Ultramega's 35i mod & maintenance log

[ultramega]

As the title suggests, I'll be recording every fix and change that happens during my ownership. My ownership began early January, and the starting point was a 2010 35i DCT with 76k miles and the following mods already in place:

• Koni Special Active Dampers
  Quaife ATB rear differential
  VRSF downpipes
  Mishimoto intercooler
  Masata chargepipe
  Burger DC intake
  MHD Stage 2+

What has happened so far:

I took the seats out so I could clean the carpets

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It definitely needed doing, as you can see!

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I updated the still 2010 maps

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I replaced this outer seal on the boot

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I ripped this stupid thing out. It was quite reluctant to leave the vehicle!

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I replaced the above with this. I used to manage fine having a car without a cup holder, but not now. It doesn't make me a bad person.

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While I had the centre console apart I replaced the USB/AUX input. No idea what befell the old one, but I am sure you can see why it wasn't working.

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Other things that have happened:
I have put a set of Michelin PS4's on the back. They don't match the Goodyears that are still on the front, but I've never had an issue mixing front and rear, and the front will get PS4's when required.
I re-flashed the map from stage 2+ down to stage 1. I don't mind admitting the claimed 420bhp was a bit terrifying, especially at this time of year. Of course, it wasn't helped by the nearly bald Goodyears it had on the back until I replaced them!

Things happening imminently:
The car is in a nearby garage today for a thorough checking over. Not one I have used before, but they are a Merc/BMW specialist and they have a fantastic reputation (https://goo.gl/maps/DoxJgyPHEQN7t1PTA)
I know it needs new rear discs & pads, and I suspect something is worn in the front suspension. I'm also ready for them finding any signs of leaks, but hopefully nothing too dramatic for my wallet.

Things happening in the near future:
Fitting an Android screen - this weekend. Will also include removing the existing CarPlay piggyback system, hopefully easy to find!
Fitting LCI side indicators - probably this weekend, depending how well the above goes.
Replacing door top seals - I'll have to establish to what extent the door needs taking apart before tackling this.

Thing happening as soon as possible:
Audio upgrade - realistically I think I'm going to get someone to do this for me. I have three young kids, so there's a limit to the time I can put into doing things myself. The car has base audio, so it needs new speakers, an amp, a DSP and doors taking apart for sound deadening. How much I can spend on that lot will be determined on how many issues the garage find today!

[Silverstar]

I have thought about taking the seats out to clean the carpets thoroughly as there isn't any space under the seats to be able vacuum properly but I am worried the seats will be too heavy and I might end up scratching some trim or the sill trying to get them in or out, or maybe I am just weak

Luckily the base audio is pretty simple to upgrade, here's a thread on what I did to mine. You may find it helpful:

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=126024

[Mr Tidy]

Some impressive work done already!

Good luck working through your list.

[Busterboo]

I don't mind admitting the claimed 420bhp was a bit terrifying, especially at this time of year. Of course, it wasn't helped by the nearly bald Goodyears it had on the back until I replaced them!

Mmm ...

[Marcoose]

Your jumper matches your seats. Well done.

[AnubisZed]

......
I ripped this stupid thing out. It was quite reluctant to leave the vehicle!
IMG_1555.jpg

I replaced the above with this. I used to manage fine having a car without a cup holder, but not now. It doesn't make me a bad person.
IMG_1557.jpg

Hmmm, that'll be because there is a process for getting it out!!

......
Things happening in the near future:
Fitting an Android screen - this weekend. Will also include removing the existing CarPlay piggyback system, hopefully easy to find!
....

The existing will probably be either above the glovebox or behind the air-con controls, either way you need to remove those anyway to fit the new Android screen.

If you haven't already seen it my video on installing the Android screen.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC9VFJBDFQM&t=472s

And incase you've not completely destroyed the phone charger completely you could always re-install part of it where the blank tray is and install the OE wireless base so you can keep your phone charged while you are driving. Information is on the second post down page 2 of this thread... viewtopic.php?t=132196&start=15

New link for OE wireless charger.... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304343524271 ... Sw93dfEDwP

[ultramega]

I have thought about taking the seats out to clean the carpets thoroughly as there isn't any space under the seats to be able vacuum properly but I am worried the seats will be too heavy and I might end up scratching some trim or the sill trying to get them in or out, or maybe I am just weak

Luckily the base audio is pretty simple to upgrade, here's a thread on what I did to mine. You may find it helpful:

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=126024

Thanks Silverstar, that is useful.

[ultramega]

Hmmm, that'll be because there is a process for getting it out!!

The existing will probably be either above the glovebox or behind the air-con controls, either way you need to remove those anyway to fit the new Android screen.

If you haven't already seen it my video on installing the Android screen.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC9VFJBDFQM&t=472s

And incase you've not completely destroyed the phone charger completely you could always re-install part of it where the blank tray is and install the OE wireless base so you can keep your phone charged while you are driving. Information is on the second post down page 2 of this thread... viewtopic.php?t=132196&start=15

New link for OE wireless charger.... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304343524271 ... Sw93dfEDwP

All good info Dave, thanks.

Yes, not sure where I will find the existing unit, but I had figured I would need to remove everything that you said.

Unfortunately my removal "process" for the phone cradle was destructive. Oops.

[ultramega]

Car came back from the garage. Has a new OSF ball joint which has cured the clunk experienced over bumps. Also has new rear discs & pads, which don't feel any different but look way better.

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Got a bit of a weep on one of the drive shaft seals, so it will be going back in to get that done.

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Overall though, a good health report, and nothing I didn't expect for a 12 year old car with 76k miles on it. Oh, and from their test drive they commented that it was "a bit lively"

[craig3.2]

Nice wee write up.
Good luck and have fun working through the list.
Enough time to get it done before the better weather cones back

[ultramega]

Nice wee write up.
Good luck and have fun working through the list.
Enough time to get it done before the better weather cones back

Thanks Craig. Android screen fitting yesterday was fun from start to finish.

[ultramega]

Android screen fitting happened yesterday, and the putting back together was completed this afternoon. Took longer than I expected, but that was mostly down to removing the existing MMI box.
The whole process was made easier by Dave's SUPERB videos.
Anyway, this is what went down...

Had to remove this to get the headunit out. I was very, very nervous about it based on a bad experience years ago with an E46.

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Eventually managed to remove the glovebox. It had a couple of extra screws I didn't spot at first, over and above the "optional" one Dave mentions.

Here

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Here, here

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Old MMI box was quite well fitted

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Wiring for it, not so much. Was SPAGHETTI to get out.

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Had a VW mic hidden up behind the glovebox with itself. Possibly explains why phone call audio was so terrible if the car was moving at all.

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Looks worse than it was.

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Used the fake centre speaker housing to mount the 4G/wifi antenna.

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Sticky-ish points:
Removing the a-pillar trim to route the mic cable:
I managed to prise it off eventually, having removed the sun visor, but not wanting to remove the continuation of the trim along the top of the windscreen. I eventually managed to get it clipped into place, but at no point could I see where the actual clips were! And the mic still works, so none of the tesa tape I used has fouled on the trim.
Rear view mirror:
This was easy enough to remove, but I should have looked it up first. Had to google getting it back on. It a hold-at-60°-and-then-rotate movement. When I later went for a test drive the mirror mount now has some springy play in it, so I'll need to keep an eye. Clipping the cover back on was pretty difficult too.
Fitting all the cables in:
Took eleventy three in-out-adjust movements of the head unit and cables to get it to go back in far enough. Just had to keep reaching back and moving cables/connectors about.

Before

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After

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I'm very happy with the results. Ignoring the additional functions, the screen quality alone over OEM is a vast improvement. There are a few settings I'll need to get in touch with their support about, but everything is working as it should. I'm calling this a win.

[clarker63]

Screen looks great now its all back in place. Hopefully worth all that effort. I know the first ones had some issues e.g. only km/hr in the setup. Be interested to hear if theres any other gripes but probably a bit early days for you yet. Certainly the idrive is very dated now.. but not yet sure i want to take the leap!

[craig3.2]

Looks good. I do like the android screen mods/additions to the zeds

[AnubisZed]

....

..

Go on then I'll ask, what are you doing with the MMI box you've pulled out?

Great job by the way, nicely done. Any screws left over after you've put it all back together?
If you want to know anything give me a shout as I may be able to answer quicker (and in better English) then the sellers