The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

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Originally Posted by holyc0w

BRZ/FRS is as close as it gets

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Honestly, back when I was shopping around for my first car back in 2015 I would've been thrilled with one of those but they were too expensive. The electric power steering is insanely good, so much so that I was questioning that it was electric and not hydraulic. And it's such a competitive platform too, both those and the ND Miata usually occupy the top 1/4 of the times at most autox's I've been to.

However I'm still glad I have my ZHP, it's really the embodiment of what a BMW 3 series was designed to do - just be a good all-around car. When I did my road trip to and from California, I'm not so sure my mom would've wanted to sit in the back of one of those for that long.

One of my friends has a BRZ. It definitely encapsulates that classic simple sports car feeling, and it feels far superior to the E46 in corners (not to mention it's track ready without oil pump or subframe issues). But as a daily driver, it really pales compared to the E46. The E46 interior isn't exactly the epitome of luxury, but damn that BRZ interior is bad. From the cheap switches to the hard plastic surfaces, it just looks and feels terrible from every angle. And that sound system is atrocious too.

The suspension and ride are good, but it's nowhere near as smooth as a decently maintained E46. Still, I've contemplated a GT86 or BRZ as my next car for some time, but in Germany, decent used ones still go for 25k+. I'd rather just get a 1.5 ND Miata for far less (<15k) and enjoy a car that's similar to the luxury of the E46. Hoping they will drop to under 10k in the next 2-3 years.

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Originally Posted by az3579

They do. It's called the Mini Cooper.

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I'll take a Mini. Unfortunately, they are FWD. Too bad.

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Originally Posted by das boots

I'll take a Mini. Unfortunately, they are FWD. Too bad.

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Why is that a problem?
They are very fun to drive and can be practically controlled by your right foot, just like a RWD car.

As a DD, I would definitely prefer the e46 over the FRS.

One of the funnest cars I had was FWD. I should have never sold it. '90 CRX Si. No power steering with lots of feedback. One of the most comfortable seats I've sat in (I think they were made by Recaro, not confirmed), and one of the smoothest shifting transmissions I've driven. Zipping around up and down the hills and still getting 30+ mpg was fantastic.

Hondas from the late 80s through the early 2000s were awesome. But so were BMWs of that era.

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Originally Posted by t.er

Honestly, back when I was shopping around for my first car back in 2015 I would've been thrilled with one of those but they were too expensive. The electric power steering is insanely good, so much so that I was questioning that it was electric and not hydraulic. And it's such a competitive platform too, both those and the ND Miata usually occupy the top 1/4 of the times at most autox's I've been to.

However I'm still glad I have my ZHP, it's really the embodiment of what a BMW 3 series was designed to do - just be a good all-around car. When I did my road trip to and from California, I'm not so sure my mom would've wanted to sit in the back of one of those for that long.

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I'm looking forward to seeing how the next gen one works out. Hoping for a bit more power, less torque dip, and not a whole lot more weight. You gain a chunk of weight if you look at the next tier of cars (Camaro and the like).

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Originally Posted by holyc0w

I'm looking forward to seeing how the next gen one works out. Hoping for a bit more power, less torque dip, and not a whole lot more weight. You gain a chunk of weight if you look at the next tier of cars (Camaro and the like).

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I was initially excited and have been following news on ft86club and gr86.org. But as I read more into it my excitement starts to fade for the following reasons:


- It looks identical to the gen 1 car above the beltline, so it's likely the same platform. I'm not sure how much tweaking they will do to the suspension. Which is not a bad thing, but why not just get the gen 1 car if that's the case

- I'm hearing peak power figures of 206 HP, which isn't much gain over the FA20. But it's hard to say if that's true until we can see a torque and power curve

- If the latest renders of the interior are true, then I'm not a fan as it follows the trend of having a glued-on iPad screen on top of the dash. I greatly prefer the aesthetic of the old interior, though I'm sure quality will be improved

I guess we'll wait and see how much better this new car is to the old, but if there's not much difference then why not get a 2015+ BRZ for >$10k cheaper, then you have so much extra mod money and existing aftermarket support for the gen 1 car

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Originally Posted by az3579

Why is that a problem?
They are very fun to drive and can be practically controlled by your right foot, just like a RWD car.

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Just old school. That's just me.

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Originally Posted by das boots

Just old school. That's just me.

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I mean... the mini pre-dates the 3 series by decades.

First gen of the BMW-era Cooper S models are just as fast on track as a zhp.

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Originally Posted by t.er

I was initially excited and have been following news on ft86club and gr86.org. But as I read more into it my excitement starts to fade for the following reasons:


- It looks identical to the gen 1 car above the beltline, so it's likely the same platform. I'm not sure how much tweaking they will do to the suspension. Which is not a bad thing, but why not just get the gen 1 car if that's the case

- I'm hearing peak power figures of 206 HP, which isn't much gain over the FA20. But it's hard to say if that's true until we can see a torque and power curve

- If the latest renders of the interior are true, then I'm not a fan as it follows the trend of having a glued-on iPad screen on top of the dash. I greatly prefer the aesthetic of the old interior, though I'm sure quality will be improved

I guess we'll wait and see how much better this new car is to the old, but if there's not much difference then why not get a 2015+ BRZ for >$10k cheaper, then you have so much extra mod money and existing aftermarket support for the gen 1 car

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Yeah, they're kind of stuck. They don't want to deviate too much from the original formula. But as it's not changing much there's no reason to get the latest model with the prices as they are. I also like the updated ND Miata.

On the electric side, the Honda E seems pretty cool, but we're not getting that in the U.S.

Anyone else that's installed the BMWP shift lever, or done any recent shifter rebuild really, not been able to use ANY of the little yellow washers?

RealOEM diagram shows a total of 4, my car had two from the factory, and now with the new parts I can fit zero.

I thought I remembered someone saying that they were phased out with the extended delrin bits on the shifter and rod joint connections, but I can't find anything on it.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f333ccae30.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...849101b2c6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c66a6472a1.jpg

It's been 3 years since then but I recall having the same issue and not ending up using washers thought I can't say for sure. As long as you have no axial play in the joints then just send it

Unfortunately it's been a while when I installed my UUC SS. However, I have some photos that I took. Middle photo is original link prior to install. Mismatch sequence. But you get the picture. Hope this helps.

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Originally Posted by ZHPizza

Anyone else that's installed the BMWP shift lever, or done any recent shifter rebuild really, not been able to use ANY of the little yellow washers?

RealOEM diagram shows a total of 4, my car had two from the factory, and now with the new parts I can fit zero.

I thought I remembered someone saying that they were phased out with the extended delrin bits on the shifter and rod joint connections, but I can't find anything on it.

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Originally Posted by t.er

It's been 3 years since then but I recall having the same issue and not ending up using washers thought I can't say for sure. As long as you have no axial play in the joints then just send it

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^This.

Yup, I had the same issue. I replaced #12 (the rod joint), a BMWP shifter, and UUC DSSR (model 144). I had to exchange the DSSR for a 144-2 which accommodates the increased width of the new rod joint and shifter connector. I think I measured the difference to be 2mm.

Thanks, boys. The fitment is tight so I'm not worried about it, just wanted to see if anyone else had a similar experience.

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Originally Posted by Will

^This.

Yup, I had the same issue. I replaced #12 (the rod joint), a BMWP shifter, and UUC DSSR (model 144). I had to exchange the DSSR for a 144-2 which accommodates the increased width of the new rod joint and shifter connector. I think I measured the difference to be 2mm.

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Ah ok that pretty much confirms it then. Sucks that UUC had to go back and make a new model for BMW's updated parts. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by stephenkirsh

I mean... the mini pre-dates the 3 series by decades.

First gen of the BMW-era Cooper S models are just as fast on track as a zhp.

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Yup, my old R53 Cooper S was an extremely capable and forgiving track car and pure fun on the street. In the right FWD car with the proper dynamics, you don't really notice the lack of RWD.



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I’ve got this “film” starting to flake off of my drivers side headlight. Anyone else experience this? Not sure if it’s PPF(doubt it) or a protective layer on the housing. Apologies if it’s hard to see, but it’s a 4-5in strip that’s just starting to go https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0e080a536a.jpg


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Originally Posted by Prestovie

I’ve got this “film” starting to flake off of my drivers side headlight. Anyone else experience this? Not sure if it’s PPF(doubt it) or a protective layer on the housing. Apologies if it’s hard to see, but it’s a 4-5in strip that’s just starting to go


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I've had that on the underside of my donor coupe lenses, my best guess is that it's probably the UV protective coating.

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Originally Posted by t.er

I've had that on the underside of my donor coupe lenses, my best guess is that it's probably the UV protective coating.

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Well that’s what i was afraid of, lens replacement imminent?


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Originally Posted by Prestovie

Well that’s what i was afraid of, lens replacement imminent?


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I replaced my lenses with $20 ebay units over a year ago and they still look like new. Only took about 5 minutes. I would definitely recommend it.

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Originally Posted by Galapolis

I replaced my lenses with $20 ebay units over a year ago and they still look like new. Only took about 5 minutes. I would definitely recommend it.

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Great shout, thank you

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Originally Posted by Prestovie

Great shout, thank you

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Originally Posted by Galapolis

I replaced my lenses with $20 ebay units over a year ago and they still look like new. Only took about 5 minutes. I would definitely recommend it.

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Again, as I said: lucky bastards lol

So I'm trying to remove the wiper blade arm so I can adjust its resting angle, but can't get the dern thing off. Any recommendations? The internet seems to say hit it with a rubber mallet or pry it with a flathead screw driver but it feels like I'll just destroy my trim or bend the wiper arm post.

this: https://www.harborfreight.com/three-...-pc-63953.html

It's saved me from breaking so many things

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Originally Posted by BMWCurves

So I'm trying to remove the wiper blade arm so I can adjust its resting angle, but can't get the dern thing off. Any recommendations? The internet seems to say hit it with a rubber mallet or pry it with a flathead screw driver but it feels like I'll just destroy my trim or bend the wiper arm post.

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I couldn't even get one of mine off with a puller. Had to borrow the special BMW tool from a dude. Shit was awful.

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Originally Posted by BMWCurves

So I'm trying to remove the wiper blade arm so I can adjust its resting angle, but can't get the dern thing off. Any recommendations? The internet seems to say hit it with a rubber mallet or pry it with a flathead screw driver but it feels like I'll just destroy my trim or bend the wiper arm post.

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My glass guys use this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Equalizer-W...-/173720380057

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Originally Posted by John in VA

My glass guys use this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Equalizer-W...-/173720380057

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Nice find. Sounds like these cheapies on Amazon work with the e46 as well

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PY8785..._nELsFb637KAPX

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Originally Posted by BMWCurves

So I'm trying to remove the wiper blade arm so I can adjust its resting angle, but can't get the dern thing off. Any recommendations? The internet seems to say hit it with a rubber mallet or pry it with a flathead screw driver but it feels like I'll just destroy my trim or bend the wiper arm post.

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I used tie rod puller similar to this. No reason to have dedicated puller for the wiper armshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b728585e51.jpg


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Originally Posted by AM1GO

I used tie rod puller similar to this. No reason to have dedicated puller for the wiper armshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b728585e51.jpg


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Too late, much like 1-use tools in the kitchen, I love cluttering my parents' garage.

This is the wiper puller that looks exactly like the one shown in the BMW TIS - out of stock currently:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Ad...W/164228521989
Attachment 37156

Use your girlfriend's or wife's purse? Lol

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Originally Posted by t.er

Again, as I said: lucky bastards lol

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You should have just hit me up. I have like 3 pairs of spare coupe lenses LOL I keep collecting them for some reason. Originally so I can replace mines, but mines have PPF on them lol

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Originally Posted by sillieidiot

You should have just hit me up. I have like 3 pairs of spare coupe lenses LOL I keep collecting them for some reason. Originally so I can replace mines, but mines have PPF on them lol

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Haha man had I known that I definitely would've - some sanding and 2K clear, the lenses look as good as new. I got lucky though, because the donor headlights I used, I got for $80 CAD with 1 uncracked lense, and 1 cracked lense. I then swapped that uncracked lense with my cracked lense, then refinished both sets of headlights because I had more than enough clear and the can doesn't last long. Then sold the donor lense within a week for quite a decent profit... I don't think the guy who originally sold me the headlights knew what they were worth

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Originally Posted by t.er

Haha man had I known that I definitely would've - some sanding and 2K clear, the lenses look as good as new. I got lucky though, because the donor headlights I used, I got for $80 CAD with 1 uncracked lense, and 1 cracked lense. I then swapped that uncracked lense with my cracked lense, then refinished both sets of headlights because I had more than enough clear and the can doesn't last long. Then sold the donor lense within a week for quite a decent profit... I don't think the guy who originally sold me the headlights knew what they were worth

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Nice come up. Yeah I have a lot of random lighting parts tbh. I threw a bunch away during my move and still have a lot of random shit leftover somehow.

Does someone have the part number for this BMW nav unit?

Attachment 37159

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Originally Posted by Galapolis

Does someone have the part number for this BMW nav unit?

Attachment 37159

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Wooooaaaaah I didn't even know that was a thing

Woooooow I want that trim piece!! You know what I could do with that space???

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Anybody know if I can use the screws from an E9X roof rack on my E46 roof rack? Just got one off of Facebook market place but it’s missing some screws. Also considering wrapping it in brushed aluminum vinyl, it has some really weird deep black markings on its surface


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I have never seen that factory nav unit/location before, ever

Any idea what this’d run to get fixed? Don’t trust myself with a dent puller or touch up, had the roadside mini lug wrench fly off and kick up. Last time I’m choosing convenience.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...3f4a0c5580.jpg


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