What have you done to your BMW today?
Discussion
Chestrockwell said:
I haven't done anything to mine today but I didn't realise the difference some springs, spacers and an ebay diffuser would make to a standard one until I parked next to it.
Spacers always make a nice difference as you say, and they transformed the way the wheels sit versus standard on my 370Z as well. I often flirt with the idea of putting some on the M4 too. I’m still waiting for my replacement washer pump to arrived. I did dig out the old washer bottle for when the headlight washers were connected but the headlight washers use a different pump to the windscreen. The new pump is due to arrive tomorrow.
The new metal bracket for fixing the engine cover arrived today so I popped that on. Ever since I’ve had the Z4, the engine cover was loose / a pig to fit. Looks like the cage underneath was damaged.
The new metal bracket for fixing the engine cover arrived today so I popped that on. Ever since I’ve had the Z4, the engine cover was loose / a pig to fit. Looks like the cage underneath was damaged.
Court_S said:
Chestrockwell said:
I haven't done anything to mine today but I didn't realise the difference some springs, spacers and an ebay diffuser would make to a standard one until I parked next to it.
Chris Stott said:
Replaced the drivers door handle mechanism on my E53.
Bit of a ball ache of a job, but at least I can get in the car again. Unfortunately going to have to bite the bullet and buy a BMW part as the cheap one I have isn’t great.
I had to do the drivers and passengers side ones on my dad’s E53. I think it had two drivers and a passengers side over its life. I fitted genuine ones too, but it seems that drivers ones lasted about 120k a time before failing. Usually wrenching the door open when it’s frozen. Bit of a ball ache of a job, but at least I can get in the car again. Unfortunately going to have to bite the bullet and buy a BMW part as the cheap one I have isn’t great.

JakeT said:
I had to do the drivers and passengers side ones on my dad’s E53. I think it had two drivers and a passengers side over its life. I fitted genuine ones too, but it seems that drivers ones lasted about 120k a time before failing. Usually wrenching the door open when it’s frozen. 
Mines only done 150k km (90k miles) and it’s already had one replacement before this according to the history I have. 
Plus it never freezes down here in southern Spain… coldest I’ve ever seen is 4*, but the car sits in a garage that doesn’t ever drop below double digits.
Used it today and it’s not great… but it was only €40… a genuine part is over €100.
JakeT said:
Chris Stott said:
Replaced the drivers door handle mechanism on my E53.
Bit of a ball ache of a job, but at least I can get in the car again. Unfortunately going to have to bite the bullet and buy a BMW part as the cheap one I have isn’t great.
I had to do the drivers and passengers side ones on my dad’s E53. I think it had two drivers and a passengers side over its life. I fitted genuine ones too, but it seems that drivers ones lasted about 120k a time before failing. Usually wrenching the door open when it’s frozen. Bit of a ball ache of a job, but at least I can get in the car again. Unfortunately going to have to bite the bullet and buy a BMW part as the cheap one I have isn’t great.

Chris Stott said:
g3org3y said:
I hear quite a common issue on the E53?
It is… because people pull the handle out, rather than lifting it. I think the E39 has a similar mechanism, but less of an issue as the handle is lower down, so it’s more of a natural movement to pull up rather than out.
And don't get me started on people closing the door using the glass!!!
A real issue too is that handles changed depending on production date. Early E46s had straight out handles and later ones had the up and out style. I owned E46s of both types at the same time and always got them wrong.
E53s generally had a poor design too. They had a handle ‘carrier’ that supported the handle and connected it to the lock actuator. It was weak and the hinges prone to snapping. They couldn’t be lubricated without removal, which would lengthen their life.
As for closing the door by the glass…
E53s generally had a poor design too. They had a handle ‘carrier’ that supported the handle and connected it to the lock actuator. It was weak and the hinges prone to snapping. They couldn’t be lubricated without removal, which would lengthen their life.
As for closing the door by the glass…

Had this water repellent glass coating in the garage, no idea when I bought it: https://angelwax.co.uk/product/h2go-the-ultimate-r...
Applied it to the 130i glass, will see how it gets on
Will do the F31 glass when I wash it next
Applied it to the 130i glass, will see how it gets on
Will do the F31 glass when I wash it next
JakeT said:
As for closing the door by the glass… 



Olivergt said:
JakeT said:
...
As for closing the door by the glass…
You think that's bad...As for closing the door by the glass…

When my lad had an e46 coupe one of his friends used to grab the top of the glass to pull himself out of the car!!!
And he wasn't exactly a lightweight!!!!


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