[oVeRdOsE.]

washed it



and getting ready for the ZF/diff/transfer case oil change. 119k km, its due.

[dat1guy]

Not done "today" but I'm a recent owner of an X3 xDrive35i 2016, my first BMW, and here's what I've done since the acquisition a few weeks ago:

- Flash all ECUs using ESYS to the latest I-Step from Psdzdata 4.17.11
- Install UPD5081 update for NBT and update Gracenote database
- Code a few things (such as Sport Automatic Transmission) using Bimmercode
- Update to 2019-2 maps using a lifetime FSC code
- Replace the amp with Match Up 7BMW
- Install WeatherTech FloorLiners
- Nu Finish it
- Use Gumout Complete system cleaner

And last but not least, install some cheap M-Colored grill insert trims I bought on Amazon.

Sorry for the not so great picture:

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by dat1guy

Not done "today" but I'm a recent owner of an X3 xDrive35i 2016, my first BMW, and here's what I've done since the acquisition a few weeks ago:

- Flash all ECUs using ESYS to the latest I-Step from Psdzdata 4.17.11
- Install UPD5081 update for NBT and update Gracenote database
- Code a few things (such as Sport Automatic Transmission) using Bimmercode
- Update to 2019-2 maps using a lifetime FSC code
- Replace the amp with Match Up 7BMW
- Install WeatherTech FloorLiners
- Nu Finish it
- Use Gumout Complete system cleaner

And last but not least, install some cheap M-Colored grill insert trims I bought on Amazon.

Sorry for the not so great picture:

have you flash it by Julien L.?

[dat1guy]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

have you flash it by Julien L.?

No I did it myself after a bunch of reading and ordering the right cable. Everything went relatively smoothly. Spent something like an hour afterwards getting that airbag light away since ACSM got flashed and apparently you have to "re-lock" them. Ended up doing it with Deep OBD Android app.

EDIT:

Interesting about the transfer case oil change. Let me know how that goes.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by dat1guy

No I did it myself after a bunch of reading and ordering the right cable. Everything went relatively smoothly. Spent something like an hour afterwards getting that airbag light away since ACSM got flashed and apparently you have to "re-lock" them. Ended up doing it with Deep OBD Android app.

EDIT:

Interesting about the transfer case oil change. Let me know how that goes.

so this is not a ECU tune flash?
For a tune we need the k+dcan cable. But for ''bmw'' features, we need the enet cable.

Looking for a light tune, since my warranty is out and Ive sold the JB stage 1. Found this guy on BMW fb group, he does custom tune for cheap.

For oil change its pretty straight forward. ZF and DIY users did some youtube vids.

transfer case is important , but not as the ZF. For the transfer case, you need to remove a support to access the drain plug. Plan 2-3 hours. On the 2nd time its about 1hr since you'll know where you're going.

[dat1guy]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

so this is not a ECU tune flash?
For a tune we need the k+dcan cable. But for ''bmw'' features, we need the enet cable.

Looking for a light tune, since my warranty is out and Ive sold the JB stage 1. Found this guy on BMW fb group, he does custom tune for cheap.

For oil change its pretty straight forward. ZF and DIY users did some youtube vids.

transfer case is important , but not as the ZF. For the transfer case, you need to remove a support to access the drain plug. Plan 2-3 hours. On the 2nd time its about 1hr since you'll know where you're going.

Ah no it's updating the ECUs with an enet cable so it's still all BMW software. I looked at MHD and Bootmod3 but I don't think I'll get into that until my warranty is out which is like in 3 years and a half.

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of DIY mechanic skills yet... Currently quite busy renovating my triplex myself but I guess I'll get there someday.

[doodlebro]

Check out the new interior trim Nelson Racing Wheel made for me. 1 of 1

I have yet to rip the door panels off and install those pieces, but you can see the pattern and quality super well with the larger center piece.

[windymiller]

Put some X5 wheels (and tyres) on it

[windymiller]

One more as it's surprisingly sunny in the UK today

[Bilbofraggins]

Originally Posted by windymiller

One more as it's surprisingly sunny in the UK today

Black-em out with black plasti-dip spray.....it's very durable and easily freshened up.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by Bilbofraggins

Black-em out with black plasti-dip spray.....it's very durable and easily freshened up.

plasti dip is good when you know what you're doing, 95% of the internet complaining about this because they dont know how to use it.

- prep like a real paint job. 200 grid sand, bondo, 400 grid, 800 grid wet, dewax, alcohol clean.
- 2k builder primer
- heat up dip can ( 15 min in hot water)
- all coat , wet pass, 50/50 overlap. (1st tack coat can result to orange peel)
- 15 minutes wait during each coat.
- minimum of 3 base coat.
- minimum of 2 glossifier coat.

Also, black wheel are for people who use tire shine. On the road 95% of people with black wheel dont care, and it looks odd , the tire looks brwonish. Also makes the wheel look smaller :



best look imo, is a dark steel, or gun metal.

[HPR]

New spark plugs...#5 and #6 were a bit recalcitrant. Update to latest North America nav maps.

[windymiller]

Originally Posted by Bilbofraggins

Black-em out with black plasti-dip spray.....it's very durable and easily freshened up.

Not a fan of black on black - it’s done to death IMHO. And I’d rather paint than plastic-dip as the prep’s not much more effort for a more permanent result - dark grey as above would be my choice if I did a colour change but I’m old-skool and white like silver.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by windymiller

Not a fan of black on black - it’s done to death IMHO. And I’d rather paint than plastic-dip as the prep’s not much more effort for a more permanent result - dark grey as above would be my choice if I did a colour change but I’m old-skool and white like silver.

plasti dip is very very resistant, more ''forgivable'' and also when done, can look amazing if you know what you're doing.

Also, on a curb rash; in 3h the wheel is back on the car like new.

If the OEM wheel is like new, only a 800 grid sanding, dewax, and alcool is required. it will keep the original paint on the wheel, which makes it easier to sell.

im on my 4th year with dip on my wheels and grill for my daily driver, lot of -20°C, and salt/calcium on the road, and still look brand new.
I'm glad I went that route, since Ive started with black wheels (base balck dip coat + aluminized coat), and I didnt like dark wheel on a dark car.

here Ive used : gun metal base + aluminized + glossifier.
The grill is black base and glossifier



On the X3 I went with a full paint job, with 2k clar max. :

[335iAP]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

On the X3 I went with a full paint job, with 2k clar max. :

I see your point, but the pictures kind of just prove how much better paint looks no? It has depth and shine while the dip looks like nice rubber or plastic.

[F30ed]

Made N55 Injector waveform reading.
Interesting how they operate it on 2 wires. First they open it up with 65V on the upper wire keeping lower one shorted to the ground, then keep injector open with just 12V, then shut it down applying reverse 65V to the lower wire while sorting upper to the ground. So the actually pull it up and then pull it down, no spring inside...
Blue line is upper wire, red - lower wire...

[windymiller]

Originally Posted by 335iAP

I see your point, but the pictures kind of just prove how much better paint looks no? It has depth and shine while the dip looks like nice rubber or plastic.

Yeah, dip seems good for matt/rubber stuff and that's it. Not seen anything glossy from them that doesn't look like a vinyl wrap, so no depth of gloss.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by 335iAP

I see your point, but the pictures kind of just prove how much better paint looks no? It has depth and shine while the dip looks like nice rubber or plastic.

yeah, its better, but my point is dip is way easier and cheaper for a very impressive look for a 12$ rattle can.

My dip isn't matt, see the grill, wheels are glossy, its just the picture angle.

Yes, not as glossy (let say semi-gloss), but painted wheels are new, and my dip on that picture is 3yo.

[doodlebro]

Finished the CF trim install

Anybody want my old trim?

[windymiller]

Got home and my gloss-black kidneys had arrived so after a bit of fiddling, I fitted them. Looks good!

[oVeRdOsE.]

well ,

did the ZF8 oil change. Pretty easy. but almost impossible to not spill oil. damn it was hard doing it on the floor. Refilling the oil, need 2 person; while engine running, someone need to hold the pump-tool-hose in the fill port, and someone to pump from the 1L bottle.

If only 1 person, you need to setup everything solid, clamp the filling hose so it wont touch the exhaust, fix the 1L bottle, and pump gently until the ZF overflow.

THIS ZF oil is toxic, the smell is very strong and hard to wash off. My mechanic suit need to be washed 3 times xy clean tide pods, 2 cup vinegar, liquid gain soap, 1 cup oxy clean, hot water only, on heavy cycle with extra rinse.


About the transfer case and diff. Well thanks winter time with calcium and salt. Even with the 14mm allen tool on a 14mm wrench, I strip the tool. Fortunately not the drain plug.

Same for the front diff.

Ordered a new tool

Ive used this pump, a heavy duty one for mercruiser boat feet. 1/2'' at one side and 1/4'' at the other with 3ft long hoses.



btw those kind of pumps will wotk, but too short to do the job on the floor.



3h job on the floor. 1h if you own a hydraulic quick jack lol

[Wgosma]

O'dose: thanks for posting. I'm now convinced I'll pay Mr Mechanic the big bucks for the tranny fluid drain/fill, ugh did not sound like very pleasant DIY.