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Corona Time

19K views 255 replies 52 participants last post by  MrMCar 
#1 ·
Anyone tackling a new project because they are trapped at home? It is a crap situation, and my business is suffering, but the silver lining is I have no commute, which gives me 1.5 more hours per day, and since I can't leave, the projects are getting done:

1. Total intake refresh on friend's convertible (198k miles)
2. Finishing interior swap on touring, including re-wrapping the steering wheel
3. Tranny flush and underbody clean
4. Figure out why my vert doesn't start!

Anyone else getting motivated to do bigger projects?
 
#5 ·
CCV, fuel injector cleaning, and Valve cover gasket time for me... I'll do the motor mounts next week maybe. WFH as well, but means I get more time with the kiddos which I prefer to all the other options.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I did some work on the disa but I have financial restraints at the moment . good thing is I go for a ride alone with my car once per day so I quite enjoy it
I also washed the car 3 times in 4 days :loco:

ps .anyone knows how to remove the diaphragm cap from the disa , I am almost certain mine is teared and it's tricky to remove
 
#8 ·
My dealership is still open for the time being so I'm collecting parts for if we close down. So far I have the OFH gasket, oil change, microfilter, sparkplugs and a steering rack on my list of things collected & to do. I'll probably give the interior a very good cleaning at some point too.
 
#9 ·
I have been saving parts for a full suspension incl. wheel bearings and tie rods on my '03 530i with 400k. Started last Friday..ran into complications with strut removal and re-assembly and what should have taken 2 days took the better part of 4..Still don't have tie rods/wheels even close to straight...though I will get aligned next Monday...
 
#13 ·
Key for me was start at the steering wheel and work down. Make sure the wheel is aligned on the shaft (with the dot) and then turn the wheel all the way left, then count the revs right, then turn half that number to find center.

Remove the key.

Measure the inner tie rods from the center of the rack. If they are not equal, then your rack is not aligned with the steering column. Fix there.

Then make the outer tie rods equally threaded from the rack. If it is off at that point, you can adjust.
 
#10 · (Edited)
I shouldn't complain because most people will be hit harder (UC scientist), but they are shutting us down for at least two months.
I really, really didn't need the vacation right now, but it is what it is.

Ironically, even though I will suddenly have lots of time (more than I ever had in my life), I won't be able to do a lot of the work on the E46 I have been planing for months, since it would involve close interaction with others.

Things that I kept postponing, but can do now:
- Repaint a used center console and cup holders mate black (will try the same mate black paint as for the steering wheel trim), recover the center armrest with Alcantara.
- Adapt E90 roof crossbars to fit my car (realized the E46 sedan crossbars are discontinued and the used ones have become hard to find at good price/condition), then mount two bicycle racks on top.

Things I want to do, but shouldn't during the isolation period:
- Partial paint job / correction. Both bumper covers and the hood need repainting, several door dents to PDR, the gloss pillar trim and the shadow-line trim should be either repainted or replaced (these pieces are now ****** expensive), and the door and bumper trim could use a refresh.
This is not a small project, not to even try on my own. I was thinking of working together with a body shop guy I know, but right now I shouldn't.

- Differential work. The differential needs one of the front mounts time-serted. It is temporarily fixed using a longer bolt and a nut at the back side of the mount - it holds alright, but I don't like it. Don't feel like doing it alone though, it's a much easier job with a helper.
 
#14 ·
Yep! I've been remote since last week so I'm avoiding my 30 mile round trip commute. Nice to give the car a break. A few days ago I did my 30k intake service (inspected everything, cleaned the DISA/ICV), replaced the MAF, and changed the ATF.

This weekend I plan on tackling my oil pan gasket. I'll be installing OEM ZHP control arms since I think the Meyles are shot after 50k. Also gonna swap sway bushings/links on both axles and RSM's. I did most of it between 40-50k ago, but the parts are so cheap it's sort of a "why not" thing. It's crazy how cheap the Lemförder suspension parts have become on these cars!
 
#16 · (Edited)
I got my order of Genuine BMW front control arms and bushings from ECS Tuning today so I have a few hours of work in the garage while sheltering in place.

Everything is closed over here and getting sketchy. No restaurants open, drive thru or take out only. Businesses are closed, life is on hold.

 

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#19 ·
I got my order of Genuine BMW front control arms and bushings from ECS Tuning today so I have a few hours of work in the garage while sheltering in place.
and particular reason you didn't go with ZHP arms since you went Genuine BMW. you looking for a more compliant ride?
also kinda shocked not going with FCP Euro for Lifetime warranty :dunno:
 
#17 · (Edited)
One perk of being salary is, I can work from home!

One downside to being salary is, I am expected to work from home whenever possible, with no reduction in output.

Add to that suddenly having to home school your Kindergartener and tend to your 2 year old (who happens to be potty training) for the next 2 weeks, at least.

And, my wife is also working from home. Both of us need to get our 40-50 hours in, which requires even more coordination of schedules.

Sh!t, I wish I had all this extra time to do stuff around the house. I barely have time to make meals for myself and have a beer each day. I would MUCH RATHER be in the office, but they told us to go home for 2 weeks.
 
#18 ·
No work stop here but I’m compiling parts for the weekend when the wife, daughter and I essentially self-quarantine. FL hasn’t instituted drastic measures yet, but the closing of bars and beaches was a little painful. FCABs going in this weekend, and cooling system refresh next weekend. Just passed 100K on my ‘01 ZSP while driving home today.
 
#20 ·
been wishing to get some time for the car now being on lockdown. but of course it barely seems to rain in SoCal except this week so that messed up those plans. :eek:
 
#24 ·
DONE

- entire PDC system fixed
- bumper aligned
- new sideskirt clips
- entire deep detail in/out
- one amp. changed
- rationalization of speaker cables (routing)

TO BE DONE
- seat wiring swap (RHD to LHD)
- relocate the subwoofer into a custom enclosure into the spare tyre well
- lube any single joint/seal
- remove the old Navi (pictograms) wiring loom that stills next to the other one (monitor).
 
#27 ·
Part acquired and projects planned:
  • Control Arms & Bushings (Lemforder, Z4M Spec & Meyle HD)
  • Complete Tie Rod Assemblies (Lemforder)
  • RTABs (Lemforder, M3 Spec)
  • Dinan Intake
  • Dynavin N7
  • New Fog Lamps (OE)
Also have a body shop across the street that can take care of a few rust spots for me. Will be saving 30-40% by removing the bumpers, quarter panels and side skirts myself. :D
 
#209 ·
Part acquired and projects planned:

  • Control Arms & Bushings (Lemforder, Z4M Spec & Meyle HD)
  • Complete Tie Rod Assemblies (Lemforder)
  • RTABs (Lemforder, M3 Spec)
  • Dinan Intake
  • Dynavin N7
  • New Fog Lamps (OE)

Also have a body shop across the street that can take care of a few rust spots for me. Will be saving 30-40% by removing the bumpers, quarter panels and side skirts myself. :D


Did you get the Dynavin N7 installed? Happy with it?


Sent from my iPhone using E46Fanatics mobile app
 
#31 ·
I wanted to start my engine swap yesterday, because of our national lockdown. Sadly I realized I was missing some parts like a new 545i shifter I wanted to install, and some gaskets left & right. Problem is that the dealer is closed as long as the lockdown goes. So instead of having my car done by the end of the lockdown, I still have to start from step 1 :(
 
#33 ·
Just completed in the last 2 days

- water pump
- thermostat
- expansion tank
- power steering pump
- PS reservoir and 2 hoses
- pulleys & a/c tensioner
- full flush of ATF and coolant
- belts
- upper and lower radiator hoses
- coolant temp sensor

To do:

- replace quarter panel
- fuel filter
- fuel pump
- fix my droopy headliner
- control arms
- ball joints
- press new bushings
- left, front wheel bearing (already did the right - finally using my press again!)
- get an alignment (not even going to try on my own)
- VCG (If it gets warmer and doesn't rain)
- something else will need to get done during this.

Good luck guys! Try to enjoy the work. I have fun with it. Most of the time.

Stay strong and safe and sane!


Sent from my U504TL using Tapatalk
 
#35 ·
To do:
- replace quarter panel
- fuel filter
- fuel pump
- fix my droopy headliner
- control arms
- ball joints
- press new bushings
- left, front wheel bearing (already did the right - finally using my press again!)
- get an alignment (not even going to try on my own)
- VCG (If it gets warmer and doesn't rain)
- something else will need to get done during this.
Have you updated the DME and EGS software yet? See the link below if interested (it’s free).
 
#34 ·
So far:
- thermostat and upper radiator hose replacement
- tensioner and idler pulley replacement
- p/s reservoir and hose replacement

To do:
- intake removal for ccv, vacuum line and hard water line replacement
- front strut reinforcement plate installation
- front bumper rattle can re-paint
- touring hatch trim tab fix
 
#37 ·
I just installed a tuned ECU in my e36 M3. Now I have to remove the intake to replace the idle control valve. Last thing is to figure out where the coolant leak is happening after replacing the clutch. Can’t wait for it to warm up here so I can drive it for the first time since October.
 
#39 ·
Projects to complete while off work

Hi everyone my first time posting, I always read, and look for trouble shooting answers, but have never chimed in, so today I thought I would give it a shot. anything besides doing my home work. I'm off work this week and was going to take advantage and work on my car, with my husbands help of course. it started off with: Suspension Refresh, Brakes/Rotors all around, Timing chain and a week ago my starter went out, so now my garage looks like the local pick-a-part, got under my car and now I am going to add the power steering to the list, it's leaking pretty bad, and half the motor is out due to Starter. My husband dropped off my calipers of today to be powder coated PINK, I have been wanting to do it for a while, so now is the perfect time. its going to take some time to get it all done, I will work 1 week on 1 week off till all of this calms down or I get activated
 
#40 ·
Hi everyone my first time posting, I always read, and look for trouble shooting answers, but have never chimed in, so today I thought I would give it a shot. anything besides doing my home work. I'm off work this week and was going to take advantage and work on my car, with my husbands help of course. it started off with: Suspension Refresh, Brakes/Rotors all around, Timing chain and a week ago my starter went out, so now my garage looks like the local pick-a-part, got under my car and now I am going to add the power steering to the list, it's leaking pretty bad, and half the motor is out due to Starter. My husband dropped off my calipers of today to be powder coated PINK, I have been wanting to do it for a while, so now is the perfect time. its going to take some time to get it all done, I will work 1 week on 1 week off till all of this calms down or I get activated
What a roller coaster haha, please post pics of your work [emoji846]
 
#48 ·
I've done the pickle fork and ball joint separator. Either way will bang. With the separator, make sure none of you is under the arm. It will jolt in that direction at release. Or keep a nut on it.
Also wear eye protection. And warn the folks in your household that it will sound like someone discharged a firearm in the garage.
 
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