JP's 2004 TiAg ZHP - OEM+ Build Thread and Maintenance Log

Suspension Update: about 2k miles on the suspension and the Bilsteins have broken in nicely. Very firm but supple, exactly the feel I was going for. No more crashing on sharp bumps. I'm very happy with it. Still wrestling with getting the alignment dialed in with possible adjustable camber mounts but I really don't want to add more harshness...or cost. We shall see.

Next on the agenda: Passenger side window regulator is TOAST. The window creeps down on bumps. An OEM regulator is on the way.
Also working on a complete belt and pulley refresh + water pump since I didn't do that during my cooling system refresh. What is everything I need to complete the full pulley system besides the obvious things?

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Originally Posted by JPMo

Suspension Update: about 2k miles on the suspension and the Bilsteins have broken in nicely. Very firm but supple, exactly the feel I was going for. No more crashing on sharp bumps. I'm very happy with it. Still wrestling with getting the alignment dialed in with possible adjustable camber mounts but I really don't want to add more harshness...or cost. We shall see.

Next on the agenda: Passenger side window regulator is TOAST. The window creeps down on bumps. An OEM regulator is on the way.
Also working on a complete belt and pulley refresh + water pump since I didn't do that during my cooling system refresh. What is everything I need to complete the full pulley system besides the obvious things?

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Order the kit from FCPeuro for the pulleys/belts. It replaces every single item

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Is there anything else that I would need?

Do tensioners too while you're there. Couldn't hurt.

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This is the kit i was talking about

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-11287636379kt

Keep in mind that the pulleys themselves are plastic and tend to have stress cracks.

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Originally Posted by Thatguy_JZ

Do tensioners too while you're there. Couldn't hurt.

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Are they a separate item from the kit? Because if not, I definitely will.

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Originally Posted by Vas

This is the kit i was talking about

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-11287636379kt

Keep in mind that the pulleys themselves are plastic and tend to have stress cracks.

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I saw this, it’s exactly what I was planning. Thank you for the suggestion.

They look like they're included in the kit so I think you're good. It's good to order this from FCP too because I've seen pulleys start wear out after a year or so. when I bought my car I replaced everything on the front of mine just knowing how they are.

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Originally Posted by Thatguy_JZ

They look like they're included in the kit so I think you're good. It's good to order this from FCP too because I've seen pulleys start wear out after a year or so. when I bought my car I replaced everything on the front of mine just knowing how they are.

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Perfect. Now for the install...

you may want to consider aluminum pulleys from somewhere like Turner/ECS. or you can go underdrive (i have the Rogue pulley kit) if you want a slight performance boost. if you want to do that, i would also recommend an upgraded water pump like the EMS Stewart unit.

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Originally Posted by webster

you may want to consider aluminum pulleys from somewhere like Turner/ECS. or you can go underdrive (i have the Rogue pulley kit) if you want a slight performance boost. if you want to do that, i would also recommend an upgraded water pump like the EMS Stewart unit.

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The aluminum pulleys are a nice upgrade however it's more of a long term upgrade. The plastic ones last 60-80k which is the service interval for belts, pulleys and cooling system parts.

As far as the Stewart water pump, that upgrade is a waste of money. The composite or metal water pumps do the job just fine even on track vehicles.

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Originally Posted by Vas

The aluminum pulleys are a nice upgrade however it's more of a long term upgrade. The plastic ones last 60-80k which is the service interval for belts, pulleys and cooling system parts.

As far as the Stewart water pump, that upgrade is a waste of money. The composite or metal water pumps do the job just fine even on track vehicles.

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I disagree on the stewart pump, respectfully. The stock pumps definitely do the job just fine. However in my old 325Ci I upgraded to the stewart pump and found my average temperatures on my temp gauge read slightly lower. I don't have any numeric figures to genuinely compare or back it up. But I even noticed it lower when running in conjunction with a set of Turner Underdrive Pulleys.

In hindsight I wish I would have held on to those pulleys. I think I sold them for 80 bucks. But I didn't notice any real benefit from a honestly other than slightly stiffer steering on my 325 rack. That could have been in my head though. With pulleys, intake, and axle back I dyno'd 165whp lol

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We used to have a thread with a lot of us putting down our operating temperature. . .

There it is. 2 had data with Stewart water pump including me who went from 96 to 93 degrees C.

interesting info. I'll probably get an OEM and a stewart in a few years

Went over to the dealership and got a proper alignment over at the dealership after they had a special going for $158. Of course, my spec was way off which I suspected.

Interestingly, I had the strut tower reinforcement plates installed with my suspension AND already had the M3 strut tower brace installed, so the tech pulled me aside to tell me that there wasn't enough purchase on the nut and he didn't feel comfortable messing with the front camber since my zhp is mildly lowered.

The guys who put on the suspension didn't tell me that so now I'm at a dilemma. Is there a front strut mount that has longer bolts?

Does your m3 strut brace have the correct nuts installed?

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Originally Posted by PdZHP

Does your m3 strut brace have the correct nuts installed?

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I believe so. I did buy it used but I have the nuts and covers on and everything fits perfectly. I'm thinking you can't have both the strut tower brace and reinforcement plates installed together.

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Originally Posted by JPMo

The guys who put on the suspension didn't tell me that so now I'm at a dilemma. Is there a front strut tower mount that has longer bolts?

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Actually yes there is. When I bought my car one of the strut mounts had been replaced and the bolts were much longer on it. But I threw those parts out long ago so I have no idea what the part numbers were. Perfect time to upgrade to E36 M3 strut mounts though. :) I'm running them with reinforcement plates and ACS rep bar and it has enough thread for the nuts.

These fuckers - $11 a pop: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/51717895241/

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Originally Posted by Galapolis

Actually yes there is. When I bought my car one of the strut mounts had been replaced and the bolts were much longer on it. But I threw those parts out long ago so I have no idea what the part numbers were. Perfect time to upgrade to E36 M3 strut mounts though. :) I'm running them with reinforcement plates and ACS rep bar and it has enough thread for the nuts.

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Thank you! I believe those change castor as well right? I have the Z4M FCABs which increase castor already so not sure I want more but I'm really not happy with the tramlining I was getting with the Z4M parts. So I think I'm gonna reevaluate with this new alignment but if it's not better, I may go back to the stock FCABs with the m3 top mounts

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Originally Posted by BMWCurves

These fuckers - $11 a pop: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/51717895241/

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That's insane. I'm pretty sure I have those collared nuts so I guess I have more purchase than meets the eye. I'm wondering why my installers didn't mention the issue when they put everything on. [emoji849]

I have Z4M FCABs and RTABs, and my tramlining improved a lot with a new alignment:
https://i.imgur.com/J7hgVIQ.jpg

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Originally Posted by BMWCurves

I have Z4M FCABs and RTABs, and my tramlining improved a lot with a new alignment:

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Let's hope so! I think I might go for a drive
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...1feab37c4a.jpg

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Originally Posted by JPMo

Thank you! I believe those change castor as well right? I have the Z4M FCABs which increase castor already so not sure I want more but I'm really not happy with the tramlining I was getting with the Z4M parts. So I think I'm gonna reevaluate with this new alignment but if it's not better, I may go back to the stock FCABs with the m3 top mounts That's insane. I'm pretty sure I have those collared nuts so I guess I have more purchase than meets the eye. I'm wondering why my installers didn't mention the issue when they put everything on. [emoji849]

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Yeah they increase caster and camber, here's a quick shot of my alignment with those.

Attachment 37489

I'm not at all sensitive to tramlining so I can't comment on that with these mounts. I wouldn't even know how to detect it.

Well feels pretty good so far but I getting a high frequency vibration at speed on the hwy. I'm thinking my wheel bearings are toast. I also have some cupping on my tires per the bmw tech but I'm not sure if that could cause the vibration.

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Originally Posted by Galapolis

I wouldn't even know how to detect it.

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Does your car dart around at all on the highway, trying to find its way into the ruts of the road?

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Originally Posted by JPMo

Well feels pretty good so far but I getting a high frequency vibration at speed on the hwy. I'm thinking my wheel bearings are toast. I also have some cupping on my tires per the bmw tech but I'm not sure if that could cause the vibration.

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Wheels are balanced? Have they thrown any of the weights?

Should be. I've had 2 wheels replaced now brand new OEMs and had them installed at a tire shop so they should be good to go.

I guess I could go and get everything rebalanced as that's not much money.

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Originally Posted by BMWCurves

Does your car dart around at all on the highway, trying to find its way into the ruts of the road?

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No and I don't think I've ever experienced that in any car. The roads but pretty bad in NC but I've never seen visible ruts except when it's only slightly wet outside.

Also for vibrations, 9/10 times it's wheel or tire related. Also check the side to side play, there is a certain spec for that on E46 and even the slightest amount of rust on the hub face can cause vibrations.

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Originally Posted by JPMo

Should be. I've had 2 wheels replaced now brand new OEMs and had them installed at a tire shop so they should be good to go.

I guess I could go and get everything rebalanced as that's not much money.

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If you bought your tires at Discount Tire they give you free balancing for the life of the tires.

Yes! Biggest qualm with the E46 was the lack of Bluetooth functionality. If I get to experience what everyone else has, I will be a happy boy! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a7b0f59378.jpg

Nice

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You will love the integration BlueBus provides. I love having this in my ZHP[emoji16]


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Well its been a bit of a headache getting everything working properly. Didn't realize my ZHP had the iPod adapter installed, which can really mess with things so I'm still working on getting that removed with those pesky round pins. Thankfully, at the moment, I have everything working as it should thanks to Ted, who provided excellent customer service and answered all my emails and questions, many of which were due to my incompetence [emoji28]

Unfortunately, I broke my center AC vent getting it out to make space so waiting on a replacement. Gonna try and remove the glove box to get better access behind the radio in order to have it sit flush like from factory. Currently the mass of wires really prevents that.

Update:

Got the bluebus to work as intended and managed to clean up all the wiring mess I had with the iPod adapter. I used this tool to release the clips in the radio harness.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C9ZMJW...p_mob_ap_share

I thought removing the harness would allow Bluetooth to display on the radio when selecting the different modes but it appears there's still a fight between CD and Bluetooth. Minor inconvenience that doesn't really affect performance.

I also finally managed to get some long overdue maintenance done. Basically all of the cooling system minus the radiator, which was already done, as well as the belts and pulleys. Feels good knowing I don't have to worry about my expansion tank blowing up for awhile.

Unfortunately no pics. Completely forgot.
Next up: gloss black driver side door surround trim ordered and on the way from the dealer

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Originally Posted by JPMo

Update:

Got the bluebus to work as intended and managed to clean up all the wiring mess I had with the iPod adapter. I used this tool to release the clips in the radio harness.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C9ZMJW...p_mob_ap_share

I thought removing the harness would allow Bluetooth to display on the radio when selecting the different modes but it appears there's still a fight between CD and Bluetooth. Minor inconvenience that doesn't really affect performance.

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Interesting that you're still having this issue... glad to hear that you have resolved most of your issues now though :thumbsup

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Originally Posted by JPMo

I also finally managed to get some long overdue maintenance done. Basically all of the cooling system minus the radiator, which was already done, as well as the belts and pulleys. Feels good knowing I don't have to worry about my expansion tank blowing up for awhile.

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Feels good knowing you won't have issues cooling system related for awhile now...

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Originally Posted by JPMo

Next up: gloss black driver side door surround trim ordered and on the way from the dealer

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I'm not looking forward to doing this... I will need to source two (one for the driver's side and one for the passenger's side...

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Originally Posted by cakM3

Interesting that you're still having this issue... glad to hear that you have resolved most of your issues now though :thumbsup



I'm not looking forward to doing this... I will need to source two (one for the driver's side and one for the passenger's side...

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Yeah not sure why but it seems purely cosmetic and I never really switch to the other options so no big deal.

Ah yes, the trim…It’s. So.expensive! Thankfully I only need one after sourcing new passenger side clips and gluing them in. It’s still holding strong. Drivers side failed after a week, partly due to my measuring error but alas, New part on the way.

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Originally Posted by cakM3

Interesting that you're still having this issue... glad to hear that you have resolved most of your issues now though :thumbsup



I'm not looking forward to doing this... I will need to source two (one for the driver's side and one for the passenger's side...

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Yeah not sure why there’s a fight but it seems purely cosmetic and I never really switch to the other options so no big deal.

Ah yes, the trim…It’s. So.expensive! Thankfully I only need one after sourcing new passenger side clips and gluing them in. It’s still holding strong. Drivers side failed after a week, partly due to my measuring error but alas, New part on the way.

She lives! After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back!
Things completed:
Rebuilt VANOS with OEM solenoids
G.A.S OEM DISA
Spark plugs with VCG
Coolant pipes under intake manifold
CCV system
Intake boots

She EATS now. Such a fun car on the back roads especially coming from my new daily [emoji6]
Next step are new bumpers and injectors because I'm getting slow starts with short stops. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...31c5d0e110.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...382c979495.jpg

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very clean man, congrats on getting it back to rippin' around

Very nice! Glad things are back in ordered and you're able to enjoy!

I'm local to Atlanta and just got back into an E46 (330i mtech1), hopefully see you around sometime!

Replaced the starter, injectors at 174xxx miles after she wouldn't start. It sat for about 2-3 months until I finally decided to just tow it to the Indy. DIY work under the intake manifold just scares me.
Finally can take her to work a few days/week.

Debating swapping out the H&R sports for Eibachs. Ride is a bit too stiff on these rough ATL roads. I almost feel like it's compromising grip.

6sp swap soon come [emoji48]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...42f57f1222.jpg

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Originally Posted by JPMo

Replaced the starter, injectors at 174xxx miles after she wouldn't start. It sat for about 2-3 months until I finally decided to just tow it to the Indy. DIY work under the intake manifold just scares me.

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It's actually not bad to do. I watched a YouTube video from 50sKid on removing the intake manifold and it was a very easy process. Also there is not too many vaccum lines attached to the intake manifold on the ZHP so this is a very easy job to do. To me the hardest part of removing the intake manifold was popping off the fuel rail from the fuel injectors (not hard) and not losing the nuts securing the intake manifold to the motor.

Once the intake manifold was removed, I had so much access to the motor when I did my cooling system overhaul that the entire process was so much easier to work on.

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Originally Posted by JPMo

Debating swapping out the H&R sports for Eibachs. Ride is a bit too stiff on these rough ATL roads. I almost feel like it's compromising grip.

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I would say install Bilstein PSS-10s. I am glad I did this to my ZHP and the car now feels so planted and it is nice having damping adjustability (10 different settings) to set the ride up. Right now I'm at 5 and am very pleased with the feel I'm getting from driving my car.

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Originally Posted by JPMo

6sp swap soon come [emoji48]

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This will transform your ride once you go 6MT. Can't wait to see progress on this front! :thumbsup

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Originally Posted by cakM3

It's actually not bad to do. I watched a YouTube video from 50sKid on removing the intake manifold and it was a very easy process. Also there is not too many vaccum lines attached to the intake manifold on the ZHP so this is a very easy job to do. To me the hardest part of removing the intake manifold was popping off the fuel rail from the fuel injectors (not hard) and not losing the nuts securing the intake manifold to the motor.

Once the intake manifold was removed, I had so much access to the motor when I did my cooling system overhaul that the entire process was so much easier to work on.



I would say install Bilstein PSS-10s. I am glad I did this to my ZHP and the car now feels so planted and it is nice having damping adjustability (10 different settings) to set the ride up. Right now I'm at 5 and am very pleased with the feel I'm getting from driving my car.



This will transform your ride once you go 6MT. Can't wait to see progress on this front! :thumbsup

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I was initially against coilovers just because I didn't want the extra complication but I suppose I should reevaluate my reasoning.

What top mount are you running for camber adjustments?

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