E85 3.0SI - new project thread
- Thread starter JPB
- Start date
I used the GTechniq C4 and have always found it to last quite a long time. I apply it liberally, get a good evening coat then wait about 10-15mins and buff it off with a microfibre towel. Gives the result above each time for me. Gotta do one panel at a time though or there's a predisposition to get darker spots if you leave certain sections longer than others.coldel said:
This morning's upgrade: Original gear knob to ZHP M gear knob. Interestingly, as well as being shorter, the ZHP gear knob (genuine) is 94.3g heavier.
Top tip: It's a pull/push fit. If you're struggling to get it off, open the roof (if you have an E85) and stand above it with a foot on each seat. Much easier to put energy into it.
I love how the ZHP gear knob M badge now matches the M steering wheel (I know the 3.0si is not an M, before you point it out!).
Top tip: It's a pull/push fit. If you're struggling to get it off, open the roof (if you have an E85) and stand above it with a foot on each seat. Much easier to put energy into it.
I love how the ZHP gear knob M badge now matches the M steering wheel (I know the 3.0si is not an M, before you point it out!).
I remember trying to change mine, I tried all those tricks, I didnt stand on the seats as described to avoid damaging anything. I was also keen to avoid the well documented issue of 'punching yourself in the face with a gear knob' scenario 
I gave up in the end, and when my dad was next over (50 years a car mechanic) he sat in the passenger seat and one handed pulled it off in about 2 seconds. I reckon I loosened it....
I gave up in the end, and when my dad was next over (50 years a car mechanic) he sat in the passenger seat and one handed pulled it off in about 2 seconds. I reckon I loosened it....
Thanks Lee! Yes exhaust is the next big one. I've been waiting to hear back from a couple of places, one of which is messing me around and the other hasn't replied to me yet. Starting to wonder whether an off-the-shelf install might be better if the exhaust places are going to go awol. I really would like a remote-controlled valve unit in there for sure.Joycey said:Keep these updates coming Jase.
What's next on your list......exhaust, what a good idea!
Today's additional upgrades:
Cupholders (naturally)
Bluetooth adapter with 3.5mm microphone input. I bought this from Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BB2D4LRJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I recommend covering the gear stick and dashboard housing with towels to avoid scratches. I also noticed that I wasn't getting an 'Aux' option when pressing the mode button initially. I then found it's the white plug that needs to be removed from the original BMW wiring harness and placed directly into the back of the new harness that fits directly into the head unit (there are no through-connections on the adapter).
I then ran the wiring through the dashboard, up the 'A' pillar on the drivers side and into the overhead light housing. Using some 3M VHB tape I secured the microphone, with attached windshield, to the housing, aiming slightly downward to get a good clear pickup position.
To get the light out I used a plastic trim removal tool and released two tabs at the front of the light. Then popped it out, sliding towards the drivers side (there's a ridged lip on the housing to the left, which needs to go back in first - sliding to the passengers side, before pressing into place).
The finished head unit then looks identical to stock when refitted and has the bonus of clear hands free calls plus the automatic volume control which increases when driving at faster speeds and decreases at lower speeds, something that I did not have when experimenting with a non-stock stereo head unit.
When testing it appears the microphone is nice and clear for calls and others can hear me fine. It's good when the top is down, but at speeds higher than 40mph callers report a lot of background noise, making it harder to hear my voice. Therefore, if you really want a good phone conversation when traveling I would recommend either putting the roof up or shouting quite loudly (like you would when driving with someone else in the car with the roof down).
Overall, these are all valuable, inexpensive mods that will make my life my easier but keep the car looking and feeling stock.
Cupholders (naturally)
Bluetooth adapter with 3.5mm microphone input. I bought this from Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BB2D4LRJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I recommend covering the gear stick and dashboard housing with towels to avoid scratches. I also noticed that I wasn't getting an 'Aux' option when pressing the mode button initially. I then found it's the white plug that needs to be removed from the original BMW wiring harness and placed directly into the back of the new harness that fits directly into the head unit (there are no through-connections on the adapter).
I then ran the wiring through the dashboard, up the 'A' pillar on the drivers side and into the overhead light housing. Using some 3M VHB tape I secured the microphone, with attached windshield, to the housing, aiming slightly downward to get a good clear pickup position.
To get the light out I used a plastic trim removal tool and released two tabs at the front of the light. Then popped it out, sliding towards the drivers side (there's a ridged lip on the housing to the left, which needs to go back in first - sliding to the passengers side, before pressing into place).
The finished head unit then looks identical to stock when refitted and has the bonus of clear hands free calls plus the automatic volume control which increases when driving at faster speeds and decreases at lower speeds, something that I did not have when experimenting with a non-stock stereo head unit.
When testing it appears the microphone is nice and clear for calls and others can hear me fine. It's good when the top is down, but at speeds higher than 40mph callers report a lot of background noise, making it harder to hear my voice. Therefore, if you really want a good phone conversation when traveling I would recommend either putting the roof up or shouting quite loudly (like you would when driving with someone else in the car with the roof down).
Overall, these are all valuable, inexpensive mods that will make my life my easier but keep the car looking and feeling stock.
