Santorini Blue 328i Sport

[matt132]

Thanks for the info, that's a lovely looking e36 there!

Started the refurb on my spare today. I'm picking up some cheap alloys tomorrow so depending how the spare turns out, I may do all of them myself.

Here's where I got to -


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

Pretty certain that I'll do the centres myself no issue. I'd like to get the lips diamond cut but as they have nicks in them, I'm not sure if this is possible. Does anyone know how this works? The scratches aren't deep, can they be metal filled and then cut?

I have the bolts/nuts ready and the torque settings, just need a decent sealant now.

[LanceRS]

Good luck with the spare, looks like a bit of a mission. A descent wheel place should be able to sort out the rims. I polished the lips on mine by hand once the lacquer had lifted. They really need doing properly though, they are very hard work and still look flawed when you get close. If you get them diamond cut and lacquered they should be ok, although the lacquer never seems to last as long as when the wheels are painted, you need to keep them clean and use some wax on them. If you have a set of cheap spares, it is probably worth using them as winter wheels.

[2thumbs]

Wow. Stunning e36 op! Those sport wheels are my favorite bmw wheel. I'd love a set for mine.

[matt132]

Thanks for the info Lance. The spares will be winter wheels with winter tyres for sure. There is also the possibility of having them painted and lacquered in chrome effect paint.

Cheers 2thumbs, I would like a set of M3 sunflowers, but then I think it'd be pretending to be something it's not.

[sc4589]

I polished mine up with a thirty quid ScrewFix drill-mounted kit. Very easy, takes no time at all, and you can get an awesome finish. I used Oakey drill-mounted sanding discs to take all the lacquer off and smooth down the imperfections. Not difficult, well worth a shot.

[matt132]

That looks great, I may take the dremel to the spare then! Did you take the centre caps apart to paint them or just mask off?

[sc4589]

matt132 said:

That looks great, I may take the dremel to the spare then! Did you take the centre caps apart to paint them or just mask off?

Bear in mind there are a few watermarks, I need to buff them over again! All you need is a power drill, some drill-mounted Oakey sanding discs (£7 a go from B&Q, they do a really aggressive one that can take out nasty imperfections or a regular paint/lacquer removal one), and the ScrewFix drill-mounted polishing kit- which is £30.

The centre caps I split- there's a little metal ring that holds the bolt to the plate, yank that off and hey presto. I had the centres powdercoated, and polished the barrels independently of them. That way, you can really go for it. Would recommend some PlusGas to help get rid of corrosion/rust that might be anywhere, and a steel brush. It's remarkably good fun getting them done yourself, weirdly.

[LanceRS]

Funnily enough I nearly bought a set of sunflowers but didn't for the same reason. People seem to have enough trouble telling the difference anyway, had it on the rollers a few years ago and the operator could not work out why it would not go over 200 bhp. Must get out and polish mine again. Just out of interest, what did you get as your spare set?

[matt132]

Got a little work done on the spare today - my dremel tools are terrible though. I need to get to B&Q by the sounds of it.


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

The other set of wheels aren't special, a set of 15s that will be a much cheaper size for winter tyres than 17s! They are style 27's it seems. http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/27

[matt132]

Tackled more of the wood trim today. I got a replacement through eBay which turned out to have 2 holes from a previous fixture but at least the wood is gone.

Progress shots:


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr
Surprisingly easy once you get going


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr
Found these hidden away under the centre console, it must have been removed before and the lights weren't put back properly. The bulbs are mood lights for the ashtrays that I now use as coin trays.


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr
Old piece out...


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr
New piece in! Almost finished.


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr
Sorted! The wooden handbrake handle is glued on tight, no matter how much heat or force I applied. I tried to cut it off but my dremel-like tool died. Don't buy Machine Mart's own (Clarke) dremels, they are terrible! I had it a week and it was next to useless - now completely.

As for the progress on the car - I have a Z3M shifter rod ready to go on as it improves the throw and general gear change feel. I also have rear quarter glass seals as they are minging, one is also slightly leaking. A Mahle fuel filter turned up this week too as I have no idea how old the current one is.

The list continually grows, but this is half the fun! The passenger seatbelt seems to have forgotten how to retract, so its another visit to the breakers for me.

Next month will involve sorting the aircon (I know its getting colder but helps with the quick clear screen) and FINALLY sorting the alarm, I hope.

[DanielJames]

Have to say I prefer it with the wood! Will never change mine.

[deltashad]

Wood really didn't go with the stunning colour of your car. Much prefer how it is.

Looks really good OP.

[LanceRS]

I too like the wood in mine. Have you already changed the quarter light seals? When I took the trim off the inside of the rear quarter panel, I found that it fouled the seat belt the first time I put it back, stopping the belt retracting. Put it back in properly and no problems.

[matt132]

Thanks chaps.

Great tip Lance, first time I'm changing them so I'll check the trim during. Thanks!

[vsonix]

a) fantastic colour! So unusual on an E36.... and b) do you still have the wood bits you took out? I'd be into taking them off your hands if so!

[vsonix]

matt132 said:

Not sure when they stopped, sorry - it might have even been an option for later cars.

I believe it was mid 1996 in response to traction control being either mandatory or a big reducer of insurance premiums, they then decided the majority of drivers would never turn the ASC+T off anyway and decided to drop the LSD at the same time.

[matt132]

vsonix said:

a) fantastic colour! So unusual on an E36.... and b) do you still have the wood bits you took out? I'd be into taking them off your hands if so!

I'm afraid not, did a mutual exchange with someone that wanted wood!

[matt132]

The wood is no more! Finally got rid of it all, last addition was the handbrake cover:


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

In other news, its been a bit of a needy f**ker of late. It keeps whining that it needs coolant so the engine is either using it slowly or I've got a small leak.

The undertray decided that it didn't want to be part of the car anymore and fell off on one side at 1am in the torrential rain. I had no option but to drive it home, dragging it all the way. Ripped the front off and found that most of the plastics underneath have seen better days.


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

I have no undertray or brake ducts now and unless they are majorly important, that's the way it'll stay.

Replaced the mouldy and leaking window seals, gave it a wash:


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

Decided to debadge:


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

After:


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

Unsure as of yet but easily put back. New fuel filter and Z3M shifter have been fitted - shifter is a great improvement!

The rear brake pads are almost finished as the wear sensor warning light is on so I have new Brembo replacements. Discs have seen better days so Brembo replacements arrived yesterday, I'll be putting them on tomorrow. I am going to refresh the front with new discs and DS2500 pads on payday. This has unfortunately delayed the new alarm but that's how it goes sometimes.

Still love the car, even though it can be a pain in the ****!

[Welshname]

Very nice. Have been following this on CS. As much as I like the little boot lip and I've started to really appreciate the M3 Evo spoiler. I think it could be a nice addition.

[matt132]

Do you mean something like this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-M3-evo-Coupe-Boo...

The boot lid itself is shot, rust is going to be showing through soon so it may have to be replaced. I am undecided, I think the lip is nice and subtle but do sometimes fancy a spoiler.