I have the x in the garage now for some needed maint. The f30 with diy built engine seems good, still no noises.

I think I fixed the fuel trim / lean codes. Replaced leaking disa valve, and the large vacuum cap on the back of the intake manifold was split in half. That's really what was wrong with it. Smoke test ok.

Oil and filter change, first time from actual 5000 miles driving and not engine work. Oil looked really nice.

Bleed brakes and clutch, the pedal was getting spongy from sitting out in negative temperatures.

When I took the reinforcement plate off to get to the slave cylinder, discovered blue coolant all over the front power steering lines. Pressure checked and found slow leak from newer plastic thermostat housing, the lower bolt. Removed clutch fan and hand tightened thermostat housing bolts. Pressure check ok. I tried forever to get to them with the fan in and there was just no way.

I spent a bit of time underneath it, more fluid film. Sprayed some penetrating oil all on the rear end bolts. I'm not sure if I'm going to go all in with dropping and rebuilding the rear subframe right now as planned. Most things look pretty good I just probably need to do the brakes. One thing at a time.

Four new genuine tail lights, one was eating bulbs, the other was burnt. Not sure what kind of aftermarket things were going on here, just start over with nice new ones. Expensive but it was Christmas present to myself.

New rear hatch struts

New spark plugs and genuine valve cover, cylinder 5 kept getting wet I think that thing was warped. Decided not to go with the aftermarket options. They're probably okay but I've had bad luck with other Honda valve covers in the past.

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'05 E53 3.0 6mt
'17 F30 340ix 6mt
'96 E36 328is, in progress