My Black Gold 182 & new Mini Cooper D
Discussion
Ordered two "new" Exaltos for the front. Apparently the tire is discontinued so I'll see the year on the new ones. Did a quick blast on back roads today, can't believe how the car feels : less understeer, no less grip, less noise, better irregularities absorption, i'm very pleased indeed. Also the Brembo front discs now show themselves through the wheels !
Have to say the car looks a bit weird in plain light but I couldn't care less. I'm keeping the OE wheels for the MOT because in France at least, 195/50/15 weren't allowed on the 182 (neither on the 172, only on phase 1).
New reflexion too : I think i'll stop upgrading the car and will stick to OEM. Actually only air filter, front brakes, pads and cat aren't standard and that'll be everything for now. In two years the belts are due and probably the clutch too. The body needs a lot of attention too, I have various dents on both doors (and an annoying one on the right rear panel), bumper and bonnet need respray so i'll probably get a new paint at some point. And if I could find some Recaro Trendline...
Have to say the car looks a bit weird in plain light but I couldn't care less. I'm keeping the OE wheels for the MOT because in France at least, 195/50/15 weren't allowed on the 182 (neither on the 172, only on phase 1).
New reflexion too : I think i'll stop upgrading the car and will stick to OEM. Actually only air filter, front brakes, pads and cat aren't standard and that'll be everything for now. In two years the belts are due and probably the clutch too. The body needs a lot of attention too, I have various dents on both doors (and an annoying one on the right rear panel), bumper and bonnet need respray so i'll probably get a new paint at some point. And if I could find some Recaro Trendline...
some good and bad stuff happening
the bad : I damaged the driver's door while reversing in my garage with the engine off... stupid move as always.
Renault said it was fixable but the bodyshop told me otherwise so I have already found a black door to replace it.
I'm not that gutted because there was also a key mark that needed attention but it didn't trouble me that much, now it definitely needs attention (although everything is in working order).
About the wheels, I found 4 in like-new condidtion fitted with winter tyres. Problem was that there were 3x 195 and 1x 205 so I ordered two PE2 and fitted them at the rear. I also bought Rim-Ringz alloy protection in black :
I still have Ferodo DS2500 pads at the rear, which can get the wheels dirty really quickly.
I put Brembo HP2000 at the front and the compound seem much more cleaner (and less noisy).
the bad : I damaged the driver's door while reversing in my garage with the engine off... stupid move as always.
Renault said it was fixable but the bodyshop told me otherwise so I have already found a black door to replace it.
I'm not that gutted because there was also a key mark that needed attention but it didn't trouble me that much, now it definitely needs attention (although everything is in working order).
About the wheels, I found 4 in like-new condidtion fitted with winter tyres. Problem was that there were 3x 195 and 1x 205 so I ordered two PE2 and fitted them at the rear. I also bought Rim-Ringz alloy protection in black :
I still have Ferodo DS2500 pads at the rear, which can get the wheels dirty really quickly.
I put Brembo HP2000 at the front and the compound seem much more cleaner (and less noisy).
SebringMan said:
After recently purchasing a 172 this is a thread of particular interest to me. I see there are many RS Clios present on here as well!
It is interesting that the wheels made a great difference. How do the weight of the various RS Clio wheels compare? I am intrigued to see how they compare to each other.
16" OEM wheels + Michelin PS3 = 17.5kg / 38.5 lbsIt is interesting that the wheels made a great difference. How do the weight of the various RS Clio wheels compare? I am intrigued to see how they compare to each other.
15" OZ F1 + Michelin PS2 = 15kg / 33 lbs
all weight difference is coming from the wheels because the 195/50/15 tyres are fatter. but the good news is that they're more rigid so you get the best of both worlds : same fantastic handling but less crashy in town. I think the lighter wheels are the OZ Ultraleggera in 15" (5kg each) compared to OZ F1 (7.5kg), but they are two times more expensive.
SebringMan said:
It is a lovely car you have. Does the company car mean that the Clio will be moving on?
it's funny because not that long ago i planned to sell the Clio to get a Mini Cooper S... at the time i was supposed to get the new face lifted 1 series but wasn't too keen on it (116d with 105bhp).A recent company car policy meant the Mini was in, so will get the chance to drive both
krallicious said:
I rent a house from a friend of a friend just outside Claviers every summer for 2 weeks and just enjoy the roads and doing nothing. I will be buying a house in the area if I win the lottery at some point!
I'm from the UK but live in Germany.
Sounds like a good idea, the roads are just fantastic in Provence - Côte d'Azur.. Enjoy !I'm from the UK but live in Germany.
took the 182 for a drive on some unknown roads, went back really happy. No one around, great light and scenery, Clio dancing from corner to corner all mostly second gear. then on the way down it was more for third gear. a made a small video, need a bit of editing but will try to post soon.
Also new wheels are coming...
Also new wheels are coming...
changed both headlights that didn't looked good after wasting two renovation kits on it.
huge difference in look and clear vision on the road too !
was to buy a set of Ultraleggera's but the seller finally backed off. can't decide to buy them new, so still waiting for a set of Anthracite Turini's
huge difference in look and clear vision on the road too !
was to buy a set of Ultraleggera's but the seller finally backed off. can't decide to buy them new, so still waiting for a set of Anthracite Turini's
So more about the forthcoming company car. This will be my third one (swap every four years) with the first being an ugly but faithful (and surprisingly fun to drive) diesel C-Max.
I was surprised by the car as it was my first (and only - to date) Ford, felt pretty good to be in it and to drive. Very practical and could handle a lot of sideways action before complaining ! It was a bit too heavy so was hard on brakes and pads (nice since i wasn't paying for it).
Next was a copper grey Gold VI which was supposed to be better in every way (interior, look, weight, power) but wasn't. The car being too safe and uncommunicative (feels like a chopped down A4 B5 to drive) led me to buy the Clio (and stop abusing company cars). However within 20,000 miles, I took it to Mt Ventoux on various occasion (worked one month for a customer over there) and let's say the car didn't appreciate the treatment. First were shot tyres as expected but the right wheel bearing became incredibly noisy and needed being replaced. Then the engine put itself in security 20k miles later and a new water pump and a gas exchanger were needed. Oups. And now on 60k miles, the other front wheel bearing is noisy and one of the rear shocks is shot. Waoh, didn't expected this from a VW at all ! the Ford had the same treatment (even longer) and never complained. Even after 60k miles, the only thing to report was a noisy passenger window motor.
But above all the Golf was just boring in every aspect (dull steering and gearchange, over assisted brakes) and sometimes furiously irritating (over sensitive ESP) and beeping on every occasion : cold temperature, passenger seat belt not on, something in front when parking, something behind... And even worst, on the 105 PS diesel engine, there are 5 gears but top speed is achieved in 4, like 'Economy' gear in 80's german cars (remember the E28 525e ?).
Anyway, today i went in a Mini center (very cheesy decoration and sellers !) to spec the car :
- British Racing Green metal paint
- white roof and side mirrors
- standard 15" Heli Spoke (i know from the Clio that it will ride and accelerate better on smaller wheels, don't mind about the look)
- leather sport wheel
- automatic tyre pressure
Business pack gives:
- velour mats
- rear park radar
- fog lights
- rain and low light detection
- automac dual zone aircon
- Bluetooth
- navigation system and infotainment
on top of it i added (from my pockets this time)
- bonnet white stripes (how couldn't i...)
- electric mirrors (how could they not be standard !!)
- central armrest
- rear sign delete
- white sidelights (on advice from the beautiful lady because 'the orange one look s**t' she said)
the car should be there in 3 months, can't wait !
I was surprised by the car as it was my first (and only - to date) Ford, felt pretty good to be in it and to drive. Very practical and could handle a lot of sideways action before complaining ! It was a bit too heavy so was hard on brakes and pads (nice since i wasn't paying for it).
Next was a copper grey Gold VI which was supposed to be better in every way (interior, look, weight, power) but wasn't. The car being too safe and uncommunicative (feels like a chopped down A4 B5 to drive) led me to buy the Clio (and stop abusing company cars). However within 20,000 miles, I took it to Mt Ventoux on various occasion (worked one month for a customer over there) and let's say the car didn't appreciate the treatment. First were shot tyres as expected but the right wheel bearing became incredibly noisy and needed being replaced. Then the engine put itself in security 20k miles later and a new water pump and a gas exchanger were needed. Oups. And now on 60k miles, the other front wheel bearing is noisy and one of the rear shocks is shot. Waoh, didn't expected this from a VW at all ! the Ford had the same treatment (even longer) and never complained. Even after 60k miles, the only thing to report was a noisy passenger window motor.
But above all the Golf was just boring in every aspect (dull steering and gearchange, over assisted brakes) and sometimes furiously irritating (over sensitive ESP) and beeping on every occasion : cold temperature, passenger seat belt not on, something in front when parking, something behind... And even worst, on the 105 PS diesel engine, there are 5 gears but top speed is achieved in 4, like 'Economy' gear in 80's german cars (remember the E28 525e ?).
Anyway, today i went in a Mini center (very cheesy decoration and sellers !) to spec the car :
- British Racing Green metal paint
- white roof and side mirrors
- standard 15" Heli Spoke (i know from the Clio that it will ride and accelerate better on smaller wheels, don't mind about the look)
- leather sport wheel
- automatic tyre pressure
Business pack gives:
- velour mats
- rear park radar
- fog lights
- rain and low light detection
- automac dual zone aircon
- Bluetooth
- navigation system and infotainment
on top of it i added (from my pockets this time)
- bonnet white stripes (how couldn't i...)
- electric mirrors (how could they not be standard !!)
- central armrest
- rear sign delete
- white sidelights (on advice from the beautiful lady because 'the orange one look s**t' she said)
the car should be there in 3 months, can't wait !
Edited by 182RS on Saturday 30th May 09:00
Edited by 182RS on Saturday 30th May 09:03
krallicious said:
Nice.
Thanks !krallicious said:
I'll keep my eyes peeled when driving down through Digne to Callas. Only 3 weeks to holidays and an epic road trip. 
just checked on the map, the place near where I live is called Calas (with a single L). I see you're going next to Draguignan, which is way better as far as sceneries and driving roads are concerned. Make the best out of it 
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