Discussion
Well 4 boxes arrived from Compomotive and these were inside.
Swapped the tyres across and as if by magic.
I have to say, I absolutely love the way they look. In fact, even my Mrs noticed and commented on how much better it looked. I had actually hoped she wouldn't notice and then ask questions about cost but anyway.
While we were at it we changed the brake fluid, engine oil and filter and gearbox oil. We also found the tiny, localised bit of rust in the corner of the nearside front floor pan wasn't quite so tiny. It is very localised and easily repaired though fortunately. I knew it was there and I had intended getting it repaired over the coming winter, but like a picked scab it now looks worse than ever, so it's going down to be sorted after breakfast today. It's not a big deal but it seems daft not to sort it once and for all.
Apart from the hole, I also need to replace the rear brake pads. A previous owner fitted EBC reds and they are literally cracking. It's something I've seen before and one reason why I won't buy EBC stuff myself. I usually go with Hawk pads as they're excellent quality, perform well and don't cost silly money. I also want to renew the gear linkage bushes and try and improve the shift, which can be a little reluctant when cold. The oil change has certainly helped a little but I also think the 'quick shift' may not be installed as well as one might hope. It's on the list now anyway.
Swapped the tyres across and as if by magic.
I have to say, I absolutely love the way they look. In fact, even my Mrs noticed and commented on how much better it looked. I had actually hoped she wouldn't notice and then ask questions about cost but anyway.
While we were at it we changed the brake fluid, engine oil and filter and gearbox oil. We also found the tiny, localised bit of rust in the corner of the nearside front floor pan wasn't quite so tiny. It is very localised and easily repaired though fortunately. I knew it was there and I had intended getting it repaired over the coming winter, but like a picked scab it now looks worse than ever, so it's going down to be sorted after breakfast today. It's not a big deal but it seems daft not to sort it once and for all.
Apart from the hole, I also need to replace the rear brake pads. A previous owner fitted EBC reds and they are literally cracking. It's something I've seen before and one reason why I won't buy EBC stuff myself. I usually go with Hawk pads as they're excellent quality, perform well and don't cost silly money. I also want to renew the gear linkage bushes and try and improve the shift, which can be a little reluctant when cold. The oil change has certainly helped a little but I also think the 'quick shift' may not be installed as well as one might hope. It's on the list now anyway.
That looks great, probably looks even better in the flesh as the wheels may not look so dark?
Looks like you have a serious amount of negative camber on the front in the picture, or is it my eyes!?
I've never really got on with short shifts to be honest...I've just taken the one out of the 320is as it was notchy and generally horrible...much smoother now..and let's face it, is it really that important...I've always found the slightly longer throw on these old cars part of the charm. The only one I found ok was an AC one that was in an E36 evo a few years back..it did cost the previous owner about five hundred quid though so it ought to have been good!
Looks like you have a serious amount of negative camber on the front in the picture, or is it my eyes!?
I've never really got on with short shifts to be honest...I've just taken the one out of the 320is as it was notchy and generally horrible...much smoother now..and let's face it, is it really that important...I've always found the slightly longer throw on these old cars part of the charm. The only one I found ok was an AC one that was in an E36 evo a few years back..it did cost the previous owner about five hundred quid though so it ought to have been good!
I know what you mean but I think it all comes down to the installation too. My old 325 race car had the best selection of any car I have ever owned, including MX5's. It was a real joy the way in snicked through the box. The M3 actually has the ACS shift fitted but I think I'll remove and inspect it, when the opportunity arises.
Yes, there is a bit of negative camber but I'm going to get the alignment etc done this weekend, once I call and book it in.
As I type though, Joe has kindly started chopping out the localised rust in the nearside footwell and sill. The rest of the car is good and solid, so it made sense to get it sorted before it really took a hold. I bloody hate repairs like this though. It always looks so awful.
If it's finished by this time tomorrow I'm heading to Llandow for Saturday. If.
Yes, there is a bit of negative camber but I'm going to get the alignment etc done this weekend, once I call and book it in.
As I type though, Joe has kindly started chopping out the localised rust in the nearside footwell and sill. The rest of the car is good and solid, so it made sense to get it sorted before it really took a hold. I bloody hate repairs like this though. It always looks so awful.
If it's finished by this time tomorrow I'm heading to Llandow for Saturday. If.
Edited by e21Mark on Thursday 14th August 19:25
e21Mark said:
I know what you mean but I think it all comes down to the installation too. My old 325 race car had the best selection of any car I have ever owned, including MX5's. It was a real joy the way in snicked through the box. The M3 actually has the ACS shift fitted but I think I'll remove and inspect it, when the opportunity arises.
Yes, there is a bit of negative camber but I'm going to get the alignment etc done this weekend, once I call and book it in.
As I type though, Joe has kindly started chopping out the localised rust in the nearside footwell and sill. The rest of the car is good and solid, so it made sense to get it sorted before it really took a hold. I bloody hate repairs like this though. It always looks so awful.
If it's finished by this time tomorrow I'm heading to Llandow for Saturday. If.
Fair enough, you may have a tight joint or play in some of the bushes that's making it worse.Yes, there is a bit of negative camber but I'm going to get the alignment etc done this weekend, once I call and book it in.
As I type though, Joe has kindly started chopping out the localised rust in the nearside footwell and sill. The rest of the car is good and solid, so it made sense to get it sorted before it really took a hold. I bloody hate repairs like this though. It always looks so awful.
If it's finished by this time tomorrow I'm heading to Llandow for Saturday. If.
Edited by e21Mark on Thursday 14th August 19:25
I know what you mean about the body, I've got a tiny bit starting on the battery box closing panel, it's dripping in bilth hamber at the moment but I know I need to get on it soon before it takes hold....like you said in another post rust couldn't care less what badge is on it !
I really must get over to see joe,I won't disturb him while he has his grinder on your car tho
Yes, I do seem to have developed a bit of a thing for the older stuff. I discovered BMW by accident in the late 80's when I bought a ropey, kermit green 1502 from a traders line of px's. I loved the bloody thing and haven't been without an 02 of some description ever since!
Well I just got the text that the M3 is totally rust free once again! We're pretty spoilt for people that know their way around an M3 here in Cornwall. I'm going to chuck a few things in a bag and head on up to Llandow Circuit for tomorrow's track day. I'm actually on the reserve list but even if I don't get a place, I figure the roads around there are worth the drive up anyway. I'm going to try and get the Gopro working too.
Well I just got the text that the M3 is totally rust free once again! We're pretty spoilt for people that know their way around an M3 here in Cornwall. I'm going to chuck a few things in a bag and head on up to Llandow Circuit for tomorrow's track day. I'm actually on the reserve list but even if I don't get a place, I figure the roads around there are worth the drive up anyway. I'm going to try and get the Gopro working too.
e21Mark said:
Did you know the V8 has gone from Joe's car? It's going back to an s14 with Schrick, CF air box etc and around 300 brake. Might not have the V8 grunt but at least it'll be eligible for more events. It won't hurt the cars value either.
I didn't know that, I always thought it was a shame putting that lump in that lovely shell he managed to get his hands on, he might even get some traction off the line now too 
Glad you're rust free again, have a good trip to the track, fingers crossed you'll get some track time.
Well Joe (Avers Racing) did a great job on the jacking point, that isn't a jacking point at all, plus he also fabricated and fitted a clutch foot rest. I'd been meaning to install one for a while and it just makes driving way more comfortable. I don't know why BMW didn't fit one as stock? Next will be a GroupA throttle pedal assembly.
So Friday evening I headed for Wales and Llandow Circuit. I actually only made it to Sedgemoor and a hotel room that stank of fags! Eventually I made Llandow with a few minutes to spare before tithe entertaining drivers briefing. I'd never been before but the whole atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly. In fact the whole day was great fun and the car performed brilliantly. I got some great photos too, which I'll try and post later.
So Friday evening I headed for Wales and Llandow Circuit. I actually only made it to Sedgemoor and a hotel room that stank of fags! Eventually I made Llandow with a few minutes to spare before tithe entertaining drivers briefing. I'd never been before but the whole atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly. In fact the whole day was great fun and the car performed brilliantly. I got some great photos too, which I'll try and post later.
It was a toss up between Gaydon or Llandow and you can see what won.
I'm really pleased with the wheel choice. I think they really suit the M3 although I know wheel choice is pretty subjective. I just think they finish the look and they're the perfect size and offset. In fact, I might have preferred 16's but the tyres are just way more expensive and the choice less.
Who'd have thought it about the sunrrof?
I was also pretty happy with the tyre performance, as the fronts are actually Toyo R1R and I've heard mixed reports. The Dunlop rears were excellent and the only 'moment' was when I took a little too much kerb on the tightest track section and got snap oversteer. Fortunately the car flattered my reactions and it was easily saved. I absolutely love the way the M3 handles and the amount of grip it actually generates. When it does break traction, it is just so progressive and even a decidedly average driver like me, can gather it all up and keep pressing on. The one thing I would like though, it quicker steering, so a high ratio rack may have to go on the Christmas list.
I'm really pleased with the wheel choice. I think they really suit the M3 although I know wheel choice is pretty subjective. I just think they finish the look and they're the perfect size and offset. In fact, I might have preferred 16's but the tyres are just way more expensive and the choice less.
Who'd have thought it about the sunrrof?
I was also pretty happy with the tyre performance, as the fronts are actually Toyo R1R and I've heard mixed reports. The Dunlop rears were excellent and the only 'moment' was when I took a little too much kerb on the tightest track section and got snap oversteer. Fortunately the car flattered my reactions and it was easily saved. I absolutely love the way the M3 handles and the amount of grip it actually generates. When it does break traction, it is just so progressive and even a decidedly average driver like me, can gather it all up and keep pressing on. The one thing I would like though, it quicker steering, so a high ratio rack may have to go on the Christmas list.
sprouting said:
Living the dream as always
I had to work so didn't go to Gaydon either. Will be RR gathering
though. Drooling along with everyone else.
See you there. I actually bought a clay bar and wax, in a effort to spruce up the paintwork before RR. I had to work so didn't go to Gaydon either. Will be RR gathering though. Drooling along with everyone else.
Yesterday I went and had the wheel alignment and tracking done, as I knew the front toe was out if nothing else. I'm also running a bit more negative camber than is ideal, for the street anyway! It's much better now that it has been adjusted though and certainly doesn't tramline as badly as it did. It also turns in more easily and generally just feels less nervous. Basically it was seventy quid well spent.
As I plan to go to RR I'm going to see if I can improve the paint finish. It looks great after a wash but I'm confident it would benefit from a proper wash and polish. I'm going to have some paint done over the winter months and I'm still tempted to go with the old Bastos livery.
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