Hmm bummer. Odd this is the first I'm hearing of this, but it makes sense.
How does bumper come off?
Printable View
It's really easy. Two big bolts underneath and 8mm head screws in the fenderwell and underneath. Maybe 15-20 min to remove
Yep super easy. Just lay down something to protect the bumper from getting scratched. If you can get a friend to help it makes it way easier.
One thing you also have to remember about doing this mod is the Auto transmission is cooled via the radiator so you want as much air flow as possible. There is a Tstat down on the left side for the transmission, I replaced mine when doing this mod as well.
Any recommendations for a front end bra for the ZHP? Not sure if I want to go with the clear bra or vinyl, if you have any experience with a vinyl one let me know!
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I hv a vinyl one but it doesn't protect the entire bumper, just the 'top' front. Btr than nothing but I only use mine on road trips.
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Hmmm, I don't NOT recommend it, and as said I do use mine for road trips (my hesitancy is that it doesn't cover the whole front). You can actually get one custom made for big bucks). I bought mine from the e46fanatics classifieds. I have seen them online but I can remember from who. If I do I will update.
In case some of didn't see the post from johnrando -
The Deal Thread -- Save Money
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sha...6&share_type=t
I'm tempted to get the software update since it's only $120. So my question is if I decide to get back to stock BMW software, is it possible? If it is then any idea how much it would cost?
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What software are you running now?
I wasn't impressed with the DInan Stage 3 software I had in my car... I couldn't tell the difference
Stock software from the factory. This Dinan software is just their basic performance software which raises the engine rpm limit by 240rpm and they specify HP gain of 4HP, which I wouldn't notice I'm sure. But they also say it makes the throttle response better so if the response is similar to a shark injector, then I was thinking at this price maybe it would be worth it...
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My dyno runs show no significant gain by raising the rev limiter. All that will do is get you a little higher in the RPMs on the next shift. I noticed no difference in throttle response. I did notice a 2 MPG increase in fuel economy...
Also, the tune is tied to the VIN of the car so you can't transfer it to another car and you have to have an authorized Dinan dealer install it.
If you are looking for a slight performance bump, I am happy with the AA s/w, and Eurocharged (which came out for sale after) said they actually worked with AA on theirs. The butt dyno feels slightly peppier (is that a word? :) ), there is a little more growl with a Perf Intake, and my MPG actually got better. I later added the Dinan STEP s/w but that is another story, along with other mods likely pulleys, etc.
Yea, I think there are better tunes out there for the money
From my reading, alternator pulleys might last a bit longer than the other ones. Are they not ball-bearing? Is there a recommended mileage for preventative maintenance?
Can somebody please help me fix this, it's killing my insides every time I walk out in front of my car with the light on.
For some reason there are a couple of finger print smudges on the xenon bulbs on the left side of my car and I have no idea how to wipe them off. But gosh does it bug the hell out of me https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bd525603eb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2380355a3a.jpg
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You have to dissemble the lights and clean the inside of the lens...
Lol. OCD is a bear.
Pretty easy to get the lenses off after you pull the light housing out.
Someone touched the projector when installing those AEs. You'd have to bake open the headlight, clean the projector lens, and then bake it to seal it back together. Make sure you add some fresh butyl seal or you'll probably have some fogging/condensation.
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Removal: https://youtu.be/D_a_nYiwOzA
That's not my car or my accent ;-)
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"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous E46 fanatic
It's not *that* bad. You have a sedan so the housing is small enough to fit in even an apartment sized oven. You basically put it in at a low temp (200-250°) for like 10min iirc. This softens the butyl seal so you can pull it apart.
I've taken apart many a light for projector modding and retrofitting. If you decide to give it a shot, let me know. I'm happy to help coach you through it. After modding my X3 adaptive lights, nothing lighting related scares me anymore.
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You have a sedan... no need to bake. The covers have a normal gasket and just pop off.
I think Dane or somebody had a DIY for removing the lens
Removing the lens is easy on a sedan. Remove the gasket/seal that clips on to the top (yes, the one that is deteriorating), remove the side corner light (one screw retainer), remove the lower trim, and you can access the clips on the bottom of the lens. The clips go all the way around the lens.
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The headlight gaskets surprisingly, hold up pretty well compared to other BMW gaskets but if you don't know the history then I'd replace them
I think Joop had a DIY.
Hey guys so much to my surprise somebody pointed out that my mirrors don't match my paint... and now I'm really bummed out about that lol. I never noticed that they were supposed to match, and now being aware that they don't match is making my skin itch. What do you guys think? Does the matte look ok? It bothers me because nothing else on the car is matte, so now I've got a few options: a) gloss black b)color match c) leave it https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0c90090bf9.jpg
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If you like the black look, go gloss. I think it adds a nice bit of contrast. I'm looking for Jet Black M3 mirrors to match the shadowline but all I can find is Carbon [emoji849]
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On the mirrors, depends on how OCD you are. That would bother the crap out of me, personally.
I'd go with gloss black or the standard silver.
I have never really cottoned to the steel mounts which extend rightwards from the right side of the central section because I like having the phone closer to my eyes. I have just replaced my vent-mount with a new one I'm really enthusiastic about. It's an Anker brand product which has a locking swivel function. This has two big benefits over my previous vent mount-
- It lets me 'aim' the phone at the driver's position for greater readability.
- It increases clearance between the vents and the phone, so heated or cooled air doesn't slam into the phone as strongly, and the center HVAC controls are more accessible.
It also has two selectable gaps for the 'fingers', allowing a snug fit for a range of cars.
The magnet is stronger than the unit it replaces, and the vent grip and swivel lock are both really snug and secure.
Hope this is of help to someone...
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