What have you done to your BMW today?

[g3org3y]

I think the set up in the X5 looks cooler with the twin air intakes but I think it's slightly down on power as a result. Form vs function etc.

[g3org3y]

Triumph Man said:

helix402 said:

Triumph Man said:

Put it up for sale oh well onwards and upwards!

If money and space weren’t an object I would have kept it. I’ve sold it to a friend so will still be servicing it. It’s gone up in value since I bought it and if it remains looked after I think the value will increase as old E46s rust away, go to Eastern Europe or turn into drift sheds.

Same here - If I had the space to store it it wouldn't be up for sale. I think E39s are starting to climb a bit as well.

Check the Smoker Barge thread, E39, E38 etc all seem to be increasing in price.

My major concern with cars of that era is the body. You do need to keep on top of it if you plan for it to be a daily.

[g3org3y]

JakeT said:

This is on my list of jobs to do next weekend, I've bought the gasket. Did you drain the coolant to do this? Or just remove the bolts and have at it?

Just removed the bolts. Didn't lose much coolant (or oil) tbh. Just be careful of fluids dripping on the belts below

[g3org3y]

ieuandkernow said:

Still no light so my new MAF has definitely fixed the issue!

Hurrah!

ieuandkernow said:

Looking at doing a full cooling system and belt + pulley overhaul but am struggling to work out what is OEM and what is not!
I'm looking for

Radiator
Expansion tank (apparently the mayle ones are no good?)
Upper & lower radiator hoses
Water pump
Thermostat
Both belts
All of the pulleys

Would anyone be able to advise?

When I did the rad etc on the 330Ci...

Rad - Nissens
Expansion Tank - Meyle
Thermostat - Wahler
Hoses - Febi Bilstein

I didn't do the waterpump, pulleys or belts

I believe the best pulleys = INA
Belts - ContiTech or Gates

[g3org3y]

Replaced all the ignition coils on the E91 330i. Was going to use them for the 630i (after the coil failure earlier this year) but felt the E91 wasn't running quite right and it's on 142k so thought worth treating it. Seems to be running better/smooth (maybe placebo!?).

Kept the old coils and put them in boxes labelled with the cylinder they came off.They might come in handy in the future right...? (Anyone else keep old bits or am I just weird!?)

As an aside, no further oil behind the oil filter cap so seems the oil cooler gasket replacement has been successful.

This is where it used to collect (not my photo):

[g3org3y]

E63eeeeee... said:

I definitely keep any still-working parts I've replaced, could be useful as a temporary fix or to diagnose a problem. Marking them up is a step further than I go, but I have saved a pair of M54 ignition coils (PO had replaced four of the six), and I know one of them works, i just don't know which one, so I can see the logic.

Glad it isn't just me.

Obviously if the item is completely shagged (eg suspension components) I'll probably throw them away.

Court_S said:

Took advantage of a 20% eBay discount code and ordered a Mishimoto intake pipe. Black was out of stock so I settled on blue. It’s pretty hidden so shouldn’t look too daft.

Debating if I need anything. Seems rude not to buy something given the discount.

JakeT said:

I also sorted the oil cooler on my E91 330i. However, the last person to do it over-tightened the bolts, so they came out with the threads. I've sorted a repair otherwise, and the leak is gone for now...

Good repair!

[g3org3y]

Took the X5 to the specialist to get that noise diagnosed.

Ford Focus C-Max courtesy car!

[g3org3y]

Courtesy car envy.

[g3org3y]

cerb4.5lee said:

g3org3y said:

Courtesy car envy.

You have definitely been short changed sadly for sure(and I like Fords).

It has been sitting in the drive since I drove it back yesterday. The neighbours' curtains will be twitching, they know we only buy/have BMWs.

Surprisingly good ride tbh. I probably won't be trading the X5 for a C-Max just yet.

[g3org3y]

JakeT said:

Thanks, Helix. It’s a single VANOS one I believe on a K.

I know a 320 is Not going to set the world on fire, but the M50 is a great engine.

I'd expect it to be a Vanos engine, I think it was introduced in 1992.

M50 is a fantastic engine, just watch that waterpump.

cerb4.5lee said:

One of my old neighbours had one and I always enjoyed listening to it start up and drive off. A lovely noise.

It is oft claimed that the 320i was the pick of the bunch from an aural point of view.

monthefish said:

helix402 said:

monthefish said:

Wouldn't say waftastic being a 320i, but nice car all the same

I’m sticking with waft:

To really waft in vehicle terms, you really need a surfeit of power so that the journey feels effortless.

I suspect sitting on 15s, the ride will be better than 99% of modern BMWs!

[g3org3y]

SUPER original, really nice. Shame it doesn't have air con though.

[g3org3y]

JakeT said:

g3org3y said:

SUPER original, really nice. Shame it doesn't have air con though.

I said to the good lady that the one thing I would change is to add A/C to it, as to have A/C in the early 90's was mega cool (pun intended). Buying 28 years on, beggars can't be choosers mind.

Retrofit project?

MOMACC said:

Ran over a screw 100 miles from home.
AA called at 5pm
Arrived at 8pm
Couldn't fit the isofix seat in the truck
Got a taxi at 9pm and home for 11pm

Nightmare of a wait with a hungry toddler.

Tyre was only 4 weeks old too.

Not possible to use the tyre goo/compressor fix?

This is the reason I've kept my E91 and E70 (the wife's main cars) on RFTs tbh.

Deep Thought said:

Bought a cup holder!

My 630i had the optional extra cup holder however the cup itself has been lost by a previous owner, so there was just the little silver bracket.

They're around £400 new and generally make £100 or so good, used on ebay. Got one that was just newly listed for £70. Seems in excellent condition.

No doubt it will piss my wife off where it sits but its detachable and not having it for completeness was annoying me.

Pic of what it looks like in a six series

A surprising oversight in the design process isn't it. No cup holder in mine and to retrofit is a faff.

[g3org3y]

d_a_n1979 said:

d_a_n1979 said:

All fitted (bar the prop bearing and handbrake shoes (not needed)

Pics in my Readers Cars thread

Hurrah, good effort!

Deep Thought said:

Yes, well pleased with that. Theres maybe a slight lift required in the rear but its only a few mms and i'll get that done when its in getting serviced.

Better pic.

Looks good, did you fit them yourself?

X5 is back in to the Specialist to get the waterpump done. Asked him to do the pulleys, tensioner etc as well. Hopefully will be done tomorrow...got the C-Max courtesy car again!

[g3org3y]

Gardening weather. E91 used for 2x tip runs. Estate practicality FTW

X5 still with the Specialist to have its work done so still have the C-Max on the drive. Next door neighbour (jokingly) asked if I've run into financial difficulties. Told him that unfortunately the NHS is making austerity cuts in light of Covid.

Edited by g3org3y on Saturday 26th June 17:36

[g3org3y]

Paid the VED on the 6 Series (£585) and Z4 (£340).

Another tip run with the E91.

[g3org3y]

Court_S said:

g3org3y said:

Paid the VED on the 6 Series (£585) and Z4 (£340).

Another tip run with the E91.

Did the VED payment process include lube as well?

Unfortunately not, going to set up a GoFundMe page.

Deep Thought said:

Similar here. Definitely the same on the six, and i think the Z4 is there or there abouts also.

Mine were a month apart.

IIRC the X5 is ~£585 too. Speaking of which, Specialist called today to say the X5 is done so will collect tomorrow.

Deep Thought said:

Took the drivers side door mirror off today. The base plate is badly corroded. Its aluminium so has the whole white powderiness going on under the paint and the paint is flaking off.

Took around 40 mins to get it off. Quite fiddly and needed to be careful not to bend any trim or break any clips.

Corrosion is particularly bad on it and has even spread to the back of the backplate entirely. Not sure its recoverable (or recoverable to an acceptable standard) however i've an electric mouse sander and have paint bought already for it so will give it a go.

Will post before and after pics when complete.

Edited by Deep Thought on Tuesday 29th June 15:07

I think the mirror base corrosion is considered a not uncommon issue. A couple I looked at before I bought mine suffered with it.

As Court S says, defo worth giving it a go yourself. At worst, the bits go off to a bodyshop.

[g3org3y]

The X5 is back. New waterpump etc now installed.



Absolutely filthy, may wash it over the weekend. [short arse]I might need a step to get to the roof. [/short arse]


Took advantage of the 15% eBay code last week so ordered coils to replace the whole lot on the 630i. Also ordered the gearbox mounts for the E91. Annoyingly, they've only sent one (ordered two obvs!)

[g3org3y]

Court_S said:

Fitted cruise control to my 130 and popped over to a chap for it to be coded / warning lights for the DSC to be sorted.

Easy install?

It's pissing down rain here today (and will be for the weekend) so unlikely any of the cars will be washed.

Shame

[g3org3y]

Court_S said:

And the most rock and roll purchase ever; OE car mats.

Where did you buy them from? Cotswold? I want a good set of black mats for the X5 (at the moment it has the rubber overmats).

[g3org3y]

^

Did you ever get your knob sorted btw?