Lugy's BMW 740I and friends
Discussion
Nice to see the 9-3 get some love and appreciation. Despite it being a Chavalier underneath - they are a really well built and robust car. They are also worth nothing these days - wouldn't mind a yellow 3 door for sh*ts and giggles.
Mate of mine just sent his to the wreckers when the head gasket blew on his 1996 2.3 N/A at 250km - always liked that motor, but was never a patch on my shed 406 in terms of dynamics!
Mate of mine just sent his to the wreckers when the head gasket blew on his 1996 2.3 N/A at 250km - always liked that motor, but was never a patch on my shed 406 in terms of dynamics!
I really like mine (as can be seen with how much work has been done recently!), it's no sports car but there's fun to be had hooning around in it - especially 3rd gear. Certainly keeps much more expensive stuff honest but could be doing with a stage 3 tune now!
I've always wanted a yellow Viggen but they seem to have been caught up in the 'modern classic' carry on
.
I've always wanted a yellow Viggen but they seem to have been caught up in the 'modern classic' carry on
. Lugy said:
Cheers Sirs!
Sparks, I think keeping it until it's no longer viable to run is the plan, I genuinely can't think of any car to replace it for 'sensible' money (£5-7k)! How are you getting on with your 530?
Good plan! It's in the classifieds as I don't use it at the moment, we just use my girlfriends car. Sparks, I think keeping it until it's no longer viable to run is the plan, I genuinely can't think of any car to replace it for 'sensible' money (£5-7k)! How are you getting on with your 530?
Once again, it's been a while since I updated this and a few things have gone on in that time....
First of all, I sold the slower Saab. Decided that there was no point in having it when I've got the Aero and a mate needed a car so a nice easy sale was had!
Final pic after a pre-sale valet....
The BMW has been busy, after fitting a new Meyle steering centre drag link and track rod ends....
The front end was pointed south, first stop was Dover....
Then a stop here....
The public section of the full Le Mans circuit if you don't know! Driven it many times on Forza but cool to actually be on in real life!
We then avoided the Peage Autoroutes and took the scenic route to Bordeaux through the Dordogne region, not really got any decent pics from this but here's a windmill....
The next day, after a night in a Campenile hotel, we headed through the Pyrenees to our 'holiday' destination of Calella on the Costa Brava. Not sure why but I like this picture....
It was also quite warm, glad the air con works now! The MPG wasn't the worst either....
And some from the road down, quite a pleasant experience I must say....
We spent 9 nights in Calella, I won't bore you with the details but here's the money shot for me....
So after lots of sunshine and a little sunburn, we nipped up to Liege in Belgium which was 790 miles away but the BMW just lapped it up. The reason for this was the Spa 6 Hours for the Friday/Saturday and to Zolder on the Sunday for Truck Racing (of course!). Some pictures from Spa...
In the car park, I had quite nice company....
And a couple of terrible ones from Zolder, a combination of a s
te camera and big fences....
That unfortunately signalled the end of our 2 weeks away and we headed home.
The car was absolutely faultless throughout the 3300 miles it covered and even managed 26.5mpg by the time we got home. Pretty impressive for an 18 year old barge!
Next I've got springs and shocks to fit (Eibach/Sachs OEM) and have started to clean up underneath to make sure all is well. So far it's pretty much immaculate!
Finally, the Saab has been in daily use, although did need a coil pack a few weeks back, and even got to go in the Star Car Park at the recent Ignition Festival in Glasgow with UKSaabs....
Apart from taking the scenic route home from work a few times it's not really done much exciting, though has developed a vibration under hard acceleration - amother cost probably!
And that's all for now!
First of all, I sold the slower Saab. Decided that there was no point in having it when I've got the Aero and a mate needed a car so a nice easy sale was had!
Final pic after a pre-sale valet....
The BMW has been busy, after fitting a new Meyle steering centre drag link and track rod ends....
The front end was pointed south, first stop was Dover....
Then a stop here....
The public section of the full Le Mans circuit if you don't know! Driven it many times on Forza but cool to actually be on in real life!
We then avoided the Peage Autoroutes and took the scenic route to Bordeaux through the Dordogne region, not really got any decent pics from this but here's a windmill....
The next day, after a night in a Campenile hotel, we headed through the Pyrenees to our 'holiday' destination of Calella on the Costa Brava. Not sure why but I like this picture....
It was also quite warm, glad the air con works now! The MPG wasn't the worst either....
And some from the road down, quite a pleasant experience I must say....
We spent 9 nights in Calella, I won't bore you with the details but here's the money shot for me....
So after lots of sunshine and a little sunburn, we nipped up to Liege in Belgium which was 790 miles away but the BMW just lapped it up. The reason for this was the Spa 6 Hours for the Friday/Saturday and to Zolder on the Sunday for Truck Racing (of course!). Some pictures from Spa...
In the car park, I had quite nice company....
And a couple of terrible ones from Zolder, a combination of a s
te camera and big fences....
That unfortunately signalled the end of our 2 weeks away and we headed home
.The car was absolutely faultless throughout the 3300 miles it covered and even managed 26.5mpg by the time we got home. Pretty impressive for an 18 year old barge!
Next I've got springs and shocks to fit (Eibach/Sachs OEM) and have started to clean up underneath to make sure all is well. So far it's pretty much immaculate!
Finally, the Saab has been in daily use, although did need a coil pack a few weeks back, and even got to go in the Star Car Park at the recent Ignition Festival in Glasgow with UKSaabs....
Apart from taking the scenic route home from work a few times it's not really done much exciting, though has developed a vibration under hard acceleration - amother cost probably!
And that's all for now!
Time for this month's update, as mentioned above, I had new springs and shocks to fit. Went for Eibach springs and OE Sachs Shocks. I also replaced the top mounts (front and back), drop links and ARB bushes with Meyle items.
The front....
The back (with wheel arch liner still removed)....
It's definitely a bit softer, slightly less agile feeling but much more comfortable which is probably a bigger priority in this car!
There's still the odd knock coming from the front which I can only assume is coming from one of the front arms.
Another thing that's always annoyed me with this car is the way the shadowline trim looks faded a few days after putting some sort of dressing on it, so after reading up, I decided to splash out on some Gtechniq stuff....
A before of the door mirror....
And after....
And the door pillars as a comparison....
So far so good, looks quite a natural finish which is good. They claim it'll last for a year so let's see!
And a picture from a wee Sunday drive....
I've started a list of things to do over the winter, number one being the fuel pump which has started to become a bit noisy when warm at the weekend there.
Also replace the front suspension arms, clean behind all the wheel arch liners and attack with some Bilt Hamber stuff, transmission fluid change, some cooling system preventative maintenance and a good detail. I'd also like to do a few jobs to tidy up the interior.
Meanwhile, the Saab has been trundling along. The vibration has been looked at by a local specialist and suggested to be a driveshaft. Should have one coming shortly!
Took it down the over the Hartside Pass a few weeks back, quite a good road, one of the ones where you don't need to be doing way over the speed limit to have fun...
And finally got round to changing the pollen filter, possibly over due!
The front....
The back (with wheel arch liner still removed)....
It's definitely a bit softer, slightly less agile feeling but much more comfortable which is probably a bigger priority in this car!
There's still the odd knock coming from the front which I can only assume is coming from one of the front arms.
Another thing that's always annoyed me with this car is the way the shadowline trim looks faded a few days after putting some sort of dressing on it, so after reading up, I decided to splash out on some Gtechniq stuff....
A before of the door mirror....
And after....
And the door pillars as a comparison....
So far so good, looks quite a natural finish which is good. They claim it'll last for a year so let's see!
And a picture from a wee Sunday drive....
I've started a list of things to do over the winter, number one being the fuel pump which has started to become a bit noisy when warm at the weekend there.
Also replace the front suspension arms, clean behind all the wheel arch liners and attack with some Bilt Hamber stuff, transmission fluid change, some cooling system preventative maintenance and a good detail. I'd also like to do a few jobs to tidy up the interior.
Meanwhile, the Saab has been trundling along. The vibration has been looked at by a local specialist and suggested to be a driveshaft. Should have one coming shortly!
Took it down the over the Hartside Pass a few weeks back, quite a good road, one of the ones where you don't need to be doing way over the speed limit to have fun...
And finally got round to changing the pollen filter, possibly over due!
Cheers folks! The grilles are something that's always been on my mind, I have to admit that I do like the satin black ones along with the Shadowline trim. I do have the chrome ones from the original Gold car but the clips are broken. I might see if I can make new ones at work - IIRC genuine grilles are quite costly from BMW!
As for the G-Techniq stuff, I'm undecided. You can tell the trims are still darker but they don't seem as black as I expected. I'll give it a while longer and give my verdict.
And to add to the thread, I have another car recently added to the fleet....
As for the G-Techniq stuff, I'm undecided. You can tell the trims are still darker but they don't seem as black as I expected. I'll give it a while longer and give my verdict.
And to add to the thread, I have another car recently added to the fleet....
Probably due an update here, let's begin with Team Saab. The blue 9-3 Aero went away to a new owner back in January, the 9-5 is going fine and there's a 9-3 convertible been added.
First of all, the 9-5.
I'm very happy with it, it'd done 134k when I picked it up and has just ticked over 140k. The engine is the 250bhp 2.3 Turbo and after I replaced some dodgy vacuum pipes it goes very well indeed, mid range in 3rd/4th gears is phenomenal and pick up in 5th is also quite amazing. It's returning 30-32mpg in my use which isn't too bad for daily use plus for a fairly big FWD car, the ride/handling blend is pretty decent - I only wish I'd bought one sooner.
I'm on the the look out for a new boot lid as I'm not a fan of the spoiler that's on it. I'd quite like a wee lip spoiler though so might do that. This would also remedy the peeled lacquer (dodgy paint job) from where the Aero badge was. Would also love a set of Hirsch 6 spokes but they're a bit pricey.
So far I've given it a service, Mann filters from ECP, genuine plugs and some Castrol Edge.
WP_20170106_14_49_26_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
Air filter wasn't too bad....
WP_20170106_14_58_07_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
Plugs looked healthy to me...
WP_20170106_15_26_09_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
The car came with a nasty aftermarket gear knob which lost the lift up reverse and made getting 5th a pain so off it came...
WP_20170114_12_43_24_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
And a standard one from Sports Car Breakers...
WP_20170114_14_52_47_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
Next up was some new front brakes, the old ones has seen better days...
WP_20170213_11_11_06_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
Replaced with Brembo parts, the choice of champions apparently! Definitely as good as it gets before going to trackday/motorsport grade though IMO....
WP_20170213_11_17_03_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
Fitted, didn't really have time to bling up the calipers, that''s a job for a later date.....
WP_20170213_11_40_36_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
Next up, the hand brake wasn't playing on one side, the reason soon became clear....
WP_20170213_12_25_15_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
Refitted along with a return spring I found in my box....
WP_20170213_12_33_26_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
Works much better now :lol: .
The latest job was to replace the rear rose bushes, to help I bought myself a new toy...
WP_20170401_13_14_05_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
It's absolutely superb. I was going to get my ageing Snap On gun reconditioned but went for this instead. For the price I can't fault it, great battery life and plenty torque along with a good warranty. Much more convenient than getting the air line out for the pneumatic one or waiting for the Snap on one to charge up!
Now, a wee bit about our latest addition, a much cheapness OG9-3 'vert. SWMBO has been wanting a convertible Saab for some time so when this one popped up locally we had to have a look. It was put in for an MOT early and had failed on a few things; 2 tyres, brake pipe, couple of ball joint dust covers and a front suspension arm - all fairly minor for DIY but a bit more than a few quid at a garage.
WP_20170213_14_32_35_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
WP_20170213_14_31_41_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
WP_20170213_14_31_20_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
It's done just over 100k and aside from needing a real good clean it's actually fairly tidy and should come up well with a bit elbow grease.
First job was to sort out a blown side light bulb, simple enough! Next up, I noticed it was getting turbo chatter, turned out the little recirc valve doo-dah had become disconnected....
WP_20170213_12_54_19_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
I bypassed it and replaced the lines with silicon, also remedied the CEL which is ideal.....
WP_20170213_13_19_00_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
WP_20170303_15_15_16_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
I then discovered a dreaded bulkhead crack so I did a wee bit reading up and decided to chap on....
WP_20170303_001 by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
Quite a collection of nature under here, could of done with a new pollen filter but didn't have one at the time, easy enough job to do later though....
WP_20170303_15_21_00_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
As can be seen above, I've upgraded to Hobbyweld gas on the trusty old MIGer, what a difference and well recommended from me. Not that it's helped with the quality of my welds though, seems strong enough and also added a wee plate to help.....
WP_20170303_17_13_59_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
After a bit seam sealer and some paint (0/10 for colour match!) it looks a bit more presentable....
WP_20170303_17_45_54_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
I then added a steering rack clamp from Parts for Saabs which has transformed the handling, obviously still as floppy as a floppy thing but much better than it was.
Final job was to drop the sump, looks like the engine was on borrowed time, not sure what the stuff is, some metal in there though. I couldn't find anything wrong so who knows....
WP_20170318_14_15_07_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
WP_20170318_14_15_13_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
It seems to be running nice and smooth now so hopefully just in time.
And a couple more from out and about.....
WP_20170324_17_23_55_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
WP_20170325_15_16_47_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
WP_20170325_15_17_12_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
The BMW hasn't been up to much, I did buy it a battery charger/conditioner from Lidl for less than a tenner and also this nice cover to keep general garage dust off it.
WP_20170203_14_31_45_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
I did use it at the weekend to head over to Saltcoats for a BMW meet but aside from that it's just been laid up. I've just ordered some new suspension arms front and rear which will be this month's job. Once they're done, that should be pretty much the lot renewed!
Oh, also fitted some chrome kidneys.
WP_20170403_12_51_18_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
WP_20170403_12_51_40_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on Flickr
First of all, the 9-5.
I'm very happy with it, it'd done 134k when I picked it up and has just ticked over 140k. The engine is the 250bhp 2.3 Turbo and after I replaced some dodgy vacuum pipes it goes very well indeed, mid range in 3rd/4th gears is phenomenal and pick up in 5th is also quite amazing. It's returning 30-32mpg in my use which isn't too bad for daily use plus for a fairly big FWD car, the ride/handling blend is pretty decent - I only wish I'd bought one sooner.
I'm on the the look out for a new boot lid as I'm not a fan of the spoiler that's on it. I'd quite like a wee lip spoiler though so might do that. This would also remedy the peeled lacquer (dodgy paint job) from where the Aero badge was. Would also love a set of Hirsch 6 spokes but they're a bit pricey.
So far I've given it a service, Mann filters from ECP, genuine plugs and some Castrol Edge.
WP_20170106_14_49_26_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrAir filter wasn't too bad....
WP_20170106_14_58_07_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrPlugs looked healthy to me...
WP_20170106_15_26_09_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrThe car came with a nasty aftermarket gear knob which lost the lift up reverse and made getting 5th a pain so off it came...
WP_20170114_12_43_24_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrAnd a standard one from Sports Car Breakers...
WP_20170114_14_52_47_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrNext up was some new front brakes, the old ones has seen better days...
WP_20170213_11_11_06_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrReplaced with Brembo parts, the choice of champions apparently! Definitely as good as it gets before going to trackday/motorsport grade though IMO....
WP_20170213_11_17_03_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrFitted, didn't really have time to bling up the calipers, that''s a job for a later date.....
WP_20170213_11_40_36_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrNext up, the hand brake wasn't playing on one side, the reason soon became clear....
WP_20170213_12_25_15_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrRefitted along with a return spring I found in my box....
WP_20170213_12_33_26_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrWorks much better now :lol: .
The latest job was to replace the rear rose bushes, to help I bought myself a new toy...
WP_20170401_13_14_05_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrIt's absolutely superb. I was going to get my ageing Snap On gun reconditioned but went for this instead. For the price I can't fault it, great battery life and plenty torque along with a good warranty. Much more convenient than getting the air line out for the pneumatic one or waiting for the Snap on one to charge up!
Now, a wee bit about our latest addition, a much cheapness OG9-3 'vert. SWMBO has been wanting a convertible Saab for some time so when this one popped up locally we had to have a look. It was put in for an MOT early and had failed on a few things; 2 tyres, brake pipe, couple of ball joint dust covers and a front suspension arm - all fairly minor for DIY but a bit more than a few quid at a garage.
WP_20170213_14_32_35_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrWP_20170213_14_31_41_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrWP_20170213_14_31_20_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrIt's done just over 100k and aside from needing a real good clean it's actually fairly tidy and should come up well with a bit elbow grease.
First job was to sort out a blown side light bulb, simple enough! Next up, I noticed it was getting turbo chatter, turned out the little recirc valve doo-dah had become disconnected....
WP_20170213_12_54_19_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrI bypassed it and replaced the lines with silicon, also remedied the CEL which is ideal.....
WP_20170213_13_19_00_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrWP_20170303_15_15_16_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrI then discovered a dreaded bulkhead crack so I did a wee bit reading up and decided to chap on....
WP_20170303_001 by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrQuite a collection of nature under here, could of done with a new pollen filter but didn't have one at the time, easy enough job to do later though....
WP_20170303_15_21_00_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrAs can be seen above, I've upgraded to Hobbyweld gas on the trusty old MIGer, what a difference and well recommended from me. Not that it's helped with the quality of my welds though, seems strong enough and also added a wee plate to help.....
WP_20170303_17_13_59_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrAfter a bit seam sealer and some paint (0/10 for colour match!) it looks a bit more presentable....
WP_20170303_17_45_54_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrI then added a steering rack clamp from Parts for Saabs which has transformed the handling, obviously still as floppy as a floppy thing but much better than it was.
Final job was to drop the sump, looks like the engine was on borrowed time, not sure what the stuff is, some metal in there though. I couldn't find anything wrong so who knows....
WP_20170318_14_15_07_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrWP_20170318_14_15_13_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrIt seems to be running nice and smooth now so hopefully just in time.
And a couple more from out and about.....
WP_20170324_17_23_55_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrWP_20170325_15_16_47_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrWP_20170325_15_17_12_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrThe BMW hasn't been up to much, I did buy it a battery charger/conditioner from Lidl for less than a tenner and also this nice cover to keep general garage dust off it.
WP_20170203_14_31_45_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrI did use it at the weekend to head over to Saltcoats for a BMW meet but aside from that it's just been laid up. I've just ordered some new suspension arms front and rear which will be this month's job. Once they're done, that should be pretty much the lot renewed!
Oh, also fitted some chrome kidneys.
WP_20170403_12_51_18_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrWP_20170403_12_51_40_Pro by Jimbobhanksmith, on FlickrGassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff