my 2009 128i base build

[Yvrbmw]

Make sure to have a tap set when you install the rear sway bar. The end link attachments on the hubs were corroded over and filled with crud when I did mine. I thought they sent the wrong bolts lol

[summitp]

Excellent call out. Thanks.

[summitp]

The torch and socket method...

One side bushings done. Putting the white line poly in. Haven't started to figure out the sway bar yet. I think I'll get the bushings all in, then mess with the bar.
Sway bars will be another day. Dropping that thing is not too bad, but as i could not disconnect the brake lines, (line would twist, didn't want to break them) i need to order those hard lines before i do the sway bar.
Torch and socket method works fine for removing the bushings.

[WeryPert1]

Nice. Replacing those crappy factory RSFB's was the best change I've made to my car. I also went with the 2-pc Whitelines.

[summitp]

Out driving around today, the rear end is FAR better controlled. There is a little bit more stiffness in the ride, but it is matches the front end ride wise better than before. Cornering is way more predictable, no more feeling the rear end move around in the middle of the corner. I did not like that feeling. I just want to go drive drive drive now.
Highly recommended. Don't sweat it if you don't have the special tool to remove the bushings. The socket and torch method works a ok.

Edit, after wrapping up my drive around town and on the freeway, with some good curves and ramps, etc... The word that kept coming to mind is composed. The car is far more composed.

Composed : free from agitation.

[summitp]

Man. Janky ass emblems are janky. No more!
Clean ones now on the car. Make me feel better.

[NorthernDancer]

On your post 03/23, pic #2. What am I seeing near white plastic tie wrap? Looks like major rust damage on a suspension arm.

[summitp]

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

On your post 03/23, pic #2. What am I seeing near white plastic tie wrap? Looks like major rust damage on a suspension arm.

Bit of rust on the sub frame and some of the arms. I went in and did a bit more thorough attack on the stuff after those pics. Basically trying to knock all the surface rust off and hit it with a self etching primer to stop the cancer.

[summitp]

I'm fairly smitten with this car. I've been driving it for about 5 weeks now, and the suspension feels pretty good. Still have some m3 bars to go in. But it really is a fun little car to drive around everyday. Past daily drivers have been E46 328i, e30 325ix, Porsche 944 turbo, E46 330xi, e34 540i, Porsche 928 s4, Mercedes e550.

This car is probably the most nimble and responsive car ive had. The e34 540i/6 was probably the best all around, but this car is sportier and more fun on a daily basis. Really digging it.

I need to get my ducks in a row to do the 3 stage intake.

I like this little car.
Canyon shot from today.

[lab_rat]

I really enjoy threads like this...it's so good to see these cars being sought out, cared for, and enjoyed.

Thanks for letting us in on the journey!

[summitp]

Originally Posted by lab_rat

I really enjoy threads like this...it's so good to see these cars being sought out, cared for, and enjoyed.

Thanks for letting us in on the journey!

I feel the same way, glad you are enjoying it.

Finally got back into it tonight. Threw an m3 sway bar on up front. The bar I pulled out measured 21mm in the center section. The M3 bar measures 26.5mm. The m3 bar came with bushings and brackets. Thanks ebay.

Pretty easy install. It's raining out, hopefully it's dry tomorrow as i get to go drive all over town for kids sports stuff.
I like Saturdays driving around the valley cause i get to drive my car all over, and i get to watch my kids play sports. Two of my favorite things.

Side note, got the 89 944 turbo running again the other day and got a new reg sticker for it today! Booyah!

[cerealwars]

Echoing what labrat said, seeing this short build thread is a wonderful inspiration to me!

I just picked my car up not quite a month ago, and similarly I've been through many cars. There's something special about this one. I really feel like it's nailed being comfortable, engaging, and just simple/affordable enough to work on and build. Keep it going dude!

[summitp]

Pfft, more to come for sure. Just today, when i was about home, i had a couple instances of lack of throttle response. Pulled codes and I just got the 2e81 code. No record of pump being changed in 148k miles. Bit of google Fu and i suspect a water pump job is in the near future. That'll give me the excuse to throw in the new expansion tank and lower radiator hose i have sitting on the bench.

Parts are in the mail. I'll do the water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, and several of the coolant hoses. This ought to just about wrap up a complete cooling system overhaul. The previous owner was kind enough to provide receipts of a radiator replacement in Jan along with a few other coolant lines. Now, hopefully current pump gets me around town tomorrow for kids sports super Saturday action. Fingers crossed.

[summitp]

It's party time!

[summitp]

Let it rain!

[summitp]

Out with the old. Bmw branded pump was still in the car. Mickey mouse fitting crumbled when i pulled it out. Now to bleed.

[summitp]

Well, i believe it's a success. Out for a drive and cruising around, no more pump code, and temperature of the motor remains steady when driving.
So, yeah.
Replaced...
Expansion tank, cap, lower radiator hose, hard line to pump hose, pump to thermostat hose, mickey mouse fitting hose, bracket that holds mickey mouse hose, water pump, thermostat.
Previous owner right before i bought it provided receipts for upper radiator hose, radiator. So this just about completes a cooling system overhaul on the car.
Fairly straightforward, when the car cools off I'll check coolant level again. If it's good, Ill call it good.

[Donkeyshins]

Is there a reason you are using the plastic/composite Mickey Mouse fitting instead of one of the aluminum ones that are available?

[summitp]

Yes, for the price, i get a new hose and a new composite mickey mouse fitting, rather than just an aluminum mm fitting. First one lasted 145k miles, the second one ought to last the remaining life of the car. I didn't see a need to spend $30 for an aluminum one and $30 for a hose that comes with a composite one.

[brake-fade]

If it hasn't been done, I would also recommend replacing the expansion tank return hose that runs across the top of the radiator. It does not age well.

[summitp]

Well, i have a leak, and spent hours trying to pin it down last night. This morning I saw it. Pin hole leak in the hardline to pump inlet hose. It's a brand new Rein hose. Pinhole size leak.
Frustrating. Guess I'll reuse the old one and install it this evening. What a hassle. ack.

[Donkeyshins]

Originally Posted by summitp

Well, i have a leak, and spent hours trying to pin it down last night. This morning I saw it. Pin hole leak in the hardline to pump inlet hose. It's a brand new hose. Pinhole size leak.
Frustrating. Guess I'll reuse the old one and install it this evening. What a hassle. ack.

That sucks. Hopefully whomever you purchased the parts from will send you a replacement.