Cols E85 3.0si

[curvature]

Thanks for that.

I've had the pleasure of spending some time walking around that factory a few years ago. As a contractor I had a pass and they said feel free to have a look around, if the door opens you are allowed in. If not don't even try or you will be ejected off site!

Every car at the end of the production line was different and some of the trim was incredible.

 

[coldel]

Here is a quick shot of the VX220, considering the interior originally was beige and the steering wheel well worn! I designed the steering wheel myself, mix of perforated leather and solid with an alcantara ring at the top in blue. He also trimmed the two door pieces and did half alcantara half leather seats for me with contrasting blue and black stitching.

 

[1536Z4]

a certain well known luxury car brand in the Crewe

The guy that sprayed my car also worked there I have saved the trim my ride site just in case I ever need something done .

 

[Mr Tidy]

Cheers Mr Tidy sir! Saw you jumped in on the chap on PH too was wondering how long it would be before you jumped in
Interesting to see so many sellers claiming that bearings arent an issue on the Z4M

Well I didn't like to think someone might buy an MC assuming bearing shells weren't a problem because someone on PH said so when they definitely are! BMW might have fitted revised ones to later S54s but they still wear.

They fitted revised water pumps to N52k engines but mine failed at 60K miles.

Anyway I'll look out for your next project as that interior in your VX220 looks stunning.

 

[coldel]

After driving about in the car Im actually thinking of leaving the centre console aluminium, it adds a nice contrast I think...

....and would save an absolute ball ache of a job :rofl:

 

[1536Z4]

and would save an absolute ball ache of a job

I think you should do it oke:

 

[coldel]

Decided today to have a go at the headlights. They had yellow a bit and they do age the car badly if not completely spotless.

So got some wet n dry 600 1000 2000 grit paper. Masked the headlight up. And got to work.

How it started

I then got to some elbow grease on it. The 600 really did pull the yellowing off.

After going through the grits I got out the trusty spot polisher and mopping head, along with some menzerna 3-1 finishing polish and have it a good old buffing. Finished it all up by sealing it with Profoline ceramic UV protector apparently good for 12 months.

The pics don’t really do it justice, the difference in reality is huge. Took about 45 mins to do both

 

[coldel]

Gave the engine bay a little tidy up, removed dead leaves, got the degreaser out, cleaned the underside of the bonnet so on and so forth. Although it doesnt get the same sort of exterior pleasure of a car clean, its always good to know if anyone lifts the bonnet they are met with a nice clean well kept area.

When I bought this car back in June 2023 seller told me he just replaced the air filter element and done an oil service. Me being somewhat less diligent than my usual self trusted his word on the air filter element, whilst cleaning the engine bay I decided to have a quick look in there, and look what I found

Yep, a pristine K&N filter element! Checked it over and still in great condition. Will invest in a recharger pack at some point. But a nice little bonus all the same.

 

[coldel]

Had a go at the roof recently, it wasn't anywhere nearly as green as some Ive seen but thought I would take preventative action rather than let it spread and be a bigger job. Firstly gave it a couple of passes with diluted Gtechniq all purpose cleaner, this did shift some of the green that was forming. I then gave it a going over with some milton tablets in cold water. Have to say with some very repetitive work with the brush I have removed I would say 90% of it.

Im going to leave it overnight, I have some Gtechniq Smart Fabric ready to go on tomorrow to add to the water repellent nature of the roof material.

Unfortunately only took an after pic

 

[coldel]

GTechniq Smart Fabric on and cured...

https://youtube.com/shorts/NIB2XBdbs2A

 

[Darkangelv2]

As pretty as the brushed aluminium is I wanted to try a little something out. Purchased a load of self adhesive alcantara wrap and set to work. Did the two dash plates and door handles.

The middle bit can wait for the good weather when I can tackle it with the roof off and the sun on my head!

Hi Coldel,

Wondering how the self-adhesive alcantara has held up?

Also, which brand did you purchase?

Thanks

 

[coldel]

It held up absolutely fine in the time I owned the car.
It is black, it doesn't look black due to the crap exposure on my iphone but it is a nice soft black.
The adhesive on it is pretty strong.

I did order a few rolls of the stuff off amazon, I think it was this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B089M27T16

 

[Darkangelv2]

It held up absolutely fine in the time I owned the car.
It is black, it doesn't look black due to the crap exposure on my iphone but it is a nice soft black.
The adhesive on it is pretty strong.

I did order a few rolls of the stuff off amazon, I think it was this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B089M27T16

Really appreciate the reply - having just had the A-Pillar covers off, it was definitely a part i'd like to appear a little more premium!

 

[Sit]

Nice little read, do you still have this Coldel?? I followed your VX thread on PH - I had an NA then a Stg 2 Turbo, I was amazed to see how many people have made the move from VX to E86.

You roadster looks super smart, I was toying with a Royal re-trim on my wheel, as it’s a weekend weapon I thought I might go full alcantara on this one just to mix up the tactile surfaces in the cabin.

Like the windscreen wiper refurb that’s now on my list, I love OEM+ and currently in talks with a plate designer to reproduce a set of dealer plates and also a rear window dealer sticker - is it sad these little touches excite me….

Si

 

[coldel]

Car was sold last year ...

I retrimmed my steering wheel on the VX and the difference is awesome, given how much interaction you have with that car part I would really recommend it.

 

[Sit]

Oh that’s a shame, anything in the pipeline?? I hear you, it’s on the list for sure.

Si

 

[coldel]

Get another job first! Sold the car due to redundancy last year...

 

[Sit]

Get another job first! Sold the car due to redundancy last year...

Sorry to hear that, still active on here so will it be another Z4?? Your threads along with a few others have been quite inspirational.

Si

 

[coldel]

Thanks buddy, yes I wouldnt mind an E89 20i