Walking towards a BMW E30
Discussion
The past 7 or 8 years have been extremely hard and cost me nigh on everything yet I know I'm luckier than some, despite this I'm here asking for help.
It started 20 years ago, on December 2004, when I crashed on a dual carriageway and broke my neck in 2 places, my back in 2 places, had an open book fracture of my pelvis and broke my left femur. I also fractured my skull and severed a blood vessel in my groin. The Cornwall Air Ambulance was already airborne, saving 7 precious minutes and had a doctor on board. I was a very lucky boy! So there I was, a 30 something in a wheelchair, with a thing about old BMW's. My daily was a BMW 320 Baur E21 in Reseda green that was lowered on Minilite alloys. I became a member of the online E21 BMW forum and eventually I learned to walk and get out of my chair. By this time I had a partner who not only put up with my obsessions around cars, but also pushed me to get out of the chair. It wasn't that the chair was a problem though. You'd be surprised how quickly you can get out of it and have it ready to stowe. Much as I love an E21 BMW it's the E30 M3 that really gets my heart racing and memories of seeing them at Brands Hatch. I'd always wanted to do Hillclimb or Sprint events and I sold my Baur 320 and bought a 316 that had been by Matt Jones of Practical Classics magazine for a trip to the Nurburgring. Despite being built by a so called ''classic BMW specialist'' it needed some pretty extensive welding. They must have had binoculars to see Matt coming as I still have the invoices. Anyway, by the time I started using it, it was a very different car and great fun. Especially once I'd fitted a dog leg gearbox, LSD and shorter final drive! I did sprint events at Crystal Palace, Brands Hatch, Goodwood, Lydden Hill and demo runs at Shelsey Walsh and absolutely loved every moment. The fact that I was disabled just didn't matter. It was a dream come true!
The E21 was fun but it wasn't fast. At the time we were living in Kingston so I would spend as much time as I could at Brands Hatch. I always made sure that my track cars were street legal and you'd regularly see them parted in the disabled spaces at Sainsbury's or Tesco's. I'd often get a mouthful from other customers but as long as I had my blue badge there was nothing they could do! Anyway, after the E21 came an E30 325i. This was totally stock apart from a supposed fast road ECU chip, a 6 branch exhaust manifold and Supersprint exhaust Apart from that all we did was add lightness! Every panel was fiberglass, the doors were cut down to retain the outer skin and a very basic skeleton. The windows were polycarbonate and the dash was removed and a small digital unit installed that also said oil pressure, water temp etc. It was an absolute joy to drive and sounded glorious. My most abiding memory was attending a BMW Production Championship test day and trying to follow the front runners and learn from them. Obviously I had the advantage of running the 2.5 with 170bhp whilst they only had the 2 litre with about 120bhp! I know that we all like to think that we're quick and had I been given an opportunity there's no doubt I could have been a touring car driver, but the truth is that whilst I can lap Brands Hatch in a consistent sub 60 seconds those guys were leagues ahead of me despite having much less power. Thankfully though, I'm in it for the fun factor!
After the 325i came a 320is that I bought fully converted and running an S50 3.0 from an E36 M3! It was an absolute beast and certainly had way more performance than I had driving ability! An E30 with 300bhp can take some taming It certainly surprised a few people driving their modern Audi's etc when we were heading down the A303 to Cornwall. I had lots of fun in it but it made way for some bills and to provide the deposit for my dream car that was in Ireland. I'd already been lucky enough to own a couple of stock E30 M3 but I wanted one that had a cage etc. The car in Ireland had cage, seats, carbon airbox, coilovers, BBS style 5's and was my dream spec. Also, the seller was willing to take a deposit and give me time to raise the rest, so long as I flew to Ireland and viewed the car myself. I booked a flight that same day! I'd never been to Ireland before but I hired a small car and drove about 25 miles to meet Jason and see the E30 M3! As soon as I saw it I knew it was the right car. I did the deal and drove straight back to the airport and it was around 2 months before I went back to collect it. Going back was like Christmas! I was so excited and hearing them fire up the M3 to bring it round to me was just epic. I know there are lots of people that say four cyclinder engines sound s
te but a BMW S14 with a carbon airbox just sounds glorious to me. Especially at 9000 rpm! My first stop was a petrol station to brim the tank, as I had quite a journey ahead of me. I'd posted my race seat across so thankfully I was quite comfortable and I spent ages getting the harness just right. What I hadn't banked on was the carbon front splitter catching on the steel ramp to get onto the ferry! Thankfully they found some broken bits of pallet. A few hours later and we reached Birkenhead and I could finally head for home. I'd already checked the fluids, tyre pressures etc and the journey back was just great. I'd insured the car on the chassis number as it was on Irish plates and at 11am I took ot for the MOT, which meant I got a proper look underneath. Perfect! A couple of days later it was registered on my plate.
There's a thread on here that documents the years I had with that car and I absolutely loved it. I had engine failures, accidents and all sorts. Most of all though I made fantastic memories with it..I honestly thought it would be mine right up until old age. Sadly though, life had other plans. I had to sell it and replaced it with a lovely Laguna Seca blue E46 M3. That made way for my importing a 1602. That made way for a couple of months with a Porsche 911 / 996. Then came Compact and finally a rare E36 318is saloon. There's a comprehensive thread should you wish to see it.
The next few paragraphs might be triggering to some.
Behind the scenes life had become a real struggle and I found myself considering ways to end it. I found myself crying a lot and there were things happening in my life that I didn't / don't know how to deal with. I'm going to put them here because I don't have anyone else.
My health was starting to deteriorate and I found myself putting on weight. I didn't think I actually ate all that much yet the weight appeared to pile on. In my youth I was 17 stone and 6' 2'' but nowadays I'm nearer 27 stone! I hate how I look but I find myself using my poor health to justify it.
I wear the same baggy clothing because that's all that fits. I put on a brave face and went to work every day but even that became too much and my GP signed me off with depression.
Added to this I was battling a deep tissue infection where I had to have a line put into my neck for IV antibiotics because they couldn't get a cannula into my arms or hands. This meant the nurses from Acute Care at Home would come in and administer the injections.
I've also got leg ulcers which mean attending the surgery twice weekly to have my legs put into compression dressings. The bandages go from toe to knee and when they're on the feel almost like plaster casts! Unfortunately they make wearing shoes almost impossible. I've been buying size16 Converse and pulling them over the dressings on my feet just so they're covered and I can get outside to do some shopping or walk the dogs. It's not so bad in the summer months but it's horrible in the winter, especially as I live in a rural area.
My youngest son has had some sort of breakdown and has accused every family member of abusing him as a child. It's absolutely heartbreaking as he's destroyed the family. He has somehow convinced the Benefits Agency and been awarded PIP. He refuses to have contact with any of us. It's just a terrible situation. He's always in my mind but I can't even reach out to him. He was so close to his brother but they've not spoken in months now. As you can imagine, Christmas will be hard for his brother and mother, as they were always together.
Anyway, a couple of months ago now I found myself getting weaker. It was so gradual that I just never considered that maybe I was suffering something physical. I'd almost got used to those feelings of depression but I was struggling to do even basic tasks like shopping. I would go to Sainsbury's and where I used to hobble around without much issie, now I barely made it through the doors! I went from using one stick, to using two and then using an electric cart. The last time though, saw me take a real turn for the worse. I remember driving home and reversing my old van onto the drive. I must have also closed the gate, as it was shut when I was found. I had been shopping and then had my legs put in compression before going home. That would have been at about 4:30pm. A couple of hours later I was found half out the van, whilst my dogs were running around the garden and I was talking about ''Buddy needing his freedom!'' which is the last thing he needs! It's frightening how infections can affect the brain and when I've had cellulitis previously, it has caused me to really suffer with confusion. I'm told that the ambulance arrived pretty quickly, although I have no memory of it and then I was off to A&E. I'd been at hospital just a few days before for blood tests and thankfully they were aware of my history. I had also developed an obvious rash that, when I sent a picture to my eldest son, made me look like Deadpool! In fact it turned out that I had Sepsis and wasn't the latest Marvel super hero cHaracter.
So that first week went past witthout my really being aware of too much. I had a lot of pain from my legs thereafter but I became more aware of being in hospital. I knew I was unwell but I was concerned for my dogs and missed them terribly. I was on a cocktail of different drugs but previously I'd had Teicoplanin, which is a pretty fierce antibiotic that knocked me for six. It was described to me a being like Domestos in that it wipes out everything including the stuff we need so it takes a little while for the body to recover, so I went on to Cefotaxime instead. I had that IV for 2 weeks and then an oral antibiotic but after a couple of days my temperature spiked and I was vomiting, so it was straight back on the IV's for another week, then oral antibiotics again for a few weeks.
The first few weeks here were pure bed rest and keeping my legs elevated had a profound effect on the ulcers. I was always advised to keep my legs elevated but life gets in the way. The Cellulitis is harder to manage though and had not only affected my legs but also my scrotum. As you can imagine, this is not only painful but hugely embarrassing. Especially when you're being looked after by beautiful young women! Yes, they're nurses and I can rationalise that, but let's be realistic. Then again, posting about it on a public forum is hardly without risk. All jokes aside though, it's incredibly painful and difficult to manage. Having a wound anywhere in the groin is risky because it's warm and moist, so susceptible to infection. Not ideal when you're battling things like Cellulitis.
Anyway, as weeks have passed several things have happened. My weight has dropped, my ulcers have almost healed (well those on my legs have) but more than that, my mental health and mood has lifted massively. The benefit of 20/20 hindsight has let me see how my health had deteriorated and the impact it was having on me. I hadn't slept properly for months and I simply couldn't have gone on like that for much longer, hence the dark thought I was having. Today though, I feel very different and I'm looking forward to the future. That said, I am also realistic and I know that short of a lottery win, I'll never have another E30 M3! Maybe an E30 318 though, is a possibility?
Next August 17th 2025 there's a Retro Rides event at Prescott Hill and my goal is to walk again and drive the hill climb course in an E30 BMW and collect donations for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust as I did before! I've been working hard to get my legs working again, as they've suffered with being bedridden for so long. The muscles have weakened so much that I cannot even stand, let alone walk! That said, I have managed to stand with the help of a mechanical aid, so feel pretty confident that with regular physio, standing and walking is in my near future! What I need though, is a project to keep me focussed and excited for the future! Much as I did after my accident in 2004! So, after reaching out to the guys here at Pistonheads, they suggested that I post in readers cars in the hope that you might rally around me with advice, encouragement and support. I have used my savings to put a deposit on a really solid example and Ben, the seller, has been incredibly kind in allowing me the time ti find the rest of the money. I know it's a big ask guys and it's not something I have ever done before, but I hope you'll understand why and what brought me here. More than that though, I hope that I'll be back amongst you all soon. Wishing you a sincerely Happy Christmas and a very happy 2025! Mark
My first race car. An E21 316 with M42 power.
Lightweight 325i
320is with S50 power and circa 300bhp and more performance than I had talent.
My dream car. My E30 M3 built to Club Sport spec with 246bhp.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCY66GT2o70&t=...
Hopefully 2025 will be a celebration when I achieve my goals!
It started 20 years ago, on December 2004, when I crashed on a dual carriageway and broke my neck in 2 places, my back in 2 places, had an open book fracture of my pelvis and broke my left femur. I also fractured my skull and severed a blood vessel in my groin. The Cornwall Air Ambulance was already airborne, saving 7 precious minutes and had a doctor on board. I was a very lucky boy! So there I was, a 30 something in a wheelchair, with a thing about old BMW's. My daily was a BMW 320 Baur E21 in Reseda green that was lowered on Minilite alloys. I became a member of the online E21 BMW forum and eventually I learned to walk and get out of my chair. By this time I had a partner who not only put up with my obsessions around cars, but also pushed me to get out of the chair. It wasn't that the chair was a problem though. You'd be surprised how quickly you can get out of it and have it ready to stowe. Much as I love an E21 BMW it's the E30 M3 that really gets my heart racing and memories of seeing them at Brands Hatch. I'd always wanted to do Hillclimb or Sprint events and I sold my Baur 320 and bought a 316 that had been by Matt Jones of Practical Classics magazine for a trip to the Nurburgring. Despite being built by a so called ''classic BMW specialist'' it needed some pretty extensive welding. They must have had binoculars to see Matt coming as I still have the invoices. Anyway, by the time I started using it, it was a very different car and great fun. Especially once I'd fitted a dog leg gearbox, LSD and shorter final drive! I did sprint events at Crystal Palace, Brands Hatch, Goodwood, Lydden Hill and demo runs at Shelsey Walsh and absolutely loved every moment. The fact that I was disabled just didn't matter. It was a dream come true!
The E21 was fun but it wasn't fast. At the time we were living in Kingston so I would spend as much time as I could at Brands Hatch. I always made sure that my track cars were street legal and you'd regularly see them parted in the disabled spaces at Sainsbury's or Tesco's. I'd often get a mouthful from other customers but as long as I had my blue badge there was nothing they could do! Anyway, after the E21 came an E30 325i. This was totally stock apart from a supposed fast road ECU chip, a 6 branch exhaust manifold and Supersprint exhaust Apart from that all we did was add lightness! Every panel was fiberglass, the doors were cut down to retain the outer skin and a very basic skeleton. The windows were polycarbonate and the dash was removed and a small digital unit installed that also said oil pressure, water temp etc. It was an absolute joy to drive and sounded glorious. My most abiding memory was attending a BMW Production Championship test day and trying to follow the front runners and learn from them. Obviously I had the advantage of running the 2.5 with 170bhp whilst they only had the 2 litre with about 120bhp! I know that we all like to think that we're quick and had I been given an opportunity there's no doubt I could have been a touring car driver, but the truth is that whilst I can lap Brands Hatch in a consistent sub 60 seconds those guys were leagues ahead of me despite having much less power. Thankfully though, I'm in it for the fun factor!
After the 325i came a 320is that I bought fully converted and running an S50 3.0 from an E36 M3! It was an absolute beast and certainly had way more performance than I had driving ability! An E30 with 300bhp can take some taming It certainly surprised a few people driving their modern Audi's etc when we were heading down the A303 to Cornwall. I had lots of fun in it but it made way for some bills and to provide the deposit for my dream car that was in Ireland. I'd already been lucky enough to own a couple of stock E30 M3 but I wanted one that had a cage etc. The car in Ireland had cage, seats, carbon airbox, coilovers, BBS style 5's and was my dream spec. Also, the seller was willing to take a deposit and give me time to raise the rest, so long as I flew to Ireland and viewed the car myself. I booked a flight that same day! I'd never been to Ireland before but I hired a small car and drove about 25 miles to meet Jason and see the E30 M3! As soon as I saw it I knew it was the right car. I did the deal and drove straight back to the airport and it was around 2 months before I went back to collect it. Going back was like Christmas! I was so excited and hearing them fire up the M3 to bring it round to me was just epic. I know there are lots of people that say four cyclinder engines sound s
te but a BMW S14 with a carbon airbox just sounds glorious to me. Especially at 9000 rpm! My first stop was a petrol station to brim the tank, as I had quite a journey ahead of me. I'd posted my race seat across so thankfully I was quite comfortable and I spent ages getting the harness just right. What I hadn't banked on was the carbon front splitter catching on the steel ramp to get onto the ferry! Thankfully they found some broken bits of pallet. A few hours later and we reached Birkenhead and I could finally head for home. I'd already checked the fluids, tyre pressures etc and the journey back was just great. I'd insured the car on the chassis number as it was on Irish plates and at 11am I took ot for the MOT, which meant I got a proper look underneath. Perfect! A couple of days later it was registered on my plate. There's a thread on here that documents the years I had with that car and I absolutely loved it. I had engine failures, accidents and all sorts. Most of all though I made fantastic memories with it..I honestly thought it would be mine right up until old age. Sadly though, life had other plans. I had to sell it and replaced it with a lovely Laguna Seca blue E46 M3. That made way for my importing a 1602. That made way for a couple of months with a Porsche 911 / 996. Then came Compact and finally a rare E36 318is saloon. There's a comprehensive thread should you wish to see it.
The next few paragraphs might be triggering to some.
Behind the scenes life had become a real struggle and I found myself considering ways to end it. I found myself crying a lot and there were things happening in my life that I didn't / don't know how to deal with. I'm going to put them here because I don't have anyone else.
My health was starting to deteriorate and I found myself putting on weight. I didn't think I actually ate all that much yet the weight appeared to pile on. In my youth I was 17 stone and 6' 2'' but nowadays I'm nearer 27 stone! I hate how I look but I find myself using my poor health to justify it.
I wear the same baggy clothing because that's all that fits. I put on a brave face and went to work every day but even that became too much and my GP signed me off with depression.
Added to this I was battling a deep tissue infection where I had to have a line put into my neck for IV antibiotics because they couldn't get a cannula into my arms or hands. This meant the nurses from Acute Care at Home would come in and administer the injections.
I've also got leg ulcers which mean attending the surgery twice weekly to have my legs put into compression dressings. The bandages go from toe to knee and when they're on the feel almost like plaster casts! Unfortunately they make wearing shoes almost impossible. I've been buying size16 Converse and pulling them over the dressings on my feet just so they're covered and I can get outside to do some shopping or walk the dogs. It's not so bad in the summer months but it's horrible in the winter, especially as I live in a rural area.
My youngest son has had some sort of breakdown and has accused every family member of abusing him as a child. It's absolutely heartbreaking as he's destroyed the family. He has somehow convinced the Benefits Agency and been awarded PIP. He refuses to have contact with any of us. It's just a terrible situation. He's always in my mind but I can't even reach out to him. He was so close to his brother but they've not spoken in months now. As you can imagine, Christmas will be hard for his brother and mother, as they were always together.
Anyway, a couple of months ago now I found myself getting weaker. It was so gradual that I just never considered that maybe I was suffering something physical. I'd almost got used to those feelings of depression but I was struggling to do even basic tasks like shopping. I would go to Sainsbury's and where I used to hobble around without much issie, now I barely made it through the doors! I went from using one stick, to using two and then using an electric cart. The last time though, saw me take a real turn for the worse. I remember driving home and reversing my old van onto the drive. I must have also closed the gate, as it was shut when I was found. I had been shopping and then had my legs put in compression before going home. That would have been at about 4:30pm. A couple of hours later I was found half out the van, whilst my dogs were running around the garden and I was talking about ''Buddy needing his freedom!'' which is the last thing he needs! It's frightening how infections can affect the brain and when I've had cellulitis previously, it has caused me to really suffer with confusion. I'm told that the ambulance arrived pretty quickly, although I have no memory of it and then I was off to A&E. I'd been at hospital just a few days before for blood tests and thankfully they were aware of my history. I had also developed an obvious rash that, when I sent a picture to my eldest son, made me look like Deadpool! In fact it turned out that I had Sepsis and wasn't the latest Marvel super hero cHaracter.
So that first week went past witthout my really being aware of too much. I had a lot of pain from my legs thereafter but I became more aware of being in hospital. I knew I was unwell but I was concerned for my dogs and missed them terribly. I was on a cocktail of different drugs but previously I'd had Teicoplanin, which is a pretty fierce antibiotic that knocked me for six. It was described to me a being like Domestos in that it wipes out everything including the stuff we need so it takes a little while for the body to recover, so I went on to Cefotaxime instead. I had that IV for 2 weeks and then an oral antibiotic but after a couple of days my temperature spiked and I was vomiting, so it was straight back on the IV's for another week, then oral antibiotics again for a few weeks.
The first few weeks here were pure bed rest and keeping my legs elevated had a profound effect on the ulcers. I was always advised to keep my legs elevated but life gets in the way. The Cellulitis is harder to manage though and had not only affected my legs but also my scrotum. As you can imagine, this is not only painful but hugely embarrassing. Especially when you're being looked after by beautiful young women! Yes, they're nurses and I can rationalise that, but let's be realistic. Then again, posting about it on a public forum is hardly without risk. All jokes aside though, it's incredibly painful and difficult to manage. Having a wound anywhere in the groin is risky because it's warm and moist, so susceptible to infection. Not ideal when you're battling things like Cellulitis.
Anyway, as weeks have passed several things have happened. My weight has dropped, my ulcers have almost healed (well those on my legs have) but more than that, my mental health and mood has lifted massively. The benefit of 20/20 hindsight has let me see how my health had deteriorated and the impact it was having on me. I hadn't slept properly for months and I simply couldn't have gone on like that for much longer, hence the dark thought I was having. Today though, I feel very different and I'm looking forward to the future. That said, I am also realistic and I know that short of a lottery win, I'll never have another E30 M3! Maybe an E30 318 though, is a possibility?
Next August 17th 2025 there's a Retro Rides event at Prescott Hill and my goal is to walk again and drive the hill climb course in an E30 BMW and collect donations for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust as I did before! I've been working hard to get my legs working again, as they've suffered with being bedridden for so long. The muscles have weakened so much that I cannot even stand, let alone walk! That said, I have managed to stand with the help of a mechanical aid, so feel pretty confident that with regular physio, standing and walking is in my near future! What I need though, is a project to keep me focussed and excited for the future! Much as I did after my accident in 2004! So, after reaching out to the guys here at Pistonheads, they suggested that I post in readers cars in the hope that you might rally around me with advice, encouragement and support. I have used my savings to put a deposit on a really solid example and Ben, the seller, has been incredibly kind in allowing me the time ti find the rest of the money. I know it's a big ask guys and it's not something I have ever done before, but I hope you'll understand why and what brought me here. More than that though, I hope that I'll be back amongst you all soon. Wishing you a sincerely Happy Christmas and a very happy 2025! Mark
My first race car. An E21 316 with M42 power.
Lightweight 325i
320is with S50 power and circa 300bhp and more performance than I had talent.
My dream car. My E30 M3 built to Club Sport spec with 246bhp.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCY66GT2o70&t=...
Hopefully 2025 will be a celebration when I achieve my goals!
Moderator edit: no chariity donation requests please
I’ve always followed your adventures and challenges under my old username… just to say it must have taken a lot of courage to post all of this. Good for you Mark.
I think there are a lot of us here who, whether we’ve met you or not, care about your wellbeing. You have a great goal in mind and motivation to achieve it, it will feel so good to have that wheel in your hands!
You did a brave thing sharing your struggles. You’re not alone!
I think there are a lot of us here who, whether we’ve met you or not, care about your wellbeing. You have a great goal in mind and motivation to achieve it, it will feel so good to have that wheel in your hands!
You did a brave thing sharing your struggles. You’re not alone!
Edited by E-numbers on Saturday 21st December 22:27
Thanks chaps.
That's a cracking pic of my old E30 M3 and I loved how it looked on those BBS reps. It's funny how many miles I must have racked up attending events. I forget just how far everywhere is from Cornwall. I always loved early morning cold starts though. The new owner still sends me updates and he has stripped the M3 to a bare shell, dipped and repainted it. He has now just about finished putting the mechanicals back together but is refitting a full Sport Evo type interior. He has very much put his stamp on the car. He is almost at the point of finishing the process I loved. Whilst I didn't have the skills to do much of the final stuff myself, I enjoyed 'project managing' things. The E30 I hope to get this time is much more basic I guess and the things it needs are way more basic.
A good clean and changing seats are much more within my grasp! Or at least they will be eventually.
I can't believe it's December 22nd already and I'm trying not to keep thinking back to ''this time 20 years ago'' but it's harder than maybe I thought it would be. At least I have the luxury of a side room where I can do as I wish pretty much and keep to myself.
Right now though, I'm much better off physically that I was then and I need to remember that. I've got an ulcer on each ankle and they've healed pretty well. I actually have some new ''wraps'' to use instead of the more usual bandages that you might imagine. Each ulcer has healed to a point where I can use a single absorbent dressing to cover it, followed by a special sock that goes over the top and is knee length. Over that I can lace a neoprene wrap and they combine to compress the leg and provide the required level of compression. Well that's the idea anyway. This should mean that I can wear a normal shoe! There is also a similar system that's available for above the knee and somehow I think I'm going to need that. Lymphoedema is really hard to manage and has a huge impact on my legs. It's also incredibly painful. I can't bear the feelings of pressure in my lower leg when it feels like the limb is going to explode! I have to combine keeping my legs raised, when I'm not doing anything, with wearing appropriate bandaging. It's not easy.
I'll have a dig around and see if I can find some better pics of the old cars that I've had over the years.
This is my old M3!
Quite a transformation!
I’m hoping for one in 2025 myself.
I’m so excited for the 318i though. It already has some nice parts fitted and I’m only £2K away from signing the V5. I’ve been looking at Jays 2 door at the Driftworks garage for some inspiration. I like the simplicity of his build.
I’m going to try and get some sleep now. I’m trying not to have more pain relief as it won’t always be there for me. It’s not always easy though.
That's a cracking pic of my old E30 M3 and I loved how it looked on those BBS reps. It's funny how many miles I must have racked up attending events. I forget just how far everywhere is from Cornwall. I always loved early morning cold starts though. The new owner still sends me updates and he has stripped the M3 to a bare shell, dipped and repainted it. He has now just about finished putting the mechanicals back together but is refitting a full Sport Evo type interior. He has very much put his stamp on the car. He is almost at the point of finishing the process I loved. Whilst I didn't have the skills to do much of the final stuff myself, I enjoyed 'project managing' things. The E30 I hope to get this time is much more basic I guess and the things it needs are way more basic.
A good clean and changing seats are much more within my grasp! Or at least they will be eventually. I can't believe it's December 22nd already and I'm trying not to keep thinking back to ''this time 20 years ago'' but it's harder than maybe I thought it would be. At least I have the luxury of a side room where I can do as I wish pretty much and keep to myself.
Right now though, I'm much better off physically that I was then and I need to remember that. I've got an ulcer on each ankle and they've healed pretty well. I actually have some new ''wraps'' to use instead of the more usual bandages that you might imagine. Each ulcer has healed to a point where I can use a single absorbent dressing to cover it, followed by a special sock that goes over the top and is knee length. Over that I can lace a neoprene wrap and they combine to compress the leg and provide the required level of compression. Well that's the idea anyway. This should mean that I can wear a normal shoe! There is also a similar system that's available for above the knee and somehow I think I'm going to need that. Lymphoedema is really hard to manage and has a huge impact on my legs. It's also incredibly painful. I can't bear the feelings of pressure in my lower leg when it feels like the limb is going to explode! I have to combine keeping my legs raised, when I'm not doing anything, with wearing appropriate bandaging. It's not easy.
I'll have a dig around and see if I can find some better pics of the old cars that I've had over the years.
This is my old M3!
Quite a transformation!
I’m hoping for one in 2025 myself.
I’m so excited for the 318i though. It already has some nice parts fitted and I’m only £2K away from signing the V5. I’ve been looking at Jays 2 door at the Driftworks garage for some inspiration. I like the simplicity of his build.
I’m going to try and get some sleep now. I’m trying not to have more pain relief as it won’t always be there for me. It’s not always easy though.
Edited by Mark-insert old BMW on Sunday 22 December 02:11
Edited by Mark-insert old BMW on Sunday 22 December 02:18
Hey Mark,
First of all, I salute you on your courage on being strong enough to be vulnerable on an internet forum and share your story. It really is remarkable to read, and I am so thankful that some aspects of your life are now turning around.
Regarding health stuff, I will never forget hearing a doctor who worked at one of the NHS homeopathic hospitals say to his patients who were newly diagnosed with cancer, "Your body has cancer, YOU do not"
So my advice for you is that no matter what happens in life, connect with your inner self, your inner wisdom, your inner stillness, with who you really are, and dream big.
I find that since birth, our minds are often socially conditioned over time by everyone we meet, such that we end up with self limiting beliefs, and we unaware that these have been learned. So it's never too late to start unlearning them.
In your mind, you may have a million pound startup/business idea, lurking away, so be bold and brave with your dreams, and here is to you running towards an E30 M3 in the year ahead!
First of all, I salute you on your courage on being strong enough to be vulnerable on an internet forum and share your story. It really is remarkable to read, and I am so thankful that some aspects of your life are now turning around.
Regarding health stuff, I will never forget hearing a doctor who worked at one of the NHS homeopathic hospitals say to his patients who were newly diagnosed with cancer, "Your body has cancer, YOU do not"
So my advice for you is that no matter what happens in life, connect with your inner self, your inner wisdom, your inner stillness, with who you really are, and dream big.
I find that since birth, our minds are often socially conditioned over time by everyone we meet, such that we end up with self limiting beliefs, and we unaware that these have been learned. So it's never too late to start unlearning them.
In your mind, you may have a million pound startup/business idea, lurking away, so be bold and brave with your dreams, and here is to you running towards an E30 M3 in the year ahead!
You haven't had it easy, but it's great to read you are in a better place and on the mend. Keep your chin up and eyes forward, and use the E30 project as motivation. Kudos for opening up and posting, wishing you a speedy recovery.
Oh and your E30's have been stunning, the lightweight 325i is just epic.
Oh and your E30's have been stunning, the lightweight 325i is just epic.
Nice to hear you’re feeling better and more positive, Mark. I’ve read about, seen your cars and shows and chatted to you over the years. I know it’s not been an easy journey over the years, and I’m sure more positive ones are ahead.
An E30 318i is still a nice little car and will make for a good project. They still wag the tail easily enough and have that all important retro cool.
An E30 318i is still a nice little car and will make for a good project. They still wag the tail easily enough and have that all important retro cool.
Thanks guys. I've met some really good people as a direct result of this forum and attended some great events. The SS at Silverstone was a stand out for me. Even the journey up from Cornwall and spotting other forum members by virtue of their cars was good fun and then dropping back into convoy formation.
Ticking another circuit off the list was great too, even if I did feel a little intimidated by the faster cars. Mind you, the sound of an s14/2.3 flying past the pit wall can hold its own any day.
Just a quick thank-you to any of you that gave to the GFM. I know it sounds a bit corny but it feels quite special that you're helping me back into an E30 and should I achieve my goal, I hope you'll come say hello when I make it to a Sunday Service or your at Retro Rides. It may be Sunday but I've still been practicing standing in an effort to build the legs back up.
Anyway, thank you again. Mark
Ticking another circuit off the list was great too, even if I did feel a little intimidated by the faster cars. Mind you, the sound of an s14/2.3 flying past the pit wall can hold its own any day.
Just a quick thank-you to any of you that gave to the GFM. I know it sounds a bit corny but it feels quite special that you're helping me back into an E30 and should I achieve my goal, I hope you'll come say hello when I make it to a Sunday Service or your at Retro Rides. It may be Sunday but I've still been practicing standing in an effort to build the legs back up.
Anyway, thank you again. Mark
Thank you! I did used to love the sound as I dropped down through the village before heading up British Rd!
I did some physio this afternoon. They wheeled me out to a back staircase so that I could reach the banisters on each side. The idea was that I could reach the banister on each side and try walking up to stairs. It was certainly easier said than done. What was even more difficult was going back down in reverse.
I had hoped that maybe I could escape for a couple of hours on Christmas Day, but unfortunately it’s looking less and less likely as the day goes on. It’s only a day I suppose, but I really had hoped to get back and see my dogs! Never mind, onwards and upwards as they say!
Anyway, I’ll post a few more photos to cheer myself up!
Well you have to have a sense of humour about these things!
I did some physio this afternoon. They wheeled me out to a back staircase so that I could reach the banisters on each side. The idea was that I could reach the banister on each side and try walking up to stairs. It was certainly easier said than done. What was even more difficult was going back down in reverse.
I had hoped that maybe I could escape for a couple of hours on Christmas Day, but unfortunately it’s looking less and less likely as the day goes on. It’s only a day I suppose, but I really had hoped to get back and see my dogs! Never mind, onwards and upwards as they say!
Anyway, I’ll post a few more photos to cheer myself up!
Well you have to have a sense of humour about these things!
Happy Christmas everyone!
I was supposed to have a few hours home today but got knocked back! Gutted as missing my dogs. Evidently my mobility isn’t up to par. Laid in bed, had a bit of a cry, a bit of a nap and finally opted to go get wash and dressed! Means using the Zimmer frame but it’s aluminium with a built in strut brace, so not all bad!
Christmas dinner is coming so it’s time to appreciate the stuff I do have as opposed to the stuff that I don’t! It’s not always easy though! Sometimes a good cry is quite therapeutic. I don’t care who you are!
Somehow next year I’ll be at a Sunday Service or Retro Rides event.
Anyway, I’ve waffled for long enough. Happy Christmas people and thank you! Mark.
I was supposed to have a few hours home today but got knocked back! Gutted as missing my dogs. Evidently my mobility isn’t up to par. Laid in bed, had a bit of a cry, a bit of a nap and finally opted to go get wash and dressed! Means using the Zimmer frame but it’s aluminium with a built in strut brace, so not all bad!
Christmas dinner is coming so it’s time to appreciate the stuff I do have as opposed to the stuff that I don’t! It’s not always easy though! Sometimes a good cry is quite therapeutic. I don’t care who you are!
Somehow next year I’ll be at a Sunday Service or Retro Rides event.
Anyway, I’ve waffled for long enough. Happy Christmas people and thank you! Mark.
Well that was an experience. Mind you, plenty of people have it way worse than I do and that's what I had to keep reminding myself.
Today is all about physio as far as I'm concerned. I need to get some strength back in my legs. If anyone has any rehab suggestions please let me know.
Mark
Today is all about physio as far as I'm concerned. I need to get some strength back in my legs. If anyone has any rehab suggestions please let me know.
Mark
Moderator edit: no charity requests please
Sorry to hear about your struggles Mark, and may I wish you a much more positive 2025. Good luck with the recovery, you’ll get there, and of course with the E30
As I think I mentioned before, I bought my old CSL from Jason, and I remember him having the M3 there too. It was a special car, although all E30s are great and I’m looking forward to updates and pics of how your latest one progresses
As I think I mentioned before, I bought my old CSL from Jason, and I remember him having the M3 there too. It was a special car, although all E30s are great and I’m looking forward to updates and pics of how your latest one progresses
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