Merlot Machine
Member
After much deliberation, I settled on a BMW Z4 (E85) for my first attempt at a project car. I say first project car, I already own a facelift E65 750i which I didn't intend as a project, and then it kinda became one out of necessity 
Having found myself actually enjoying working on my own car for the first time, I decided I wanted a 2-seater convertible and being a bit of a BMW fan, the E85 was the obvious choice for me. I liked the idea of a 'lucky dip' style purchase so used Copart's online auction.
On Thursday I took delivery of my 3.0 SE in Merlot red (110k on the clock), manual with beige/cream roof (at least I believe that is the intended colour, its currently more khaki green with lashings of stray merlot).
Lots to do:
- Failed its MOT in Oct 2021 and hasn't been on the road since
- Both ABS and DSC lights on
- Roof won't open (think we all know what the culprit will be there!)
- Mismatched tyres, cracked and unroadworthy
- Headlights in awful condition
I'm pleasantly surprised by the general condition of the car though - bodywork and interior are in pretty good shape for a 19 year old car which hasn't been on the road for the last two.
I plan to do as much of the work as possible myself, and in time plan to refurb the VANOS and DISA and essentially restore the car to as pristine a condition as my skills and funds will allow. This forum is going to be such a helpful resource for me, I look forward to being part of the community!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/199312116@N05/
Having found myself actually enjoying working on my own car for the first time, I decided I wanted a 2-seater convertible and being a bit of a BMW fan, the E85 was the obvious choice for me. I liked the idea of a 'lucky dip' style purchase so used Copart's online auction.
On Thursday I took delivery of my 3.0 SE in Merlot red (110k on the clock), manual with beige/cream roof (at least I believe that is the intended colour, its currently more khaki green with lashings of stray merlot).
Lots to do:
- Failed its MOT in Oct 2021 and hasn't been on the road since
- Both ABS and DSC lights on
- Roof won't open (think we all know what the culprit will be there!)
- Mismatched tyres, cracked and unroadworthy
- Headlights in awful condition
I'm pleasantly surprised by the general condition of the car though - bodywork and interior are in pretty good shape for a 19 year old car which hasn't been on the road for the last two.
I plan to do as much of the work as possible myself, and in time plan to refurb the VANOS and DISA and essentially restore the car to as pristine a condition as my skills and funds will allow. This forum is going to be such a helpful resource for me, I look forward to being part of the community!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/199312116@N05/
North West Surrey
south yorkshire
Attleborough, Norfolk