2003 BMW M3 - The New Daily
Discussion
Many thanks! Good to see you joined the fold 
:
I do have a few more updates to do. Obviously, they'll run dry but I'll put the stuff out gradually:
It's hard to believe that this post could have been 'the post' for this thread!
Why? Prior to removing the Milltek backbox, I had created a video for the M3, which despite detailing the shortcomings, also detailed some great things like:
-A Drive-by with some acelleration behind it.
-A tunnel run! I mean, it has to be done right?
Unfortunitely, the footage got deleted. Yup, yours truly managed to go from an awesome video to a damp squib at one! So, if you can bear to watch a boring video with some headphones to see why the Milltek isn't for the M3, here's a view. It may be a realistic video of what the car will be like, but, it's not a fun video to watch! Let's see if the Eisenmann can have that level of fun in it, pending storage issues (I need to find my HDD, which is somewhere)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tesIYP96WW0
But, there has been progress with the Eisenmann backbox, which doesn't look quite as grotty as it did before
.
:I do have a few more updates to do. Obviously, they'll run dry but I'll put the stuff out gradually
:It's hard to believe that this post could have been 'the post' for this thread!
Why? Prior to removing the Milltek backbox, I had created a video for the M3, which despite detailing the shortcomings, also detailed some great things like:
-A Drive-by with some acelleration behind it.
-A tunnel run! I mean, it has to be done right?
Unfortunitely, the footage got deleted. Yup, yours truly managed to go from an awesome video to a damp squib at one! So, if you can bear to watch a boring video with some headphones to see why the Milltek isn't for the M3, here's a view. It may be a realistic video of what the car will be like, but, it's not a fun video to watch! Let's see if the Eisenmann can have that level of fun in it, pending storage issues (I need to find my HDD, which is somewhere)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tesIYP96WW0
But, there has been progress with the Eisenmann backbox, which doesn't look quite as grotty as it did before
.Many thanks chaps! I see I'm not the only one who has had EZ Outs go bad on them before.
Since the last post, a few things have changed. Becuase the Milltek fell off so easily, I sold it the next day for near enough what I paid for it. I can't moan at that.
After that? Yesterday was a busy and stressful day due to something I mentioned in another post. Thankfully, the families took the threat seriously thanks to a nurse in their family and went back. While my sister is a pain, she will be on the front line in London's hospitals. For all her faults, thoughts are with her.
Anyway, enough of that! I did manage to get some time to go down to the unit by myself and do a couple of things:
The first one was to put the 3rd back box mount on. I removed this when I fitted the Milltek on, as that only uses two exhaust mounts; No doubt due to its design, it doesn't not need three mounts. The Eisenmann item however, just the factory 'box uses 3 mounts, as the photos in the previous shots show. Like the other mounts, new copper nuts with an application of copper grease was used:
What then ensued was getting the backbox in position. It was almost as awkward as the factory one to jack up, but once I found its centre of gravity, it was easier.
It was then a juggling act of putting in two of the three exhaust mount bolts, and then using the jack to get things mounted up. Again, like the OEM system, this was fiddly, but not quite as much, once some thought and logic were applied. The Milltek in comparison was a doddle to fit previously!
And so, finally I had it on! As my Mirrorless camera needs charging, you'll have to make do with these images I'm afraid:
It doesn't look too bad eh! Yes the car needs a clean, which I may do. After all, my hands will be washed alot right?
As for the sound, it's very different to the Milltek! But you've probably seen a theme about this exhaust as I was fitting it. That will hint at what it sounds like.
Since the last post, a few things have changed. Becuase the Milltek fell off so easily, I sold it the next day for near enough what I paid for it. I can't moan at that
.After that? Yesterday was a busy and stressful day due to something I mentioned in another post. Thankfully, the families took the threat seriously thanks to a nurse in their family and went back. While my sister is a pain, she will be on the front line in London's hospitals. For all her faults, thoughts are with her.
Anyway, enough of that! I did manage to get some time to go down to the unit by myself and do a couple of things:
The first one was to put the 3rd back box mount on. I removed this when I fitted the Milltek on, as that only uses two exhaust mounts; No doubt due to its design, it doesn't not need three mounts. The Eisenmann item however, just the factory 'box uses 3 mounts, as the photos in the previous shots show. Like the other mounts, new copper nuts with an application of copper grease was used:
What then ensued was getting the backbox in position. It was almost as awkward as the factory one to jack up, but once I found its centre of gravity, it was easier.
It was then a juggling act of putting in two of the three exhaust mount bolts, and then using the jack to get things mounted up. Again, like the OEM system, this was fiddly, but not quite as much, once some thought and logic were applied. The Milltek in comparison was a doddle to fit previously!
And so, finally I had it on! As my Mirrorless camera needs charging, you'll have to make do with these images I'm afraid:
It doesn't look too bad eh! Yes the car needs a clean, which I may do. After all, my hands will be washed alot right?
As for the sound, it's very different to the Milltek! But you've probably seen a theme about this exhaust as I was fitting it. That will hint at what it sounds like
.I suspect this thread may get quiet for some time. I had a choice of which car to have outside and in truth, the Mondeo won. Maybe it should have been the M3, but you never know when you'll need a car with a big boot, and something a little less obvious on the deserted streets.
But for now, I'll leave you folks with a video of the car on the new exhaust. This time, I managed to
-Make the video shorter (but I can do a review like the last video)
-Actually get the footage in that I wanted ; outside of the car.
I hope you enjoy folks and stay safe wherever you are:
https://youtu.be/CkJgJk0Qi18
But for now, I'll leave you folks with a video of the car on the new exhaust. This time, I managed to
-Make the video shorter (but I can do a review like the last video)
-Actually get the footage in that I wanted ; outside of the car.
I hope you enjoy folks and stay safe wherever you are:
https://youtu.be/CkJgJk0Qi18
Edited by SebringMan on Friday 27th March 20:53
I warned of further updates arriving for this. The truth is there may be a few more than I bargained for!
But first, let's talk about the brakes. I bought these back home with me to refurb, complete with a kit I got from Bigg Red. I almost let them do it until I had the prices:
Electroplated/sprayed finish : £315
Enamel/Baked finish : £400
Not bad prices but more than I was willing to pay for what seemed like a simple job. Funny really, as I said last time that I'd never refurb calipers again, but here I am!
Firstly, I got the caliper on the bench. Taking the piston out was done surprisingly with a bike pump and an adaptor! With a football needle put into the broken/cut brake line, I had the piston out in no time. I'm glad I am refurbing these. While the piston had cleaned up fine, it's clear the fluid was quite old in the caliper and that it was beginning to build up on the piston. But since I have new pistons and seals, that's not a problem.
However, my plans have changed for the brake calipers. Originally I planned to do the following:
Loose stuff off>>paint up the calipers>> fit new pistons and seals
However, as you can see below, thing escalated rather quickly!
At this point I hadn't touched a thing
Here, an angle grinder with a wire brush attachment hit it. I also used the Dremel with a wire brush but with the limiting speeds set for the wire brush so as to not destroy it, it wasn't having much effect
With the grinder attachment on the Dremel, I was worried I hit it a little too hard! But it looks to be going in the right direction. It seems these calipers may have been painted with a caliperp paint kit in the past.
To get me through all of this? A trusty Workmate 2 bench!
Have I gone too hard on the caliper or going the right way?
I've now decided however to tackle them as follows:
Grind and clean the calipers >> Paint strip them >> Deox Gel them >> Paint them >> Fit new Pistons and seals
So, a little more intensive than before, but I should end up with a better result.
Compared to the Merc calipers, these look like a doddle to rebuild!
As always, open to advice on the above. I've not ruled out purchasing a shotblasting kit as it would still be cheaper than if I went to Bigg Red. The issues however are that:
-The unit is 10 miles away and I shouldn't really go there ; I don't have an airline at home unless the bike pump counts as one
-It's still an expense for some kit I may not use that often, I hope!
Choices choices eh?
But first, let's talk about the brakes. I bought these back home with me to refurb, complete with a kit I got from Bigg Red. I almost let them do it until I had the prices:
Electroplated/sprayed finish : £315
Enamel/Baked finish : £400
Not bad prices but more than I was willing to pay for what seemed like a simple job. Funny really, as I said last time that I'd never refurb calipers again, but here I am!
Firstly, I got the caliper on the bench. Taking the piston out was done surprisingly with a bike pump and an adaptor! With a football needle put into the broken/cut brake line, I had the piston out in no time. I'm glad I am refurbing these. While the piston had cleaned up fine, it's clear the fluid was quite old in the caliper and that it was beginning to build up on the piston. But since I have new pistons and seals, that's not a problem.
However, my plans have changed for the brake calipers. Originally I planned to do the following:
Loose stuff off>>paint up the calipers>> fit new pistons and seals
However, as you can see below, thing escalated rather quickly!
At this point I hadn't touched a thing
Here, an angle grinder with a wire brush attachment hit it. I also used the Dremel with a wire brush but with the limiting speeds set for the wire brush so as to not destroy it, it wasn't having much effect
With the grinder attachment on the Dremel, I was worried I hit it a little too hard! But it looks to be going in the right direction. It seems these calipers may have been painted with a caliperp paint kit in the past.
To get me through all of this? A trusty Workmate 2 bench!
Have I gone too hard on the caliper or going the right way?
I've now decided however to tackle them as follows:
Grind and clean the calipers >> Paint strip them >> Deox Gel them >> Paint them >> Fit new Pistons and seals
So, a little more intensive than before, but I should end up with a better result
.Compared to the Merc calipers, these look like a doddle to rebuild!
As always, open to advice on the above. I've not ruled out purchasing a shotblasting kit as it would still be cheaper than if I went to Bigg Red. The issues however are that:
-The unit is 10 miles away and I shouldn't really go there ; I don't have an airline at home unless the bike pump counts as one
-It's still an expense for some kit I may not use that often, I hope!
Choices choices eh?
While I was waiting for the materials, and the caliper to arrive, so as to complete the caliper refurbishment, I finally started yet another job I've been putting off for some time. The door handle trim replacement.
The M3 is one of the few cars that I've owned where I have not removed the doorcards. I'm normally not a fan of removing doorcards where the fixings are likely to break or the doorcard mounting itself is likely to break. To prepare for this, I bought a special trim tool I saw Ed China on Wheeler Dealers (I know I know!) use when he tackled things. I know it doesn't just affect me, it is simply down to the fact that these parts weren't necessarily designed to come on and off often.
With that in mind, the doorcards were off and thankfully undamaged
. Amazingly the clips managed to survive too; that was a real surprise! Furthermore, I've seen people at the dealers and on forums guess where the clips are on the doorcards, with very patient dealer operatives trying to see what clips go where. Thankfully I've managed to figure out what is the case ; RealOEM does not clearly show which go where. The arrangement for the clips is as follows:
Top/Rear part of the door : 7 x White clips
Front of the door by the speaker : 2 x White/Grey clips with a rubber surround
Upper Front of the door : 2 x Yellow clips.
Why are they different? I don't know. My guess would be the rubber surround clips are to reduce speaker vibrations, and the other two clips are process led from when the car was assembled, probably to account for the doors having airbags in the ; A first I've seen ; My newer Mondeo doesn't have these; Maybe these are more modern than I thought!!
Of course, something was missing from the doorcards. The handles themselves!
As you can see, this is the reason why I wanted to change them. Almost 20 years of terrified passengers was causing one of them especially to start cracking alot. Not what you want on an M3! Patina or just shot? I'll let you folks decide:
Interestingly, these trims are dated for 2005, insinuating that these were changed at some point very early on in the car's life. Maybe it was a warranty claim, who knows!
These were put onto the bench, and I then tackled the issue of separating them. This was a very awkward job. It's a miracle I didn't manage to break any clips, as many on them are blanked off, so you have no means of releasing them. When people said these needed brute force, they weren't kidding!
However, some patience and perseverence had these reassembled in the new Carbon Cube items I fitted. Oddly, these are dated for 2001, but at least they are fresh refurbs. To remove the armrests, this plier tool came in very handy once more.
Before I knew it, the handles were reassembled. While there is no doubt that they're an improvement from the old ones, I may refinish the originals. I had ideas of either painting them Carbon Black or Mystic Blue (the car's colour) or maybe something different, depending on how another potential trimming project goes in the car .
I guess for now, I should probably start to refit some of the stuff back in the car, and crack on with the caliper refurbishment, now that all of the materials etc. have arrived. There is no time like the present after all.
Off the back of this, I've started enquiring about bodyshops to attend to the wings and the rear arch. Maybe @grumpynorthener feels up to the task. Other places I'm debating include Spa Garage and EMC Motorsport in Brum .
The M3 is one of the few cars that I've owned where I have not removed the doorcards. I'm normally not a fan of removing doorcards where the fixings are likely to break or the doorcard mounting itself is likely to break. To prepare for this, I bought a special trim tool I saw Ed China on Wheeler Dealers (I know I know!) use when he tackled things. I know it doesn't just affect me, it is simply down to the fact that these parts weren't necessarily designed to come on and off often.
With that in mind, the doorcards were off and thankfully undamaged
. Amazingly the clips managed to survive too; that was a real surprise! Furthermore, I've seen people at the dealers and on forums guess where the clips are on the doorcards, with very patient dealer operatives trying to see what clips go where. Thankfully I've managed to figure out what is the case ; RealOEM does not clearly show which go where. The arrangement for the clips is as follows:Top/Rear part of the door : 7 x White clips
Front of the door by the speaker : 2 x White/Grey clips with a rubber surround
Upper Front of the door : 2 x Yellow clips.
Why are they different? I don't know. My guess would be the rubber surround clips are to reduce speaker vibrations, and the other two clips are process led from when the car was assembled, probably to account for the doors having airbags in the ; A first I've seen ; My newer Mondeo doesn't have these; Maybe these are more modern than I thought!!
Of course, something was missing from the doorcards. The handles themselves!
As you can see, this is the reason why I wanted to change them. Almost 20 years of terrified passengers was causing one of them especially to start cracking alot. Not what you want on an M3! Patina or just shot? I'll let you folks decide:
Interestingly, these trims are dated for 2005, insinuating that these were changed at some point very early on in the car's life. Maybe it was a warranty claim, who knows!
These were put onto the bench, and I then tackled the issue of separating them. This was a very awkward job. It's a miracle I didn't manage to break any clips, as many on them are blanked off, so you have no means of releasing them. When people said these needed brute force, they weren't kidding!
However, some patience and perseverence had these reassembled in the new Carbon Cube items I fitted. Oddly, these are dated for 2001, but at least they are fresh refurbs. To remove the armrests, this plier tool came in very handy once more.
Before I knew it, the handles were reassembled
. While there is no doubt that they're an improvement from the old ones, I may refinish the originals. I had ideas of either painting them Carbon Black or Mystic Blue (the car's colour) or maybe something different, depending on how another potential trimming project goes in the car .I guess for now, I should probably start to refit some of the stuff back in the car, and crack on with the caliper refurbishment, now that all of the materials etc. have arrived. There is no time like the present after all.
Off the back of this, I've started enquiring about bodyshops to attend to the wings and the rear arch. Maybe @grumpynorthener feels up to the task
. Other places I'm debating include Spa Garage and EMC Motorsport in Brum .In the meantime I made a start on refitting the doorcards But firstly, I'd need to fit the handles.
Eventually, I got them back on. Annoyingly however, I had two two doorcard clips! Normally, like most people I'd just put the doorcard on and hope for the best! But I do like a job done right. As a result, I'll put an order in for an assortment of clips.
It seems my theory is correct. The door handles and trim must have been replaced under warranty on this car. The doorcard dates imply that they are original to the car still.
It did not stop me however, from getting one doorcard on however. In truth, the Carbon Cube actually works better than I thought inside the car, and dare I say it to the purists, an improvement from the Titan trim for this interior combination.
The keen eye would have noticed that the gear selector dome is still Titan in colour. While it doesn't look as out of place there as I imagined, I do have a plan for it.
Eventually, I got them back on. Annoyingly however, I had two two doorcard clips! Normally, like most people I'd just put the doorcard on and hope for the best! But I do like a job done right. As a result, I'll put an order in for an assortment of clips.
It seems my theory is correct. The door handles and trim must have been replaced under warranty on this car. The doorcard dates imply that they are original to the car still.
It did not stop me however, from getting one doorcard on however. In truth, the Carbon Cube actually works better than I thought inside the car, and dare I say it to the purists, an improvement from the Titan trim for this interior combination.
The keen eye would have noticed that the gear selector dome is still Titan in colour. While it doesn't look as out of place there as I imagined, I do have a plan for it.
SebringMan said:
Have I gone too hard on the caliper or going the right way?
Have you considered electrolysis?I had a go here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
More info - https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread....
shalmaneser said:
Body colour for the SMG dome? I always thought the carbon/cube effect trim on the e46 looked nice. Good to have some contrast with the all grey interior.
Cheers! I am quite surprised myself! My plan originally was to fit these on temparily as I refurbished my originals to Piano Black. I may be having second thoughts now.That may have been the plan originally for the SMG dome, but I'm going to attempt to do something better than that
. We shall see how that turns out.Jakg said:
Have you considered electrolysis?
I had a go here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
More info - https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread....
I never considered that before! I take it that will remove the paint. Deox-C is how I was going to clean them and it seems to work well I had a go here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
More info - https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread....
.Choices choices!
helix402 said:
It sounds like you may have paint sorted for the calipers. If not I’ve had good results using Normfest Silver Star wheel paint followed by UPOL No 1 laquer.
I am still debating paint finishes. Part of me is thinking of going with either black or a light gold (similar to the finish on some plated calipers from the factory, but with Etch Primer down as a basecoat for things to adhere to .I'll see what can be done about the Wheel paint. Normfest is available from ECP isn't it? I've had good results with those cans before to be fair
.
I left this tale talking about the calipers. The truth is there has been progress on them!
However, my attention has been distracted from sorting them out. Why? I had turned uckly ducklings into swans! How? Let me explain.
If you look back through previous shots, You'll see my 19" wheels were a Smoked Chrome finish.
I originally liked this finish, but I was not so keen on them as soon as they got even remotely dirty. The lustre just went away and they looked like very dirty wheels! Obviously I needed a change of finish. What would I do? Well, as I hinted to @vitessetony, BMW did a certain finish on these wheels, but it never lasted.
Since my wheels were kerbed badly, I had a few choices! It's not often I do wheel refurbs so it's hard to say.
However, where this a will, there isn't always a way. There can be a compromise however. A compromise which would look something like this!
I have more images, but I am trying to get something which is better than a phone image. Hopefully I'll find something better I can take before I use the phone images .
That is all for now.
However, my attention has been distracted from sorting them out. Why? I had turned uckly ducklings into swans! How? Let me explain.
If you look back through previous shots, You'll see my 19" wheels were a Smoked Chrome finish.
I originally liked this finish, but I was not so keen on them as soon as they got even remotely dirty. The lustre just went away and they looked like very dirty wheels! Obviously I needed a change of finish. What would I do? Well, as I hinted to @vitessetony, BMW did a certain finish on these wheels, but it never lasted.
Since my wheels were kerbed badly, I had a few choices! It's not often I do wheel refurbs so it's hard to say
.However, where this a will, there isn't always a way. There can be a compromise however. A compromise which would look something like this!
I have more images, but I am trying to get something which is better than a phone image
. Hopefully I'll find something better I can take before I use the phone images .That is all for now
.Wheels. They are a little like a pair like shoes to a wedding. They can make or break the look of an outfit if you are going to certain occasions, like weddings etc. In this case, it seemed it may be the case too.
I have deliberated for a long time on what wheels to fit on my M3. It's time for a bit of a history lesson. Try not to fall asleep however, like I used to, even during Apocalypse Now being shown! Maybe it was the effect of the teacher being there, who knows? Anyway, I digress.
Back in 2000, the E46 M3 was released to the public with the 18" wheels mine currently has, but in Shadow Chrome, shod on 225/45R18s and 225/40R18s. Some people love them, citing the handling benefits. To me, I was until recently never that keen on the wheel design. I like E46 M3s long before I bought one, but never with these wheels. It's funny, I don't mind mine with them on. I did debate getting rid of my undersized tyres (225/40s and 245/35s) for another set of fresh rubber, but decent rubber isn't quite as easy to get as it used to be. Until Goodyear released the F1 SuperSport in this size. Before then, your choices were F1 A2 RunFlats up front, and A3s at the back. With the exception of Yoko AD08Rs of course.
Another in Topaz and a mild drop:
Around 2002(ish), the 19" wheels were offered as an option. They came with Polished & lacquered faces, but with dark inserts:
Obviously, not many people do a polished finish, with lacquer on top, with the exception of PureKlas. However, they do not lacquer them. But then, that's due to the lacquer not being long lasting.
Diamond cutting is another option people undertake for refurbishing these wheels. However, there is a limit to how often wheels can be cut. As mine have never been cut, that was an option. However, it again has problems with longevity:
Now of course, there are more durable options to consider
Quite a few people paint them silver. To me, this is a bit of a cop-out. It looks like someone went cheap, and generally, it's something I've seen on a lot of specialist prepared cars.
But that's just me:
You then have other choices. More simple colours like Anthracite or Black, or what my wheels had on, Smoked Chrome; A darker Shadow Chrome.
It seems deep down, I want the moon on a stick. The Shiny finish of the factory wheels but without the drawbacks. What would my solution be? Like all best-laid plans, it was simple.
-Dark inserts
-Chrome Faces
With that in mind, I found a local powder coater who could do this by chance a while ago, courtesy of a friend of mine.
Then they finally came back. Despite me trying photograph the car during a rainstorm, the images didn't come out quite right on the SLR! So I'm afraid the phone camera shots will have to do!
Argh! Who am I kidding? I may as well show some of the crappy SLR shots! It doesn't really show the shine, but then I guess when rain clouds around for as far as the eye can see, that's inevitable! Still, at least they look OK eh?
I have deliberated for a long time on what wheels to fit on my M3. It's time for a bit of a history lesson. Try not to fall asleep however, like I used to, even during Apocalypse Now being shown! Maybe it was the effect of the teacher being there, who knows? Anyway, I digress.
Back in 2000, the E46 M3 was released to the public with the 18" wheels mine currently has, but in Shadow Chrome, shod on 225/45R18s and 225/40R18s. Some people love them, citing the handling benefits. To me, I was until recently never that keen on the wheel design. I like E46 M3s long before I bought one, but never with these wheels. It's funny, I don't mind mine with them on. I did debate getting rid of my undersized tyres (225/40s and 245/35s) for another set of fresh rubber, but decent rubber isn't quite as easy to get as it used to be. Until Goodyear released the F1 SuperSport in this size. Before then, your choices were F1 A2 RunFlats up front, and A3s at the back. With the exception of Yoko AD08Rs of course.
Another in Topaz and a mild drop:
Around 2002(ish), the 19" wheels were offered as an option. They came with Polished & lacquered faces, but with dark inserts:
Obviously, not many people do a polished finish, with lacquer on top, with the exception of PureKlas. However, they do not lacquer them. But then, that's due to the lacquer not being long lasting.
Diamond cutting is another option people undertake for refurbishing these wheels. However, there is a limit to how often wheels can be cut. As mine have never been cut, that was an option. However, it again has problems with longevity:
Now of course, there are more durable options to consider
Quite a few people paint them silver. To me, this is a bit of a cop-out. It looks like someone went cheap, and generally, it's something I've seen on a lot of specialist prepared cars.
But that's just me:
You then have other choices. More simple colours like Anthracite or Black, or what my wheels had on, Smoked Chrome; A darker Shadow Chrome.
It seems deep down, I want the moon on a stick. The Shiny finish of the factory wheels but without the drawbacks. What would my solution be? Like all best-laid plans, it was simple.
-Dark inserts
-Chrome Faces
With that in mind, I found a local powder coater who could do this by chance a while ago, courtesy of a friend of mine.
Then they finally came back. Despite me trying photograph the car during a rainstorm, the images didn't come out quite right on the SLR! So I'm afraid the phone camera shots will have to do!
Argh! Who am I kidding? I may as well show some of the crappy SLR shots! It doesn't really show the shine, but then I guess when rain clouds around for as far as the eye can see, that's inevitable! Still, at least they look OK eh?
I managed to skip an update, so I'll place that here . This came literally weeks before the wheel refurbishment.
In recent times, the M3 has been hanging onto the first dot of the gauge, or a 1/3 of the way up the gauge. While I am aware a number of M3s do this, mine always used to be a little more towads the middle. So it was fairly obvioust the thermostat was done. Since I needed to do a coolant change anyway, I got to work.
Firstly, it was a matter of putting the car up on the ramps:
Once I pulled out the temperature sensor, it was a case of making a mess everywhere as the water went for every bit of the floor bar the catch tray. Forgive me if this sounds familiar.
Since I had the temperature sender out, I took the time to also change it, as there was a good chance this seal was original to the car. I didn't also avoid draining the block. Oh no! I also got on with that as well
Inevitably, the once clean floor now looked like coolant s
tstorm! But that's no real surprise going from my aforementioned comments.
But me moaning about the floor was not going to get the coolant swap done. It was time to remove the thermostat. Naturally I forgot to film this. It's not a simple thermostat to remove in all honest. The housing has to be lifted and pulled towards the front of the car in order for the thermostat to clear the water pump. However, in no time at all, the thermostat and what I believe to be the bypass hose were removed from the car, revealing the tired thermostat. Yes, it's an odd looking thermostat isn't it? I've only seen similar looking thermostats in trucks and they make this item look cheap! Except this thermostat isn't cheap at all!
Looking at the water, I was surprised at how clear it was! I have left this coolant in a little longer than I would have wanted (a year) but it's surprisingly clear! Moreso as I expected it to have a higher concentration of coolant in it! The black stuff around the coolant is the oil I didn't clean out previously
Then, it was a case of fitting the thermostat back into the car. This was quite awkward. It's very easy to nip one of the seals
Then it was the matter of filling this system up and bleeding it. BMWs of this generation and older are notorious for being a pain to bleed. This one however, for the first time ever, was a simple car to bleed. It went as follows:
-Drain the coolant via the radiator (temperature sensor) and the engine block plug
-Refit the sensor and the plug
-Putting the car into ignition position no.2, put the temperature onto max and the fan position onto low. 2 position up fron the fans being turned off is a good place. This in turns will open up the heater valves and activate the auxiliary water pump. The latter will help with bleeding the system out. Obviously, if it doesn't work, it may cause problems
-Fill the cooling system up slowly. Mine IIRC took around 7 to 8 litres.
-Keep an eye on the coolant system. Once the water level settled in the KALT position in the header tank, put the cap back on the tank, and start the car up and bring it up to operating temperature
-Once the car has cooled down, recheck the coolant level. In my case, it didn't drop that much at all.
What was I rewarded with? A more stable gauge and I suspect better fuel economy. It's early days however to tell so soon.
I suspect the thermostat may also aid VANOS operation (i.e it will fully work if the engine is working in the right temperature range). My car did have an error for the cooling system temperature, which also spurred me on to change the thermostat.
. This came literally weeks before the wheel refurbishment.In recent times, the M3 has been hanging onto the first dot of the gauge, or a 1/3 of the way up the gauge. While I am aware a number of M3s do this, mine always used to be a little more towads the middle. So it was fairly obvioust the thermostat was done. Since I needed to do a coolant change anyway, I got to work.
Firstly, it was a matter of putting the car up on the ramps:
Once I pulled out the temperature sensor, it was a case of making a mess everywhere as the water went for every bit of the floor bar the catch tray. Forgive me if this sounds familiar.
Since I had the temperature sender out, I took the time to also change it, as there was a good chance this seal was original to the car. I didn't also avoid draining the block. Oh no! I also got on with that as well
Inevitably, the once clean floor now looked like coolant s
tstorm! But that's no real surprise going from my aforementioned comments.But me moaning about the floor was not going to get the coolant swap done. It was time to remove the thermostat. Naturally I forgot to film this. It's not a simple thermostat to remove in all honest. The housing has to be lifted and pulled towards the front of the car in order for the thermostat to clear the water pump. However, in no time at all, the thermostat and what I believe to be the bypass hose were removed from the car, revealing the tired thermostat. Yes, it's an odd looking thermostat isn't it? I've only seen similar looking thermostats in trucks and they make this item look cheap! Except this thermostat isn't cheap at all!
Looking at the water, I was surprised at how clear it was! I have left this coolant in a little longer than I would have wanted (a year) but it's surprisingly clear! Moreso as I expected it to have a higher concentration of coolant in it! The black stuff around the coolant is the oil I didn't clean out previously
Then, it was a case of fitting the thermostat back into the car. This was quite awkward. It's very easy to nip one of the seals
Then it was the matter of filling this system up and bleeding it. BMWs of this generation and older are notorious for being a pain to bleed. This one however, for the first time ever, was a simple car to bleed. It went as follows:
-Drain the coolant via the radiator (temperature sensor) and the engine block plug
-Refit the sensor and the plug
-Putting the car into ignition position no.2, put the temperature onto max and the fan position onto low. 2 position up fron the fans being turned off is a good place. This in turns will open up the heater valves and activate the auxiliary water pump. The latter will help with bleeding the system out. Obviously, if it doesn't work, it may cause problems
-Fill the cooling system up slowly. Mine IIRC took around 7 to 8 litres.
-Keep an eye on the coolant system. Once the water level settled in the KALT position in the header tank, put the cap back on the tank, and start the car up and bring it up to operating temperature
-Once the car has cooled down, recheck the coolant level. In my case, it didn't drop that much at all.
What was I rewarded with? A more stable gauge and I suspect better fuel economy. It's early days however to tell so soon.
I suspect the thermostat may also aid VANOS operation (i.e it will fully work if the engine is working in the right temperature range). My car did have an error for the cooling system temperature, which also spurred me on to change the thermostat.
JakeT said:
Ah yes, changing coolant. One of my most hated jobs. It always gets everywhere, and the smell and taste of it are just awful.
Yearly coolant changes is a luxury though! I think BMW suggest every 2 for these cars. Every year is better though.
it's hated more on BMWs for me! Every 'tank on the rad' one was been a pain to bleed, despite following the advice to the letter. The air seems almost impossible to release from the heater matrix (which looks to be higher than the rad) without disconnecting the heater matrix pipe to vent the system. I don't know why BMW didn't put a bleed point there TBH. That said, the two I changed it on did have neglected cooling systems, which won't help.Yearly coolant changes is a luxury though! I think BMW suggest every 2 for these cars. Every year is better though.
I think it's 3 years for this. The G48 coolant is pretty good, and outlives the other cheaper 'Blue' IAT coolants IME. I've seen the latter go rusty in as little as a year, even in a freshly flushed block and new cooling system (rad etc.).
The fact that this was still pretty clean is a good thing. I may change the 'rad next year however as a precaution. On any car of this age, I've noticed a difference.
I have another update coming soon
.So, what else has gone on with the the car?
It's being used again! With me working from home, and almost being pinned to a desk, I don't really drive as much as I used to. It does however mean that with the quieter roads, I can enjoy them more. Sure, the Mondeo would make more sense! But fate would enter here.
Enter Exhibit A:
My sister's Saab 9-3. Yup, it had been hit, and being a key worker, it's something she really didn't need.
It's amazing how older technology can hide a multitude of sins regarding camera phone technology. Oh, and Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax ; it's amazing for removing Overspray. It could also be a car dealer's wet dream in terms of shining cars up! It certainly did shine up the Saab!
However, no amount of polish would remove the dent. Since this happened in April, all of the photos were taken of the car before we were told the inevitable. It was written off. With Saabs not being worth alot, and the rear 1/4 being No Longer Available (NLA) from the usual suspects including Neo Brothers and Bond Street in the Leicster, this was not really a surprise.
Fast forward to June and we had this silly notion that the Saab would once live again! However, she would need a car. She goes to the school. Me being me, and knowing that she can drive well, I offered her two cars:
-Mondeo
-M3.
She took the Mondeo. Unfortunately for me, she seems to like the Mondeo a little too much! Sure, it's got some trickery fitted into it during my ownership, but I thought a £1k car would never entice anyone! Clearly, I was wrong! Hopefully I'll get it back as I do wonder what else £1k will buy me which ticks the boxes quite as well as that car.
Not that it matters, I've had the opportunity to enjoy the M3 that bit more. The occasional trip to work was more of a joy than before, especially more so! But other cars too!
Remember that BMW 330Ci ClubSport I mentioned earlier? Well, this post goes full circle as I'd end up doing a favour for a friend ; the alignment ship he booked in was a stone's throw away from me, so I jumped at the opportunity of helping him out. It's not a bad looking thing either!
The all important kick plates to state what the car is.
What most BMW owners covet. I can't say I'm one of them (read on), but it's OK.
Since he was selling it, he asked me to grab a few shots as well. Naturally, I obliged.
Driving it was an absolute pleasure however!
Sure, I found that 'box annoying! Not that I'm a hater of manuals, but rather the glorification they have for what seems to be dick-length reasons. Sure, there is 'some' increased involvement, but trying to account for when the clutch has released? A sloppy change? Surely the point of a manual is for the 'box and clutch to be fully complaint in your demands. This really wasn't that. Until you put your foot down:
[video src="https://youtu.be/03H9tsTrUaU[/img][/video]
Yup, it's not bad when you are making progress. Hopefully, the video didn't put you to sleep!
The fun didn't stop there however. Remember why I was rebuilding my brakes? This car could give a taster of what to expect. After all, my friend rebuilt the calipers using the Bigg Red seals, pistons and slider bushes, topped off with some braided hoses from HEL. Oh, and new discs and pads. Not something you expect most people to do. Did it brake better than before? You can bet yourself to a barn dance that it did! It was spot on! Even on stock pads, it pulled to a halt really well. More than either of us expected in all honesty!
With this being a 330Ci, it has 100kg less than an E46 M3, and that can be felt! It is a little more sprighlty!
The final thing? The engine? Sure, it does not have the S54 raw than BMW M cars have. But sometimes, that's not what people want? The M54 is more of a creamy smoother operator affair. It never feels or sounds fragile, and it literally just hums along! Sure, coming from an M3 this can seem dull, but there's no denying the engine is less relalctrant and more refined over town over the S54 lump in the E46 M3. But I do love that character! What did someone say about having your cake and eating it?
Yup, while these times have been busy, they've not been bad
It's being used again! With me working from home, and almost being pinned to a desk, I don't really drive as much as I used to. It does however mean that with the quieter roads, I can enjoy them more. Sure, the Mondeo would make more sense! But fate would enter here.
Enter Exhibit A:
My sister's Saab 9-3. Yup, it had been hit, and being a key worker, it's something she really didn't need.
It's amazing how older technology can hide a multitude of sins regarding camera phone technology. Oh, and Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax ; it's amazing for removing Overspray. It could also be a car dealer's wet dream in terms of shining cars up! It certainly did shine up the Saab!
However, no amount of polish would remove the dent. Since this happened in April, all of the photos were taken of the car before we were told the inevitable. It was written off. With Saabs not being worth alot, and the rear 1/4 being No Longer Available (NLA) from the usual suspects including Neo Brothers and Bond Street in the Leicster, this was not really a surprise.
Fast forward to June and we had this silly notion that the Saab would once live again! However, she would need a car. She goes to the school. Me being me, and knowing that she can drive well, I offered her two cars:
-Mondeo
-M3.
She took the Mondeo. Unfortunately for me, she seems to like the Mondeo a little too much! Sure, it's got some trickery fitted into it during my ownership, but I thought a £1k car would never entice anyone! Clearly, I was wrong! Hopefully I'll get it back as I do wonder what else £1k will buy me which ticks the boxes quite as well as that car.
Not that it matters, I've had the opportunity to enjoy the M3 that bit more. The occasional trip to work was more of a joy than before, especially more so! But other cars too!
Remember that BMW 330Ci ClubSport I mentioned earlier? Well, this post goes full circle as I'd end up doing a favour for a friend ; the alignment ship he booked in was a stone's throw away from me, so I jumped at the opportunity of helping him out. It's not a bad looking thing either!
The all important kick plates to state what the car is
.What most BMW owners covet. I can't say I'm one of them (read on), but it's OK.
Since he was selling it, he asked me to grab a few shots as well. Naturally, I obliged.
Driving it was an absolute pleasure however!
Sure, I found that 'box annoying! Not that I'm a hater of manuals, but rather the glorification they have for what seems to be dick-length reasons. Sure, there is 'some' increased involvement, but trying to account for when the clutch has released? A sloppy change? Surely the point of a manual is for the 'box and clutch to be fully complaint in your demands. This really wasn't that. Until you put your foot down:
[video src="https://youtu.be/03H9tsTrUaU[/img][/video]
Yup, it's not bad when you are making progress
. Hopefully, the video didn't put you to sleep!The fun didn't stop there however. Remember why I was rebuilding my brakes? This car could give a taster of what to expect. After all, my friend rebuilt the calipers using the Bigg Red seals, pistons and slider bushes, topped off with some braided hoses from HEL. Oh, and new discs and pads. Not something you expect most people to do. Did it brake better than before? You can bet yourself to a barn dance that it did! It was spot on! Even on stock pads, it pulled to a halt really well. More than either of us expected in all honesty!
With this being a 330Ci, it has 100kg less than an E46 M3, and that can be felt! It is a little more sprighlty!
The final thing? The engine? Sure, it does not have the S54 raw than BMW M cars have. But sometimes, that's not what people want? The M54 is more of a creamy smoother operator affair. It never feels or sounds fragile, and it literally just hums along! Sure, coming from an M3 this can seem dull, but there's no denying the engine is less relalctrant and more refined over town over the S54 lump in the E46 M3. But I do love that character! What did someone say about having your cake and eating it?
Yup, while these times have been busy, they've not been bad
Edited by SebringMan on Sunday 4th October 21:15
While I planned for one massive update, it's best to deliver it in bitesize chunks I suspect. So, let's begin.
A few posts up, you would have seen me mention that my sister's Saab which got hit and written off. Without trying to dwell on the Saab story too much, my sister wanted either this car to be replaced at the time, or another convertible. Chatting to friends in the trade, they told me that £4k would not get a nice drop top, or should I say to the mediocre standards I wanted; most cars being traded in during the lockdown were truly awful and only being traded in as the owners didn't really see themselves having another choice.
This inevitably left us between a rock and a hard place. We made a decision, but the right one? Time would tell. The main plan was to get the now CAT N Saab repaired, and to throw in a few tasty upgrades and repairs along the way, including:
-An Apple CarPlay headunit
-New discs and pads all round to bring some life to the shocking brakes in this car
-Sort the steering out, and give the car an alignment.
Sounds easy doesn't it? I wished it was easier.
Firstly, I came to install the Kenwood DMX-7017DABS CD player. With a Connects 2 lead set, it should have worked well. What did our survey say however?
Yup, there was nothing whatsoever. Despite me connecting the kit up to the letter as follows:
-Headunit patch lead first
-Headunit lead to Connects2 main lead
-Connects 2 Box
-The Saab connections on the Connects2 lead to the Saab
I have nothing. Zero. Nada.
Ringing Connects 2 was also useless. Their guy there basically wasn't interested in helping out, stating only via email could I be assisted, and that really, all non-dealer folk are too thick and that I should go to a dealer (yeah, I'll get to that part later). This was perfect for dropping the car into the garage 4 days later for the repairs to begin, where I was told the car would be ready in 4 days. Perfect, I'll book a holiday for 5 days in 3 weeks time I thought. This would soon unravel however.
[img src="https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/105661709_10157018576915843_820700394437538043_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=b9115d&_nc_ohc=5y4quihx7wQAX_U0U5B&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=6fe9dcff6c854fc080e1149d3fa4aec9&oe=5F50EFFE" style="max-width:100%;[/img]
Fast forward a bit, and those 3 days would become 4 weeks. Yup, the holiday time I booked and could not really change due to tight work times and issues there really did not help.
However, since the Saab was away in the bodyshop that week, I thought I'd crack on with the M3. I planned that day to get all of the brakes fitted. However, like all best plans, things didn't go that way. There I was changing the calipers on the rear first, until I hit the nearside:
Yup, the spring had snapped big time! I'm surprised the car was still level! However, since ECP somehow were doing the springs for £20 for the pair, I bought them to get me out of trouble. Being an E46, it may pay to keep these as a spare set anyway! Sure, they didn't look right, but they'd get me out of trouble.
While I was there, I picked the best discs out of my spares to compliment the new brake shoes, before finally fitting the rear CSL calipers with Pagid RSL29 pads. Because the previous specialist prior to my ownership did not clean out the brake area for the handbrake, the dirt just got trapped and destroyed the inside of the otherwise perfect discs. Sure, it passed an MOT, but I knew the handbrake was useless in the real world.
Could things really improve with just this? That will have to wait until the next time.
[img src="https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/chasr/044a525e001f.jpg" style="max-width:100%;[/img]
Those grooves made the handbrake useless.
While the inner surface was rusty, it was sound and worn well more importantly, so these were picked.
[img src="https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/chasr/aa28b0562806.jpg" style="max-width:100%;[/img]
[img src="https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/chasr/4aecd7e1b643.jpg" style="max-width:100%;[/img]
A few posts up, you would have seen me mention that my sister's Saab which got hit and written off. Without trying to dwell on the Saab story too much, my sister wanted either this car to be replaced at the time, or another convertible. Chatting to friends in the trade, they told me that £4k would not get a nice drop top, or should I say to the mediocre standards I wanted; most cars being traded in during the lockdown were truly awful and only being traded in as the owners didn't really see themselves having another choice.
This inevitably left us between a rock and a hard place. We made a decision, but the right one? Time would tell. The main plan was to get the now CAT N Saab repaired, and to throw in a few tasty upgrades and repairs along the way, including:
-An Apple CarPlay headunit
-New discs and pads all round to bring some life to the shocking brakes in this car
-Sort the steering out, and give the car an alignment.
Sounds easy doesn't it? I wished it was easier.
Firstly, I came to install the Kenwood DMX-7017DABS CD player. With a Connects 2 lead set, it should have worked well. What did our survey say however?
Yup, there was nothing whatsoever. Despite me connecting the kit up to the letter as follows:
-Headunit patch lead first
-Headunit lead to Connects2 main lead
-Connects 2 Box
-The Saab connections on the Connects2 lead to the Saab
I have nothing. Zero. Nada.
Ringing Connects 2 was also useless. Their guy there basically wasn't interested in helping out, stating only via email could I be assisted, and that really, all non-dealer folk are too thick and that I should go to a dealer (yeah, I'll get to that part later). This was perfect for dropping the car into the garage 4 days later for the repairs to begin, where I was told the car would be ready in 4 days. Perfect, I'll book a holiday for 5 days in 3 weeks time I thought. This would soon unravel however.
[img src="https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/105661709_10157018576915843_820700394437538043_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=b9115d&_nc_ohc=5y4quihx7wQAX_U0U5B&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=6fe9dcff6c854fc080e1149d3fa4aec9&oe=5F50EFFE" style="max-width:100%;[/img]
Fast forward a bit, and those 3 days would become 4 weeks. Yup, the holiday time I booked and could not really change due to tight work times and issues there really did not help.
However, since the Saab was away in the bodyshop that week, I thought I'd crack on with the M3. I planned that day to get all of the brakes fitted. However, like all best plans, things didn't go that way. There I was changing the calipers on the rear first, until I hit the nearside:
Yup, the spring had snapped big time! I'm surprised the car was still level! However, since ECP somehow were doing the springs for £20 for the pair, I bought them to get me out of trouble. Being an E46, it may pay to keep these as a spare set anyway! Sure, they didn't look right, but they'd get me out of trouble.
While I was there, I picked the best discs out of my spares to compliment the new brake shoes, before finally fitting the rear CSL calipers with Pagid RSL29 pads. Because the previous specialist prior to my ownership did not clean out the brake area for the handbrake, the dirt just got trapped and destroyed the inside of the otherwise perfect discs. Sure, it passed an MOT, but I knew the handbrake was useless in the real world.
Could things really improve with just this? That will have to wait until the next time.
[img src="https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/chasr/044a525e001f.jpg" style="max-width:100%;[/img]
Those grooves made the handbrake useless.
While the inner surface was rusty, it was sound and worn well more importantly, so these were picked.
[img src="https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/chasr/aa28b0562806.jpg" style="max-width:100%;[/img]
[img src="https://img.retro-rides.org/i/v/chasr/4aecd7e1b643.jpg" style="max-width:100%;[/img]
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff