RE: BMW M3 (E30): PH Carpool
Discussion
After a few days on the jig we finally have everything back as it should be and within 1mm of factory spec.
As I didn't want to use pattern parts, I had to track down a good used rear panel. New have been on long term back order from BMW for a good few months now and are unlikely to be made any time soon. I was very lucky to find this one.
The repairs have gone really well and I couldn't be happier with the end result. Now we can get on with the remaining repairs and paintwork.
As I didn't want to use pattern parts, I had to track down a good used rear panel. New have been on long term back order from BMW for a good few months now and are unlikely to be made any time soon. I was very lucky to find this one.
The repairs have gone really well and I couldn't be happier with the end result. Now we can get on with the remaining repairs and paintwork.
I just thought I would update this, as quite a lot has changed over the past 11 months since I was rear ended. The repairs went really well and whilst we were at it, it seemed sensible to paint the whole car and deal with any chips, scratches and front spoiler damage. The toughest parts to find were the rear bumper clips etc but I was lucky enough to find a pair in Germany. The paint turned out great and DJ Coachworks in Waltham Abbey did a terrific job. In the 18 months or so, that I've owned this car, it has had far more work done than I'd envisaged when I bought it. Although it was a pretty solid example, it wasn't until we got it on a ramp and removed the side skirts etc, that any corrosion came to light. There was also a scab under the throttle pedal which had to be cut out. Now though, it is finally totally rust free and should be good for a few years yet.
Mechanically, I have also tried to keep on top of things and regularly change all fluids and filters. I actually had very little in the way of service history so methodically worked my way through the car replacing all sensors, dizzy cap, rotor arms, plug leads etc so that I have a baseline to work from in future. I would like to modify the s14 engine eventually but the costs are prohibitive. I'm thinking Schrick cams and DTA standalone management, combined with some flow work of the head. Realistically that will have to wait till Autumn though. We also replaced the suspension with a full, true coilover set-up from KW, which I'm really happy with. I haven't had a chance to test it on track yet but plan to go to Brands later this year. I've also changed the wheels to 3 piece staggered BBS E50 type which I think look great. Inside, I finally replaced my tired old Ridgard seats with Sparco and Sabelt harnesses. I've also gone with a Group A throttle pedal assembly and fitted a carpet, to protect the newly painted floorpan and quieten things down a little when I nip to the shops.
Anyway, a few pics from recent months.
I'm looking to try and rewire the AFR gauge but need to order a new connector from Oz.
Mechanically, I have also tried to keep on top of things and regularly change all fluids and filters. I actually had very little in the way of service history so methodically worked my way through the car replacing all sensors, dizzy cap, rotor arms, plug leads etc so that I have a baseline to work from in future. I would like to modify the s14 engine eventually but the costs are prohibitive. I'm thinking Schrick cams and DTA standalone management, combined with some flow work of the head. Realistically that will have to wait till Autumn though. We also replaced the suspension with a full, true coilover set-up from KW, which I'm really happy with. I haven't had a chance to test it on track yet but plan to go to Brands later this year. I've also changed the wheels to 3 piece staggered BBS E50 type which I think look great. Inside, I finally replaced my tired old Ridgard seats with Sparco and Sabelt harnesses. I've also gone with a Group A throttle pedal assembly and fitted a carpet, to protect the newly painted floorpan and quieten things down a little when I nip to the shops.
Anyway, a few pics from recent months.
I'm looking to try and rewire the AFR gauge but need to order a new connector from Oz.
Well a year on and I thought I would just do a quick update. I racked up a few miles, did a couple of hillclimbs and had a small off in Wales.
Doh!
Initially I thought I'd got off lightly. Unfortunately further inspection uncovered some further damage.
The timing chain cover was also cracked and replacing it means removal of the head. As the head was coming off it makes sense to do some good old fashioned flow work and if we're going to flow the head, we may as well slot some lumpy cams in there, You can probably see where this is heading? The downside is the cost as tuning an s14 is bloody expensive. It's easy to see why so many people opt to change engines but losing the s14 would be a mistake I reckon. It may only be a 4 pot but they're part of what makes the E30 M3 so special.
I figured that after going with Schrick cams etc I really needed something that was a step up from the Maxx Alpha N piggyback system. I opted for DTA and hopefully I can now get the best from the engine mods. I'm aiming for a reliable 250 brake.
The engine bay always let the car down so I figured it should get some love before the newly rebuilt s14 gets dropped back into place. I opted to replace the grubby plastic header and washer fluid tanks too.
Jack Royal recovered the Momo steering wheel and did a lovely job. They also made it a little thicker for me. The final job inside the car, was to swap the OE clocks for some period correct VDO like the race cars of the era. I really love these.
So right now the engine is in bits and I am waiting for parts. I'm also working every hour I can and saving hard to pay for it!
Doh!
Initially I thought I'd got off lightly. Unfortunately further inspection uncovered some further damage.
The timing chain cover was also cracked and replacing it means removal of the head. As the head was coming off it makes sense to do some good old fashioned flow work and if we're going to flow the head, we may as well slot some lumpy cams in there, You can probably see where this is heading? The downside is the cost as tuning an s14 is bloody expensive. It's easy to see why so many people opt to change engines but losing the s14 would be a mistake I reckon. It may only be a 4 pot but they're part of what makes the E30 M3 so special.
I figured that after going with Schrick cams etc I really needed something that was a step up from the Maxx Alpha N piggyback system. I opted for DTA and hopefully I can now get the best from the engine mods. I'm aiming for a reliable 250 brake.
The engine bay always let the car down so I figured it should get some love before the newly rebuilt s14 gets dropped back into place. I opted to replace the grubby plastic header and washer fluid tanks too.
Jack Royal recovered the Momo steering wheel and did a lovely job. They also made it a little thicker for me. The final job inside the car, was to swap the OE clocks for some period correct VDO like the race cars of the era. I really love these.
So right now the engine is in bits and I am waiting for parts. I'm also working every hour I can and saving hard to pay for it!
Edited by e21Mark on Sunday 4th December 14:00
Edited by e21Mark on Sunday 4th December 14:02
Good work.
For others who maybe haven't seen a full E30 M3 rebuild.
Here's the infamous "X-Works" rebuild.
Nut and Bolt doesn't even cover the detail! @eek@
http://e30-talk.com/topic/110759-e30-m3-minor-rust...
(It's a mirror link as the original s14.net thread lost all it's pics)
For others who maybe haven't seen a full E30 M3 rebuild.
Here's the infamous "X-Works" rebuild.
Nut and Bolt doesn't even cover the detail! @eek@
http://e30-talk.com/topic/110759-e30-m3-minor-rust...
(It's a mirror link as the original s14.net thread lost all it's pics)
I'd love to bare shell mine and start from scratch. Mind you, I've been pretty thorough and there's no corrosion left now. I just wish I could have gone for a full Matter type cage and a non-sunroof roof panel. Mind you, at the moment my car remains pretty usable as opposed to being a full on track car.
I miss not having it at this time of year. I especially like blasting the cobwebs away on Christmas morning and attending the usual New Year events. Hopefully it won't be too much longer before the engine is back in one piece.
Anyway, all the best for 2017!
I miss not having it at this time of year. I especially like blasting the cobwebs away on Christmas morning and attending the usual New Year events. Hopefully it won't be too much longer before the engine is back in one piece.
Anyway, all the best for 2017!
5 months on and I'm finally at a point where the newly rebuilt s14 is back in the engine bay. In fact, once the new leads arrive from Magnecor we can fire the thing up and look at getting the mapping done! I'm hoping the new Schrick cams etc will mean around 250 brake and the DTA swap should make the engine way more responsive.
The newly painted engine bay, ABS delete etc look much nicer than before. As do the alloy coolant tank, washer reservoir etc.
The AGS E50 reps went back for a full refurb' and rebuild. I had the centres repainted at the same time.
Rebuilt Getrag 265 thanks to C3 BMW in Kent.
Opted to improve on the E30's headlights while I'm at it.
It's been an expensive few months but I'm properly excited at the prospect of getting it back soon.
The newly painted engine bay, ABS delete etc look much nicer than before. As do the alloy coolant tank, washer reservoir etc.
The AGS E50 reps went back for a full refurb' and rebuild. I had the centres repainted at the same time.
Rebuilt Getrag 265 thanks to C3 BMW in Kent.
Opted to improve on the E30's headlights while I'm at it.
It's been an expensive few months but I'm properly excited at the prospect of getting it back soon.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff