The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[ecrabb]

Thanks so much guys! Appreciate the feedback! I'll see what I can find for parts this weekend and see how the dollars work out.

Cheers,
SC

[ecrabb]

Just looked up all the X3 brake parts on FCP Euro, and the total comes to about $525. That means the indie shop is getting about $275 for labor. Seems very fair to me.

For that kind of money, I might just pay him to do it and save the DIY energy for doing the ZHP.

Or, I could learn on the wife's car and put the savings toward better parts for the ZHP.

Decisions... ;-)

SC

[ELCID86]

Did you check the evap canister for leaks?

Have not. Do you know if a smoke test would reveal a leak there? (I bought a smoke machine).

[Karl Lazlo]

Have not. Do you know if a smoke test would reveal a leak there? (I bought a smoke machine).

I have not smoked an EVAP system as I am not sure it would work. Other than inspecting the hoses, I am out of ideas. I need more coffee.

[das boots]

Just looked up all the X3 brake parts on FCP Euro, and the total comes to about $525. That means the indie shop is getting about $275 for labor. Seems very fair to me.

For that kind of money, I might just pay him to do it and save the DIY energy for doing the ZHP.

Or, I could learn on the wife's car and put the savings toward better parts for the ZHP.

Decisions... ;-)

SC

But will the mechanic be using the same type of brake parts from FCP Euro or some OTC parts? Or preferably, you purchase the parts and ask him to do the labor. This is what I do with my BMW tech mechanic on my vehicles that are too complicated for me to do.

[Vas]

Fcp has a sale on brake kits right now. $50 off iirc

[ELCID86]

Did you check the evap canister for leaks?

No. This thread seem to point to the DMTL (Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage) pump.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=688112

[BMWCurves]

Brakes on the ZHP really aren't that bad. Just be prepared to tackle some seized bolts with some PB blaster or the like. To get seized rotors off I just put a wood block on one side of the rotor and smacked it with a hammer (rubber hammer was on loan to a friend). Do it on different parts and it'll eventually fall off.

[Sockethead]

or if you're replacing the rotors, skip the wood block and rubber hammer and just use a BFH

[sillieidiot]

or if you're replacing the rotors, skip the wood block and rubber hammer and just use a BFH

This. I just hammer straight on the rotor from the back side. hit it as hard as I can and get indentations in it lol