Been a bit absent on here for a few months, work has been busy and life just seems to gather pace all the time!
Have been enjoying life in Z although not using it as much as I would like, few runs out to Haynes and Long Ashton Cars and Coffee were enjoyable and reaffirmed this car still catches people’s attention even 20 years on!
Tended to some bits on my list including -
Bought new oil cooler/filter housing, valve cover, eccentric shaft sensor and headbolts from Vertu BMW in order to attend to the preventative jobs. I did the oil cooler/filter housing, cleaned it all up, the old gasket was rock solid and showing signs of weeping, all cleaned in the parts washer and new gaskets fitted. Also took the opportunity to drain coolant out (typically lose a bit when doing this job) and the refilled and bled with fresh blue coolant suited to the aluminium block.
Haven’t done the valve cover as yet.
Front BMW roundel was looking quite sad so ordered a front and rear from BMW on eBay and replaced them both - amazing what such a small detail can make!
My fog lights were knackered - one was still working (just) but both looking real sad. Looked at all the options but in the end plumped for the blanking plates off of the M model. Ordered these up from Vertu BMW and they look so much better, the wiring etc is all still neatly tucked behind although having priced up replacements it’s unlikely I will ever be fitting a pair again!
MOT was due end of Feb, it flew straight through without an advisory and the tester said he had to physically look at the number plate to remind himself how old this was - condition was the best he had tested which was nice to hear and also reassuring.
It’s been a joy to nip around in, take it to work once a week so it has a leg stretch and mixes up my commute plus brightens the car park amongst all the hybrid salary sacrificers!
My time has however come to a premature end sadly, we have some costly bits to do on the house and with interest rates still quite buoyant it’s difficult to argue not releasing it from the Z. To be fair with the exception of having the front bumper blown over I think I have tended to most things on my list. It’s still very much an OE car except for upgraded wheels, and such a low owner example I think will always sit in a strong place.
So if you know anyone that wants a lovely, honest, 2 owner E86 please point them in the direction of my ad (on PH and eBay) but warn them to make a brew first……it’s a long one!
Si
