My First BMW

  • Thread starter Thread starter mjt
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I was infact slightly wrong. The correct figures are that there were 2967 530i Sport Saloons registered in the UK. I don't think many were sold elsewhere in the world (The US for example only received the 2003 540i manual as a Sport model as we know it with M-Tech bodykit). If we include Special Editions and Tourings this number rises to 3751. Only 471 of this total had manual gearboxes.

I feel it is entirely appropriate that my 100,000th post on this forum is perhaps the most pathetically geeky BMW related post I have ever made :D
 
Well I finally picked it up and it's rather nice. Even averaged 38 MPG on the motorway run back home, although I was mainly pootling along at 60. We'll see how acurate the OBC really is when I fill it up..

It needs a new window motor and an oil service. It had an Inspection II over a year ago, and it's only done a few thousand, but I'd rather have some fresh oil. What's recommended for the 3.0?

There's a knocking noise changing from 1st to 2nd. It's a common problem but annoying. I just hope it's not the sub frame. I didn't rip up the carpet at the dealer to invesitage as it's glued down rather well. Hopefully some new diff and gearbox oil, along with a bush or two will fix it.
The 'box is quite stiff too, but whether I can convince them that 'sealed for life' is bull**** is another matter :p
 
Edge 0w30. 38mpg will be easily acheivable - its much lighter than mine. I tend to get over 40mpg on the Motorway out of the Z4,.
 
That's just ridiculous. It was showing 40 until I starting booting it and went off the motorway.
Who needs diesels, eh? ;)

Something which I found odd was that the radiator fan cowling is very small and the fan is clearly visibile, it seems weird that it's not covered properly..
Another complaint it that the A/C compressor is ridiculously noisy and vibrates the car when it's on, is this a sign of impending failure?
 
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Nice car mate, it looks weird on those wheels, definitely crying for some BBS ;)

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Go with 17's I don't think the car suits big wheels
 
Eisenmann (quad?) and wheels are on the list. I might just refurb the 32s for now and see how I feel.
The thing is I'm expecting a tax bill of €2500 for this and another grand for the Volvo some time soon, along with an equally eye-watering speeding fine, so I'll just stick with the oils for now :(
 
Whats the best way to get hold of genuine BBS wheels without paying a fortune? Can you buy a set of used good condition BBS LM for about a grand or so?
 
[TW]Fox;17523942 said:
Whats the best way to get hold of genuine BBS wheels without paying a fortune? Can you buy a set of used good condition BBS LM for about a grand or so?
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I saw a set of 17x9's go for that price recently, it's not exactly common though. No idea price wise for the CH's fitted to the black Z3 though.
 
[TW]Fox;17523942 said:
Whats the best way to get hold of genuine BBS wheels without paying a fortune? Can you buy a set of used good condition BBS LM for about a grand or so?
Click to expand...

Lol no, if you want BBS LMs, they will cost you a LOT of money. They change hands for £2-3k within seconds on M3cutters.
 
mjt said:
Eisenmann (quad?) and wheels are on the list. I might just refurb the 32s for now and see how I feel.
The thing is I'm expecting a tax bill of €2500 for this and another grand for the Volvo some time soon, along with an equally eye-watering speeding fine, so I'll just stick with the oils for now :(
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Get the Dual exit Eisenmann. Will still sound awesome and be cheaper. Less hassle too.

I have a twin exit box on my 318.
 
What are common offsets for BMW's Nick?

I'm glad my dream wheels aren't ridiculously overpriced! But even so parting £1200 for a set of wheels seems a little daft :D
 
[TW]Fox;17524081 said:
Sigh :(

Why are they so expensive?
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Sigh indeed.

I'm guessing because they are mostly forged, lightweight and in high-demand and imported (here anyway) all contribute to the sell your kidney price tags.
 
MeAnBoY said:
What are common offsets for BMW's Nick?

I'm glad my dream wheels aren't ridiculously overpriced! But even so parting £1200 for a set of wheels seems a little daft :D
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The offset depends on the model.
20, 24, 26, 41, 47...
Have a look here for the various BMW wheels and offsets.

As for the cost of wheels, anything over a grand is just silly. Awesome, but silly.
So as much as I'd like a set of LMs, I think I'll stick with some a bit more realistic. That, and they'd look pap in 17" and I don't think I could live with 18s without doing the suspension, etc and I really cba with that.
 
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