Out with the new and in with the old; my 130i LE
Discussion
I caught up with this thread the other night and meant to reply, but got waylaid with a militant toddler.
What a lovely thing this is. I struggle massively with what I'd ever replace mine with, but I really really like this. It helps that the colour and interior spec is definitely a bit of me haha.
Fingers crossed the Valvetronic stuff is sorted easily and under warranty, but it's already looking a thousand times better than when you collected it.
Looks utterly brilliant post detail!
What a lovely thing this is. I struggle massively with what I'd ever replace mine with, but I really really like this. It helps that the colour and interior spec is definitely a bit of me haha.
Fingers crossed the Valvetronic stuff is sorted easily and under warranty, but it's already looking a thousand times better than when you collected it.
Looks utterly brilliant post detail!
D4MJT said:
I caught up with this thread the other night and meant to reply, but got waylaid with a militant toddler.
What a lovely thing this is. I struggle massively with what I'd ever replace mine with, but I really really like this. It helps that the colour and interior spec is definitely a bit of me haha.
Fingers crossed the Valvetronic stuff is sorted easily and under warranty, but it's already looking a thousand times better than when you collected it.
Looks utterly brilliant post detail!
Thanks for the comments. Your beast will be a tough car to replace.What a lovely thing this is. I struggle massively with what I'd ever replace mine with, but I really really like this. It helps that the colour and interior spec is definitely a bit of me haha.
Fingers crossed the Valvetronic stuff is sorted easily and under warranty, but it's already looking a thousand times better than when you collected it.
Looks utterly brilliant post detail!
I’m hoping the valvetronic issue is the motor which looks easy enough to replace. At least that way, if the warranty company make hard work of it, the bill won’t be too horrendous!
The interior will be finished tomorrow. I’m fitting my carbon wrapped trim tonight (the silver doesn’t really work with the cream leather) and my big parcel is due back for Royal tomorrow with my retrimmed wheel, binnacle cover, dash insert, gear gaiters and hand brake. All have been trimmed in black alcantara with cream stitching to match the seats. The useless ashtray is being replaced with a far more useful cubby hole too.
Court_S said:
Thanks for the comments. Your beast will be a tough car to replace.
I’m hoping the valvetronic issue is the motor which looks easy enough to replace. At least that way, if the warranty company make hard work of it, the bill won’t be too horrendous!
The interior will be finished tomorrow. I’m fitting my carbon wrapped trim tonight (the silver doesn’t really work with the cream leather) and my big parcel is due back for Royal tomorrow with my retrimmed wheel, binnacle cover, dash insert, gear gaiters and hand brake. All have been trimmed in black alcantara with cream stitching to match the seats. The useless ashtray is being replaced with a far more useful cubby hole too.
That will look incredible when that’s all in.I’m hoping the valvetronic issue is the motor which looks easy enough to replace. At least that way, if the warranty company make hard work of it, the bill won’t be too horrendous!
The interior will be finished tomorrow. I’m fitting my carbon wrapped trim tonight (the silver doesn’t really work with the cream leather) and my big parcel is due back for Royal tomorrow with my retrimmed wheel, binnacle cover, dash insert, gear gaiters and hand brake. All have been trimmed in black alcantara with cream stitching to match the seats. The useless ashtray is being replaced with a far more useful cubby hole too.
Court_S said:
D4MJT said:
I caught up with this thread the other night and meant to reply, but got waylaid with a militant toddler.
What a lovely thing this is. I struggle massively with what I'd ever replace mine with, but I really really like this. It helps that the colour and interior spec is definitely a bit of me haha.
Fingers crossed the Valvetronic stuff is sorted easily and under warranty, but it's already looking a thousand times better than when you collected it.
Looks utterly brilliant post detail!
Thanks for the comments. Your beast will be a tough car to replace.What a lovely thing this is. I struggle massively with what I'd ever replace mine with, but I really really like this. It helps that the colour and interior spec is definitely a bit of me haha.
Fingers crossed the Valvetronic stuff is sorted easily and under warranty, but it's already looking a thousand times better than when you collected it.
Looks utterly brilliant post detail!
I’m hoping the valvetronic issue is the motor which looks easy enough to replace. At least that way, if the warranty company make hard work of it, the bill won’t be too horrendous!
The interior will be finished tomorrow. I’m fitting my carbon wrapped trim tonight (the silver doesn’t really work with the cream leather) and my big parcel is due back for Royal tomorrow with my retrimmed wheel, binnacle cover, dash insert, gear gaiters and hand brake. All have been trimmed in black alcantara with cream stitching to match the seats. The useless ashtray is being replaced with a far more useful cubby hole too.
A bit more fiddling with the car tonight...
My retrimmed parts from Royal are due to arrive tomorrow so I though that I’d swap the silver trim for the other set that I’d wrapped on carbon ready.
First task was dismantle centre console
And removed
Whilst the centre console was out, I decided that I’d tackle the shifter bush because my gear change was pretty sloppy. Rubber boot removed so I could gain access to the linkage etc.
I managed not to lose the little retaining clip and once that was out, the shift lever came out easily enough. The bush stumped me at first until I noticed the little cut outs to un lip the retaining clips on each side. Our ready for cleaning and a new bush.
New bush fitted with lots of grease (I only had bike stuff, but it’s water proof etc so figured that it’d do).
Managed to get the retaining clip on ok. I’d bought a couple of spares just in case. They’ve been redesigned looking at the original one and they’re much easier to reinstall. Good news is that the majority of the slop from the gear shift has gone.
I then set about fitting the wrapped trim and reinstalling the centre console. This was much easier than when I did it on the 125i because I had a better idea of what to expect plus I reinstalled sone of the brackets before it went back in rather than after like in the video I watched.
Pleased with it so far, the silver trim never really went with the cream leather in my opinion. Can’t wait to for my alcantara parts when they arrive tomorrow.
In other news the blower motor is quiet now. It squeaked twice after reinstalling it and I thought it might not have worked but since then it’s been silent.
My retrimmed parts from Royal are due to arrive tomorrow so I though that I’d swap the silver trim for the other set that I’d wrapped on carbon ready.
First task was dismantle centre console
And removed
Whilst the centre console was out, I decided that I’d tackle the shifter bush because my gear change was pretty sloppy. Rubber boot removed so I could gain access to the linkage etc.
I managed not to lose the little retaining clip and once that was out, the shift lever came out easily enough. The bush stumped me at first until I noticed the little cut outs to un lip the retaining clips on each side. Our ready for cleaning and a new bush.
New bush fitted with lots of grease (I only had bike stuff, but it’s water proof etc so figured that it’d do).
Managed to get the retaining clip on ok. I’d bought a couple of spares just in case. They’ve been redesigned looking at the original one and they’re much easier to reinstall. Good news is that the majority of the slop from the gear shift has gone.
I then set about fitting the wrapped trim and reinstalling the centre console. This was much easier than when I did it on the 125i because I had a better idea of what to expect plus I reinstalled sone of the brackets before it went back in rather than after like in the video I watched.
Pleased with it so far, the silver trim never really went with the cream leather in my opinion. Can’t wait to for my alcantara parts when they arrive tomorrow.
In other news the blower motor is quiet now. It squeaked twice after reinstalling it and I thought it might not have worked but since then it’s been silent.
That looks fantastic, you've done a great job with it.
I was surprised when I read that you'd replace the shift bushing while the centre console is out, as I was convinced that the retaining clip has to be released from underneath the car. You've clearly demonstrated that's not the case, and I'm now hoping I can apply the same approach in my E91 to resolve the sloppy shift. I'm assuming you used needle-nose pliers to take the clip off from above? Good idea having spares, they are cheap and I can imagine it's very easy to drop it when trying to reattach it.
I was surprised when I read that you'd replace the shift bushing while the centre console is out, as I was convinced that the retaining clip has to be released from underneath the car. You've clearly demonstrated that's not the case, and I'm now hoping I can apply the same approach in my E91 to resolve the sloppy shift. I'm assuming you used needle-nose pliers to take the clip off from above? Good idea having spares, they are cheap and I can imagine it's very easy to drop it when trying to reattach it.
pmorg4 said:
That looks fantastic, you've done a great job with it.
I was surprised when I read that you'd replace the shift bushing while the centre console is out, as I was convinced that the retaining clip has to be released from underneath the car. You've clearly demonstrated that's not the case, and I'm now hoping I can apply the same approach in my E91 to resolve the sloppy shift. I'm assuming you used needle-nose pliers to take the clip off from above? Good idea having spares, they are cheap and I can imagine it's very easy to drop it when trying to reattach it.
Thanks.I was surprised when I read that you'd replace the shift bushing while the centre console is out, as I was convinced that the retaining clip has to be released from underneath the car. You've clearly demonstrated that's not the case, and I'm now hoping I can apply the same approach in my E91 to resolve the sloppy shift. I'm assuming you used needle-nose pliers to take the clip off from above? Good idea having spares, they are cheap and I can imagine it's very easy to drop it when trying to reattach it.
It is possible to do it with the centre console in place, but as I had to remove it anyway to change the trim, I figured I’d give myself the best possible access. If you put the car into reverse, you’ll be able to see the retaining clip. The later ones have been redesigned and are much easier to install from above. Needle nose pliers and a thin screw driver did the trick for me.
Court_S said:
Thanks.
It is possible to do it with the centre console in place, but as I had to remove it anyway to change the trim, I figured I’d give myself the best possible access. If you put the car into reverse, you’ll be able to see the retaining clip. The later ones have been redesigned and are much easier to install from above. Needle nose pliers and a thin screw driver did the trick for me.
Thanks - another job to add to the ever-lengthening list! Maybe I should stop reading this type of thread as it's giving me too much inspiration to fix all the little niggling issues with my car It is possible to do it with the centre console in place, but as I had to remove it anyway to change the trim, I figured I’d give myself the best possible access. If you put the car into reverse, you’ll be able to see the retaining clip. The later ones have been redesigned and are much easier to install from above. Needle nose pliers and a thin screw driver did the trick for me.
pmorg4 said:
Thanks - another job to add to the ever-lengthening list! Maybe I should stop reading this type of thread as it's giving me too much inspiration to fix all the little niggling issues with my car
I know the feeling. The list of jobs seems to get longer, not shorter. At least it in the stage where it’s still fun and not annoying.Looking great Sam! This is an LCI model isn't it? I thought I'd done plenty of research when I bought mine but never came across any Valvetronic issues – I thought the LCI engine was supposed to be bulletproof. Hopefully it's something simple for you.
Scared the life out of me how many warning lights an ABS sensor throws up on the dash, but luckily was only £20 to fix! The Carly app is brilliant.
Scared the life out of me how many warning lights an ABS sensor throws up on the dash, but luckily was only £20 to fix! The Carly app is brilliant.
Ben Lowden said:
Looking great Sam! This is an LCI model isn't it? I thought I'd done plenty of research when I bought mine but never came across any Valvetronic issues – I thought the LCI engine was supposed to be bulletproof. Hopefully it's something simple for you.
Scared the life out of me how many warning lights an ABS sensor throws up on the dash, but luckily was only £20 to fix! The Carly app is brilliant.
Thanks Ben. The valvetronic issues do appear fairly rare but do crop up from time to time. There seems to be causes; the motor gasket leaking and oil making its way to the electrical connector and upsetting the system and similar happening to the sensor.Scared the life out of me how many warning lights an ABS sensor throws up on the dash, but luckily was only £20 to fix! The Carly app is brilliant.
Getting to the motor looks pretty straightforward; it’s just above the spark plus. Whip a few of the, out to access the bolts and it comes out. The sensor is a bit more buried and requires the rocker cover gasket replacing at the same time.
The garage locally said they are starting to see a few valvetronic issues as these engines get a bit older. Mine doesn’t seem too bad because it’s only a slightly lumpy idle. Some have issues affect starting etc, but mine starts perfectly.
Most of my stuff from RSW arrived today.
Like me they’ve returned it in two parcels but Parcel Force have seen fit to load the parcels onto different vans....I’m still waiting for my dash trim to arrive it that should be here in the next couple of hours.
I launched into fitting the binnacle cover, wheel, gear gaiter and hand brake. I probably should have looked into how to remove the binnacle because I was a bit stumped at first until I realised the dials had to come out to access four screws holding it in place. Whoops. As usual the workmanship is top notch from Jack and co.
I’ll grab sone better photos when the dash trim is here and the sun isn’t so bright.
Like me they’ve returned it in two parcels but Parcel Force have seen fit to load the parcels onto different vans....I’m still waiting for my dash trim to arrive it that should be here in the next couple of hours.
I launched into fitting the binnacle cover, wheel, gear gaiter and hand brake. I probably should have looked into how to remove the binnacle because I was a bit stumped at first until I realised the dials had to come out to access four screws holding it in place. Whoops. As usual the workmanship is top notch from Jack and co.
I’ll grab sone better photos when the dash trim is here and the sun isn’t so bright.
Court_S said:
Most of my stuff from RSW arrived today.
Like me they’ve returned it in two parcels but Parcel Force have seen fit to load the parcels onto different vans....I’m still waiting for my dash trim to arrive it that should be here in the next couple of hours.
I launched into fitting the binnacle cover, wheel, gear gaiter and hand brake. I probably should have looked into how to remove the binnacle because I was a bit stumped at first until I realised the dials had to come out to access four screws holding it in place. Whoops. As usual the workmanship is top notch from Jack and co.
I’ll grab sone better photos when the dash trim is here and the sun isn’t so bright.
That wheel is gorgeousLike me they’ve returned it in two parcels but Parcel Force have seen fit to load the parcels onto different vans....I’m still waiting for my dash trim to arrive it that should be here in the next couple of hours.
I launched into fitting the binnacle cover, wheel, gear gaiter and hand brake. I probably should have looked into how to remove the binnacle because I was a bit stumped at first until I realised the dials had to come out to access four screws holding it in place. Whoops. As usual the workmanship is top notch from Jack and co.
I’ll grab sone better photos when the dash trim is here and the sun isn’t so bright.
I'd love an alcantara wheel; but with all the chalk I use in training & for lifting stones; it'd be flat and shiny in no time... Will stick with leather I think
MDifficult said:
That looks absolutely fantastic - well done!
Thanks. It’s certainly getting there.d_a_n1979 said:
That wheel is gorgeous
I'd love an alcantara wheel; but with all the chalk I use in training & for lifting stones; it'd be flat and shiny in no time... Will stick with leather I think
Thanks, it’s not the most practical but they do feel lovely. You just need to drive around in some marigolds! I'd love an alcantara wheel; but with all the chalk I use in training & for lifting stones; it'd be flat and shiny in no time... Will stick with leather I think
Court_S said:
Thanks, it’s not the most practical but they do feel lovely. You just need to drive around in some marigolds!
Absolutely; do love an alcantara steering wheelRan the Sabelt ones in a number of my Hondas:
Great feel in the hands...
Just not ideal for my touring
Incidentally I've messaged Jack at RSW today for a quote; hoping he'll get back to me soon enough
Court_S said:
Thanks Ben. The valvetronic issues do appear fairly rare but do crop up from time to time. There seems to be causes; the motor gasket leaking and oil making its way to the electrical connector and upsetting the system and similar happening to the sensor.
Good to know for future reference, thanks! Fingers crossed it's straight forward for you to get fixed. Interior has been transformed with your new bits from Royal Steering Wheels. I've used them before for a similar job and can thoroughly recommend to anyone!d_a_n1979 said:
Absolutely; do love an alcantara steering wheel
Ran the Sabelt ones in a number of my Hondas:
Great feel in the hands...
Just not ideal for my touring
Incidentally I've messaged Jack at RSW today for a quote; hoping he'll get back to me soon enough
I can’t fault RSW’s work. Their leather options are nice too and will rejuvenate an older wheel especially with BMW leather wheels loving going shiny. Most of the wheels in used BMW’s I’ve had have been too far gone tj get back to a nice matt finish. Ran the Sabelt ones in a number of my Hondas:
Great feel in the hands...
Just not ideal for my touring
Incidentally I've messaged Jack at RSW today for a quote; hoping he'll get back to me soon enough
Ben Lowden said:
Good to know for future reference, thanks! Fingers crossed it's straight forward for you to get fixed. Interior has been transformed with your new bits from Royal Steering Wheels. I've used them before for a similar job and can thoroughly recommend to anyone!
ThanksThis is the third wheel they’ve done for me plus various parts in my other half’s 125i. The wheel in my M140i wore really well considering it was a daily driver.
Court_S said:
d_a_n1979 said:
I can’t fault RSW’s work. Their leather options are nice too and will rejuvenate an older wheel especially with BMW leather wheels loving going shiny. Most of the wheels in used BMW’s I’ve had have been too far gone tj get back to a nice matt finish. 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!
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