The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

I just reached out to 3 local stores and non of them had any that would fit. They were being super evasive on the phone too, they are apparently going to stop carrying them and kept trying to push a Champion battery on me which I guess is their in house brand.

I just know these cars are high maintenance and I'm going to be having a local shop reflash everything since I was having issues with the car before I parked it and dont want that to cause issues. I guess worst case I'll just get one from BMW but I know they will bend me over.

... sorry so the H7 is the equivalent size for the Champion battery, from what I read they need the AGM battery type aswell. I appreciate the quick response, my 2003 VW TDi Wagon lost a timing belt on the highway last so its pretty much dead, so wanting to get the ZHP back on the road again. So below is the battery that I need to get correct?

https://www.pepboys.com/champion-agm...662?quantity=1

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Originally Posted by Xceler8

... sorry so the H7 is the equivalent size for the Champion battery, from what I read they need the AGM battery type aswell. I appreciate the quick response, my 2003 VW TDi Wagon lost a timing belt on the highway last so its pretty much dead, so wanting to get the ZHP back on the road again. So below is the battery that I need to get correct?

https://www.pepboys.com/champion-agm...662?quantity=1

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Honestly, I have one of these: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...000%7CL3*15597

Thing's a monster, but it's made in Germany, has a pretty damn good warranty, and fits with factory mounts. You should also be able to find a coupon to save you some cash.

Make sure to save the venting tee from your current battery.

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Originally Posted by Chaplian

Honestly, I have one of these: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...000%7CL3*15597

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900 CCA :o

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Originally Posted by papa_g

900 CCA :o

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Yep! I LOVE it. Back when I used to daily E46s in winter, it laughed at starting in -15f or -20f.

My OE AGM from BMW lasted 13 years.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Xceler8

I just know these cars are high maintenance and I'm going to be having a local shop reflash everything since I was having issues with the car before I parked it and dont want that to cause issues. I guess worst case I'll just get one from BMW but I know they will bend me over.

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You don't need the AGM battery, but the Pep Boys offer is decent at $50 off. Wet cell is fine - also $50 off. Buying from the dealer is insanity. Advance Auto, Autozone, Walmart or Costco should also carry what you need.

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Originally Posted by John in VA

You don't need the AGM battery, but the Pep Boys offer is decent at $50 off. Wet cell is fine - also $50 off. Buying from the dealer is insanity. Advance Auto, Autozone, Walmart or Costco should also carry what you need.

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I would definitely recommend an AGM battery. They don't need to be vented, which is a big benefit, and they last longer and perform better until they give out.

Thanks guys for the input, I would have overthought the situation. Glad these aren't as high maintenance as I would have originally thought on the battery front.

While I have you guys engaged here, I know there are a few issues that I'm going to want to address immediately since they were at the point of needing work when I parked the car for the power steering pump failing.

- What is the best resource to source OEM or better quality coil packs without getting bent over
- Same as the above for spark plugs, and are their specific specifications for the ZHP models, or other considerations here (mods below)
- How often do the fuel pumps fail, and will a good shop be able to test fuel pressures. Car was falling on its face after about 3500 RPM and more than 60% throttle where when it was running right would pull harder all the way to redline.

Relevant Mods:
- Dinan Intake
- Dinan Catback
- Shrik Cams (not sure on spec)
- Shark injector tune

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Originally Posted by Xceler8

- What is the best resource to source OEM or better quality coil packs without getting bent over
- Same as the above for spark plugs, and are their specific specifications for the ZHP models, or other considerations here (mods below)
- How often do the fuel pumps fail, and will a good shop be able to test fuel pressures. Car was falling on its face after about 3500 RPM and more than 60% throttle where when it was running right would pull harder all the way to redline.

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If you plan on keeping your car for a long time, get your parts at fcpeuro. If not, just search for cheapest deal. Bosch coilpacks and NGK spark plugs.
Fuel pumps, properly maintained, can last a while before giving soft failure symptoms like poor fuel pressure and long crank starts. With fuel pump, it depends on how long the car is on, not necessary how many miles.
I would just rent a fuel pressure test kit at autozone and read fuel pressures over the course of a few hours. See if they gradually drop or stay static.
Good practice would be to let it prime in key position 2 before starting the engine, and not letting tank run to E, to get the most life out of your pump.

Not really sure about the mods.

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Originally Posted by papa_g

If you plan on keeping your car for a long time, get your parts at fcpeuro. If not, just search for cheapest deal. Bosch coilpacks and NGK spark plugs.

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Agreed, but not sure about the choice of Bosch coils. Here's the forum conversation re: coils - see the last few pages:
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?15721