Chris' 3.0

[Sit]

On the ride (and I know it’s an E86) but I have just swapped out my 18” wheels and run flat tyres to 19” wheels with non run flat tyres and the difference is unreal! I don’t think it’s crash at all, form yes but then you would expect that to some degree especially on M Sport suspension. If you like the wheels I would recommend swapping tyres out first.

Looks a lovely car but not sure about the holes in the airbox

Si

 

[Sit]

Apologies for above post I missed pages 2 and 3

Si

 

[ChrisGUK]

Apologies for above post I missed pages 2 and 3

Si

Haha. I was wondering what you were talking about!! :rofl:

 

[x-driver]

Update time.

After realising that my OSF damper was original a few months back I then proceeded to ignore it completely while complaining all the time that it was a bit 'crashy' over bumps and also noting the arch liner was getting mildly eroded (my wheels are a little stanced). Finally I have put 2 and 2 together and taken a proper look at it.
IMG_5727.jpeg

This bump stop has seen better days, but the spring seems solid. I've gone and ordered Bilstein B4 shocks and some generic (Monroe) dust covers and stops. I'm concerned that the top mount is corroded, but we'll see if it comes off ok. I'm fine with leaving the car up on jackstands in the garage for a few days if I have to order more parts.

I'd replace the top mounts without thinking. They don't look good in your picture and they wear out as well.

 

[ChrisGUK]

I'd replace the top mounts without thinking. They don't look good in your picture and they wear out as well.

Thanks for the advice. I’d come that conclusion as well. I had a good hunt through the service history and it seems that the spring and top mount were replaced about five years ago on the near side. Irritates me that so many things on this car were not done pairs. Am I the only one who thinks that should be standard practice?

 

[x-driver]

Absolutely

 

[ChrisGUK]

I have finally finished! New dampers all round, and a few other bits replaced as they looked a little crusty. I can report I am very pleased with the result - the ride, particularly on faster roads, is so much better.

I think the ride height is a little higher than before. I know without changing the springs this shouldn't have changed, but I'm convinced there is a difference.


I also picked up an eBay special - matt black kidney grills. Mine were cracked and these were significantly cheaper than the OEM option, and I'm not sure I loved the chrome anyway. For £23 and 30seconds install time I'm pretty pleased with these!

 

[Mr Tidy]

I also picked up an eBay special - matt black kidney grills. Mine were cracked and these were significantly cheaper than the OEM option, and I'm not sure I loved the chrome anyway. For £23 and 30seconds install time I'm pretty pleased with these!

They look much better IMHO. I was never a fan of the grey slats on the 3 litre grilles so I replaced mine on my previous car with chrome and black slats like the other models all have. My current one came with all black like yours.

 

[Meds]

Am I allowed to say I prefer the silver grills? :tumbleweed:
That Scottosh road trip looked ace.

 

[ChrisGUK]

Well, it turns out I’m a plonker.

I decided to have a good look at the strut to make sure I put it together correctly. Once I had the car upon jack stands and then used the jack to lift the suspension slightly, when I undid the pinch bolt at the lower end of the OSF damper it slid in further. I have ‘lost’ just over a centimetre in ride height with this adjustment. I wasn’t certain the near side moved as much but I think it also looks a little better.



While I was on a roll, I have removed the alignment pin from the topmount and cranked the strut as far inboard as it will go. I read on another thread you can get around 2% negative camber in this way. I’m going for an alignment on Monday to see what I’ve achieved! Looks pretty good to me. I don’t recall what my rear camber is set to; I don’t have any fancy adjuster plates so I think they just put it to ‘max’.

 

[ChrisGUK]

Am I allowed to say I prefer the silver grills? :tumbleweed:
That Scottosh road trip looked ace.

We’re all allowed our opinions of course! I wouldn’t have bothered apart from the fact that it was cracked and needed replacement anyway.
The Scottish trip was amazing. I’ve only really discovered Scotland after my 40th birthday, and I’ve been there three times in quick succession. Such amazing roads and scenery.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I decided I needed to use my Z4 more so I went on 2 trips to Scotland organised by B21 on here and had a great time, so I did 2 more last year and hope to do at least 2 this year as well. Living in the South East driving on almost empty roads is such a treat, and the scenery is spectacular.