19 cars and counting - Calibra/200SX/E46 BMW x 8!
Discussion
Time for an update.
So, the CLS55 went to a nice chap on the M3 forum. Sold for the same price i paid which i cant complain about given the small market for cars like that. Shame to see it go but needed to release some funds to pay the bloody stamp duty on the new gaff.
The 335i above turned out to be a bad buy. Never running right and sold at a small loss with a declared underboost issue. My suspicion from a lot of internet research was the classic N54 wastegate issue but the buyer was prepared to take a punt.
So, what now. We've been in the new place a month or two now and i had a rare week off work to myself. This always spells trouble as my ebay watchlists fill up with local cars at sensible money and i can never resist...
So, the CLS55 went to a nice chap on the M3 forum. Sold for the same price i paid which i cant complain about given the small market for cars like that. Shame to see it go but needed to release some funds to pay the bloody stamp duty on the new gaff.
The 335i above turned out to be a bad buy. Never running right and sold at a small loss with a declared underboost issue. My suspicion from a lot of internet research was the classic N54 wastegate issue but the buyer was prepared to take a punt.
So, what now. We've been in the new place a month or two now and i had a rare week off work to myself. This always spells trouble as my ebay watchlists fill up with local cars at sensible money and i can never resist...
Car #1 - an old favourite
So, introducing my 5th E46 M3 in two years. 2003 Carbon black manual with good spec. Slowly but surely bringing it up to standard.
I want to try to keep the miles off this one to a degree. Values are increasing so i figure if i look after it, keep the miles up, it might just allow me to jump up the car ladder a tad on resale. We'll see.
So, there was a requirement for a cheap daily..
So, introducing my 5th E46 M3 in two years. 2003 Carbon black manual with good spec. Slowly but surely bringing it up to standard.
I want to try to keep the miles off this one to a degree. Values are increasing so i figure if i look after it, keep the miles up, it might just allow me to jump up the car ladder a tad on resale. We'll see.
So, there was a requirement for a cheap daily..
Car #2 - the daily
A 66k miles Clio 172 bought on an absolute whim after spotting it with 30 minutes remaining on an ebay auction. Never had a hot hatch before and gotta say its a lot of fun on the road. Far more usable performance than a number of previous cars ive owned.
Its noisy and unrefined at motorway speeds but that was expected really. Fun car for no money at all. We'll see how it goes.
Crap photo for now.
A 66k miles Clio 172 bought on an absolute whim after spotting it with 30 minutes remaining on an ebay auction. Never had a hot hatch before and gotta say its a lot of fun on the road. Far more usable performance than a number of previous cars ive owned.
Its noisy and unrefined at motorway speeds but that was expected really. Fun car for no money at all. We'll see how it goes.
Crap photo for now.
Thanks. In the right colours they are still fantastic looking cars. Chuffed with how the CSLs look fitted.
Next up is paintwork to rectify keying that occured in the previous owners tenure. Planning on both sides atleast. New number plates (dont like the GB plate - too fussy), centre console (usual marks on the plastics), and an early oil service.
I'll get some interior pics up at some point soon.
Next up is paintwork to rectify keying that occured in the previous owners tenure. Planning on both sides atleast. New number plates (dont like the GB plate - too fussy), centre console (usual marks on the plastics), and an early oil service.
I'll get some interior pics up at some point soon.
New Year - lets bring this up to date.
First Diesel dog
Back down the car ladder we go. Having bought the house in Summer 16, we thought it was perfectly liveable and we’d “just chip away at it over the next 10 years”. Well opinions change and sacrifices had to be made….
Probably the best E46 M3 i owned, interior really made the car and being silver grey it leant itself to the CSL wheels.
Sold to a guy from Gloucester for a tidy profit after all costs (rising market and & certain cars will make more money based on colour combos/work done).
Funds were wholly diverted to the house renovation (still ongoing now!) and I was back in basement territory and needed a tip run specialist.
Enter a 2003 Audi A4 1.9tdi estate bought in Feb 17. 170k on the clock and £825. Local, limited history and a dent or gouge on most panels. Must have then completed 30-40 tip runs in this during 2017/2018. Fantastic MPG that was handy for clocking up work mileage at 45p a mile and the PD engine was a decent drive for what it was i thought.
And it served its purpose well…
[url]
By June 18 we had re-roofed & re-glazed the house, reconfigured the majority of downstairs and broke the back of the majority of the messy work. So i started looking for a small step back up as the interior showed every one of it's tip run miles.
First Diesel dog
Back down the car ladder we go. Having bought the house in Summer 16, we thought it was perfectly liveable and we’d “just chip away at it over the next 10 years”. Well opinions change and sacrifices had to be made….
Probably the best E46 M3 i owned, interior really made the car and being silver grey it leant itself to the CSL wheels. Sold to a guy from Gloucester for a tidy profit after all costs (rising market and & certain cars will make more money based on colour combos/work done).
Funds were wholly diverted to the house renovation (still ongoing now!) and I was back in basement territory and needed a tip run specialist.
Enter a 2003 Audi A4 1.9tdi estate bought in Feb 17. 170k on the clock and £825. Local, limited history and a dent or gouge on most panels. Must have then completed 30-40 tip runs in this during 2017/2018. Fantastic MPG that was handy for clocking up work mileage at 45p a mile and the PD engine was a decent drive for what it was i thought.
And it served its purpose well…
[url]By June 18 we had re-roofed & re-glazed the house, reconfigured the majority of downstairs and broke the back of the majority of the messy work. So i started looking for a small step back up as the interior showed every one of it's tip run miles.
Edited by ScottJB on Friday 8th February 11:27
A marginally improved Diesel Dog
So the A4 got sold for £700 and I found an E91 320d locally that looked like reasonably modern wheels for not much money (£2700).
Steers significantly better than the A4 but the M47 engine is not as nice as the PD130 IMO. Either that or I have a dud. The speedo suggests it’s ok for what it is but it is sluggish in 1st and 2nd I think.
Shocks have all been changed recently and tyres branded with loads of life so I’m not changing these for the sake of it despite being rft’s. Economy isn’t as good as I expected so after some fiddling with the secret OBC settings – it showed the coolant temp wasn’t getting much beyond 70 degrees. Have bought a replacement main stat but it’s sat on the garage shelf for the last 4 months (must get around to this).
One more to follow
So the A4 got sold for £700 and I found an E91 320d locally that looked like reasonably modern wheels for not much money (£2700).
Steers significantly better than the A4 but the M47 engine is not as nice as the PD130 IMO. Either that or I have a dud. The speedo suggests it’s ok for what it is but it is sluggish in 1st and 2nd I think.
Shocks have all been changed recently and tyres branded with loads of life so I’m not changing these for the sake of it despite being rft’s. Economy isn’t as good as I expected so after some fiddling with the secret OBC settings – it showed the coolant temp wasn’t getting much beyond 70 degrees. Have bought a replacement main stat but it’s sat on the garage shelf for the last 4 months (must get around to this).
One more to follow
Edited by ScottJB on Wednesday 2nd January 18:35
Edited by ScottJB on Friday 8th February 11:29
Faster than your average
Oct 2018 - So I liked the E91 for all it’s practicality purposes but the 320d engine is dull as dishwater IMO.
Back onto Ebay, PH, AT, Gumtree we go and I stumbled upon an E91 335i Manual. On a train to Bristol the next evening and car back on the drive within 24hrs of spotting it.
Subsequently learned it’s a rare car indeed, only around 50 manual 335i tourers exist, less again with the iDrive which mine has. Less again in red i imagine
.
New clutch and turbos in the last 10k receipted which was a significant factor.
First impressions, well this one boosts! My first E92 335i never worked during my ownership, 3psi max and the only thing that would have resolved it was turbo replacement/rebuild. So, after two years driving around in the A4 & 320d this thing feels properly quick. In gear, even stock (I’ll come to that in a sec) and in lardy E91 guise it seems quicker than all my E46 M3’s were in a straight line. Comparable power but tonnes more torque.
Speaking of torque, the very latest update is it now has more following some simple mods. Despite being a decade or two older I can’t escape being that same person who stripped interiors for Pod, or fitted scrapyard intercoolers to their Cally Turbo or tubular manifolds to their 200sx. Part of the reason that first attracted me to the 335i coupe a couple years ago was the tuning capability of the N54 engine.
So, no less than 1m after buying my car, there I am with extension leads running out to the car, battery charger connected and the MHD app on my phone. Approx 30 mins later I have mapped the car and have subsequently bought a FMIC & DCI kit too that I need to get around to fitting. I’m even toying with the idea of getting the catless downpipes and running Stage 2+ (circa 420bhp & 450+lbft). For now, I guess it should be around 360-370bhp and perhaps 400-420lbft, a very quick car in the real world and fairly discreet except to those who will notice the badge/twin standard exhaust.
The blue E91 320d i managed to persuade the mrs to have so running with these two for now.
Oct 2018 - So I liked the E91 for all it’s practicality purposes but the 320d engine is dull as dishwater IMO.
Back onto Ebay, PH, AT, Gumtree we go and I stumbled upon an E91 335i Manual. On a train to Bristol the next evening and car back on the drive within 24hrs of spotting it.
Subsequently learned it’s a rare car indeed, only around 50 manual 335i tourers exist, less again with the iDrive which mine has. Less again in red i imagine
. New clutch and turbos in the last 10k receipted which was a significant factor.
First impressions, well this one boosts! My first E92 335i never worked during my ownership, 3psi max and the only thing that would have resolved it was turbo replacement/rebuild. So, after two years driving around in the A4 & 320d this thing feels properly quick. In gear, even stock (I’ll come to that in a sec) and in lardy E91 guise it seems quicker than all my E46 M3’s were in a straight line. Comparable power but tonnes more torque.
Speaking of torque, the very latest update is it now has more following some simple mods. Despite being a decade or two older I can’t escape being that same person who stripped interiors for Pod, or fitted scrapyard intercoolers to their Cally Turbo or tubular manifolds to their 200sx. Part of the reason that first attracted me to the 335i coupe a couple years ago was the tuning capability of the N54 engine.
So, no less than 1m after buying my car, there I am with extension leads running out to the car, battery charger connected and the MHD app on my phone. Approx 30 mins later I have mapped the car and have subsequently bought a FMIC & DCI kit too that I need to get around to fitting. I’m even toying with the idea of getting the catless downpipes and running Stage 2+ (circa 420bhp & 450+lbft). For now, I guess it should be around 360-370bhp and perhaps 400-420lbft, a very quick car in the real world and fairly discreet except to those who will notice the badge/twin standard exhaust.
The blue E91 320d i managed to persuade the mrs to have so running with these two for now.
Edited by ScottJB on Thursday 24th December 18:41
Still got the E91 335i manual and becoming one of my longest owned.
Added a stepped Wagner FMIC, new water pump & stat, LCI facelift (except the mirrors as prefer the pre-LCI mirror shape) and M359 wheels this year.
Added a stepped Wagner FMIC, new water pump & stat, LCI facelift (except the mirrors as prefer the pre-LCI mirror shape) and M359 wheels this year.
Edited by ScottJB on Thursday 24th December 18:29
Edited by ScottJB on Thursday 24th December 18:42
I should bring this up to date sometime soon with pics.
The E91 335i has proved to keep my interest longer than most as i still have it. I've now completed the following :
- LCI Body Facelift - Front LCI M Sport bumper, LCI headlights, LCI bonnet, LCI rear tailgate & lights (without cutting the loom - easier than anticipated). Panels freshly painted A61 Crimson Red (no chance finding LCI crimson red M Sport panels as not sure the colour was even available on the M Sports post LCI)
- BMW CIC DAB Retrofit - full replacement of CCC system including associated coding
- New M359 wheels (9J F & 10J ET25 Rear - the latter you can just about get away with on a pre-lci as the rear track is 8mm narrower each side)
- Dakota Lemon M Sport Interior & Piano Black trims - replacing the old knackered alcantara sport interior & alu trims
- Alcantara steering wheel & BMW Performance gearknob/updated handbrake handle
Why put the above money into a 13 year old tourer. Well, you can't find manual 335i's and any other fast tourers come with a bit of a premium.
Thinking about suspension & downpipes next if i keep it longer.
The E91 335i has proved to keep my interest longer than most as i still have it. I've now completed the following :
- LCI Body Facelift - Front LCI M Sport bumper, LCI headlights, LCI bonnet, LCI rear tailgate & lights (without cutting the loom - easier than anticipated). Panels freshly painted A61 Crimson Red (no chance finding LCI crimson red M Sport panels as not sure the colour was even available on the M Sports post LCI)
- BMW CIC DAB Retrofit - full replacement of CCC system including associated coding
- New M359 wheels (9J F & 10J ET25 Rear - the latter you can just about get away with on a pre-lci as the rear track is 8mm narrower each side)
- Dakota Lemon M Sport Interior & Piano Black trims - replacing the old knackered alcantara sport interior & alu trims
- Alcantara steering wheel & BMW Performance gearknob/updated handbrake handle
Why put the above money into a 13 year old tourer. Well, you can't find manual 335i's and any other fast tourers come with a bit of a premium.
Thinking about suspension & downpipes next if i keep it longer.
Time to update as a few changes since my last in early June.
October marks 3 years with the red 335i now which I think is the longest to date barring maybe the Orient Blue E46 330i back on page 1.
Alas, as it's final act the car will be going for a replacement cam cover (N54 cam covers are plastic and prone to cracking), Rob Beck PCV and fresh MOT at the start of December and then put up for sale. Reasons to become (semi) clear.
I actually listed it on m3cutters only a few months ago. This was borne out of me buying another E91 335i Manual in June that turned up locally (see pic below). However, it was a bit of a half hearted attempt to sell as I wasn't really prepared to let it go as had a nagging feeling over time that I actually preferred the red car to the new grey 335i.
On paper the grey car is the better car. Newer, less miles, better spec (Xenon's, Panoramic roof, F&R parking sensors, elec seats), and a lovely Space Grey & Auburn colour combo. But having owned the red car longer and making it how I wanted, i wasn't sure letting it go was the right move. Plus the grey car was standard whereas the red car is faster and has the 359s...
So up until a few weeks ago, my plan was just that. Sell the grey car, go back to the red car I'd sorned since purchase and happy days.
However, like many of us, I've always got my eye on the market/eBay watchlists setup for both realistic and pie in the sky future cars etc.
My annual mileage had dropped to not a lot and I began to think I no longer needed a sensible family car as the Mrs own E91 serves that purpose.
Budget was increased significantly for what would become a dream car purchase.
Stage 4.25 R35 GTR.
Other considerations at this price range were a R8 V8 (but no rear seats at all there) and a F82 M4 (too new at the moment to avoid depreciation).
I've wanted a GTR of some variant for the best part of 20 years so this is likely to be my car owning peak.
I remember missing out on a part exchange for a white 32 GTR in around 2006/7 but my S14 turbo gaskets went on the way to meet the guy in Reading! 32 & 33 GTRs were sensible money 15 years ago but I couldn't afford them then. 34s were then and are now, still outta my league.
Owned the car a week now, so a week of excuses to pop to the shops and reading/watching everything ever said about the R35. My old CLS55 was a quick car but this thing is next level. Piles on speed all too easy.
Let's see what ownership brings.
For now, I've got two E91 335i Manuals to sell. As only 50 exist, I guess I'm flooding the market :-D
October marks 3 years with the red 335i now which I think is the longest to date barring maybe the Orient Blue E46 330i back on page 1.
Alas, as it's final act the car will be going for a replacement cam cover (N54 cam covers are plastic and prone to cracking), Rob Beck PCV and fresh MOT at the start of December and then put up for sale. Reasons to become (semi) clear.
I actually listed it on m3cutters only a few months ago. This was borne out of me buying another E91 335i Manual in June that turned up locally (see pic below). However, it was a bit of a half hearted attempt to sell as I wasn't really prepared to let it go as had a nagging feeling over time that I actually preferred the red car to the new grey 335i.
On paper the grey car is the better car. Newer, less miles, better spec (Xenon's, Panoramic roof, F&R parking sensors, elec seats), and a lovely Space Grey & Auburn colour combo. But having owned the red car longer and making it how I wanted, i wasn't sure letting it go was the right move. Plus the grey car was standard whereas the red car is faster and has the 359s...
So up until a few weeks ago, my plan was just that. Sell the grey car, go back to the red car I'd sorned since purchase and happy days.
However, like many of us, I've always got my eye on the market/eBay watchlists setup for both realistic and pie in the sky future cars etc.
My annual mileage had dropped to not a lot and I began to think I no longer needed a sensible family car as the Mrs own E91 serves that purpose.
Budget was increased significantly for what would become a dream car purchase.
Stage 4.25 R35 GTR.
Other considerations at this price range were a R8 V8 (but no rear seats at all there) and a F82 M4 (too new at the moment to avoid depreciation).
I've wanted a GTR of some variant for the best part of 20 years so this is likely to be my car owning peak.
I remember missing out on a part exchange for a white 32 GTR in around 2006/7 but my S14 turbo gaskets went on the way to meet the guy in Reading! 32 & 33 GTRs were sensible money 15 years ago but I couldn't afford them then. 34s were then and are now, still outta my league.
Owned the car a week now, so a week of excuses to pop to the shops and reading/watching everything ever said about the R35. My old CLS55 was a quick car but this thing is next level. Piles on speed all too easy.
Let's see what ownership brings.
For now, I've got two E91 335i Manuals to sell. As only 50 exist, I guess I'm flooding the market :-D
Mr Tidy said:
Fantastic updates. 
Your red 335i looks stunning - I'm so tempted even though I really don't need a car like that to replace my E90 330i daily!
But I've made daft purchases before, like when I bought my Z4M Coupe, so you never know. If you PM me some details anything is possible.
Your red 335i looks stunning - I'm so tempted even though I really don't need a car like that to replace my E90 330i daily!
But I've made daft purchases before, like when I bought my Z4M Coupe, so you never know. If you PM me some details anything is possible.
I'll drop you a PM in the next few days. Otherwise it will be getting listed probably the 2nd week of December if i had to guess.Turns out there is a clear market for these E91 335i's, listed the standard grey car on ebay on Saturday evening. I had 3 people wanting to view on Sunday morning and it was sold/collected by midday. Painless sale (and a 1.5k profit from June to boot).
paulw123 said:
Great car history, always had a soft spot for calibras. I personally never got on with owning the same car twice (had 2 dc2 integras) as the second time the car never felt as special. Had forgotten E46 M3’s ever dropped to 5k, they must have been worth that in parts! Sold mine for 13k and that felt like giving it away at the time.
GTR looks stunning. Enjoy.
Thanks. I liked Calibra's, good looking cars and decent engines at the time (C20XE "red top" and the turbocharged C20LET). Yeah the market has really picked up on E46 M3's, i thought i had done well selling the last silver grey manual at £11.3k (bought for 8.2k less than a year earlier) back in 2017. Same car would be £20k or so now. My first one on this thread (leggy manual carbon black) was £4.5k!GTR looks stunning. Enjoy.
DuncanM said:
Really enjoyed this, great taste in cars, and the Calibra is such a pretty car even now imo.
Epic final update, GTR! Is this a car you will finally keep long term?
After a similar-ish history to you, I peaked early with a TVR Cerbera in 2004. I still have it now smile
Thanks Duncan. Lovely looking & sounding thing the Cerbera. 3 years feels pretty long term for me so 17 years is very impressive!Epic final update, GTR! Is this a car you will finally keep long term?
After a similar-ish history to you, I peaked early with a TVR Cerbera in 2004. I still have it now smile
cerb4.5lee said:
A cracking thread. thumbup
I'm loving the GTR! smokin
You've had such a great history of cars for sure.
Cheers! I'm sure your username came up in a few GTR threads on this board when reading up. Weren't you thinking of scratching the GTR itch at some point?I'm loving the GTR! smokin
You've had such a great history of cars for sure.
Short update.
Just over 1 year into R35 ownership.
Covered 2500 miles only with working from home and quickly realising the rear seats don’t work even for two children under 10 if the driver is 6ft+.
Nothing scary to report. Still have my license and a oil & filter change. Two rear Michelin 4S & a knackered head unit. The later is very common on the CBA cars by all accounts.
Eventually got fed up using the Mrs’ leggy, no spec, 320D for family duties on weekends and have not long bought a Sophisto Grey F11 530D with 70k on the clock. Running a remap at 535D levels and have since fitted a MMI box giving Apple CarPlay.
Fantastic all rounder, very impressed with it. Well specced, superb ride, and decent enough turn of pace.
Just over 1 year into R35 ownership.
Covered 2500 miles only with working from home and quickly realising the rear seats don’t work even for two children under 10 if the driver is 6ft+.
Nothing scary to report. Still have my license and a oil & filter change. Two rear Michelin 4S & a knackered head unit. The later is very common on the CBA cars by all accounts.
Eventually got fed up using the Mrs’ leggy, no spec, 320D for family duties on weekends and have not long bought a Sophisto Grey F11 530D with 70k on the clock. Running a remap at 535D levels and have since fitted a MMI box giving Apple CarPlay.
Fantastic all rounder, very impressed with it. Well specced, superb ride, and decent enough turn of pace.
Edited by ScottJB on Sunday 4th December 20:01
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