KTS's Ownership Thread

[KTS317]

I want to document my ownership of this car and keep all of the pictures, receipts and dates in one place. I will add previous and current maintenance as I go. Enjoy!

Details:
2005 330i ZHP
11-24-2004 production date
Exterior - Orientblau Metallic (317)
Interior - Hellbeige2 N6HC
6-speed manual


At the date of purchase:
October 20th, 2016
136,000 miles
3rd owner

List of maintenance and modification from the previous owner and I.

Engine:
OEM BMW Performance intake
Stuart Water Pump
OEM Thermostat and housing
OEM Radiator
OEM Cooling lines/hoses
Dr. Vanos rebuild unit
OEM Oil Filter housing gasket
OEM DISA Valve
New NKG Spark plugs
OEM Valve cover gasket
OEM Alternator
OEM Idlers and pullies

Suspension:
OEM Z4M Front control arm busings
OEM Z4M Trailing arm bushings
Ground Control Street/School coilovers with camber plates
OEM M3 Strut Bar
OEM Strut tower reinforcement plates
New OEM wheel bearings

Brakes:
OEM BMW Performance Brembo 6 piston big brake kit front with rotors
OEM BMW Performance rear rotors
ECS Stainless braided brake lines for the front
Brand new OEM front and rear pads
Turner Motorsport Stud Conversion

Body:
Whole front clip was resprayed to eliminate rock chips
Passenger side rear Quarter was repainted for very minor rust repair
Rear bumper was repainted due to some battle scars
Car was completely PDR'd
Brand new headlight lenses
3M Clear film on foglights, fender corners, whole hood and whole front bumper
European Clear lights all around instead of amber
OEM headlight seals were installed

Transmission:
OEM BMW Performance shift lever and new bushings

Interior:
Alcantara steering wheel has been swapped with a tri-stitch leather wheel

Light Beige interior was swapped for full natural brown interior including
- Carpet
- Dash
- Door cards
- Seats
- Center Console
- Armrest
- Rear Deck
- All plastic trim including dead pedal and lower pillars


Wheels:
OEM Style 135 with staggered all seasons
OEM Style 216 18x8.5 square with Michelin Pilot Super Sports


Pictures:
Everything I have done so far. Will update as I go and will hopefully be of better quality soon. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170331/db5a1018ddc976255456425510693f61.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170331/287233d613d750a145e764397550503c.jpg
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[BMWCurves]

Heck yes. Need more OB in this place. :cheers

[Ridgey]

Beautiful car.

[Lorenzo]

Wow. Impressive list of upgrades and maintenance. Well done.


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[johnrando]

+1

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[ZHP_Brandon]

This just looks amazing [emoji1374]


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[Vas]

Subscribed.

[KTS317]

139,500 miles - Changed the oil with Full Synthetic 0W-40

Also removed the front wheels and swapped them side-to-side hoping to track down a "humming" noise while on the road. Cleaned everything up and took some pictures.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170421/d76d078600788eafe1b71ec26310bc79.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170421/bd05d61998977523f00f9cbb8033e33d.jpg


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[BMWCurves]

I really like those style 216 wheels.

[Ridgey]

I really like those style 216 wheels.

That's what I was thinking. Pretty sweet.

[hcbeck2689]

Yes!


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[Lorenzo]

I really like those style 216 wheels.

+1

[BADCLOWN]

I really like those wheels for an OE option, that shot of your brake setup makes your paint look purple

[Jconlin16]

New power steering pump, no? :biggrin


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[KTS317]

Busy weekend! I dropped the car off to be detailed Friday night. Picked it up a few hours ago and couldn't be happier. A few of the tiny scratches on the trunk lid and near the tail lights were bothering me. The car was polished and sealed with 2 coats of OptiSeal.

I also decided to swap my black interior trim out for silver but not 100% set on the look though.

Also, a 60k mile power steering pump was installed to try to find the source of rattling at idle. The new pump solved the issue [emoji3]



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[fredo]

Amazing results. :thumbup

[anandoc]

Also, a 60k mile power steering pump was installed to try to find the source of rattling at idle. The new pump solved the issue [emoji3]



Interesting, I too have a rattle at idle and it seems to come from the driver's side under the hood. Maybe I have the same source.

Car looks sharp after the detail tho!

[PM me if you are looking into getting rid of the silver cube trim :) ]

[BMWCurves]

Looking good, my Orient Blue brethren :thumbsup

I personally prefer Black Cube with NB interior, but you do you.

Also, did you swap the rear deck, or is that left over from your Beige interior?

[KTS317]

Interesting, I too have a rattle at idle and it seems to come from the driver's side under the hood. Maybe I have the same source.

Car looks sharp after the detail tho!

It took me a long time to figure it out... the sound would go away when I started the car with the belt off. I replaced a few pulleys and the tensioner first with no luck. Took the brand new vanos unit all apart and even bought a stethoscope but couldn't track it down. I posted a video in E46 Empire and they all suggested the power steering pump. It was the only thing I hadn't touched yet [emoji52]


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[KTS317]

Looking good, my Orient Blue brethren :thumbsup

I personally prefer Black Cube with NB interior, but you do you.

Also, did you swap the rear deck, or is that left over from your Beige interior?

I think I prefer black too but I'll give it a fair chance

The rear deck and rear folding seat haven't been swapped yet. Between working out of state 2 weeks a month and working 10s while I'm in town, I don't have a lot of business hours that are free to get it packaged and shipped. Hopefully soon though! I hate the beige.




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[fredo]

I agree with BMWCurves. My vote goes to black cube trim.

[KTS317]

Small update:

146,000 miles
Replaced the entire center console with brand new stuff and did an armrest delete.

I also replaced both front hubs with new wheel bearings. I was hearing and feeling a loud humming coming from the front. I did the passenger side first thinking that was issue but it turned out to be the drivers side. Luckily I ordered 2 new ones!

This winter I plan on tearing the performance brakes apart and having them powder coated and rebuilt with the better pistons and new seals. The current paint has definitely seen better days. I also need to find a set of 135i brakes for the rear and have them coated at the same time.


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180922/8f672e48cbc654ddced8e6a20215ad0c.jpg



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[johnrando]

Looks good!

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[Vas]

Any new updates?

[KTS317]

The only update I have is that I put 135s on it and stored it.

And I went to hear a possible S54 swap candidate start and run last night [emoji16]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181218/bb74d9b182d9ead6129109f09e3b8074.jpg


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[RUS_ZHP]

The only update I have is that I put 135s on it and stored it.

And I went to hear a possible S54 swap candidate start and run last night [emoji16]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181218/bb74d9b182d9ead6129109f09e3b8074.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkYour car doesn't look right with factory wheels-:) I realy like the way it looks with style 216 wheels.

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[KTS317]

Your car doesn't look right with factory wheels-:) I realy like the way it looks with style 216 wheels.

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I agree. I really like 135s just not really on my car [emoji38]


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[KTS317]

Small update! S54 has been purchased! I probably won’t have time for a lot of updates here. This likely won’t be a quick swap. I’ll update when big things happen though!

For those of you that have done this before, any advice on things I should do before the engine goes in? Rod bearings, vanos, gaskets, etc are all on the list already but anything that isn’t so obvious?

Engine is from a 2003 M3 convertible SMG with 116k.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190117/69e86d2f27c8d97db43b2470cf46ec1d.jpg


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[johnrando]

No advice, but good luck! Very cool.

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[Sockethead]

No advice, but good luck! Very cool.

+1 :)

[fredo]

Congrats on the S54 engine. :roundel

[slater]

Small update! S54 has been purchased! I probably won’t have time for a lot of updates here. This likely won’t be a quick swap. I’ll update when big things happen though!

For those of you that have done this before, any advice on things I should do before the engine goes in? Rod bearings, vanos, gaskets, etc are all on the list already but anything that isn’t so obvious?

Engine is from a 2003 M3 convertible SMG with 116k.

awesome. and since your car is a 2005... you have only 1 wire to change/address in the harness to make this swap work (if i remembering correctly). you can use your existing trans, too. this should be fairly easy.

things that i would address:

- VANOS
- rod bearings
- oil pan gasket (hey, while you're doing the rod bearings...)
- VCG
- fresh fluids (duh)
- correct software
- gauge cluster, if you're going that route)
- washer bottle location needs to be determined (i think the stock bottle fits the ZHP bumper with some light trimming?)
- LSD
- RACP reinforcement

[KTS317]

awesome. and since your car is a 2005... you have only 1 wire to change/address in the harness to make this swap work (if i remembering correctly). you can use your existing trans, too. this should be fairly easy.

things that i would address:

- VANOS
- rod bearings
- oil pan gasket (hey, while you're doing the rod bearings...)
- VCG
- fresh fluids (duh)
- correct software
- gauge cluster, if you're going that route)
- washer bottle location needs to be determined (i think the stock bottle fits the ZHP bumper with some light trimming?)
- LSD
- RACP reinforcement

Thank you! I didn’t even think about the washer bottle. I haven’t addressed the cooling system yet either. Maybe I should grab the M3 expansion tank and new in box radiator.

From the M3 I took the
-S54
-Cluster
-Entire rear end (including calipers and diff)
-Fuel pump & Lines
-Driveshaft

I have turner subframe reinforcement plates ready to go also.


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[slater]

Thank you! I didn’t even think about the washer bottle. I haven’t addressed the cooling system yet either. Maybe I should grab the M3 expansion tank and new in box radiator.

From the M3 I took the
-S54
-Cluster
-Entire rear end (including calipers and diff)
-Fuel pump & Lines
-Driveshaft

I have turner subframe reinforcement plates ready to go also.



i forgot about the cooling system - LOL. good call.

nice on the rear end, and the driveshaft! you'll need the latter to make that work.

as for the TMS plates - skip. you need a proper solution otherwise don't even bother. sorry to sound harsh, but.... that's the reality of it!

[KTS317]

i forgot about the cooling system - LOL. good call.

nice on the rear end, and the driveshaft! you'll need the latter to make that work.

as for the TMS plates - skip. you need a proper solution otherwise don't even bother. sorry to sound harsh, but.... that's the reality of it!

No problem! What do you suggest?


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[slater]

No problem! What do you suggest?


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i went with the VinceBar and VinceSkinz epoxy + rivet-on kits as they were the only correct solution, in my mind, when i built my Touring. plus they have the added benefit of being totally hidden, so you don't lose any interior space functionality.

recently this kit has come on the market, and looks good! it does copy a LOT of vince's design. and it does take up some trunk space, and requires welding:

http://cmpautoengineering.com/product/bmw-e46-sub-frame-system/

http://cmpautoengineering.com/product/cmp-ae-e46-3-series-front-mount-extension-kit/

http://cmpautoengineering.com/product/cmp-ae-bmw-e46-3-series-subframe-mount-reinforcement-plates/


i have a welder and could have gone with vince's weld-in kit, but he thinks the epoxy and rivet-on kit is actually stronger than the weld-in kit. plus - way easier to install.

[KTS317]

i went with the VinceBar and VinceSkinz epoxy + rivet-on kits as they were the only correct solution, in my mind, when i built my Touring. plus they have the added benefit of being totally hidden, so you don't lose any interior space functionality.

recently this kit has come on the market, and looks good! it does copy a LOT of vince's design. and it does take up some trunk space, and requires welding:

http://cmpautoengineering.com/product/bmw-e46-sub-frame-system/

http://cmpautoengineering.com/product/cmp-ae-e46-3-series-front-mount-extension-kit/

http://cmpautoengineering.com/product/cmp-ae-bmw-e46-3-series-subframe-mount-reinforcement-plates/


i have a welder and could have gone with vince's weld-in kit, but he thinks the epoxy and rivet-on kit is actually stronger than the weld-in kit. plus - way easier to install.

I don’t have a welder or know how to weld so that’s good news. Finding someone to come to my cold garage and weld on their back was going to be hard anyway. I’ll look into the epoxy and rivet kit, thanks for the heads up!


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[slater]

I don’t have a welder or know how to weld so that’s good news. Finding someone to come to my cold garage and weld on their back was going to be hard anyway. I’ll look into the epoxy and rivet kit, thanks for the heads up!


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no worries!

i did it all on my back in my cold garage as well. :)

[KTS317]

Small update - Disassembled the S54 and removed the rod bearings. They were pretty worn. I’m glad I decided to do it. They have 116k miles on them. I don’t know if they are original or if they were replaced under a the recall.

I ordered just about every gasket, seal and sensor for the S54 so I’ll start putting it back together in a few days.

The plan is to start removing the M54 and rear subframe one of these weekends that isn’t below freezing. I have new subframe and differential bushings coming along with new diff fluid. I’m thinking I should have the rear calipers powder-coated to match my front brakes.



Cylinder 1 -6 left to right
Cap on bottom
Rod on top https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190226/1173f3349804a43f23d96904f7dbf4ef.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190226/dbbbcf99ff8ccab26374237feedc6155.jpg


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[KTS317]

I’m super impressed with this local shops ultrasonic cleaning. I have some downtime while waiting for parts so I decided to drop these off and have them cleaned. They were covered in dark brown sludge. Not even brake cleaner and a scrub pad made any difference. I should’ve taken more pictures

For those in Minneapolis/Saint Paul, the shop is called Recycle BMWs and they part out a ton of E46s. They even have a few parts left over from an imola/natural brown 6 speed ZHP.

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[Will]

Very cool ZHP, looking forward to updates with your s54 swap. In case you're unfamiliar, here's some items to address:

If you haven't ordered bearings, I'd recommend the WPC treated ones:
http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=471874&highlight=wpc

Change out the CPV o-ring with a viton one while it's easily accessible: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=369406&highlight=CPV+viton

VANOS stuff from Beisan (drilled pump disk, seals, plate, solenoid, rattle kit): http://www.beisansystems.com

For valve shims, save yourself a few hundred bucks and go with the Wiseco VSK4: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=467647&highlight=cheap+valve+shim

If you replace the clutch, go with a Luk kit (it'll have the OE disc and pressure plate), but toss the throw-out bearing and pilot bearing in the garbage and get OE BMW ones.

And as a heads up, consensus on VCG for the s54 is go with OE BMW as it's rumored to be viton, the others will end up leaking.

[KTS317]

Thank you for the advice! I just finished up the rod bearings, SAP block plate and CPV O-ring. I was planning on doing the vanos next winter but leaning toward doing it now while everything is apart.

Do I order the clutch for a ZHP? Or can I use my current clutch? I’m keeping my 6-speed


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[Will]

:thumbsup Good progress. I'd recommend doing the VANOS stuff before next winter, especially the drilled pump disk (which seems to be the cause of the broken vanos hub tabs $$$$). I have no experience with using the ZHP trans with s54, so I'll defer.

[KTS317]

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[KTS317]

The swap *should* be complete within the next 2 weeks. I’m hoping if I write it here I’ll be motivated to make it happen. It’s been nothing but small hurdles since I started though. I had a rough looking hard brake line that I didn’t trust so I ordered the part and it showed up without the bends so I bent it in to shape and it worked out nicely.

My subframe mounting points were healthy with no cracks. I’ll still have it reinforced but it will have to be when the car can move under it’s own power to someone with a lift.

I’m looking at sending the DME out to be programmed for the swap. I noticed that Kassel Performance offers a nice selection for coding. I’ll need the SAP, EWS and rear 02 sensors coded out. It looks like they offer a performance tune that could be done at the same time. Anybody here have experience with that? Are there better options?

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[KTS317]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190430/b9a1679f8ee8008a2f79400ee62266f2.jpg

Swap is done! Now just the cosmetic stuff! I’ll make a list of new parts to keep the maintenance portion accurate soon!


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[Will]

Fantastic! Well done, especially with bending the hard lines for brakes! Thank you for sharing the progress.

[johnrando]

+1

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[KTS317]

Well, after a few months of messing with the car and swapping out countless parts, I brought it in to have it professionally diagnosed.

Looks like the S54 I bought has a bad head gasket.

I have only been able to put about 100 miles on since the swap because of constant cooling system issues. It took me way too long to figure it out but at least I can stop wasting my time with it.

I checked the compression and leak-down and they both passed with exceptional numbers. ~170psi compression and ~10% leak-down on each cylinder. The cooling system held a consistent 20psi for more than an hour with the car off. The shop diagnosed the issue with new coolant and a test that showed gas inside the coolant. They also pressure tested the cooling system and found that it had climbed to over 30psi with the car running. I’m guessing it’s a small leak with hopefully no other damage.

I don’t know what the plan is yet, maybe I shouldn’t have sold my ZHP motor so quickly [emoji38][emoji38]

Will likely have an update by winter.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190701/f3a7d621940b960cbee0a4a824e75e74.jpg


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[Will]

Damn, that's a bummer man. Sorry for the bad news. The car's so damned nice, and you're almost there. Keep us posted with how you choose to proceed.

BTW, is this your thread on m3f (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=608376)?

[KTS317]

Damn, that's a bummer man. Sorry for the bad news. The car's so damned nice, and you're almost there. Keep us posted with how you choose to proceed.

BTW, is this your thread on m3f (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=608376)?

Thank you! Yeah, that’s my post


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[RUS_ZHP]

Damn! That sad!
I hope things are going to work out for you.

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[KTS317]

Update:
Looks like I had coolant on top of and underneath the gasket around cylinder 6 on the intake side. Oil was a present on 8/14 of the head bolts. All of them felt about the same for tightness. This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this so if you see anything abnormal feel free to point it out.

Looking at bringing the head in this week to check it. I’ll probably have to do the same with the block, the oil passages and cylinder walls have seen better days.

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[johnrando]

GL. Love seeing inside of engines.

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[KTS317]

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[johnrando]

LIKE

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[KTS317]

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[ZHP_Brandon]

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Literally drooling lol


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[KTS317]

It’s been a while. Here is everything as it sits, hoping to be all wrapped up in 2-3 weeks. I upgraded the speakers to BavSounds after my friends ZHP was totaled, can’t wait to give those a try.

New
main bearings,
rod bearings
slightly bored
new pistons
decked the block
ARP studs
Resurfaced head
Beisan vanos seals
Beisan drilled oil pump disk
Beisan Upper chain guide
Upgraded vanos bolts
New timing chain
New tensioner
New guides
New oil pump chain
All new gaskets, seals bolts etc

I took apart the throttle bodies because they were squeaking. I completely disassembled them and had them blasted and coated but it turns out the bearings aren’t available separately so I’m probably looking at buying another used set. At least they look good I guess [emoji38]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200409/8bdf44a45da4a6edec9dfdc31ad16061.jpg
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[johnrando]

Nice werk!

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[Will]

Nice!

I'm assuming you're talking about the needle bearings in the throttle bodies? Any luck sourcing an equivalent?

This is where the trove of m3f knowledge would have come in handy - maybe someone on m3cutters has gone through this or post the question on the new m3f (m3forum.us or namforum.com, both are the same).

Also, what kind of pistons did you go with?

[KTS317]

Nice!

I'm assuming you're talking about the needle bearings in the throttle bodies? Any luck sourcing an equivalent?

This is where the trove of m3f knowledge would have come in handy - maybe someone on m3cutters has gone through this or post the question on the new m3f (m3forum.us or namforum.com, both are the same).

Also, what kind of pistons did you go with?

Yeah, the 12 needle bearings on both sides of each butterfly valve. I have ordered every similar bearing I could find to try them out but there is always something odd about them. The stock size is 8mm inner 12mm outer and 14mm width. I was able to find an 8x12x12, it’s 2mm short but I might be able to find a washer. If these don’t work I’m giving up.

M3forums being down right now is terrible timing. I had so many links saved to my home-screen that don’t work any more and I was watching items in the classifieds.

JE forged pistons are what I ended up with after waiting almost 2 months for Wiseco pistons that never shipped.


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[KTS317]

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Here she is. S54 is in and LMs are on. I think it will stay like this for a while.


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[johnrando]

:LIKE

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[ZHPizza]

Man that looks great even in the damn dirt

[Galapolis]

Those BBS LM are schmexy.

[BMWCurves]

https://i.imgur.com/wVENhnD.gif

[Will]

Looking good!

[KTS317]

Found this guy just before the PO traded it in. Was patient for a few months while him and his wife decided what they wanted to do but ended up with it last night.

2003
Mystic Blue
1/2 Taninrot 1/2 Alcantara
Slicktop
6 speed
182k

Originally from Florida until 2016, no rust, no accidents but the front bumper needs replacement. Headliner and pillars are sagging and it has the typical oil leaks.

I’ve got a set of style 216s, a full natural brown heated interior and a set of performance grills to toss on. Getting the bumper replaced and then sending the car down for a full paint correction.

Excited to have both orient and mystic blue sedans!


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[t.er]

Congrats and wow, that's a rare interior!

[Galapolis]

You sure about switching out that interior?

[KTS317]

You sure about switching out that interior?

If it was complete with door panels and the non-folding rear seat I would keep it. The seats are in excellent shape.


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[dannyzabolotny]

It's a bummer you had those issues with the S54, but it sounds like you've made it even better now. I'd be curious to see what kind of power you're getting with all the fresh stuff in the engine.

A sedan/wagon with an S54 is the perfect E46 in my opinion... plenty of power and that glorious ITB induction noise, but in a very practical package.

[KTS317]

It's a bummer you had those issues with the S54, but it sounds like you've made it even better now. I'd be curious to see what kind of power you're getting with all the fresh stuff in the engine.

A sedan/wagon with an S54 is the perfect E46 in my opinion... plenty of power and that glorious ITB induction noise, but in a very practical package.

I’m also curious! I’ve never really driven an E46 M3 before so it’s hard to gauge. My friend had an S54 sedan with all things similar to mine except his was tuned with a different flywheel and it was waaay faster.


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[KTS317]

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Came home to a flat tire so threw my spare set of wheels on. A new bumper, headlight lenses, tint and a paint correction should do this thing wonders!


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[KTS317]

Update since last post

New control arms with bushings
New sway bar links
New tie rods
New 135i brakes in the front
New calipers in the rear
New SS brake lines
New lowering springs
New top hats
New bumper
New windshield cowl
New silver cube trim
New cooling system
New DINAN air filter


Next up:
M3 mirrors
Window tint
Probably for sale

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[BMWCurves]

A fair amount of work done!

Did you notice much braking improvement with the 135i conversion?

[johnrando]

Very nice werk!

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[t.er]

Man I love what you've done with this car!



Next up:
Probably for sale


:crying

[KTS317]

A fair amount of work done!

Did you notice much braking improvement with the 135i conversion?

I haven’t noticed a difference yet! I need to have the system bled and flushed though - pedal feels a bit soft.


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[Galapolis]

Man I love what you've done with this car!



:crying

Perfect opportunity for you to scoop it!

[t.er]

Perfect opportunity for you to scoop it!:rofl lol one ZHP is enough...

Actually seriously someone here PM'd me asking if I was interested in a "winter" ZHP given I store mine. Good price for a good car but not in the market for one now... I might even be moving somewhere warm end of this year!

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[Galapolis]

:rofl lol one ZHP is enough...

Actually seriously someone here PM'd me asking if I was interested in a "winter" ZHP given I store mine. Good price for a good car but not in the market for one now... I might even be moving somewhere warm end of this year!

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t.er moving to North Carolina confirmed

[t.er]

t.er moving to North Carolina confirmedHey, if there are any good mechanical engineering jobs down there willing to sponsor a TN visa for a Canadian I'm game

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[Galapolis]

38080

38081

[ZHPizza]

Looking amazing, as usual. I think we'd all be disappointed if you sold.

Sorry to derail the thread more but
Hey, if there are any good mechanical engineering jobs down there willing to sponsor a TN visa for a Canadian I'm game

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38080

38081I've been working as an ME in Charlotte for 10+ years and the opportunities just keep growing at an amazing pace. I know Galapolis kind of threw that screenshot out there but a position at UNCC might actually be your best bet for a visa. Their undergrad ME program is pretty weak but the research work they do is a whole other ball game. They draw talent from allover the world to these positions.

[RUS_ZHP]

I think I just commented about this slicktop sedan on FB. I didn't know that you have two sedans.
This one is mega and my favorite combination: blue, brown and sedan. If you will decide to part out with this car, someone will get a cool and well sorted car.