Discussion
Hello all.
Recently sold my S2000 and the wifes Mini One D as we only needed one car. After many months of considering various other cars (B3,330D,330i,GTI,S4,Focus ST, 156 GTA etc) I decided just to just take the plunge and Buy one of my (many) dream cars.
Really glad I did as I've always wanted one and it really has everything I (I mean, we) need.
Did all of my homework and found this one very reasonably priced and snapped it up. 2001, 95k, FBMWSH and generally well looked after.
The colour is Oxford green which is pretty rare. Not as bold as some M3 colours, which I like as it looks quite discreet.
I've found a decent indy that will maintain it at a fraction of BMW's prices and I intend on doing some stuff myself.
Plans are to change the tyres (camskill) to Kumho Ecsta's as these are highly regarded on M3cutters forum and much better value than Michelins.
Refurb the wheels as the outer lips are a bit scratched. Saying that, I'd love a set of CSL style wheels. Even considering a downgrade to 18's and having them sprayed anthracite or black.
May also fit some sort of induction kit as I'd like a CSL type induction noise However, I'm not sure as the standard system is meant to be excellent already and I don't want to lose power.
I've checked the suspension and all seems fine. Will change the rear trailing arm bushes anyway as these wear pretty quickly. Will then get a full alignment done.
It's due insp 1 service in 1500 miles. AL-tuning quoting £300 which seems very reasonable.
Finally, since buying it in Nov I haven't had the chance to get some decent wax on it. Once spring is here I'll be spending a few days sorting the exterior.
Recently sold my S2000 and the wifes Mini One D as we only needed one car. After many months of considering various other cars (B3,330D,330i,GTI,S4,Focus ST, 156 GTA etc) I decided just to just take the plunge and Buy one of my (many) dream cars.
Really glad I did as I've always wanted one and it really has everything I (I mean, we) need.
Did all of my homework and found this one very reasonably priced and snapped it up. 2001, 95k, FBMWSH and generally well looked after.
The colour is Oxford green which is pretty rare. Not as bold as some M3 colours, which I like as it looks quite discreet.
I've found a decent indy that will maintain it at a fraction of BMW's prices and I intend on doing some stuff myself.
Plans are to change the tyres (camskill) to Kumho Ecsta's as these are highly regarded on M3cutters forum and much better value than Michelins.
Refurb the wheels as the outer lips are a bit scratched. Saying that, I'd love a set of CSL style wheels. Even considering a downgrade to 18's and having them sprayed anthracite or black.
May also fit some sort of induction kit as I'd like a CSL type induction noise However, I'm not sure as the standard system is meant to be excellent already and I don't want to lose power.
I've checked the suspension and all seems fine. Will change the rear trailing arm bushes anyway as these wear pretty quickly. Will then get a full alignment done.
It's due insp 1 service in 1500 miles. AL-tuning quoting £300 which seems very reasonable.
Finally, since buying it in Nov I haven't had the chance to get some decent wax on it. Once spring is here I'll be spending a few days sorting the exterior.
soad said:
Looks really good, nice colour. They sound ever so good too. Enjoy!
Remember when they first came out - saw an awful lot of gold coloured ones.
Yes, that gold colour is Phoenix Yellow. Lots really like it. Another popular one was Laguna Seca blue, which I really like. Sound is great but CSL's sound even better....Remember when they first came out - saw an awful lot of gold coloured ones.
wanacoop said:
Lovely, I have been keeping my eye on these beauty's.
How much fun is it? I have been in a few new'ish quick Bimmers, and I find theme almost too refined.
It's pretty refined, which is good for evryday boring driving but also comes alive when you atart to press on. Handling is great, very neutral until you use the throttle, then the back end is pretty keen to step out a bit. The engine note is great and I stll think they look fantastic.How much fun is it? I have been in a few new'ish quick Bimmers, and I find theme almost too refined.
I don't think so, not on insp 1. I think they do on insp 2 and that's only £372, although i'm not sure (will check). I was going to get an insp 2 done even though it's only due insp 1 just for peace of mind. As the car is new to me I want to make sure the valves are properly adjusted and everything is OK.
I'm going to contact them to find out whether it's included in insp 1 and/or 2. I'll let you know what they say.
What's the potential consequences of valve clearences being out of adjustment?
Alternatively, I'll try Forzawest in Chepstow as I have friends that live near by and I can get up for a drive in the Beacons afterwards. They quote £385 for insp 1 with valve adjustment. Still not bad as I'd always bank on a major service on any car being £200+.
I'm going to contact them to find out whether it's included in insp 1 and/or 2. I'll let you know what they say.
What's the potential consequences of valve clearences being out of adjustment?
Alternatively, I'll try Forzawest in Chepstow as I have friends that live near by and I can get up for a drive in the Beacons afterwards. They quote £385 for insp 1 with valve adjustment. Still not bad as I'd always bank on a major service on any car being £200+.
mat59 said:
I don't think so, not on insp 1. I think they do on insp 2 and that's only £372, although i'm not sure (will check). I was going to get an insp 2 done even though it's only due insp 1 just for peace of mind. As the car is new to me I want to make sure the valves are properly adjusted and everything is OK.
I'm going to contact them to find out whether it's included in insp 1 and/or 2. I'll let you know what they say.
What's the potential consequences of valve clearences being out of adjustment?
Alternatively, I'll try Forzawest in Chepstow as I have friends that live near by and I can get up for a drive in the Beacons afterwards. They quote £385 for insp 1 with valve adjustment. Still not bad as I'd always bank on a major service on any car being £200+.
valve clearences effect the power on those engines quite severly. BMW main dealers seem to never actually adjust them, only check them. The car needs to be cold when its done so ideally should be left overnight first.I'm going to contact them to find out whether it's included in insp 1 and/or 2. I'll let you know what they say.
What's the potential consequences of valve clearences being out of adjustment?
Alternatively, I'll try Forzawest in Chepstow as I have friends that live near by and I can get up for a drive in the Beacons afterwards. They quote £385 for insp 1 with valve adjustment. Still not bad as I'd always bank on a major service on any car being £200+.
Forzawest have a good rep.
I guess that's the difference between having an ok BMW and an M3!
I got an Inspection 2 carried out on my 02 plate 330d at an indy for £180. When I read what you were quoted I thought you'd mis-typed!
I never realised so much more went into the service of an M3.
Oh, and have a look here.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.ph...
Gives a full list of what takes place on an E46 M3 Inspection I/II
Cheers
I got an Inspection 2 carried out on my 02 plate 330d at an indy for £180. When I read what you were quoted I thought you'd mis-typed!
I never realised so much more went into the service of an M3.
Oh, and have a look here.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.ph...
Gives a full list of what takes place on an E46 M3 Inspection I/II
Cheers
Vixpy1 said:
I don't miss mine at all, though i do kick myself for getting rid at the bottom of the market.
were you not a fan then i take it??I think i want one of these as soon as im in the market for a decent car again, that colour is sublime but i think i'd hold out for a laguna seca one on 18's. Thats my dream spec.
Is high-ish miles on these anything to worry about??
S3_Graham said:
Vixpy1 said:
I don't miss mine at all, though i do kick myself for getting rid at the bottom of the market.
were you not a fan then i take it??I think i want one of these as soon as im in the market for a decent car again, that colour is sublime but i think i'd hold out for a laguna seca one on 18's. Thats my dream spec.
Is high-ish miles on these anything to worry about??
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