I bought this car as a Valentine’s present 3 years ago, but foolishly let Vall drive a 3 litre auto I’ve just finished restoring, so now the 2.5 has to go!
The car sits on MV2 alloy wheels. The fronts are standard E85 versions with 245/40x18 tyres. The rears are a common upgrade, taken from the E60 model, which have a different offset, meaning they fill the arches much better without the need for any spacers. These two are also shod with 245/40x18 tyres. I also have two replacement front MV2s, one fully refurbished and one stripped in preparation. These will be included in the sale.
The interior is in black, with black leather seats which are fully heated. I have recently removed these seats from the car and fully cleaned and recoloured them.
This car came to me with a partial history and in the three years since, I have carried out many extra maintenance tasks, both necessary and preventative.
New wiper blades, air filter, pollen filter.
Regular oil and filter changes.
Interior lights upgraded to LED, including the boot.
LEDs fitted to number plate lights.
Washer bottle removed and the filters cleaned.
New red third brake light fitted
Front and rear dampers replaced with OEM Sachs, top mounts replaced with Lemforder, bump stops and dust covers replaced with Febi Bilstein. Front and rear drop links replaced with Lemforder. Front and rear ARB bushes replaced with Febi Bilstein. The front suspension also received new top plates, upper and lower spring pads and knuckle bolts, all sourced from BMW.
Starter motor replaced.
Disa valve modified with a metal kit from X8R.
Vanos assembly overhauled with new seals, bearings and rattle rings from X8R.
Water pump, thermostat, expansion tank and oil cooler thermostat replaced and coolant changed.
Sound generator retro-fitted. One piece of foam removed for a bit more noise, but can be refitted if required.
Both front lower wishbones and ‘lollipop’ bushes replaced.
Fitted cup holders.
Replaced front brake callipers, discs, pads and sliding pins. (Managed to kill the left front ABS sensor during this, so new one fitted)
Roof motor relocated to the boot to prevent any future issues with waterlogging. At the same time I removed the drainage bungs from below the rear wheel arches to prevent future build-up of debris and water.
Roof cleaned and treated using Autoglym fabric roof conditioner.
Most recent upgrade has been to fit a double USB fast charger in place of the cigarette lighter.
Vall has loved this car and will be sad to see it go, but the extra grunt of the 3 litre, with its flashy red interior, has wooed her!
This car is a real head-turner and an absolute pleasure to drive. It handles perfectly and the engine pulls effortlessly.
Oh and almost forgot, it has cruise control too.
The mileage is 105k, which may increase a little as I will use the car once a week at least rather than just park it up and leave it.
Bad points? Not much really. Worst bit is a small area of paint flaking from the front left corner of the bumper. I know it can easily be repaired but have so far been unable to prise the keys from Vall’s hands for long enough to get it done! Plus the wheels would benefit from a refurbish, but they aren’t too bad yet.
I am happy to forward more information, my spreadsheet record of work done, and photos to anyone who expresses and interest.
Please note: the registration will NOT go with the car, unless it means something to you and you are happy to negotiate.
Forum price: £3650
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