'04 AW/Blk coupe project (engine replacement first)

Took the opportunity during stay-at-home covid time to fix the A and C pillar trim. I used 3M Headliner Adhesive (38808) (link) as well as DAP contact cement (link).

Results are quite acceptable, especially for first time doing the job and reusing the existing fabric.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_F...A=w640-h480-no


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BL...A=w640-h480-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iC...w=w640-h480-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/R9...Q=w640-h480-no

The car already feels less ghetto and less like an "old car." Next will probably be the exterior rain-gutter moulding rubber gasket (at the Hoffmeister kink) as well as the trim strip underneath the rear windows.

Also, glad to say the fuel pumps aren't leaking anymore.

Those pillars look really good. Nice to hear there's a positive side to the current situation.

+1

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

^^ Thanks fellas.

It's been a while since last update, just a couple minor ones:

Installed the BlueBus in the ZHP. Replaced the factory TCU, and kept the factory "319" mic.

Before:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0


After:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0



And similarly for the m3.

Items removed: Parrot CK3000 Evo Bluetooth, with Connects2 Steering wheel harness, as well as the USASpec ipod integration with a Lightning to 30-pin connector.

Before:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

After, no TCU tray so I just velcro'd it to a bracket where the CD changer would be:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

I added a cheap usb cable to each one for ease of access for future firmware updates. $3.99 each at Microcenter, and they happened to have blue (a Hobson's choice since that's all they had at the time).

The BlueBus is awesome, and I can't thank Ted enough for developing it. The quality is fantastic and really brings the e46 into modernity. If he ever decides to develop a screened replacement for the head unit (like a Avin) with Apple CarPlay, and dash-cam and reverse-camera integration, I'd be all over it, too.

The USASpec and the Parrot setup in the M3 worked great, I never had any problems with it and didn't really need to replace it. Phone calls were clear, steering wheel buttons worked, and I didn't have problems having to plug-in for music streaming (I like to have my phone charging while in the car anyways). But when I saw Ted post in the old m3forums about developing a new solution I had to jump onboard and support his efforts and see what this is all about. So instead of one unit I ended up getting two. No big change for the m3 (besides adding a2dp streaming), but I'm happy to support and do enjoy it.

If someone wants the old set up, let's make a deal!

______

For some reason I thought my AC wasn't blowing that cold. I think it was my mind playing tricks. The AC in the m3 felt significantly colder so let's check it out.

I'm not sure what specification is, but I think it's sufficiently cold:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Now I have peace of mind - maybe having the temp confirmed will help the AC will feel colder now too. lol.
______

And last but not least, a gratuitous photo. I always love rear 3/4 shots, and I think it really shows the e46's clean lines and proportions:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0


That's all for now, hopefully I'll have something more substantial to report.

The rake always makes me think the ZHP is trying to show off its butt.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BMWCurves

The rake always makes me think the ZHP is trying to show off its butt.

---

Lol.

The ZHPs ride about 1/2" - 3/4" lower than the M3, too.

Are you still on stock springs? Lately I've been wondering why I have such a big wheel gap in the front, someone mentioned that the sport version of Bilstein B4s have the spring seat welded on too high

Maybe he's just running Z4 strut mounts.

Oooooh I knew about Z4M FCABs but not strut mounts. Just tried to do a quick search on E46F and didn't find much. Are they essentially the same with slightly less height in the rubber?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by t.er

Oooooh I knew about Z4M FCABs but not strut mounts. Just tried to do a quick search on E46F and didn't find much. Are they essentially the same with slightly less height in the rubber?

---

The main advantage is that it's lower. Rubber height looks the same to me. Z4 mount left, E46 right:

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attac...3&d=1578356112

Part number is Sachs 802 066. Might actually be a good solution for you if your B4s are a little too high.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Galapolis

The main advantage is that it's lower. Rubber height looks the same to me. Z4 mount left, E46 right:


Part number is Sachs 802 066. Might actually be a good solution for you if your B4s are a little too high.

---

Huh that's pretty interesting. If I didn't need extra negative camber or had camber plates I'd definitely consider!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by t.er

Huh that's pretty interesting. If I didn't need extra negative camber or had camber plates I'd definitely consider!

---

Oh yeah I forgot you had camber plates now. It's not too late to get some lowering springs though. I'll be getting rid of my H&Rs soon... (wink)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Galapolis

Oh yeah I forgot you had camber plates now. It's not too late to get some lowering springs though. I'll be getting rid of my H&Rs soon... (wink)

---

What are you swapping in? If I were in the ContiUS I would probably be down to take them off your hands. The guy I bought my camber plates from was also selling a set of Eibach Pro Kit springs for $80 CAD, unfortunately that was already sold when I inquired about it :crying

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by t.er

What are you swapping in?

---

Eibach Pro Kit. I have Eibach sway bars so I need to match the springs. Been eyeing the Koni Special Actives for some time now. And then there's the 20% sale going on right now too. So close to pulling the trigger...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by t.er

Are you still on stock springs? Lately I've been wondering why I have such a big wheel gap in the front, someone mentioned that the sport version of Bilstein B4s have the spring seat welded on too high

---

Yup, stock springs with Koni Yellows. I'm not sure about what's going on with the Bilstein B4. I've heard of people complaining about the gas charge pushing the ride heights higher, but I think that was in the B6 struts.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Galapolis

Maybe he's just running Z4 strut mounts.

---

Nope, using Lemforder OE replacement strut mounts for the 330. Both cars are on Koni Yellow and stock springs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Galapolis

The main advantage is that it's lower. Rubber height looks the same to me. Z4 mount left, E46 right:

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attac...3&d=1578356112

Part number is Sachs 802 066. Might actually be a good solution for you if your B4s are a little too high.

---

The ones I used look like the one on the right. There's photos in post #48 of this thread (link).

Just read through the whole thread, I love seeing a good resurrection! I appreciate your attention to detail and all the cleaning you did when refreshing the engine, it's extremely satisfying and pretty inspirational. I run a BMW specialty shop and don't always have the time to be as detailed with my customer jobs, so I'm enjoying it vicariously through threads like this. It's giving me some ideas for my 2003 330ci though ;)

Kudos for doing the whole engine replacement in your garage/driveway, that's a real effort right there. I'm a little spoiled at this point with my shop, having a lift makes me not want to do anything without a lift, haha.

Thanks for the kind words, dannyzabolotny! I'm always motivated, inspired, and entertained by others' threads so it was my turn to document and contribute with this one. Working on jack stands in the driveway wasn't ideal (HOA started writing letters threatening me fines), but it's what I had to work with. Also, I had the luxury of a second car so I could take my sweet time with this and let my OCD run a bit, otherwise it wouldn't have been nearly as neat and tidy.

I haven't had to do much to the car, explaining the lack of updates. Just gas, wash, and drive - which I'm perfectly fine with. Lol.

Next time I'm in PHX area I'd like to check out your shop. Looks like you have quite the to-do list for your 330, I'll be following along!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Will

Working on jack stands in the driveway wasn't ideal (HOA started writing letters threatening me fines)

---

Ooooof hopefully they're off your back now. After reading all the horror stories on reddit I'm 99.5% sure I'll reject a future house purchased based off the fact that there's a mandatory HOA agreement

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Will

Thanks for the kind words, dannyzabolotny! I'm always motivated, inspired, and entertained by others' threads so it was my turn to document and contribute with this one. Working on jack stands in the driveway wasn't ideal (HOA started writing letters threatening me fines), but it's what I had to work with. Also, I had the luxury of a second car so I could take my sweet time with this and let my OCD run a bit, otherwise it wouldn't have been nearly as neat and tidy.

I haven't had to do much to the car, explaining the lack of updates. Just gas, wash, and drive - which I'm perfectly fine with. Lol.

Next time I'm in PHX area I'd like to check out your shop. Looks like you have quite the to-do list for your 330, I'll be following along!

---

I know all about that HOA life... I used to work in my driveway too and I got letters in the mail on a weekly basis. I wasn’t allowed to street park, have a car on jack stands, have a car without current registration, etc.

Next time you’re in the Phoenix area, shoot me a message! I’d be more than happy to show you my shop. It’s usually a bit of mess but I stay pretty busy. Right now I’ve got an E34 540i6 clutch job, E39 540i timing chain guide job, and an E28 535is brake job going on.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...19ed97add3.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by t.er

Ooooof hopefully they're off your back now. After reading all the horror stories on reddit I'm 99.5% sure I'll reject a future house purchased based off the fact that there's a mandatory HOA agreement

---

Yeah, I don't think they liked the fact I had a car on jack-stands for long periods of time. I had the rear end of my m3 apart for subframe bushings, diff cover, control arm bushings and ball joints, and planned on hiring a mobile welder come to repair the RACP cracks while welding up the Reddish plates. This was after my ZHP on jack stands for a year during the engine replacement.

I got called to a HOA hearing. I negotiated a few extra weeks to put the rear end back in and lowered off of jack stands and promised to not do it again. Wasn't able to get a mobile welder, but at least no fine, this time. Looks like I'll have a shop do the RACP cracks and subframe repairs, I don't need the hassle with the HOA right now.

Also, because of my location in the neighborhood people frequently walk by my place to use the cut-through green belt, so high visibility.

I think I can work on my cars in the driveway, but basically I shouldn't leave a car on jack stands for extended periods of time. And I should use a car cover so it doesn't seem "unsightly." It's funny because my neighbors don't mind me working on cars, they actually come and check out what I'm up to and ask me for ideas trouble-shooting their cars - like neighbors do. But it's the HOA's enforcement people who have the problem.... letter of the law types, but I understand their position too.

It was pretty funny to see two of the three older ladies on the HOA committee gushing about my red car (the e46m3) and them joking with me saying they want to buy it. The third person (HOA mgr) was not as jovial. Just glad I didn't get fined.

Not many places in my area without HOAs, for better or for worse. But I'd love some more freedom, that's for sure.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny

I know all about that HOA life... I used to work in my driveway too and I got letters in the mail on a weekly basis. I wasn’t allowed to street park, have a car on jack stands, have a car without current registration, etc.

Next time you’re in the Phoenix area, shoot me a message! I’d be more than happy to show you my shop. It’s usually a bit of mess but I stay pretty busy. Right now I’ve got an E34 540i6 clutch job, E39 540i timing chain guide job, and an E28 535is brake job going on.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...19ed97add3.jpg

---

Nice! I def will do. That e28 brings back memories. I used to have a '88 528e 5spd. It was a lot more fun after I modified it. Bilstein Sports, Ground-Control coilovers and camber plates, M-tech II steering wheel, larger Euro headlights, and Style 8 wheels from an 840i. I should have kept the steering wheel for my e30. I love how solid the door and the door latch mechanism are on that era car.

My neighborhood was built in several phases and luckily enough the first phase (where I live) has no HOA. I have to use my driveway to work sometimes so I got lucky there. HOA starts about three doors down. :rofl (though I do try to limit the jacked up car look, when I can)

Yeah, I think the car-on-stands look is a big no no. Damn, you got lucky. Sounds like you have benefits of being in/adjacent to HOA community without the fees.

Just a small update for maintenance.

@115k miles:
- Polished headlight lenses (400grit --> 800 grit --> 1500 grit --> polishing compound --> Clear Coat spray paint)
- D2S Osram bulbs
- Engine oil (Castrol 0w-40) and filter (Mann)
- Cabin filter, charcoal activated (MicronAir)
- Engine air filter (Mann)
- Fixed headlight wiring
- Changed VCG, just to check under the VC
- Finally got the right oil drain door flap.

Before:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Another view, before:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

During:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Another during:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Before any sanding vs just before compounding:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

After:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Another after:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0


Gratuitous shot of dirty cabin air filter:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

More gratuitous pics:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Clean dirty engine air filter vs clean one:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0



Finally got the right oil change flap:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0


I was happy to see a clean and unvarnished valvetrain:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

I'm just happy to be able to see at night again. The old bulbs and the pitted lenses were horrible.

Well done. The lenses look brand new. :like

Nice job on the headlight lenses - as facelift coupe owners we've been cursed with non-replaceable lenses, but it is what it is. Valvetrain is also looking minty fresh!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fredo

Well done. The lenses look brand new. :like

---

Thanks!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by t.er

Nice job on the headlight lenses - as facelift coupe owners we've been cursed with non-replaceable lenses, but it is what it is. Valvetrain is also looking minty fresh!

---

Thanks, I was motivated by seeing what you did with your lens swap + sanding. And I concur, the damned non-replaceable lenses... BMW got us good with that one.


And found this when changing bulbs, insulation made of potato chips. So some wires got some solder and they all got some electrical tape.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0



But this one was the most satisfying,
Before:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

After:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0


Edit: Not sure what's going on with photos, but re-linked.

hmm i can't see those last 3 pictures you posted.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sillieidiot

hmm i can't see those last 3 pictures you posted.

---

I'm on Tapatalk and can see them - it's odd but I've had issues where I can see it from the app, but on a browser on desktop the pics appear broken

I'm on the browser on my laptop. One hour ago I saw the pics. Now they are broken. :scratchinghead

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by t.er

I'm on Tapatalk and can see them - it's odd but I've had issues where I can see it from the app, but on a browser on desktop the pics appear broken

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sillieidiot

hmm i can't see those last 3 pictures you posted.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fredo

I'm on the browser on my laptop. One hour ago I saw the pics. Now they are broken. :scratchinghead

---

I re-linked (is that even a word?) the photos. Hoping they work now.

subbed, even if it's been a while since an update. I like that the car is the same color as mine too :)

It's been a long time since I updated so here we go.

Replaced the cowl trim, back in 10/16/2020:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Another update from 12/22/20, control arms and FCAB.

Alignment to check and set toe afterwards. That's a z4m 27mm front sway I added a while ago, nice and sharp turn-in.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Hey Will, I did my control arms a little while back and im sort of concerned about the torque process. Did you load the suspension when you torqued everything? I used a jack to lift up the suspension a bit and then tightened everything down like that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by REF84

Hey Will, I did my control arms a little while back and im sort of concerned about the torque process. Did you load the suspension when you torqued everything? I used a jack to lift up the suspension a bit and then tightened everything down like that.

---

Hi. I think I used the jack on the bottom of the ball joint when I torqued those two nuts, but that was to hold the arm / ball joint in position rather than to add any preload.

I don't think the front control arms need to be preloaded to standard ride height for tightening. I know the rear ball joints do.

A photo break from ZHP stuff. I live somewhat nearby the Porsche Experience Center in Carson, CA. They have their Porsche Motorsport workshop, a display area, a cafe and a nice restaurant. Their workshop has a glass wall. I want a workshop like this, and those cars too. I took my parents to go check it out.

This was out front, probably just a display piece but cool nonetheless:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Inside:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

On the patio at the cafe:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Some ZHP stuff:


From 7/2021:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Had to clean out the windshield washer fluid. It grew this goop, clogging up the washer pump.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0


Drive out to Austin, TX for the F1 race:

First time road tripping east. I used to go to PDX annually.

Around Ft. Hancock, TX:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

At the rest stop on the 10 just east of 190:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

A great dinner in Ozona, TX. I love a good country fried steak:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

At COTA in Austin, TX. Near the bridge by the esses during qualifying:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

On the pit straight, at end of qualifying and for the w-series race:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Some BBQ. It was all delicious.

I think Ironworks:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

I think Terry Blacks:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

On the road again, forgot where in Texas:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Westward, back to socal:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Shortly after I arrived home from Austin, TX I went on another roadtrip.

Back to PDX. I love the scenery along the 5. Over the grapevine, then as the landscape changes into northern California and into Oregon:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

I love seeing Mt Shasta:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0


In the middle of trip some jackass decided to kick my rear view mirror in the middle of the night when parked at the hotel.

Infuriating:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Will fix when I get home. For now, duct tape to the rescue:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

More Oregon. I always like to head to the coast. The drive is wonderful and the scenery awesome:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

And always nice to have lunch and ice cream at the creamery:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

And the coast:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

And southward bound towards socal. I love the scenery:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Then 4 months later finally found a suitable replacement mirror:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

Long Beach GP:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

And one of the ZHP. Happened to park adjacent to a white e92 m3:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...-no?authuser=0