My new 135i

[demas]

Originally Posted by Fishee

Tend to agree.
OE parts are just fine... they meet the same spec as BMW branded. Often the OE parts are exactly the same as the BMW branded part, minus the branding... since many OEs will supply the same part to the manufacturer.

Super, thanks for that - I'll probably go with the Bremi's then - they make ignition coils for a lot of engines.

In general with Bremi, Meyle, Mahle I'm typically comfortable. Bosch is kind of hit and miss.
Some other companies I'm not so familiar with.

[demas]

Received the new wheel speed sensors from a local shop. Came nicely packaged. Also purchased new hood gas struts which I'll do another time. With the current yen/dollar rate, some parts I'm finding cheaper than what I'd get in the US - rare but happens.


The two rear wheel speed sensors did look corroded when I took them out - could have possibly worked if cleaned and reinserted but obviously just replaced it with the new Bremi's.

The front right was not showing an error but went ahead and did that one too so all 4 sensors are new. The front sensor did not have gunk around it and looked clean so keeping that as a spare.

Job wasn't too bad once you get the wheels off - rear fender liner does not have to come out completely - just enough on one side to move it out of the way to get to the termination box. Front actually took longer as there were additional mounting points that required a fair bit of pulling to remove.

Errors did not come up after a test drive. Will scan and clear codes tomorrow. Also, want to see if the gas gauge thing is fixed - but it seemed ok on the short drive - I need a longer windy road for that.


Hopefully back in business.

[demas]

Forgot to mention - the Nav screen seems to be doing ok and staying in place after the repair so that's good.

I lost track of it with all this other excitement.

[demas]

Had time this week to address a number of items I've been putting off which includes new double-slat grilles, new hood struts and cleaning the headlight/side markers.

First, new hood lift struts made a massive difference. It wasn't as if the originals wouldn't stay open but wanted to do it for safety. The new Meyle struts lift the hood from about half way and changing them was straight forward.

Next, cleaned all the built up residue behind the grilles and popped in the new double slat gloss grilles. As with all aftermarket kits I've used, I knew they wouldn't snap in securely as OE but these were pretty bad - like they'd probably drop out on a spirited drive.

I realized that the gloss black coating covering the 6 tabs made them 'slippery' and easy to pop off. I sanded the tabs removing the gloss coating to create more friction and it helped some but not enough to give me confidence. Thought about heating the plastic and bending them more aggressively but instead decided to secure 600 grit pieces of paper on the edges to hold them in better - that seemed to help a lot so will be going with that for a while unless something happens. I gave them a good yank and they stayed put so let's see.


I then tackled the headlight covering using the Novus plastic cleaner I used for the Nav screen - my intent was to use the cleaner for the headlights in the future so today was the day. I went to town with the 3 step process spending probably an hour per side. I have to say, impressed with the results. It's good for now, I may consider the full wet sanding later but will see how this holds up. Will need to apply sealant on the lens tomorrow. In the first pic below, the right lens (passengers side for UK/Japan) had not been polished yet - so you can see the difference.


Next, pulled out the side markers (blinkers) to clean them up and in the process damaged the rubber seal attached to the light fixture on one of them. Had been contemplating just buying new since I got the car but it occurred to me that new side markers would disrupt the 'balance' - what I mean is that the new sidermarkers would overshadow the newly cleaned headlights by being crystal clear while headlights are 90% clear - if you know what I mean.

After polishing the sidemarkers which turned out pretty ok, I cut some 1mm sq. pieces of rubber I had left from the Nav project and used that to make a new rubber seal for the light fixtures. Will install back in the car tomorrow - should as good as new.


Finally, replaced the turn bulbs back to stock from the chrome style bulbs which the previous owner put in. Never liked the 'whited-out' look on the E82. It needs a little bit of amber... :-)



Enjoy..

[tracer bullet]

Good stuff. Such a clean car. Sorry to hear about the grills, how hard would it be to return them? I suppose they've been modified (sanded) already. I'm not sure what kind of plastic it is, thermoplastic or thermoset. I think that only thermoset would respond to heat and soften up and take a new shape...

[demas]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

Good stuff. Such a clean car. Sorry to hear about the grills, how hard would it be to return them? I suppose they've been modified (sanded) already. I'm not sure what kind of plastic it is, thermoplastic or thermoset. I think that only thermoset would respond to heat and soften up and take a new shape...

Thanks. I've done some modifications on them and they seem to fit ok now so I'll run with them for a while. Not sure what kind of plastic it is but much lighter than the stock grilles.

I also wasn't sure if the heat would make them bend properly and I risked breaking the tabs while doing it. Good to know about the differences in plastic - could have been a disaster...

[Fishee]

Originally Posted by demas

Thanks. I've done some modifications on them and they seem to fit ok now so I'll run with them for a while. Not sure what kind of plastic it is but much lighter than the stock grilles.

I also wasn't sure if the heat would make them bend properly and I risked breaking the tabs while doing it. Good to know about the differences in plastic - could have been a disaster...

Glue them with a dab of clear silicone?

[demas]

Originally Posted by Fishee

Glue them with a dab of clear silicone?

Didn't want something semi-permanent - I go through phases on grilles - gloss vs matte so may change them out again.

Did a spirited drive today and weather was good - so far they seem planted!


thanks

[demas]

Got the polished side markers installed. Cleaned the dirt on the fender, compounded and applied sealant for a more slippery surface to glide them back in. Worked great.

Some remnants of grit on the inside of the plastic which you can't really get to but happy with the results. If it starts clouding post some rainy days will just replace them with new units.


Have to say, the front end now really pops in the sunlight compared to what it was before. Glad to get it back to a more stock/clean look - been wanting to do that since I got it.


Next up barring no new problems are getting rid of these Yokohama Advans which are almost done for some PS4S's. Currently running 215/40 (F) and 245/35 (R).

Is that stock sizes on Style 261's? I'm hoping I can go 225/255. Will need to dig into that area next.

[blue135]

Many of us run 225/255 on 264,261, 313 wheels with no issues. Can't see it not working for you

[Fishee]

Originally Posted by blue135

Many of us run 225/255 on 264,261, 313 wheels with no issues. Can't see it not working for you

Yep, currently have 225/255 PS4S on 261.

[Fishee]

Originally Posted by demas

Got the polished side markers installed. Cleaned the dirt on the fender, compounded and applied sealant for a more slippery surface to glide them back in. Worked great.

Some remnants of grit on the inside of the plastic which you can't really get to but happy with the results. If it starts clouding post some rainy days will just replace them with new units.


Have to say, the front end now really pops in the sunlight compared to what it was before. Glad to get it back to a more stock/clean look - been wanting to do that since I got it.


Next up barring no new problems are getting rid of these Yokohama Advans which are almost done for some PS4S's. Currently running 215/40 (F) and 245/35 (R).

Is that stock sizes on Style 261's? I'm hoping I can go 225/255. Will need to dig into that area next.

How about chrome ring and black slats for grilles?
I've been thinking of doing this with some black vinyl.

[demas]

Originally Posted by Fishee

How about chrome ring and black slats for grilles?
I've been thinking of doing this with some black vinyl.

Chrome surrounds with black double-slats would work well too I think. Would probably have to mix and match parts.

Right now, really liking the current ones, sets it off just right.

[demas]

Originally Posted by blue135

Many of us run 225/255 on 264,261, 313 wheels with no issues. Can't see it not working for you

Originally Posted by Fishee

Yep, currently have 225/255 PS4S on 261.

Many thanks. That is great to know. Played with the idea to upgrade wheels but I just love the 261's so currently thinking to re-wrap with PS4S and maybe do some 12/15mm spacers to flush out. (ie, see last picture in post here - https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...hlight=spacers

Later Bilstein B12's and keep the M-Sport springs/drop if that config works.

[demas]

I've known about the golf tee mod for years but never did it on any of my BMWs.

Figured since the E82 is a weekend/project ride, why not try it out. In the past, with Bimmerlink, I've opened and closed the exhaust flaps on demand in my driveway and yes there is a small difference.

Here is the sequence of events on my cold starts with no mod:

1. Before starting the car, the exhaust flap located in the left-most pipe is 'open' as in the picture below. This means that this is the default position when the car is off. (I had always thought it was left closed, but I guess not).
2. Immediately after firing it up, the flap closes which you can hear as a 'clink'
3. Car runs for about 1 min 20 seconds, then RPMs settle down to about 780.
4. Immediately after settling down, exhaust flap opens up - again confirmed by the clink sound and visual inspection.
5. After this, the flap stays open. Whether it closes again at some point while driving I don't know.


Post golf tee mod, start up sequence stayed as above minus step 2 and 4 since the valve hose was disconnected and flap remained open.


I was pretty much underwhelmed as the sound was actually better to me in the closed position.

I really like the sound of the stock cold start and have likely gotten used to it. With the flap open, I'd describe the sound like shifting the main signature from 1Khz left to 400Hz ie, changing a little of that throaty mid range, to a lower mid-bass sound. To me, it lost a little character and wasn't significant enough so ended up reverting back to stock.


At any rate, glad to have tried this anyway.


Ok, on to the next thing...

[demas]

Ordered a bunch of little things from FCP for the F10 and the E82. For the 1, a new gas cap (the one I have seems to be a Blau part and is missing the strap and has been bugging me since I got it) and new door lock covers.

The door lock covers had browned - the same coffee brown issue that happens on the air vents. Always bothered me seeing them when getting into the car and when reaching over to grab the seat belt. Funny how such a small part can make a big difference.

Part Number: 51416975325 (L) and 51416975326 (R)

Shots before, during and after:

[Fishee]

Originally Posted by demas

Many thanks. That is great to know. Played with the idea to upgrade wheels but I just love the 261's so currently thinking to re-wrap with PS4S and maybe do some 12/15mm spacers to flush out. (ie, see last picture in post here - https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...hlight=spacers

Later Bilstein B12's and keep the M-Sport springs/drop if that config works.

What's happening with the B12 kit?

I'm curious... thinking about an upgrade.

[demas]

Originally Posted by Fishee

What's happening with the B12 kit?

I'm curious... thinking about an upgrade.

Not sure I'm going that route now or at least for the time being - quite ok with the stock M-Sport setup. But if I do, it will definitely be with Bilsteins and stock springs.

Had this setup (HD's) on the E39 540 and it was marvelous. Ran Koni FSD's prior to that and they were horrible.

[demas]

Cleaned gas filler housing and installed a new genuine cap with strap. Also, took off the right rear tail light to remove a dead bug that found itself inside - didn't notice it until detailing the car shortly after I got it.

Had contemplated how to get it out for a while and today tried a small rubber hose attached to a vacuum cleaner through the reverse bulb light opening only to find that I could not snake it all the way over due to curvature. After taking the tail light assembly out and shaking it, the insect wasn't budging. Thought about what I can use that would be strong enough to snake yet not mar the inside plastic.

Solution: GHS Nickel Rockers.

I play 10's and had an old set of 9's laying around. Used the ball end of the low E string and it worked like a charm. Was able to drag the insect back towards the reverse bulb opening and vacuum the remains out...


Should have done that before removing the assembly but got a chance to clean out the gap and remove old wax residue around the crevices. Now I'll have to clean the other side... and don't mention Blacklines - I actually prefer the pre-LCI tails :-)

[Fishee]

Originally Posted by demas

...and don't mention Blacklines - I actually prefer the pre-LCI tails :-)

100%

[Freewheeling]

Wow, impressive build. Look forward to watching this thread

[demas]

Originally Posted by Freewheeling

Wow, impressive build. Look forward to watching this thread

Thanks. Not sure it's that impressive considering the company we are in!

Welcome to the forums.