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Dec 20, 2022 15:51:55 GMT |
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No photos to prove but I've removed all the pins from all four calipers, cleaned and smeared them with a high temperature lithium grease.
I took the BMW for a gentle spin around the block (roads were still wet from the recent frosts) and the brakes are definitely not binding and the dreaded engine light hasn't come back on.
I'm looking forward to the day the roads are dry and I can take the BMW for a proper drive.
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Dec 27, 2022 16:12:34 GMT |
I've been busy with Christmas and dismantling my MINI Cooper's engine ancillaries, however I have started up the BMW's engine a few times and I am pleased to confirm that it started and the engine check light hasn't returned.  Revving up the engine (once warmed up) didn't cause any issues.  Until the weather improves, the BMW is stuck in the garage. Shame.  |
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With a short break between downpours, the roads were dry today and I took the opportunity to take the BMW for a 10 mile drive. The highlight of the trip was to stop for fuel.  Yet again the engine check light didn't come on and the brakes are now definitely not binding. Apologies for the lame update but I am just pleased that the BMW is behaving itself. |
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I've decided that now, whilst I am not using the BMW, would be a good time to have the alloy wheels refurbished. Initially I considered doing a DIY job but I really want the wheels to pop and I've arranged to have them professionally refurbished. The place where I'll be taking them will remove the tyres, remove all balancing weights and residue adhesive, clean, prepare and re-spray the wheels on both sides (original colour), refit the tyres and balance the wheels, all for £70 inc VAT, per wheel. I've heard stories about people who had wheels done for £35-£40 each by some guy in a shed but I don't know anyone who would be willing to do the job (properly or not) for such a small reward. A more local company quoted me £100 plus VAT per wheel! Getting the BMW up in the air and making it stay there wasn't easy as my only axle stands are currently propping up the front of my MINI Cooper. I used metal ramps with pieces of timber on top to support the front chassis legs, then I lifted the rear of the car with a trolley jack set up beneath the differential bracket, then I supported the offside rear of the car with the factory jack, then, once I removed the nearside rear wheel, I supported the lower suspension arm with a couple of bricks and then, finally, I released the pressure off the trolley jack. The BMW is stable and the wheels came off without drama.   I'm dropping them off on Friday and they should be back early next week. The wheels looks deceptively good stacked in the back of my exciting* Kia Exceed.  In all the years that I've been tinkering with cars (30+), I've never had alloy wheels professionally refurbished. How exciting! |
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Jan 11, 2023 16:35:02 GMT |
The original BMW centre caps were very weathered and wouldn't look good on the refurbished wheels.  So I treated the BMW to a new set.  Much better!  I have also ordered a set of new gel "M" badges for the wheels, hopefully they will come soon. I picked up the refurbished wheels today. They look absolutely amazing.    It was pouring with rain this afternoon so I'm not taking the BMW out of the workshop for a photoshoot today. All I can offer is these two shots.   I can't wait for a dry day and an opportunity to take the BMW for a drive. |
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Jan 11, 2023 16:44:27 GMT |
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The wheels certainly do look fabulous. Out of interest, can you say who did them?
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Jan 11, 2023 16:46:24 GMT |
The wheels certainly do look fabulous. Out of interest, can you say who did them? Agreed, I ❤️ them. Wheelworkz in Maidenhead did the workz. |
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fantastic thread, thanks for sharing. Now time to start your other on the cooper.
PS. if you decide to sell, am actively hunting for a nice e46.
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Davey
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,968
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Jan 12, 2023 10:29:50 GMT |
One recommendation, wax or wheel seal the every loving hell out of the wheel centres. Replaced the ones on the better half's 1 series with genuine BMW items along with a lovely refurb, the car does very limited mileage. One winter and its needs a new set... Even with wheel seal and meticulous detailing. Gratuitous modern pictures.   Something about BMW's when shiny  |
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Last Edit: Jan 12, 2023 10:32:16 GMT by Davey
K11 Micra x3 - Mk3 astra - Seat Marbella - Mk6 Escort estate - B5 Passat - Alfa 156 estate - E36 compact
Mk2 MR2 T-bar - E46 328i - Skoda Superb - Fiat seicento - 6n2 Polo - 6n polo 1.6 - Mk1 GS300
EU8 civic type S - MG ZT cdti - R56 MINI Cooper S - Audi A3 8p - Jaguar XF (X250) - FN2 Civic Type R - Mk2 2.0i Ford Focus
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Jan 12, 2023 16:32:18 GMT |
fantastic thread, thanks for sharing. Now time to start your other on the cooper. PS. if you decide to sell, am actively hunting for a nice e46. Everything is for sale as far as I’m concerned, just depends how much you want it. |
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Jan 12, 2023 16:34:03 GMT |
One recommendation, wax or wheel seal the every loving hell out of the wheel centres. Replaced the ones on the better half's 1 series with genuine BMW items along with a lovely refurb, the car does very limited mileage. One winter and its needs a new set... Even with wheel seal and meticulous detailing. Gratuitous modern pictures. Something about BMW's when shiny Very good advice but it would take me a week to seal a set of four MV2s. They are an awkward wheel to clean and polish. |
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Jan 12, 2023 17:12:56 GMT |
These arrived today.  Fitted x 4 and one is spare. No, I’m not sticking it on the boot lid!  Now I just need to rotate the centre caps by 180 degrees. |
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Davey
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,968
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Jan 13, 2023 10:55:31 GMT |
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Looks great, even if you only seal the caps it will be worth it.
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K11 Micra x3 - Mk3 astra - Seat Marbella - Mk6 Escort estate - B5 Passat - Alfa 156 estate - E36 compact
Mk2 MR2 T-bar - E46 328i - Skoda Superb - Fiat seicento - 6n2 Polo - 6n polo 1.6 - Mk1 GS300
EU8 civic type S - MG ZT cdti - R56 MINI Cooper S - Audi A3 8p - Jaguar XF (X250) - FN2 Civic Type R - Mk2 2.0i Ford Focus
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Jan 13, 2023 17:03:59 GMT |
Today's money shot:  It hasn't rained today and the roads were dry so I took the BMW for a spin up and down the M40 and it drives great. The wheels have been properly balanced, there's no shake from the steering wheel and as for the engine, wow, what a peach. Love it! |
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Davey
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,968
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Jan 16, 2023 13:54:52 GMT |
Today's money shot: It hasn't rained today and the roads were dry so I took the BMW for a spin up and down the M40 and it drives great. The wheels have been properly balanced, there's no shake from the steering wheel and as for the engine, wow, what a peach. Love it! Just the right amount of low, what a great looking thing. |
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K11 Micra x3 - Mk3 astra - Seat Marbella - Mk6 Escort estate - B5 Passat - Alfa 156 estate - E36 compact
Mk2 MR2 T-bar - E46 328i - Skoda Superb - Fiat seicento - 6n2 Polo - 6n polo 1.6 - Mk1 GS300
EU8 civic type S - MG ZT cdti - R56 MINI Cooper S - Audi A3 8p - Jaguar XF (X250) - FN2 Civic Type R - Mk2 2.0i Ford Focus
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Jan 20, 2023 16:20:02 GMT |
I don't use the BMW this time of year but I pop out into my workshop once every 4-5 days to start the engine and let the battery charge. The workshop is located adjacent to my house. Yesterday afternoon, I stepped out of the side door and whilst walking along timber decking in my flip-flops (sliders, for the benefit of younger readers), I slipped (the decking was frozen) and fell. Nothing broken, just a few bruises here and there. Once I eventually got to the workshop, the BMW wouldn't start. The battery had it. The original battery looks like a BMW part. Could a battery really last 17 years? I bought and fitted a replacement Bosch battery, took 5 minutes.  Job done. |
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