Discussion
Thanks. I know I'm incredibly fortunate to have one. I used to buy BMW Car, when it first started and I was a spotty yoof lusting after the Schnitzer cars. It was much harder to see that stuff back then, with no google images etc. Back then you could get a properly mint example for £5k and I was actually offered an OK car for £3.5 but couldn't raise the funds.
I've been fortunate enough to own 5 over the past few years and the bit of cash I made on each (plus a donation from my partner to shut me up!) allowed me to get this one and keep it. The seller was also incredibly patient and waited 6 months for me to collect. It's by no means mint but that's not what I wanted. It is solid though and makes a great noise. It's also the reason I have no money!
I've been fortunate enough to own 5 over the past few years and the bit of cash I made on each (plus a donation from my partner to shut me up!) allowed me to get this one and keep it. The seller was also incredibly patient and waited 6 months for me to collect. It's by no means mint but that's not what I wanted. It is solid though and makes a great noise. It's also the reason I have no money!
Well it seems there were a couple more problems with the M3 than first thought. My pal took a look at the exhaust manifold gasket leak and it appears some of the studs need replacing. M3's are well known for vibration and regular spanner checks are a must. I can't be sure if the missing studs simply vibrated out over time, or if there's been a past problem? Obviously the biggest worry is that the threads have stripped in the head as that could prove expensive. It also seems that whoever fitted the gear linkage and modified it, didn't do a very thorough job. These simply aren't the kind of cars you cut corners on. The knock on effect of the poorly adapted linkage is that it has damaged the propshaft donut, so that also needs replacing. The final task is replacing the plastic front wheel arch liners. They used to be around £23 each, but as is often the way with these things, the prices have gone up and with M tax we're looking at around £57 each! Anyway, I'm hoping I can get these jobs sorted in time for RRG on Sunday.
One bit of good news was snagging a pair of new rear tyres. Sadly the Dunlops I run currently are NLA, so the nearest equivalent are Toyo r888's although they're just about the same when it comes to performance. I saved a few quid on list price and have stuck them in the garage till I need them.
I've been quite lucky with the garage. The view isn't bad either.
While I was there I swapped the wheels on the 02's over. I much prefer the ATS on the white 02.
The Minilites look way better on the blue car but it needs a wash before I take any proper photos.
A taster though...
One bit of good news was snagging a pair of new rear tyres. Sadly the Dunlops I run currently are NLA, so the nearest equivalent are Toyo r888's although they're just about the same when it comes to performance. I saved a few quid on list price and have stuck them in the garage till I need them.
I've been quite lucky with the garage. The view isn't bad either.
While I was there I swapped the wheels on the 02's over. I much prefer the ATS on the white 02.
The Minilites look way better on the blue car but it needs a wash before I take any proper photos.
A taster though...
I've experienced the same problem with the studs, ie finding them missing, and in each case they had just vibrated loose and new ones went straight in with no damage to the thread. They have just become a servicing check now with a quick check nip at every oil service.
With regards the arch liners, I replaced some cracked ones last year and within six months they had cracked again. I bought some more and made sure they were nipped up gently with all the associated panels in a relaxed position and guess what, cracked again. The new panels did feel a bit more brittle but that have been my imagination but either way but at the price they are now they can stay for now!
With regards the arch liners, I replaced some cracked ones last year and within six months they had cracked again. I bought some more and made sure they were nipped up gently with all the associated panels in a relaxed position and guess what, cracked again. The new panels did feel a bit more brittle but that have been my imagination but either way but at the price they are now they can stay for now!
mark.c said:
I've experienced the same problem with the studs, ie finding them missing, and in each case they had just vibrated loose and new ones went straight in with no damage to the thread. They have just become a servicing check now with a quick check nip at every oil service.
With regards the arch liners, I replaced some cracked ones last year and within six months they had cracked again. I bought some more and made sure they were nipped up gently with all the associated panels in a relaxed position and guess what, cracked again. The new panels did feel a bit more brittle but that have been my imagination but either way but at the price they are now they can stay for now!
I feel a bit better about it now I know I'm not alone with losing the occasional stud. I'm going to tap the threads but I'm guessing loctite wouldn't cope with the heat there? I'd like to be fitting a new manifold from www.zeroexhausts.co.uk but I've got a bit of saving to do yet. It's about £900 but it really is a thing of beauty. With regards the arch liners, I replaced some cracked ones last year and within six months they had cracked again. I bought some more and made sure they were nipped up gently with all the associated panels in a relaxed position and guess what, cracked again. The new panels did feel a bit more brittle but that have been my imagination but either way but at the price they are now they can stay for now!
My old liners are absolutely shot so really needed replacing. You'd think they'd make them from a softer plastic, so that they'd cope with flex and stuff hitting them? Mind you, they're onto a good thing with people replacing them at £54 or whatever a pop!
Are there any sensibly priced but good quality body shops nearby? Otherwise I'll need to send it to Essex for the winter.
e21Mark said:
mark.c said:
I've experienced the same problem with the studs, ie finding them missing, and in each case they had just vibrated loose and new ones went straight in with no damage to the thread. They have just become a servicing check now with a quick check nip at every oil service.
With regards the arch liners, I replaced some cracked ones last year and within six months they had cracked again. I bought some more and made sure they were nipped up gently with all the associated panels in a relaxed position and guess what, cracked again. The new panels did feel a bit more brittle but that have been my imagination but either way but at the price they are now they can stay for now!
I feel a bit better about it now I know I'm not alone with losing the occasional stud. I'm going to tap the threads but I'm guessing loctite wouldn't cope with the heat there? I'd like to be fitting a new manifold from www.zeroexhausts.co.uk but I've got a bit of saving to do yet. It's about £900 but it really is a thing of beauty. With regards the arch liners, I replaced some cracked ones last year and within six months they had cracked again. I bought some more and made sure they were nipped up gently with all the associated panels in a relaxed position and guess what, cracked again. The new panels did feel a bit more brittle but that have been my imagination but either way but at the price they are now they can stay for now!
My old liners are absolutely shot so really needed replacing. You'd think they'd make them from a softer plastic, so that they'd cope with flex and stuff hitting them? Mind you, they're onto a good thing with people replacing them at £54 or whatever a pop!
Are there any sensibly priced but good quality body shops nearby? Otherwise I'll need to send it to Essex for the winter.
http://www.autostyl.co.uk/
The man to speak to is called Anthony. The job they did was stunning and I wouldnt hesitate to use them again, in fact when the M3 finally gets it's turn it will be going there.
ETA: I should warn you that he is likely to offer to take off your rubbish M3 suspension and put it on bags!!
Edited by mark.c on Friday 29th August 10:11
Still waiting on studs and nuts from BMW, along with a new gear shift linkage. I'm guessing it'll be a Z3 one as they're shorter than stock M3. The one we've taken out had been chopped and welded (by Stevie Wonder I reckon) and wasn't even straight. Anyway, onwards and upwards.
Hopefully things will be sorted in time for Santa Pod at the end of this month. It won't be long after that when it'll be getting garaged for the Winter.
Hopefully things will be sorted in time for Santa Pod at the end of this month. It won't be long after that when it'll be getting garaged for the Winter.
Car is back in rude health and I got to enjoy a few miles blasting around in today's sunshine.
All the exhaust studs had to be replaced and the threads in the head re-tapped. They're easily sheared off I guess and I'm glad they didn't cause me problems.
The gear change is sorted and far better than it was before. First gear can still be a little reluctant when cold but the shift through all the other gears is great. There's no vibration from the prop shaft now either, as the old donut was replaced.
There's still a list of jobs I want to work through over the winter but I also need to finish my E21. I'm going to take the M3 to the BMW show at Santa Pod on the 28th and after that I'll think about putting it away for the winter. I'm not entirely sure what that involves though?
All the exhaust studs had to be replaced and the threads in the head re-tapped. They're easily sheared off I guess and I'm glad they didn't cause me problems.
The gear change is sorted and far better than it was before. First gear can still be a little reluctant when cold but the shift through all the other gears is great. There's no vibration from the prop shaft now either, as the old donut was replaced.
There's still a list of jobs I want to work through over the winter but I also need to finish my E21. I'm going to take the M3 to the BMW show at Santa Pod on the 28th and after that I'll think about putting it away for the winter. I'm not entirely sure what that involves though?
Glad it's sorted Mark, just in time for this little bit of good weather.
As for winter, all I've ever done is give it an oil change, pump the tyres up an extra bit and that's it. If it's been put away for many months then once a month I run it up to temp . I never used to do this but a couple years ago after a winter lay up it ran like a bag of nails which turned out to be a gummed up injector. So now the only other thing I've tried is a fuel treatment bottle in the last tank of juice before it goes away and the once a month start. No problems since.
As for winter, all I've ever done is give it an oil change, pump the tyres up an extra bit and that's it. If it's been put away for many months then once a month I run it up to temp . I never used to do this but a couple years ago after a winter lay up it ran like a bag of nails which turned out to be a gummed up injector. So now the only other thing I've tried is a fuel treatment bottle in the last tank of juice before it goes away and the once a month start. No problems since.
mark.c said:
Glad it's sorted Mark, just in time for this little bit of good weather.
As for winter, all I've ever done is give it an oil change, pump the tyres up an extra bit and that's it. If it's been put away for many months then once a month I run it up to temp . I never used to do this but a couple years ago after a winter lay up it ran like a bag of nails which turned out to be a gummed up injector. So now the only other thing I've tried is a fuel treatment bottle in the last tank of juice before it goes away and the once a month start. No problems since.
If you can stomach the tax/insurance Mark, I'd keep it ready to go. By all means avoid the salty wet roads but if you get a dry spell after some heavy rain the roads will be 'clean' and it's fun to use your car mid-winter. Does them good to be used one per week rather than laid up for months in my experience. It's a good time to do upgrades/refurbs whatever but I think you'd enjoy a sunny mild December Saturday afternoon drive As for winter, all I've ever done is give it an oil change, pump the tyres up an extra bit and that's it. If it's been put away for many months then once a month I run it up to temp . I never used to do this but a couple years ago after a winter lay up it ran like a bag of nails which turned out to be a gummed up injector. So now the only other thing I've tried is a fuel treatment bottle in the last tank of juice before it goes away and the once a month start. No problems since.
s m said:
mark.c said:
Glad it's sorted Mark, just in time for this little bit of good weather.
As for winter, all I've ever done is give it an oil change, pump the tyres up an extra bit and that's it. If it's been put away for many months then once a month I run it up to temp . I never used to do this but a couple years ago after a winter lay up it ran like a bag of nails which turned out to be a gummed up injector. So now the only other thing I've tried is a fuel treatment bottle in the last tank of juice before it goes away and the once a month start. No problems since.
If you can stomach the tax/insurance Mark, I'd keep it ready to go. By all means avoid the salty wet roads but if you get a dry spell after some heavy rain the roads will be 'clean' and it's fun to use your car mid-winter. Does them good to be used one per week rather than laid up for months in my experience. It's a good time to do upgrades/refurbs whatever but I think you'd enjoy a sunny mild December Saturday afternoon drive As for winter, all I've ever done is give it an oil change, pump the tyres up an extra bit and that's it. If it's been put away for many months then once a month I run it up to temp . I never used to do this but a couple years ago after a winter lay up it ran like a bag of nails which turned out to be a gummed up injector. So now the only other thing I've tried is a fuel treatment bottle in the last tank of juice before it goes away and the once a month start. No problems since.
I think that's the solution I'll opt for. I've just bought one of those security post jobbies and booked a local builder to put it in. ( I did consider putting it in myself, but I needed someone to dig a bloody great hole in a concrete floor and figured they may as well finish the job. ) I don't need much reason to go to the village where my garage is anyway, so putting a few miles on it, every few weeks, isn't much of an issue really.
I need to try and find a trimmer who'll re upholster my Ridgard seats. They're in OK condition, if a little tired in places, but would be great in alcantara. It might have been cheaper to opt for new but since I broke my neck, back and pelvis, having a comfortable seat is paramount. I simply can't tolerate supposed "comfort" seats and a race seat is by far the best option for me. We've got a brand new Aldi A3 with their sport seats and more than 30 minutes in that is like sitting on razor blades!
When the seats are done, I also thought I'd get the dash flocked. I really like the look in Chris Harris' M3 and it isn't expensive. I'll also delete the trim bits I no longer need, like the heated seat switches. The floor could also do with being repainted unless I refit a carpet? I'd also like to remove and repaint the cage. I think I'd keep it black though, as red might be a bit much?
On the outside there are a few stone chips here and there. I've also got a small crack to the bottom corner of the rear bumper. It's only small but it's annoying. There's also a small, shallow dent in the rear window hoop. What I should have done, was try a suction mount on a hot, sunny day?! I just couldn't bring myself to do it though! I imagined it all going horribly wrong and it looking far worse as a result. I'll just leave it to a professional instead.
I think I'm going to take it to Santa Pod on the 28th as I've missed most of this years shows. I'd hoped the E21 would be finished but although it now starts and runs, it has yet to be painted. I'm hoping it won't be too much longer now though?
I need to try and find a trimmer who'll re upholster my Ridgard seats. They're in OK condition, if a little tired in places, but would be great in alcantara. It might have been cheaper to opt for new but since I broke my neck, back and pelvis, having a comfortable seat is paramount. I simply can't tolerate supposed "comfort" seats and a race seat is by far the best option for me. We've got a brand new Aldi A3 with their sport seats and more than 30 minutes in that is like sitting on razor blades!
When the seats are done, I also thought I'd get the dash flocked. I really like the look in Chris Harris' M3 and it isn't expensive. I'll also delete the trim bits I no longer need, like the heated seat switches. The floor could also do with being repainted unless I refit a carpet? I'd also like to remove and repaint the cage. I think I'd keep it black though, as red might be a bit much?
On the outside there are a few stone chips here and there. I've also got a small crack to the bottom corner of the rear bumper. It's only small but it's annoying. There's also a small, shallow dent in the rear window hoop. What I should have done, was try a suction mount on a hot, sunny day?! I just couldn't bring myself to do it though! I imagined it all going horribly wrong and it looking far worse as a result. I'll just leave it to a professional instead.
I think I'm going to take it to Santa Pod on the 28th as I've missed most of this years shows. I'd hoped the E21 would be finished but although it now starts and runs, it has yet to be painted. I'm hoping it won't be too much longer now though?
These things never go as quick as we hope, but you've shown real patience so far. Had a quick look round
your 02 at SHELSLEY WALSH, Its very nice although they've never really been my thing, but the burgundy e21 320
that was next you, i just couldn't stop looking at. I would of said hello but you were talking to someone and
i'm socially awkward anyway
your 02 at SHELSLEY WALSH, Its very nice although they've never really been my thing, but the burgundy e21 320
that was next you, i just couldn't stop looking at. I would of said hello but you were talking to someone and
i'm socially awkward anyway
Had these done by a local trimmer a few years back ( still not got around to fitting them hence why they are in a cupboard!)
He doesn't advertise as such so I'll pm you his number. Takes his time but used proper napa leather and I couldn't fault him. The stitching was OEM quality.
As for a good PDR man, Crystal Car Valeting ( the guy I sent the number of) has a PDR chap visit most Tuesdays, he does all the main dealers in the area and is well recommended, I've used him personally.
ETA rubbish pics I know and upside down but you get the idea, if your in the area you're welcome to see it in the flesh.
He doesn't advertise as such so I'll pm you his number. Takes his time but used proper napa leather and I couldn't fault him. The stitching was OEM quality.
As for a good PDR man, Crystal Car Valeting ( the guy I sent the number of) has a PDR chap visit most Tuesdays, he does all the main dealers in the area and is well recommended, I've used him personally.
ETA rubbish pics I know and upside down but you get the idea, if your in the area you're welcome to see it in the flesh.
sprouting said:
These things never go as quick as we hope, but you've shown real patience so far. Had a quick look round
your 02 at SHELSLEY WALSH, Its very nice although they've never really been my thing, but the burgundy e21 320
that was next you, i just couldn't stop looking at. I would of said hello but you were talking to someone and
i'm socially awkward anyway
You should have said hi. It's always good to put a face to a screen name! Yeah, the blue 02 is a cracking car. It may have some patina but it's bullet proof when it comes to reliability and it did 560 miles that day, without any trouble.your 02 at SHELSLEY WALSH, Its very nice although they've never really been my thing, but the burgundy e21 320
that was next you, i just couldn't stop looking at. I would of said hello but you were talking to someone and
i'm socially awkward anyway
mark.c said:
Had these done by a local trimmer a few years back ( still not got around to fitting them hence why they are in a cupboard!)
He doesn't advertise as such so I'll pm you his number. Takes his time but used proper napa leather and I couldn't fault him. The stitching was OEM quality.
As for a good PDR man, Crystal Car Valeting ( the guy I sent the number of) has a PDR chap visit most Tuesdays, he does all the main dealers in the area and is well recommended, I've used him personally.
ETA rubbish pics I know and upside down but you get the idea, if your in the area you're welcome to see it in the flesh.
They look lovely. I almost wish I had an interior when I see seats like that....almost. He doesn't advertise as such so I'll pm you his number. Takes his time but used proper napa leather and I couldn't fault him. The stitching was OEM quality.
As for a good PDR man, Crystal Car Valeting ( the guy I sent the number of) has a PDR chap visit most Tuesdays, he does all the main dealers in the area and is well recommended, I've used him personally.
ETA rubbish pics I know and upside down but you get the idea, if your in the area you're welcome to see it in the flesh.
I do think I might go for carpet though.Anyway, as the sun is out, I'm off to put some miles on it.
I know what you mean, ever since I've had this one I keep saying I'm going to put it back to something like original, that was 8 odd years ago I had the seats done and bought a new carpet etc within a few months of buying the car and it's all been in cupboard ever since. To me for the time being the car just feels right as it is ...
I had the seats done and bought a new carpet etc within a few months of buying the car and it's all been in cupboard ever since. To me for the time being the car just feels right as it is ...Yours does look really nice. I've always been a fan of that colour too. In fact I had one, which with hindsight I should never have sold. It had an 8 year old Cat D against in, after a box trailer was reversed into the rear quarter. As a result it sat in a garden neglected for a few years, till someone with an urge to have an e30 M3, had their local MAIN DEALER restore it!! Including a new front scuttle and assorted other panels. When I came to sell it I got a load of emails accusing me of ringing it, despite my having a photographic record and all the invoices, from when this guy had the restoration done. This was only a couple of years ago and it ended up going home to Germany for just £10k! The buyer couldn't believe his luck!
Can you imagine getting this for £10k today?
Anyway, I have come to the conclusion I am very immature. I went for a blast around the lanes today and was giggling like a schoolgirl at the pops and bangs, from the exhaust. The induction noise from the airbox is just so addictive and when you combine all that, with the way it'll grip around the bends, it's just impossible to find fault with the thing. I absolutely adore it. There's another E30 M3 thread on here, where a previous owner says that he simply doesn't get what all the fuss is about. He said he wasn't at all impressed with either the performance or handling of his car. I know they're not super fast by modern standards, but as far as I'm concerned the handling is sublime and all those things they put in the magazines were true. I'm a pretty mediocre driver and I like the way it flatters. I also like the fact you don't have to be travelling at silly speeds to really enjoy the chassis. Anyway, I'll stop going on about it.
This was my first. It went back to Germany too.
This was my 320is but with an S50/3.0 conversion and 300 brake.
This is what I want for MIG next. It's from Zero Exhausts in Kent.
I'm still tempted to go with the Bastos livery too.
Can you imagine getting this for £10k today?
Anyway, I have come to the conclusion I am very immature. I went for a blast around the lanes today and was giggling like a schoolgirl at the pops and bangs, from the exhaust. The induction noise from the airbox is just so addictive and when you combine all that, with the way it'll grip around the bends, it's just impossible to find fault with the thing. I absolutely adore it. There's another E30 M3 thread on here, where a previous owner says that he simply doesn't get what all the fuss is about. He said he wasn't at all impressed with either the performance or handling of his car. I know they're not super fast by modern standards, but as far as I'm concerned the handling is sublime and all those things they put in the magazines were true. I'm a pretty mediocre driver and I like the way it flatters. I also like the fact you don't have to be travelling at silly speeds to really enjoy the chassis. Anyway, I'll stop going on about it.
This was my first. It went back to Germany too.
This was my 320is but with an S50/3.0 conversion and 300 brake.
This is what I want for MIG next. It's from Zero Exhausts in Kent.
I'm still tempted to go with the Bastos livery too.
You're not the only one to think that they really are great cars, I can bore myself silly with the amount I will drivel on about how good they are! I've always found though that if you have to explain to someone who has driven a good one what they are all about then you are already on to a loosing wicket. To not be impressed with an E30 M3 because it isn't very fast is to utterly miss the point of the car in my view, granted they aren't very quick by today's standards but let's face it, what is unless it had 300hp+ back in the day. I love the tactility of the car, where every input has a reaction no matter how minute, the feeling of connection that many modern cars just don't have, fly by wire throttles and other electric gizmos put paid to that a long time ago. Today's cars are of course quicker, have more mechanical grip, safer etc but I've not yet driven one that gives me the same buzz, feeling and pure forgiving fun as my little old slow coach M3, my CSL included, although that is bloody good .
Each to their own of course and horses for courses but for me it rocks.
.Each to their own of course and horses for courses but for me it rocks.
Talking of cars we wished we never sold... 
Advertised for months and months at a time where the market was flooded, got 6.8k for it in the end, 80k and a proper late car that wanted for nothing. As with yours it eventually went back to Germany for 23k a few years later.
I sold it to buy this..
Non sunroofed C2 with a few RS bits, lovely car and properly sorted, paid 16k, sold for 17k and a few years later went back to Germany for 32k.....maybe a theme here!!
Still I wasn't without an M3 for long and bought the early car I still have now, won't be making the same mistake again by selling it anytime soon
Oh...Bastos colours get my vote
Advertised for months and months at a time where the market was flooded, got 6.8k for it in the end, 80k and a proper late car that wanted for nothing. As with yours it eventually went back to Germany for 23k a few years later.
I sold it to buy this..
Non sunroofed C2 with a few RS bits, lovely car and properly sorted, paid 16k, sold for 17k and a few years later went back to Germany for 32k.....maybe a theme here!!
Still I wasn't without an M3 for long and bought the early car I still have now, won't be making the same mistake again by selling it anytime soon
Oh...Bastos colours get my vote
911 is another itch I have yet to scratch, although unless my numbers come up, it doesn't seem likely. When I was in my 20's I lived near Eagle Racing, the E type people. Henry, the owner, was such a nice guy and would let me wonder around his stock like a prospective customer. I'm sure he knew I didn't have 2 brass farthings but it didn't stop him letting me take an early 911 sport (SWB) for a blast around the Kent lanes. Some 20+ years later I still smile when I think of it. In many ways it was like the M3. The same, but different. When I do get that lottery win I'll add a Singer 911 to the list of M3 GrpA race car and an F40. (I'm not greedy). My daily for shopping etc will be a 3.0si with a V8 conversion.
Anyway, as the sun is out and I'm off today, the M3 engine bay could do with a clean. I'm also dropping the white 02 down to Joe, so will take a nose at how his M3 is progressing.
Anyway, as the sun is out and I'm off today, the M3 engine bay could do with a clean. I'm also dropping the white 02 down to Joe, so will take a nose at how his M3 is progressing.
Coming home yesterday, I noticed a slight hesitation and the engine just wasn't pulling through the revs as cleanly as usual. There doesn't seem to be any fuelling issue and the AFR gauge reads correctly. Fuel pressure is also spot on, so I'm assuming there's something amiss on the ignition side? I fitted new plugs a couple of thousand miles ago, but the distributor cap and rotor arm are an unknown quantity. I called my local dealer and apart from being "order only", they're also £220 plus VAT! Bloody hell!! Fortunately, C3 in Kent do the same Bosch parts and a set of new plugs for half the price. All being well, they'll be here Monday.
I'm going to a body shop this week and plan on sorting the paint before next spring. I'm also waiting to here from www.zeroexhausts.co.uk regarding their four branch and system.
I'm going to a body shop this week and plan on sorting the paint before next spring. I'm also waiting to here from www.zeroexhausts.co.uk regarding their four branch and system.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff