Discussion
yonex said:
DoubleSix said:
I'd love a wee idiots guide to the above as mine will need a chassis refresh at some point.
e.g. Whats the xenon ron required for? Etc
The xenon rod is needed with the M3 LCA, the original one only works with the standard ones and is too short, messes up the self levelling. I have a long way to go with the bits and exactly what I will be using out of the M3 catalogue. There are so many alternatives so I need to decide exactly how I want the set up. It's difficult as everyone you speak to has a definition of ride quality, turn in and stability.e.g. Whats the xenon ron required for? Etc
I'll keep this updated though
The 29's with 135 calipers and discs is a very good setup, not in the league of AP/Alcon but good enough for fast road stuff. It'll need new discs but these can wait a few thousand miles. I never fitted the LCA's, I bought them but never got around to it. Give me some feedback on the ARB, btw aren't M3's 26.5, or is there a difference between E90/92?
B12 or B1 dampers, still unsure. I'll drive this other car on B12's and see how firm they are. You've got me looking at the Whiteline inserts, unless the quaife is going in it's a lot of labour, interesting how many people rate the upgrade though. In a prefect world I'd do one step at a time.
B12 or B1 dampers, still unsure. I'll drive this other car on B12's and see how firm they are. You've got me looking at the Whiteline inserts, unless the quaife is going in it's a lot of labour, interesting how many people rate the upgrade though. In a prefect world I'd do one step at a time.
For your info (copied from my post on babybmw)-
I fitted my E93 M3 ARB today. First issue; jacking up and putting the car on axle stands. Well, my jack is not long enough to get to the front central jacking point so I jacked it up on each side and put ramps underneath the front wheels.
Off comes the cover; easy. Next comes the ARB. Top tip, don't work from left to right. Undo the links first, then the brackets. That wasn't too bad, but then I got to fitting the new bar. The brackets are not symmetrical, having two holes on one side which fouled part of the engine on the passenger side, so I had to grind the bracket down to fit. Also, the middle of the bar is tapered to allow for an engine ancillary plastic plug but there must be the thickness of a mosquito's pube between the two, if not actually touching. Well, I'll whip the cover off in a couple of weeks to check there isn't any interference.
How does it drive; it corners so much flatter no with no obvious NVH, and with the roads round here I'd notice any straight away. A really great little mod which I would recommend to anyone, turn in with the camber pin mod, M3 LCAs, M3 alignment and now the M3 ARB is very go-karty!
I fitted my E93 M3 ARB today. First issue; jacking up and putting the car on axle stands. Well, my jack is not long enough to get to the front central jacking point so I jacked it up on each side and put ramps underneath the front wheels.
Off comes the cover; easy. Next comes the ARB. Top tip, don't work from left to right. Undo the links first, then the brackets. That wasn't too bad, but then I got to fitting the new bar. The brackets are not symmetrical, having two holes on one side which fouled part of the engine on the passenger side, so I had to grind the bracket down to fit. Also, the middle of the bar is tapered to allow for an engine ancillary plastic plug but there must be the thickness of a mosquito's pube between the two, if not actually touching. Well, I'll whip the cover off in a couple of weeks to check there isn't any interference.
How does it drive; it corners so much flatter no with no obvious NVH, and with the roads round here I'd notice any straight away. A really great little mod which I would recommend to anyone, turn in with the camber pin mod, M3 LCAs, M3 alignment and now the M3 ARB is very go-karty!
Thanks for that, food for thought. Which way are you headed on suspension?
Today the gearbox oil was changed, sealed for life and pigs might fly! Very murky after 90K miles it was. CDV valve has been removed completely so I have a spare new modified one if anyone is looking? Rear pads were down to 2mm, fronts heroically still have 5mm so can wait, discs are toast but will be fine for 3000 miles.
The combination of CDV delete and new oil have made a big improvement. No more kangarooing in first gear and that weird sticky mistiming as you shift. Third to fourth is even sweet. It feels like a different gearbox to be honest, thoroughly recommended.
135i calipers and RS29's are perfect for fast road use, bedding the rears in tonight reminded me how strong they are, loads of feel and work from cold. Certainly as good as I'll ever need.
Today the gearbox oil was changed, sealed for life and pigs might fly! Very murky after 90K miles it was. CDV valve has been removed completely so I have a spare new modified one if anyone is looking? Rear pads were down to 2mm, fronts heroically still have 5mm so can wait, discs are toast but will be fine for 3000 miles.
The combination of CDV delete and new oil have made a big improvement. No more kangarooing in first gear and that weird sticky mistiming as you shift. Third to fourth is even sweet. It feels like a different gearbox to be honest, thoroughly recommended.
135i calipers and RS29's are perfect for fast road use, bedding the rears in tonight reminded me how strong they are, loads of feel and work from cold. Certainly as good as I'll ever need.
I've heard a lot of contradictory information about the CDV, I was thinking about binning it on my Z4M, but a lot of people say they dont feel any difference.
I heard it was like a safety measure for yanks that cant drive manual gearboxes to save the life of the box. Any truth behind that?
I heard it was like a safety measure for yanks that cant drive manual gearboxes to save the life of the box. Any truth behind that?
Polarbert said:
I've heard a lot of contradictory information about the CDV, I was thinking about binning it on my Z4M, but a lot of people say they dont feel any difference.
I heard it was like a safety measure for yanks that cant drive manual gearboxes to save the life of the box. Any truth behind that?
Yes, a lot of truth. Remove it, then enjoy. I heard it was like a safety measure for yanks that cant drive manual gearboxes to save the life of the box. Any truth behind that?
Basically it's a little shuttle valve which restricts your flow. If you let up the clutch harshly then, as per its name the CDV softens the engagement, it was supposed to protect the DMF from abuse. The trouble is it gives an inconsistent bite everywhere, it made you work for slower changes, I always felt the box was just that way previously. I guess I committed the cardinal sin of doing two things at once, but the clutch feel is positively different without it, it just feels normal instead of this wooly thing. If you notice any of the things I have said, even slightly then bin it.
I have a CDV bored out sat here waiting to be fitted.I'm hoping to feel some difference as the gear change isn't smooth, as in it seems to not get into gear and away as quickly as it should; the theory behind the CDV reflects this.
Regarding suspension, I was going for the cheap stuff first! I have a set of Eibach Pro springs being fitted in the new year, and the set of Whiteline rear subframe inserts are arriving from the States imminently. Hopefully they mirror the flat cornering on the front ARB gives me.
Regarding suspension, I was going for the cheap stuff first! I have a set of Eibach Pro springs being fitted in the new year, and the set of Whiteline rear subframe inserts are arriving from the States imminently. Hopefully they mirror the flat cornering on the front ARB gives me.
selym said:
I have a CDV bored out sat here waiting to be fitted.I'm hoping to feel some difference as the gear change isn't smooth, as in it seems to not get into gear and away as quickly as it should; the theory behind the CDV reflects this.
Regarding suspension, I was going for the cheap stuff first! I have a set of Eibach Pro springs being fitted in the new year, and the set of Whiteline rear subframe inserts are arriving from the States imminently. Hopefully they mirror the flat cornering on the front ARB gives me.
Have you changed the gearbox oil recently....do that for sure if not.Regarding suspension, I was going for the cheap stuff first! I have a set of Eibach Pro springs being fitted in the new year, and the set of Whiteline rear subframe inserts are arriving from the States imminently. Hopefully they mirror the flat cornering on the front ARB gives me.
yonex said:
selym said:
I have a CDV bored out sat here waiting to be fitted.I'm hoping to feel some difference as the gear change isn't smooth, as in it seems to not get into gear and away as quickly as it should; the theory behind the CDV reflects this.
Regarding suspension, I was going for the cheap stuff first! I have a set of Eibach Pro springs being fitted in the new year, and the set of Whiteline rear subframe inserts are arriving from the States imminently. Hopefully they mirror the flat cornering on the front ARB gives me.
Have you changed the gearbox oil recently....do that for sure if not.Regarding suspension, I was going for the cheap stuff first! I have a set of Eibach Pro springs being fitted in the new year, and the set of Whiteline rear subframe inserts are arriving from the States imminently. Hopefully they mirror the flat cornering on the front ARB gives me.
December, bloody hell time flies.
A trip over to Birds and a passenger ride in Kevin's well sorted car sold me on the idea of the full dynamics setup. Bizarrely another 130 came up locally and I was very close to buying that one, but common sense, and being a bit fed up that said dealer wouldn't negotiate convinced me otherwise. After the brief test drive it was immediately obvious how tired the dampers are on mine, the LCI interior is much nicer as well to be fair.
The performance difference was staggering no more pitching and pogo action, just controlled movement. It just felt like a very well sorted car, forget the fact it's a quirky looking old BMW for a moment and you could get quite lost in it.
Half of me thinks I am daft to even consider the salty upgrade budget but the other, which has been looking at everything from Caymans, M cars, AMG's and RS's says that nothing really stands out or appeals to me in the same way. It'll have to be a keeper for a while for this to make sense, but that's fine. I don't need more power and have already experimented with an uber saloon. I have a toy so why change the daily car, anonymous and the devil I know?
Therefore I booked it in for the work. As it's a leggy car now a few other bits and pieces will no doubt be found and swapped out in the rebuild. If this is the case and if there are options to upgrade from stock for a benefit then that's what we'll do. I will otherwise stay away from anything over and above this kit, wait until it's bedded in and then look at it again. There are loads of M bits you can add to the chassis but it seems a little pointless if they start to undo the ethos of the package, who knows?
Dampers
Asymmetric springs
Roll bars
Quaife LSD
AP BBK
The 135 brakes are coming off and being replaced with some 6 piston AP's and 343mm discs. It's not a need more of a want, probably total overkill but I was given a decent deal so, sod it! This does mean however that I have a set of calipers and brand new bloody RS29's in the garage! I was looking at the Alcon set up as I love them in the Atom, however they are expensive and this could all get quite silly.
Lastly, it'll need tyres but they are staying until the kit is on, I want to see how it feels how it is first. Potentially some lighter wheels and maybe a better seat in there, but this can wait for a few months.
I was going to go for PSS's, but now looking at F1's as well. I have a few weeks to figure that one out.
A trip over to Birds and a passenger ride in Kevin's well sorted car sold me on the idea of the full dynamics setup. Bizarrely another 130 came up locally and I was very close to buying that one, but common sense, and being a bit fed up that said dealer wouldn't negotiate convinced me otherwise. After the brief test drive it was immediately obvious how tired the dampers are on mine, the LCI interior is much nicer as well to be fair.
The performance difference was staggering no more pitching and pogo action, just controlled movement. It just felt like a very well sorted car, forget the fact it's a quirky looking old BMW for a moment and you could get quite lost in it.
Half of me thinks I am daft to even consider the salty upgrade budget but the other, which has been looking at everything from Caymans, M cars, AMG's and RS's says that nothing really stands out or appeals to me in the same way. It'll have to be a keeper for a while for this to make sense, but that's fine. I don't need more power and have already experimented with an uber saloon. I have a toy so why change the daily car, anonymous and the devil I know?
Therefore I booked it in for the work. As it's a leggy car now a few other bits and pieces will no doubt be found and swapped out in the rebuild. If this is the case and if there are options to upgrade from stock for a benefit then that's what we'll do. I will otherwise stay away from anything over and above this kit, wait until it's bedded in and then look at it again. There are loads of M bits you can add to the chassis but it seems a little pointless if they start to undo the ethos of the package, who knows?
Dampers
Asymmetric springs
Roll bars
Quaife LSD
AP BBK
The 135 brakes are coming off and being replaced with some 6 piston AP's and 343mm discs. It's not a need more of a want, probably total overkill but I was given a decent deal so, sod it! This does mean however that I have a set of calipers and brand new bloody RS29's in the garage! I was looking at the Alcon set up as I love them in the Atom, however they are expensive and this could all get quite silly.
Lastly, it'll need tyres but they are staying until the kit is on, I want to see how it feels how it is first. Potentially some lighter wheels and maybe a better seat in there, but this can wait for a few months.
I was going to go for PSS's, but now looking at F1's as well. I have a few weeks to figure that one out.
Yes, in for a penny and all that!
Last drive pogoing between the hedgerows on the way home tonight. Tomorrow morning it's off and I'll see it again in a week, that's if there's nothing so worn out on the remaining bits to hold things up
Genuinely excited to finally bring all the plans for the car together. I've never finished modding a car to original intentions before, always finding a reason to trade up or sideways. I'm sure it will do very little to the value but it owes me little to be honest. Just 'running 'the E90 for 14 months racked up £1800, without the failing actuators and sub 20's consumption, and for all of that it was genuinely not that much fun. All in not that far off the budget for this, which is
Last drive pogoing between the hedgerows on the way home tonight. Tomorrow morning it's off and I'll see it again in a week, that's if there's nothing so worn out on the remaining bits to hold things up
Genuinely excited to finally bring all the plans for the car together. I've never finished modding a car to original intentions before, always finding a reason to trade up or sideways. I'm sure it will do very little to the value but it owes me little to be honest. Just 'running 'the E90 for 14 months racked up £1800, without the failing actuators and sub 20's consumption, and for all of that it was genuinely not that much fun. All in not that far off the budget for this, which is
So as expected a few bits and pieces have popped up that need sorting. Mainly bushes slightly past their sell by date, it's not bad enough to fail an MOT but at some point they need doing.
The suspension is on today. Diff I guess is not far behind. I buckled and went for the AP's all round as the rear hoses were both screwed and discs absolutely finished. It also means I can sell the complete set of 135i calipers, a much smarter move and a brilliant upgrade for someone over the absolute crap that are fitted as standard!
It's sobering spending shedloads on an old car but being pragmatic about it it's what it's worth to me, not what a book value is. I like the fact that it's being kept alive and will end up exactly how I want it.
Still undecided about tyres, F1/PSS/PS3?
The suspension is on today. Diff I guess is not far behind. I buckled and went for the AP's all round as the rear hoses were both screwed and discs absolutely finished. It also means I can sell the complete set of 135i calipers, a much smarter move and a brilliant upgrade for someone over the absolute crap that are fitted as standard!
It's sobering spending shedloads on an old car but being pragmatic about it it's what it's worth to me, not what a book value is. I like the fact that it's being kept alive and will end up exactly how I want it.
Still undecided about tyres, F1/PSS/PS3?
I quite often look at auto trader looking other options too trade in my 130i but I have a feeling it would be something I would regret. It's got a fantastic engine, handling is great, some space for the kids but also build quality feels solid. Something not all French and Japanese alternatives can offer but as always everything is a comprise.
I would love to be doing mods such as yourself but as always seems to be other domestic things to spend the money on. Mines going through 100k miles now but still feeling strong. Was tempted to visit Birds but knew it would be an expensive visit.
I would love to be doing mods such as yourself but as always seems to be other domestic things to spend the money on. Mines going through 100k miles now but still feeling strong. Was tempted to visit Birds but knew it would be an expensive visit.
Hifly130 said:
I quite often look at auto trader looking other options too trade in my 130i but I have a feeling it would be something I would regret. It's got a fantastic engine, handling is great, some space for the kids but also build quality feels solid. Something not all French and Japanese alternatives can offer but as always everything is a comprise.
I would love to be doing mods such as yourself but as always seems to be other domestic things to spend the money on. Mines going through 100k miles now but still feeling strong. Was tempted to visit Birds but knew it would be an expensive visit.
I'm exactly the same as you. Constantly looking at other options but it just seems anything that's genuinely an 'improvement' would be at least £10k on top of my car, and i just can't see it being worth that! I wish I could bring myself to spend some money like the OP has to improve it but given it's still depreciating and not worth that much I just can't justify it to myself.I would love to be doing mods such as yourself but as always seems to be other domestic things to spend the money on. Mines going through 100k miles now but still feeling strong. Was tempted to visit Birds but knew it would be an expensive visit.
Hitting 94k miles this month so approaching the big milestone.
Hifly130 said:
I quite often look at auto trader looking other options too trade in my 130i but I have a feeling it would be something I would regret. It's got a fantastic engine, handling is great, some space for the kids but also build quality feels solid. Something not all French and Japanese alternatives can offer but as always everything is a comprise.
I would love to be doing mods such as yourself but as always seems to be other domestic things to spend the money on. Mines going through 100k miles now but still feeling strong. Was tempted to visit Birds but knew it would be an expensive visit.
It is, but it depends how you look at it. I considered loads of cars, let's take the Cayman S for example. If, and it's a bloody big 'if' the engine was perfect it would be about 10K to change. in 3 years I would have lost about half of that I would think. My M3 lost £7K in 15 months roughly, pure depreciation. I would love to be doing mods such as yourself but as always seems to be other domestic things to spend the money on. Mines going through 100k miles now but still feeling strong. Was tempted to visit Birds but knew it would be an expensive visit.
Also good point on the build. Mine is the earlier car so not as plush as the LCI. But, I drove a wonderful FD2 Civic Type R and whilst it felt bolted to the road I hated the understeer (it was wet) and the rattles.
If this sum lets me keep the car for three years or so it's not that much in the great scheme of things. It can always go back to stock and the parts sold if needed?
lewisf182 said:
I'm exactly the same as you. Constantly looking at other options but it just seems anything that's genuinely an 'improvement' would be at least £10k on top of my car, and i just can't see it being worth that! I wish I could bring myself to spend some money like the OP has to improve it but given it's still depreciating and not worth that much I just can't justify it to myself.
Hitting 94k miles this month so approaching the big milestone.
I have exactly that mileage on the clock! I owned an E90 M3 and it was quick(er) and made all the right noises. Handled superbly and despite the weight had incredible body control. The big problem for me was its ability made it quite dull at anything below 100mph. Also it wasn't that practical. I got bored of it to be honest. Hitting 94k miles this month so approaching the big milestone.
The straight 6 is a far better road engine and although the 130 isn't fast by today's standards it seems to be enough of everything wrapped up in a really fun package. The stock brakes and suspension are built to a price but as a used example is 5-8K it's just brilliant value.
Travelling back tomorrow from France to pick it up. Genuinely excited
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 1st March 18:44
yonex said:
It's sobering spending shedloads on an old car but being pragmatic about it it's what it's worth to me, not what a book value is. I like the fact that it's being kept alive and will end up exactly how I want it.
I get you, you have to justify it as hobby budget rather than A-B travel budget.I have a car that I like a lot (but is totally worthless to anyone else) and I have to catch myself before I order expensive things for it. One day I won't though and I'll just enjoy the car a bit more after spending the money. To anyone else, it'd be mad to spend that money on that car
Looking forward to hearing updates when it's back from Birds. I thought long and hard about doing the same upgrades but settled on new Bilsten dampers, bumpstops and a variety of bushes etc. Noticable improvements so I can only imagine how good yours wil be.
235/40/18 rear because the usual 130i size of 245/35/18 is not yet available but it feels fantastic.
yonex said:
Still undecided about tyres, F1/PSS/PS3?
Thoroughly recommend Michelin PS4 which are by far the best tyre I've used on this or any other car (so good I've got a set going on the Exige soon). 235/40/18 rear because the usual 130i size of 245/35/18 is not yet available but it feels fantastic.
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