What have you done to your BMW today?

[g3org3y]

Picked up the torx bolts for the E91 rear shocks from the local BMW dealer and they had a new 4 Series parked up.

It actually doesn't look that bad in black tbf. Still not sold on the rear 3/4.

Edited by g3org3y on Wednesday 17th March 14:26

[g3org3y]

Just realised the MOT on my Z4 expired in January! TBF, it hasn't moved from the garage since late last summer.

630 had the bumper realigned yesterday, looks spot on.

[g3org3y]

I think it's still 'to do' on our E91...given recent experiences, would prefer to avoid having the car set on fire.

[g3org3y]

Does look great.

Must admit, have become v lazy re washing cars. Doesn't help we have an 18 month child who won't sleep so mostly knackered at the weekend. However, a proper wash/clean does take time (shampoo, polish, wax + wheels etc). I don't trust to take the cars to any local handwash places as I'd rather the car be dirty than covered in scratches.

Neighbour had his 911 and Macan ceramic coated and with a quick power wash, comes up looking great. Something I'd seriously consider.

[g3org3y]

Rough idle (and EML) on the 630 when my wife used it last week. Code reader suggested misfire, cylinder 1.

Coil replaced today, thankfully all back to normal. Was going to do the spark plugs as well 'while I'm there' but weather looked dodgy with imminent rain, so will do another day.

Replacement coil (from ECP)


Old vs new. Old one is Bosch, made in Germany. New one made in Slovenia.


As a aside the N52 engine cover refit is a bit annoying with those press on clips. I find a bit of silicon spray lubricant made it a lot easier to press back on.

Also tried to clear out the drains which were full of leaves and debris. Did as much with the hoover as possible but will probably need to pressure wash them clean at soe point.

[g3org3y]

Which snowfoam and pressure wash system do you use?

I've done the prep work for replacing the rear shocks on the 330i. OS rear is leaking and making the handling somewhat 'wayward'. All bolts/nuts soaked in PlusGas.


I bloody hate removing interior trim/clips. What a faff.

Edited by g3org3y on Monday 29th March 08:00

[g3org3y]

Court_S said:

Changing the rear dampers on the last of the E series cars is such a ball ache. It was even worse in my E88 with a tiny little access hole to get to the bolt holding the damper in and fighting with the floppy fabric pouch that the roof folds into. Seems much easier on the F20/30 where the top mount just unbolted from the wheel arch.

Yes, access looks a lot more annoying than on the E36.

Court_S said:

Yesterday I changed faulty wheel speed sensor (rear drivers side) after a bit of faffing getting the correct sensor.

uplifting poems for her

At least it came off easily. I've grumbled about my issues with the one on my E46 before.

Do you pay the Carly subscription or did you buy it before that was introduced?

I'm thinking of upgrading from the Creator C310 so I can have coding options. The other option from what I can make out is to get INPA installed on a laptop (and buy a special cable)?

[g3org3y]

Thanks for the info chaps. Sounds odd, but I'd prefer a higher initial purchase price rather than be tied to a monthly payment.

Apart from the coding ability, any other advantages of Carly over something like the Creator 310?

[g3org3y]

Court_S said:

My Carly sub is paid yearly (there’s often discount codes). It’s bloody easy to use with the OBD adapter and a phone.

I can’t comment on Creator 310 having never used it.

Thanks, yes looks like the user interface is straight forward.

JakeT said:

I'd agree, paying monthly is a bit galling.

For me, the benefits over a creator (I had a C110 years ago):

• Clearer diagnostic abilities
• Ability to code, in a very user friendly way
• re-set service indicators - If a service goes overdue, it needs to be done on the diagnostics. Carly can do this.
• re-set certain adaptations, too

I've found the Creator to be really good for code reading. Was very helpful for the E46 (MAF issues), E90 (Vanos solenoids), E63 (misfire), E70 (fuel tank breather valve). It's the coding I'm really missing which would have been helpful when I had the issue the E91's Comfort Access not letting the car go to sleep.

Jakg said:

epends on your technical ability, but a DCAN cable is £10 and all the software online is "free".

Will look into it, thanks.


Anyway...the only thing I've done to my BMW today is driver the 6 series to work. Engine is fine, no further misfires or lump idle. Hurrah!

[g3org3y]

ieuandkernow said:

I’ve been replacing my wheel well liners on the e46 as mine decided to disintegrate because they were not properly fastened.

When the wheel was off and I had a look at the engine from underneath and I noticed 1) a sh*t load of oil which looks quite fresh so I’m hoping it is a combination of a clumsy hand on the oil change in February and the leaking rocker cover gasket which has been repaired. 2) I’m not sure if I’m being silly and I am a novice when it comes to this but something looks like it is missing from just above the oil sump



In the image you can see hole and a couple of screw holes around it. This is from the passenger side looking at about 1 o’clock (sorry for the vague directions) it’s a 2.2 m54 2005.
It might be completely normal but it looks a bit off to me?

Nothing missing. See below (circled area corresponds to the section you've photographed)

[g3org3y]

Have ordered 2x Michelin Pilot Sport 4s for the 630i. Decided now is the time to make the change off the RFTs.

JaseB said:

g3org3y said:

Which snowfoam and pressure wash system do you use?

I use Ultimate Finish own brand snowfoam (about 20% foam to water mix) with a Karcher pressure washer and a 20 quid (MJJC?) lance from Ali Express after my old one died, seems to work really well.

Thanks, will look into this (if only to take a photo of my car snowfoamed up! )

[g3org3y]

^^Good effort.

Today drove the wife's X5. Was running on reserve so gave it some Tesco 99. Hit the spend limit before reaching tank capacity (which is apparently 85L)!

[g3org3y]

2x Michelin Pilot Sport 4 on the front of the 630i, replacing the very worn Dunlop RFTs. What a difference! Smoother, quieter and just overall more pleasant to drive. Will do the rears at some point (currently also RFTs) but need to examine the OS to check the alloy is ok as it loses air every few weeks.

[g3org3y]

Changed the rear shocks on the E91 yesterday. What a git of a job.

I had prepped it last week, removing the interior trim and soaking all the bolts in PlusGas, but still had issues. The bolts for the shock itself were fine...the bolts for the lower rubber mount were not. The medial ones were ok, but the lateral ones were very rusty and misshapen. OS went ok. NS, gave me problems, totally seized and rounded the head. Needed a combination of blow torch and impact wrench to remove.

In situ


You can see how rounded the thread got. I do not really like these star bolts.


Bit worn




Car is no longer wayward and wanting to kill me, which is nice.

[g3org3y]

@Court S, will be interested if you can hear a difference with the airbox mod.

eBay has 15% off selected sellers. Going to buy some wipers, air filters and spare N52 coil pack.

[g3org3y]

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.

[g3org3y]

Easy to do the CDV?

What symptoms did you have suggestive of worn gearbox mounts?

[g3org3y]

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*

[g3org3y]

Court_S said:

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.

Have they done much damage?

Super_G said:

Sucks but good to know human decency still exists.

It was the chap who delivers certain paperwork to the surgery on a daily basis. Left a decent amount of red paint on the 6.

I think the majority will polish out but a smart repair may be required. Will have to clean up the area over the weekend and have a good look.

[g3org3y]

Oil changed on the X5. Think it sounds quieter now (may be placebo!).

DVandrews said:

Court_S said:

RicoOS said:

Decided to give her the first full birthday detail of the year, full polish, followed by full wax with nice polymer wax, she will get a 2nd coat of wax tomorrow.

Looks well; the E46 is still one of my favourite BMW’s.

The E46 and E39 were the pinnacle of BMW styling, Best looking by far.

There's a real understated elegance to the E46. I did enjoy owing my 'Shed' 330Ci, my dad is looking after it now.