Nextel's Imola Sedan ZHP thread (another imola sedan?)

[BMWCurves]

Well...I am coming out of the closet as a full blown Petrosexual after seeing that.

[704sw]

Well...I am coming out of the closet as a full blown Petrosexual after seeing that.

Straight six up front, manual gearbox in the middle, and drive goes to the rear. Yep, that’s chapter 1 page 1.

[johnrando]

That's just crazy.

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[nextelbuddy]

My brother just asked me if your willing to sell it lmao, sweet Jesus Shawn you have to make a separate photography thread 🤤


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Lol no it's not for sale.... Not yet at least.

I don't think I could sell this car though because I have at least around $30, 000 into it including the cost of the car and seeing how people are about their cars and mileage... literally the only thing people care about is mileage you can have a piece of s*** car that wasn't taken care of but has 10, 000 miles on it and it will like Skyrocket on bring a trailer but if you take a beautiful well-built car with everything replaced as if it was a 10000 mile car but has almost 200, 000 miles on the odometer they won't touch it with the stick. Miles are funny thing to people.

[az3579]

Lol no it's not for sale.... Not yet at least.

I don't think I could sell this car though because I have at least around $30, 000 into it including the cost of the car and seeing how people are about their cars and mileage... literally the only thing people care about is mileage you can have a piece of s*** car that wasn't taken care of but has 10, 000 miles on it and it will like Skyrocket on bring a trailer but if you take a beautiful well-built car with everything replaced as if it was a 10000 mile car but has almost 200, 000 miles on the odometer they won't touch it with the stick. Miles are funny thing to people.That's why projects like this really are for the "the keepers"!

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[Whammy]

That's why projects like this really are for the "the keepers"!

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Agreed!

[nextelbuddy]

That's why projects like this really are for the "the keepers"!

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I agree but it's still very annoying to see that's how people in general thing and treat cars they only see them for a numeric value of Miles rather than the work thats put into it. the mentality of the general population of bring a trailer is just annoying in general

[Stigissimo]

Dude, just insane. Dream build. Absolutely perfect


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[danewilson77]

Amazing work and dedication / attention to detail.

Well done.

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[cakM3]

I agree but it's still very annoying to see that's how people in general think and treat cars they only see them for a numeric value of Miles rather than the work thats put into it. the mentality of the general population of bring a trailer is just annoying in general

As annoying as it is to see this on BMWs Shawn.....its much worse in the exotic car crowd...

That’s why if you ever decide to sell your car it is better to find that right buyer who will truly appreciate the work put into the car rather than sell the car to some opportunist who will part out what he can then sell the car off in profit.....


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[az3579]

As annoying as it is to see this on BMWs Shawn.....its much worse in the exotic car crowd...

That’s why if you ever decide to sell your car it is better to find that right buyer who will truly appreciate the work put into the car rather than sell the car to some opportunist who will part out what he can then sell the car off in profit.....


Sent from my iPhoneX using Tapatalk ProCompletely agreed.

But the better option is just keeping it. [emoji4]

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[cakM3]

Completely agreed.

But the better option is just keeping it. [emoji4]

If you can’t find the right person to sell the car to I totally agree...


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[WOLFN8TR]

I would totally buy your car regardless of the mileage. I’ve been following the progression of this sweet ride and it’s AMAZING how it’s turned out. Well done! [emoji106][emoji106]

Personally I would never sell this car! Enjoy driving it as much as possible. [emoji2]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180707/94ee8f50351867b6f4d383bc829980bd.jpg

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[joeybananaz18]

As annoying as it is to see this on BMWs Shawn.....its much worse in the exotic car crowd...

That’s why if you ever decide to sell your car it is better to find that right buyer who will truly appreciate the work put into the car rather than sell the car to some opportunist who will part out what he can then sell the car off in profit.....

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OOO OOO OOO pick me pick me pick me!

[Sockethead]

As annoying as it is to see this on BMWs Shawn.....its much worse in the exotic car crowd...

That’s why if you ever decide to sell your car it is better to find that right buyer who will truly appreciate the work put into the car rather than sell the car to some opportunist who will part out what he can then sell the car off in profit.....


This is exactly why Rob owns our 135 right now

[holyc0w]

I can't say much. I just keep looking at the pictures. :thumbsup

[nextelbuddy]

Amazing work and dedication / attention to detail.

Well done.

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Thank you Dane!

[Johnmadd]

I'm sure that it's even better in person. :drool

[YoitsTmac]

Jeez.... wow I’ve never been into sedans but, this one stuns me from ever angle. Beautiful work! By chance do you know a Dustin that moved to California? I think he had a white ZHP sedan when he moved. He brought you up and showed me some photos and I was like “I’ve been following his thread!”

Didn’t know you had a quad exhaust but kept the spare tire. I’ll have to go back and see about that. Amazing work

[Whammy]

I cannot stop looking at this car! :drool

[sillieidiot]

Can't believe I didn't see this thread before. I just read it from beginning to end in one sitting (including everyone else's posts lol). Took like 3 hours. But I'm jetlagged so it filled up my time quite nicely.

Anyways, that was a really nice build. I liked seeing your progressions. At one point when you put on those black VMRs, it reminded me of my friend's, xjunmoonx, car. It came out awesome in the end. I loved almost everything you did with it. I also really liked that all your pictures were great quality. My build thread otoh, just used my phone camera lol So as I upgraded, the pictures got better lol

[YoitsTmac]

Shawn. All your photos have a distinct look. I assume you use Lightroom. Is there a certain family of presets you typically go to or do you always edit from scratch? I’m beginning to see a common style

[nextelbuddy]

Shawn. All your photos have a distinct look. I assume you use Lightroom. Is there a certain family of presets you typically go to or do you always edit from scratch? I’m beginning to see a common style

i usually photograph in late afternoon or sunset so that helps me be consistent. i do use some photoshop film preset plugins from DXOMark sinc ei love the tonal contrast and colors of film.

[nextelbuddy]

here are some updated pics of the square setup. already I dont like it and have ordered a set of OEM CSL wheels fro bmw germany instead. square ZCP/CSL wheels are way too much poke up front for my tastes. im running a 15mm spacer out back to even it up but still the fronts are just to far out even with -2.6 camber on both sides.


i dont get how so many M3 people love this look. it looks weird having the wheels pushed too far out up front and it affects my turn in steering feel in a way i dont like.

it looks great from some angles but i just dont like it. I look forward to wheels that are more flush and less pokey.

I also miss the staggered look. once you dont have the staggered look you miss the way the front wheels have different spoke designs.


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1850/30663397978_c5803117e8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NHBVVu)2018-09-06_0004 (https://flic.kr/p/NHBVVu) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1864/44533208831_f26664f499_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2aRfktn)2018-09-06_0005 (https://flic.kr/p/2aRfktn) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1863/44533209771_9a0c919c1d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2aRfkKz)2018-09-06_0001 (https://flic.kr/p/2aRfkKz) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1867/30663398228_3bf7318a1d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NHBVZN)2018-09-06_0002 (https://flic.kr/p/NHBVZN) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1849/30663397618_7911087cf7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NHBVPh)2018-09-06_0006 (https://flic.kr/p/NHBVPh) by Shawn Robertson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nextelbuddy/), on Flickr

[johnrando]

love those pics!

[704sw]

Which DXO filters do you use? I haven’t messed around with DXO since ~2009 but loved their B&W filters.

[nextelbuddy]

Which DXO filters do you use? I haven’t messed around with DXO since ~2009 but loved their B&W filters.

if I have bright midday sun pics then i use the kodak elite chrome 400 with grain set to 0. for late afternoon pics i sometimes use kodachrome 64 with a reduced opacity to around 50-60%

sometimes I like using Fuji Provia 100f.

i used provia 100F on most of these images posted today.

[ZHPizza]

I think people only love the square setup for handling. I don't know anyone that likes the look because, like you said, it looks goofy as shit. See: my car

I'm a function over form guy and I like my car to function by sliding sideways.

[nextelbuddy]

I think people only love the square setup for handling. I don't know anyone that likes the look because, like you said, it looks goofy as shit. See: my car

I'm a function over form guy and I like my car to function by sliding sideways.

yea but there are many threads no m3forum where someone posts a series of pics and it clearly shows poke up front but people see right past t hat and say "man look s00o good.. i wish I had that... drool... " etc etc.. its like they are brainwashed to think poke up front looks good when it doesnt.

i'll be so glad to switch back to a staggered setup

[Newjack]

yea but there are many threads no m3forum where someone posts a series of pics and it clearly shows poke up front but people see right past t hat and say "man look s00o good.. i wish I had that... drool... " etc etc.. its like they are brainwashed to think poke up front looks good when it doesnt.

i'll be so glad to switch back to a staggered setup

Pardon my ignorance, but wouldn't spacers in the rear fix that issue to some extent?

[704sw]

if I have bright midday sun pics then i use the kodak elite chrome 400 with grain set to 0. for late afternoon pics i sometimes use kodachrome 64 with a reduced opacity to around 50-60%

sometimes I like using Fuji Provia 100f.

i used provia 100F on most of these images posted today.

Thanks. That takes me back to my film days, and damn if Provia isn’t some of the best film I’ve ever shot. Looks like I’m going down the DXO rabbit hole this weekend.


I think people only love the square setup for handling. I don't know anyone that likes the look because, like you said, it looks goofy as shit. See: my car

I'm a function over form guy and I like my car to function by sliding sideways.

You could go square for the front setup, but then the back looks comically undersized. When I put my 8.5J 235 track tires on the car after looking at the 9.5J 255 on a daily basis they just look ridiculous.


Pardon my ignorance, but wouldn't spacers in the rear fix that issue to some extent?

It could, but if you like that meaty look out back the spacers don’t do much. See my comment above.

[san]

I think people only love the square setup for handling. I don't know anyone that likes the look because, like you said, it looks goofy as shit. See: my car

I'm a function over form guy and I like my car to function by sliding sideways.

I honestly prefer the staggered set up for handling but have square set up so I can rotate tires....
if I had free tires I’d have staggered set up anyday...


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[nextelbuddy]

Pardon my ignorance, but wouldn't spacers in the rear fix that issue to some extent?

im already running 15mm spacers in the back and my wheels are hair past the rear fenders.

im running 19x9.5 et27 all around but in the rear with a 15mm spacer that is an et12.


even with the rear wheels pushed out with a 15mm spacer.. the fronts still have a wider track. i measured 67 inches up front bs 66 and 3/4 out back..

[ZHPizza]

yea but there are many threads no m3forum where someone posts a series of pics and it clearly shows poke up front but people see right past t hat and say "man look s00o good.. i wish I had that... drool... " etc etc.. its like they are brainwashed to think poke up front looks good when it doesnt.

i'll be so glad to switch back to a staggered setup

Meh, I think they're just used to the front poke on tracked cars and get excited seeing a functionally awesome car. I would do the same. I see the staggered look as the aesthetically balanced, OE+ showroom ready build (like your car) and the 265 square look as cool because you can see how planted it would be on the track.


Pardon my ignorance, but wouldn't spacers in the rear fix that issue to some extent?

Yeah but then you just get into a 4 corner mexiflush setup. I have 18x9.5 et35 square and the fronts tires are a few mm from contacting the strut, while also sticking out of the fenders. Spacing out the rear would make the whole car look stupid instead of just the front.


I honestly prefer the staggered set up for handling but have square set up so I can rotate tires....
if I had free tires I’d have staggered set up anyday...


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Really? For like, corner handling, or general driveability? Our wagon with a staggered setup is an absolute dream on the highway compared to my red car.

[Newjack]

im already running 15mm spacers in the back and my wheels are hair past the rear fenders.

im running 19x9.5 et27 all around but in the rear with a 15mm spacer that is an et12.


even with the rear wheels pushed out with a 15mm spacer.. the fronts still have a wider track. i measured 67 inches up front bs 66 and 3/4 out back..

Ah ok

For what its worth I still really like my square 245mm tire setup. The rear isn't as meaty but its only 10mm per tire. Makes the car so much more nimble and willing to turn in and with the amount of power the ZHP puts down it feels really fun.

[cornercarver]

here are some updated pics of the square setup. already I dont like it and have ordered a set of OEM CSL wheels fro bmw germany instead. square ZCP/CSL wheels are way too much poke up front for my tastes. im running a 15mm spacer out back to even it up but still the fronts are just to far out even with -2.6 camber on both sides.
F-ing fantastic photos!

FWIW - I think those wheels look awesome, but you're right; too much poke up front.


I think people only love the square setup for handling. I don't know anyone that likes the look because, like you said, it looks goofy as shit.
Agreed that it looks goofy... That was my biggest fear in shopping for wheels. They have to 'tuck' just right or I hate the look.

I always thought the main reason people wanted a square setup was for rotation. If you're running an LSD and/or have more power I would think you'd want more rubber in the back.

I saw a video in which they tested the square setup vs staggered, and the staggered was faster in the dry. The square, however, was faster in the wet...

[san]

Really? For like, corner handling, or general driveability? Our wagon with a staggered setup is an absolute dream on the highway compared to my red car.

Completely forgot to respond to this.

General drive ability. The square setup tram lines so much that it’s annoying. It’s more of an annoyance on shitty MI roads...


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[704sw]

Completely forgot to respond to this.

General drive ability. The square setup tram lines so much that it’s annoying. It’s more of an annoyance on shitty MI roads...


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Square setups should tramline less than staggered. You have PSS, right? From my experience they’re some of the worst tires for tramlining.

[san]

Square setups should tramline less than staggered. You have PSS, right? From my experience they’re some of the worst tires for tramlining.

I thought it was dependent on tire width too?
Yup PSS...


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[az3579]

Completely forgot to respond to this.

General drive ability. The square setup tram lines so much that it’s annoying. It’s more of an annoyance on shitty MI roads...


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That's your tires, man. I don't have that problem and I run 255/35-18 all around.

[ZHPizza]

Completely forgot to respond to this.

General drive ability. The square setup tram lines so much that it’s annoying. It’s more of an annoyance on shitty MI roads...


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Square setups should tramline less than staggered. You have PSS, right? From my experience they’re some of the worst tires for tramlining.Square setups usually tramline MORE than staggered because the wider rears stabilize you in a straight line but the wider fronts dig into ruts more than a narrower tire.
I thought it was dependent on tire width too?
Yup PSS...


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkYeah PSS are the worst with tramlining. My car was flat out dangerous on the highway with staggered, worn PSS's but drove like a dream with new all seasons in a square fitment.
That's your tires, man. I don't have that problem and I run 255/35-18 all around.Right on

[nextelbuddy]

Picked up a pair of brand new OEM CSL Wheels in 19x8.5 fitment and love them much more than the square fitment up front. I also love how the fronts have a slightly different spoke design as well

So for now I currently have the complete CSL wheel setup in my car [emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180920/60fb7d2172dee06ff8924b17a26a96ce.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180920/ac0adb68ad32c65bd871998823884a87.jpg

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[704sw]

I agree, I love how the fronts are less concave. It really draws the eye to the rear wheel, and makes you appreciate it more. Great work, Shawn.

[BADCLOWN]

The concave setup of a staggered comp wheel reminds me of BBS RSIIs, looks great

[johnrando]

Looks great!

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[WOLFN8TR]

Looks great! I need to get my Brembo brakes installed.

[cakM3]

Looks great! I need to get my Brembo brakes installed.

Ya think Gary?!?!?

Shawn, your car always look amazing! :thumbsup

[ZHPizza]

Thems the right wheels fam. Noice.

Hey did your lseat covers ever end up tightening up right?

[illirep]

This is absolutely incredible. Read a comment above. You should be the Bmw equivalent of singer!!!


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[Whammy]

:drool

[nextelbuddy]

man no updates since october 2018??? where are you guys to push me???? :scratchinghead :mafia :headset


well just wanted to give an update from the Alcantara for sale WTB thread i made.



Shawn’s M3 sedan is a very worthy project and I’m happy I can help contribute to it[emoji41]

To be perfectly honest, I’m excited to see Shawn’s new alcantara seats installed after the driver’s seat bolster has been repaired [emoji57]

Good things only happen to good people....




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forgot to update...


i had a friend/coworker that lived up in MA and was coming down to atlanta for a business event. Charlie went out of his way on a work day to meet up with my friend/coworker to hand off the seats. My friend said Charlie was pleasant and a very nice gentlemen.

i got the seats the next day and they were in wonderful condition. the driver side seat had a small cut/tear that was already made aware and im currently in search for matching 9002 Alcantara Cover material to order to have a local upholstery shop replace that damaged bolster.


thanks Charlie a ton!

it will be a while before i get the interior into my red car, i want to wait until the seat is repaired.

some of the door panels have loose fabric so i will be separating the center sections of the door panels to remove the perforated fabric and reglue it to the panels securely.

will need to figure out if there is any difference between leather panels and alcantara panels in regard to the FOAM backing. leather is attached to a thick FOAM but the alcantara didn't have that foam, instead it had something more like headliners with a disintegrated orange foam backing that will need to be scraped or scrubbed off first.



since the car doesn't get driven a lot (been parked since December in a garage) i wanted to make it even more true sport/M3 and i feel like the alcantara despite it being a sedan interior, is more in tune with the "ethos" that im trying to embody with this car.


sold off the M3 natural brown seats locally and will be selling the door panels and rear seats to someone hopefully.


plans are to take a spare set of m3 lumbar and bolster controls/bags/actuators/lines in my parts box and retrofit them into the alcantara seats so i'm not losing any functionality from the sale of the M3 seats.

car still has 174k miles on it (165k on it when purchased October 2016)

[cakM3]

No problem Shawn! I’m glad you can put these seats to good use. They were taking up space in my garage for way too long and when I saw you were looking for a set...well, you know how that worked out! [emoji6]

It will be nice when you have everything finished! [emoji41]


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[704sw]

Shit I would’ve bought those NB M3 seats.

[nextelbuddy]

Shit I would’ve bought those NB M3 seats.

i had removed the levers for leaning seat forward that Coupes needed so you would have lost functionality.

if you want to recover m3 seats for natural brown with the L seat covers or any other covers im more than happy to help man and lend a hand in fitting them for you.

[nextelbuddy]

No problem Shawn! I’m glad you can put these seats to good use. They were taking up space in my garage for way too long and when I saw you were looking for a set...well, you know how that worked out! [emoji6]

It will be nice when you have everything finished! [emoji41]


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appreciate it Charlie!

[704sw]

i had removed the levers for leaning seat forward that Coupes needed so you would have lost functionality.

if you want to recover m3 seats for natural brown with the L seat covers or any other covers im more than happy to help man and lend a hand in fitting them for you.

Ah, never mind then. I’m actually talking with Nate about putting his extra Alcantara interior in my car. Starting to feel a little like you, next thing you know I’ll be welding on M3 fenders.

[nextelbuddy]

Ah, never mind then. I’m actually talking with Nate about putting his extra Alcantara interior in my car. Starting to feel a little like you, next thing you know I’ll be welding on M3 fenders.Yassss that will be awesome.


I can definitely see the trend of a lot of people going to the cloth interior this year.

Year of the cloth

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[nextelbuddy]

Small update


Competed one of my two custom alcantara zhp seats. Sold my natural brown m3 heated bolster/lumbar seats last year in hopes of making the switch to factory alcantara zhp seats but I hated that I lost m3 bolster functions.

I decide to retrofit the bolster system into the non M sport seat and it was a success.

Can't wait to finish the other seat and get it installed into the car.

I worked really hard to find the closest match of alcantara material to repair my torn seats. I have collected about 5 seats and picked/chose the best parts of each seat to make the closest possible version of my perfect mint seat that had minimal uv fade. I can't stand how the alcantara turns a green tinge when it fades from sunlight and you lose your charcoal grey look.

The seats are now rebuilt with good material, heated, lumbar and bolster control like m3 but also period and chassis correct for the chassis.

This seat is a hybrid... Lower passenger side v seat cushion/cover from Charlie's seat I bought from him and a drive passenger passenger side upper seat cover and cushion from anther set of seats I bought from Florida

Thanks Charlie!




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[YoitsTmac]

Picture links are broken for me. Otherwise, really curious to see this!

[nextelbuddy]

Picture links are broken for me. Otherwise, really curious to see this!

Try now

[KTS317]

Impressive!


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[YoitsTmac]

Very cool. So can you tell us a little more as to what’s going on here? As someone who’s about to take apart a seat to add additional cushioning, I’m curious of a few things.

So for the upper half, there’s like an outer sleeve and the inflatable bags go underneath?
To power the adjustable bolstering, do you need the seat switch from an M3? Different lumbar pump?

You’re clearly very handy. If you ever want to retrofit active seats, it’s been something I’ve been researching and it seems fairly simple as long as you can find an elegant place to put the activation button. I’m sure you could mimic the signal with an arduino or reroute the button

[GeorgeH]

Looks really nice!

[nextelbuddy]

Very cool. So can you tell us a little more as to what’s going on here? As someone who’s about to take apart a seat to add additional cushioning, I’m curious of a few things.

So for the upper half, there’s like an outer sleeve and the inflatable bags go underneath?
To power the adjustable bolstering, do you need the seat switch from an M3? Different lumbar pump?

You’re clearly very handy. If you ever want to retrofit active seats, it’s been something I’ve been researching and it seems fairly simple as long as you can find an elegant place to put the activation button. I’m sure you could mimic the signal with an arduino or reroute the button



M3 seat foam cushions from seats that had bolster bags had POCKETS in the foam compared to M3 NON bolster seats or non M seats that dont have pockets but instead have THICKER foam to slip over the seat frame.



bolster bags have bags mounted on top of FOAM INSERTS that clip to the seat frame.

all i had to do ws look at the m3 cushion and measure/eyeball the pocket size area and then start digging/cutting out my non M sport seat foam in the same area and do several test fits until it fit comfortably. I used a spare harness to wire up 12 volt power so i could test the bag system with the upper seat covers installed with the foam to make sure it wouldn't interfere with the stitched areas or put added pressure on the seams them selves and they didnt.



i have to say after sitting in them past few days, I love it. so much more HUGGING in the seats, and super comfy.

[nextelbuddy]

Looks really nice!

thanks George! i'm for hire! I work for spare parts lol jk

[nextelbuddy]

Finished up all the seats, cleaned and installed and very Happy with them . They are about as close to mint you can get with out robbing an low miles EAG zhp [emoji38]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190612/ed9206b1b72cadfdfa2b2d0fd909b284.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190612/da092b4cac5044cc68ebaa94789bed73.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190612/61f7352d9ab365eb1a5ca76d508c1fb1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190612/9e021ac6415cbbd86da58fe93bbbd0b4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190612/11babbdc7ec6ec46a640ee72d848fc2c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190612/1d61005fd88a8c457054d272be4df528.jpg

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[RUS_ZHP]

Shawn, you are making killer project on your cars. Amazing job as always!

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[YoitsTmac]

Thanks for that information. Seems my project to just add some additional bolstering for my slime build may be harder than I originally anticipated

Car is looking fantastic, and your photography skills definitely help show what great work you do [emoji106]

What’s next in the pipeline?

[Whammy]

Well fucking done! :drool

[704sw]

Awesome job, Shawn. The inflatable M bolsters inside non-M sport seats sounds like a pretty perfect combo.

[BADCLOWN]

IMO looks muuuuuuuuuch better

[nextelbuddy]

Well fucking done! :drool


Awesome job, Shawn. The inflatable M bolsters inside non-M sport seats sounds like a pretty perfect combo.


IMO looks muuuuuuuuuch better

thanks guys, really appreciate the support. hope everyone had a great weekend!

drove the car Sunday and the inflatable bolsters are just perfect, cloth plus increased bolsters really does hit the spot.

[JETSET303]

thanks guys, really appreciate the support. hope everyone had a great weekend!

drove the car Sunday and the inflatable bolsters are just perfect, cloth plus increased bolsters really does hit the spot.

So when are you going to offer this service commercially to the mafia?


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[johnrando]

Very cool!

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[cakM3]

Damn Shawn!! Amazing work! Looks perfect in your car, well done!!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190623/f5b654206cdf10a646be56c4b718b404.jpg


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[nextelbuddy]

Been a while since I had a big update but with my car it's always been a I would say 80% M3 conversion. I did the fenders front and rear the whole mechanical swap electronics etc...but I never did the exhaust because at one point it was my daily driver and I didn't like the idea of not having a spare tire well especially driving around with my son. But over the years the car has been designated into a garage queen could be good or bad depending on who you ask lol.

Anyways I finally had an opportunity to cut out a good trunk floor from a wrecked M3 that a buddy had I had it on hand and finally decided to get a local shop that my friend runs and he just happened to have a really good BMW restoration guy visiting from Holland. He had some time and was up to the task and I say he did a fantastic job on the trunk floor weld job.

he cut out my trunk floor drilled out all the spot welds much better than I ever could. He seemed welded the whole trunk panel in without burning up and warping the metal grinding it down seam sealed and painted the trunk with a can of Imola red spray paint that I got from another friend.

He also had to weld on the M3 passenger side muffler hanger bracket to the passenger side frame rail

On non-M cars the driver side only has one set of muffler hanger exhaust studs and even then they are not the right length they are too short. Luckily from the donor car that I got the trunk floor I cut out all four exhaust studs and the panel that they were welded to and handed to him. He was able to drill out my old muffler hanger studs precisely and drill out the M3 exhaust studs from the scrap metal that they were mounted in and you welded them into the chassis along with the reinforcement brace from the top side.

All in all I'm extremely happy and impressed with the job.

one of my other buddies parts out m3s I was able to pick up all the undertrays the v brace the exhaust shielding and the whole complete M3 exhaust system from header to rear muffler section 3.

So now I finally have the full M3 exhaust drivetrain set up and I'm happy to get away from the aftermarket exhaust I was running that although sounded good had audible drone that really annoyed me when I just wanted to enjoy the car. I didn't like the fact that everybody thought I was driving fast or racing I just want to enjoy the car and drive it nice and quiet.

I've been daily driving a 2006 completely stock SMG M3 and it's so nice to drive a car that's smooth stock and quiet but still has nice power to change lanes and overtake other cars and that's what I want with my M3 sedan.

Here's some pictures from the process.

Also recently I had a chance to install the ZCP steering wheel with a single button for m-track mode. I installed the ZCP/ CSL mk60 DSC module and wired it up to the proper button so that is fully functional.

I also installed the CSL blue tag steering rack to complete that package since I got a good deal from a guy parting out a ZCP locally.


So currently the car is a complete M3 sedan conversion now. CSL style carbon air box with a fully functional intake flap with the CSL engine management software fully functional m-track mode and steering rack and full set of 996 brakes front and rear.

Hopefully this will be the final leg of the journey on the car and I can fully enjoy it drive it and appreciate it.

I haven't had a chance to put stated value insurance on the vehicle yet so I don't drive it often and in the past four years I've only put 6,000 miles total.

I will say that I definitely could not accomplish any of this without the fantastic resources of forums like this. I know I get super annoying in the coding section all of the senior members in there that really know their stuff I'm sure roll their eyes when they ask noob questions when I try to figure out how to code my own modules soldering chips so that I can save money by doing things myself and I love to learn too.

Those guys have been wonderful in that section putting up with me over the last few years lol.


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[RUS_ZHP]

Shawn, you usual, your attention to details on your projects and dedication is amazing!
I am glad to hear that you are doing all that work, so you can enjoy car more.

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[BADCLOWN]

Saw this on IG: turned out really well, did you just rattle can the welded in rear piece?

I love those high kick CSL trunks, would love to have one on the ZHP, totally transforms the rear-end.

[704sw]

Incredible work, as always, Shawn.

[johnrando]

This is awesome!

[BMWCurves]

Incredible work, as always, Shawn.

+1

[Will]

Amazing, this is fabulous work!!

[nextelbuddy]

Shawn, you usual, your attention to details on your projects and dedication is amazing!
I am glad to hear that you are doing all that work, so you can enjoy car more.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk


Saw this on IG: turned out really well, did you just rattle can the welded in rear piece?

I love those high kick CSL trunks, would love to have one on the ZHP, totally transforms the rear-end.


Incredible work, as always, Shawn.


This is awesome!


+1


Amazing, this is fabulous work!!

thanks a ton everyone. i never really thought it would end up like this where the car currently is.

also just got my OE BMW Infrared windshield fro Germany ordered through my local dealer. had to wait a month or 2 but it finalyl came in.


there are 2 versions of the glass, one infrared NO rain sensor and one WITH rain sensor. unfortunately the RAIN sensor version is NLA and not able to be ordered. there is local stock in germany but not for US shipping.

i ordered a highly rated GLASS silk screen kit that handles HD images well. i will be taking a high res picture of the rain sensor black area on the glass of a current windshield and then using photoshop to get the dimensions right and printing out the final product onto the clear plastic paper the kit supplies so i can silk screen the proper shroud area onto the glass.

i also ordered the purple PRISM from russia that has the clear optical pad already on there and will make this more possible.

hello blue/purple front glass lol
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200116/35938be34370b8c6e90eb43e5ef90a6e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200116/2c4205f1e054b3ebf64dd390b108c6fc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200116/9c13e1a51f5f7ff0d56e5a50cc17e1b4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200116/fc1506a67fda2ac866d5694a29c66205.jpg

[BADCLOWN]

pardon my slight ignorance, but does that glass reduce glare? whats the point?

also, if its NLA for US shipping, how did you get one?

[nextelbuddy]

pardon my slight ignorance, but does that glass reduce glare? whats the point?

also, if its NLA for US shipping, how did you get one?It's for reduced cabin temps and it looks cool.

I ordered the NON rain sensor infared version and am adding the rain sensor area my self

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[BADCLOWN]

I ordered the NON rain sensor infared version and am adding the rain sensor area my self




i re-read that a 3rd time. apparently i dont read GOOD, lol. got it.:thumbsup

[cakM3]

I just don’t understand why you spend the extra cash and time to do a windshield that will eventually get pitted, chipped and/or cracked just because infrared windshield. Shawn, you could clearly do better than put something you will eventually have to replace on this car.....


Just kidding! I think this is going to make an already unique car even better! Can’t wait to see photos showing the color of this windshield! [emoji41]



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[BADCLOWN]

More one off than it already is!

[cornercarver]

Does the ‘no rain sensor’ version have a coating which might affect the rain sensor operation?

[Will]

I'm looking forward to your thoughts and review of that heat blocking windshield. I wonder if Pilkington makes a OEM version for the aftermarket, it'd be great to get one of these.

[nextelbuddy]

QUOTE=cornercarver;591091]Does the ‘no rain sensor’ version have a coating which might affect the rain sensor operation?[/QUOTE]

The rain sensor version of the windshield actually has an extra cutout in the infrared film so on cars that have the infrared windshield with the rain sensor there's an additional cutout.all I really want is the auto light so the cutout won't really affect ambient light once I get the sensor mounted. In the auto sensing wipers will probably work maybe not 100%.




I'm looking forward to your thoughts and review of that heat blocking windshield. I wonder if Pilkington makes a OEM version for the aftermarket, it'd be great to get one of these.

They do but you can't get it in the United States they don't have it here I checked everywhere. The M3 coupe Yes because it's available from the BMW dealer in the USA. But for sedans and tourings we are out of luck. Pilkington and saint gobain both make infrared windshields for our cars but not the United States only in European countries and nobody over there will ship glass unfortunately I tried for two months looking around emailing and begging.

Once I found the windshield that I wanted with the rain sensor and infrared option that was when I found out that the part number was coming up NLA and BMW global warehouse system.

So I settled for the non-rain sensor version and they showed 12 in Germany just had to wait a month or two for it to finally come in and get approved by BMW.

Here's some pictures of it installed.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200124/ab4863a83cd9ad92e9d74759b3848b17.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200124/85d147d28bf5b4ab4335a4ceae486e3d.jpg

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[Will]

Damn, that windshield looks great. Does it have any cutouts for a radar detector? I recall the early 2000's S-Class having a trapezoid cutout that was perfect for one.

I'm definitely going to request the infrared glass for my m3 when I finally get it replaced. If people at BMW saw your car I'd bet they wished they had made the e46 m3 sedan, I know I wish they had.

[704sw]

Damn, that windshield looks great. Does it have any cutouts for a radar detector? I recall the early 2000's S-Class having a trapezoid cutout that was perfect for one.

I'm definitely going to request the infrared glass for my m3 when I finally get it replaced. If people at BMW saw your car I'd bet they wished they had made the e46 m3 sedan, I know I wish they had.

I knew there was some piece of electronics that didn’t work with the IR windshields but I couldn’t remember what it was.

[ZHPizza]

when i first saw u posting about tracking down an IR windshield i was like shawn has totally lost it wtf is he doing

but now that i see it

holy crap

i mean it's a windshield it shouldn't be that awesome i feel so weird rn

[holyc0w]

I knew there was some piece of electronics that didn’t work with the IR windshields but I couldn’t remember what it was.

Must be radar detectors.

[cakM3]

QUOTE=cornercarver;591091]Does the ‘no rain sensor’ version have a coating which might affect the rain sensor operation?They do but you can't get it in the United States they don't have it here I checked everywhere. The M3 coupe Yes because it's available from the BMW dealer in the USA.

Here's some pictures of it installed.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200124/ab4863a83cd9ad92e9d74759b3848b17.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200124/85d147d28bf5b4ab4335a4ceae486e3d.jpg[/QUOTE]

Shawn, this windshield looks amazing!! Text me the price if you don’t mind... I have to replace the windshield on my M3 so I want to get the same kind for it. Looks absolutely amazing!!! [emoji1360][emoji1360][emoji1360]


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[BADCLOWN]

I mean, I guess it looks cool and you can say you're probably the only one in the US with that on your car. I just personally don't see the point haha.

But then again, I'm the person that would drop $4k on a set of custom built BBS wheels (if I had the guap to drop) so who am I to say whats worth it and what isn't lol

As long as you like it and and are happy, that's all that matters.

[az3579]

Window film does the same thing but at a much lower price, and without the restrictions of the special coating. :dunno
I mean it is cool, but damn that's a lot of money for the same functionality.

Is it supposed to be more effective than film?

[704sw]

I mean it is cool, but damn that's a lot of money for the same functionality.

And if it’s anything like the old S Class it’s trippy as hell to look at/look through when you have polarized sunglasses.

[ZHPizza]

Window film does the same thing but at a much lower price, and without the restrictions of the special coating. :dunno
I mean it is cool, but damn that's a lot of money for the same functionality.

Is it supposed to be more effective than film?

I had one car with a light 80% film on the windshield and it was awful. In direct sunlight, it would haze like it was covered in dirt. I was always scratching it with tools and had to be super careful when cleaning. I'll never do it again. I'm sure Shawn paid a lot of dollars to get this piece, which is his shtick with getting this car OE+ perfect, but my cheap ass wouldn't hesitate to pay $500 for this if it were available to the plebs.

[az3579]

I had one car with a light 80% film on the windshield and it was awful. In direct sunlight, it would haze like it was covered in dirt. I was always scratching it with tools and had to be super careful when cleaning. I'll never do it again. I'm sure Shawn paid a lot of dollars to get this piece, which is his shtick with getting this car OE+ perfect, but my cheap ass wouldn't hesitate to pay $500 for this if it were available to the plebs.Never had any of those problems with my film.

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[sillieidiot]

Window film does the same thing but at a much lower price, and without the restrictions of the special coating. :dunno
I mean it is cool, but damn that's a lot of money for the same functionality.

Is it supposed to be more effective than film?

I'm pretty sure film is more effective. But film isn't perfectly clear which is the main problem I have with it. You can't see it when the film is darker, but anything above 55%, I can totally see the adhesive backing. It feels like you are trying to use someone else's prescription glasses. Just gives me a headache every time I drive.

It's a neat mod though. In my model 3, I have the IR from that factory on the roof glass. I ended up tinting it still since it let in too much heat. All my other glass was tinted at the time.

[WOLFN8TR]

Window film does the same thing but at a much lower price, and without the restrictions of the special coating. :dunno
I mean it is cool, but damn that's a lot of money for the same functionality.

Is it supposed to be more effective than film?


And if it’s anything like the old S Class it’s trippy as hell to look at/look through when you have polarized sunglasses.


I had one car with a light 80% film on the windshield and it was awful. In direct sunlight, it would haze like it was covered in dirt. I was always scratching it with tools and had to be super careful when cleaning. I'll never do it again. I'm sure Shawn paid a lot of dollars to get this piece, which is his shtick with getting this car OE+ perfect, but my cheap ass wouldn't hesitate to pay $500 for this if it were available to the plebs.

I will chime in beings my M3 has 75% tint on the front windshield with a 50% glare strip.

Living in the Hot Las Vegas desert tint is a MUST out here. Having the entire windshield tinted helps tremendously! It cuts down on the heat on the dash, the glare and ( in my opinion ) looks good. I never had any issues with scratching or hazing. I think the issue might be the quality of the tint. BP, Charlie and John have seen my M3 in person. Were there any of these issues guys?

Charlie took this photo, I’m sitting in the car.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/154dd5fc23a66455571946964193da23.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/9da08e9c52b24c115e47dc0053c82004.jpg

[johnrando]

No issues at all with Gary's tint. It looks great. My only thought was that I had never driven in a car with front window tint so it took a sec to get used to.

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[nextelbuddy]

Damn, that windshield looks great. Does it have any cutouts for a radar detector? I recall the early 2000's S-Class having a trapezoid cutout that was perfect for one.

I'm definitely going to request the infrared glass for my m3 when I finally get it replaced. If people at BMW saw your car I'd bet they wished they had made the e46 m3 sedan, I know I wish they had.


yes that little blakc trapezoid area at the top center is a cut out for toll passes etc..

you ar ein luck as realoem shows that the US M3 is available to order the rain sensor infrared windshield through US dealer and from a us warehouse. you can also have a place like safelite etc.. order you the solar/infrared windshield as well that would come from Pilkington itself.

sedans and tourings arent so lucky and have to order from europe and hope that a dealer gets it right because glass ordered from over seas is not returnable if its wrong or you change your mind.




when i first saw u posting about tracking down an IR windshield i was like shawn has totally lost it wtf is he doing

but now that i see it

holy crap

i mean it's a windshield it shouldn't be that awesome i feel so weird rn


exactly. i get so excited over the little things that make up this car, all the little details and thoughts.




Shawn, this windshield looks amazing!! Text me the price if you don’t mind... I have to replace the windshield on my M3 so I want to get the same kind for it. Looks absolutely amazing!!! [emoji1360][emoji1360][emoji1360]


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thanks Charlie! sure thing will do.



I mean, I guess it looks cool and you can say you're probably the only one in the US with that on your car. I just personally don't see the point haha.

But then again, I'm the person that would drop $4k on a set of custom built BBS wheels (if I had the guap to drop) so who am I to say whats worth it and what isn't lol

As long as you like it and and are happy, that's all that matters.

everyone has their things they spend money on :)


Window film does the same thing but at a much lower price, and without the restrictions of the special coating. :dunno
I mean it is cool, but damn that's a lot of money for the same functionality.

Is it supposed to be more effective than film?


this isnt a coating, its an embeded laminate film between the 2 layers of safety glass so its inside the glass and the top black area is the cut out for toll passes etc.



And if it’s anything like the old S Class it’s trippy as hell to look at/look through when you have polarized sunglasses.

can confirm no trippy ness for the polarized rayban glasses i have in that car.