Allow myself to introduce... myself.

Got the idea of selling my Mini and getting rid of car payments. Thought about what was out there that was practical and fun, decided on this.

Flew out to Kansas City this past weekend and promptly drove back to Atlanta.

• MY2003 (built July 03)
• 122k miles
• Silver Grey exterior / Black leather interior
• All major maintenance taken care of, clean body, no dents, recently detailed
• 18x9 Forgestar F14 square setup
• BC Racing coilovers
• Depo clear rear tail lights and front turn signals
• Front headlights retrofitted with Infiniti projectors, factory xenon headlights

Plan is to possibly sell the coilovers and replace with a Koni FSD/Eibach combo or something similar. Wheels will probably stay for the time being. No other real plans to modify it. Maybe some requisite angel eyes.


http://i.imgur.com/45gKXjw.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ncS20fW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zFEHSkd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WLyH6LP.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/HhIaJXW.jpg

Now, I have a few questions...


Is it impossible to turn the rear defroster on without also turning on the HVAC system?

http://i.imgur.com/7n3lQaIl.jpg


What is that little clear dot on the headlight switch? Also, how hard is it to convert to auto-headlights?

http://i.imgur.com/WqZlNdfl.jpg


How hard is it to replace the center console pieces? Mine have some wear and scratches on them.

http://i.imgur.com/bjdnlbPl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lrq1m5Ol.jpg


Is there a replacement piece on there that replaces the ashtray and removes all the extra openings?

http://i.imgur.com/Xsupp8al.jpg


How difficult is it to replace the A and B pillar trim pieces? The cloth is wrinkling and separating some. Is it possible to repair them rather than replace?

http://i.imgur.com/72MNtB9l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/r8NV8wbl.jpg

The car looks great! Time to head over to the DIY section. A lot to be found there. WRT to the A-pillar, yours looks pretty good actually. You can buy a replacement if it bugs you too much.

Welcome. Great looking car. The center console pieces are not hard to replace at all. For example, the cup holders just pop straight out. Some pieces have a few screws, etc, but again, not difficult.

As far as the ashtray, I replaced mine with a spec dock, which is an ipod holder. Not sure what else would go there. An example:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...od-Integration

Is it impossible to turn the rear defroster on without also turning on the HVAC system?

Yes.

What is that little clear dot on the headlight switch? Also, how hard is it to convert to auto-headlights?

I thought it controlled the light in the cabin (map light and such). Definetely not positive though.

Is there a replacement piece on there that replaces the ashtray and removes all the extra openings?

I believe you can get the "smokers delete" package.

Maybe :dunno

I'm not sure which model this is for.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Site...moker/ES82347/

How difficult is it to replace the A and B pillar trim pieces? The cloth is wrinkling and separating some. Is it possible to repair them rather than replace?

It's not difficult at all. They CAN be repaired, but I really recommend replacing as they never come out perfect.

Welcome

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by danewilson77

Is it impossible to turn the rear defroster on without also turning on the HVAC system?

Yes.



Welcome

---

Alright, how?

No. It IS impossible. It is NOT possible.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by danewilson77

No. It IS impossible. It is NOT possible.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

---

D'oh! Totally misread that. WTF BMW?

I think it's correct. Defrost temp needs to be maintained (climate controlled) to efficiently defrost in different weather and humidity conditions.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

Welcome Great looking whip

sent by new technology DA

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by danewilson77

No. It IS impossible. It is NOT possible.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

---

More info on settings here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showt...limate-control

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ELCID86

More info on settings here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showt...limate-control

---

Wow, thats crazy. Will give the "Auto" setup a try today after work. Was wondering what that dial in the center section was for.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mindspin311

Wow, thats crazy. Will give the "Auto" setup a try today after work. Was wondering what that dial in the center section was for.

---

Yeah, I think we all learned something from that thread!

Welcome! Clear dot on the light control module is a light sensor that brightens/darkens the instrument cluster with changing ambient lighting. With lights on, cover the dot with your finger and watch instrument cluster intensity change.

+1 for replacing rather than repairing pillar trim.

Sent from my pineapple under the sea.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brettbimmer

Welcome! Clear dot on the light control module is a light sensor that brightens/darkens the instrument cluster with changing ambient lighting. With lights on, cover the dot with your finger and watch instrument cluster intensity change.

+1 for replacing rather than repairing pillar trim.

Sent from my pineapple under the sea.

---

Thanks!


Another question...

My car will automatically lock all doors once I get over 10-15mph, but when I turn the car off, they dont unlock. Why?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mindspin311

Thanks!


Another question...

My car will automatically lock all doors once I get over 10-15mph, but when I turn the car off, they dont unlock. Why?

---

That is actually related to the coding setup/personal preferences. The auto locking can be disabled altogether if you like, but auto lock doesn't auto unlock on our cars. BP/other coding members am I correct with this thought that there is no auto lock & auto unlock setting available on our ZHPs?

Sent from my pineapple under the sea.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brettbimmer

That is actually related to the coding setup/personal preferences. The auto locking can be disabled altogether if you like, but auto lock doesn't auto unlock on our cars. BP/other coding members am I correct with this thought that there is no auto lock & auto unlock setting available on our ZHPs?

---

I'm no coder, but based on discussion with BP when he coded mine at the reunion and the other threads on the matter this is correct. To turn off the "double pull" aka auto-lock you just have to disable the autolock based on speed. There isn't another option other than just adjusting the speed setting for the auto lock to other speeds. 91.23% sure on that. :p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mindspin311

Thanks!


Another question...

My car will automatically lock all doors once I get over 10-15mph, but when I turn the car off, they dont unlock. Why?

---

Just hit the unlock button when you park...or do a double pull on the handle to get out :)

Sent from my GS3.

Welcome and love the color!


Man, I need to get to one of these meets/reunions. Would love to have my car re-coded w/ some cool features.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 94jedi

Welcome and love the color!


Man, I need to get to one of these meets/reunions. Would love to have my car re-coded w/ some cool features.

---

Thanks!

Yes, I need to find someone in the Atlanta area to do some coding. I already miss my triple-blink from my Mini.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mindspin311

Thanks!

Yes, I need to find someone in the Atlanta area to do some coding. I already miss my triple-blink from my Mini.

---

You need LCM with SW v4.0+ for that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ELCID86

You need LCM with SW v4.0+ for that.

---

Shawn is correct on this. Actually to be more specific, you need to get an LCM with s/w 4.0 or s/w 4.5 to enable one touch triple blink. Just remember that when you get the new LCM you have to program in the mileage (in km) so that you won't get the dreaded tamper dot on your instrument cluster. PA Soft can reprogram the LCM as far as mileage but won't enable one touch triple blink.

What is the possibility that my LCM is already running 4.0 or 4.5? Or is it from newer cars?

The newer cars have it. Not sure when it started as standard but it's later than '03. I would guess '05, '06 but not positive.

Quick to-do list I just came up with. Things I need to look in to or check.

1. Transmission fluid, plugs
2. Rear diff fluid, plugs
3. Rear diff mounts
4. Transmission mounts (?)
5. Engine mounts (?)
6. Tint
7. Sun visors (wont stay "up" when fully extended towards the windshield)
8. Center console plastics
9. Rear leather dent (something was in the back seat and it caused an impression that hasnt gone away)
10. Oil filter housing gasket
11. Passenger front window regulator
12. Headunit firmware
13. Alignment
14. Auto-dimming mirror
15. Auto-unlock
16. S/W 4.0+ LCM, Triple blink
17. B-pillar trim
18. Black kidney grills
19. Yellow tint foglights
20. Paint exhaust tips
21. E-brake adjustment

Congrats on the new car. It looks great. I would be interested in the BC coils but probably not till the fall. Also no auto unlock at all as a option.

Learned last night that the headlights are bi-xenon and that other set of halogen bulbs is used to flash people to get out of my way. Interesting...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mindspin311

Quick to-do list I just came up with. Things I need to look in to or check.

1.Transmission fluid, plugs
2.Rear diff fluid, plugs
3.Rear diff mounts
4.Transmission mounts (?)
5.Engine mounts (?)
6.Tint
7.Sun visors (wont stay "up" when fully extended towards the windshield)
8.Center console plastics
9.Rear leather dent (something was in the back seat and it caused an impression that hasnt gone away)
10.Oil filter housing gasket
11.Passenger front window regulator
12.Headunit firmware
13.Alignment
14.Auto-dimming mirror
15.Auto-unlock
16.S/W 4.0+ LCM, Triple blink
17.B-pillar trim
18.Black kidney grills
19.Yellow tint foglights
20.Paint exhaust tips
21.E-brake adjustment

---

That's a good list. I have a few on that list I'm still working on. What color on your exhaust tip?

Sent from in the bushes

Ill probably just go black. Really dont want the chrome/polished look.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mindspin311

Ill probably just go black. Really dont want the chrome/polished look.

---

I don't blame you. I think I'll paint mine now, just to experiment

Sent from in the bushes

Welcome, sir. Good looking car.

Those A pillars were actually repaired...or I attempted to. I reglued the felt, stretched it and let it dry before reinstalling. Was great for a couple months, then started to loosen again. Not sure what I did wrong, but I'd honestly just buy replacements...don't think it's going to be a permanent fix at this point.

Notes below

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mindspin311

Quick to-do list I just came up with. Things I need to look in to or check.

1. Transmission fluid, plugs Transmission fluid is original, probably due.
2. Rear diff fluid, plugs Same as above
3. Rear diff mounts These are original, though I never noticed any reason to replace them.
4. Transmission mounts (?) Original, but again no reason to replace, IMO
5. Engine mounts (?) I replaced these with the M3 versions when I had the oil pan gasket redone.
6. Tint
7. Sun visors (wont stay "up" when fully extended towards the windshield) One of my biggest complaints too.
8. Center console plastics
9. Rear leather dent (something was in the back seat and it caused an impression that hasnt gone away) Sorry...car seat. Throw some leatherique at it, soak it in the hot sun for a day, should soften up.
10. Oil filter housing gasket Relatively easy DIY. Don't pay a shop 600+ dollars to do it.
11. Passenger front window regulator Again, do it as a DIY. Save some money.
12. Headunit firmware Eonon releases updates, though I flashed the most recent version earlier this year.
13. Alignment Just done, spot on.
14. Auto-dimming mirror
15. Auto-unlock
16. S/W 4.0+ LCM, Triple blink
17. B-pillar trim
18. Black kidney grills
19. Yellow tint foglights
20. Paint exhaust tips
21. E-brake adjustment I adjusted the rear shoes, they are new, just tighten the nuts at the handle more.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by scooby24

Notes below

---

Thanks for the info Greg!

Welp, honeymoon period is over. Car currently doesnt want to start. Possibly a starter? Got all my dash lights and headlights are strong, per OBC, battery voltage is 12.2-12.3v. No click or anything from the starter.

Going to check voltage going to the starter today or tomorrow and see where that leads me.

Nice looking car. Love the way it sits.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mindspin311

Welp, honeymoon period is over. Car currently doesnt want to start. Possibly a starter? Got all my dash lights and headlights are strong, per OBC, battery voltage is 12.2-12.3v. No click or anything from the starter.

Going to check voltage going to the starter today or tomorrow and see where that leads me.

---

What did you find out?

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

Wasn't able to do anything yesterday due to weather. Hopefully things will be clear after work tonight.

Sent from my Nexus 5

So, I dont think it's the starter after all...

Thursday I tried to start it with no luck.

Friday, rain, no progress.

This morning I went to Harbor Freight and picked up a cheap multimeter. Grabbed everything I needed to yank the airbox to get to the starter and went out to the car. For S&G's I tried to start the car and it fired right up. Ok.... so I take it for a drive, everything is fine. Get back home, shut it down, start it up again. Hmm.... so I let it sit for a few hours... go out to start it again with my "main" key and no luck again. So I grab my 2nd key, fires right up again.

So, with that, Im thinking it has to be EWS related. Both keys have starting issues. So something in and around the steering column.

Curse you!!! I wanted this car so bad.

Guy still had it up on CL when I started looking, but you had beat me to it by just a few days.