Swoxy's 318iA Convertible
Discussion
I've always liked the E36 convertible, being around 10 when the M3 was launched, long before it became chav, I wanted one like this ...
Early in '04, my I was helping my Dad's wife look for a convertible to replace her Micra.
Initially, she wanted a W208 CLK, however, only coupes were in budget, so we diverted our search to 3-Series. She was looking to spend around £13k, which, at the time, meant an early, basic E46 or a late, well specced E36.
Eventually, she found a '99 318iA in Auto Trader which she liked, and she bought it ...
I was 17, too young to care what was under the bonnet (or in the transmission tunnel); I loved it and she promised to offer me first refusal before selling it.
Late in '09, she decided to replace it with W209 CLK, so I sold my trusty '01 Fabia 1.9 SDI and it was mine.
However, although it was in good mechanical condition, it was in terrible cosmetic condition. It'd been serviced by Sytner Chigwell and Highams Park Motor Company, but no-one had looked after the interior or exterior.
I had the rear windscreen replaced by Scothall Stirling Corner, as it'd split.
I was going to replace the carpet mats, as they were filthy ...
I couldn't find a good quality set that was affordable, so I tried cleaning them by hand with Rug Doctor Hi-Traffic Pre-Treatment, Kirkland Super Concentrated Laundry Detergent, a stiff brush and a pressure washer, and was astonished at the result ...
Spurred on by my success, I decided to clean the carpet, so I removed the seats and found patches of dirt under them ...
I borrowed a Wickes Wet n Dry Vacuum Cleaner so I could dry it properly ...
I cleaned the driver's side first ...
Again, I was astonished at the result ...
As the seats were removed, I replaced the broken Bowden cable which prevented the front passenger's seat from tilting forward. It was very inconvenient that rear passengers had to enter from the driver's side, especially for the one who had to clamber across to the passenger's side, in addition to me having to get out every time! ...
Also, I revitalised the seats with Turtle Wax Platinum Leather Cleaner and Conditioner and swapped the the driver's and passenger's seat backs around, to ensure the bolsters wear evenly ...
I couldn't swap the driver's seat passenger's seat bases around, is it possible to do so?
Meanwhile, we tried to remove a hedge from our driveway, and broke a new spade attempting to dig out the root ...
No need to fear, 115 bhp was there. We pulled it out in no time, although I didn't realise the root would catapult out of the ground and fly forward violently, missing the windscreen by inches ...
Next, I got to work on the hood. My Dad's wife used to get it cleaned at a hand car wash, who pressure washed it, leaving it saturated with water which didn't dry properly, and subsequently became mouldy ...
Autoglym Fabric Hood Cleaner was my weapon of choice ...
What came out was disgusting, and smelt like a stagnant pond ...
It look a few hours, but it was worth it ...
I repaired the under-tray ...
I don't think this applies to my car (0-60 mph in over 13 secs) but, erm, the old one was peeling off ...
So, now, coming up to a year later, this is how it looks ...
Early in '04, my I was helping my Dad's wife look for a convertible to replace her Micra.
Initially, she wanted a W208 CLK, however, only coupes were in budget, so we diverted our search to 3-Series. She was looking to spend around £13k, which, at the time, meant an early, basic E46 or a late, well specced E36.
Eventually, she found a '99 318iA in Auto Trader which she liked, and she bought it ...
I was 17, too young to care what was under the bonnet (or in the transmission tunnel); I loved it and she promised to offer me first refusal before selling it.
Late in '09, she decided to replace it with W209 CLK, so I sold my trusty '01 Fabia 1.9 SDI and it was mine.
However, although it was in good mechanical condition, it was in terrible cosmetic condition. It'd been serviced by Sytner Chigwell and Highams Park Motor Company, but no-one had looked after the interior or exterior.
I had the rear windscreen replaced by Scothall Stirling Corner, as it'd split.
I was going to replace the carpet mats, as they were filthy ...
I couldn't find a good quality set that was affordable, so I tried cleaning them by hand with Rug Doctor Hi-Traffic Pre-Treatment, Kirkland Super Concentrated Laundry Detergent, a stiff brush and a pressure washer, and was astonished at the result ...
Spurred on by my success, I decided to clean the carpet, so I removed the seats and found patches of dirt under them ...
I borrowed a Wickes Wet n Dry Vacuum Cleaner so I could dry it properly ...
I cleaned the driver's side first ...
Again, I was astonished at the result ...
As the seats were removed, I replaced the broken Bowden cable which prevented the front passenger's seat from tilting forward. It was very inconvenient that rear passengers had to enter from the driver's side, especially for the one who had to clamber across to the passenger's side, in addition to me having to get out every time! ...
Also, I revitalised the seats with Turtle Wax Platinum Leather Cleaner and Conditioner and swapped the the driver's and passenger's seat backs around, to ensure the bolsters wear evenly ...
I couldn't swap the driver's seat passenger's seat bases around, is it possible to do so?
Meanwhile, we tried to remove a hedge from our driveway, and broke a new spade attempting to dig out the root ...
No need to fear, 115 bhp was there. We pulled it out in no time, although I didn't realise the root would catapult out of the ground and fly forward violently, missing the windscreen by inches ...
Next, I got to work on the hood. My Dad's wife used to get it cleaned at a hand car wash, who pressure washed it, leaving it saturated with water which didn't dry properly, and subsequently became mouldy ...
Autoglym Fabric Hood Cleaner was my weapon of choice ...
What came out was disgusting, and smelt like a stagnant pond ...
It look a few hours, but it was worth it ...
I repaired the under-tray ...
I don't think this applies to my car (0-60 mph in over 13 secs) but, erm, the old one was peeling off ...
So, now, coming up to a year later, this is how it looks ...
Edited by Swoxy on Saturday 4th June 16:14
Thanks for all the compliments, guys.
I also repaired the glove-box, and replaced some missing interior plastics, strangely all pertaining to the seatbelts
...
soad said:
Nice nice. Heater on, roof down 
Always Fun Bus said:
Great work Swoxy, love it. Even if it is a 318 auto it looks great and those wheels on the E36, whether it be coupe/conv./saloon/touring look great.
In fact, I'd like to see the car - are you a BMW car club member? If not, IM me.
I'm not a member, isn't it quite expensive to join?In fact, I'd like to see the car - are you a BMW car club member? If not, IM me.
ambuletz said:
when I was little there was this guy opposite my primary school that owned one. met green, with cream leather. he'd leave the top down on sunny days. Always wanted one!
During my last year at primary school, a kid's Dad had a brand new 328i Sport, the one with the M-Tech body kit and BBS wheels. I used to stare at it every morning and occasionally I still see him driving it! Maybe I should make him an offer? I also repaired the glove-box, and replaced some missing interior plastics, strangely all pertaining to the seatbelts
...It's been off the road since September, since I've been studying, however I've finished so I got it back on the road last Monday.
I bought a breathable cover from Cover-Zone, which did a great job ...
I was pleased the rear windscreen folded correctly after ten months ...
However, the rest of it wasn't looking it's best ...
I got to work on the roof again with the same Autoglym stuff well as the Wet n Dry vacuum cleaner (left side before, right side after) ...
So, this is how it looks ...
I bought a breathable cover from Cover-Zone, which did a great job ...
I was pleased the rear windscreen folded correctly after ten months ...
However, the rest of it wasn't looking it's best ...
I got to work on the roof again with the same Autoglym stuff well as the Wet n Dry vacuum cleaner (left side before, right side after) ...
So, this is how it looks ...
I serviced it. I was going to buy a Draper service indicator reset tool but then I realised how it worked and decided not to waste £20 and use a piece of wire instead. Our £5 ramps came in very handy ...
I had the horrible mix of recent Chinese and ancient German tyres the car came with replaced with 2 x Continental ContiSportContact on the front, and 2 x ContiPremiumContact on the rear. Now's it's like driving a completely different car; it feels smoother, sharper and much more agile. I wish I did so when I got the car a couple of years ago ...
I also had to tow my brother's Polo, which the 1.8 and slushbox handled remarkably well ...
I had the horrible mix of recent Chinese and ancient German tyres the car came with replaced with 2 x Continental ContiSportContact on the front, and 2 x ContiPremiumContact on the rear. Now's it's like driving a completely different car; it feels smoother, sharper and much more agile. I wish I did so when I got the car a couple of years ago ...
I also had to tow my brother's Polo, which the 1.8 and slushbox handled remarkably well ...
Edited by Swoxy on Friday 20th January 14:37
I went to The Tyre Place yesterday for diagnostics as my ABS and ASC lights are illuminated (and have been for the last month) ...
It returned the following codes:
It returned the following codes:
- 71 - Pump Motor
- 76 - Speed Sensor, Signal Interference
- 78 - Vehicle Power > 18v
- C9 - Oxygen Sensor Control, Control Stop
I had the ABS/ASC pump changed, which instantly solved the problem and cleared the other codes. I bought it from a breaker on eBay and had it fitted by my local mechanic, the ABS and ASC lights haven't illuminated since.
I had a fun spring in the car, I even used it as an impromptu car to rush the groom to the wedding I was best man at when his planned transport got stuck in traffic ...
We replaced the front pads ...
I parked near Liverpool Street one night and returned to find this ...
I used T-Cut to remove the marks but the door was creased, it looks much better here than it did in real life ...
It's now two and a half years and nearly fifteen thousand London miles since I got the car, and two years since I carried out the refurbishment at the start of the thread ...
I've been very busy of the past couple of years and have only carried out mechanical works. It isn't a fast car, is isn't a frugal car - it's the look and the feel of it that makes me enjoy driving it. Cosmetically, it was starting to get tatty - the door was creased, there was a deep key scratch in the nearside rear wing from before I got the car and the rear bumper had split on the corner where someone had bumped into it. I was starting to get bored.
I'd been looking at other options since the start of the year. I decided that, if I was going to replace it, it would be a drop top E46 - either a 320Cd, 330Cd or 330Ci. I couldn't find what I wanted within my budget - facelift, auto, not modified, interesting colour, black carpet and NO GREY LEATHER. I thought about spending a little more, but I found it hard to justify replacing my car that would do the same job as mine, when mine didn't really have anything wrong with it. Also, there are a lot of E46s around where I live - I like having an E36.
Erm, the solution was obvious. RESTORE my car. Whilst my refurbishment a couple of years ago had tidied the car up, it was now time to take the car back to looking, and most importantly feeling, like a new car, as much as realistically possible.
I had thought about changing the wheels, but I couldn't find anything by BMW that I liked and was practical (sadly, Style 37s don't fit without a lot of work) and I didn't want aftermarket wheels, it's a well specced late model and I'd rather keep it as it is - I think it still looks fairly classy and I feel comfortable using it for work and play in the city. I had seen these and wanted to give the car that 90s, Beverly Hills look - it's a girls car anyway, I may as well embrace the look rather than fighting it, so I went back to The Tyre Place to borrow some wheels that they have for sale and I sent mine to BJV Engineering to be powder coated in black chrome last Saturday ...
I then it to a body shop to have the entire nearside (creased door, keyed wing and split bumper) and the mirror caps resprayed, and the rest of the car machine polished.
I borrowed another car for the week and look forward to the following weekend. Yesterday, I went to collect my wheels ...
I then went to collect the car (it still has some polish residue) ...
I went back to The Tyre Place to have the wheels swapped - laying them out, I was so excited (the inners are in black, giving a great contrast) ...
So, this is how it looks ...
I need to order replacement badges for the bonnet and wheels. Are aftermarket ones from eBay any good, or shall I go with genuine?
I had a fun spring in the car, I even used it as an impromptu car to rush the groom to the wedding I was best man at when his planned transport got stuck in traffic ...
We replaced the front pads ...
I parked near Liverpool Street one night and returned to find this ...
I used T-Cut to remove the marks but the door was creased, it looks much better here than it did in real life ...
It's now two and a half years and nearly fifteen thousand London miles since I got the car, and two years since I carried out the refurbishment at the start of the thread ...
I've been very busy of the past couple of years and have only carried out mechanical works. It isn't a fast car, is isn't a frugal car - it's the look and the feel of it that makes me enjoy driving it. Cosmetically, it was starting to get tatty - the door was creased, there was a deep key scratch in the nearside rear wing from before I got the car and the rear bumper had split on the corner where someone had bumped into it. I was starting to get bored.
I'd been looking at other options since the start of the year. I decided that, if I was going to replace it, it would be a drop top E46 - either a 320Cd, 330Cd or 330Ci. I couldn't find what I wanted within my budget - facelift, auto, not modified, interesting colour, black carpet and NO GREY LEATHER. I thought about spending a little more, but I found it hard to justify replacing my car that would do the same job as mine, when mine didn't really have anything wrong with it. Also, there are a lot of E46s around where I live - I like having an E36.
Erm, the solution was obvious. RESTORE my car. Whilst my refurbishment a couple of years ago had tidied the car up, it was now time to take the car back to looking, and most importantly feeling, like a new car, as much as realistically possible.
I had thought about changing the wheels, but I couldn't find anything by BMW that I liked and was practical (sadly, Style 37s don't fit without a lot of work) and I didn't want aftermarket wheels, it's a well specced late model and I'd rather keep it as it is - I think it still looks fairly classy and I feel comfortable using it for work and play in the city. I had seen these and wanted to give the car that 90s, Beverly Hills look - it's a girls car anyway, I may as well embrace the look rather than fighting it, so I went back to The Tyre Place to borrow some wheels that they have for sale and I sent mine to BJV Engineering to be powder coated in black chrome last Saturday ...
I then it to a body shop to have the entire nearside (creased door, keyed wing and split bumper) and the mirror caps resprayed, and the rest of the car machine polished.
I borrowed another car for the week and look forward to the following weekend. Yesterday, I went to collect my wheels ...
I then went to collect the car (it still has some polish residue) ...
I went back to The Tyre Place to have the wheels swapped - laying them out, I was so excited (the inners are in black, giving a great contrast) ...
So, this is how it looks ...
I need to order replacement badges for the bonnet and wheels. Are aftermarket ones from eBay any good, or shall I go with genuine?
Edited by Swoxy on Sunday 7th October 22:14
What do you think? ...
I was browsing the classifieds on PH a couple of weeks ago and the next thing I knew I had bought this Individual 330Ci, this website is dangerous ...
I was browsing the classifieds on PH a couple of weeks ago and the next thing I knew I had bought this Individual 330Ci, this website is dangerous ...
Edited by Swoxy on Wednesday 17th April 17:52
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff