Out with the new and in with the old; my 130i LE
Discussion
I've been using this kit for a few years on my Alcantara wheels, does a good job https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/leather-care-pro...
Ben Lowden said:
I've been using this kit for a few years on my Alcantara wheels, does a good job https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/leather-care-pro...
How does it work on your handbag Ben? 
My dash insert finally arrived, but the sun still isn’t making for good pictures...
I think the interior is a better place to be now, the silver trim ever really worked with the cream leather for me. The retrimmed wheel is slightly thinner too, so that’s another good result.
The new shift bush has improved the gear change no end, so I’m really pleased with that. I’ll do the same to the 125i at some point.
I think the interior is a better place to be now, the silver trim ever really worked with the cream leather for me. The retrimmed wheel is slightly thinner too, so that’s another good result.
The new shift bush has improved the gear change no end, so I’m really pleased with that. I’ll do the same to the 125i at some point.
d_a_n1979 said:
Yup; superb work & all who I'll use
My steering wheel is in good condition, give it a good clean with hot water & one of those magic eraser thingymedoos and it goes nice and satin again...
But a week or so & its back to shiny again!
Same here. I guess it just wears to that point.My steering wheel is in good condition, give it a good clean with hot water & one of those magic eraser thingymedoos and it goes nice and satin again...
But a week or so & its back to shiny again!
Ben Lowden said:
I've been using this kit for a few years on my Alcantara wheels, does a good job https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/leather-care-pro...
Thanks for that; I’ll look into the kit in more detail. I currently use Autobrite alcantara cleaner as recommended by RSW.cerb4.5lee said:
Really loving what you've done to the interior, it looks awesome now I reckon. 
That gearstick and the surround look like they are begging you to use them!
Ha ha, thanks Lee. Good news is the shift is much nicer with the CDV where it belongs (in the bin) and the new bush. I’ve got to say I’ve enjoyed driving a manual again. That gearstick and the surround look like they are begging you to use them!
I’ve been fiddling again! :lol:
Firstly, I whipped off the engine cover to look at the connections for the valvetronic motor and sensor.
Cleaned the connections with contact cleaner and popped the back. I read the codes again and no error for the valvetronic system, although the motor looks grubby/oily. Will be interesting to see what the garage think next week.
Whilst I was under the bonnet I popped in my Mishimoto intake pipe. I had to settle for blue because the black was out of stock. Doesn’t look too bad.
The old intake with the resonator and sound generator thing that I’m sure just droned.
Popped out afterwards for a drive, the intake pipe with the carbon intake sound pretty angry together (in a good way). Happy with the improvement. Checked the codes again and still no valvetronic error code, so I’ll keep an eye on that over the next few days before it goes to the garage.
Firstly, I whipped off the engine cover to look at the connections for the valvetronic motor and sensor.
Cleaned the connections with contact cleaner and popped the back. I read the codes again and no error for the valvetronic system, although the motor looks grubby/oily. Will be interesting to see what the garage think next week.
Whilst I was under the bonnet I popped in my Mishimoto intake pipe. I had to settle for blue because the black was out of stock. Doesn’t look too bad.
The old intake with the resonator and sound generator thing that I’m sure just droned.
Popped out afterwards for a drive, the intake pipe with the carbon intake sound pretty angry together (in a good way). Happy with the improvement. Checked the codes again and still no valvetronic error code, so I’ll keep an eye on that over the next few days before it goes to the garage.
Just to update early, the valvetronic error code hasn’t come back and the car seems to be running better. The garage did various tests etc and struggled to find anything wrong with it to be honest. I’m going to keep an eye on the codes and if it comes back, I’ll leave it and get it booked in.
When I’m bored, I’ll give the valvetronic motor housing etc a clean to get rid of the grime etc. That way it’ll make it much easier to spot if there are any leaks from the gasket.
I’m retrofitting cruise control on Friday. I’ll be doing the donkey work myself and then taking it to Zed Coding for them to activate it / get rid of the lights on the dash etc.
I’ve also ordered a CarPlay solution which will hopefully be here at the end of this week / early next week. I’m hoping for a relatively easy installation.
A have a few more small jobs to tick off too;
Calliper paint
Metal pedals
Re-wrap the interior trim because the eBay special stuff I bought has turned out to be crap. I used the same stuff in my other half’s 125i and it’s worn well, mine less so. I’ve bought some proper 3M stuff which should be here in the next day or so.
Golf tee mod
I’d love a performance exhaust, so am keeping an eye out for one
I want to get it out for a few fun drives like I did with the M140i I had before.
Other than that I’ll just enjoy it really. I do like driving it.
When I’m bored, I’ll give the valvetronic motor housing etc a clean to get rid of the grime etc. That way it’ll make it much easier to spot if there are any leaks from the gasket.
I’m retrofitting cruise control on Friday. I’ll be doing the donkey work myself and then taking it to Zed Coding for them to activate it / get rid of the lights on the dash etc.
I’ve also ordered a CarPlay solution which will hopefully be here at the end of this week / early next week. I’m hoping for a relatively easy installation.
A have a few more small jobs to tick off too;
Calliper paint
Metal pedals
Re-wrap the interior trim because the eBay special stuff I bought has turned out to be crap. I used the same stuff in my other half’s 125i and it’s worn well, mine less so. I’ve bought some proper 3M stuff which should be here in the next day or so.
Golf tee mod
I’d love a performance exhaust, so am keeping an eye out for one
I want to get it out for a few fun drives like I did with the M140i I had before.
Other than that I’ll just enjoy it really. I do like driving it.
One too many characters, so I could always changed it to Ltd instead.Finally got around to getting cruise control sorted having had the parts kicking around in the garage pretty much since I bought the car.
Wheel, lower cowel and old squib all removed:
Old squib
New squib
All fitted
It was a piece of cake and I was waiting for the kicker / problem but there wasn’t any. I then popped over to see Zed Coding in Brum to get the coding / warning lights sorted. £40 later and I have functional cruise with no warning lights (steering wheel angle sensor needed calibrating so the DSC and tyre pressure systems shat themselves). Traffic in the M42 meant that I didn’t actually get use it on the way home though…typical.
I ordered a CarPlay solution from Bavarian Automotive only to be told after I’d paid that it won’t work with my screen. So I’m a bit pissed off and waiting for my refund. I’ll revert to the original option from Integrated Automotive which is a bit more expensive but definitely works with my screen.
Wheel, lower cowel and old squib all removed:
Old squib
New squib
All fitted
It was a piece of cake and I was waiting for the kicker / problem but there wasn’t any. I then popped over to see Zed Coding in Brum to get the coding / warning lights sorted. £40 later and I have functional cruise with no warning lights (steering wheel angle sensor needed calibrating so the DSC and tyre pressure systems shat themselves). Traffic in the M42 meant that I didn’t actually get use it on the way home though…typical.
I ordered a CarPlay solution from Bavarian Automotive only to be told after I’d paid that it won’t work with my screen. So I’m a bit pissed off and waiting for my refund. I’ll revert to the original option from Integrated Automotive which is a bit more expensive but definitely works with my screen.
Still no return of the valvetronic error code.
Whilst the weather was crap this weekend I rewrapped my interior trim because the stuff I used last time was rubbish and had marked / torn on a couple of places already (I used it in my other half’s 125 a s it’s been fine). This time around I coughed up for some genuine 3M vinyl. My god it was easier to use. It’s loads thicker so should wear better and didn’t seem to suffer with air bubbles.
I’m now a dab hand removing and reinstalling the centre console.
I also ordered some OE mats. The least cool way to spend money on your car but the ones supplied are annoying because the drivers side creeps forward over time and the corners don’t sit flush.
Whilst the weather was crap this weekend I rewrapped my interior trim because the stuff I used last time was rubbish and had marked / torn on a couple of places already (I used it in my other half’s 125 a s it’s been fine). This time around I coughed up for some genuine 3M vinyl. My god it was easier to use. It’s loads thicker so should wear better and didn’t seem to suffer with air bubbles.
I’m now a dab hand removing and reinstalling the centre console.
I also ordered some OE mats. The least cool way to spend money on your car but the ones supplied are annoying because the drivers side creeps forward over time and the corners don’t sit flush.
Great work all round Sam. I have a few exterior bits to finish on mine then I might take some inspiration from your interior!
Definitely want the CarPlay thing. Also like the idea of cruise control and the red starter button. I don't mind the silver trim myself but must admit yours does look great. The RSW stuff looks fantastic; the wheel obviously but I particularly like the binnacle and dash insert. I have the BMWP gear knob/gaiter and matching handbrake and recently added the alcantara steering wheel boss. I like it but you've got me thinking about the rim now too.
Quick question; what are your air vents like? Mine seem to have a white scum on the fins.
Definitely want the CarPlay thing. Also like the idea of cruise control and the red starter button. I don't mind the silver trim myself but must admit yours does look great. The RSW stuff looks fantastic; the wheel obviously but I particularly like the binnacle and dash insert. I have the BMWP gear knob/gaiter and matching handbrake and recently added the alcantara steering wheel boss. I like it but you've got me thinking about the rim now too.
Quick question; what are your air vents like? Mine seem to have a white scum on the fins.
WhisperingWasp said:
Great work all round Sam. I have a few exterior bits to finish on mine then I might take some inspiration from your interior!
Definitely want the CarPlay thing. Also like the idea of cruise control and the red starter button. I don't mind the silver trim myself but must admit yours does look great. The RSW stuff looks fantastic; the wheel obviously but I particularly like the binnacle and dash insert. I have the BMWP gear knob/gaiter and matching handbrake and recently added the alcantara steering wheel boss. I like it but you've got me thinking about the rim now too.
Quick question; what are your air vents like? Mine seem to have a white scum on the fins.
I’m having to revert back to my original solution for CarPlay because it turns out the other one won’t work with the 6.5 inch screen. The guys from Integrated Automotive have been really helpful so far which inspires confidence so I’m putting my money where my mouth is tomorrow and ordering one.Definitely want the CarPlay thing. Also like the idea of cruise control and the red starter button. I don't mind the silver trim myself but must admit yours does look great. The RSW stuff looks fantastic; the wheel obviously but I particularly like the binnacle and dash insert. I have the BMWP gear knob/gaiter and matching handbrake and recently added the alcantara steering wheel boss. I like it but you've got me thinking about the rim now too.
Quick question; what are your air vents like? Mine seem to have a white scum on the fins.
I’ve bought the steering wheel trim too. That should be here this week; I’m hoping that the colour matches the RSW bits.
My vents are starting to go white too; I believe it’s sun damage. Some manage to bring them back to life with a trim restorer but I’ve never been able to do that. The ones in my other half’s old 116 and her current 125 were pretty scrubby so I painted them with satin black paint.
From this
To this
You need to take the vents out and dismantle them to get the slats out. Quick coat of primer and a few coats of satin black and jobs a good ‘un. I need to do the ones on my 130 at some point but they’re not that bad.
Court_S said:
I’m having to revert back to my original solution for CarPlay because it turns out the other one won’t work with the 6.5 inch screen. The guys from Integrated Automotive have been really helpful so far which inspires confidence so I’m putting my money where my mouth is tomorrow and ordering one.
I’ve bought the steering wheel trim too. That should be here this week; I’m hoping that the colour matches the RSW bits.
My vents are starting to go white too; I believe it’s sun damage. Some manage to bring them back to life with a trim restorer but I’ve never been able to do that. The ones in my other half’s old 116 and her current 125 were pretty scrubby so I painted them with satin black paint.
From this
To this
You need to take the vents out and dismantle them to get the slats out. Quick coat of primer and a few coats of satin black and jobs a good ‘un. I need to do the ones on my 130 at some point but they’re not that bad.
Thanks for the info on the vents. Something to put in the pipeline.I’ve bought the steering wheel trim too. That should be here this week; I’m hoping that the colour matches the RSW bits.
My vents are starting to go white too; I believe it’s sun damage. Some manage to bring them back to life with a trim restorer but I’ve never been able to do that. The ones in my other half’s old 116 and her current 125 were pretty scrubby so I painted them with satin black paint.
From this
To this
You need to take the vents out and dismantle them to get the slats out. Quick coat of primer and a few coats of satin black and jobs a good ‘un. I need to do the ones on my 130 at some point but they’re not that bad.
Yeah I noted your earlier post re Apple CarPlay. Really do look forward to seeing the end result.
My CarPlay gubbins should be here tomorrow, so hopefully I’ll get that fitted this weekend if the weather isn’t too crap.
More alcantara was added today in the form of the steering wheel trim
And literally the most boring way to spend £100 on my car, a set of new OE mats. The ones that came with the car were a pain in the bum with the front one moving every now andy then and getting caught under the clutch pedal. These are much better quality and shouldn’t move about.
I’ve also had to remove and refit the panel above the pedals. When I had the centre console out this weekend I must have moved it slightly when fitting everything back together because my toes were catching it when depressing the clutch.
More alcantara was added today in the form of the steering wheel trim
And literally the most boring way to spend £100 on my car, a set of new OE mats. The ones that came with the car were a pain in the bum with the front one moving every now andy then and getting caught under the clutch pedal. These are much better quality and shouldn’t move about.
I’ve also had to remove and refit the panel above the pedals. When I had the centre console out this weekend I must have moved it slightly when fitting everything back together because my toes were catching it when depressing the clutch.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff