Discussion
Thanks. I don't think I'll worry about suspension components, they'll be fit for replacement before rust is a real issue. It's mainly the car's underside and subframe I'm mainly concerned with.
No parts arrived today, not that it is urgent! I suspect most bits will be here by early next week, although the orders from BMW may take another week or so. Once in, I'll get it booked in.
I will try to get the garage to take before/during and after photos if they're willing to do so.
No parts arrived today, not that it is urgent! I suspect most bits will be here by early next week, although the orders from BMW may take another week or so. Once in, I'll get it booked in.
I will try to get the garage to take before/during and after photos if they're willing to do so.
So notification from the courier suggests all of my other Autodoc orders should be here today or Saturday, certainly by Monday. After that I'll be waiting on the 2 orders from BMW plus one order from ebay (the latter because Autodoc only had one rear TRW arm in stock, I had ordered two, and they sent me two Ridex arms, which I declined - they refunded me for one and shipped the other TRW unit, I have ordered an official one from ebay). I anticipate everything being here at some point week after next. I'll then get it booked in.
RE my headlights fogging up - in heavy rain it is very mild, but after washing the car it is far more noticeable, even with being careful not to spray anything at the headlights. I have found a company online who can sort this out for me for £85 + VAT per headlight. They can also replace the lenses for me, which I'm considering. They're far from bad (in fact they're pretty good, save the odd small chip here and there), but when the lights are already being dismantled, for the sake of an extra £60 + VAT per light, it is something to think about. So either £204 or £348 all in to sort those out, far cheaper than buying two new headlights!!!!!
So the plan would be to get my usual garage to remove the headlights first, get them sent to "keep your car safe", then whilst they are sorting the headlights it gives my garage time to sort the suspension, subframe and also two new exhaust gaskets, so by the time they've done that the lights should be returned.
I suspect I'll be without the car for between one and two weeks, but this is not an issue really.
I just wonder/hope I notice SOME difference
Either way, knowing there is a new subframe in there gives peace of mind RE the longevity of the car's life.
RE my headlights fogging up - in heavy rain it is very mild, but after washing the car it is far more noticeable, even with being careful not to spray anything at the headlights. I have found a company online who can sort this out for me for £85 + VAT per headlight. They can also replace the lenses for me, which I'm considering. They're far from bad (in fact they're pretty good, save the odd small chip here and there), but when the lights are already being dismantled, for the sake of an extra £60 + VAT per light, it is something to think about. So either £204 or £348 all in to sort those out, far cheaper than buying two new headlights!!!!!
So the plan would be to get my usual garage to remove the headlights first, get them sent to "keep your car safe", then whilst they are sorting the headlights it gives my garage time to sort the suspension, subframe and also two new exhaust gaskets, so by the time they've done that the lights should be returned.
I suspect I'll be without the car for between one and two weeks, but this is not an issue really.
I just wonder/hope I notice SOME difference
Either way, knowing there is a new subframe in there gives peace of mind RE the longevity of the car's life.E90_M3Ross said:
So notification from the courier suggests all of my other Autodoc orders should be here today or Saturday, certainly by Monday. After that I'll be waiting on the 2 orders from BMW plus one order from ebay (the latter because Autodoc only had one rear TRW arm in stock, I had ordered two, and they sent me two Ridex arms, which I declined - they refunded me for one and shipped the other TRW unit, I have ordered an official one from ebay). I anticipate everything being here at some point week after next. I'll then get it booked in.
RE my headlights fogging up - in heavy rain it is very mild, but after washing the car it is far more noticeable, even with being careful not to spray anything at the headlights. I have found a company online who can sort this out for me for £85 + VAT per headlight. They can also replace the lenses for me, which I'm considering. They're far from bad (in fact they're pretty good, save the odd small chip here and there), but when the lights are already being dismantled, for the sake of an extra £60 + VAT per light, it is something to think about. So either £204 or £348 all in to sort those out, far cheaper than buying two new headlights!!!!!
So the plan would be to get my usual garage to remove the headlights first, get them sent to "keep your car safe", then whilst they are sorting the headlights it gives my garage time to sort the suspension, subframe and also two new exhaust gaskets, so by the time they've done that the lights should be returned.
I suspect I'll be without the car for between one and two weeks, but this is not an issue really.
I just wonder/hope I notice SOME difference Either way, knowing there is a new subframe in there gives peace of mind RE the longevity of the car's life.
I did the rest of the suspension order on AD yesterday; tried to see if I could source the parts via UK/eBay UK etc and it was either listed as UK ({but really coming from Eastern Europe) or the price was double what AD wanted!RE my headlights fogging up - in heavy rain it is very mild, but after washing the car it is far more noticeable, even with being careful not to spray anything at the headlights. I have found a company online who can sort this out for me for £85 + VAT per headlight. They can also replace the lenses for me, which I'm considering. They're far from bad (in fact they're pretty good, save the odd small chip here and there), but when the lights are already being dismantled, for the sake of an extra £60 + VAT per light, it is something to think about. So either £204 or £348 all in to sort those out, far cheaper than buying two new headlights!!!!!
So the plan would be to get my usual garage to remove the headlights first, get them sent to "keep your car safe", then whilst they are sorting the headlights it gives my garage time to sort the suspension, subframe and also two new exhaust gaskets, so by the time they've done that the lights should be returned.
I suspect I'll be without the car for between one and two weeks, but this is not an issue really.
I just wonder/hope I notice SOME difference
Either way, knowing there is a new subframe in there gives peace of mind RE the longevity of the car's life.I've gone with a mix of Moog & Lemforder for most parts; some TRW parts in there too and Febi Bilstein for the CV boots etc
I'd got a list going; but a lot of the Lemforder & TRW parts were in stock one side, but not the other and no lead times etc; so gone with Moog for the main arms. I've used Moog since 2014 now and never had any issues with them; they offer good warranty too on their parts
That'll be with me in a good few weeks I reckon; plenty of parts hoarding to be done in the garage ready for Jan 2024; I'd better clear some space
d_a_n1979 said:
I did the rest of the suspension order on AD yesterday; tried to see if I could source the parts via UK/eBay UK etc and it was either listed as UK ({but really coming from Eastern Europe) or the price was double what AD wanted!
I've gone with a mix of Moog & Lemforder for most parts; some TRW parts in there too and Febi Bilstein for the CV boots etc
I'd got a list going; but a lot of the Lemforder & TRW parts were in stock one side, but not the other and no lead times etc; so gone with Moog for the main arms. I've used Moog since 2014 now and never had any issues with them; they offer good warranty too on their parts
That'll be with me in a good few weeks I reckon; plenty of parts hoarding to be done in the garage ready for Jan 2024; I'd better clear some space
Be interesting to see if you notice much difference! I've gone with a mix of Moog & Lemforder for most parts; some TRW parts in there too and Febi Bilstein for the CV boots etc
I'd got a list going; but a lot of the Lemforder & TRW parts were in stock one side, but not the other and no lead times etc; so gone with Moog for the main arms. I've used Moog since 2014 now and never had any issues with them; they offer good warranty too on their parts
That'll be with me in a good few weeks I reckon; plenty of parts hoarding to be done in the garage ready for Jan 2024; I'd better clear some space
E90_M3Ross said:
d_a_n1979 said:
I did the rest of the suspension order on AD yesterday; tried to see if I could source the parts via UK/eBay UK etc and it was either listed as UK ({but really coming from Eastern Europe) or the price was double what AD wanted!
I've gone with a mix of Moog & Lemforder for most parts; some TRW parts in there too and Febi Bilstein for the CV boots etc
I'd got a list going; but a lot of the Lemforder & TRW parts were in stock one side, but not the other and no lead times etc; so gone with Moog for the main arms. I've used Moog since 2014 now and never had any issues with them; they offer good warranty too on their parts
That'll be with me in a good few weeks I reckon; plenty of parts hoarding to be done in the garage ready for Jan 2024; I'd better clear some space
Be interesting to see if you notice much difference! I've gone with a mix of Moog & Lemforder for most parts; some TRW parts in there too and Febi Bilstein for the CV boots etc
I'd got a list going; but a lot of the Lemforder & TRW parts were in stock one side, but not the other and no lead times etc; so gone with Moog for the main arms. I've used Moog since 2014 now and never had any issues with them; they offer good warranty too on their parts
That'll be with me in a good few weeks I reckon; plenty of parts hoarding to be done in the garage ready for Jan 2024; I'd better clear some space
E90_M3Ross said:
d_a_n1979 said:
That's all arrived quickly 
Mines been sent by Evri
Probably means I won't see it for weeks; if at all... Cannot believe they use a courier as bad as they are!
This came on a pallet, not sure who it was but definitely not Evri, although Autodoc used Evri. Mines been sent by Evri
Probably means I won't see it for weeks; if at all... Cannot believe they use a courier as bad as they are!2nd package will be all the arms; again, not small etc
d_a_n1979 said:
E90_M3Ross said:
d_a_n1979 said:
That's all arrived quickly
Mines been sent by Evri Probably means I won't see it for weeks; if at all... Cannot believe they use a courier as bad as they are!
This came on a pallet, not sure who it was but definitely not Evri, although Autodoc used Evri. Mines been sent by Evri
Probably means I won't see it for weeks; if at all... Cannot believe they use a courier as bad as they are!2nd package will be all the arms; again, not small etc
When I get the chance I'm going to paint it with the Bilt Hamber epoxy-mastic. I'll check later if it comes with the bushes installed.
E90_M3Ross said:
d_a_n1979 said:
E90_M3Ross said:
d_a_n1979 said:
That's all arrived quickly
Mines been sent by Evri Probably means I won't see it for weeks; if at all... Cannot believe they use a courier as bad as they are!
This came on a pallet, not sure who it was but definitely not Evri, although Autodoc used Evri. Mines been sent by Evri
Probably means I won't see it for weeks; if at all... Cannot believe they use a courier as bad as they are!2nd package will be all the arms; again, not small etc
When I get the chance I'm going to paint it with the Bilt Hamber epoxy-mastic. I'll check later if it comes with the bushes installed.
No doubt they'll rock up unannounced as it always seems to be with AD...
BMW have emailed me and confirmed the order is complete aside the top mounts. Unfortunately these have an eta of 6th December to get to them, so I assume k won't get them until around the 8th. Hey ho.
Edit - messaged the headlights people who want the lights by 13th December at the latest, so will get the car booked in for 11th December to ensure that's OK. Just hope the top mounts don't get delayed further.....!
Edit - messaged the headlights people who want the lights by 13th December at the latest, so will get the car booked in for 11th December to ensure that's OK. Just hope the top mounts don't get delayed further.....!
Edited by E90_M3Ross on Tuesday 14th November 21:16
E90_M3Ross said:
I had some great fun driving up (and down!) the Cairngorm mountain road earlier. Really got the chance to experience the chassis..... What a fantastic bit of kit, truly. It feels so sharp for an old 4 door saloon car.
What a car. The engine is utterly magnificent. I get why people say "not much torque" but it's plenty quick enough and the noise it makes and way it revs makes it so, so special when you get to push towards that redline.
Remember driving these roads in a Golf R (My friends) and saying I wished I could drive these in my E92 M3 which I had at the time. Perfect roads for it I think.What a car. The engine is utterly magnificent. I get why people say "not much torque" but it's plenty quick enough and the noise it makes and way it revs makes it so, so special when you get to push towards that redline.
Fair play on doing a suspension refresh, mine was at 70-odd K miles when I had it and it felt a bit wafty at times. I sold it before I turned my attention to bushings etc.
BMW have sent everything I ordered from them aside the top mounts, which arrived today. So yeah, now just the bump stops, and that's it now. There are a huge amount of car bits in my house
Fair play on doing a suspension refresh, mine was at 70-odd K miles when I had it and it felt a bit wafty at times. I sold it before I turned my attention to bushings etc.It has been a long time since I drove a fresh M3, my dad sold his 10 years ago next month - that was the last time I drove a new-ish one! I would be very surprised if I don't notice any difference.
And yes, the roads around the Cairngorms are amazing for driving, I will be going back there in the M3 in June.
Bathroom_Security said:
E90_M3Ross said:
I had some great fun driving up (and down!) the Cairngorm mountain road earlier. Really got the chance to experience the chassis..... What a fantastic bit of kit, truly. It feels so sharp for an old 4 door saloon car.
What a car. The engine is utterly magnificent. I get why people say "not much torque" but it's plenty quick enough and the noise it makes and way it revs makes it so, so special when you get to push towards that redline.
Remember driving these roads in a Golf R (My friends) and saying I wished I could drive these in my E92 M3 which I had at the time. Perfect roads for it I think.What a car. The engine is utterly magnificent. I get why people say "not much torque" but it's plenty quick enough and the noise it makes and way it revs makes it so, so special when you get to push towards that redline.
Fair play on doing a suspension refresh, mine was at 70-odd K miles when I had it and it felt a bit wafty at times. I sold it before I turned my attention to bushings etc.
And yes, the roads around the Cairngorms are amazing for driving, I will be going back there in the M3 in June.
E90_M3Ross said:
BMW have sent everything I ordered from them aside the top mounts, which arrived today. So yeah, now just the bump stops, and that's it now. There are a huge amount of car bits in my house
Fair play on doing a suspension refresh, mine was at 70-odd K miles when I had it and it felt a bit wafty at times. I sold it before I turned my attention to bushings etc.It has been a long time since I drove a fresh M3, my dad sold his 10 years ago next month - that was the last time I drove a new-ish one! I would be very surprised if I don't notice any difference.
And yes, the roads around the Cairngorms are amazing for driving, I will be going back there in the M3 in June.
It'll be like a new car Bathroom_Security said:
E90_M3Ross said:
I had some great fun driving up (and down!) the Cairngorm mountain road earlier. Really got the chance to experience the chassis..... What a fantastic bit of kit, truly. It feels so sharp for an old 4 door saloon car.
What a car. The engine is utterly magnificent. I get why people say "not much torque" but it's plenty quick enough and the noise it makes and way it revs makes it so, so special when you get to push towards that redline.
Remember driving these roads in a Golf R (My friends) and saying I wished I could drive these in my E92 M3 which I had at the time. Perfect roads for it I think.What a car. The engine is utterly magnificent. I get why people say "not much torque" but it's plenty quick enough and the noise it makes and way it revs makes it so, so special when you get to push towards that redline.
Fair play on doing a suspension refresh, mine was at 70-odd K miles when I had it and it felt a bit wafty at times. I sold it before I turned my attention to bushings etc.
And yes, the roads around the Cairngorms are amazing for driving, I will be going back there in the M3 in June.
I'm looking to get all the work done to my F31 come 2nd week Jan; means it'll be fresh for our road trip up to Dunkeld and beyond come 1st/2nd week of Feb (going up for a longer break this time as have leave carried over and I work from home; so as long as the broadband is doing fine; I can get some work done whilst up there)
Looking to get up the Cairngorm hopefully now the Funicular is running again; it's been a few years since I was last up there & see if we can get a visit to the Tomatin Distillery too
d_a_n1979 said:
It'll be like a new car
I'm looking to get all the work done to my F31 come 2nd week Jan; means it'll be fresh for our road trip up to Dunkeld and beyond come 1st/2nd week of Feb (going up for a longer break this time as have leave carried over and I work from home; so as long as the broadband is doing fine; I can get some work done whilst up there)
Looking to get up the Cairngorm hopefully now the Funicular is running again; it's been a few years since I was last up there & see if we can get a visit to the Tomatin Distillery too
If you go up that way make sure you drive the A939 between Speybridge and colnabaichin - absolutely superb bit of road. You can then head south down past Braemar too.I'm looking to get all the work done to my F31 come 2nd week Jan; means it'll be fresh for our road trip up to Dunkeld and beyond come 1st/2nd week of Feb (going up for a longer break this time as have leave carried over and I work from home; so as long as the broadband is doing fine; I can get some work done whilst up there)
Looking to get up the Cairngorm hopefully now the Funicular is running again; it's been a few years since I was last up there & see if we can get a visit to the Tomatin Distillery too
E90_M3Ross said:
d_a_n1979 said:
It'll be like a new car
I'm looking to get all the work done to my F31 come 2nd week Jan; means it'll be fresh for our road trip up to Dunkeld and beyond come 1st/2nd week of Feb (going up for a longer break this time as have leave carried over and I work from home; so as long as the broadband is doing fine; I can get some work done whilst up there)
Looking to get up the Cairngorm hopefully now the Funicular is running again; it's been a few years since I was last up there & see if we can get a visit to the Tomatin Distillery too
If you go up that way make sure you drive the A939 between Speybridge and colnabaichin - absolutely superb bit of road. You can then head south down past Braemar too.I'm looking to get all the work done to my F31 come 2nd week Jan; means it'll be fresh for our road trip up to Dunkeld and beyond come 1st/2nd week of Feb (going up for a longer break this time as have leave carried over and I work from home; so as long as the broadband is doing fine; I can get some work done whilst up there)
Looking to get up the Cairngorm hopefully now the Funicular is running again; it's been a few years since I was last up there & see if we can get a visit to the Tomatin Distillery too
E90_M3Ross said:
Smaller than a whole rear subframe and other bits
When I get the chance I'm going to paint it with the Bilt Hamber epoxy-mastic. I'll check later if it comes with the bushes installed.
That stuff needs the metal blasting to provide a key. I painted some underneath bits with it and didn't get a good result. When I get the chance I'm going to paint it with the Bilt Hamber epoxy-mastic. I'll check later if it comes with the bushes installed.
What state is the subframe in now?
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