a lot if rubber.
It looks amazing!!!!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[05Imola]

Thanks guys! I'm really liking this setup.

[05Imola]

So today I installed my Sparco Evo GRP Tech seat today. I installed it with Sparco sidemounts and Bimmerwold race seat mount. Install was a bit of a pain since the sidemount bolts and floor mount bolts don't particularly line up well. No airbag light or anything like that. Driving position is fixed and low. I love it so far. I can drive more aggressively and the car just feels very different.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/EDA2872D-EBB3-4533-A5A8-9489999D8375.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/EDA2872D-EBB3-4533-A5A8-9489999D8375.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/6E547F1E-8C3B-4631-B29E-4E0B767D0AD1.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/6E547F1E-8C3B-4631-B29E-4E0B767D0AD1.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/D547665A-44FF-4338-A590-85A8CB89C58F.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/D547665A-44FF-4338-A590-85A8CB89C58F.jpg.html)

[AggieBlake]

Love it! You going to put a harness in?

[05Imola]

Love it! You going to put a harness in?

I have a Schroth Quick Fit Harness I will use for HPDE and autox. I'll use the stock seatbelt daily

[AggieBlake]

I'm planning on getting one of those harnesses as well before my next HPDE. Stock seat at least for now. Maybe one day :-)

[johnrando]

Nice

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[05Imola]

I'm planning on getting one of those harnesses as well before my next HPDE. Stock seat at least for now. Maybe one day :-)

The seat is overkill for how many track days I'll do but it helps with autoX. I love the way racing seats make the car feel. I had it on a previous car and it completely changes the driving experience. I haven't had a chance to hook up the harness yet as I just picked it up. You're lucky to have a nice track so close to you 👍🏻

[05Imola]

So a bit of a mixed feelings update. I installed the new BC coils. The car rides amazing now. So much smoother than before. I also picked up the harness from a local seller so my car is ready for the autox season and any HPDEs. UNFORTUNATELY, I might have to sell the car. I am starting a new job which requires me to drive about 60-80 miles daily and since the car is getting up there in miles I would hate to put funless miles on it especially the way I have it set up. I am strongly considering selling it since I cannot have two cars at the moment.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/D034571B-0F42-4232-87CF-D4FAE7BB48FC.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/D034571B-0F42-4232-87CF-D4FAE7BB48FC.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/E1184D47-6C17-4D09-A654-E09DC54FEFB5.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/E1184D47-6C17-4D09-A654-E09DC54FEFB5.jpg.html)
This was just for mock up purpose
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/F5BEF50C-F8DE-4838-A251-C6CF173434A4.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/F5BEF50C-F8DE-4838-A251-C6CF173434A4.jpg.html)

[BMWCurves]

Sorry to hear. That's tough.

What's the new job?

[05Imola]

Assistant Manager for a superstore lol. It's my first job out of college so I'm
Not too picky plus it just adds to the resume until I can switch into my desired field.

[san]

Congrats on the job :thumbsup

Which is your other car?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[QC_ZHP]

Sorry to hear man. Your setup is perfect right now.

[05Imola]

Thanks guys. I don't have another car otherwise I would keep this as my fun car. I don't have space to get a second car. I'm still torn since I have a lot of money in the car and will not get most of it back lol.

[san]

I would advise you to keep your Zhp, especially since you have done so much work on it... 60-80 miles daily isn't too much IMHO...


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[D1ESEL]

These cars can go 250k+ no problem as long as they are well kept.

With the diving prices of e46's I would just pick up a second one as a commuter car and find a place to store or keep your current one.

[05Imola]

60-80 miles is definitely not a lot but the way I have this car set up will make it a bit uncomfortable plus not taking into consideration the wear on my nice expensive tires :D I haven't made a decision yet so I guess I'll wait and see how I feel once I start the job.

[05Imola]

I really hate to do this but I will have to sell the car. With 7 cars in 6 years, I was hoping this would be the car I would keep for a long time since I love it so much but life has different plans it seems. Ill be picking up a cheap appliance for my job and maybe if I can get a cheap garage I will buy a fun car down the road. I will be posting up the car for sale but will sell it close to stock as its the only way to get some of the money back. Its such a shame since all the parts I put in the car are brand new and barely used :facepalm

[09mageec]

I really hate to do this but I will have to sell the car. With 7 cars in 6 years, I was hoping this would be the car I would keep for a long time since I love it so much but life has different plans it seems. Ill be picking up a cheap appliance for my job and maybe if I can get a cheap garage I will buy a fun car down the road. I will be posting up the car for sale but will sell it close to stock as its the only way to get some of the money back. Its such a shame since all the parts I put in the car are brand new and barely used :facepalm
Very sad to hear. I'm sure its very hard to part with your ZHP, I know it would hurt if I had to do it...

In for a 'parts' out!?

[san]

+1.. Hope you get back in a Zhp one day..


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[Jconlin16]

Sorry to hear man :(

Interested in those turner sways if you part ways with them though!

[FungShui]

Sorry to hear, 2nd in line if Jcolin16 doesn't buy your TMS sway bars.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[johnrando]

Too bad. GLWSale

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[05Imola]

Well the last update is here. I did not sell the car because I couldn't part with it. I loved it that much so I drove it to work daily. On a bittersweet note, I got into a masters program in the UK. I will have to sell the car in the next month. This car never skipped a beat. I recently did an oil change and installed the stainless steel brake lines and flushed the brake fluid. Unfortunately I never got to do a trackday with this setup. I will try to sell the car as is because it is amazingly set up. If my price is not met I will just part it out and sell it close to stock. My last set of pics :(
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/IMAG0735.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/IMAG0735.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/IMAG0737.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/IMAG0737.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/IMG_20160723_213708.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/IMG_20160723_213708.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/IMG_20160705_214658.jpg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/IMG_20160705_214658.jpg.html)
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn46/danserban/zhp/received_10154321750069133.jpeg (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/danserban/media/zhp/received_10154321750069133.jpeg.html)

[BMWCurves]

Congrats on the Master's program! What in, if I might ask? You can PM if you prefer to keep that info private (I'm leaving for a Master's program as well on Monday).

Shame you have to sell the car, it looks to be in a perfect setup for daily use. Nowhere you can store it? I suppose if it's a long program it'll just sit.

[05Imola]

Thank you! I PMed you. I have no place to let the car sit for a year. I left it sitting for the month of June and the alarm was going haywire for a week after I came back.