'Upping my Green Credentials' - Meergrün E36 328i Trio
Discussion
So, to reward the car for behaving so well on the France trip I decided to have her valeted... as much as anything I wanted the engine bay cleaned as it was filthy. I like keeping the car clean myself but sometimes it's nice to have a 'clean slate' to work from... Unfportunately I don't have any 'before' pictures, but take it from me, the engine bay was full of filth, and there were loads of grubby marks on the headlining which are all pristine. Here's the refreshed engine bay:
Much better!
Also by request here is a closeup of one of the wheels - South West Wheel Repairs did a fantastic job on restoring these. Again, it's unfortunate I didn't take any proper 'before' pics for comparison, but take my word for it, they were tatty.
I elected not to have the centre caps re-done as I wanted to keep the original black/white/grey Hartge badges as the only ones I found to replace them with were the more modern blue and black ones. Also in my opinion it makes the wheels more authentic as they look clean but still look their age rather than looking brand new.
Look at that arch gap! I know she's not parked on a level surface... but still... can't wait to get the suspension done so she sits right!
Also today I performed a few small maintenance tasks - I replaced the backlight for the headlamp knob, changed the cabin pollen filter as there was no air coming out the vents at all. When I removed it it was filthy black, and half a copse worth of dried leaves flew out and all over my newly-cleaned floor! Doh!
check the filth:
From what I had read online, changing the pollen filter is supposed to be quite tricky, especially when it comes to putting the new one in, however, I found actually it wasn't too tricky at all, the main thing is getting light in there to see what you're doing (head torch ftw!) and the whole job from beginning to end took maybe 20 minutes...
Finally I also installed some 35w 6000k HID headlamps and some LED city lights. The slightly whiter shade suits the colour of the car IMO (I actually prefer a 'warmer' yellowish tinge on my black car but I think 6000k is about right for this one). However I'm not sure if it's the bulb needing to warm up or if it's discoloured glass or what, but the passenger side does seem a tiny bit more blue-green than the driver's side, which is perfect. I'm gonna fire a message over to the vendor to see what they have to say about it.
Even in this pic it's fairly noticable...
Finally here's another pic of her looking clean & shiny...
Mmmmm, delishus E36
Much better!
Also by request here is a closeup of one of the wheels - South West Wheel Repairs did a fantastic job on restoring these. Again, it's unfortunate I didn't take any proper 'before' pics for comparison, but take my word for it, they were tatty.
I elected not to have the centre caps re-done as I wanted to keep the original black/white/grey Hartge badges as the only ones I found to replace them with were the more modern blue and black ones. Also in my opinion it makes the wheels more authentic as they look clean but still look their age rather than looking brand new.
Look at that arch gap! I know she's not parked on a level surface... but still... can't wait to get the suspension done so she sits right!
Also today I performed a few small maintenance tasks - I replaced the backlight for the headlamp knob, changed the cabin pollen filter as there was no air coming out the vents at all. When I removed it it was filthy black, and half a copse worth of dried leaves flew out and all over my newly-cleaned floor! Doh!
check the filth:
From what I had read online, changing the pollen filter is supposed to be quite tricky, especially when it comes to putting the new one in, however, I found actually it wasn't too tricky at all, the main thing is getting light in there to see what you're doing (head torch ftw!) and the whole job from beginning to end took maybe 20 minutes...
Finally I also installed some 35w 6000k HID headlamps and some LED city lights. The slightly whiter shade suits the colour of the car IMO (I actually prefer a 'warmer' yellowish tinge on my black car but I think 6000k is about right for this one). However I'm not sure if it's the bulb needing to warm up or if it's discoloured glass or what, but the passenger side does seem a tiny bit more blue-green than the driver's side, which is perfect. I'm gonna fire a message over to the vendor to see what they have to say about it.
Even in this pic it's fairly noticable...
Finally here's another pic of her looking clean & shiny...
Mmmmm, delishus E36
Edited by vsonix on Wednesday 28th November 17:43
Refined Detail said:
Looking good!
Blue / Green tinge to bulbs is usually the first sign of a failing / faulty bulb. Will continue to discolour to purple / red before failing completely usually.
Cheers for the heads-up! I've emailed the vendor already so hopefully some info will be forthcoming. I had HIDs on my compact as well and they always had a blue-green tinge when warming up but it soon went away... I just went for a little drive to see the difference over stock H1s (sooo much better!) and to make sure I wasn't dazzling other road users (no flashing from anyone so all good there I guess) and they did look a bit more 'matched' but obviously in the dark, it's harder to be sure. Will keep monitoring the situation though Blue / Green tinge to bulbs is usually the first sign of a failing / faulty bulb. Will continue to discolour to purple / red before failing completely usually.
Sorry reading back that doesn't fully explain what I meant tbh!
Obviously certain colour temperatures will have a blue / green tinge straight out the box - not a sign of failing bulbs in that case, but when you have 2 different colour bulbs as it appears you do above, then the symptoms I said about are more likely the case Hope you get it sorted anyway!
Obviously certain colour temperatures will have a blue / green tinge straight out the box - not a sign of failing bulbs in that case, but when you have 2 different colour bulbs as it appears you do above, then the symptoms I said about are more likely the case
Hope you get it sorted anyway!Refined Detail said:
Sorry reading back that doesn't fully explain what I meant tbh!
Obviously certain colour temperatures will have a blue / green tinge straight out the box - not a sign of failing bulbs in that case, but when you have 2 different colour bulbs as it appears you do above, then the symptoms I said about are more likely the case Hope you get it sorted anyway!
you can see the difference in the photo too, then... it's not just my wonky eyes lol Obviously certain colour temperatures will have a blue / green tinge straight out the box - not a sign of failing bulbs in that case, but when you have 2 different colour bulbs as it appears you do above, then the symptoms I said about are more likely the case
Hope you get it sorted anyway!vsonix said:
Hmmz just weighing up a few options really. I'm looking for a fairly mild drop, and mostly in the front, and don't have masses to spend - but I don't really like the idea of budget coilovers.
I think the most likely choice is Bilsteins but I'm not 100% sure what to go with yet. I'm thinking B10s but I have a feeling all the top mounts will need doing as well (then might as well get the reinforcement plates whilst I'm at it) so I might have to compromise for financial reasons and go B4 with whatever lowering springs will give me the drop I'm after.
[ETA] Larkspeed seem to be doing Koni STR.T shocks + H&R springs (F40mm R15mm) for £390 - that could be an option too
Bilstein B4's and Eibachs will drive really nice without too much cost.I think the most likely choice is Bilsteins but I'm not 100% sure what to go with yet. I'm thinking B10s but I have a feeling all the top mounts will need doing as well (then might as well get the reinforcement plates whilst I'm at it) so I might have to compromise for financial reasons and go B4 with whatever lowering springs will give me the drop I'm after.
[ETA] Larkspeed seem to be doing Koni STR.T shocks + H&R springs (F40mm R15mm) for £390 - that could be an option too
Edited by vsonix on Sunday 25th November 19:30
Looks great. Those wheels really make a change from the usual BBS you see on the E36 328 but do suit it. I agree a mild drop would be good for looks, provided it's not too stiff (my E36 was lowered and the ride was shocking).
I've always wondered what one of these would sound like with a good SS exhaust and an open air filter.
I've always wondered what one of these would sound like with a good SS exhaust and an open air filter.
I have already 'debaffled' the airbox and the car came 'Golf Teed' by a previous owner so she's already got a wee bit more growl than standard. My last 328i Sport was running with its airbox snorkel removed which gives a lovely, whirling induction growl on heavy acceleration but has all the disadvantages of an open cone system in terms to the temperature of the air it sucks in, and doesn't really increase flow due to the inherent restrictive nature of the box design so I've left the snorkel intact for now. I will probably treat her to something along the lines of a Pipercross Viper enclosed induction kit at some point.
Exhaust wise I'm not too sure what I want to do - AFAIK the standard 328 system isn't particularly restrictive and upgrading the exhaust only really becomes 'necessary' once you've taken care of induction/manifold side of things but I'm a bit wary of choosing something that will compromise the car's ability to eat up the miles on the M-way without undue noise and stress.
For all you can watch 8 million clips on Youtube and compare which system has the best note/most pops & bangs/deepest rumble you don't really know what it'll be like to live with, and once you do, you're pretty much committed for life. I had a custom cat-back on my 318ti and whilst I enjoyed having it 80% of the time, on the motorway the rumbling, droning and increased cabin vibration combined with the already rather noisy nature of the M44 and noisy road surfaces added a lot of driver fatigue on long trips.
Based on the various Youtube clips I've looked at over the years my number one choice would be the Eisenmann N system (a bit tamer than the full on SS version which I think would be 'cop bait' where I live!) - I like the throaty rasp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIgP5QhP_fY. Only down side is they cost a fortune and don't pop up used all that often either.
I've been told the M3 exhaust system is a good upgrade although slightly heavier than the standard 328 one which seems a bit self nullifying.
Exhaust wise I'm not too sure what I want to do - AFAIK the standard 328 system isn't particularly restrictive and upgrading the exhaust only really becomes 'necessary' once you've taken care of induction/manifold side of things but I'm a bit wary of choosing something that will compromise the car's ability to eat up the miles on the M-way without undue noise and stress.
For all you can watch 8 million clips on Youtube and compare which system has the best note/most pops & bangs/deepest rumble you don't really know what it'll be like to live with, and once you do, you're pretty much committed for life. I had a custom cat-back on my 318ti and whilst I enjoyed having it 80% of the time, on the motorway the rumbling, droning and increased cabin vibration combined with the already rather noisy nature of the M44 and noisy road surfaces added a lot of driver fatigue on long trips.
Based on the various Youtube clips I've looked at over the years my number one choice would be the Eisenmann N system (a bit tamer than the full on SS version which I think would be 'cop bait' where I live!) - I like the throaty rasp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIgP5QhP_fY. Only down side is they cost a fortune and don't pop up used all that often either.
I've been told the M3 exhaust system is a good upgrade although slightly heavier than the standard 328 one which seems a bit self nullifying.
I've got the Dave F on mine, which is open cone with a heatshield. The heatshield actually works- if you place your hand on the engine and the actual shield after a run, both are boiling (f
k me, these engines run hot), whereas the cone and pipework within the shield are cool to the touch. Perfect.
Regarding exhaust side of things, a little birdy has told me that M3 exhaust manifolds will 1) fit the engine 2) replace the torque in the lower rev range that the M50 shifts up the rev range 3) add about 10bhp if it's remapped along with the M50. All in all, that makes the car something of a weapon... just food for thought!
Edit- how do you change the headlight switch backlight?! I was wondering why it wasn't lit up!
k me, these engines run hot), whereas the cone and pipework within the shield are cool to the touch. Perfect.Regarding exhaust side of things, a little birdy has told me that M3 exhaust manifolds will 1) fit the engine 2) replace the torque in the lower rev range that the M50 shifts up the rev range 3) add about 10bhp if it's remapped along with the M50. All in all, that makes the car something of a weapon... just food for thought!
Edit- how do you change the headlight switch backlight?! I was wondering why it wasn't lit up!
It's not too tricky. Basically underneath the driver's side air vent & headlight switch there is a screw that goes vertically up which holds the whole switch bit into place, you need to remove this, take out the vent unit then you can extract the bulb holder from the assembly and change the bulb. That's probably not a very clear description. There's a clearer one here.
Apparently it's typically one of the very first bulbs to fail in an E36 and as a result many owners have never seen the headlamp selector illuminated and just assumed it wasn't meant to light up lolol. It certainly makes a difference, I find that because I rarely use the fogs I don't have 'muscle memory' to turn them on w/o looking or fumbling about, and having the buttons' location advertised by the glow is very handy indeed.
Apparently it's typically one of the very first bulbs to fail in an E36 and as a result many owners have never seen the headlamp selector illuminated and just assumed it wasn't meant to light up lolol. It certainly makes a difference, I find that because I rarely use the fogs I don't have 'muscle memory' to turn them on w/o looking or fumbling about, and having the buttons' location advertised by the glow is very handy indeed.
sc4589 said:
I've got the Dave F on mine, which is open cone with a heatshield. The heatshield actually works- if you place your hand on the engine and the actual shield after a run, both are boiling (fk me, these engines run hot), whereas the cone and pipework within the shield are cool to the touch. Perfect.
Regarding exhaust side of things, a little birdy has told me that M3 exhaust manifolds will 1) fit the engine 2) replace the torque in the lower rev range that the M50 shifts up the rev range 3) add about 10bhp if it's remapped along with the M50. All in all, that makes the car something of a weapon... just food for thought!
Edit- how do you change the headlight switch backlight?! I was wondering why it wasn't lit up!
So, what's the whole thing with the Dave F business - as far as I can see it's just a K&N Gen2 with a custom fabricated shield, right..? So in essence the shield is the only difference, or what? k me, these engines run hot), whereas the cone and pipework within the shield are cool to the touch. Perfect.Regarding exhaust side of things, a little birdy has told me that M3 exhaust manifolds will 1) fit the engine 2) replace the torque in the lower rev range that the M50 shifts up the rev range 3) add about 10bhp if it's remapped along with the M50. All in all, that makes the car something of a weapon... just food for thought!
Edit- how do you change the headlight switch backlight?! I was wondering why it wasn't lit up!
vsonix said:
So, what's the whole thing with the Dave F business - as far as I can see it's just a K&N Gen2 with a custom fabricated shield, right..? So in essence the shield is the only difference, or what?
The cone is slightly bigger, the kit can happily flow 250bhp with no problems. The shield is beautifully made, if that helps!So, not too much been happening on the car front since the festive season but I finally managed to get the cash together for a much-needed suspension refresh. I looked up my car's VIN number and was surprised to see it was actually on 'sport' suspension from the factory, although it's the Boge/Sachs kit, not the 'Avus' pack from the 328i Sport. Anyway, you wouldn't think so from the wallowing and rolling everywhere, and the rear was so tired I was starting to get rubbing going over big bumps and all sorts.
Anyway it took a while for the springs to arrive but they were in today so I braved a snowy A303 to collect & have them fitted. There weren't really any decent photo opportunities, and of course, the slush and grime all over the car also didn't make for inspiring photos... but I still got a couple, more to come tomorrow after I clean her - weather permitting!
Oh, I went for Bilstein B4 - they make a direct replacement for the shortened factory 'sport' shock, which is nice - paired up with H&R Sport springs. Because I forgot to straighten the wheels you can't see the proper extent of the drop up front but it's nonetheless clearly an improvement!
It was pretty much twilight when I took these on my phone hence the fact the colours are all wonky etc
Anyway it took a while for the springs to arrive but they were in today so I braved a snowy A303 to collect & have them fitted. There weren't really any decent photo opportunities, and of course, the slush and grime all over the car also didn't make for inspiring photos... but I still got a couple, more to come tomorrow after I clean her - weather permitting!
Oh, I went for Bilstein B4 - they make a direct replacement for the shortened factory 'sport' shock, which is nice - paired up with H&R Sport springs. Because I forgot to straighten the wheels you can't see the proper extent of the drop up front but it's nonetheless clearly an improvement!
It was pretty much twilight when I took these on my phone hence the fact the colours are all wonky etc
Edited by vsonix on Wednesday 23 January 23:15
Took her out for a proper B-road hoon this arvo since the weather was good and the ice was all gone. The new suspension is just what I was after. With hindsight a tiny bit more drop in front would have been nice but all in all I can't complain with how the car is sitting. Ride quality on the fresh B4 & H&R sports is just right. No roll or sway, feels nice and supple, and smoothness of ride not in any way compromised. Admittedly the original kit was way past its prime but even if it wasn't I would think most people would be happy with these products for the price paid (~500 all in, fully fitted with full wheel alignment etc by Performance 3000 of Yeovil).
FYI I didn't go for the Koni STR.T in the end as apparently there won't be any more made until May because the factory is on back order! The B4s were actually £60 cheaper anyway for comparable spec so all in all, a win/win situation, I think.
FYI I didn't go for the Koni STR.T in the end as apparently there won't be any more made until May because the factory is on back order! The B4s were actually £60 cheaper anyway for comparable spec so all in all, a win/win situation, I think.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff