Discussion
Still waiting on studs and nuts from BMW, along with a new gear shift linkage. I'm guessing it'll be a Z3 one as they're shorter than stock M3. The one we've taken out had been chopped and welded (by Stevie Wonder I reckon) and wasn't even straight. Anyway, onwards and upwards.
Hopefully things will be sorted in time for Santa Pod at the end of this month. It won't be long after that when it'll be getting garaged for the Winter.
Hopefully things will be sorted in time for Santa Pod at the end of this month. It won't be long after that when it'll be getting garaged for the Winter.
Car is back in rude health and I got to enjoy a few miles blasting around in today's sunshine.
All the exhaust studs had to be replaced and the threads in the head re-tapped. They're easily sheared off I guess and I'm glad they didn't cause me problems.
The gear change is sorted and far better than it was before. First gear can still be a little reluctant when cold but the shift through all the other gears is great. There's no vibration from the prop shaft now either, as the old donut was replaced.
There's still a list of jobs I want to work through over the winter but I also need to finish my E21. I'm going to take the M3 to the BMW show at Santa Pod on the 28th and after that I'll think about putting it away for the winter. I'm not entirely sure what that involves though?
All the exhaust studs had to be replaced and the threads in the head re-tapped. They're easily sheared off I guess and I'm glad they didn't cause me problems.
The gear change is sorted and far better than it was before. First gear can still be a little reluctant when cold but the shift through all the other gears is great. There's no vibration from the prop shaft now either, as the old donut was replaced.
There's still a list of jobs I want to work through over the winter but I also need to finish my E21. I'm going to take the M3 to the BMW show at Santa Pod on the 28th and after that I'll think about putting it away for the winter. I'm not entirely sure what that involves though?
I think that's the solution I'll opt for. I've just bought one of those security post jobbies and booked a local builder to put it in. ( I did consider putting it in myself, but I needed someone to dig a bloody great hole in a concrete floor and figured they may as well finish the job. ) I don't need much reason to go to the village where my garage is anyway, so putting a few miles on it, every few weeks, isn't much of an issue really.
I need to try and find a trimmer who'll re upholster my Ridgard seats. They're in OK condition, if a little tired in places, but would be great in alcantara. It might have been cheaper to opt for new but since I broke my neck, back and pelvis, having a comfortable seat is paramount. I simply can't tolerate supposed "comfort" seats and a race seat is by far the best option for me. We've got a brand new Aldi A3 with their sport seats and more than 30 minutes in that is like sitting on razor blades!
When the seats are done, I also thought I'd get the dash flocked. I really like the look in Chris Harris' M3 and it isn't expensive. I'll also delete the trim bits I no longer need, like the heated seat switches. The floor could also do with being repainted unless I refit a carpet? I'd also like to remove and repaint the cage. I think I'd keep it black though, as red might be a bit much?
On the outside there are a few stone chips here and there. I've also got a small crack to the bottom corner of the rear bumper. It's only small but it's annoying. There's also a small, shallow dent in the rear window hoop. What I should have done, was try a suction mount on a hot, sunny day?! I just couldn't bring myself to do it though! I imagined it all going horribly wrong and it looking far worse as a result. I'll just leave it to a professional instead.
I think I'm going to take it to Santa Pod on the 28th as I've missed most of this years shows. I'd hoped the E21 would be finished but although it now starts and runs, it has yet to be painted. I'm hoping it won't be too much longer now though?
I need to try and find a trimmer who'll re upholster my Ridgard seats. They're in OK condition, if a little tired in places, but would be great in alcantara. It might have been cheaper to opt for new but since I broke my neck, back and pelvis, having a comfortable seat is paramount. I simply can't tolerate supposed "comfort" seats and a race seat is by far the best option for me. We've got a brand new Aldi A3 with their sport seats and more than 30 minutes in that is like sitting on razor blades!
When the seats are done, I also thought I'd get the dash flocked. I really like the look in Chris Harris' M3 and it isn't expensive. I'll also delete the trim bits I no longer need, like the heated seat switches. The floor could also do with being repainted unless I refit a carpet? I'd also like to remove and repaint the cage. I think I'd keep it black though, as red might be a bit much?
On the outside there are a few stone chips here and there. I've also got a small crack to the bottom corner of the rear bumper. It's only small but it's annoying. There's also a small, shallow dent in the rear window hoop. What I should have done, was try a suction mount on a hot, sunny day?! I just couldn't bring myself to do it though! I imagined it all going horribly wrong and it looking far worse as a result. I'll just leave it to a professional instead.
I think I'm going to take it to Santa Pod on the 28th as I've missed most of this years shows. I'd hoped the E21 would be finished but although it now starts and runs, it has yet to be painted. I'm hoping it won't be too much longer now though?
sprouting said:
These things never go as quick as we hope, but you've shown real patience so far. Had a quick look round
your 02 at SHELSLEY WALSH, Its very nice although they've never really been my thing, but the burgundy e21 320
that was next you, i just couldn't stop looking at. I would of said hello but you were talking to someone and
i'm socially awkward anyway
You should have said hi. It's always good to put a face to a screen name! Yeah, the blue 02 is a cracking car. It may have some patina but it's bullet proof when it comes to reliability and it did 560 miles that day, without any trouble.your 02 at SHELSLEY WALSH, Its very nice although they've never really been my thing, but the burgundy e21 320
that was next you, i just couldn't stop looking at. I would of said hello but you were talking to someone and
i'm socially awkward anyway
mark.c said:
Had these done by a local trimmer a few years back ( still not got around to fitting them hence why they are in a cupboard!)
He doesn't advertise as such so I'll pm you his number. Takes his time but used proper napa leather and I couldn't fault him. The stitching was OEM quality.
As for a good PDR man, Crystal Car Valeting ( the guy I sent the number of) has a PDR chap visit most Tuesdays, he does all the main dealers in the area and is well recommended, I've used him personally.
ETA rubbish pics I know and upside down but you get the idea, if your in the area you're welcome to see it in the flesh.
They look lovely. I almost wish I had an interior when I see seats like that....almost. He doesn't advertise as such so I'll pm you his number. Takes his time but used proper napa leather and I couldn't fault him. The stitching was OEM quality.
As for a good PDR man, Crystal Car Valeting ( the guy I sent the number of) has a PDR chap visit most Tuesdays, he does all the main dealers in the area and is well recommended, I've used him personally.
ETA rubbish pics I know and upside down but you get the idea, if your in the area you're welcome to see it in the flesh.
I do think I might go for carpet though.Anyway, as the sun is out, I'm off to put some miles on it.
Yours does look really nice. I've always been a fan of that colour too. In fact I had one, which with hindsight I should never have sold. It had an 8 year old Cat D against in, after a box trailer was reversed into the rear quarter. As a result it sat in a garden neglected for a few years, till someone with an urge to have an e30 M3, had their local MAIN DEALER restore it!! Including a new front scuttle and assorted other panels. When I came to sell it I got a load of emails accusing me of ringing it, despite my having a photographic record and all the invoices, from when this guy had the restoration done. This was only a couple of years ago and it ended up going home to Germany for just £10k! The buyer couldn't believe his luck!
Can you imagine getting this for £10k today?
Anyway, I have come to the conclusion I am very immature. I went for a blast around the lanes today and was giggling like a schoolgirl at the pops and bangs, from the exhaust. The induction noise from the airbox is just so addictive and when you combine all that, with the way it'll grip around the bends, it's just impossible to find fault with the thing. I absolutely adore it. There's another E30 M3 thread on here, where a previous owner says that he simply doesn't get what all the fuss is about. He said he wasn't at all impressed with either the performance or handling of his car. I know they're not super fast by modern standards, but as far as I'm concerned the handling is sublime and all those things they put in the magazines were true. I'm a pretty mediocre driver and I like the way it flatters. I also like the fact you don't have to be travelling at silly speeds to really enjoy the chassis. Anyway, I'll stop going on about it.
This was my first. It went back to Germany too.
This was my 320is but with an S50/3.0 conversion and 300 brake.
This is what I want for MIG next. It's from Zero Exhausts in Kent.
I'm still tempted to go with the Bastos livery too.
Can you imagine getting this for £10k today?
Anyway, I have come to the conclusion I am very immature. I went for a blast around the lanes today and was giggling like a schoolgirl at the pops and bangs, from the exhaust. The induction noise from the airbox is just so addictive and when you combine all that, with the way it'll grip around the bends, it's just impossible to find fault with the thing. I absolutely adore it. There's another E30 M3 thread on here, where a previous owner says that he simply doesn't get what all the fuss is about. He said he wasn't at all impressed with either the performance or handling of his car. I know they're not super fast by modern standards, but as far as I'm concerned the handling is sublime and all those things they put in the magazines were true. I'm a pretty mediocre driver and I like the way it flatters. I also like the fact you don't have to be travelling at silly speeds to really enjoy the chassis. Anyway, I'll stop going on about it.
This was my first. It went back to Germany too.
This was my 320is but with an S50/3.0 conversion and 300 brake.
This is what I want for MIG next. It's from Zero Exhausts in Kent.
I'm still tempted to go with the Bastos livery too.
911 is another itch I have yet to scratch, although unless my numbers come up, it doesn't seem likely. When I was in my 20's I lived near Eagle Racing, the E type people. Henry, the owner, was such a nice guy and would let me wonder around his stock like a prospective customer. I'm sure he knew I didn't have 2 brass farthings but it didn't stop him letting me take an early 911 sport (SWB) for a blast around the Kent lanes. Some 20+ years later I still smile when I think of it. In many ways it was like the M3. The same, but different. When I do get that lottery win I'll add a Singer 911 to the list of M3 GrpA race car and an F40. (I'm not greedy). My daily for shopping etc will be a 3.0si with a V8 conversion.
Anyway, as the sun is out and I'm off today, the M3 engine bay could do with a clean. I'm also dropping the white 02 down to Joe, so will take a nose at how his M3 is progressing.
Anyway, as the sun is out and I'm off today, the M3 engine bay could do with a clean. I'm also dropping the white 02 down to Joe, so will take a nose at how his M3 is progressing.
Coming home yesterday, I noticed a slight hesitation and the engine just wasn't pulling through the revs as cleanly as usual. There doesn't seem to be any fuelling issue and the AFR gauge reads correctly. Fuel pressure is also spot on, so I'm assuming there's something amiss on the ignition side? I fitted new plugs a couple of thousand miles ago, but the distributor cap and rotor arm are an unknown quantity. I called my local dealer and apart from being "order only", they're also £220 plus VAT! Bloody hell!! Fortunately, C3 in Kent do the same Bosch parts and a set of new plugs for half the price. All being well, they'll be here Monday.
I'm going to a body shop this week and plan on sorting the paint before next spring. I'm also waiting to here from www.zeroexhausts.co.uk regarding their four branch and system.
I'm going to a body shop this week and plan on sorting the paint before next spring. I'm also waiting to here from www.zeroexhausts.co.uk regarding their four branch and system.
Since buying my car (which I first put a deposit down on a year ago today), I have been trying to trace the first owner to take it to Ireland. I knew his name and previous address, but last week I heard he'd moved to New Zealand. Not being someone who gives up easily, I called another number from those 118 fellas and managed to get his mum! Result! Anyway, on Saturday I got an email from the guy in question and I'm really pleased I kept searching.
Not only does the chap still have extensive service records, invoices, original German log book etc, but he also has proof that my car was originally a demonstrator for Hamann Motorsport. In fact, it was their show car during 1990/91 and appeared on their stand at the Munich Motor Show. It was they who did the work to the rear arches, that allows it to run 17" alloys, with 245/40's and no rubbing issues. People often remark on how nicely the arches had been done and now I know why. Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing the Hamann literature and have mailed them to see if they remember the car itself, as it was then bought by a Hamann employee.
I'm hoping the new rotor arm and cap arrive from C3 today and I can do a service before Santa Pod next Sunday.
Not only does the chap still have extensive service records, invoices, original German log book etc, but he also has proof that my car was originally a demonstrator for Hamann Motorsport. In fact, it was their show car during 1990/91 and appeared on their stand at the Munich Motor Show. It was they who did the work to the rear arches, that allows it to run 17" alloys, with 245/40's and no rubbing issues. People often remark on how nicely the arches had been done and now I know why. Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing the Hamann literature and have mailed them to see if they remember the car itself, as it was then bought by a Hamann employee.
I'm hoping the new rotor arm and cap arrive from C3 today and I can do a service before Santa Pod next Sunday.
Yes I must admit, finding that out has been an added bonus and I'm looking forward to seeing all the old history and photographs etc.
Well the new cap, plugs and rotor arm arrived as promised. C3 always seem reliable. Anyway, changing the cap was simple enough but the rotor arm is held on by 3 small allen bolts. Unfortunately 2 of which are rounded out and the key simply can't get enough purchase to undo them. Rather than attempt to slot the bolts myself, to get a large flat head screw driver in there, I cleaned up the contact on the old arm and left it in place. I'm about to pop down to see Joe at Avers Racing and see if he has any tricks? One good thing though, cleaning the contacts solved the slight miss/hesitation so all should be well once the new one is in.
I'm still searching for a deep reach, thin wall socket in 11/16 ths for the plugs though. If anyone knows a supplier please let me know.
Well the new cap, plugs and rotor arm arrived as promised. C3 always seem reliable. Anyway, changing the cap was simple enough but the rotor arm is held on by 3 small allen bolts. Unfortunately 2 of which are rounded out and the key simply can't get enough purchase to undo them. Rather than attempt to slot the bolts myself, to get a large flat head screw driver in there, I cleaned up the contact on the old arm and left it in place. I'm about to pop down to see Joe at Avers Racing and see if he has any tricks? One good thing though, cleaning the contacts solved the slight miss/hesitation so all should be well once the new one is in.
I'm still searching for a deep reach, thin wall socket in 11/16 ths for the plugs though. If anyone knows a supplier please let me know.
S3_Graham said:
Great story, bet that'll add some value! Such awesome cars. 8 years ago I looked at an S3, an E36 M3 and a £7000 E30 M3. Man I wish I'd bought it!
Ref your socket: http://www.lockitsocket.com
"The answer for all 18mm motorcycle spark plugs, even the hard to reach ones like the 400 Honda. Ultra thin wall socket is a great tool for both on and off road bikes. The short length and small outside diameter work well with a variety of 3/8" extensions and swivels. Applications include many Honda outboards and many other motors with 18mm hex spark plugs including the S-14 BMW. Size: 18mm 2.5" overall length."
Thanks for that. It looks ideal. Ref your socket: http://www.lockitsocket.com
"The answer for all 18mm motorcycle spark plugs, even the hard to reach ones like the 400 Honda. Ultra thin wall socket is a great tool for both on and off road bikes. The short length and small outside diameter work well with a variety of 3/8" extensions and swivels. Applications include many Honda outboards and many other motors with 18mm hex spark plugs including the S-14 BMW. Size: 18mm 2.5" overall length."
Edited by S3_Graham on Tuesday 23 September 10:39
Well we ended up having the break up the old rotor arm, in order to get enough purchase on the old screw. It looks as though someone used loctite and then rounded out the allen screw doing them up! Anyway, new cap and arm fitted, along with fresh Bosch plugs, to replace the NGK. There's a definite improvement in the way it runs, which given how tired the old parts were, isn't surprising.
Hopefully I can get the new Tarox 6 pot front brakes on soon. I just need to order some Hawk pads to fit them first.
Well I seem to still have an issue around running and also noted the AFR gauge no longer displays LEAN on overrun. This coincides with my having replaced the exhaust manifold studs and cam cover gaskets, so I'm wondering if the throttle position switch, or its wiring harness, were disturbed? I guess the TPS switch itself could be deteriorating? This could certainly explain the intermittent hesitation.
So, once I've had some breakfast, I'll go take a look as I'm supposed to be heading to Santa Pod this weekend.
So, once I've had some breakfast, I'll go take a look as I'm supposed to be heading to Santa Pod this weekend.
Well for the past week or so, the rough running has gotten worse. I was pretty confident it was most likely down to either the throttle position switch or a failed lambda sensor? In fact, replacing both parts helped but the most obvious thing was the rear fuel filter. The date stamp on it was July 2001! It was so blocked you couldn't even blow through the thing! So obviously we replaced that too and the upshot is it now runs better than it ever has!
g3org3y said:
A great thread to read, lovely stuff. 
(Loved those '02s too.
)
Thanks. I think next weekend will be the last real use I have of the M3 for a few months. Autumn has finally arrived here and I don't want to get the underside too muddy before it goes away. I'll probably stay using the blue 02 though. The white one is currently on a spit and having its last supposed "restoration" re done. I won't name the company in Maidstone, who call themselves BMW restoration specialists, but the work is some of the most shocking and dangerous I've seen. The rear suspension turrets were coated in filler and sculpted to look like the original metal work. Meanwhile, underneath, there was rotten metal just left to get worse. These people charged the previous owner a tidy some for their "specialist" know how. In fact, we were lucky the rear end didn't simply collapse all together. (Loved those '02s too.
)I like those models very much. I'll have to wait and see if Santa can hook me up though?
g3org3y said:
e21Mark said:
I like those models very much. I'll have to wait and see if Santa can hook me up though?
What you really need is some good 1/18 scale models.
They do '02s too.
Paid a visit to the guys at Rally Prep today and am taking the white M3 shell to be dipped tomorrow. It's going to be built to Historic regs, so the front brakes found their way onto my car. 
One good thing about the Compomotives is just how much room there is behind them.
The braking performance is now pretty impressive.
Next job will be to have the suspension rebuilt by Gaz.
One good thing about the Compomotives is just how much room there is behind them.
The braking performance is now pretty impressive.
Next job will be to have the suspension rebuilt by Gaz.
I spent a few days last week, trying to source new pads for the Tarox 6 piston brake callipers that I fitted. For some bizarre reason the pad template Tarox used was a commercial one, usually found on Ford Cargo or Mercedes G wagon, so it looked as if I would have to stick with the OE Tarox pads. A few calls though and I secured a set of Ferodo DS2500's, although I was advised that they might require some slight modification to fit. They weren't wrong! There was a small tab on the backing plate that had to be ground off, but the worst job was removing a few mm of the pad material itself. Obviously I wanted to keep the pad face flat but I also needed to be careful not to put too much heat through them. Anyway, I eventually got there and I have to say I was really pleased with how well the 2500's work with the 6 pots. The braking performance is just so much better and really progressive.
I've also been speaking with the good folk at Bilstein and they are going to rebuild the coilovers over the winter. The cost is a little under £100 per corner and given the cost of new units, I think that's pretty reasonable. I also intend on having the paintwork sorted, the dashboard flocked and new carpets. The final job will be new cams from Schrick but that will be once the other stuff is sorted first.
I've also been speaking with the good folk at Bilstein and they are going to rebuild the coilovers over the winter. The cost is a little under £100 per corner and given the cost of new units, I think that's pretty reasonable. I also intend on having the paintwork sorted, the dashboard flocked and new carpets. The final job will be new cams from Schrick but that will be once the other stuff is sorted first.
M3 is currently off the road and stored at Avers Racing. Whilst there the cage is being fitted correctly (including floor strengthening plates) and the inside repainted. The dash is also being flocked and a matching Ridgard passenger seat fitted. Final jub will be electrical cut-out switch and extinguisher. All being well I will enter the Crystal Palace Sprint next year.
Rally E21 with 306 bhp!
Rally E21 with 306 bhp!
I should have timed it better, as I would have liked to take advantage of todays quiet roads and gone for a hoon. I'm looking forward to the list of ''jobs to do'' getting shorter though and finally entering the Crystal Palace sprint in a more competitive car. It's been a dream to compete in an M3 since I first saw one back in 1990 or so.
Well with the inconvenience of Christmas and New Year, things have been moving more slowly than I would have liked. The E21 is supposed to be getting painted next week, but the E30 is also getting some love.
With the dash off for flocking, we have been chopping out any wiring we no longer needed, such as the heated seat switches. The dished steering wheel has also been replaced as I never really liked them.
The cage came out, in order that it can be re fitted properly this time. This means strengthening the floor, and we are also going to re paint it, once any surface rust is dealt with and the small hole beneath the throttle pedal has been repaired. I'm also going to replace the driver side door bar. The seats are matching Ridgard with Safety Devices harnesses and full cage.
It should look so much nicer once it has all been tidied up.
There's never a shortage of E30 at ARM. The black M3 replica features E39 M5 power! The white car is a 318is
Fingers crossed the next photos I post will be a freshly painted E21.
With the dash off for flocking, we have been chopping out any wiring we no longer needed, such as the heated seat switches. The dished steering wheel has also been replaced as I never really liked them.
The cage came out, in order that it can be re fitted properly this time. This means strengthening the floor, and we are also going to re paint it, once any surface rust is dealt with and the small hole beneath the throttle pedal has been repaired. I'm also going to replace the driver side door bar. The seats are matching Ridgard with Safety Devices harnesses and full cage.
It should look so much nicer once it has all been tidied up.
There's never a shortage of E30 at ARM. The black M3 replica features E39 M5 power! The white car is a 318is
Fingers crossed the next photos I post will be a freshly painted E21.
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