Discussion
Well I took the plunge and paid up for the new wheels today. Ideally I would have liked staggered 8's and 9's but could only get 8's. I'll probably run spacers on the rear instead?
No doubting they really suit the M3's styling.
Initially I thought a bright silver would work best.
In the end it just had to be anthracite.
Just have to twiddle my thumbs whilst I await delivery c/o Rally Prep. Shame as I'd hoped to have them on for the weekends event at Castle Hill Car Festival. http://www.castlehillcarfestival.co.uk/
Anyone going?
No doubting they really suit the M3's styling.
Initially I thought a bright silver would work best.
In the end it just had to be anthracite.
Just have to twiddle my thumbs whilst I await delivery c/o Rally Prep. Shame as I'd hoped to have them on for the weekends event at Castle Hill Car Festival. http://www.castlehillcarfestival.co.uk/
Anyone going?
Well 4 boxes arrived from Compomotive and these were inside.
Swapped the tyres across and as if by magic.
I have to say, I absolutely love the way they look. In fact, even my Mrs noticed and commented on how much better it looked. I had actually hoped she wouldn't notice and then ask questions about cost but anyway.
While we were at it we changed the brake fluid, engine oil and filter and gearbox oil. We also found the tiny, localised bit of rust in the corner of the nearside front floor pan wasn't quite so tiny. It is very localised and easily repaired though fortunately. I knew it was there and I had intended getting it repaired over the coming winter, but like a picked scab it now looks worse than ever, so it's going down to be sorted after breakfast today. It's not a big deal but it seems daft not to sort it once and for all.
Apart from the hole, I also need to replace the rear brake pads. A previous owner fitted EBC reds and they are literally cracking. It's something I've seen before and one reason why I won't buy EBC stuff myself. I usually go with Hawk pads as they're excellent quality, perform well and don't cost silly money. I also want to renew the gear linkage bushes and try and improve the shift, which can be a little reluctant when cold. The oil change has certainly helped a little but I also think the 'quick shift' may not be installed as well as one might hope. It's on the list now anyway.
Swapped the tyres across and as if by magic.
I have to say, I absolutely love the way they look. In fact, even my Mrs noticed and commented on how much better it looked. I had actually hoped she wouldn't notice and then ask questions about cost but anyway.
While we were at it we changed the brake fluid, engine oil and filter and gearbox oil. We also found the tiny, localised bit of rust in the corner of the nearside front floor pan wasn't quite so tiny. It is very localised and easily repaired though fortunately. I knew it was there and I had intended getting it repaired over the coming winter, but like a picked scab it now looks worse than ever, so it's going down to be sorted after breakfast today. It's not a big deal but it seems daft not to sort it once and for all.
Apart from the hole, I also need to replace the rear brake pads. A previous owner fitted EBC reds and they are literally cracking. It's something I've seen before and one reason why I won't buy EBC stuff myself. I usually go with Hawk pads as they're excellent quality, perform well and don't cost silly money. I also want to renew the gear linkage bushes and try and improve the shift, which can be a little reluctant when cold. The oil change has certainly helped a little but I also think the 'quick shift' may not be installed as well as one might hope. It's on the list now anyway.
I know what you mean but I think it all comes down to the installation too. My old 325 race car had the best selection of any car I have ever owned, including MX5's. It was a real joy the way in snicked through the box. The M3 actually has the ACS shift fitted but I think I'll remove and inspect it, when the opportunity arises.
Yes, there is a bit of negative camber but I'm going to get the alignment etc done this weekend, once I call and book it in.
As I type though, Joe has kindly started chopping out the localised rust in the nearside footwell and sill. The rest of the car is good and solid, so it made sense to get it sorted before it really took a hold. I bloody hate repairs like this though. It always looks so awful.
If it's finished by this time tomorrow I'm heading to Llandow for Saturday. If.
Yes, there is a bit of negative camber but I'm going to get the alignment etc done this weekend, once I call and book it in.
As I type though, Joe has kindly started chopping out the localised rust in the nearside footwell and sill. The rest of the car is good and solid, so it made sense to get it sorted before it really took a hold. I bloody hate repairs like this though. It always looks so awful.
If it's finished by this time tomorrow I'm heading to Llandow for Saturday. If.
Edited by e21Mark on Thursday 14th August 19:25
Yes, I do seem to have developed a bit of a thing for the older stuff. I discovered BMW by accident in the late 80's when I bought a ropey, kermit green 1502 from a traders line of px's. I loved the bloody thing and haven't been without an 02 of some description ever since! 
Well I just got the text that the M3 is totally rust free once again! We're pretty spoilt for people that know their way around an M3 here in Cornwall. I'm going to chuck a few things in a bag and head on up to Llandow Circuit for tomorrow's track day. I'm actually on the reserve list but even if I don't get a place, I figure the roads around there are worth the drive up anyway. I'm going to try and get the Gopro working too.
Well I just got the text that the M3 is totally rust free once again! We're pretty spoilt for people that know their way around an M3 here in Cornwall. I'm going to chuck a few things in a bag and head on up to Llandow Circuit for tomorrow's track day. I'm actually on the reserve list but even if I don't get a place, I figure the roads around there are worth the drive up anyway. I'm going to try and get the Gopro working too.
Well Joe (Avers Racing) did a great job on the jacking point, that isn't a jacking point at all, plus he also fabricated and fitted a clutch foot rest. I'd been meaning to install one for a while and it just makes driving way more comfortable. I don't know why BMW didn't fit one as stock? Next will be a GroupA throttle pedal assembly.
So Friday evening I headed for Wales and Llandow Circuit. I actually only made it to Sedgemoor and a hotel room that stank of fags! Eventually I made Llandow with a few minutes to spare before tithe entertaining drivers briefing. I'd never been before but the whole atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly. In fact the whole day was great fun and the car performed brilliantly. I got some great photos too, which I'll try and post later.
So Friday evening I headed for Wales and Llandow Circuit. I actually only made it to Sedgemoor and a hotel room that stank of fags! Eventually I made Llandow with a few minutes to spare before tithe entertaining drivers briefing. I'd never been before but the whole atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly. In fact the whole day was great fun and the car performed brilliantly. I got some great photos too, which I'll try and post later.
It was a toss up between Gaydon or Llandow and you can see what won.
I'm really pleased with the wheel choice. I think they really suit the M3 although I know wheel choice is pretty subjective. I just think they finish the look and they're the perfect size and offset. In fact, I might have preferred 16's but the tyres are just way more expensive and the choice less.
Who'd have thought it about the sunrrof?
I was also pretty happy with the tyre performance, as the fronts are actually Toyo R1R and I've heard mixed reports. The Dunlop rears were excellent and the only 'moment' was when I took a little too much kerb on the tightest track section and got snap oversteer. Fortunately the car flattered my reactions and it was easily saved. I absolutely love the way the M3 handles and the amount of grip it actually generates. When it does break traction, it is just so progressive and even a decidedly average driver like me, can gather it all up and keep pressing on. The one thing I would like though, it quicker steering, so a high ratio rack may have to go on the Christmas list.
I'm really pleased with the wheel choice. I think they really suit the M3 although I know wheel choice is pretty subjective. I just think they finish the look and they're the perfect size and offset. In fact, I might have preferred 16's but the tyres are just way more expensive and the choice less.
Who'd have thought it about the sunrrof?
I was also pretty happy with the tyre performance, as the fronts are actually Toyo R1R and I've heard mixed reports. The Dunlop rears were excellent and the only 'moment' was when I took a little too much kerb on the tightest track section and got snap oversteer. Fortunately the car flattered my reactions and it was easily saved. I absolutely love the way the M3 handles and the amount of grip it actually generates. When it does break traction, it is just so progressive and even a decidedly average driver like me, can gather it all up and keep pressing on. The one thing I would like though, it quicker steering, so a high ratio rack may have to go on the Christmas list.
sprouting said:
Living the dream as always
I had to work so didn't go to Gaydon either. Will be RR gathering
though. Drooling along with everyone else.
See you there. I actually bought a clay bar and wax, in a effort to spruce up the paintwork before RR. I had to work so didn't go to Gaydon either. Will be RR gathering though. Drooling along with everyone else.
Yesterday I went and had the wheel alignment and tracking done, as I knew the front toe was out if nothing else. I'm also running a bit more negative camber than is ideal, for the street anyway! It's much better now that it has been adjusted though and certainly doesn't tramline as badly as it did. It also turns in more easily and generally just feels less nervous. Basically it was seventy quid well spent.
As I plan to go to RR I'm going to see if I can improve the paint finish. It looks great after a wash but I'm confident it would benefit from a proper wash and polish. I'm going to have some paint done over the winter months and I'm still tempted to go with the old Bastos livery.
I reckon I could cope with that. There's not too much trim to detail either as carpets are a bit overrated. I'm going to have it done over the winter though!
My plan is to whip the cage out, repaint the floor and then have it done in a hard wearing charcoal coloured carpet. The cage will be repainted and go in with new stainless bolts. I'm also going to flock the dash and did think about doing the cage too (if possible?) but that may be too tarty even for me!? I was thinking of a Stack dash display but kind of like the works style with the analogue Stack gauges. Mind you, that's a way off yet.
If you could fire over contact details re detailer it would be much appreciated.
I'm going to have it done over the winter though! My plan is to whip the cage out, repaint the floor and then have it done in a hard wearing charcoal coloured carpet. The cage will be repainted and go in with new stainless bolts. I'm also going to flock the dash and did think about doing the cage too (if possible?) but that may be too tarty even for me!?
I was thinking of a Stack dash display but kind of like the works style with the analogue Stack gauges. Mind you, that's a way off yet. If you could fire over contact details re detailer it would be much appreciated.
mark.c said:
e21Mark said:
I reckon I could cope with that. There's not too much trim to detail either as carpets are a bit overrated. I'm going to have it done over the winter though!
My plan is to whip the cage out, repaint the floor and then have it done in a hard wearing charcoal coloured carpet. The cage will be repainted and go in with new stainless bolts. I'm also going to flock the dash and did think about doing the cage too (if possible?) but that may be too tarty even for me!? I was thinking of a Stack dash display but kind of like the works style with the analogue Stack gauges. Mind you, that's a way off yet.
If you could fire over contact details re detailer it would be much appreciated.
Ive text you his details assuming your number is the same. I'm going to have it done over the winter though! My plan is to whip the cage out, repaint the floor and then have it done in a hard wearing charcoal coloured carpet. The cage will be repainted and go in with new stainless bolts. I'm also going to flock the dash and did think about doing the cage too (if possible?) but that may be too tarty even for me!?
I was thinking of a Stack dash display but kind of like the works style with the analogue Stack gauges. Mind you, that's a way off yet. If you could fire over contact details re detailer it would be much appreciated.
I've never really liked Castle Combe although it would have been nearer than Llandow. It's about time there was a circuit in Cornwall though!
Yes, Falmouth. If I'm honest, I wasn't too confident when I first spoke to them. Initially the guy tried to impress with his knowledge of e30 M3 (failed! ) and then was a little too keen to get in and drive onto their ramp, selecting 2nd gear in the process! Doh! It also took them 2 hours in total. In the end though, I came away happy enough and they did a reasonable job, for a fair price. He did try and sell me some tyres and seemed a bit miffed that I could beat his trade price!
Well today, as it's dry here and I have a couple of hours spare, I am going to wash the car myself. I'll time how long it is till I get bored and call in the professionals though! Lol
) and then was a little too keen to get in and drive onto their ramp, selecting 2nd gear in the process! Doh! It also took them 2 hours in total. In the end though, I came away happy enough and they did a reasonable job, for a fair price. He did try and sell me some tyres and seemed a bit miffed that I could beat his trade price! Well today, as it's dry here and I have a couple of hours spare, I am going to wash the car myself. I'll time how long it is till I get bored and call in the professionals though! Lol
Thanks. I know I'm incredibly fortunate to have one. I used to buy BMW Car, when it first started and I was a spotty yoof lusting after the Schnitzer cars. It was much harder to see that stuff back then, with no google images etc. Back then you could get a properly mint example for £5k and I was actually offered an OK car for £3.5 but couldn't raise the funds.
I've been fortunate enough to own 5 over the past few years and the bit of cash I made on each (plus a donation from my partner to shut me up!) allowed me to get this one and keep it. The seller was also incredibly patient and waited 6 months for me to collect. It's by no means mint but that's not what I wanted. It is solid though and makes a great noise. It's also the reason I have no money!
I've been fortunate enough to own 5 over the past few years and the bit of cash I made on each (plus a donation from my partner to shut me up!) allowed me to get this one and keep it. The seller was also incredibly patient and waited 6 months for me to collect. It's by no means mint but that's not what I wanted. It is solid though and makes a great noise. It's also the reason I have no money!
Well it seems there were a couple more problems with the M3 than first thought. My pal took a look at the exhaust manifold gasket leak and it appears some of the studs need replacing. M3's are well known for vibration and regular spanner checks are a must. I can't be sure if the missing studs simply vibrated out over time, or if there's been a past problem? Obviously the biggest worry is that the threads have stripped in the head as that could prove expensive. It also seems that whoever fitted the gear linkage and modified it, didn't do a very thorough job. These simply aren't the kind of cars you cut corners on. The knock on effect of the poorly adapted linkage is that it has damaged the propshaft donut, so that also needs replacing. The final task is replacing the plastic front wheel arch liners. They used to be around £23 each, but as is often the way with these things, the prices have gone up and with M tax we're looking at around £57 each! Anyway, I'm hoping I can get these jobs sorted in time for RRG on Sunday.
One bit of good news was snagging a pair of new rear tyres. Sadly the Dunlops I run currently are NLA, so the nearest equivalent are Toyo r888's although they're just about the same when it comes to performance. I saved a few quid on list price and have stuck them in the garage till I need them.
I've been quite lucky with the garage. The view isn't bad either.
While I was there I swapped the wheels on the 02's over. I much prefer the ATS on the white 02.
The Minilites look way better on the blue car but it needs a wash before I take any proper photos.
A taster though...
One bit of good news was snagging a pair of new rear tyres. Sadly the Dunlops I run currently are NLA, so the nearest equivalent are Toyo r888's although they're just about the same when it comes to performance. I saved a few quid on list price and have stuck them in the garage till I need them.
I've been quite lucky with the garage. The view isn't bad either.
While I was there I swapped the wheels on the 02's over. I much prefer the ATS on the white 02.
The Minilites look way better on the blue car but it needs a wash before I take any proper photos.
A taster though...
mark.c said:
I've experienced the same problem with the studs, ie finding them missing, and in each case they had just vibrated loose and new ones went straight in with no damage to the thread. They have just become a servicing check now with a quick check nip at every oil service.
With regards the arch liners, I replaced some cracked ones last year and within six months they had cracked again. I bought some more and made sure they were nipped up gently with all the associated panels in a relaxed position and guess what, cracked again. The new panels did feel a bit more brittle but that have been my imagination but either way but at the price they are now they can stay for now!
I feel a bit better about it now I know I'm not alone with losing the occasional stud. I'm going to tap the threads but I'm guessing loctite wouldn't cope with the heat there? I'd like to be fitting a new manifold from www.zeroexhausts.co.uk but I've got a bit of saving to do yet. It's about £900 but it really is a thing of beauty. With regards the arch liners, I replaced some cracked ones last year and within six months they had cracked again. I bought some more and made sure they were nipped up gently with all the associated panels in a relaxed position and guess what, cracked again. The new panels did feel a bit more brittle but that have been my imagination but either way but at the price they are now they can stay for now!
My old liners are absolutely shot so really needed replacing. You'd think they'd make them from a softer plastic, so that they'd cope with flex and stuff hitting them? Mind you, they're onto a good thing with people replacing them at £54 or whatever a pop!
Are there any sensibly priced but good quality body shops nearby? Otherwise I'll need to send it to Essex for the winter.
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