Ric in RVA 128i Ti/Coral slow build thread

[Ric in RVA]

This thread is dead......as is the car.

Lots of good info though....

New thread to be started soon.......I am going over to the DARK side....

************************************************** **

Car is a 2012 that was German delivered.

Lots of options:

Titanium Silver Metallic 550

ZCV - Convenience Package - 1,650
-- Anti-theft alarm system
-- Comfort access keyless entry
-- Park distance control (rear only)
-- Xenon headlights

ZP2 Premium Package 2 - 3,400
-- Universal garage door opener
-- Moonroof
-- Auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors
-- Auto dimming rearview mirror
-- Power front seats with driver seat memory
-- Lumbar support
-- Interior mirror with compass
-- Ambiance lighting
-- Coral leather
-- glacier silver aluminum trim

ZSP Sport Package - 1,300
-- Sport seats
-- Sport suspension
-- Shadowline exterior trim
-- Increased top speed limiter
-- 17" style 370 w/ mixed performance tires (17x7 205/50, 17x7.5 225/45)

Heated front seats - 500

Navigation, BMW Assist w/ enhanced bluetooth & USB - 2,150

Harmon Kardon surround sound system - 875

They didn't want cold weather as they didn't want water spraying on the car whenever they used the wipers and they didn't want M sport as he said it isn't really an M so it shouldn't have M badges on it. In Germany he said many cars are delivered de-badged and this car never had a 128i installed.


Only had the car for two weeks now and finally got to drive it on a back roads this last weekend. A little Blue Ridge Parkway and some of the roads going up the passes.

Engine and Suspension are totally stock and what a wonderful car!!! Going to be hard to modify without going backwards in some way.

I can definitely feel the rear subframe wandering around on the bumps in the corners. So that will be one of the first mods.

I also feel like I am driving around the clutch delay valve. Almost like it has a mind of its own affecting the timing of the clutch. So that needs to go.

I happened to win some m3 control arms so that seems a no brainer modification with almost no drawback as well.

I'd like a little more auditory enjoyment from intake and exhaust without going to far and making it annoying. Have done the golf tee mod...my kids did that in the first 15 minutes it sat still.

We did pick up a Carbon Fiber Rear spoiler and have added that already.


Obligatory car photos:

[hoki06]

Good to see another 128i in RVA. You should bring that thing out to the track with NASA in 2016!

[Ric in RVA]

Felton was telling me you have one of these.

We need to hit lunch one day soon.

Ric

[Bimmer-Bob]

This must've been a Military Sales car, right? Only way a 128i would've been delivered in Germany...

Nice car, though! Love the color combo.

[Ric in RVA]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

This must've been a Military Sales car, right? Only way a 128i would've been delivered in Germany...

Nice car, though! Love the color combo.

Correct!!! It even has the triangle and first aid kit.

I love the color combo as well!!!

Previous owner says it was very happy at 140mph for as long as you wanted to drive it....

So I am sure it is bored now!!!!

[swagon]

First off, congratulations, sir! Very nicely optioned and the silver on red is great.

Interesting that it doesn't have headlight washers. In Europe, they are mandatory for vehicles equipped with high-voltage xenons (low-voltages are used only in a few VAG cars). Confirms the theory that the washers are useless.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by swagon

First off, congratulations, sir! Very nicely optioned and the silver on red is great.

Interesting that it doesn't have headlight washers. In Europe, they are mandatory for vehicles equipped with high-voltage xenons (low-voltages are used only in a few VAG cars). Confirms the theory that the washers are useless.

It's a US-spec car, even though it was delivered in Germany.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

It's a US-spec car, even though it was delivered in Germany.

I am very aware of this.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by swagon

I am very aware of this.

I'm just saying that's why the buyer was able to spec xenons without washers.

[Ric in RVA]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

I'm just saying that's why the buyer was able to spec xenons without washers.

Alright guys.....settle down.

Back to my thread....

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

I'm just saying that's why the buyer was able to spec xenons without washers.

I was pointing out the difference between the US and Europe laws and that headlight washers are useless. I should've said it better in my original post, tho.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by swagon

I was pointing out the difference between the US and Europe laws and that headlight washers are useless. I should've said it better in my original post, tho.

Got it.

I wish when I had ordered my car I would've just ordered the heated seats instead of the full Cold Weather Package. The headlamp washers are pretty useless...

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Got it.

I wish when I had ordered my car I would've just ordered the heated seats instead of the full Cold Weather Package. The headlamp washers are pretty useless...

I've unplugged them on the E91 because 1) the system was leaking, 2) they made a mess in the winter months.

Now I'm slowly sourcing parts to do xenon retrofit on the E82. Found a nice pair of non-AHL's not too far away from me.

[Ric in RVA]

M -sport perforated knob installation happening today.

Will attach pics shortly.

I figure one little M logo will be OK!!!

[Fume]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

M -sport perforated knob installation happening today.

Will attach pics shortly.

I figure one little M logo will be OK!!!

Is this the one that game stock in M-Sport model 128i's? I really like this stock shift knob. Tried buying the performance knob + alcantera boot and I realised I really prefer the golf shape.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

M -sport perforated knob installation happening today.

Will attach pics shortly.

I figure one little M logo will be OK!!!

The M-Sport knob is so much more pleasant to use (not to mention better looking) than the stock knob that I think the ///M logo can be forgiven. It was one of the very first mods I did to my own car. I do wish I could've gotten one without the ///M on it, but if that's the only way BMW sells them, it's not my fault. I do occasionally have passengers think I'm driving an ///M car, but oh well! I'm certainly not trying to fool anyone, but neither do I think I have to bow to snooty ///M owners who might object. Just enjoy your car, I say!

[Ric in RVA]

Shift Knob install

Old knob....



Unclip boot. Pull HARD.... It is amazing how hard you have to pull. Don't smack your self in the face or break anything.

No knob...


M Sport knob. Drop it on, give it a smack, clip your boot in.



Feels much better in your hand.


What a great car!

[swagon]

Pics ain't working.

The M Sport knob is good. I only wish it was illuminated.

[Ric in RVA]

Does a US delivered car have this sticker??



It also has the warning triangle and the first aid kit. Wonder what else is different on a German Delivered American Spec car?


Got a Carly and love it. Just tweaking little things so far. Mirrors folding, windows work with door open and car off, no seat belt chime, Brighter Halos.

What are some of your MUST CODE items on your car?

I need to get the idrive upgrade to get rid of the ACCEPT screen.



Nice

[Fume]

FYI, I'm not seeing any pictures here either, starting from the post where you tried to give pics of the shift knob.

[Ric in RVA]

Originally Posted by Fume

FYI, I'm not seeing any pictures here either, starting from the post where you tried to give pics of the shift knob.

Fixed...I think. Moved to flickr

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Does a US delivered car have this sticker??

Yes.