MDifficult’s E82 1M Coupe & Ariel Atom 3
Discussion
Small update... the MINI nearly killed me!
Anyone who's worked on an R53 knows that there's one thing above all else that's likely to put an end to your life-force before all others...
The bonnet!
As the heavy headlights are fixed to the bonnet, it's really heavy. The two gas struts are more than up to the job of keeping the bonnet up... unless they're 17 years old... and its very cold.
I'd finished a little bit of tinkering in the garage and just pulled my head out from under the bonnet when it slammed itself shut with a hell of a bang, missing my head and hands by about an inch
Seeing it as a sign from God to spend some money... I fitted some replacement struts!
Apart from that, very little is happening. The MINIs now been banished to my parents house while we use the garage to store stuff for our kitchen renovation, and the 1M is just moping outside, still covered in a lovely layer of Saharan sand. Will need a clean before the Sunday Service!
Anyone who's worked on an R53 knows that there's one thing above all else that's likely to put an end to your life-force before all others...
The bonnet!
As the heavy headlights are fixed to the bonnet, it's really heavy. The two gas struts are more than up to the job of keeping the bonnet up... unless they're 17 years old... and its very cold.
I'd finished a little bit of tinkering in the garage and just pulled my head out from under the bonnet when it slammed itself shut with a hell of a bang, missing my head and hands by about an inch
Seeing it as a sign from God to spend some money... I fitted some replacement struts!
Apart from that, very little is happening. The MINIs now been banished to my parents house while we use the garage to store stuff for our kitchen renovation, and the 1M is just moping outside, still covered in a lovely layer of Saharan sand. Will need a clean before the Sunday Service!
MDifficult said:
Small update... the MINI nearly killed me!
Anyone who's worked on an R53 knows that there's one thing above all else that's likely to put an end to your life-force before all others...
The bonnet!
As the heavy headlights are fixed to the bonnet, it's really heavy. The two gas struts are more than up to the job of keeping the bonnet up... unless they're 17 years old... and its very cold.
I'd finished a little bit of tinkering in the garage and just pulled my head out from under the bonnet when it slammed itself shut with a hell of a bang, missing my head and hands by about an inch
Seeing it as a sign from God to spend some money... I fitted some replacement struts!
Apart from that, very little is happening. The MINIs now been banished to my parents house while we use the garage to store stuff for our kitchen renovation, and the 1M is just moping outside, still covered in a lovely layer of Saharan sand. Will need a clean before the Sunday Service!
Mine did the exact same thing to me! I’ve clocked myself a couple of times on the boot too when it’s not gone up as far as I thought, should probably replace those too at some point!Anyone who's worked on an R53 knows that there's one thing above all else that's likely to put an end to your life-force before all others...
The bonnet!
As the heavy headlights are fixed to the bonnet, it's really heavy. The two gas struts are more than up to the job of keeping the bonnet up... unless they're 17 years old... and its very cold.
I'd finished a little bit of tinkering in the garage and just pulled my head out from under the bonnet when it slammed itself shut with a hell of a bang, missing my head and hands by about an inch
Seeing it as a sign from God to spend some money... I fitted some replacement struts!
Apart from that, very little is happening. The MINIs now been banished to my parents house while we use the garage to store stuff for our kitchen renovation, and the 1M is just moping outside, still covered in a lovely layer of Saharan sand. Will need a clean before the Sunday Service!
Gandoolie said:
Mine did the exact same thing to me! I’ve clocked myself a couple of times on the boot too when it’s not gone up as far as I thought, should probably replace those too at some point!
Hahah, I hear it’s a common issue! I got the replacements for £10 when AUTODOC did a 37% discount. You won’t believe how much stronger they are than the worn-out originals and they’re a 30 second job to switch. Do it before it kills you 
Fantastic to get along to the Sunday Service this morning with MrTouring at Mercedes-Benz World. We managed to arrive ridiculously early but at least that meant we missed the queuing and had first pick of the parking spaces.
Some lovely cars - highlighting the 'broad church' that is PistonHeads. But I'm getting ahead of myself...
There's a new relief road near where I live that has a fantastic bridge that I've been desperate to use for a photo - but it's a busy 50mph road so chances are limited. Thankfully, the really early start and total absence of other road users means I could do a quick stop and snap!
A few of my favourite things from the SS...
Massive thanks to BenLowden and the PH Team for organising - a huge turnout and loads to see and do!
Some lovely cars - highlighting the 'broad church' that is PistonHeads. But I'm getting ahead of myself...
There's a new relief road near where I live that has a fantastic bridge that I've been desperate to use for a photo - but it's a busy 50mph road so chances are limited. Thankfully, the really early start and total absence of other road users means I could do a quick stop and snap!
A few of my favourite things from the SS...
Massive thanks to BenLowden and the PH Team for organising - a huge turnout and loads to see and do!
Edited by MDifficult on Tuesday 29th March 09:24
So the 1M developed a slight cough (engine light and rough running - cured by off/on again). It could have been CARvid.. but I suspected a failing coil pack.
As the car’s about to clock up two years with me, it was time for a brake fluid and oil service anyway, plus I knew there was an outstanding recall for the blower regulator - so off to Reading BMW it went.
Apparently it caused something of a stir because ‘we don’t get these very often so all the techs came out of the bays for a good look over!’ - nice to know it’s still appreciated
Service done, coil pack replaced, blower regulator replaced and tyre inflator canister renewed, plus a clean bill of health.
In addition, I decided to replace both front tyres and finally got around to a full geo. And WHAT a difference it’s made. As the car is so dominated by the rear axle I’d always assumed that was the key area but actually the front was quite heavily out (especially camber). Once sorted, and with fresh rubber, the car is pretty transformed. Knew I should have done it ages ago!
Fingers crossed that’s it for another two years - let’s see how wishful thinking that is! 6k miles covered in two years, including lockdowns etc - so I can’t be accused of not using it
As the car’s about to clock up two years with me, it was time for a brake fluid and oil service anyway, plus I knew there was an outstanding recall for the blower regulator - so off to Reading BMW it went.
Apparently it caused something of a stir because ‘we don’t get these very often so all the techs came out of the bays for a good look over!’ - nice to know it’s still appreciated
Service done, coil pack replaced, blower regulator replaced and tyre inflator canister renewed, plus a clean bill of health.
In addition, I decided to replace both front tyres and finally got around to a full geo. And WHAT a difference it’s made. As the car is so dominated by the rear axle I’d always assumed that was the key area but actually the front was quite heavily out (especially camber). Once sorted, and with fresh rubber, the car is pretty transformed. Knew I should have done it ages ago!
Fingers crossed that’s it for another two years - let’s see how wishful thinking that is! 6k miles covered in two years, including lockdowns etc - so I can’t be accused of not using it
A recent conversation with the boys in blue (don't panic - idle chat, nothing serious) made me realise that the consequences of heading home from a trackday with potentially sketchy tires just isn't worth the risk. R888Rs are amazing but don't come with much tread even new and worrying about checking them all the time would take the fun out of the day.
Four tyres marginally below the limit and bosh - that's the old licence right in trouble. Not to mention a sudden turn in the weather and I'd be risking my safety and others. So... time for a spare set of wheels & tyres.
I'd been hunting for some Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2s because they're basically the default track wheel for MINI racing and (to my eyes) look the business - but recent supply problems had made them hard to find. Thankfully though, supply came back on stream and I managed to bag four new ones, shod with a fresh set of R888Rs.
Some big boxes..
Oh yeah baby, that's some shiny goodness. Even smells good...
First mission was to check that I can fit them into the car! (I probably should have checked this earlier but I knew I'd ferried 4 tyres so was pretty confident). They juuuuust fit four across the car but I plan to put them in tyre bags to avoid filling the car with crap and to minimise the amount of rubber squeaking together, so tried out this stack instead - also works.
Don't panic - this is just a test fit - there'lll be additional ratchet-strapping going on (and they butt against the roll cage so there's no danger of them getting into the front).
If anyone else reading this transports four wheels and tyres in a roll-caged MINI and has a third way... please do let me know!
Four tyres marginally below the limit and bosh - that's the old licence right in trouble. Not to mention a sudden turn in the weather and I'd be risking my safety and others. So... time for a spare set of wheels & tyres.
I'd been hunting for some Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2s because they're basically the default track wheel for MINI racing and (to my eyes) look the business - but recent supply problems had made them hard to find. Thankfully though, supply came back on stream and I managed to bag four new ones, shod with a fresh set of R888Rs.
Some big boxes..
Oh yeah baby, that's some shiny goodness. Even smells good...
First mission was to check that I can fit them into the car! (I probably should have checked this earlier but I knew I'd ferried 4 tyres so was pretty confident). They juuuuust fit four across the car but I plan to put them in tyre bags to avoid filling the car with crap and to minimise the amount of rubber squeaking together, so tried out this stack instead - also works.
Don't panic - this is just a test fit - there'lll be additional ratchet-strapping going on (and they butt against the roll cage so there's no danger of them getting into the front).
If anyone else reading this transports four wheels and tyres in a roll-caged MINI and has a third way... please do let me know!
After checking they'd fit IN the car, it was time to check whether they fit ON the car. Happy days...
To make them easier to handle and cut down on the incessant squeaking, MrTouring opened me up to the idea of of wheel bags. Looking around, there were lots of cheap options that looked like they'd last about a week, but also a few premium brands that also did branded versions for the major manufacturers.
So it was a choice of 'high quality' or 'high quality but pay additional premium to have a fancy brand on them'. True to form, I went with the latter
(In my defence, being BMW M-branded should make them useful to me for the very long term)
For anyone who's not used wheel bags before.. they're an absolute revelation! They're a doddle to fit as the elastic and velcro mean they pretty much fit themselves - and the handle makes them something you can easily move one-handed without risk of damage to you (or the wheel!). Each one is also labelled with which corner the wheel's from, helping you keep track. As you can tell, I'm impressed!
Look pretty cool too
With the additional protection, ease of movement and helpful handles I went back to the 'four across' method. Much better...
They fit with a couple of mm to spare, but absolutely rock-solid, retains a view from the rear view mirror, and still loads of space for the jack, toolkit etc.
To make them easier to handle and cut down on the incessant squeaking, MrTouring opened me up to the idea of of wheel bags. Looking around, there were lots of cheap options that looked like they'd last about a week, but also a few premium brands that also did branded versions for the major manufacturers.
So it was a choice of 'high quality' or 'high quality but pay additional premium to have a fancy brand on them'. True to form, I went with the latter
(In my defence, being BMW M-branded should make them useful to me for the very long term)
For anyone who's not used wheel bags before.. they're an absolute revelation! They're a doddle to fit as the elastic and velcro mean they pretty much fit themselves - and the handle makes them something you can easily move one-handed without risk of damage to you (or the wheel!). Each one is also labelled with which corner the wheel's from, helping you keep track. As you can tell, I'm impressed!
Look pretty cool too
With the additional protection, ease of movement and helpful handles I went back to the 'four across' method. Much better...
They fit with a couple of mm to spare, but absolutely rock-solid, retains a view from the rear view mirror, and still loads of space for the jack, toolkit etc.
Ben Lowden said:
Fantastic, new wheels (and bags) look great. Glad to hear 1.2s are back on sale too, might have to get myself a set!
Cheers Ben. Yeah, really good news! Although looks like they're only producing the most standard sizes/offsets (not surprising as they re-ramp production). Kaveney said:
Two sets of wheels is the way to go .
Also if you get a flat you have x 4 backups .
Haha, cheers - Yeah, I can chuck my can of tyre weld! Also if you get a flat you have x 4 backups .
Court_S said:
Photos by the bridge are cool. One of the few benefits of being up early! Good to hear that it’s been treating you well…perhaps there is hope for my own N54!
Like the new wheels for the MINI too.
Cheers - had been eyeing that bridge up since they built it! Like the new wheels for the MINI too.
The 1M's worked out pretty well at 'daily' duties and apart from that coil pack, all seems well. I'll never get used to a white car mind...
If you really want to build confidence in your N54, there's a Youtube channel called 'Zero to 60'. They're a couple of Aussie brothers who have a load of different N54-engined cars and modify the hell out of them more with luck & ambition than skill (but no small amount of that too - all self taught). Yes they blow up, but it's amazing the abuse they'll take on stock internals before they let go.
Just had a catch up and many memories were brought back doing R50 series wheel bearings. First one I ever did managed to twist a 12mm socket since the bolts were on that tightly! Back when I didn't have a ratchet adapter for a breaker bar too so it was a hilarious (lies) sequence of breaker bar as far as I could go which was about 1/4 turn, swap all over to a cheap torque wrench, move it about 1/8th of a turn with that, back to the breaker bar, another 1/4 turn, rinse and repeat. After about 10 rounds of this, the bolt very suddenly broke free, so I thought. Nope, bolt head rounded off. They were original to a 2003 car so 15 years and about 120k on them was good innings but the bolts were dead set in their ways. After trying (and ruining) some bolt extractors, I ended up managing to get the other 3 bolts out, popping the wheel bearing forward about 10mm and throwing an angle grinder at the bolt. Not a fun experience! Yours seemed to go much better!
Advice I live by when working on axle stands is to always push down into them if you're undoing something tight. Less chance of something shifting while you take the weight off and causing all manner of hell.
Advice I live by when working on axle stands is to always push down into them if you're undoing something tight. Less chance of something shifting while you take the weight off and causing all manner of hell.
MDifficult said:
Cheers - had been eyeing that bridge up since they built it!
The 1M's worked out pretty well at 'daily' duties and apart from that coil pack, all seems well. I'll never get used to a white car mind...
If you really want to build confidence in your N54, there's a Youtube channel called 'Zero to 60'. They're a couple of Aussie brothers who have a load of different N54-engined cars and modify the hell out of them more with luck & ambition than skill (but no small amount of that too - all self taught). Yes they blow up, but it's amazing the abuse they'll take on stock internals before they let go.
I’ll check those guys out.The 1M's worked out pretty well at 'daily' duties and apart from that coil pack, all seems well. I'll never get used to a white car mind...
If you really want to build confidence in your N54, there's a Youtube channel called 'Zero to 60'. They're a couple of Aussie brothers who have a load of different N54-engined cars and modify the hell out of them more with luck & ambition than skill (but no small amount of that too - all self taught). Yes they blow up, but it's amazing the abuse they'll take on stock internals before they let go.
I’m sure it’ll be fine, I’m just being grumpy after the weekends issue (which is fine unless you boot it). The solenoids weren’t expensive and look easy enough to change.
The 1M owners do seem to suffer less issues than 1/ series owners.
RazerSauber said:
Just had a catch up and many memories were brought back doing R50 series wheel bearings. First one I ever did managed to twist a 12mm socket since the bolts were on that tightly! Back when I didn't have a ratchet adapter for a breaker bar too so it was a hilarious (lies) sequence of breaker bar as far as I could go which was about 1/4 turn, swap all over to a cheap torque wrench, move it about 1/8th of a turn with that, back to the breaker bar, another 1/4 turn, rinse and repeat. After about 10 rounds of this, the bolt very suddenly broke free, so I thought. Nope, bolt head rounded off. They were original to a 2003 car so 15 years and about 120k on them was good innings but the bolts were dead set in their ways. After trying (and ruining) some bolt extractors, I ended up managing to get the other 3 bolts out, popping the wheel bearing forward about 10mm and throwing an angle grinder at the bolt. Not a fun experience! Yours seemed to go much better!
Advice I live by when working on axle stands is to always push down into them if you're undoing something tight. Less chance of something shifting while you take the weight off and causing all manner of hell.
Glad I brought back fun memories Advice I live by when working on axle stands is to always push down into them if you're undoing something tight. Less chance of something shifting while you take the weight off and causing all manner of hell.
Honestly, the experience you describe is exactly what I was worried about the whole time. I was paranoid that the last one would be a mega b
h and I'd have to cry for help. You're also bang-on about the 'push down' rather than 'pull up' but I simply couldn't push down hard enough. I thought about standing on it but that seemed to lack control and was just asking to round something off... so I had to go for the full 'weightlifter' stance and simply prey that I wouldn't throw my back out
Court_S said:
I’ll check those guys out.
I’m sure it’ll be fine, I’m just being grumpy after the weekends issue (which is fine unless you boot it). The solenoids weren’t expensive and look easy enough to change.
The 1M owners do seem to suffer less issues than 1/ series owners.
Probably because 90% of them don't seem to be driven anymore I’m sure it’ll be fine, I’m just being grumpy after the weekends issue (which is fine unless you boot it). The solenoids weren’t expensive and look easy enough to change.
The 1M owners do seem to suffer less issues than 1/ series owners.
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