Discussion
SidewaysSi said:
I am about to jump into the unknown with my E36 too. If you are like me, I fear nothing gets close to a Caterham, Atom etc and I am searching in vain for the practical yet raw experience.
My DC2 was bloody brilliant but even that could have done without PAS, hence me looking at 40 year old Alfas!
The shopping list for the BMW is getting longer and more expensive by the day...
I guess we are. It took 8 years to get out of the DC2, I loved that car and apart from the Caterham, nothing, has given me more confidence on turn in. The great thing was when I had mine nobody looked twice. It was 1999 and this bonkers car with a huge rev range and deeply impressive handling was viewed by most as a 'Honda'. So much fun.My DC2 was bloody brilliant but even that could have done without PAS, hence me looking at 40 year old Alfas!
The shopping list for the BMW is getting longer and more expensive by the day...
Kevin (Bird) maintains that the 130 with the kit is as close to the E30 M3 as you're going to get, losing out on steering feel obviously but that goes with the age. Another reason I bought this one back is it's pre LCI.
Have you tried an Alfasud, that was something that blew my mind way back when.
mgian2 said:
Was seriously tempted to buy one of these, especially as a newer 'step-up' to the e46 325ti Compact I owned at the time.
Main reason I didn't - rarity. When I was looking, there were so few in budget and the ones that were there were high milers. Eventually gave up and ended up getting an A3 instead which was good but I missed the straight 6 engine note and smoothness.
It's an issue for sure, but reading about the longevity of the N52 you have a solid start. As I plan to junk pretty much all the suspension that's the normal wear issues out of the way. Clutch, well that's just a gamble, still not exactly expensive. The lack of turbo's is a god send, I think it's about the last BMW that isn't really complicated. I think there is about 1000 of them, it's so bizarre with the amount of 1 Series that are on the road. Main reason I didn't - rarity. When I was looking, there were so few in budget and the ones that were there were high milers. Eventually gave up and ended up getting an A3 instead which was good but I missed the straight 6 engine note and smoothness.
Anyway. The eBay mats fitted and look pretty decent for £25. Leather conditioner is on the way. It's still not happy on the trickle charger, the battery could be borked tbh.
It's quite odd how much more interested in this than I am with the 3 series.
inabox said:
I'll be really interested in hearing how your suspension updates go. I just can't get on with my 130i. It's a fat, crashy, jittery thing that just doesn't seem fun to thrash. I love the engine and I'm unsure wether or not to bother getting it to handle properly.
Are you still on run flat tyres, if so ditch them first. What is it, M-Sport? Yes, the standard M Sport setup gets very confused when pushed. The Birds kit uses much softer ARB's and is far more compliant, this allows much more control and a stack of grip. The reviews are night and day, every owner says the same. The LSD is just the icing on the cake really. The M3 LCA are cheap enough and worth fitting. There's an issue with the values of the cars and then adding almost half again on parts, but there's no modern alternative in the same price range.
JackReacher said:
Having recently sold a Cayman for a house purchase, I'm considering one of these. It looks like the only real option to get 6 cylinder rear wheel drive compact car at a limited budget with hopefully sensible running costs. I'm not interested in turning in to a track weapon, just a fast road car with a good but compliant suspension set up, quality tyres etc.
I will look through this thread fully when I have more time, but whats the general consensus on the pre facelift verses facelight? How do they compare to a Z4 coupe. I found the electronic steering in that really poor on a test drive but loved the engine, and understand the facelift 130i probably has same system steering system, but the pre facelift had hydraulic, although a less strong engine.
There is supposedly slightly more feel in the pre face lift hydraulic setup but I haven't tried it myself. I will look through this thread fully when I have more time, but whats the general consensus on the pre facelift verses facelight? How do they compare to a Z4 coupe. I found the electronic steering in that really poor on a test drive but loved the engine, and understand the facelift 130i probably has same system steering system, but the pre facelift had hydraulic, although a less strong engine.
So, the new floor mats fit, i know people were worried 
Joking aside for £22 there's nothing as satisfying tbh. The leather kit has arrived and when I have 'any' time I'll have a go. There were some annoying marks on the edge of the bonnet, a brief clean with some Megs stuff and it's gone. The 'pug', as it is now called is just being shuffled around the drive whilst the 3 Series is sold. Luckily the bike rack returned and I cleaned the crap out of it whilst listening to the Archers, I mean, did you ever!?!
Other minor stuff ordered are some jacking pads, plus some wheel cleaner. Yes, fascinating I know but I am just trying to fill the gap between the real mods.....................
Joking aside for £22 there's nothing as satisfying tbh. The leather kit has arrived and when I have 'any' time I'll have a go. There were some annoying marks on the edge of the bonnet, a brief clean with some Megs stuff and it's gone. The 'pug', as it is now called is just being shuffled around the drive whilst the 3 Series is sold. Luckily the bike rack returned and I cleaned the crap out of it whilst listening to the Archers, I mean, did you ever!?!Other minor stuff ordered are some jacking pads, plus some wheel cleaner. Yes, fascinating I know but I am just trying to fill the gap between the real mods.....................
Podie said:
TFFT! 
Which wheel cleaner did you go for?
I have got some Bilberry stuff, I read two reviews, one saying it's absolutely dogsWhich wheel cleaner did you go for?
t and another saying that it's the best thing since sliced bread. As with everything on the internet this means I'll just have to try it!FS advert has gone up on a couple of forums so fingers crossed things get sorted out soon. I will miss DAB I was thinking today?
Podie said:
Not tried Bilberry, but a mate says it's good.
Is there no OEM upgrade to a DAB radio?
I am doing some digging, a few options but guessing most, if not all will use an FM transmitter which I'll probably not bother with. I guess when you start craving modern connectivity you're missing the point and should just go with a newer car. Absolute 80's isn't that vital to my well being Is there no OEM upgrade to a DAB radio?
There are so many opinions, the 208's need a refurb anyway so I am not precious about them.
After weeks of being sat on a battery charger we are finally in business. I had thoughts of keeping everything.
The mighty M3 is provisionally sold, mixed feelings but I am not one for looking back much. The full B1 conversion is on. I am trying to find a deal on the LSD but to be honest it is looking like it's hardly worth the effort. A brief drive the other day made me smile. Unlike the 3 series fun happens much sooner, it's also way more keen earlier in the rev range. I had forgotten how it drove and all was going well, until we hit some bumps. Now it comes flooding back, barely controlled rear end, pitching and rolling at the front. After a sorted M car it's very exposed, this is a good thing though, we have that covered. The positive is just how lively it feels, much, much more basic than modern stuff but with this creamy smooth engine, it's really a case of a car held back by budgetary constraints.
Some trimming for the wheel, dashpod and gaitor from Royal is in process of being sorted, just deciding upon colour options.
Other work includes removing the CDV, fking joke that is. I have some minor judder but it's not slipping and tbh, I have budgeted for a clutch st some point. The pads are shot, so a fresh set of RS29's and whilst it's on the ramp some braided hoses, I want them to be black in keeping with the OEM look so looking at HEL.
After the suspension the tyres will be replaced, future plans include wheels, but I am loathed to give up the 208M's and go to something too bling, it needs to look stock.
Any ideas?
It's funny how things work out. Parked side by side the M3 and 1 Series are chalk and cheese, there's no reason for selling a much faster and more capable (body control, diff, balanced) car with one of the great V8's, and more importantly, last ever NA M engines.
I'll get some pictures of them together, size wise it's surprising how close they are.
Another week and we are on the road
The mighty M3 is provisionally sold, mixed feelings but I am not one for looking back much. The full B1 conversion is on. I am trying to find a deal on the LSD but to be honest it is looking like it's hardly worth the effort. A brief drive the other day made me smile. Unlike the 3 series fun happens much sooner, it's also way more keen earlier in the rev range. I had forgotten how it drove and all was going well, until we hit some bumps. Now it comes flooding back, barely controlled rear end, pitching and rolling at the front. After a sorted M car it's very exposed, this is a good thing though, we have that covered. The positive is just how lively it feels, much, much more basic than modern stuff but with this creamy smooth engine, it's really a case of a car held back by budgetary constraints.
Some trimming for the wheel, dashpod and gaitor from Royal is in process of being sorted, just deciding upon colour options.
Other work includes removing the CDV, f
king joke that is. I have some minor judder but it's not slipping and tbh, I have budgeted for a clutch st some point. The pads are shot, so a fresh set of RS29's and whilst it's on the ramp some braided hoses, I want them to be black in keeping with the OEM look so looking at HEL. After the suspension the tyres will be replaced, future plans include wheels, but I am loathed to give up the 208M's and go to something too bling, it needs to look stock.
Any ideas?
It's funny how things work out. Parked side by side the M3 and 1 Series are chalk and cheese, there's no reason for selling a much faster and more capable (body control, diff, balanced) car with one of the great V8's, and more importantly, last ever NA M engines.
I'll get some pictures of them together, size wise it's surprising how close they are.
Another week and we are on the road
So with the M3 gone, yay, we can start with the fun stuff. Simple things please simple minds so started with this. The satanic CDV.
ckr
One 5mm allen key plus liberal use of a hammer later
Which means this much more flow....
The minor things to be completed;
ckrOne 5mm allen key plus liberal use of a hammer later
Which means this much more flow....
The minor things to be completed;
- CDV
- Clutch bleed
- Gearbox oil change
- HEL lines
- New pads
- New tyres
£450 for the Pagids, still a chunk less than it would have been on the M3. That's the last time I will compare them...maybe 
Apart from that the weird novelty hasn't yet worn off. The N52 is a perfect road engine, easy at all revs and way more tractable than the M3 (st, sorry). The floaty steering is annoying me a little bit, as is the bouncy rear end. I spoke to Intrax about the 1K2, but it's a lot of money. I have compiled the following M3 parts;
ARB (front)
31352283515 - ARB x 1
31352283516 - rubber mount lower section x 2
31352283517 - rubber mount upper section x 2
31352283037 - stabilizer support x 2
31352283441 (Swing support - left)
31352283442 (Swing support - right)
33326768884 (Hexagon nuts, 4x)
Tension struts
31102283575 (left)
31102283576 (right)
Lower wishbone / control arms
31102283577 (left)
31102283578 (right)
37142283867 (xenon regulation rod)
Rear:
Rear subframe bushings
33312283382 (front, 2x)
33312283383 (rear, 2x)
Rear guide rods
33322283547 (left)
33322283548 (right)
Rear upper links / wishbones
33322283545 (left)
33322283546 (right)
Then we'll look at the dampers. I'm leaning towards the B12, or B1 Birds.
Apart from that the weird novelty hasn't yet worn off. The N52 is a perfect road engine, easy at all revs and way more tractable than the M3 (s
t, sorry). The floaty steering is annoying me a little bit, as is the bouncy rear end. I spoke to Intrax about the 1K2, but it's a lot of money. I have compiled the following M3 parts;ARB (front)
31352283515 - ARB x 1
31352283516 - rubber mount lower section x 2
31352283517 - rubber mount upper section x 2
31352283037 - stabilizer support x 2
31352283441 (Swing support - left)
31352283442 (Swing support - right)
33326768884 (Hexagon nuts, 4x)
Tension struts
31102283575 (left)
31102283576 (right)
Lower wishbone / control arms
31102283577 (left)
31102283578 (right)
37142283867 (xenon regulation rod)
Rear:
Rear subframe bushings
33312283382 (front, 2x)
33312283383 (rear, 2x)
Rear guide rods
33322283547 (left)
33322283548 (right)
Rear upper links / wishbones
33322283545 (left)
33322283546 (right)
Then we'll look at the dampers. I'm leaning towards the B12, or B1 Birds.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 23 November 22:51
DoubleSix said:
I'd love a wee idiots guide to the above as mine will need a chassis refresh at some point.
e.g. Whats the xenon ron required for? Etc
The xenon rod is needed with the M3 LCA, the original one only works with the standard ones and is too short, messes up the self levelling. I have a long way to go with the bits and exactly what I will be using out of the M3 catalogue. There are so many alternatives so I need to decide exactly how I want the set up. It's difficult as everyone you speak to has a definition of ride quality, turn in and stability.e.g. Whats the xenon ron required for? Etc
I'll keep this updated though
The 29's with 135 calipers and discs is a very good setup, not in the league of AP/Alcon but good enough for fast road stuff. It'll need new discs but these can wait a few thousand miles. I never fitted the LCA's, I bought them but never got around to it. Give me some feedback on the ARB, btw aren't M3's 26.5, or is there a difference between E90/92?
B12 or B1 dampers, still unsure. I'll drive this other car on B12's and see how firm they are. You've got me looking at the Whiteline inserts, unless the quaife is going in it's a lot of labour, interesting how many people rate the upgrade though. In a prefect world I'd do one step at a time.
B12 or B1 dampers, still unsure. I'll drive this other car on B12's and see how firm they are. You've got me looking at the Whiteline inserts, unless the quaife is going in it's a lot of labour, interesting how many people rate the upgrade though. In a prefect world I'd do one step at a time.
Thanks for that, food for thought. Which way are you headed on suspension?
Today the gearbox oil was changed, sealed for life and pigs might fly! Very murky after 90K miles it was. CDV valve has been removed completely so I have a spare new modified one if anyone is looking? Rear pads were down to 2mm, fronts heroically still have 5mm so can wait, discs are toast but will be fine for 3000 miles.
The combination of CDV delete and new oil have made a big improvement. No more kangarooing in first gear and that weird sticky mistiming as you shift. Third to fourth is even sweet. It feels like a different gearbox to be honest, thoroughly recommended.
135i calipers and RS29's are perfect for fast road use, bedding the rears in tonight reminded me how strong they are, loads of feel and work from cold. Certainly as good as I'll ever need.
Today the gearbox oil was changed, sealed for life and pigs might fly! Very murky after 90K miles it was. CDV valve has been removed completely so I have a spare new modified one if anyone is looking? Rear pads were down to 2mm, fronts heroically still have 5mm so can wait, discs are toast but will be fine for 3000 miles.
The combination of CDV delete and new oil have made a big improvement. No more kangarooing in first gear and that weird sticky mistiming as you shift. Third to fourth is even sweet. It feels like a different gearbox to be honest, thoroughly recommended.
135i calipers and RS29's are perfect for fast road use, bedding the rears in tonight reminded me how strong they are, loads of feel and work from cold. Certainly as good as I'll ever need.
Polarbert said:
I've heard a lot of contradictory information about the CDV, I was thinking about binning it on my Z4M, but a lot of people say they dont feel any difference.
I heard it was like a safety measure for yanks that cant drive manual gearboxes to save the life of the box. Any truth behind that?
Yes, a lot of truth. Remove it, then enjoy. I heard it was like a safety measure for yanks that cant drive manual gearboxes to save the life of the box. Any truth behind that?
Basically it's a little shuttle valve which restricts your flow. If you let up the clutch harshly then, as per its name the CDV softens the engagement, it was supposed to protect the DMF from abuse. The trouble is it gives an inconsistent bite everywhere, it made you work for slower changes, I always felt the box was just that way previously. I guess I committed the cardinal sin of doing two things at once, but the clutch feel is positively different without it, it just feels normal instead of this wooly thing. If you notice any of the things I have said, even slightly then bin it.
selym said:
I have a CDV bored out sat here waiting to be fitted.I'm hoping to feel some difference as the gear change isn't smooth, as in it seems to not get into gear and away as quickly as it should; the theory behind the CDV reflects this.
Regarding suspension, I was going for the cheap stuff first! I have a set of Eibach Pro springs being fitted in the new year, and the set of Whiteline rear subframe inserts are arriving from the States imminently. Hopefully they mirror the flat cornering on the front ARB gives me.
Have you changed the gearbox oil recently....do that for sure if not.Regarding suspension, I was going for the cheap stuff first! I have a set of Eibach Pro springs being fitted in the new year, and the set of Whiteline rear subframe inserts are arriving from the States imminently. Hopefully they mirror the flat cornering on the front ARB gives me.
December, bloody hell time flies.
A trip over to Birds and a passenger ride in Kevin's well sorted car sold me on the idea of the full dynamics setup. Bizarrely another 130 came up locally and I was very close to buying that one, but common sense, and being a bit fed up that said dealer wouldn't negotiate convinced me otherwise. After the brief test drive it was immediately obvious how tired the dampers are on mine, the LCI interior is much nicer as well to be fair.
The performance difference was staggering no more pitching and pogo action, just controlled movement. It just felt like a very well sorted car, forget the fact it's a quirky looking old BMW for a moment and you could get quite lost in it.
Half of me thinks I am daft to even consider the salty upgrade budget but the other, which has been looking at everything from Caymans, M cars, AMG's and RS's says that nothing really stands out or appeals to me in the same way. It'll have to be a keeper for a while for this to make sense, but that's fine. I don't need more power and have already experimented with an uber saloon. I have a toy so why change the daily car, anonymous and the devil I know?
Therefore I booked it in for the work. As it's a leggy car now a few other bits and pieces will no doubt be found and swapped out in the rebuild. If this is the case and if there are options to upgrade from stock for a benefit then that's what we'll do. I will otherwise stay away from anything over and above this kit, wait until it's bedded in and then look at it again. There are loads of M bits you can add to the chassis but it seems a little pointless if they start to undo the ethos of the package, who knows?
Dampers
Asymmetric springs
Roll bars
Quaife LSD
AP BBK
The 135 brakes are coming off and being replaced with some 6 piston AP's and 343mm discs. It's not a need more of a want, probably total overkill but I was given a decent deal so, sod it! This does mean however that I have a set of calipers and brand new bloody RS29's in the garage! I was looking at the Alcon set up as I love them in the Atom, however they are expensive and this could all get quite silly.
Lastly, it'll need tyres but they are staying until the kit is on, I want to see how it feels how it is first. Potentially some lighter wheels and maybe a better seat in there, but this can wait for a few months.
I was going to go for PSS's, but now looking at F1's as well. I have a few weeks to figure that one out.
A trip over to Birds and a passenger ride in Kevin's well sorted car sold me on the idea of the full dynamics setup. Bizarrely another 130 came up locally and I was very close to buying that one, but common sense, and being a bit fed up that said dealer wouldn't negotiate convinced me otherwise. After the brief test drive it was immediately obvious how tired the dampers are on mine, the LCI interior is much nicer as well to be fair.
The performance difference was staggering no more pitching and pogo action, just controlled movement. It just felt like a very well sorted car, forget the fact it's a quirky looking old BMW for a moment and you could get quite lost in it.
Half of me thinks I am daft to even consider the salty upgrade budget but the other, which has been looking at everything from Caymans, M cars, AMG's and RS's says that nothing really stands out or appeals to me in the same way. It'll have to be a keeper for a while for this to make sense, but that's fine. I don't need more power and have already experimented with an uber saloon. I have a toy so why change the daily car, anonymous and the devil I know?
Therefore I booked it in for the work. As it's a leggy car now a few other bits and pieces will no doubt be found and swapped out in the rebuild. If this is the case and if there are options to upgrade from stock for a benefit then that's what we'll do. I will otherwise stay away from anything over and above this kit, wait until it's bedded in and then look at it again. There are loads of M bits you can add to the chassis but it seems a little pointless if they start to undo the ethos of the package, who knows?
Dampers
Asymmetric springs
Roll bars
Quaife LSD
AP BBK
The 135 brakes are coming off and being replaced with some 6 piston AP's and 343mm discs. It's not a need more of a want, probably total overkill but I was given a decent deal so, sod it! This does mean however that I have a set of calipers and brand new bloody RS29's in the garage! I was looking at the Alcon set up as I love them in the Atom, however they are expensive and this could all get quite silly.
Lastly, it'll need tyres but they are staying until the kit is on, I want to see how it feels how it is first. Potentially some lighter wheels and maybe a better seat in there, but this can wait for a few months.
I was going to go for PSS's, but now looking at F1's as well. I have a few weeks to figure that one out.
Yes, in for a penny and all that!
Last drive pogoing between the hedgerows on the way home tonight. Tomorrow morning it's off and I'll see it again in a week, that's if there's nothing so worn out on the remaining bits to hold things up
Genuinely excited to finally bring all the plans for the car together. I've never finished modding a car to original intentions before, always finding a reason to trade up or sideways. I'm sure it will do very little to the value but it owes me little to be honest. Just 'running 'the E90 for 14 months racked up £1800, without the failing actuators and sub 20's consumption, and for all of that it was genuinely not that much fun. All in not that far off the budget for this, which is
Last drive pogoing between the hedgerows on the way home tonight. Tomorrow morning it's off and I'll see it again in a week, that's if there's nothing so worn out on the remaining bits to hold things up
Genuinely excited to finally bring all the plans for the car together. I've never finished modding a car to original intentions before, always finding a reason to trade up or sideways. I'm sure it will do very little to the value but it owes me little to be honest. Just 'running 'the E90 for 14 months racked up £1800, without the failing actuators and sub 20's consumption, and for all of that it was genuinely not that much fun. All in not that far off the budget for this, which is
So as expected a few bits and pieces have popped up that need sorting. Mainly bushes slightly past their sell by date, it's not bad enough to fail an MOT but at some point they need doing.
The suspension is on today. Diff I guess is not far behind. I buckled and went for the AP's all round as the rear hoses were both screwed and discs absolutely finished. It also means I can sell the complete set of 135i calipers, a much smarter move and a brilliant upgrade for someone over the absolute crap that are fitted as standard!
It's sobering spending shedloads on an old car but being pragmatic about it it's what it's worth to me, not what a book value is. I like the fact that it's being kept alive and will end up exactly how I want it.
Still undecided about tyres, F1/PSS/PS3?
The suspension is on today. Diff I guess is not far behind. I buckled and went for the AP's all round as the rear hoses were both screwed and discs absolutely finished. It also means I can sell the complete set of 135i calipers, a much smarter move and a brilliant upgrade for someone over the absolute crap that are fitted as standard!
It's sobering spending shedloads on an old car but being pragmatic about it it's what it's worth to me, not what a book value is. I like the fact that it's being kept alive and will end up exactly how I want it.
Still undecided about tyres, F1/PSS/PS3?
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