E86 one month ownership

Sulokim

Member
I bought my e86 around a month ago. It had just under 100k miles and turns out it was neglected for some time so there is quiet a bit that needs to be done. So far I've done:
- service - oil millers 5W40 and mahle filter, air and cabin filters (OEM)
- replaced spark plugs
- replaced solenoid valves
- replaced wishbones and drop links
- polished headlights - they were really really bad, now they look like new
- full alignment
I'm proud to say that all of that I've done myself (except for alignment of course). Less proud to admit that when mechanic checked it out, he told me to never touch tools again - nothing was tightened enough and I barely made it to the garage. Lesson learned and I'm absolutely going to try to fix things again.
Engine now runs really smooth, no more rev bouncing on idle and no more check engine light.

What still needs doing:
- something is wrong with steering angle sensor, 3 dashboard lights are on and no stability and traction control - already spun it once. It's booked for next week
- dual mass flywheel is knocking
- diff is also knocking. When it needs replacing, I'm planning to get LSD
- a lot of cosmetic issues - wheels desperately need refurbishing, hood has stone chips, all badges need replacing

I enjoy the hell out of it, take it for a drive any time I can. It's amazing how exciting driving it is, even staying roughly within the speed limit.
 
Well done on taking on the rejuvenation yourself. I do believe DIY is the answer to keeping these cars in top condition, when you can spend on all the parts it needs since you're not paying for labour.

Sulokim said:
Less proud to admit that when mechanic checked it out, he told me to never touch tools again - nothing was tightened enough and I barely made it to the garage. Lesson learned and I'm absolutely going to try to fix things again.

A torque wrench is a must though. And access to the correct torque values. Otherwise you might under-tighten large fasteners (as you did) and over-tighten small fasteners. A quality one like a Norbar (also sold rebadged as Halfords Advanced) will cost you less than an hour's labour and last you for decades.
 
E86s are a great drive, so I'm not surprised to see you are enjoying it. :driving:

Random warning lights aren't unusual on BMWs of this era. When the battery was dying in my current one I started it with a jumper pack and got 3 warning lights on the dash, including the DSC one. After fitting a new battery my BMW Indy read the fault codes and cleared the lights by resetting the steering angle sensor. Hopefully your fix is something equally straightforward. :thumbsup:
 
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