Sean's M5 Journey [Archive] - BMW E46 330 ZHP For Sale Forum

Pip

10-03-2019, 04:03 PM

Delivered and as clean as expected. Going to take care of oil, filters, smog, registration, and a couple minor mods (kidneys and grilles)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191004/f0698b053cbf8e01cd8623e2703789ed.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191004/b7c5edfb95901f67cc7577a18dd0362f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191004/2c45bd77829f780ca0f7a9423c51ebca.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191004/21400031873a6b4bdf409d932e0c29a5.jpg

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

fredo

10-03-2019, 06:55 PM

Looks great, man. Congrats. :roundel

Will

10-03-2019, 10:14 PM

Congrats! Keep us posted with your DIYs and your impressions of it.

cakM3

10-04-2019, 01:41 AM

Congrats Sean! You got a beauty there! :thumbsup

Time to update your sig pic ;)

Pip

10-04-2019, 04:16 PM

Failed smog because I forgot when you disconnect the battery it resets the obdii and needs a drive cycle. Passed smog the following day after the drive cycle.

First mod was a radar detector mirror mount after hitting 90 thinking I was doing 55. I like how clean it looks. Could be better but good enough. I will head to AAA tomorrow morning to take care of title, taxes, and registration.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191005/b92beb8f91e515642d847b2aca4ed34e.jpg

DeathTrap

10-04-2019, 04:23 PM

I see it has the B&W Audio option. Very cool

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Pip

10-04-2019, 06:16 PM

Congrats Sean! You got a beauty there! :thumbsup

Time to update your sig pic ;)Definitely. Once I get her cleaned up I'll snap a photo and update the sig. So far just been enjoying sitting in traffic so the decision to buy the DCT was a good one. It's definitely a boat in comparison to the e46 and even the f80.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

johnrando

10-05-2019, 04:19 AM

Great news, sweet ride!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Pip

10-14-2019, 09:53 AM

Purchased gloss black kidney grilles, side grilles, and some air filters. Going to be attempting the side grills/air filters sometime this week as time permits. I really need to go drive it on some back roads rather than cruising in traffic. However, it does quite well in traffic and is comfortable to just relax while driving home.

I sold the Mercedes E320 this past week so now can focus on this car going forward. I have been looking into exhaust tips, powder coating wheels, or trading my 343M wheels in black for the std 343M wheels in silver. I need to list on a m5 forum because craigslist and FB have gone nowhere. Guess I could sell outright after purchasing something else but don't know how realistic it is to find something I like that isn't super duper expensive.

Pip

10-19-2019, 10:58 AM

Dirty monster truck with new side grilles. I'm waiting to hear back from Modbargains on a replacement set. Not sure stocked about their customer service but shall see.

Found sharpie hiding a scratch on a new set of side grilles that weren't cheap. I'll see if they replace but right now they've just said they'll check with the product provider...um...yea not getting anymore of my business unless they fix that.

I typically shop on Turner, ECS (guess the same now), or Autohausaz.com but branched our because ECS sent me the wrong stuff and didn't have a replacement.

Mod queue:
CF rear diffuser
CF RK style lip
KW HAS
Either trade wheels for standard silver or powder coat
Or BBS or HRE rims but I tend to like the OEM wheels
Exhaust tips (need to figure out how to remove the black ones)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191019/01fbc4b4dcadab2bcb09433fc65245d6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191019/7f874f64a8905b27889bb760e6fde9c1.jpg

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

cakM3

10-23-2019, 07:04 AM

Looks good Sean! :thumbsup

Pip

12-09-2019, 09:05 AM

I need input on some wheel choices...

All 20" rims because I just bought new tires and want to keep the compliant ride

Option 1: refinish my OEM 343M wheels to Silver
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191209/4f9f17554ba98a26a334a1d14add1d08.jpg

Option 2: Vorsteiner VFF-103
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191209/257e9de67a8280b22bd4ee338ec9612e.jpg

Option 3: Vorsteiner VFF-105
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191209/bd293c9d074f6fff1e31c8edc432f7ab.jpg

Option 4: HRE FF01
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191209/318a54f1cd7db2dce4058b88215f7fab.jpg

Option 5: Others?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

fredo

12-09-2019, 09:35 AM

My vote goes to option 1, refinish OEM wheels.

Pip

12-09-2019, 10:10 AM

My vote goes to option 1, refinish OEM wheels.Yea, that's been my go-to option. I was trying to find someone to trade in LA/SD but haven't found anyone that wants to trade for black.

Refinishing is going to cost $700-800? because they've been previously powder coated which is why I started to look into new wheel options. Normally it would have been $500ish but removing old powder coat takes time/costs more?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

fredo

12-09-2019, 12:08 PM

I don't have any info about powder coated wheels. However I had one of my zhp wheels refinished recently due to curb rash. The cost was $125 OTD.

Pip

01-13-2020, 10:24 AM

11/9/2019 - New Rear Tires (Michelin Pilot Super Sport)
12/31/2019 - Valvetronic Exhaust Remote Control (previously wired open but I wanted a quieter start up)
1/10/2020 - Oil Change + Ignition Service (coils/plugs) I was getting a Cyl 7 misfire and it was close to the 60k service so I just replaced everything

Misfire is resolved after new plugs/coils. Car is driving like a dream right now and I might entertain some mods now that it is all sorted.

Mods I'm thinking about:
- wheel powder coat (had a guy willing to trade but he has ghosted me)
- front lip (RWCarbon)
- headers with sport cats...not sure I need this but I do like the sound of headers especially after driving an e46 m3
- rear diffuser (RWCarbon)
- tune? Car is plenty fast so not really needed
- KW HAS kit? not sure I want to go lower especially if the wife is driving the car from time to time

Pip

06-10-2020, 02:27 PM

Small update

Purchased the following mods:
- RWCarbon RKP style CF front lip 2x2 weave
- BMW Performance CF spoiler 2x2 weave (the wife told me I needed something on the trunk :) so I went out and got it haha)

Coming in the near future:
- Will be purchasing spacers (12mm all around) and will be getting the wheels powder coated sometime this year unless I can find a person to trade. San Diego seems much less active on FB, CL, etc for car parts compared to Sacramento.
- I've been discussing catless downpipes with cats in section 1 with Status Gruppe but I'm hesitant to go this route because if the cats are stamped they won't pass smog in CA and will likely be very expensive for a daily that I commute in. I might just go play with the backbox instead.

johnrando

06-10-2020, 02:33 PM

Pics?

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Pip

06-10-2020, 08:59 PM

I knew this would happen lol

These are a couple of the spoiler just sitting on top of the old spoiler. The first photo is what the rkp style lip looks like https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/6018e6e91e027a65af5c4e7a383980e7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/89cc569a5458e99b1236bd9b3cc12027.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/45418d447e1270bc749602e0621018f7.jpg

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

johnrando

06-11-2020, 06:14 AM

Lol. Thx. :)

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Pip

06-11-2020, 01:29 PM

Couple more photos testing the fitment of the front lip. Fitment is fantastic other than needing some holes drilled to support the lip. I thought it would have the stock holes already drilled but looks like I'll need to do that.

The bottom weave photo is the rear spoiler. It also has a black top as an additional accent.

After seeing the front lip fitment I think I'm going to purchase the center rear diffuser from RW Carbon as well. I want something subtle without replacing the whole diffuser. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/148adf4d25235fbfc4d011dd86b11829.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/cdd45170c123768245ac49a59b7fd290.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/006565885d17a114687f6c6557d5f617.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/d94a116424bef9f2be0a44fba0f2cf14.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200611/c77b1d34f6fc4b1f9455d6edc1f5a389.jpg

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

johnrando

06-11-2020, 06:24 PM

Nice!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

cakM3

06-12-2020, 03:31 AM

Sean, those carbon fiber parts really do look amazing on your car! (says the man with carbon fiber parts on his M3) :thumbsup

Pip

06-18-2020, 03:14 PM

Just got off the phone with Mike from StatusGruppe. Heading there in the morning to get the CF mounted and discuss an exhaust modification.

Sean

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

johnrando

06-18-2020, 08:45 PM

Got my attention. :)

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

UdubBadger

06-19-2020, 10:48 AM

Shit bro - shooting for the damn moon!

Car looks great.

PM me - I have something for the wheels that may be of HIGH interest to you.

Also don't be a bonehead - call iND for your parts ;)

Pip

06-27-2020, 11:47 AM

Got the CF tidbits installed.

I'm looking forward to getting the exhaust modification installed. I essentially had the OEM muffler modified to be a muffler delete with the valves open and then close to stock with the valves closed.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/dac356cdb7c4dba4e50d3b8855852e56.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/b42182b2681a0c6d2ce40b941803a1b3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/140d77302268b4be27602b3112437098.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/df4f2acb34be087afa9104a3de38e066.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/7b0dd367878a74120cdb276ba4aa5d8f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/78c9d1136c7a0ef49adb5b5a8f1f2eb9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/9accf9d0c5e0861c6e65dc55e03448ec.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/020e772fbc4f4578a9512ac1453b9aac.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/1894dd6bce57e7108540be95e717992e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200627/68b97469e4aeaaccbb52bcdacf1bacb0.jpg

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

johnrando

06-27-2020, 08:04 PM

Nice!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

UdubBadger

06-30-2020, 06:16 AM

Perfection. I was thinking of doing the same thing till Evan at GetBMWparts.com made me an offer I couldnt refuse on a Dinan mid and muffler. Still uses the valves so it’s perfect.

This thing is turning into an animal Sean!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pip

07-02-2020, 10:31 PM

Nice!

Sent from my SM-G988U using TapatalkThanks!
Perfection. I was thinking of doing the same thing till Evan at GetBMWparts.com made me an offer I couldnt refuse on a Dinan mid and muffler. Still uses the valves so it’s perfect.

This thing is turning into an animal Sean!

Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWhile the exhaust was being modified I had the muffler delete which was just too loud. I'd say this is maybe 10% louder than stock but it otherwise sounds very tame with valves closed and windows up. No drone unlike the muffler delete which had plenty.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Pip

09-13-2020, 08:56 AM

Finally have the exterior of the car sorted... Other than spacers which I need to order. I'd love to lower it a little bit but doubt that is reasonable with where I travel on a regular basis. I currently scrap my front lip on stock suspension so lowering isn't a good option here. It would have been fine in the suburbs.

I've had my wheels listed to trade since quarantine started and finally found someone willing to trade my satin black wheels for the OEM two tone silver wheels. While the black wheels made the car look more aggressive I was shooting for OEM+ look that was a little more elegant and less race car. I think I've achieved the look and the wheels help tie the exhaust tips into the overall look.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/c6c0a640734e37f54e7d723e980051e3.jpg

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/6de2a87d7efb2e1db598cda4b200a1c3.jpg

johnrando

09-13-2020, 12:53 PM

Looks great

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

cakM3

09-18-2020, 09:48 AM

Damn Sean!!! Your M5 looks amazing! :thumbsup

Pip

12-16-2020, 08:52 PM

My knock off carplay/Android auto MMI came in and I installed it over the weekend.

Waiting on spacers to arrive. New MP4S tires arrived at Costco so hopefully I'll find the time to put those on the car this week. I'm going to be purchasing a Coby Wheel wrap to mimic the BMW performance wheel.

I need to figure out a plan for the interior trim. Maybe CF... Maybe a clean set of the aluminum trim if one pops up.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

Pip

12-16-2020, 09:04 PM

Current state of the interior. I think it looks great but was thinking something to break up all the black might look nice.

The photo is from a road trip with the dog.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201217/02a7fe407d33a18d88f8adc000a57f74.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

johnrando

12-17-2020, 08:53 PM

Yup it does look good.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Pip

12-18-2020, 02:39 PM

Had the new tires installed this morning. The service manager called me about ten minutes after I left to let me know they were having trouble with a lug. I had them proceed knowing it likely meant someone has cross threaded the lug and I'd need a new hub.

Turns out I was right so I had to purchase a new hub that I'll have installed after the new year. Not a fun way to start the weekend but the tires felt amazing.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

fredo

12-18-2020, 02:46 PM

New tires sound good. Which ones did you get ?

Pip

12-18-2020, 02:55 PM

New tires sound good. Which ones did you get ?I had PZeros which were completely worn out and run flat tires. I purchased a set of Michelin Pilot 4S. I only drove a few miles and they were already more comfortable and made the car feel like I had new suspension.

I'll have to test them out and see if they provide more traction than the PZeros. My car is slow from a dig because it just spins the tires unless I roll on the throttle.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

Pip

01-15-2021, 09:19 AM

The car is finally at the shop for wheel hub replacement, oil change (5w-40), DCT oil/filter change, differential oil change, and potentially anything else that needs preventative maintenance (maybe rotors & flush). Plugs and coils were done when I first got the car.

I am still waiting on my spacers to ship to help with wheel fitment.

KW HAS has been weighing on my mind to add a little drop (I would rather do a full KW V3 but no real reason right now)

Downpipes are out of the question right now. I don't like the smell and I don't want to spend $2k+ for catted just for sound.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

Pip

01-15-2021, 09:30 AM

Also... Got to check out this car today. Ridiculous vehicle

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2021-bmw-m2-cs-racing-ar189919.amp.html

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

johnrando

01-15-2021, 06:03 PM

Cool!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Pip

01-18-2021, 08:57 AM

Maintenance

Finally decided to tackle the intake filters. Heard it was a PITA but did some research before attempting. Was super simple by just disconnecting the MAF and pulling the whole box out. Once the box is removed you can reach all 7 T25 screws holding the filter housing together. Filters were due and happy to do it myself.

I miss having a garage where I can work on the car. Plus it helps keep maintenance costs down if you enjoy the work. Changing fluids is usually pretty boring and a pain to get rid of but the other stuff is fun.

Garage/Storage

I also rearranged the storage closet with the wife yesterday. She is a much better Tetris player than I am. When we first moved into this building we just dumped everything in storage because we were focused on the house. Now we had time to strategically think about the storage unit to make things accessible and allow space to grab highly utilized items.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50853488836_281dd19ab0_c.jpg

Coding

I purchased BimmerCode the other day so played with some settings.
- coded seatbelt notification OFF
- coded auto mirror fold when locking car ON
- coded fake exhaust noise OFF
- coded TPMS pressure and temp ON
- coded BMW chime upon start OFF

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

Pip

01-19-2021, 10:19 AM

I forgot to mention one thing. Ever since I received the car I've never really been in love with the M5 suspension. I came from an e46 M3 on ST coilovers which were firm and then went to the softest suspension ever on the W211 E320 Mercedes.

F10 M5 enters my life and I enjoy that it has the ability to change between comfort and sport. However, I wouldn't call comfort comfortable. It was certainly better than the F80 M3 I test drove but firm is a good word to describe it. I would also say it is terrible over large bumps and feels like the rebound is off or overly harsh. I dislike driving in LA for a lot of reasons but the M5 wasn't cutting it compared to my old cars and or the wife's SUV.

I start test driving PCars for a friend's purchase and really enjoy the suspension and how they manage to make the handling tight but also compliant. Different than the BMWs I've been in and somehow make the SUV feel like a car.

So...while at the mechanic the other day (if in SD I would recommend this place for service if you don't want to do something yourself - BimmerSpeed) they noticed something about my suspension.

The original shipment blocks that are supposed to be removed when the car gets state side have never been removed. I was without 1.5" of travel in the rear of the car. I only had time to test drive the car on a couple roads that typically give me trouble but it is leaps and bounds better than before. Sport Plus mode is comfortable and more compliant than my old M3 which is surprising for how heavy a car this thing is. Comfort is now a bit floaty but great for a long drive on the freeway with the wife. I'll keep testing it out and see how it responds.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50852763243_1d3e450314_c.jpg

Pip

01-19-2021, 11:15 AM

I realized tapatalk image quality is pretty terrible if you don't have VIP.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50853622217_620af4fee0_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/50852809058_3e6ed031ee_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ktFWrY)VID_20200711_095659_2 (https://flic.kr/p/2ktFWrY)

t.er

01-19-2021, 12:04 PM

lol, I wonder which dealer did the PDI? That tech must've been pretty out of it that day haha

Will

01-19-2021, 01:50 PM

Wow, glad you found that delivery blocks and removed it. Must feel nice to have suspension travel again. No blocks on the front dampers?

Car looks fantastic, btw.

Pip

01-19-2021, 03:01 PM

lol, I wonder which dealer did the PDI? That tech must've been pretty out of it that day hahaRight? Car has 60k miles
Wow, glad you found that delivery blocks and removed it. Must feel nice to have suspension travel again. No blocks on the front dampers?

Car looks fantastic, btw.No blocks in the front. Just the rear. Thanks!

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk