Discussion
So I had a free afternoon and I've been wanting to clay the car for a while and managed to get the time to do it today. The results were alarming to say the least, and I think it's fair to say it has never been clayed before!
Picture of the clay bar after the bonnet, roof and boot!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/122bSyBeTP3inHbMq5...
Final results (weather not the best for pictures, sadly!)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11yvlv2drLG0xzBSNt...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11zInMdC966jfSjUi-...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11z_2odDoaUlKkMhDY...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1228C4NqC65NSmoeZN...
I just rinsed the car and then dried it. I will not be using the car to get to work tomorrow and if it is dry on Sunday I plan to hand polish it, use some panel wipe and neat IPA and then put a sealant on it (Gtechniq C2v3). I would like to put C1 and EXO on it, but the weather isn't suitable and I'd like to do a more thorough job before looking to do that.
Overall, I'm pleased with the results. Plenty more to do yet though!
As an aside, what's the easiest way to get images into the forum that are over 2MB? That's the reason why I'm posting Google Drive links...!
Cheers.
Picture of the clay bar after the bonnet, roof and boot!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/122bSyBeTP3inHbMq5...
Final results (weather not the best for pictures, sadly!)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11yvlv2drLG0xzBSNt...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11zInMdC966jfSjUi-...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11z_2odDoaUlKkMhDY...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1228C4NqC65NSmoeZN...
I just rinsed the car and then dried it. I will not be using the car to get to work tomorrow and if it is dry on Sunday I plan to hand polish it, use some panel wipe and neat IPA and then put a sealant on it (Gtechniq C2v3). I would like to put C1 and EXO on it, but the weather isn't suitable and I'd like to do a more thorough job before looking to do that.
Overall, I'm pleased with the results. Plenty more to do yet though!
As an aside, what's the easiest way to get images into the forum that are over 2MB? That's the reason why I'm posting Google Drive links...!
Cheers.
hopefully I can get done what I want to this weekend to get it looking better still. So since the last update the Lexus has had 2 new wiper blades fitted....and that's it. They weren't strictly necessary and were still clearing the screen well but they started to squeak a little even after cleaning them and the screen with a cloth, so I got some new ones fitted.
Fitted by my mate who I help out. My overall servicing costs since ownership still stands at £0.00
I think without my "agreement" I suspect I'd be looking at a little over £2k including servicing and MOTs etc, which I don't think is too bad for a car of this ilk.
Next month will be a bit one, I'll be driving from Portchester/Fareham to Aviemore in one hit, a week up there where I anticipate on doing several hundred miles, and then obviously the drive back too. Will certainly give it a good run out and blow out the cobwebs!
Fitted by my mate who I help out. My overall servicing costs since ownership still stands at £0.00
I think without my "agreement" I suspect I'd be looking at a little over £2k including servicing and MOTs etc, which I don't think is too bad for a car of this ilk.Next month will be a bit one, I'll be driving from Portchester/Fareham to Aviemore in one hit, a week up there where I anticipate on doing several hundred miles, and then obviously the drive back too. Will certainly give it a good run out and blow out the cobwebs!
donkmeister said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
I think there's more standard spec, but my poverty one doesn't have massage seating, although all seats are heated, cooled and electrically adjustable. Obviously there's the DVD player and rear screen, but I've essentially lost that by getting a GROM unit installed, which is far more practicable from a daily perspective.
How so? Does the GROM unit simply not show on the rear screen, or does the entire rear screen get deactivated as part of the installation? I've been wondering about installing a GROM VLine unit for BT audio, google maps etc, but I confess I do like the novelty of the screen folding down from the ceiling, and hope that one day I will get to lounge in the back watching a movie whilst Mrs D takes the wheel.
stickleback123 said:
Ross - what sort of economy does your 460 give you? I'm thinking 25 average and 30+ on a long run?
Yes, 30+ on a run is extremely easy. I'm only averaging around 23mpg, but I do a lot of short trips which drag it down. Cruising at 70mph it'll do 35+ believe it or not! There was a slight vibration under heavy braking once the brakes were hot, the rear discs and pads have been replaced and this has rectified the issue. Again, due to my "deal" going on, I fortunately didn't have to pay a penny for the work. This was done a few weeks ago.
In terms of other "problems" or "niggles" - the car continues to be great and is running well with no issues I can think of. I just checked the engine oil and it hasn't drunk anything. It's doing mainly short trips at the moment aside from 50 miles today. 7 weeks or so I'm off on holiday (350 miles each way) so that'll give it a nice run again. Shortly after that it's due a service and MOT.
Total cost in servicing to me has still been 0 pence in almost 3 years, so this has been the cheapest car to run I've ever had Just fuel and tax are fairly costly (£600/year VED).
In terms of other "problems" or "niggles" - the car continues to be great and is running well with no issues I can think of. I just checked the engine oil and it hasn't drunk anything. It's doing mainly short trips at the moment aside from 50 miles today. 7 weeks or so I'm off on holiday (350 miles each way) so that'll give it a nice run again. Shortly after that it's due a service and MOT.
Total cost in servicing to me has still been 0 pence in almost 3 years, so this has been the cheapest car to run I've ever had
Just fuel and tax are fairly costly (£600/year VED).Car needs a new back box it would seem. I filled up with fuel yesterday to find what appeared to be a wig coming out of the exhaust. I've messaged my "the man" so will see what's what. I gather there's a risk it can block the exhaust and mean the engine will lose power or won't work. I'm going on holiday in 3 weeks which will involve around 1k miles of driving so I'm kinda hoping to get it done beforehand.
PurpleTurtle said:
I’ve always been a fan of these. Amazed you can get such good mpg on a run from such a big heavy luxo-barge.
At what mileage do they generally throw the big steering rack wobbler?
No particular mileage or age. Some throw it at quite low mileage, others have 200k without issues! It's just a gamble I guess. At what mileage do they generally throw the big steering rack wobbler?
RE the steering rack - I actually asked whether they could be refurbished, and whether it is still a £5k fix. Turns out, it isn't (or at least doesn't appear to be so).
You can get a Nippon unit replacement for £850, or an official one from an online retailer for about £2k. Plus fitting, of course.
The car didn't need a new exhaust in the end. It's just come back from doing around 1000 miles in a week, and was flawless - except there is still a pretty nasty vibration under braking from high speed. Could be warped discs (again!) or suspension bushes or something.
MOT and thorough service next week and this will be getting checked out. It'll be a full service except it does not need new plugs or coolant.
You can get a Nippon unit replacement for £850, or an official one from an online retailer for about £2k. Plus fitting, of course.
The car didn't need a new exhaust in the end. It's just come back from doing around 1000 miles in a week, and was flawless - except there is still a pretty nasty vibration under braking from high speed. Could be warped discs (again!) or suspension bushes or something.
MOT and thorough service next week and this will be getting checked out. It'll be a full service except it does not need new plugs or coolant.
So the car has thrown a fault with the TPMS. Last time it had a fault it was showing the pressures of 4 of the 5 tyres (obviously including the spare), whereas now it just says there's a fault and to visit a dealer.
This happened about 4-5 weeks ago, but it disappeared within 10mins or so, but this is not going away. It had 4 new batteries (not spare) replaced a while ago, but as said, this seems different. Any ideas what could cause the issue?
This happened about 4-5 weeks ago, but it disappeared within 10mins or so, but this is not going away. It had 4 new batteries (not spare) replaced a while ago, but as said, this seems different. Any ideas what could cause the issue?
josh00mac said:
Can’t anyone post the ad link? Is that permitted?
I believe someone posted it herehttps://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks JeremyC, I wasn't sure. I have had a few emails already which is promising. I was going to list on Autotrader and Ebay, they both involve fees, so whilst I have some interest via PH I will hang fire.
I will message my mechanic chap tomorrow morning to get it booked in for the anti-roll bar link joint thing which means it's currently making a knocking noise over bumps, so it'll all be sorted prior to sale.
I will message my mechanic chap tomorrow morning to get it booked in for the anti-roll bar link joint thing which means it's currently making a knocking noise over bumps, so it'll all be sorted prior to sale.
This is the car.
https://www.straffordcars.co.uk/used/cars/bmw-m3-m...
Obviously I'll be sure to do a reader's ride thread. The first job will be the rod bearings which I've factored in.
https://www.straffordcars.co.uk/used/cars/bmw-m3-m...
Obviously I'll be sure to do a reader's ride thread. The first job will be the rod bearings which I've factored in.
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