theothersawyer's Daily Driver

[theothersawyer]

As you guys know, I've been searching for a daily for a while! I finally found one and it is clean as can be! Maintenance records since new and this thing is spotless! It is a 2004 BMW 330i with the ZHP package.
Here are some pictures from the ad.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/50504AA8-2792-4B59-893C-A2540AAFA167_zps8acwgp84.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/50504AA8-2792-4B59-893C-A2540AAFA167_zps8acwgp84.jpg.html)

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/B0163EC4-53B8-4355-9064-92B8C46E23CA_zpsvxyfjyq4.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/B0163EC4-53B8-4355-9064-92B8C46E23CA_zpsvxyfjyq4.jpg.html)

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/F149A772-AC17-4EB1-88DD-55F8CC805DB8_zpsuxs4cdke.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/F149A772-AC17-4EB1-88DD-55F8CC805DB8_zpsuxs4cdke.jpg.html)
And then this pile of records came with the car!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/D1E616B5-A34C-4E10-B441-F815FD2C6F3D_zps2m1sgnlt.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/D1E616B5-A34C-4E10-B441-F815FD2C6F3D_zps2m1sgnlt.jpg.html)


I will definitely be getting better pictures of the car after I find time to get it properly detailed. I have a busy weekend and week ahead, so I'll have to find time to take pictures sometime!

[Dandy]

Very nice . . . keeping it red. I'm sure the ladies will appreciate the refinement of this luxurious horseless carriage.

[theothersawyer]

The original window sticker!

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/33B8286F-7AD9-479B-92ED-28CFE0BA1ED1_zpsephyoevn.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/33B8286F-7AD9-479B-92ED-28CFE0BA1ED1_zpsephyoevn.jpg.html)

[JamieH]

"high gloss satin chrome trim"

Uh huh.

[atank]

Very Nice Bayerische Motoren Werke AG Danny!

[Phatmiata]

Ohh laa laa !! Very nice

[theothersawyer]

I got bored and went out and took some quick pictures. They are straight out of the camera since I hate to pretty much wipe my computer the other day, and haven't gotten around to re-installing Photoshop.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15489739641_925156508d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pALXWz)IMG_2529 (https://flic.kr/p/pALXWz) by theotherSawyer (https://www.flickr.com/people/50481382@N04/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/15469764646_4942905ee8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pz1A57)IMG_2521 (https://flic.kr/p/pz1A57) by theotherSawyer (https://www.flickr.com/people/50481382@N04/), on Flickr

[theothersawyer]

Today I went over to my frineds house to clean up the BBS'. He is a professional detailer so he had all of the proper tools for the job! We jacked up the car, removed the wheels, cleaned the barrels/faces, and then coated the wheels.

This is what the barrels started off like:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15662027206_e3b5c09404_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pRZZ2Q)
We then sprayed the cleaner on the wheels and allowed it to sit. As it sat, it changed colors as it loosened and removed some of the dirt.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15500542367_22f9b83b93_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBJkdt)
This stuff was VERY purple and bright!
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15683823341_3289d32744_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pTVGgg)
Didn't get a finished picture of the barrels, but you can see them in this picture! They were metallic black! Who knew!?
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/15500348498_aa0cdd19bd_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBHkzU)
My friend doing his thing!
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7465/15499885319_93a2bdb234_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBEXU4)
Cleaned and sprayed the inner fenders to clean them up!
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3941/15683823981_09e64c9366_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pTVGsi)
Debadged the trunk!
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7480/15066381523_7748b15ce7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oXn9jF)
And the final result! We noticed that the BMW center caps looked funny. Turns out they were stuck on top of the BBS caps, so we removed them! I wanted BBS caps anyways! Awesome find!
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/15687338652_b599e5c44d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pUeHf5)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7520/15500940120_4e702d7ca3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBLnsh)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15065802054_57001f4166_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oXjb4Q)

[Smokinfastlegend]

I think your professional detailer is a hack

[theothersawyer]

I think your professional detailer is a hack

I always forget you're on here! Ladies and gentlemen...meet my professional detailer friend! Lol

[RotorNutFD3S]

I always forget you're on here! Ladies and gentlemen...meet our professional detailer friend! Lol

FTFY. :)

[theothersawyer]

Haha exactly!

[theothersawyer]

So I ordered a few parts for the car to do some maintenance work on it! The first order of business was the cabin filter. It was not doing its job, so it was time to replace it!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/5ABA822B-CE96-4958-9227-2D52E7C54B90_zpsvpl0zt6n.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/5ABA822B-CE96-4958-9227-2D52E7C54B90_zpsvpl0zt6n.jpg.html)
Next up was an oil change! It was time to change it and I was sick of the car yelling at me every time I turned it on "Oil Life: -500 miles!!!!" haha
I reset the oil life and this is WAY more miles than I am comfortable going before the next oil change!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/96787B52-8E30-4364-8CAE-5E7D6436991F_zpsrvcy8yfr.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/96787B52-8E30-4364-8CAE-5E7D6436991F_zpsrvcy8yfr.jpg.html)
I then lowered the car and cleaned up that bay a little. It is still dirty, but then again I'm super anal about this car!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/0F54F5F3-51D0-4DF5-9875-72CA3BB249B0_zpsylqozsgd.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/0F54F5F3-51D0-4DF5-9875-72CA3BB249B0_zpsylqozsgd.jpg.html)

[RotorNutFD3S]

I then lowered the car

I had to read this part a couple times to understand what you meant. :lol:

[theothersawyer]

I had to read this part a couple times to understand what you meant. :lol:

I wish I actually lowered the car! :( It could use a good .5'' drop!

[Agent☣Orange]

I'm not used to goofy cabin filters either.

[kung fu jesus]

Check yer rear subframe mounting points.

[Smokinfastlegend]

Check yer rear subframe mounting points.

I believe he has, i mentioned it to him and before he bought it the previous owner had a PPI done on it with no ill reports to be had.

Subframe tearing is a bitch on the e46 :/

[theothersawyer]

I gave the car a much needed wash/wax today! I then added a few things! My friend switched from the chrome/black kidneys to the all black ones so he gave me a good deal on his old ones!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/2294637A-24BF-47F7-BF38-FD5A4FC2C20A_zpsxo0xvfei.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/2294637A-24BF-47F7-BF38-FD5A4FC2C20A_zpsxo0xvfei.jpg.html)

So my school was forced into a "hostile takeover" with another school. So we will be losing our name soon. It sucks for my small school that has earned a name for itself in the engineering industry to be taken over by a larger school. Saying I have an engineering degree from Kennesaw State University doesn't sound nearly as good as saying I have an engineering degree from Southern Polytechnic State University...anyways...I got an SPSU sticker for my car and a license plate surround.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/6FFD6B53-6A91-4424-9414-D93C1E1B7EF4_zpsjjyvuwlb.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/6FFD6B53-6A91-4424-9414-D93C1E1B7EF4_zpsjjyvuwlb.jpg.html)
I need to get two more license plate screws before installing the surround though.

[theothersawyer]

Teaser picture! My first mod for the car!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/59D4EDBE-113A-4D16-9F38-B85E74E0766B_zps3wscizzu.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/59D4EDBE-113A-4D16-9F38-B85E74E0766B_zps3wscizzu.jpg.html)

[kung fu jesus]

Noice. I want a 325iT or 328it manual. As for the school, that is a bummer. My alma madre went through the same thing. It had a very good reputation, then was bought by what could be described as a B-rate party school. :| I still use the old name, as I was the last class before it changed.

[atank]

I do love carbon Fiber Danny!!!!!!!!!!

[theothersawyer]

Love my car! It's the perfect daily and just so nice to have a nice car.

Unfortunately this semester is the last semester to graduate from Southern Polytechnic. I have a year and a half left of school and will be graduating from Kennesaw State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Southern Polytechnic school of Engineering. That's just not the same!

[theothersawyer]

I do love carbon Fiber Danny!!!!!!!!!!

Just wait until you see what it is and see it installed!!!

[Tkblazer]

Such a nice car, I've been thinking of getting a new rd and this or a Lexus ls is on the list. Two totally diff cars I know, I've just always wanted an ls

[theothersawyer]

Such a nice car, I've been thinking of getting a new rd and this or a Lexus ls is on the list. Two totally diff cars I know, I've just always wanted an ls

Do it! Just make sure to find one that's been well maintained! These cars can get expensive! I love this car! It's so much fun!

[theothersawyer]

My car has had four owners and the first two kept poor records. The third owner kept fantastic records, and then the vehicle was sold to me. I finally had time to sit down and go through it all. I figured I would type it all up to have it all in one place and to document it all in my build thread. This will make it slightly easier to check to see when things were replaced last!
Some of the formatting got messed up from pasting it into this thread, but it is still all here!

After organizing by mileage!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/A44CDC1C-13F7-47C6-995A-E4948ED5AD8F_zpsdaekoxam.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/A44CDC1C-13F7-47C6-995A-E4948ED5AD8F_zpsdaekoxam.jpg.html)

1st Owner Joseph Goldston

07/04/2004 – Vehicle exported from Germany and imported to Charleston, SC
08/13/2004 – Vehicle purchased from Flow BMW in Winston Salem, NC
31 Miles
Vehicle Purchased from Bookie Binkley at Flow BMW
Service advisor: Kenny Starnes
MSRP: $44,745
02/15/2006 - Perform Oil Service and Microfilter replacement
15,843 miles
Owner request to replace wiper blades

2nd Owner Michael Durr
06/19/2007 - Oil service performed
28,167 miles
Hydraulic brake flush performed
Wiper blades replaced
Voluntary emissions recall performed
04/08/2008 – Steering wheel replaced under warranty with another alcantara wheel


3rd Owner Thomas Morgan

Autotrader ad from when Michael Durr sold the car
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/B44C67F5-F798-415D-837A-1B7F53E567A2_zpsvbjsntrj.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/B44C67F5-F798-415D-837A-1B7F53E567A2_zpsvbjsntrj.jpg.html)


09/09/2008 – Clutch is checked for tightness
41,929 miles - Rocker panel is loose referred to body shop
09/12/2008 - Thomas Morgan purchased the vehicle from Michael Durr with 41,500 miles for $23,200
41,500 miles - Pre-Purchase inspection performed with zero issues.
09/18/2008 - Aux input added ($498.42)
42,384 miles - checked DME for hesitation issues. Solved issue
10/28/2008 – Replaced front thrust arm bushing due to wear
45,898 miles - Wheel alignment
Disconnected subwoofer
11/13/2008 – Fuel odor in and around vehicle determined to be a major leak in fuel system from aftermarket subwoofer
46,037 miles - Plastic fuel tank, fuel hose, and two hose clamps replaced
01/12/2009 – Oil service performed
49,972 miles - Replace main drive belt due to cracking
Replace power steering line due to leak
Check tire leak, found nail in tire
Check slow speed rattle. Noise was due to half nail inside of tire, noise may be from nail
08/21/2009 – Mounted and balanced 4 new tires
58,713 miles - Performed oil service
04/30/2010 – Inspection performed replaced:
65,849 miles - Microfilter
Set oil-filter element
Fuel filter
Air Filter
Hose clamp
Spark plugs
Motor oil SAE 5W-30
Windshield washer
Wiper Blade
Wiper blade clamp
Right rear tail light bulb
07/06/2011 – State inspection performed
78,543 miles
09/13/2011 – Performed oil service
81,492 miles - A/C belt
Alternator belt
02/02/2012 - Recall for rear quarter lamp panel performed
85,532 miles
09/18/2012 – Oil service performed
90,819 miles - Replaced Valve cover gasket and cleaned heat shields of oil
12/06/2012 – Vehicle towed 7 miles ($84)
12/07/2012 – Vehicle cranks but does not start smoke comes from exhaust. No issue found
91,662 miles
12/11/2012 – Customer states RPM fluctuation and vehicle shuts off.
91,683 miles - Idle valve is sticking and was replaced ($553.98)
12/27/2012 – 4 tires replaced with Potenza RE970
91,973 miles
01/09/2013 – Rear wheel bearing replaced
92,160 miles - Install rear trailing arm bushings
01/26/2013 - Car is pulling to left. Alignment is fine. New tire is issue.
92,440 miles
02/08/2013 – left front tire replaced due to radial pull from factory
92,625 miles
04/10/2013 – Wiper blades purchased
M3 Legacy T-Shirt purchased
05/13/2013 – brake rotors purchased with Brembo OEM replacement
Hawk ceramic street pads purchased
Front brake pad sensor purchased
Rear brake pad sensor purchased
ATE Super blue purchased
(all work done by Thom)
07/10/2013 – State inspection performed
95,394 miles
03/04/2014 – Oil service performed
99,776 miles - Preventative cooling system maintenance performed
Radiator assembly
Coolant expansion tank
Upper radiator hose
Lower radiator hose
Thermostat Assembly
Water pump
Coolant expansion tank hose
Coolant temperature sensor
05/31/2013 – Free flat tire repair and rebalance
06/27/2014 – State inspection performed
101,279 miles
08/09/2014 – Interior C pillar trim replaced
09/25/2014 – Passenger Takata airbag recall performed
09/25/2014 – Pre-Purchase inspection performed for possible buyer
102,634 miles - Recommended to replace Windshield washer pump (seized or leaking)
Recommended to replace microfilter
Recommended to replace interior A-Pillar trim (sagging trim)
Recommended to replace shift knob (bezel has poor finish)
Recommended to paint shop (scuff on bumper)
Possible buyer who paid for PPI backed out of purchase
10/03/2014 – Thomas Morgan sold vehicle to Daniel Sawyer with 102,800 miles

4th Owner Daniel Sawyer

11/13/2014 – Oil service performed
106,662 miles Cabin filter replaced
03/06/2015 – Oil service performed
115,249 miles
06/03/2015 – two rear tires replaced
119,286 miles
07/15/2015 – Takata Driver side airbag recall notice received (dealer does not have in new airbags)
07/20/2015 – Wheel alignment performed at GTE
120,807 miles

I also believe I have finally named the ZHP: Emma!

[kung fu jesus]

She's gonna break your wallet, then your heart. Schadenfreude.

[theothersawyer]

Don't you say that!!

[theothersawyer]

I'm on spring break this week, so I decided to spend some time on Emma's paint! I have to start off by thanking Joe (smokinfastlegend) for letting me borrow is rather expensive buffer and for all the advice on products and techniques!

So far, I've just washed the car and clayed it. Spent lots of time prepping and tapping off the trim! I'll spend tomorrow polishing/waxing!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1518/26185894552_eb161ac9da_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FTXy9y)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/FTXy9y) by Danny Sawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/50481382@N04/), on Flickr

Joe introduced me to a clay towel, and it was the best $25 I've ever spent! Way less hassle than a clay bar and you can do the whole car in like 10 minutes! This is what I got: https://www.eagleone.com/mitt

Excuse the messy garage, and say hello to my dog Enzo!

[theothersawyer]

I just realized I haven't updated this thread much.....So I'll copy and paste the updates from my build on the BMW Forum I'm on!

Not much to update here. Just been driving the hell out of the car! I've had the car for a little over a year now, and put 24,000 miles on it! All I've done maintenance wise is oil changes! The car is super comfortable and still fun as hell! I have had many people ask me how I can afford a brand new BMW or someone asked how old it was and I said "eleven" he thought I meant it was a 2011! The design of the E46 has aged very well!


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5677/22375851406_0e3f277bb0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/A6h64u)


These came in the mail! :)


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1621/23880950494_649a98b53b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Coh7zL)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Coh7zL) by Danny Sawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/50481382@N04/), on Flickr

I was not a fan of the amber turn signals on the Imola. It just never looked right to me, so a deal popped up on the ZHP forum and I had to buy these!

Fresh new clear lenses! They are going to make the car look much better and newer! I seem to be stocking exterior parts! They will hopefully all go on the same day/weekend.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/6D0DEA61-3E38-4969-9F22-0D5AF3E9F3EC_zpsja3q3lqc.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/6D0DEA61-3E38-4969-9F22-0D5AF3E9F3EC_zpsja3q3lqc.jpg.html)

I now have the front splitters, clear turns signals, and these headlight lenses! Soon I'll have a retrofit to fix my terrible headlights!!


I haven't actually installed any of the exterior parts yet, but they will all probably get done in a day/weekend.

[theothersawyer]

I got cross bars today and installed them! The bike rack should be here next week to fit to the bars!


http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/ADFA1843-BAD8-4E02-A0A0-9436FDB156A6_zpsssweikib.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/ADFA1843-BAD8-4E02-A0A0-9436FDB156A6_zpsssweikib.jpg.html)

I still have a pile of parts to install on this car still! Hoping to do it all over a few days here soon!

[theothersawyer]

Bike rack came in! It's all BMW parts!

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/056F4A58-6E1F-4903-BB7E-B98AB1F86D02_zpsjxjuuqrt.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/056F4A58-6E1F-4903-BB7E-B98AB1F86D02_zpsjxjuuqrt.jpg.html)

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/805E4185-20F4-4676-84A1-9B7DB664CD2E_zpslx29lxaa.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/805E4185-20F4-4676-84A1-9B7DB664CD2E_zpslx29lxaa.jpg.html)

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/BDA04E1C-A90F-43A3-AAD7-2076534DD836_zpshs3ew5ii.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/BDA04E1C-A90F-43A3-AAD7-2076534DD836_zpshs3ew5ii.jpg.html)

[theothersawyer]

Next up on the list of things to install today...headlight retrofit!
Old lenses coming off!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/E65B8573-1D2D-41E4-9291-C027C6BD5D47_zpsmkfgnpmy.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/E65B8573-1D2D-41E4-9291-C027C6BD5D47_zpsmkfgnpmy.jpg.html)

[kung fu jesus]

I need to do the oil filter housing gasket on the touring soon. I might overhaul the cooling system while I'm in there.

[theothersawyer]

That would be a good idea! These damn cooling systems are fragile!

[theothersawyer]

The reason a retrofit is needed...things got a bit hot in this headlight!

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/711E9847-5D28-47BB-BB99-B80DA79F10F5_zps0ya38dts.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/711E9847-5D28-47BB-BB99-B80DA79F10F5_zps0ya38dts.jpg.html)

How the hell was this not recalled? The projector bowls are fried!

[theothersawyer]

It took forever, but it was worth it!
Before and after!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/AAAC8442-9185-4CE3-8675-46C51316286B_zpsxypgkp0k.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/AAAC8442-9185-4CE3-8675-46C51316286B_zpsxypgkp0k.jpg.html)

Crappy iPhone light comparison! Major difference!

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/BC50DE66-026A-4435-9F7B-4A82263D30DF_zpsnsbbohju.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/BC50DE66-026A-4435-9F7B-4A82263D30DF_zpsnsbbohju.jpg.html)

[theothersawyer]

Went out and took some pictures of how the car currently sits! Decided to put the bike on to make sure it wouldn't fall off! This was the first time driving with the bike up top, it wiggles up there a bit but it didn't fall off so that's a plus!

Also pictured are my new matte black kidney grille's!
https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7300/27709226562_b33b4008a5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Jdz2Fy)

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7098/27199009353_a836b458ee_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hru2T8)

I love the paint scheme of my bike!
https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7052/27198484084_b9f9a6f623_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HrrkJL)

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7429/27532228070_17a779261a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HWVScq)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7581/27198521024_ea9e83a4fa_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HrrwHE)

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7389/27199049603_6415516f86_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HrueR6)

https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7330/27709203922_120c31c4d4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JdyUXd)
The new headlights! They now have Xpel protective film on them thanks to my friend that drives the silbergrau 330 above!
https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7372/27709165522_8fccb1cac6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JdyHx9)

https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7351/27198474044_706d7b3688_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HrrhKE)

[Martin]

Good job on the headlights, Eric! Oh, and maybe you helped a little, Danny :)

[theothersawyer]

Eric pretty much did it all! I let him do all of the swearing and hard stuff! It took like 10 hours to finish....complete PITA, but the results were worth it!

[tsingson]

Bike rack mod complete. Do I predict slamming it to the ground and stretching some tires? :teehee: :blaugh2:

Just kidding man. It looks good.

[theothersawyer]

Trust me, you aren't the first person to ask me that! Hahah I don't plan on keeping the rack on the car! It'll come on and off as needed! It sure beats having to try and fit the bike in the trunk! It didn't fit so well!

[tsingson]

It's funny how a bike rack became a car mod. And be careful. Don't try to pull into a carport with the bike on the rack. I know someone who had done this. Not me. :teehee:

[theothersawyer]

I won't make that mistake! I measured the height with the bike on it... 8'6"!

[RotorNutFD3S]

I let him do all of the swearing and hard stuff!

That's pretty much all of your big projects! :P :P

[theothersawyer]

I hit a tire tread months ago and it blew out my fog light cover. The part is only $6 but shipping was $7! I refused to pay that so when ECS Tuning was doing free shipping I jumped on it. I decided to buy both sides so they would match. I got both parts for less than one would have cost with the insane shipping costs! I also bought new fog lights since the OEM ones were looking old. I bought them used from a guy for a good price! The new ones were yellow and the non-fluted design. Notice how the old one has those lines in it? The new ones don't, and I think it's much nicer! Super easy install, I'm not surprised the cover flew off with how easy it is to remove/replace them.


Here is is the before and after! I think it looks much better!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/693FEF8C-D6FD-4370-817D-805AF61F7CAB_zpsq2l8mmvq.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/693FEF8C-D6FD-4370-817D-805AF61F7CAB_zpsq2l8mmvq.jpg.html)

[theothersawyer]

Today I finally had a day off and decided to install the lowering springs that I bought off of kbcons on the ZHP forum! So glad that I bought them! Car looks so much better now! Doing suspension on this car is incredibly easy! It was so easy to do the rears that I found it comical! Once I did the passenger rear, I decided to time how long it took to do the driverside rear. The wheel was already off and the car was in the air, so I timed it from the moment I cracked the first bolt to the moment I tightened that same bolt with the car still in the air and the wheel off. Total time: 4 minutes and 4 seconds!


http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/AC71CC4A-04B3-416D-9BA6-75371AC7CAE6_zpslmgw04n1.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/AC71CC4A-04B3-416D-9BA6-75371AC7CAE6_zpslmgw04n1.jpg.html)


http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/GaAsSlugger22/EDA27BB6-6986-4800-8340-9174BC735645_zpsxqidnc8o.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/GaAsSlugger22/media/EDA27BB6-6986-4800-8340-9174BC735645_zpsxqidnc8o.jpg.html)


Photos look like crap because I uploaded it to photobucket, because I'm currently trying to upload over 600 photos to flickr from the Jzilla event!

[theothersawyer]

I've had a check engine light for a few days and finally got around to fixing it. The culprit was the intake boot.
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5679/30674821565_8b56ed7640_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NJCtKT)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/NJCtKT) by Danny Sawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/50481382@N04/), on Flickr


Nice big hole! This thing was much harder to change than I thought it would be. Overall, it isn't bad, but the hose clamp from the boot to the throttle body is so hard to get to and hardly any room to get to a tool in there!


I have an oil leak and it came down to two possible things. The oil pan or the oil filter housing gasket (OFHG). Today, I confirmed that the oil leak is from the OFHG! I am thrilled to find this out! :D This will be much much easier to fix! It also probably happened from my Hulk like strength when changing the oil!
https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5608/30375140450_5c2354b0a1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Nh9x17)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Nh9x17) by Danny Sawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/50481382@N04/), on Flickr

[NCGreasemonkey]

Got those items fixed yet? It's been 40 minutes! :whistle:

[theothersawyer]

The boot is fixed, but I don't have the new gasket!

[NCGreasemonkey]

Nice work!

I feel your pain. I'm waiting on the new roof for the house before I can go anywhere with Noir.

4K last month on the heat pump. And now a roof.

Peace my fellow Miata Nut!

[kung fu jesus]

I've had a check engine light for a few days and finally got around to fixing it. The culprit was the intake boot.
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5679/30674821565_8b56ed7640_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NJCtKT)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/NJCtKT) by Danny Sawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/50481382@N04/), on Flickr


Nice big hole! This thing was much harder to change than I thought it would be. Overall, it isn't bad, but the hose clamp from the boot to the throttle body is so hard to get to and hardly any room to get to a tool in there!


I have an oil leak and it came down to two possible things. The oil pan or the oil filter housing gasket (OFHG). Today, I confirmed that the oil leak is from the OFHG! I am thrilled to find this out! :D This will be much much easier to fix! It also probably happened from my Hulk like strength when changing the oil!
https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5608/30375140450_5c2354b0a1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Nh9x17)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Nh9x17) by Danny Sawyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/50481382@N04/), on Flickr



I have the same issue on my wagon. I have the parts to replace the OFHG and a few other items, like the VANOS feed line, but I just haven't found the time to do it. Hoping to get time this autumn with the cooler weather. Also need to swap out the AC idler, which I already have too.

[theothersawyer]

I'll be ordering the OFHG and probably waiting to install it until the week of thanksgiving when I have off from school. Time is hard to come by these days!

[kung fu jesus]

It's a $5 part. I guess it happens often. I have to see if there is an extra fix, like adding a bead of sealant with the gasket.

[theothersawyer]

From what I understand, it's a common problem. Should be a pretty easy fix. I'll be looking into it to see if there is anything extra as well!

[kung fu jesus]

From what I understand, it's a common problem. Should be a pretty easy fix. I'll be looking into it to see if there is anything extra as well!

Yah, a lot of repairs seem hard on BMWs, but I think it's just the nature of the owners.

[theothersawyer]

I finally got around to doing to OFHG with the help of a good friend of mine. He had just done his a week ago, so he knew what he was doing! It was leaking pretty badly and there was oil EVERYWHERE! I tried to clean the engine as best as possible, and will get to the rest of the underside later. We were tired and I couldn't spend all day in his garage cleaning everything!

Overall, it isn't a hard job to do it is just time consuming. Most of the time is spent cleaning everything off since oil manages to go into every nook and cranny! Here is a before and after.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/746/31728874686_e5a4ff9b83_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QkLM2y)

The undertray and the metal brace were covered! I sadly forgot to take after pictures, but they looked almost brand new in comparison.

https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/311/31728876066_45777c7d58_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QkLMrm)
Cleaning off the underside a bit
https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/690/31620101282_2ecaef79e4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qbahu3)
And we used just a couple of cans of brake cleaner! haha I feel like these cans only last a few seconds! They run out so quickly!
https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/700/31650049161_aaaa09d031_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QdNLWM)

Now I need to finish cleaning off the underside of the car sometime before school starts back up, but I am much happier now that the leak is fixed!

[Phatmiata]

Thats a lot of brake cleaner!!

Next time try Formula 88

BTW Tim says you have a buddy with a 1995 M-Edition with a Ford Ecotec motor? Tell him we want to see his 95M

[theothersawyer]

Thats a lot of brake cleaner!!

Next time try Formula 88

BTW Tim says you have a buddy with a 1995 M-Edition with a Ford Ecotec motor? Tell him we want to see his 95M

Haha yeah, Tim works with my dad! And its a GM Ecotoec. I don't think he has a build thread or anything anywhere. He is a member on this forum already, but I'll send him this was to post up about it! I'll also make him come to Miatapalooza!

[kung fu jesus]

Going to maybe do this to mine over the holidays.

[theothersawyer]

Let me know if you need any help! It is very straightforward! I also replaced the Vanos oil line and the Vanos crush washers. The oil line was $22 from ECS Tuning and the washers I bought from the dealer for $1.50 a washer and you'll need 4 of them!

[Phatmiata]

Yeah Tim was telling me the install looked OEM !!

[theothersawyer]

Yeah Tim was telling me the install looked OEM !!

Here is a video of his car that him and a friend made. Video is just a rough draft, but it'll give you an idea of the car!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_jamNgZihg

[kung fu jesus]

I have the vanos line and washers. I have an AC idler pulley to put on as well. I will be overhauling the cooling system this spring.

[Smokinfastlegend]

Here is a video of his car that him and a friend made. Video is just a rough draft, but it'll give you an idea of the car!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_jamNgZihg

i heard the car is held together with chewing gum....

[theothersawyer]

I have the vanos line and washers. I have an AC idler pulley to put on as well. I will be overhauling the cooling system this spring.
Cooling system is a must! Ticking time bombs on these cars! Again, let me know if you need help! Always down to help or just hang out and keep you company!

i heard the car is held together with chewing gum....
This guy....he owns the car in the video!

[kung fu jesus]

Thanks! Did you remove the alternator, or just two bolts to pivot it out of the way?

[Smokinfastlegend]

Thanks! Did you remove the alternator, or just two bolts to pivot it out of the way?

Alternator needs to be removed for ofhg. Can't get to the bolts any other way. It's not hard thankfully.

Make sure you have a set of torx/star bits for tensioner bolts if you have hydraulic tensioners.

[theothersawyer]

Yeah, it needs to be removed!

[NCGreasemonkey]

Here is a video of his car that him and a friend made. Video is just a rough draft, but it'll give you an idea of the car!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_jamNgZihg

As soon as 'Palooza is done this is my next goal. Does your buddy Smokinfastlegend have a build here. Didn't see one with search.

Guessing on that other taboo thread? LOL I'll look there.

This is the same car that Chad (GreaseMonkey2000) posted to MiataQuest as the one barking all four lower gears?!?

Sorry for the derail! Just us nosey nutz have to ask when we find.

Thanks TOS!

[theothersawyer]

I have no issue with going OT in my own thread! Doesn't bother me! haha he doesn't have a build thread anywhere, but I'll try and convince him to make one on here (or at least post his thoughts about the swap!)

[NCGreasemonkey]

Thanks!

And taunt him with the offer of free tacos if he comes to 'Palooza! Would love to see it and question him!

[theothersawyer]

Haha yes sir!

[Smokinfastlegend]

Thats a lot of brake cleaner!!

Next time try Formula 88

BTW Tim says you have a buddy with a 1995 M-Edition with a Ford Ecotec motor? Tell him we want to see his 95M

I want to get some better pictures of her before I do a build thread. Sadly I didnt do all the work on the swap myself so i dont have "build" pictures :(

[theothersawyer]

I want to get some better pictures of her before I do a build thread. Sadly I didnt do all the work on the swap myself so i dont have "build" pictures :(

Let's take some pictures then!

[tsingson]

Rick, if you are doing it, I am bringing my NB up to your house and doing it right next to yours. I have been looking into this swap for a while and I have funds waiting to go.

[kung fu jesus]

Cooling system is a must! Ticking time bombs on these cars! Again, let me know if you need help! Always down to help or just hang out and keep you company!

This guy....he owns the car in the video!

Yup. Car rolled 92xxx miles. I want to stay ahead of the maintenance because my wife drives it mostly.

I bought a new set of torx bits. I replaced the idler pulley, serpentine belt last spring, but didn't know about the AC pulley until I got the belt off. Someone else had pulled the belt before. The torx bolt on the hydraulic tensioner was pretty chewed. I have a replacement for that too.

[theothersawyer]

Haven't updated this in forever! Been really busy lately. Graduated college, started my career, and moved out of on my own. Life got in the way of things.

Over the summer, I had to get new front tires on the car. Discount Tire scratched the hell out of my BBS's. I have a picture somewhere, but can't seem to find them. Had a phone break and lost some pictures so it may be lost. Anyways, I have a really good friend that works there, but he wasn't able to work on my car, and it got damaged. He felt terrible, but I knew he would make it right. So they sent the wheel off for repair and if it didn't look right, they were going to order me a new one. Well, it came back totally the wrong color and the paint was garbage. Dirt in the paint with a ton of orange peel. It was bad! Only picture I can find of it at the moment:
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/973/27068619547_74e5a864d6_c.jpg
The driver side front is was way too silver and not enough nickel/charcoal or Diamond Black as BBS calls it. You can even see it with the Killboy watermark in the way! :D

Ended up getting a new wheel and it was definitely shinier and nicer than the 3 wheels that have probably 120,000 miles on them, but its WAY closer than before. I'm happy with it. The average person would never see it, but I do.

I've had RCR tail lights sitting in the garage for years now. I bought them from a member on here, but the trunk lights were too dirty for my liking and so I cracked them open to clean them. I noticed that the reflective surface had been worn out and it wasn't too my liking. So I got a set of trunk lights and swapped the lenses over.

At the same time I put on some fresh new BMW roundels since the front and rear decided to fail at the same time! Here is a nice before/after on the rear.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/950/27068696447_c48b824379_c.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/828/41038689435_c808694767_c.jpg

MUCH BETTER! The car also got a wash, clay, and wax between those photos! Wish I would have done that when I got these years ago! It makes the car look so much newer.

[theothersawyer]

Yesterday was the 4 year anniversary of owning this car. It is officially all mine now too! Paid off! Woo!

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yesterday was the 4 year anniversary of owning this car. It is officially all mine now too! Paid off! Woo!

Congrats!!!

[Agent☣Orange]

No better feeling than paying something off, especially a huge credit card debt, car or house!

[Martin]

:popcorn: