Mod List:
[X] OEM BMW bi-xenon headlight retrofit, factory wiring, OSRAM 66240 CBI D2S HID bulbs and TheRetrofitSource ZKW clear lenses
[X] OEM BMW black sport leather, manual, heated seat retrofit
[X] OEM BMW illuminated 5-speed ZHP shifter
[X] OEM BMW illuminated 5-speed ZHP shifter
[X] OEM BMW autodim rear view mirror retrofit
[X] OEM BMW alcantara M3 steering wheel
[X] OEM BMW F30 all-weather rubber floor mats
[X] OEM BMW rear rubber cargo liner
[X] OEM BMW cargo cover
[X] OEM BMW 1.4bar radiator expansion cap, from E30 (5/11/2016)
[X] ECS Tuning matte black kidney grills
[X] Thule roof rack system
[X] 20% window tint
[X] Installed OBD stalk and programmed function
[X] Installed chirp alarm in factory setting and programmed OEM lock/unlock chirp
[X] Besian Systems VANOS seals
[P] M-Tech II front bumper
[P] M-Tech II side skirts
[X] OEM BMW alcantara M3 steering wheel
[X] OEM BMW F30 all-weather rubber floor mats
[X] OEM BMW rear rubber cargo liner
[X] OEM BMW cargo cover
[X] OEM BMW 1.4bar radiator expansion cap, from E30 (5/11/2016)
[X] Thule roof rack system
[X] 20% window tint
[X] Installed OBD stalk and programmed function
[X] Installed chirp alarm in factory setting and programmed OEM lock/unlock chirp
[X] Besian Systems VANOS seals
[X] 330i ZHP brake calipers/rotors
[X] Complete tool kit
[X] HK speaker retrofit
[X] Myrtle wood trim
[X] 330i cluster rings
[X] Complete tool kit
[X] HK speaker retrofit
[X] Myrtle wood trim
[X] 330i cluster rings
[P] M-Tech II side skirts
Maintenance Log:
[X] Replaced damaged fuel filler door
[X] Replaced oil filter housing gasket (OFHG)
[X] Replaced both front drive axles with refurbished OEM life-time warranty replacements from Autozone
[X] Installed OEM BMW jack lifting points
[X] Installed rebuilt calipers on all corners
[X] Replaced missing rear BMW roundel and license plate mount
[X] Replace all broken dash trim clips
[X] Replace front mid-range speaker grills
[X] Replace VANOS oil supply line
[P] Replace steering wheel angle sensor
[P] Polish headlight lenses
[X] Replace passenger's side HID ballast
[P] Condition leather
[ ] BMW Recall - Driver's side airbag replacement
[ ] Paintless dent removal (PDR)
[ ] Repair all vacuum leaks by replacing all original rubber hoses
Oil change/Routine Maintenance Log:
May15, 2016, 293,880mi, Replaced VANOS seals, VCG, and oil change.
May 16, 2016, 293,907mi, Replaced cabin air filter purchased from FCPEuro.
Oil change/Routine Maintenance Log:
May15, 2016, 293,880mi, Replaced VANOS seals, VCG, and oil change.
May 16, 2016, 293,907mi, Replaced cabin air filter purchased from FCPEuro.
Contracted with Auto Transport 123 to transport vehicle from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA to Boston, MA on October 21, 2014. The vehicle arrived free from damage on October 31, 2014. (It was sort of unnerving to ride the subway with a pocket full of cash with young people dressed in masks and blood surrounding me.)
Auto Transport 123 Order Form
TFI Transport, LLC Bill of Lading
Contained in the owner's manual pouch were the following documents of previous repairs:
November 1, 2104, Jamaica Plain, MA, 279,988 mi.
Obtained automotive insurance from GEICO. Policy date will be effective on November 2, 2014.
November 2, 2104, Jamaica Plain, MA, 279,988 mi.
Purchased a door lock cylinder repair kit from a vendor on eBay.com. The kit came about a week later, but because we did not catch the postal delivery person at the time of delivery, I needed to go to the Jamaica Plain Post Office to retrieve it on November 25, 2014. I installed all the new parts, with the exception of the spring, on November 26, 2014.
November 3, 2104, Jamaica Plain, MA, 279,988 mi.
Purchased a BMW Scanner with a copy of PA Soft 1.4.0 from eBay.com. I installed Windows 7 (64 bit) on a BootCamp partition on my MacBook Pro. I will be able to read the error codes off the vehicle and also change some of the coding of various modules.
November 3, 2104, Jamaica Plain, MA, 279,988 mi.
Purchased a used M3 steering wheel from Chad Mullins, username capio7 on e46fanatics.com. When it arrived it looked as though the leather was starting to fray, as described by the seller. However, upon careful inspection I learned that it was not black leather but it was a heavily soiled OEM Alcantara ZHP steering wheel (PN: 32347919217).
Using a biodegradable and safe cleaner, Oil Eater, Rachel was able to clean the material. We then used a brush from a nubuck/suede cleaning set to fluff up the material and an electric razor to eliminate any piling of excess material.
November 4, 2014, Dedham, MA, 280,000 mi.
Odometer officially rolls over 280,000 miles on Interstate 95 south-bound.
November 12, 2014, Jamaica Plain, MA 280,032 mi.
Installed Alcantara M3 steering wheel and removed leather steering wheel in preparation for rewrap.
November 17, 2014, Auburndale, MA, 280,058 mi.
Mailed documents to register vehicle in Washington State via Certified Mail through the USPS.
November 19, 2014, Jamaica Plain, MA, 280,058 mi.
Using the PA Soft 1.4.0 software I recoded the IKE module to complete the OBC retrofit started by Jayson. The recoding went off without a hitch and the new on-board computer (OBC) features instantly showed up on the dash. I noticed that the scanner was not reading the DME and EWS modules, so I disassembled the scanner and soldered pins 7 and 8 as instructed on bimmerforums and e46fanatics forums threads. The modification was successful. I also enabled the central locking alarm function to blink the "clown nose" and flash the parking lights when the car was locked or unlocked, giving the appearance of an installed factory alarm.
November 25, 2014, Jamaica Plain, MA, 280,074 mi.
Woke up to discover that Reese Witherspoon parked in front of me, blocking me in. Luckily I was commuting by bike.
Ordered an aftermarket rear window regulator for the driver's side rear door from Amazon.com.
November 26, 2014, Jamaica Plain, MA, 280,074 mi.
Vehicle was registered in Washington State at address of domicile. DMV would not accept the fact that vehicle was gifted and required payment of tax. My father was able to set the purchase price of the car at $50.00 and the assessed tax was $4.45. Go Dad!
November 28, 2014, Boston, MA, 280,078 mi.
Dropped of car at Herb Chambers BMW/Mini of Boston to have passenger's side airbag replaced under factory voluntary recall. A courtesy loaner, 2014 X1 sport model was provided as a loaner vehicle. The repair was conducted in about five hours.
I returned to collect the vehicle the next morning. Brin accompanied me to the dealership during all visits and thoroughly enjoyed the complimentary refreshments available for customers (possibly due to the Black Friday and Thanksgiving season). She had her fill of cookies, fruits, fresh apples, water, brownies, cupcakes, ice cream, and pastries.
*** After leaving I noticed that a brush from a suede/neubuck cleaning set and my electric shaver were missing; I had used them to tidy up the Alcantara steering wheel prior to dropping it off. I discussed it with the Service associate and he will follow up with me in the near future.
November 29, 2014, Jamaica Plain, MA, 280,078 mi.
After discussing the car with the service associate at Herb Chambers BMW, I inspected all the brake calipers while at home. The rear passenger's side caliper was not centered properly on the rotor. I removed the wheel and the lower caliper carrier bolt (PN: 34203414763) was indeed missing. I looked up the part number on bmwfans.info and learned that it was the identical bolt was used on my old 1995 325is. (Here are the parts diagrams from the two vehicles: 2002 325xiT and 1995 325is) Since I had recently rebuilt one of the rear calipers and remembered removing the bolts, I went to rummage through all the brake parts that were all in a box. Magic! I found it and installed it within ten minutes.
November 29, 2014, Jamaica Plain, MA 280,120 mi.
Purchased leather tools to convert leather from a Brooks Brothers leather coat into a new rewrapped M3 E46 steering wheel.
November 30, 2014, Jamaica Plain, MA 280,162 mi.
Detailed engine compartment to monitor oil leaks indicated by dealer. Disassembled the stitching on the M3 steering wheel (PN: 32342282022) and took a plethora of pictures and videos to aid in reproducing the original stitching.
December 5, 2014, Jamaica Plain, MA 280,272 mi.
New Washington state plates with current registration tabs arrived in the mail this week. I went to the post office early this morning to get them and install them.
December 5, 2014, Auburndale, MA 280,284 mi.
Replaced the broken window regulator (PN: 51358212099) with a new one purchased from CarParts.com on November 25, 2014. I was able to accomplish the entire repair during my lunch break. So far, it works flawlessly and is much better than the old one which would allow the window to drop sporadically while driving (regardless of the weather conditions).
December 5, 2014, Auburndale, MA 280,284 mi.
Detailed driver's side carpet and interior.
December 6, 2014, Jamaica Plain, MA, 280,310 mi.
Scanned vehicle using PA 1.4.0 Software.
January 19, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 281,158 mi.
Purchased a set of bi-xenon projectors internals, two ignitors, and two ballasts from William Barfels, username wbarfels through panjo.com via bimmerforums.com.
February 3, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 281,197 mi.
After some delay the bi-xenon parts were successfully delivered to our residence. The seller described a damaged ballast socket, but there were many defects that he failed to detail in the item description. I contacted the seller to come about a resolution.
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| Non-functional ballast |
 |
| Damaged ballast socket, as described |
 |
| Broken trim attachments with transient silicone adhesive all over |
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| Damaged vaporized aluminum surface |
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| Scratched and damaged projector shrouds |
 |
| Silicone on projector shrouds |
February 6, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA, 280,310 mi.
Scanned vehicle using PA 1.4.0 Software.
February 7, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 281,211 mi.
Installed an OEM rear cargo cover (PN: 51477160582) purchased from Andrew Winger, forum user yjsaabman on E46fanatics.com. Along with rear cover I purchased a set of front door speakers (PN: 65138368237), D2S Xenon bulb (PN: 63217160806), steering angle sensor (PN: 32306793632), and hood switch (PN: 61319119052).
February 11, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA
Bi-xenon seller agreed to a partial refund, with a promise to settle on the 25th of February.
February 17, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA
Purchased perforated black calfskin leather (item decription: Black Perforated Upholstery Leather Hide BKP201 Auto Car Automotive) from eBay seller leather*peddler.
February 26, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA
Email was sent to bi-xenon seller to verify is a refund was issued. No response.
March 2, 2015, Waltham, MA 281,187 mi.
Purchased and installed an OEM rear cargo compartment liner (PN: 8211030507) purchased from Stan from Craigslist. After purchasing the cargo liner I went to Costco. I left the radio on to continue listening to the radio program on NPR while I was going to rearrange the trunk area with the mat and bags of clothing to donate to charity. After learning that the rear doors and trunk were still looked, I went back to the front door to open it. It was unlocked but the latch was nonfunctional. I eventually borrowed a hanger from a sales associate at the tire center and wedged the door with approximately 25 Costco brochures to lasso the passenger-side door handle.
March 4, 2015, Jamaica Plain
Second email was sent to bi-xenon seller to verify is a refund was issued. No response.
March 5, 2015, Jamaica Plain
Email was sent to bi-xenon seller to notify him that the PayPal resolution process was initiated. Our previous agreement was documented and PayPal was notified. If things were not resolved the issue could be escalated to a PayPal claim.
March 6, 2015, Jamaica Plain
Bi-xenon seller responds to PayPal dispute asking if the dispute could be dropped and the issue settled outside of PayPal. I informed seller that PayPal provides a generous window of time to resolve the issue and that it would the safest venue for resolution for both the seller and I. Seller initiated refund when I would not terminate PayPal dispute.
March 6, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 281,671 mi.
Replaced both front mid-range door speakers with a used ones purchased from Andrew Winger. I also applied WD-40 to the driver's side door latch which improved the function tremendously.
March 7, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 281,XXX mi.
Today's repairs were courtesy of the dearly departed E36: repaired passenger's side skirt by replacing the three rear side skirt clips (PN: 51718184574). These clips are identical to the clips used on the E36. Since I had a handful of extra clips, this was a "free" repair. In addition the brake pad sensor had tripped and I determined that the front brakes were worn to a point that necessitated replacement. I found that the part numbers were identical between the E36 3-series and the E46 3-series. Since, I had just recently rebuilt and sold the E36 brake calipers, I had the brake pad, with generous pad, at my disposal. Front brake pads were replaced. The only thing that made the replacement difficult was the ice accumulation on the driveway and the seized wheel on the brake rotor.
March 9, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 281,XXX mi.
I restored all the interior trim pieces that were originally coated with a rubberized coating. I did this with Plasti Dip. First I removed all the parts and coated them with brake fluid to loosen the rubber coating from the plastic trim. Then Rachel and I used a scouring pad to remove the coating. All pieces were cleaned and then sprayed with the black Plasti Dip. The results are remarkable, a huge difference from the scratched and damaged original parts.
March 13, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 281,XXX mi.
Installed front brake pad wear sensor (PN: 34356751311). Sensor was purchased from Advanced Auto Parts. The sales associate, Miguel, showed me that he had a sensor in stock for $19.99, but I noticed that they could order one in for much cheaper. I inquired about that one and he was able to get it for me for less than ten dollars.
Refund from bi-xenon seller completed to settle a dispute for damaged items sold.
*****
March 14, 2015, Hartford, CT 281,988 mi.
Purchased both front doors in Steel Gray Metallic from Norm, the steward of a salvaged car in Hartford. I also purchased the following; auto-dim rear view mirror, maplight, passenger's side sunshade, jack pads (2), rear center console ashtray compartment, bi-xenon wiring (1), windshield washer reservoir and accompanying wiring, heated/power/memory seat wiring harness, sunroof opening trim, BMW screwdriver/allen wrench/spare tire bolt down/spanner wrench, HK tweeter grill covers, passenger's side door panel, and passenger's side exterior mirror. I installed the jack pads and sunroof opening trim before departing from Hartford.
March 15, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 281,196 mi.
Installed clean maplight and passenger's side sunshade. I was able to swap the sliding cover from the center console rear ash tray compartment to my black one. I did this because the one I just purchased had a much nicer chrome trim on it. I also started installing the new auto-dim rear view mirror.
March 17, 2015, Auburndale, MA 282,262 mi.
Completed the retrofitted the Auto-dim rear view mirror in place of the manual one. tapped the switch 12-volt power from the vanity lights in the sunshades and the reverse switch in the passenger's side glovebox area. The mirror will automatically adjust to ambient light levels with a forward facing light sensor and to following traffic with the back-facing light sensor. When the gear shifter is placed in reverse, the auto-dim function is disabled to allow the driver to clearly see behind the vehicle.
March 21, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 282,523 mi.
Swapped leather portions of driver's side sport seat onto existing manual frame in car. In the process, I detailed the driver's side carpet before installing the sport seat back into the car.
June 17, 2015, Jamaica Plain, MA 285,150 mi.
Completed stealth OEM install of Bi-Xenon wiring from LCM to solenoids. Installed illuminated ZHP shift knob from forum member illirep on E46Fanatics.com and retrofitted wiring harness to cigarette cubby lighting in the center console. Also, install a 102dB piezo buzzer to the factory alarm wiring for audible beep and flash when locking and unlocking doors with key. In addition, I replaced the OEM hood switch, with a used replacement since my alarm would trip sporadically.
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