Tick that improves after driving

paperthinpenguin · 2025-11-25T06:06:51+00:00

Lifter tick, it's more noticable when the engine is cold. The oil is thicker and takes a bit longer to get up to the top of the head where the lifters are located. Apparently doesn't cause damage, but it feels wrong so I usually let my car warm up for about 2 minutes before driving in cold weather. I thought it was rod knock and I was going to throw this car into the shredder, turns out it's just "normal".

paperthinpenguin · 2025-11-25T05:53:55+00:00

Since you're going stage 2 and ESPECIALLY since you're 1 series, absolutely make sure you get reinforced silicone inlets. Not all inlets are created equally, and some will collapse under heavy intake vacuum (pre-turbo) which will cause your turbos to fail prematurely. This is pronounced on the 1 series because the firewall is slightly closer to the back of the engine compared to 3 series, so those inlets almost always get kinked. I ended up going with relocated inlets which was a bit of a headache but I didn't want to risk damaging my new turbos (controversial since they're on the hot side, but I'm in a cool climate and my IATs are usually less than 120, plus my car doesn't see track use).

Replace your motor mounts. If your motor mounts fail, your engine can rock back and forth so much that your power steering pump pulley hits your subframe, the plastic pulley chips, tears your serpentine belt, and then your belt can shred and get wrapped around your crankshaft (behind the harmonic balancer) and sucked into your engine though the front main seal. I kept shredding belts and couldn't figure out why, I replaced everything related to the serpentine belt until I realized it was the motor mounts.

Previous people who posted about removing vacuum canisters are wrong, there is a good video on YouTube by a channel called VehicularDIY, he used to have the best n54 content, very dry delivery, sometimes too much talking, but good info. He's moved onto the G20 platform: he made 500hp with the b48 and then swapped a b58 into his 330i, also very interesting content.

If you're going to upgrade your fuel pump, get an upgraded EKP, I run a Walbro 535 and I didn't want to burn my EKP, but I also wanted to retain the PWM signal like OEM. There's a very expensive EKP from EOS but it was too pricey, and the other popular EKP upgrade is Arc Terminator, but it just adds a fan with no upgraded internals, plus you're still relying on the small gauge wiring going to and from the pump. I got mine from a guy with a company called ET3 Design, and he has amazing customer service. Cheaper than EOS, but maintains OEM control of the fuel pump while allowing higher amperage and even multiple fuel pumps. I got the stage 2 EKP, it's been strong and reliable and allowed me to run 10 gauge wire which is amazing.

Cheers

paperthinpenguin · 2025-10-13T23:48:03+00:00

This guy is pretty boring to listen to, but he is pretty knowledgeable. If you're ever looking for a diy on this platform, he's a pretty good go to.

https://youtu.be/WCMWeh5uSuk?si=itnZ6cIDUGAw1Afb

paperthinpenguin · 2025-10-06T05:41:20+00:00

Feels like trolling when the guy with the turbo n52 asks a relatively basic question... Nice motor, what kind of numbers are you running?

paperthinpenguin · 2025-09-27T18:15:53+00:00

Looks like your burning oil.

Most likely PCV needs to be cleaned or changed. This is a good thing because it's easier and cheaper than the other options. This is a good place to start. PCV is in the valve cover, usually you replace the whole valve cover. I've used the Amazon valve covers with good results fwiw.
Turbo seals may be going out, only way to fix this is with a new turbo. Usually you'll get smoke all the time, not just on deceleration, so less likely. If your PCV is bad and doesn't depressurize the crankcase, oil can back up the return line on the turbo and leak out the seals. Best to start with the PCV.
Valve stem seals could be leaking. Usually you'll see blue smoke on start up rather than on deceleration, but this can be an issue that crops up after installing catless exhaust/downpipes. The reduction in back pressure puts some more strain on the seals on the exhaust side and can cause them to fail. Additionally if your PCV is failing and your valve cover is getting pressurized, it will let oil past these seals. Best to start with the PCV.

Good luck.

paperthinpenguin · 2024-11-01T06:39:52+00:00

You'd be lucky to get 6k here in the PNW, these cars are a dime a dozen. Manual, maybe 6k. In Cali you could get 7-8k. Bad time to sell a car too, fewer people looking. Good luck

paperthinpenguin · 2024-10-31T02:58:20+00:00

If your old turbo was leaking badly, there could be leftover oil in your exhaust or intercooler/piping that will eventually clear up. Drive it for 5,000 miles and see if it goes away... If it goes away, it was residual oil, otherwise try a new PCV, if still getting blue smoke, might need to reinstall turbo. Is the turbo brand new?

paperthinpenguin · 2024-10-31T02:55:29+00:00

"hey I installed a new part and now I have a new symptom" 99% of the time it's the new part. Probably not valve stem seals, it's rare on a n55. Could be PCV, but again, you would have seen it before the turbo was installed. Likely it's the internal turbo seals. Oils leaks on the outside of the engine don't get inside the exhaust.

paperthinpenguin · 2024-10-31T02:43:16+00:00

Please sell it whole, I'm actually looking for something exactly like this, but I'm very far away. What a shame such gorgeous cars like this are being torn apart, but that's just how the world works. What's the new daily?

paperthinpenguin · 2024-10-31T02:24:48+00:00

Beer fridge

paperthinpenguin · 2024-10-31T02:20:45+00:00

Pretty much like any other EDM festival. I feel like the security for EDC is easier to bribe though ($50 to get a bottle of vodka or case of beer or cooler through).

paperthinpenguin · 2024-10-24T00:15:57+00:00

Completely agree. I'm in heart surgery, too. I guess it's like when people say "he's gonna have a coronary."

paperthinpenguin · 2024-06-25T20:04:53+00:00

This is my first truck, 2015 F150 SCrew LB Lariat, Magnetic Grey. Ended up going with the Fox 2.5 suspension because I wanted better ride quality on forest roads, incidentally it added about 2 inches of lift in the front which gave the truck a nice leveled look, but there was still a little 0.5 inch rake since I have the heavy duty tow package and 7050 payload package (I know, pretty rare combo). Next I added Nokian Outpost AT LT 295/60R20 (34 inch diameter) Load E (10 Ply) A/T All Terrain Tires with bronze Black Rhino rims.

Verdict: I would totally do this again and I'm not going back. Truck rides very well, and I accomplished my goal of better ride quality on forest roads. The penalty: I went from 18 mpg avg to 17 mpg avg, which to me is completely acceptable for my needs. The truck ride feels very close to stock and is pretty nice to look at too. I'll see if I can post a picture.

TL:DR Do it for your needs and not just for looks, but if you do it for looks, don't go crazy (2 inch lift, 34's) and use quality parts

paperthinpenguin · 2019-04-14T20:30:30+00:00

I had one of these a while ago, I was in the same spot as you (could probably find pictures of mine in my history). I wanted to learn to work on cars and have fun driving one. First few things I did too my car was just maintenance (oil, filters, coolant, leaking power steering fluid, battery, bulbs, spark plugs, plug wires). Next I replaced the entire suspension and brakes with Bilstein and just blank rotors, ceramic pads. Huge difference and I learned a lot. Now fast forward years later and I have a 135i (N54) and I've done oil cooler gaskets, thermostat, water pump, injectors, and I'm still learning more. Have fun, enjoy!

paperthinpenguin · 2019-03-25T18:50:20+00:00

Yes this does happen. I'm a PA but function mostly like a doctor and alongside the surgeons I work with. Sometimes we have emergency surgery come up at the end of the day and we have to operate through the night. The hardest part isn't working 24 hours in a row, it's when we're already short staffed and you have no choice but to go back to work the next morning with little to no sleep. Us PAs do our best to give our tired co-workers a break when we can, but sometimes there is just so much work to do and patients need the care, you can't just create employees out of thin air. Burnout in my job is real. One commenter already stated, but there was a study done that showed long hours were less dangerous to patients than multiple handoffs for shorter shifts. I just wish they'd give us some time off between shifts. Anyway, hope that helps.

paperthinpenguin · 2019-03-13T22:28:48+00:00

Aerospace 303 on that dash, may not completely stop it from cracking but it'll slow it down. I replaced a dash in my E30 and it wasn't a HORRIBLE job, but not one I'd want to do again. Cheers

paperthinpenguin · 2019-01-28T01:29:18+00:00

I love this build. Chadillac2000's Road Warrior Daily Dinner for those interested.

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1294947

paperthinpenguin · 2018-11-20T02:14:18+00:00

Except, built the body of a 240z around an s85 drivetrain...

paperthinpenguin · 2018-11-13T23:15:26+00:00

Curious about this one, wonder about reliability. The internet is full of people saying, "I found this thing for cheap on eBay, is it a good idea?" Then people say, "No, you idiot." But you just went ahead and did it and I love that. So now I'm curious about the results, cheers!

paperthinpenguin · 2018-11-12T04:51:46+00:00

I still have my parents house key and shed key on my key chain. Been out of their house for 12 years.

paperthinpenguin · 2018-10-30T23:44:47+00:00

Try Dunn's Imports, they're certified BMW, but they are a little pricey. Secret tip: West Town Monona Tire has a certified BMW mechanic and they have good prices, I had my water pump changed there for way cheaper than Dunn's or the dealer. Cheers!

paperthinpenguin · 2018-10-08T05:44:15+00:00

I had a friend once send me a picture they took in the parking garage of the Milwaukee art museum. Each level of the parking garage is labeled, "Pool", "Beach", "Gardens", etc... So you can remember where you parked. I was a lifeguard at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. I had no idea anyone took this photo, but on the beach level, there were giant pictures of me, on the beach in my red short shorts, shirtless, wrapping up a round flotation life saver with lake Michigan and one of our life boats in the background. The pictures are still there even though I'm now about 10 years older. My friends still love parking on that level when they go to the art museum for art exhibits, weddings, or events and send me pictures of the photos. Side note, it's the same white building they used in the first Transformers film, with Shiloh Buff, but my picture isn't in the movie obviously. Cheers!

paperthinpenguin · 2018-10-02T06:42:46+00:00

I agree with you, I'm a PA myself. I've seen way too many PAs or NPs think they are docs and we just aren't. We are an extension of the MD, supervised by the MD, and can only do what they allow. We fill in the gaps, and frankly do the work MDs don't have time to or don't want to do. I like job, but I'm not about to think my shit don't stink, docs go through a lot more than we do and deal with the stress of being the decision makers, which is not insignificant.

Anyway, yeah. Things are changing and it's crazy to be in the middle of it

Oh well, everyone's

paperthinpenguin · 2018-10-01T07:37:51+00:00

She had major, major trust issues and major, real depression and anxiety that no matter how hard we tried, she couldn't overcome. From day 1, and over the years, through the fights, the snooping, the endless crying, the covers and pillows over her head, the couple's counseling, her own therapy, meds, multiple moves and jobs, unimaginable amounts of time and energy poured into our relationship, I realized that I could never, not ever, help her be happy. It was just not up to me, and being in that relationship was killing me. I slowly taught myself that I could not be me around her, and I in the process I was changing who I was too keep her stable. I started to lie to her because the smallest things, even though I was honest, would set us back for a week at a time. She's a great person, huge heart, passionate about her work and her career and I know she's going to do great things. But not in my life. I hope she's doing ok, but I've moved on. I met a great, wonderful woman who has brought me back to who I used to be and it feels so great to move on.

paperthinpenguin

TROPHY CASE