Discussion
Cheers guys. Yes, I'm really pleased with the way it's turned out. DJ Coachworks have done a cracking job with the paint and all those little blemishes and dents have now gone. It's almost too nice to take it to Brands next month. Almost!
The new wheels will have to wait till Tuesday. I wasn't back soon enough to collect them yesterday and the fitters are scared of scratching them, which is why they've had them for so long, Better that than have some herbert who doesn't know what he doing have a go!
I'll also give it an oil and filter change next week, before I put a few miles on it.
I have returned the V8 now and actually used it for the drive to London yesterday. The performance is phenomenal and as the A30 was empty at 3.30am, I was able to stretch its legs a little. I could have easily touched 140+ on the straighter sections, but obviously I wouldn't.
The effortless speed, the way that V8 can rev and the noise it makes are the 3 things I'll remember most. It just looks way too bland though and is way too heavy. It's just too much like any other 3 series of the same year also.
Getting back into the E30 M3 was like putting on my favourite trainers. I just love everything about it. Yes, it could use a bit more power, but it's hardly what you'd call slow. The engine sounds fantastic, especially with the benefit of that air box. It's just that to me, it's just everything that the V8 isn't. I know the stripped interior, race seats and harnesses aren't to everyones tastes but they help make every journey an event. They also mean I can enjoy the speed an M3 will carry into a corner, without having to brace myself on the steering wheel or door. Yes, I probably do look a bit of a knob at petrol stations, as I try and climb out over the cage, but it's just so much fun. I'm well aware how corny this all sounds too and have read all those articles, where people wax lyrical about the E30 M3's abilities, but it's true. I don't know why BMW don't build a new car with the same dynamics and ethos? I know Toyota did it, with the GT86, which seems pretty popular.
The new wheels will have to wait till Tuesday. I wasn't back soon enough to collect them yesterday and the fitters are scared of scratching them, which is why they've had them for so long, Better that than have some herbert who doesn't know what he doing have a go!
I'll also give it an oil and filter change next week, before I put a few miles on it.
I have returned the V8 now and actually used it for the drive to London yesterday. The performance is phenomenal and as the A30 was empty at 3.30am, I was able to stretch its legs a little. I could have easily touched 140+ on the straighter sections, but obviously I wouldn't.
The effortless speed, the way that V8 can rev and the noise it makes are the 3 things I'll remember most. It just looks way too bland though and is way too heavy. It's just too much like any other 3 series of the same year also.Getting back into the E30 M3 was like putting on my favourite trainers. I just love everything about it. Yes, it could use a bit more power, but it's hardly what you'd call slow. The engine sounds fantastic, especially with the benefit of that air box. It's just that to me, it's just everything that the V8 isn't. I know the stripped interior, race seats and harnesses aren't to everyones tastes but they help make every journey an event. They also mean I can enjoy the speed an M3 will carry into a corner, without having to brace myself on the steering wheel or door. Yes, I probably do look a bit of a knob at petrol stations, as I try and climb out over the cage, but it's just so much fun. I'm well aware how corny this all sounds too and have read all those articles, where people wax lyrical about the E30 M3's abilities, but it's true. I don't know why BMW don't build a new car with the same dynamics and ethos? I know Toyota did it, with the GT86, which seems pretty popular.
Edited by e21Mark on Sunday 24th May 06:35
Mark,
The car looks absolutely stunning, would love to have seen how it would have looked, if you'd kept the wheel centres gold. That cars got to be a keeper?? We come down to watergate bay couple of times a year would love to see it in flesh, This thread really makes me miss my old Evo 2😢.
The car looks absolutely stunning, would love to have seen how it would have looked, if you'd kept the wheel centres gold. That cars got to be a keeper?? We come down to watergate bay couple of times a year would love to see it in flesh, This thread really makes me miss my old Evo 2😢.
I see the local wildlife has approved the new paint! Wheels look great, I too can't help but wonder what they would look like with gold centres but they look lovely as they are. Either way there are worst positions to be in than having two great sets of wheels to choose from 
Still, with any luck you might get bored of the reps by next year, I'm only a text away
Enjoy
Still, with any luck you might get bored of the reps by next year, I'm only a text away
Enjoy
Well I took the M3 for a service and it's just back. I noticed it was dropping a little oil, which is what pushed me to take it in, but thankfully it was just the lower sump pan gasket. The filter was also a bit looser than is ideal, but as it was replaced anyway, all is well again. We did note that the sump had quite a lot of sludge in the bottom. Fortunately it's had several oil changes over the past 12 months, so I've tried to keep an eye on things. I know it sat around unused for quite some time before I got it and that's never a good thing. I also noticed the dipstick is a bit pitted and corroded so have ordered a new one.
All being well, I am off to Brands Hatch on Wednesday. It's a bit of a hike but it's such a great circuit. My pal is also taking his e21 track car along. Added to which, being a Retro Car magazine event, there is always an eclectic mix of cars there. On the Thursday we are going to fit the interior in readiness for the BHP car show near Plymouth. I'm going to keep my race seat, harness and the cage though. I might even give it a bit of a wash and wax, although I'm not sure which is best? Any suggestions?
All being well, I am off to Brands Hatch on Wednesday. It's a bit of a hike but it's such a great circuit. My pal is also taking his e21 track car along. Added to which, being a Retro Car magazine event, there is always an eclectic mix of cars there. On the Thursday we are going to fit the interior in readiness for the BHP car show near Plymouth. I'm going to keep my race seat, harness and the cage though. I might even give it a bit of a wash and wax, although I'm not sure which is best? Any suggestions?
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