Discussion
Sorry for slow reply chaps, but I’m currently sat in sunny Spain for a week.
I made it for the Saturday but Sunday was a no go due to a fouled plug, then rain. Some folk revel in wet conditions but I’m not one of them. Saturday was fun enough, although there were some teething problems with track layout, as in you couldn’t see the finish line! This was confirmed by the “moments” a couple of cars before me had. I didn’t see them, but I most certainly heard them. This was followed by the paddock rumour and stories of how if you don’t brake just after the finish, the next bend is a tough one to make. Unfortunately there were some identical bales to those marking the finish but 100 yards too soon! The long and the short of it was only the 4th run was anything close to not suffering one issue or other. All in though, it was good fun and I’ll definitely enter again.
The car still remains great, despite one failed plug. They’re only an hour or two running old so I was surprised at a Bosch failing. Once replaced it was all good again. It sounds great too. I’m not far off being able to post some decent video/audio very soon.
There were actually 3 E30’s entered inc this s50 powered one from Rally Prep.
I made it for the Saturday but Sunday was a no go due to a fouled plug, then rain. Some folk revel in wet conditions but I’m not one of them. Saturday was fun enough, although there were some teething problems with track layout, as in you couldn’t see the finish line! This was confirmed by the “moments” a couple of cars before me had. I didn’t see them, but I most certainly heard them. This was followed by the paddock rumour and stories of how if you don’t brake just after the finish, the next bend is a tough one to make. Unfortunately there were some identical bales to those marking the finish but 100 yards too soon! The long and the short of it was only the 4th run was anything close to not suffering one issue or other. All in though, it was good fun and I’ll definitely enter again.
The car still remains great, despite one failed plug. They’re only an hour or two running old so I was surprised at a Bosch failing. Once replaced it was all good again. It sounds great too. I’m not far off being able to post some decent video/audio very soon.
There were actually 3 E30’s entered inc this s50 powered one from Rally Prep.
Thanks. I know I’m lucky to have it.
I forgot to say before that I’ve opted to replace the front scuttle in its entirety. If anyone can give me an idea of exactly what’s involved, it’d be much appreciated. I’m going to order the panel once home next week as I think you have to supply your V5 and driving licence.
Right now I’m sat in hot Spanish sunshine and wishing I had the M3 here with me, despite the lack of AC. I wondering whether it might be fun to take on holiday next year and drive down to the Costa Brava or something like that?
Anyway, I’m driving a diesel this week and it’s horrible.
I forgot to say before that I’ve opted to replace the front scuttle in its entirety. If anyone can give me an idea of exactly what’s involved, it’d be much appreciated. I’m going to order the panel once home next week as I think you have to supply your V5 and driving licence.
Right now I’m sat in hot Spanish sunshine and wishing I had the M3 here with me, despite the lack of AC. I wondering whether it might be fun to take on holiday next year and drive down to the Costa Brava or something like that?
Anyway, I’m driving a diesel this week and it’s horrible.
Well it's MOT time again, although I'm not too concerned. There's nothing major although there's bound to be a few things like headlight alignment and I may have a grubby rear brake line although that was due replacement anyway.
I've decided to leave the bit of corrosion under the screen rubber for a few weeks. If I'm well enough (and that's a pretty big if right now, as am sat here having IV antibiotics for a severe infection in my left leg) I'm doing a track day at Mallory Park on the 24th. There will be a few 02's and E30's there so it should be fun. Hopefully it'll be a dry day!
There's also a magazine feature and a professional video being released later this month. I've only seen a few snippets and have to say they film makers have done a terrific job. My car both looks and sounds incredible. You'll have to excuse the bits with me in though and keep your finger poised ready to hit fast forward! Obviously I'm biased but the audio really captured the sound of the S14 and there's also footage from Shelsey Walsh. I'll post a link once it goes live anyway.
I've decided to leave the bit of corrosion under the screen rubber for a few weeks. If I'm well enough (and that's a pretty big if right now, as am sat here having IV antibiotics for a severe infection in my left leg) I'm doing a track day at Mallory Park on the 24th. There will be a few 02's and E30's there so it should be fun. Hopefully it'll be a dry day!
There's also a magazine feature and a professional video being released later this month. I've only seen a few snippets and have to say they film makers have done a terrific job. My car both looks and sounds incredible. You'll have to excuse the bits with me in though and keep your finger poised ready to hit fast forward! Obviously I'm biased but the audio really captured the sound of the S14 and there's also footage from Shelsey Walsh. I'll post a link once it goes live anyway.
Butter Face said:
Just saw/heard you go up the road, sounded sublime!
Cheers. I must admit, I think the Eissenmann race exhaust sounds way better than the Supersprint although that's clearly subjective. I just didn't expect quite as much difference as there is now that I've put a few miles on it. I can't wait for Mallory. 
gary71 said:
e30m3Mark said:
Petrolicious video is set for release 2 weeks today.
They only feature the cream, you must be well chuffed. Hope your leg clears up soon.
I must admit I'm really looking forward to seeing the video for myself. I believe it's between 10 and 12 minutes in length and it was filmed over 3 whole days, including a day at Retro Rides Gathering (Shelsey Walsh) and 2 shot locally here in Cornwall. We were really lucky with the weather on all 3 days too! Unfortunately I can't say any more than that but the 2 guys who made the film are incredibly talented and both audio and video quality are simply awesome. I told them I thought it was important we captured the sound of the s14 and I know they were both happy with the results.
Please remember the camera adds at least 50lbs and there was more than one camera! 
Thanks for the kind remarks.
Unfortunately, in recent weeks my health has taken a bit of a turn for the worst (I’m currently sat in hospital) and it looks as though I am going to have to sell the M3. It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly but I just hope it will go to a new owner who will enjoy it as much as I have?
Unfortunately, in recent weeks my health has taken a bit of a turn for the worst (I’m currently sat in hospital) and it looks as though I am going to have to sell the M3. It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly but I just hope it will go to a new owner who will enjoy it as much as I have?
OFORBES said:
A little random... but I think I recognise the location you took the photos. Is it at the top of the hill in Portreath, Cornwall?
I have family down in Redruth, and when I was younger it would be the first place i'd drive any of my cars, so I have a few snaps of various cars I have owned up there!!
Close. Was near Porthtowan. I have family down in Redruth, and when I was younger it would be the first place i'd drive any of my cars, so I have a few snaps of various cars I have owned up there!!
Edited by OFORBES on Wednesday 17th October 17:12
Well last Sunday I went for a quick jaunt up to Silverstone for the PH Sunday Service. It’s a fair trek so I left at just before 5am and made one quick stop at Taunton on route, arriving at the circuit with plenty of time before my track session. Unfortunately I could only afford the one session but being later in the day meant a drier track, or so I’d hoped anyway, as the roads around the track were pretty slippy! Once I got close by I spotted a few cars clearly heading for Silverstone, including a pair of Caterfield, a bright blue 911 and a Clio Sport of some sort, so I just tagged on behind. Once we were there I parked behind the pit garages and went for a bit of a wander. I always enjoy the eclectic range of cars at these events and there were some real beauties from a bubble car to a Lamborghini with everything in between.
I signed on at race control, had a brew and waited for my session. I’d never driven Silverstone before and as there had already been one accident earlier in the day, I admit to being a tad nervous. I was also conscious of being surrounded by some pretty serious cars, with big power. There were also some proper, full race Renault Megane. It was also bloody cold and the track greasy so not ideal for a first run. In fact though, it was still good fun and not as sketchy as I’d first thought it might be. I wasn’t the only one on tippy toes through the corners either although I drier line did start to show towards the end of the session and I started to get a bit more confident and push on a bit. I also had a couple of moments when I found the remaining slippy bits but nothing to worry about.
The car was faultless all day. 500 miles and a 30 minute session without missing a beat.
https://youtu.be/1PutRmq9eXU
I signed on at race control, had a brew and waited for my session. I’d never driven Silverstone before and as there had already been one accident earlier in the day, I admit to being a tad nervous. I was also conscious of being surrounded by some pretty serious cars, with big power. There were also some proper, full race Renault Megane. It was also bloody cold and the track greasy so not ideal for a first run. In fact though, it was still good fun and not as sketchy as I’d first thought it might be. I wasn’t the only one on tippy toes through the corners either although I drier line did start to show towards the end of the session and I started to get a bit more confident and push on a bit. I also had a couple of moments when I found the remaining slippy bits but nothing to worry about.
The car was faultless all day. 500 miles and a 30 minute session without missing a beat.
https://youtu.be/1PutRmq9eXU
Edited by e30m3Mark on Wednesday 31st October 15:59
Thanks guys.
It's always nice when you catch up with other cars heading towards the SS venues. I was struggling for traction myself so imagine it must have been pretty twitchy for you guys. It looked to be getting a bit damp when you were passing HGV's, with the spray from their tyres to contend with too?!
I'm currently trying to find new employment, where my health issues won't be so much of a problem, in the hope that I won't have to sell the E30. Realistically, it's not exactly a good time to be selling cars anyway, so I may have a couple of months to enjoy it yet.
It's always nice when you catch up with other cars heading towards the SS venues. I was struggling for traction myself so imagine it must have been pretty twitchy for you guys. It looked to be getting a bit damp when you were passing HGV's, with the spray from their tyres to contend with too?!
I'm currently trying to find new employment, where my health issues won't be so much of a problem, in the hope that I won't have to sell the E30. Realistically, it's not exactly a good time to be selling cars anyway, so I may have a couple of months to enjoy it yet.
Spent this afternoon (in between torrential rain showers) giving the car a thorough spanner check and changing the oil and plugs. I've also had to replace the Nankang AR-1 on the front, as they've knocked out their inside edge. I was a bit surprised at how far gone they are considering I don't run a particularly aggressive amount of negative camber. The rear have worn evenly and have a fair amount of life left in them.
Am heading up to Mallory Park at silly o clock for an open pit day with Javelin. It's a few years since I was last at Mallory and I was in my old M42 powered E21, that I bought from the guys at Practical Classics magazine. It was built by a so called BMW 'specialist' in Devon and needed a thorough going over and lots of re-welding to replace the crud that they'd deemed acceptable. They sponsored an old 635 in the Kumho Cup I believe? If it's anything like the E21 was, the driver deserves a bravery award!
Anyway, am off to bed soon and hopefully it'll be dry tomorrow.
Am heading up to Mallory Park at silly o clock for an open pit day with Javelin. It's a few years since I was last at Mallory and I was in my old M42 powered E21, that I bought from the guys at Practical Classics magazine. It was built by a so called BMW 'specialist' in Devon and needed a thorough going over and lots of re-welding to replace the crud that they'd deemed acceptable. They sponsored an old 635 in the Kumho Cup I believe? If it's anything like the E21 was, the driver deserves a bravery award!
Anyway, am off to bed soon and hopefully it'll be dry tomorrow.
Edited by e30m3Mark on Friday 23 November 18:48
Sad day today.
After 4 and a bit years, due to financial constraints down to my recent poor health, my M3 is moving on to a new custodian. I know it's only a car but it has been such a big part of my life in recent years and it feels a bit weird to think it won't be sat in the garage after tomorrow. The only good thing is the new owner is just as much a fan of BMW as I am and he'll be using the car as it was intended to be. He already has a pretty sweet e46 M3 that replaced a track focussed 325ti.
So that's about it. I shouldn't moan really. I've always tried to stay positive and think about the things I do have, as opposed to those I don't and I still have enough left to buy something Bavarian and M powered.
After 4 and a bit years, due to financial constraints down to my recent poor health, my M3 is moving on to a new custodian. I know it's only a car but it has been such a big part of my life in recent years and it feels a bit weird to think it won't be sat in the garage after tomorrow. The only good thing is the new owner is just as much a fan of BMW as I am and he'll be using the car as it was intended to be. He already has a pretty sweet e46 M3 that replaced a track focussed 325ti.
So that's about it. I shouldn't moan really. I've always tried to stay positive and think about the things I do have, as opposed to those I don't and I still have enough left to buy something Bavarian and M powered.
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