What did you do to/for your 1er today?

[low135]

Bank put a soft block on my card by 7am Bought downpipes, xtrons head unit, whiteline inserts, XHP stage 3, MHD stage 2 pack, and paid for a rental car for next week so my buddy can take the car in for wrap. Going to flash XHP while we're doing the muffler delete and 1M rear/quad tips this Sunday.

Super excited to make some big improvements to the car. Anyone going to Mpact east on August 11th at Pocono Raceway?

[crowtrobot]

Did a yearly drain/replace of the transmission fluid with Redline D4 ATF. Had parts to replace a weeping selector shaft seal, but I decided to just clean things up and monitor the leak - it's pretty tight in there and I'd rather not risk making things worse if I don't have to.

[YearOneOne]

Originally Posted by low135

Bank put a soft block on my card by 7am Bought downpipes, xtrons head unit, whiteline inserts, XHP stage 3, MHD stage 2 pack, and paid for a rental car for next week so my buddy can take the car in for wrap. Going to flash XHP while we're doing the muffler delete and 1M rear/quad tips this Sunday.

Super excited to make some big improvements to the car. Anyone going to Mpact east on August 11th at Pocono Raceway?

I want to but I think I will have to work. Fingers crossed though

[low135]

Originally Posted by YearOneOne

I want to but I think I will have to work. Fingers crossed though

Hope you can make it!

[HyeWarrior]

Dumb question.

I'll need an alignment after the subframe bushing install, correct? I'm asking because I may have a week or so gap between installing my bushings and from installing my shocks and springs. Wondering if I'll be ok without an alignment between installs

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by HyeWarrior

Dumb question.

I'll need an alignment after the subframe bushing install, correct? I'm asking because I may have a week or so gap between installing my bushings and from installing my shocks and springs. Wondering if I'll be ok without an alignment between installs

No alignment needed as long as you don't loosen and move the eccentric bolts on the lower control arm and toe arm.

[low135]

Caliper vinyl came in and it's a very close match in color. I've got black BMW lettering coming in for the calipers well

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by low135

Caliper vinyl came in and it's a very close match in color. I've got black BMW lettering coming in for the calipers well

Your car is going to look very... YELLOW! lol

Can't wait to see it!

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by low135

Caliper vinyl came in and it's a very close match in color. I've got black BMW lettering coming in for the calipers well

Quick question on this. I did not paint or powdercoat my calipers because I felt it would reduce heat transfer out of the caliper. From what I gather from your posts, you aren't planning to track your car right? So for a street car, maybe this isn't as relevant, but my concern with caliper vinyl would be trapping heat in the calipers. I would think that even paint or powdercoat would transfer heat better than vinyl. Just wondering if you considered this before deciding to wrap yours?

[low135]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Quick question on this. I did not paint or powdercoat my calipers because I felt it would reduce heat transfer out of the caliper. From what I gather from your posts, you aren't planning to track your car right? So for a street car, maybe this isn't as relevant, but my concern with caliper vinyl would be trapping heat in the calipers. I would think that even paint or powdercoat would transfer heat better than vinyl. Just wondering if you considered this before deciding to wrap yours?

Wasn't so much a concern for me as I don't plan on tracking or very seldom would I. But the car will see very sprited back roads driving regularly. I actually found that this stuff IS billed as caliper vinyl due to it being dual cast for heat transfer. Reviews on it seem good and 3M is typically a company that makes some pretty reliable stuff. Not sure I would have gone with another brand

[low135]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Quick question on this. I did not paint or powdercoat my calipers because I felt it would reduce heat transfer out of the caliper. From what I gather from your posts, you aren't planning to track your car right? So for a street car, maybe this isn't as relevant, but my concern with caliper vinyl would be trapping heat in the calipers. I would think that even paint or powdercoat would transfer heat better than vinyl. Just wondering if you considered this before deciding to wrap yours?

I'd also note that powdercosting is typically considerably thicker when done on calipers than this vinyl is. People have been painting and powderocating calipers for a long time. I haven't looked into it to really see but I'd think there would be info out there if the results were that negative.

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by low135

I'd also note that powdercosting is typically considerably thicker when done on calipers than this vinyl is. People have been painting and powderocating calipers for a long time. I haven't looked into it to really see but I'd think there would be info out there if the results were that negative.

I have no evidence to support this theory, but I would think that powder and paint would get a much closer bond that fills in small cavities better than vinyl, thus transferring heat better. Also, powder/paint would be a single material whereas with vinyl, you have an adhesive and a color layer. My understanding is the transfer of heat between layers of materials takes longer, leading to more heat buildup.

You said the car would "seldom" see the track. If you intend to track it even once, I would recommend trying to get some information on how their vinyl affects caliper heat transfer. You're putting so much work into this car, it would be an absolute shame if you had any damage caused by boiling your brake fluid. Not to mention whether the vinyl itself would hold up to that sort of heat. Can't hurt to inquire with 3M about it.

[minirips2]

Originally Posted by HyeWarrior

Dumb question.

I'll need an alignment after the subframe bushing install, correct? I'm asking because I may have a week or so gap between installing my bushings and from installing my shocks and springs. Wondering if I'll be ok without an alignment between installs

After installing rear subframe bushings, I think I have just the tiniest difference in alignment. Maybe a thrust angle is a bit off. I don't feel like it's enough to have an alignment done, especially since I'll be doing more suspension work, hopefully soon!
It may be that an alignment was performed previously that compensated for play in the original bushings. I'd do the RSFB's, then drive it. If it feels good, then don't sweat it.

[Zombie_Head]

Passed by the DIY workshop to say hi.

Nice E46 M3 parked outside, surprised that the rear luggage space is the same as the E82.

Was also surprised how small the gauges looked, but damn that car is sexy in person.

Shame that specific car did not have the rear subframe reinforced, cheap 19" tires, cheap lowering springs and the OE vanos and headgasket. That alone is €6K+ worth of work to get it proper again.

You can tell the condition of the car, just by the PO and the tires fitted. Paint and interior are flawless, good selling point.

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

You can tell the condition of the car, just by the PO and the tires fitted.

Yeah these sound like red flags to me. If someone will put cheap tires on the car, all other repairs and mods are also likely done on the cheap.

[Zombie_Head]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Yeah these sound like red flags to me. If someone will put cheap tires on the car, all other repairs and mods are also likely done on the cheap.

Most likely, first it is 2002 model and i am searching/interested in 05/06 ones.

Secondly it has 170,000 kms on the clock, it is a ticking bomb with regards to the vanos and head gasket.

Most likely there will be rust on the rear subframe and some cracks....too much if you ask me.

[low135]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Yeah these sound like red flags to me. If someone will put cheap tires on the car, all other repairs and mods are also likely done on the cheap.

I generally run pretty cheap tires (Achilles) due to changing wheels so often. Honestly I've found them to be much better than some of the more expensive brands I've tried. My buddy manages a tire shop and I get them for around $240 installed. Everyone I've introduced them to has loved them and moved to those being their go to

[low135]

But I guess if we're talking non enthusiast, that thinking will likely hold true for cheap tires = cheap repairs and maintenance in other areas.

[chris_flies]

Installed a CTS Turbo intercooler on my dad's GTI. Soo many parts had to come off, and it was just a weird way to package everything. Also put on new brake pads. Saved him about $1000 in labor with that.

Also changed my diff oil (after about 100 miles) and it was black and the magnetic plug looked like a porcupine with all the metal that came out from break-in. This time I went to Redline 75W-140NS, because it felt like it wasn't quite locking (might have just been me) with the Mobil1 75W-90LS. It feels a good bit better now.

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by low135

I generally run pretty cheap tires (Achilles) due to changing wheels so often. Honestly I've found them to be much better than some of the more expensive brands I've tried. My buddy manages a tire shop and I get them for around $240 installed. Everyone I've introduced them to has loved them and moved to those being their go to

Which ones are you running none of the performance tires come in the right size I use. 225/255.

[low135]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Which ones are you running none of the performance tires come in the right size I use. 225/255.

I'm running the ATR Sport 1, I didn't like the 2 as much. and I'm on 225/245

[rowsdower]

Finally finished installing my struts/springs in front (Koni yellows and Eibachs). Rears maybe next weekend depending on work, then an alignment and inspection before my first Texas track day (Sept 15!).

My 80k mile stockers. This car went through 6 northeast winters as a daily and lived outside. I am really appreciating living in Texas where there is no road salt!