What have you done to your BMW today?
Discussion
Court_S said:
Changed the rear dampers on my 140i.
The rear end of the car has always felt like it’s biggest weak point with sone fairly cheap dampers. The H+R springs and underbody brace seemed to improve things a bit but there was still room for improvement especially at NSL speeds.
I’ve fitted Bilstein B8’s and the M Performance bump stops. The whole process was a piece of cake and much easier than the E88 ones I replaced a few weeks ago mainly because I didn’t have to remove all of the boot trim.
A quick test drive afterwards and there is a notable improvement; the ride is firm and a bit jiggly still on poor roads at 30mph or so but it’s notably better at higher speeds. There were a few bits locally that really upset the back end (a compression and a sharp ridge) and there’s a big improvement. Before it felt like the OE dampers were still trying to figure out what to do 50 yards down the road, these seem to deal with imperfections much better.
I'd thoroughly recommend reading up about the work that Birds BMW do on the 1 series (and other models) to get them handling and riding right. by all accounts they are very good at making them the cars they should have been out of the factory.The rear end of the car has always felt like it’s biggest weak point with sone fairly cheap dampers. The H+R springs and underbody brace seemed to improve things a bit but there was still room for improvement especially at NSL speeds.
I’ve fitted Bilstein B8’s and the M Performance bump stops. The whole process was a piece of cake and much easier than the E88 ones I replaced a few weeks ago mainly because I didn’t have to remove all of the boot trim.
A quick test drive afterwards and there is a notable improvement; the ride is firm and a bit jiggly still on poor roads at 30mph or so but it’s notably better at higher speeds. There were a few bits locally that really upset the back end (a compression and a sharp ridge) and there’s a big improvement. Before it felt like the OE dampers were still trying to figure out what to do 50 yards down the road, these seem to deal with imperfections much better.
RicoOS said:
Court_S said:
Changed the rear dampers on my 140i.
The rear end of the car has always felt like it’s biggest weak point with sone fairly cheap dampers. The H+R springs and underbody brace seemed to improve things a bit but there was still room for improvement especially at NSL speeds.
I’ve fitted Bilstein B8’s and the M Performance bump stops. The whole process was a piece of cake and much easier than the E88 ones I replaced a few weeks ago mainly because I didn’t have to remove all of the boot trim.
A quick test drive afterwards and there is a notable improvement; the ride is firm and a bit jiggly still on poor roads at 30mph or so but it’s notably better at higher speeds. There were a few bits locally that really upset the back end (a compression and a sharp ridge) and there’s a big improvement. Before it felt like the OE dampers were still trying to figure out what to do 50 yards down the road, these seem to deal with imperfections much better.
I'd thoroughly recommend reading up about the work that Birds BMW do on the 1 series (and other models) to get them handling and riding right. by all accounts they are very good at making them the cars they should have been out of the factory.The rear end of the car has always felt like it’s biggest weak point with sone fairly cheap dampers. The H+R springs and underbody brace seemed to improve things a bit but there was still room for improvement especially at NSL speeds.
I’ve fitted Bilstein B8’s and the M Performance bump stops. The whole process was a piece of cake and much easier than the E88 ones I replaced a few weeks ago mainly because I didn’t have to remove all of the boot trim.
A quick test drive afterwards and there is a notable improvement; the ride is firm and a bit jiggly still on poor roads at 30mph or so but it’s notably better at higher speeds. There were a few bits locally that really upset the back end (a compression and a sharp ridge) and there’s a big improvement. Before it felt like the OE dampers were still trying to figure out what to do 50 yards down the road, these seem to deal with imperfections much better.
I don't know what the specs are, but it suits the car well from my opinion
RicoOS said:
I'd thoroughly recommend reading up about the work that Birds BMW do on the 1 series (and other models) to get them handling and riding right. by all accounts they are very good at making them the cars they should have been out of the factory.
The Birds set up is very good by all accounts but it’s expensive. To be honest, I’d rather put that sort of cash towards an M2.Replaced the OS fog light bulb. That was an arse of a job that involved 3 separate efforts (access with rusted bolt holding arch lining, seized bulb holder in mounting, bulb snapping in half as it was so stuck in, buying incorrect bulb etc) but it's done now and no further warnings on the dash when starting.
Said good bye to this little sucker yesterday....
Whilst we were fiddling in that area, the old gearbox mounts were replaced with some E46 M3 ones. The old ones looked in pretty good condition but were very squishy compared to the new ones.
The clutch feels so much better without the CDV. Can’t tell if the gearbox mounts have made a huge difference but they weren’t expensive and were easy to fit.
New discs, pads and wear sensor ordered today so I can fit the 330mm front brakes. I tried to use some used discs that more or less came with the brake carriers but the brakes are juddering. Lesson learned trying to do stuff cheaply. They’re much more powerful though despite only a 30mm increase.
Washed my 140i today.
Whilst we were fiddling in that area, the old gearbox mounts were replaced with some E46 M3 ones. The old ones looked in pretty good condition but were very squishy compared to the new ones.
The clutch feels so much better without the CDV. Can’t tell if the gearbox mounts have made a huge difference but they weren’t expensive and were easy to fit.
New discs, pads and wear sensor ordered today so I can fit the 330mm front brakes. I tried to use some used discs that more or less came with the brake carriers but the brakes are juddering. Lesson learned trying to do stuff cheaply. They’re much more powerful though despite only a 30mm increase.
Washed my 140i today.
g3org3y said:
Easy to do the CDV?
What symptoms did you have suggestive of worn gearbox mounts?
CDV was a piece of cake to remove. There was more than enough line to whip it out and clip I’d back together. What symptoms did you have suggestive of worn gearbox mounts?
It was easier with two people; I held my finger over one end which minimised the amount of fluid lost.
There were I real symptoms of dodgy gearbox mounts. They were original and the E46 M3 ones were £12 each. Dead easy to replace so whilst the undertray was off I figured we’d swap them. The originals were very soft compared to the new ones.
Had the 120k mile keeper in for service and replace rear lower ball joint today, have been using The workshop, specialist BMW independent for servicing and repairs for the last few services and recommend them very highly.
Also this month, all 4 wheels refurbished, powder coated and diamond cut by Platinum Wheels in Leeds. Again, very strongly recommend these guys too if you're in West Yorkshire an in the need of refurb.
Also this month, all 4 wheels refurbished, powder coated and diamond cut by Platinum Wheels in Leeds. Again, very strongly recommend these guys too if you're in West Yorkshire an in the need of refurb.
g3org3y said:
How many weeks has it been since I had the 6 Series sorted?
Parked up at work (staff carpark) and someone has very helpfully reversed into the front left wing. Fortunately they left their details with reception.
*sigh*
What an absolute pisser but at least they left details. Parked up at work (staff carpark) and someone has very helpfully reversed into the front left wing. Fortunately they left their details with reception.
*sigh*
Have they done much damage?
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