BMW E30 M3

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Discussion

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Sunday 20th August 2017
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@Helix - I run a stud and nut conversion not bolts.

Yes, was a shame to miss RR but hopeful for next year.

e30m3Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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RichardM5

1,739 posts

136 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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You don't seem to be having much luck Mark!

I can't remember exactly what the wheels looked like as your pictures have fallen foul to Photobucket, but if the nut/bolt seats were painted it's possible that this could have been the cause. The paint is hard enough to allow the nuts/bolts to be torqued up, but has enough give in it to then allow them to loosen up after a few heat and stress cycles.

e30m3Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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Yes, it's been a trying few months that's for sure. smile I did think ''right! I'm selling the bloody thing!'' but the next morning I was smitten again.

It was just fantastic on track and certainly had the legs on some of the newer stuff, such as the Cayman. (s) I'm under no illusions though and am a typically average driver, but the M3 just flatters and is remarkably forgiving. The only moment I had was when a black Compact, which I'd passed around the outside through Clearways (going on to the pit straight), decided to dive down the inside as I was about to turn in through Paddock. Whether it was inexperience or sheer stupidity I don't know, but mine wasn't the only car overtaken at all costs. Had I not seen him and my car been less capable, it would have been a potentially expensive clash. I always insure myself on track but I'm guessing the kamikaze Compact didn't. irked Apart from him, driving standard were pretty good although the final 2 sessions were very busy. I kept back off to leave some room but 3 or 4 corners later and I was back up with the tail enders again. It was great fun though and something I've looked forward to for years. smile

My mate Dave was also out in his mint e21 323i. It runs a stroked m20/2.8 with well over 220bhp and a shed load of torque. It's also for sale should anyone be interested.


e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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Mystery solved. It appears that the studs pulled the thread from the hub itself.

Anyway, ARM have already stripped off the damaged wing, bumper etc and it shouldn't be too long until things are sorted and a longer stud kit is also on order. I want to get some new pads for the Tarox 6 pots too. I know a couple of people have said they don't rate the calipers but I've never had an issue and they certainly work well enough. Yes, if I had pots of cash laying around, a full AP set-up would be lovely but I don't so the Tarox will do for now. smile



Edited by e30m3Mark on Monday 21st August 14:31

JakeT

5,430 posts

120 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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It looks so sorry sat there like that.

I see e21mark is back too. wink

RichardM5

1,739 posts

136 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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Is that wheel a little bent or is it just the picture?

e21Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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Yes, outer lip needs some love and is off to refurb.

stevesingo

4,858 posts

222 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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General engineering practice for a threaded fastener joint is that it should be designed so that when it fails, the fastener fails, not the piece which the fastener is screwed in to. So...

Studs too short? Not having full thread engagement will overload the engaged threads.

Genuine Hubs/studs? Incorrect material selection in one or both parts. The load capacity of the threads in the hub, must be greater than the load capacity of the stud cross section.

Lubricated wheel/biscuit bell face? The thing which prevents movement between wheel and disc bel faces is friction caused by the pressure exerted by the clamping force of the fasteners. If there is insufficient friction the torque loads generated by braking are transferred to the studs. The studs are designed to provide the clamping force longitudinally not axial loads.

Over torqued? If designed correctly, the threaded joint will fail by the braking of the fasteners. Even if not designed in line with normal practices, the joint can still be sufficiently strong to do the job. Unless a greater than design stress is induced.

e30m3Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Thursday 31st August 2017
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Unfortunately I can't answer Steve. I know the hubs are/were genuine and the stud kit came from a reputable source. I think they were fitted (by me) around 2 years ago and I just followed instructions. I wound them in the suggested amount, used thread lock etc. Although I used copper slip on the threads, I used it more just to keep them clean and always wiped off any excess. I did check torques throughout the day (as I usually do) but didn't note anything being amiss. Nor was there even the slightest of steering wheel wobble before the wheel itself came off. I really am at a loss to explain it.

Well a new hub, stud kit (with longer studs than those being replaced), front wing and brake discs have arrived. The front bumper / splitter were easily repaired and there should soon be no sign of anything being untoward. The disc would have probably been OK but probably isn't something I'm comfortable with when it comes to brakes. The wheel has a bit of a ding on the outer lip and that is being taken care of by a local wheel specialist.

Whilst ARM are taking care of the recent damage, I have also asked them to fit the light pod which is being painted in body colour. I still need to get some plastic covers to protect the glass but they are proving elusive. There are some in the US but the shipping costs are ridiculous. The lower rear spoiler section also needs refitting as it had started to lift at the ends. Final task is replacing the throttle position switch using the correct adaptor obtained from Massive Lee.

One thing that did come to light last week was that I need to do something in relation to my seat and making it more comfortable. I would really like to tilt the seat back further but because the E30 is so narrow, the edge of the seat hits the upper door frame. I would effectively have to move the seat closer to the steering wheel, which would be less comfortable. It may have to be a compromise though. When looking for new seats I had been looking at having one custom made, as I was built for comfort not speed, but the cost was way more than I could afford. I have just got one from Motordrive (which would have been in excess of £600!) which might prove a more comfortable solution? I also want to refit the cage door bars but once again, the seat position makes it difficult. Whilst the passenger side bar can be fitted, a custom bar will need to be made for my side. On the plus side though, this means I can have it made to hug the sill so that my injured leg can clear it more easily.

One final detail is that I want to run the digital AFR gauge once again. I used to have this connected as part of the Maxx Alpha N install but I'm hoping it can now be run by the DTA Fast ECU? I know bugger all about such things though so if anyone can offer advice it would be much appreciated.

All being well (famous last words!) all this will be done in time for the PH Sunday Service at BMW HQ next month. It's a bit of a hike but it's great to see the cars BMW put out on display.

e30m3Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Saturday 9th September 2017
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Well we're nearly finished and just need to get some time on the dyno to fit the new TPS and check all is well. I want to have the ITB's rebuilt over the winter but might see if they can be bored out and new, larger butterflies fitted?

All being well I should be ready to make BMW HQ next weekend.



Light pod is ready to go on. Just want to get some protective covers for the glass.


scottos

1,146 posts

124 months

Saturday 9th September 2017
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Glad to see it's getting back together matey. Think I've said it before but contact JC Racing in Thirsk and ask for Russ, they rebuild the m3 throttle bodies and I'm sure they could answer your questions on bringing them out to 48mm

s m

23,231 posts

203 months

Saturday 9th September 2017
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Crikey - just read about your Kenny Rogers incident Mark. You don't have much luck.

I'd be the same though - just want to get it fixed and enjoy it again thumbup

e30m3Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Sunday 10th September 2017
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scottos said:
Think I've said it before but contact JC Racing in Thirsk and ask for Russ, they rebuild the m3 throttle bodies and I'm sure they could answer your questions on bringing them out to 48mm
Yes, I emailed them and they said they would rebuild but I am yet to ask about taking them out to 48's. The cost for rebuilding was much less than I had expected, which was a pleasant surprise.

s m said:
Crikey - just read about your Kenny Rogers incident Mark. You don't have much luck.

I'd be the same though - just want to get it fixed and enjoy it again thumbup
Yes, must admit I did start to wonder if I was jinxed?! smile Fortunately, my insurers have been excellent (Competition Car Insurance) and it's handy living so close to places like ARM BMW and Rally Prep. I'm looking forward to next weekends Sunday Service at BMW HQ, although a 4am start isn't so great. At least I will be able to see where I'm going though!

I need to call EBC tomorrow and see if they can make up a set of new pads in their blue compound? I don't know why but they only list yellow for my callipers? In truth, I have never been too impressed with EBC pads in the past. I had reds in my e21 race car and they squealed constantly, greens in the 320is that literally fell apart and orange which were just not very good. The things I have heard about the blues are all very good though. I would have liked Hawk but I haven't been able to persuade them to make me a set.

I'm also looking at other wheel options. My current split rims look great but I'm really disappointed at how soft they are and how susceptible the lips are to damage from bad roads or riding kerbs on track. These are sold as competition wheels and at £2.5k they aren't exactly cheap so I expect them to be able to be used without going out of shape. I may just go back to using Compomotive TH instead? Yes, they may be heavier but they're very strong, look great and are the ideal size and offset for the M3. They're also a third of the price! The other alternative is a set of the Prodrive rims sold by Vink Motorsport?




stevesingo

4,858 posts

222 months

Sunday 10th September 2017
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e30m3Mark said:
Well we're nearly finished and just need to get some time on the dyno to fit the new TPS and check all is well. I want to have the ITB's rebuilt over the winter but might see if they can be bored out and new, larger butterflies fitted?
If your engine is post September '89, it will have 48mm TBs. 48s are plenty big enough for your engine.

e30m3Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Sunday 10th September 2017
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Yes, I'm more concerned with refurbishment than anything else.

e30m3Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Monday 11th September 2017
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Finally bit the bullet on a set of blue stuff pads from EBC. They were only able to offer the one width so am keeping my fingers crossed that they'll fit without the need to take off any material, as I'm wondering if that contributed to the demise of the DS2500's? Either way, it's hardly an ideal situation.

e30m3Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Tuesday 12th September 2017
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New pads arrived from EBC, which was bloody quick considering how late in the day I had ordered them. My only concern now is their width. I had to remove some of the pad material on the DS2500's and may well need to do the same with these. If so, we will mill some of the pad face off this time.





The light pod is nearly finished and the lights have an independent toggle switch in the dash. I know the look is a bit Marmite but I think they look great but, more importantly, they make progress along Cornish lanes much easier and safer at this time of year. I am just waiting on some protective covers for the lenses.







Edited by e30m3Mark on Tuesday 12th September 17:49

anonymous-user

54 months

Wednesday 13th September 2017
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Mark, can I help with covers from the US? I'm there in 2 or 3 weeks, for 5 days and could happily bring them back and send to you (I'm in london).

e30m3Mark

Original Poster:

16,205 posts

173 months

Wednesday 13th September 2017
quotequote all
Polynesian said:
Mark, can I help with covers from the US? I'm there in 2 or 3 weeks, for 5 days and could happily bring them back and send to you (I'm in london).
That's very kind - thank you. I'll see what I can find.

Meanwhile the pod is finished. I'd forgotten the MOT ran out last week though. Doh!