The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

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06-22-2019, 06:11 AM
ZHPizza

Quote:

Originally Posted by az3579

Remind me, how does one empty the extractor? Is there an option to push it back out the tube? That would make refilling the oil containers with oil oil for return to FCP so much easier...

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Not that I know of. I just unscrew the tube connection and dump it into another container.
06-22-2019, 06:27 AM
az3579

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZHPizza

Not that I know of. I just unscrew the tube connection and dump it into another container.

That's fine. Thanks.
06-22-2019, 06:29 AM
Dual

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoitsTmac

Saw a little exhaust talk earlier and hope I can quickly revive that. I have a magniflow muffler but it’s just too quiet and more importantly, I lost my rasp. Adding insult to injury, my exhaust tips have cracks and what seems like burns. So I. Removing the muffler and putting some new tips in.

I was wondering if anyone had a good exhaust tip recommendation or at least good vendors for my to browse. Thanks guys

Reviving this, partly to ask a different question. I have a Vibrant 1148 muffler: the SS tip was finished black and the black coating quickly started failing. Vibrant was NO help. I'd like to either strip off the remaining black coating or cover the twin 3" tips with something else. Ideas?

Attachment 35318
06-22-2019, 07:49 AM
ComradeNick

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZHPizza

You're right about the people that have those concerns being the ones that have never used an extractor. I have one and it works great. No need to get under the car or even pull it in the garage. You want to change the oil while it's hot and thin, so you don't have to wait on the car to cool down either. Just drive home, pop the hood, shove it down the dipstick tube, pump a couple times to build the vacuum, then start changing the filter. By the time you're halfway through changing the filter, you'll hear the extractor sucking air - she's done! Add new oil and call it a day.

I can't find it anymore, but I got a manual 7.5L version (didn't even want the pneumatic option). Simple and just big enough for an e46 oil change. I love it.

Awesome, I'll definitely being doing my own oil changes from now on, and with the FCP warranty that's one less cost to worry about.

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06-22-2019, 08:36 AM
Dual

I haven't been in good enough health to put it to use but I bought a well-reviewed unit inexpensively at West Marine. I believe it was this one: https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...uart--11047123
06-24-2019, 07:55 AM
WOLFN8TR

The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by ComradeNick

Has anyone used a Schwaben oil extractor or something along those lines to change their oil from the dipstick?

How well does it work?

From what I've been hearing people have concerns about not getting some of the residue from the bottom, but have never tried it themselves.

I have one and it’s awesome! Can’t tell you how nice this is and it makes changing the oil so much easier. This thing saved me when I over filled my wife’s 4Runnner by a quart. Just suck out some oil thru the dipstick tube and was in range. Cleanup is just as easy. Pull the tube out, pump it a few times so it sucks the oil out of the tubes, disconnect the tubes and pour the oil into a drum or in my case plastic 5 gallon tote. If you are worried about oil residue laying in the bottom of the oil pan just do a regular oil change every 3rd oil change or so.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...68e53d9039.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f1f6974168.jpg
06-26-2019, 07:18 AM
WOLFN8TR

Schwaben Extractors are on Sale!

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben.../011885sch01a/

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2aebbf72b8.jpg
06-26-2019, 07:36 AM
ComradeNick

Quote:

Originally Posted by WOLFN8TR

I have one and it’s awesome! Can’t tell you how nice this is and it makes changing the oil so much easier. This thing saved me when I over filled my wife’s 4Runnner by a quart. Just suck out some oil thru the dipstick tube and was in range. Cleanup is just as easy. Pull the tube out, pump it a few times so it sucks the oil out of the tubes, disconnect the tubes and pour the oil into a drum or in my case plastic 5 gallon tote. If you are worried about oil residue laying in the bottom of the oil pan just do a regular oil change every 3rd oil change or so.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...68e53d9039.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f1f6974168.jpg

Am I missing something, the capacity is just under 7quarts wouldn't that mean our cars have more oil than this thing can hold at one time?

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06-26-2019, 07:53 AM
WOLFN8TR

The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

Isn’t the capacity of the ZHP 6.5 quarts that’s doing a “Full” drain. You will syphon approx 6 quarts or so.
1 quart equals .95 liters, this is 6.5L.

You can always transfer some of the oil into a container and continue draining the rest. It’s super easy to transfer.
07-08-2019, 10:40 AM
Yankeefan

I found a set of Style 68's for sale locally. I've always liked the looks of these wheels. I did a bit of research on the wheel weights vs. the Style 135's, and it looks the Style 68s are about 9.5kg front/9.9kg rear, and the style 135s are about 11.2kg front/11.9kg rear. My question is, does anyone have the experience to say whether or not this weight savings (approximately 3.7lb front and 4.4lb rear) will feel any different with regards to acceleration and/or NVH? Thanks.
07-08-2019, 11:46 AM
704sw

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yankeefan

I found a set of Style 68's for sale locally. I've always liked the looks of these wheels. I did a bit of research on the wheel weights vs. the Style 135's, and it looks the Style 68s are about 9.5kg front/9.9kg rear, and the style 135s are about 11.2kg front/11.9kg rear. My question is, does anyone have the experience to say whether or not this weight savings (approximately 3.7lb front and 4.4lb rear) will feel any different with regards to acceleration and/or NVH? Thanks.

They’ll certainly ride quieter because they’re 17s. I’ll let someone like Botond with firsthand experience chime in for acceleration feel, but the extra tire weight would narrow the gap a little bit.
07-08-2019, 05:24 PM
Thatguy_JZ

I'm running Apex ARC-8 17x8.5 square on my ZHP with 245/40/17's and the the weight savings made a very noticeable improvement in acceleration.

Regarding NVH, my tires on my ZHP wheels were cupped and toast when I bought it. They rode horrible and shook the car >75mph. Now everything is smooth.
07-08-2019, 05:37 PM
sillieidiot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yankeefan

I found a set of Style 68's for sale locally. I've always liked the looks of these wheels. I did a bit of research on the wheel weights vs. the Style 135's, and it looks the Style 68s are about 9.5kg front/9.9kg rear, and the style 135s are about 11.2kg front/11.9kg rear. My question is, does anyone have the experience to say whether or not this weight savings (approximately 3.7lb front and 4.4lb rear) will feel any different with regards to acceleration and/or NVH? Thanks.

Yes you will feel a difference in both regards. With the NVH though, it depends on the tires and profile you're planning to run though.
07-09-2019, 02:08 AM
az3579

Quote:

Originally Posted by 704sw

They’ll certainly ride quieter because they’re 17s. I’ll let someone like Botond with firsthand experience chime in for acceleration feel, but the extra tire weight would narrow the gap a little bit.

I don't feel much of a difference in acceleration (negligible) when I have the 68's mounted, but the ride is definitely more comfortable and it is definitely easier to mount/dismount wheels since they're not quite as heavy.

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07-09-2019, 04:05 AM
Yankeefan

Thanks everyone. The wheels currently have 245/45R17s on them. The seller thinks they are a square set. My research is showing that the non-M’s had staggered wheels but the M’s had a square set. Does that sound right? That doesn’t make sense to me.
07-09-2019, 04:35 AM
az3579

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yankeefan

Thanks everyone. The wheels currently have 245/45R17s on them. The seller thinks they are a square set. My research is showing that the non-M’s had staggered wheels but the M’s had a square set. Does that sound right? That doesn’t make sense to me.

Nope, M's had staggered sets as well.
07-09-2019, 06:57 AM
YoitsTmac

I would double check. My buddy and I are pitting our sets together to make an”daily” set of square 68’s and a “track” set of 68’s by combining are staggered sets. I’ve also come across square sets of 68’s in the wild

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07-14-2019, 02:36 PM
stephenkirsh

Style 68s only came on non-m e46s as staggered.

I have apex arc-8 17x8.5 that are 10 pounds lighter per wheel than the style 135s. Very noticeable.

I also have a staggered set of style 68s. Can’t tell much better em the two. I think the 68s are 5 pounds heavier per.
07-28-2019, 08:11 AM
BMWCurves

How often do y'all change spark plugs and belts, both by time and mileage?
07-28-2019, 08:27 AM
Chaplian

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCurves

How often do y'all change spark plugs and belts, both by time and mileage?

I do 50k miles on plugs, checking every 3-4 years, don't really replace them on age. Belts I check for cracking and splitting. If they're over 80kish/7-8 years I replace them. I'm not sure what BMWs recommendations are, this is just based off of other cars.

FWIW, I have a '95 Impala SS with 28k miles still on the original belts. They look fine, but I don't really drive that car, and if I do, it's not highway. (Car is currently on the back burner until the wagon has a 6 speed.)

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07-28-2019, 07:47 PM
BMWCurves

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaplian

I do 50k miles on plugs, checking every 3-4 years, don't really replace them on age. Belts I check for cracking and splitting. If they're over 80kish/7-8 years I replace them. I'm not sure what BMWs recommendations are, this is just based off of other cars.

FWIW, I have a '95 Impala SS with 28k miles still on the original belts. They look fine, but I don't really drive that car, and if I do, it's not highway. (Car is currently on the back burner until the wagon has a 6 speed.)

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Roger, I have a very conservative schedule written down for belts at 30k miles and plugs at 40-50k. Wasn't sure what other peoples' thoughts were
07-29-2019, 02:15 AM
az3579

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCurves

Roger, I have a very conservative schedule written down for belts at 30k miles and plugs at 40-50k. Wasn't sure what other peoples' thoughts were

Those intervals are way too soon.

Plugs are a 100k item. Belts are age-based, and need to be done when they show visual signs of it or when doing the cooling system, whichever comes first. Whenever I do my cooling system, it's almost always past 80-120k and the belts are fine every time. I replace them "while I'm in there".

Reference BMW's service manual for more information. In my car's 323k miles my experiences have lined up with BMW's intervals for things for the most part (though I halved my oil change intervals from the get-go due to track usage).

https://www.bmwusa.com/explore/bmw-v...nty-books.html

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07-29-2019, 08:48 AM
BMWCurves

Quote:

Originally Posted by az3579

Those intervals are way too soon.

Plugs are a 100k item. Belts are age-based, and need to be done when they show visual signs of it or when doing the cooling system, whichever comes first. Whenever I do my cooling system, it's almost always past 80-120k and the belts are fine every time. I replace them "while I'm in there".

Reference BMW's service manual for more information. In my car's 323k miles my experiences have lined up with BMW's intervals for things for the most part (though I halved my oil change intervals from the get-go due to track usage).

https://www.bmwusa.com/explore/bmw-v...nty-books.html

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Appreciate the info, BP! I assumed the estimates I had were pretty conservative.
07-31-2019, 01:36 PM
stephenkirsh

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCurves

Roger, I have a very conservative schedule written down for belts at 30k miles and plugs at 40-50k. Wasn't sure what other peoples' thoughts were

Belts at 30k seems nuts. All 3 of my cars go way way way longer than that.

Belts are so easy to check if they’re starting to age, anyway.
08-11-2019, 06:33 AM
704sw

What's your preference: clear or amber reflector?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8cdc8482_o.jpg
08-11-2019, 07:07 AM
Dual

Amber fer sure. Don't suppose you have an easy option for body color?
08-11-2019, 07:20 AM
az3579

Clear to match turn signals.

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08-11-2019, 07:26 AM
704sw

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dual

Amber fer sure. Don't suppose you have an easy option for body color?

I’d have to paint them myself, which isn’t off the table. Bimmian and whoever else sell the painted reflectors only offer them in standard colors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by az3579

Clear to match turn signals.

The clear does match the corners and I like that aspect a lot, but it’s so much brighter it kinda’ stands out more. It’s just a quick Photoshop job but I think it’s a pretty accurate preview.
08-11-2019, 08:03 AM
BMWCurves

I'm mixed. Amber if the tails and turn signal were Amber too since amber goes well with Estoril. But since the turn signal is clear, I'd say clear or color matched.
08-11-2019, 08:07 AM
704sw

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCurves

I'm mixed. Amber if the tails and turn signal were Amber too since amber goes well with Estoril. But since the turn signal is clear, I'd say clear or color matched.

I just mocked up a color matched version in Adobe, intentionally trying to make it *not* perfect (because I know it won’t be in real life) and I still love it. Frig...
08-11-2019, 08:09 AM
Chaplian

Quote:

Originally Posted by 704sw

I just mocked up a color matched version in Adobe, intentionally trying to make it *not* perfect (because I know it won’t be in real life) and I still love it. Frig...

I think color match is the only way to go, honestly. I like the Amber, but it doesn't go with the clear corner lights.

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08-11-2019, 08:49 AM
BMWCurves

Quote:

Originally Posted by 704sw

I just mocked up a color matched version in Adobe, intentionally trying to make it *not* perfect (because I know it won’t be in real life) and I still love it. Frig...

I'm going to be honest, I love my color matched ones.
08-11-2019, 01:11 PM
704sw

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaplian

I think color match is the only way to go, honestly. I like the Amber, but it doesn't go with the clear corner lights.

I think you're right...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...42114eff_b.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCurves

I'm going to be honest, I love my color matched ones.

Damn peer pressure.
08-11-2019, 01:42 PM
BMWCurves

Kind of a weird thought, but how would they look black, given the black kidney grilles, lower mesh grilles, black headlight housing, and black foglight housing?
08-11-2019, 01:51 PM
holyc0w

What about pink? Pink is a great color.
08-11-2019, 01:58 PM
RUS_ZHP

Quote:

Originally Posted by 704sw

I think you're right...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...42114eff_b.jpg

Damn peer pressure.

Color matching is the best and looks rad

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08-11-2019, 06:57 PM
az3579

Well I always thought color matched was the only option, but since you only said 'amber or clear' I figured you didn't want that.
Of course color matched > all else. :)
08-12-2019, 02:14 AM
san

Color match > clear > amber

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08-12-2019, 04:56 AM
704sw

Quote:

Originally Posted by az3579

Well I always thought color matched was the only option, but since you only said 'amber or clear' I figured you didn't want that.
Of course color matched > all else. :)

I was trying to take the easy route lol.

Oh well, here I go making projects again!
08-12-2019, 08:03 AM
John in VA

I purchased the painted ones from Bimmian in silver gray = great color match. IND also has them:https://ind-distribution.com/product...-reflector-set

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