The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[slater]

No NB, so no.
I need to lower my seat. For some unexplained reason, my NB driver's seat sits way too high, even on its lowest setting, so my head is practically touching the headliner most of the time. With a helmet, I have to tilt my head or tilt the seat back - it's very annoying. I didn't have this problem with my alcantara seats, and the other ZHPs I've sat in didn't have that problem either. My passenger seat is fine - it sits significantly lower than my driver's seat. I figured swapping the rails should fix the problem... I'm hoping.

that's weird. i would try unbolting the seat and tipping it back (so it's leaning again the rear seat - but leaving the power connected), and operating the up/down height adjustment so that you can see what's going on. maybe you've got some weird obstruction, or maybe a bent seat leg, who knows!

you should get some manual seat bases, they go even lower, supposedly. i have a set here i was thinking of using but likely won't.

[stephenkirsh]

I thought seats were direct bolt on swap between sedan and coupe.

I guess not?

[az3579]

that's weird. i would try unbolting the seat and tipping it back (so it's leaning again the rear seat - but leaving the power connected), and operating the up/down height adjustment so that you can see what's going on. maybe you've got some weird obstruction, or maybe a bent seat leg, who knows!

you should get some manual seat bases, they go even lower, supposedly. i have a set here i was thinking of using but likely won't.

I was thinking of doing that first. I'm not expecting to find any issues, honestly. I wouldn't even know what to look for, but I've got to at least *try* the free option. Perhaps I should take out the passenger seat at the same time and compare so I can see why it is at a normal height compared to the driver's seat.

A manual rail swap would mean I'd have to make the seats manual, wouldn't it? I'm not looking to do that at this time.

I thought seats were direct bolt on swap between sedan and coupe.

I guess not?

Well almost. The seats bolt in fine, you just have to find a way to mount the seatbealt.

[sillieidiot]

Try not to use Typ 200 if you don't track your car. From what I understand, it more readily absorbs moisture than your standard fluid. It has a higher tolerance for heat, but that isn't something you'll ever have to worry about on the street.






Thanks guys. Based on that, the seatbelt bracket unfortunately will limit me to sedan rails only, but at least I have the answer I need.

You have your sedan seats right? You can pick any seat. Just swap the rails from your seat over to the seat that you're buying. Doesn't limit your choices really.

edit:
Guess I didn't read far enough lol But I had a similar issue when I swap seats into my old sedan. It was because my seat was hitting vinyl sides near the shifter so it wouldn't go back/down anymore. So I loosened all the bolts and pulled the seat over to the left then tightened it. It helped some. Didn't feel like I moved it that much, but I was able to get the seat farther down somehow. The rest was because the seat was newer so it didn't conform to my butt yet LOL

[az3579]

edit:
Guess I didn't read far enough lol But I had a similar issue when I swap seats into my old sedan. It was because my seat was hitting vinyl sides near the shifter so it wouldn't go back/down anymore. So I loosened all the bolts and pulled the seat over to the left then tightened it. It helped some. Didn't feel like I moved it that much, but I was able to get the seat farther down somehow. The rest was because the seat was newer so it didn't conform to my butt yet LOL

Interesting... I'll give this a try. I didn't hear it rubbing on the console, so I didn't think it was friction-related. It just goes all the way down and just stops, like any normal seat would.

I'm hoping it's something simple like that. Seats aren't cheap.

[das boots]

Not necessarily ZHP but could also possibly be related. This is for guys with E39s or who would be able to help.

My S.O.'s E39 2003 530i started to have this warning indication on cluster whenever the car starts or shut down "Brake Light Not Working"

But I did check that all brake lights and associated lights are working. Why is the E39 giving false indication? I do have a Peake OBDII. Would it help if I do a Reset? Planning to do this weekend.

What I did not check was the 3rd eye Brake light. Will do that tonight.

[John in VA]

... But I did check that all brake lights and associated lights are working.

Did you check the CHMSL on the rear deck?

[slater]

I was thinking of doing that first. I'm not expecting to find any issues, honestly. I wouldn't even know what to look for, but I've got to at least *try* the free option. Perhaps I should take out the passenger seat at the same time and compare so I can see why it is at a normal height compared to the driver's seat.

A manual rail swap would mean I'd have to make the seats manual, wouldn't it? I'm not looking to do that at this time.

yep, it would. the price you pay for helmet clearance.

i would definitely try unbolting them and tipping them back and comparing/measuring movement. i think it should be pretty obvious once you're looking at it... it's like troubleshooting anything.

I thought seats were direct bolt on swap between sedan and coupe.

I guess not?

Well almost. The seats bolt in fine, you just have to find a way to mount the seatbealt.

correct. just a simple L-shaped bracket and good hardware.

[das boots]

Did you check the CHMSL on the rear deck?

That would be the 3rd eye brake light? I will do that tonight.

[BMWCurves]

Not necessarily ZHP but could also possibly be related. This is for guys with E39s or who would be able to help.

My S.O.'s E39 2003 530i started to have this warning indication on cluster whenever the car starts or shut down "Brake Light Not Working"

But I did check that all brake lights and associated lights are working. Why is the E39 giving false indication? I do have a Peake OBDII. Would it help if I do a Reset? Planning to do this weekend.

What I did not check was the 3rd eye Brake light. Will do that tonight.

Had this problem in my father's 540i. None of the brake lights were out. Light went away after a few weeks. No idea what caused it.