850 CSi - first steps
Discussion
So, just to complete the report of today:
The engine came to life quite quickly, which was the absolute highlight of my journey so far. Although I did try to keep a straight face in front of Gerry and Simon in order to maintain my façade as seasoned mechanic...
After some initial temperament, and after burning off 12 years of leaves, bugs and spider webs the plugs and all other engine parts had cleaned and freed themselves, oil was greasing sufficiently and the new fuel pump was pumping steadily - and the car was idling beautifully! (Proof stayed in the washing machine...)
The car is definitely not a show off sound wise, the engine is humming with a dark low tone, emphasized notably by the 4 exhaust pipes. When revved the engine takes a big gulp of air and the sheer size of the engine becomes impressively and audibly apparent! Goosebumps...
After that all four brakes were taken apart - plus handbrake, and surprisingly they are all still good! Callipers were bled and refilled, pads remounted, wheels on, stands off - and good to go!
Pretty much exactly 3 weeks ago it took us a painful 2 hours to transfer the from the trailer into the barn...and today it drove out, just like that, without any trace of the 12 years of outside hibernation! Difficult to describe that feeling...
Well, maybe some trace as now the cosmetic work will start. After hopefully a successful MOT tomorrow the rust in the boot will be tackled by welding in a new base for spare wheel. The ceiling of the car needs re-trimming, and after that I will need to look into the proper expensive issues - new bonnet, new rear window and full repaint.
Today was a good day - thanks again for all your support! If you are still interested, now that it is running, I will keep you posted.
The engine came to life quite quickly, which was the absolute highlight of my journey so far. Although I did try to keep a straight face in front of Gerry and Simon in order to maintain my façade as seasoned mechanic...
After some initial temperament, and after burning off 12 years of leaves, bugs and spider webs the plugs and all other engine parts had cleaned and freed themselves, oil was greasing sufficiently and the new fuel pump was pumping steadily - and the car was idling beautifully! (Proof stayed in the washing machine...)
The car is definitely not a show off sound wise, the engine is humming with a dark low tone, emphasized notably by the 4 exhaust pipes. When revved the engine takes a big gulp of air and the sheer size of the engine becomes impressively and audibly apparent! Goosebumps...
After that all four brakes were taken apart - plus handbrake, and surprisingly they are all still good! Callipers were bled and refilled, pads remounted, wheels on, stands off - and good to go!
Pretty much exactly 3 weeks ago it took us a painful 2 hours to transfer the from the trailer into the barn...and today it drove out, just like that, without any trace of the 12 years of outside hibernation! Difficult to describe that feeling...
Well, maybe some trace as now the cosmetic work will start. After hopefully a successful MOT tomorrow the rust in the boot will be tackled by welding in a new base for spare wheel. The ceiling of the car needs re-trimming, and after that I will need to look into the proper expensive issues - new bonnet, new rear window and full repaint.
Today was a good day - thanks again for all your support! If you are still interested, now that it is running, I will keep you posted.
Edited by niki0712 on Thursday 13th February 20:04
Talkwrench said:
Subesquently, I've rebuilt the brakes, new clutch and flywheel, fitted Bilsteins all round, adjustable camber plates on the front and a 'K Bar' conversion from the States that involves stiffer front and rear AR bars and bushes and better drop links.
Suffice to say, I love it. It goes like stink and handles like a big go kart!
Beautiful - well done!!! I hope mine will look like that one day.Suffice to say, I love it. It goes like stink and handles like a big go kart!
As mentioned earlier the car passed MOT yesterday, with the only recommendation to replace some corroded fuel pipes. Result!
There is still a fault with the ABS rear left but next week we (as in Gerry) will have a look into replacing the ABS sensor which will hopefully sort that out. Gerry will then also replace the fuel pipes, they really are looking rather rusty...
And then finally the first drive.
What a car!!! Very comfortable seating position, everything feels solid and familiar, and makes the right sounds and clicks. The engine sounds satisfied and full-bodied, and the acceleration is really surprising! The car cannot hide its weight but when tickled enough power is present immediately and the sound becomes mesmerizing! I cannot judge the impact of the AHK but the steering feels agile and nimble, with good contact to the road. Accelerating in 5th or 6th gear from low RPM is just fantastic! The gearbox is rather mechanic than smooth but I do like the feeling of a gear moving into place.
Weather was appalling so I didn't push it in the corners but I have no doubt that the car will behave beautifully!
Still a lot to do but today was once more confirmation that this all makes sense!
There is still a fault with the ABS rear left but next week we (as in Gerry) will have a look into replacing the ABS sensor which will hopefully sort that out. Gerry will then also replace the fuel pipes, they really are looking rather rusty...
And then finally the first drive.
What a car!!! Very comfortable seating position, everything feels solid and familiar, and makes the right sounds and clicks. The engine sounds satisfied and full-bodied, and the acceleration is really surprising! The car cannot hide its weight but when tickled enough power is present immediately and the sound becomes mesmerizing! I cannot judge the impact of the AHK but the steering feels agile and nimble, with good contact to the road. Accelerating in 5th or 6th gear from low RPM is just fantastic! The gearbox is rather mechanic than smooth but I do like the feeling of a gear moving into place.
Weather was appalling so I didn't push it in the corners but I have no doubt that the car will behave beautifully!
Still a lot to do but today was once more confirmation that this all makes sense!
Mustard said:
Congrats, all things considered re commissioning costs sound like they've been pretty low and not too many brave pills have been required, you must be over the moon 
Well, low is relative...but so far I have definitely benefitted from the car being in exceptionally good condition considering the 12 years outside. Makes me as a German quite proud! But the really costly parts (AHK, wiper motors, transmission, gaskets) are all fine, which has prevented this project from becoming a bottomless pit. The cosmetics will be expensive, especially the new bonnet, the rear screen and the full re-spray should be eyewatering. But then the car will be just perfect again!
8Tech said:
Looks like that nearside bumper lamp is properly condensated up now. You may need to pull it out and dry it out indoors and then refit it. We don't want any corrosion setting in if possible on the bulb holder.
Mucho ££££'s!!
Will do. Easy to pull out? One of the low beams has gone as well, so I'll be attending that side anyway...Mucho ££££'s!!
But the petrol gauge has recovered, yay!
Here some more photos from the day the car came alive, retrieved from the washing machine phone...
The old fuel pump, presumed reason why the car was parked for 12 years:
New fuel pump installed, running beautifully:
As proven here! Pumping out 12 year old fuel...
Old brake pad, later reinstalled as still perfectly useable!
Calliper minus a brake pad:
Stuck sunroof switch, replaced
Bleeding the brakes and reinstalling brake pad:
Inserting pad:
Pretty naked:
Cleaning disk:
Liberated and on new legs!
And off to be successfully MOTed!
Thanks to Gerry and Simon - entirely their achievement!
The old fuel pump, presumed reason why the car was parked for 12 years:
New fuel pump installed, running beautifully:
As proven here! Pumping out 12 year old fuel...
Old brake pad, later reinstalled as still perfectly useable!
Calliper minus a brake pad:
Stuck sunroof switch, replaced
Bleeding the brakes and reinstalling brake pad:
Inserting pad:
Pretty naked:
Cleaning disk:
Liberated and on new legs!
And off to be successfully MOTed!
Thanks to Gerry and Simon - entirely their achievement!
eliot said:
I'm no health and safety nonce - but that's incredibly dangerous, the vapour from that open pan of petrol will be hanging around the entire car - one tiny spark from a relay or jump wire (forcing the pump to keep running) and the whole car would of gone up, along with your garage. Really should at least try to funnel it into a closed container.
Duly noted!Sorry guys, enforced silence due to combination of work stress and having guests...not much done this week,I'm afraid.
Did manage to work on the car on Friday for an hour, that one filed more under 'lesson learned', rather than 'job done'...:
After noticing a failed low beam headlight I took off the light cover, wheeled up the pop-up light (clever Germans!) and started dismantling the lamp. Loosened six clamps,losing one clamp successfully into engine nirvana. Took off glass front,unscrewed lens, took out lens, started to pull frantically and fairly forcefully on non-functioning light bulb...only to notice that the light bulb was under no circumstances going to come out the front way, so to speak. Grudgingly reassembled entire front light, and opened the now very guilty looking access latch to all three light bulbs. Unplugged light bulb, replaced it (H1), tested light and closed latch. Summary: Part 1 30 mins and one missing clamp, Part 2 a mere 2 mins.
I really should concentrate on keyboard and camera.
Took it for a road test today, ABS light and traction control light both off, maybe no new sensor required!? Will see tomorrow after journey to Gerry for new fuel lines.
Further pictureless repairs today were purely cosmetic, replacing two deteriorated exhaust clamps (shown in an earlier picture), refitted plastic covers on inside of both front wheel arches...and that's it. Over to Gerry's tomorrow for some proper mechanics' work.
My aim was and still is to get the car back to its original state and beauty. Part of that effort will be to replace the bonnet, which at about £1k will be one of the most costly repairs on this project.
Because of the rust on the bonnet and it's predictably quick return once repaired I will need to bite that bullet. However, in view of that I had a chat today with someone about wrapping vs respray. Any views on that? Experiences? Prices?
Did manage to work on the car on Friday for an hour, that one filed more under 'lesson learned', rather than 'job done'...:
After noticing a failed low beam headlight I took off the light cover, wheeled up the pop-up light (clever Germans!) and started dismantling the lamp. Loosened six clamps,losing one clamp successfully into engine nirvana. Took off glass front,unscrewed lens, took out lens, started to pull frantically and fairly forcefully on non-functioning light bulb...only to notice that the light bulb was under no circumstances going to come out the front way, so to speak. Grudgingly reassembled entire front light, and opened the now very guilty looking access latch to all three light bulbs. Unplugged light bulb, replaced it (H1), tested light and closed latch. Summary: Part 1 30 mins and one missing clamp, Part 2 a mere 2 mins.
I really should concentrate on keyboard and camera.
Took it for a road test today, ABS light and traction control light both off, maybe no new sensor required!? Will see tomorrow after journey to Gerry for new fuel lines.
Further pictureless repairs today were purely cosmetic, replacing two deteriorated exhaust clamps (shown in an earlier picture), refitted plastic covers on inside of both front wheel arches...and that's it. Over to Gerry's tomorrow for some proper mechanics' work.
My aim was and still is to get the car back to its original state and beauty. Part of that effort will be to replace the bonnet, which at about £1k will be one of the most costly repairs on this project.
Because of the rust on the bonnet and it's predictably quick return once repaired I will need to bite that bullet. However, in view of that I had a chat today with someone about wrapping vs respray. Any views on that? Experiences? Prices?
Good morning! Again, my apologies for being not so forthcoming with updates at the moment - matters are out of my hand.
The car is currently at Gerry's who is sorting out the next necessary works.
He replaced the corroding fuel lines, the only issue mentioned in the MOT. Currently the car is on its way to the body shop where the rusting boot floor around the water pump and tank will be cut out and replaced. After that the body shop will look into the misaligned bumper, caused by some impact...I did have my suspicion! Not a biggie but it would annoy me every day if it wasn't done.
After the body shop the car is booked in to get the ceiling retrimmed which should be a major step towards the finishing line! Quite tricky (and expensive) work as the electric sunroof needs to be dismantled for that. However, looking very much forward to that being sorted!
And finally Gerry has found a 2nd hand bumper, the missing piece for the necessary respray! I have (of course) decided against a wrap, my apologies for even contemplating the idea! Just a result of mounting invoices...and the prospect of spending £3k and more on the respray.
Speaking of - does anyone have a fully trusted contact for a complete respray? I am not talking Yellow Pages or Google, that I can do myself - but someone you know and who does outstanding craftsmanship? Please advise.
Thank you!
The car is currently at Gerry's who is sorting out the next necessary works.
He replaced the corroding fuel lines, the only issue mentioned in the MOT. Currently the car is on its way to the body shop where the rusting boot floor around the water pump and tank will be cut out and replaced. After that the body shop will look into the misaligned bumper, caused by some impact...I did have my suspicion! Not a biggie but it would annoy me every day if it wasn't done.
After the body shop the car is booked in to get the ceiling retrimmed which should be a major step towards the finishing line! Quite tricky (and expensive) work as the electric sunroof needs to be dismantled for that. However, looking very much forward to that being sorted!
And finally Gerry has found a 2nd hand bumper, the missing piece for the necessary respray! I have (of course) decided against a wrap, my apologies for even contemplating the idea! Just a result of mounting invoices...and the prospect of spending £3k and more on the respray.
Speaking of - does anyone have a fully trusted contact for a complete respray? I am not talking Yellow Pages or Google, that I can do myself - but someone you know and who does outstanding craftsmanship? Please advise.
Thank you!
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