Since I bought my 03 3.0 i in June I have been following the site closely and made modiifications in line with the various recommendations
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Being somewhat of an oldie i.e. late fifties I am not really bothered about cosmetic mods ( e.g. I am quite happy with the curly aerial) but was looking to do mainly low cost mods that would improve the overall experience. I am sure everyone will have their own view but as a recent newbie, here are my views that other newbies may consider. I have given each a score out of 10 after the comments.
1, Changed Bridgestone Potenzas run flats for Falken 452 non run flats. Happy withe the Falkens much and smoother ride. Needed to change front tyres as worn then became unhappy that the tyres were mixed i,e Run flats rear non RFTs front .Much less "crashy" (8)
2. Clutch delay valve (CDV) removed. Cost half an hours labour from Indy. Can't honestly say I noticed a huge amount of difference but probably worth the £40 it cost. (6)
3. Removed foam nearest bulkhead from sound generator. A nice no cost mod. Makes a lovely sound now when accelerating but still Ok when idling about and doesn't worry the missus or make droning noise (9)
4. Changed gear knob today to ZHP. A real must in my book.(thought it might be difficult and was going to get son to do but it was easy and tiook me less than 2 mins to remove and replace) Found the supplied gear knob too big but more importantly gear changing was a bit hit and miss. Often could not locate gear properly. ZHP £42 100% improvement. After all it is the main tactile contact wit the the car (Ok after the steering wheel which I think will be too costly to replace) As an aside went to local BMW dealership yesterday and all new model BMW manuals had a ZHP with M logo -even though they were not Ms.(10)
5. I have also clay barred (first time I have done anything like that) Autoglym Clay bar kit. Well worthy it if bought a car which has been kept outside.Now paintwork feels smooth and looks good (9)
6. Treated the leather to get rid of scuffs with Scuffmaster treatment (7)
So I think after 2 months or so that's "me done". I can't really think there is anything else I want to do to the car-just to enjoy it and the weather whilst it lasts.
As I say personal scores out of 10- would be interested what others think and also if other "essential" mods are to be added to list as the debate may help other newbies (or would have helped me!)
Thanks
.
Being somewhat of an oldie i.e. late fifties I am not really bothered about cosmetic mods ( e.g. I am quite happy with the curly aerial) but was looking to do mainly low cost mods that would improve the overall experience. I am sure everyone will have their own view but as a recent newbie, here are my views that other newbies may consider. I have given each a score out of 10 after the comments.
1, Changed Bridgestone Potenzas run flats for Falken 452 non run flats. Happy withe the Falkens much and smoother ride. Needed to change front tyres as worn then became unhappy that the tyres were mixed i,e Run flats rear non RFTs front .Much less "crashy" (8)
2. Clutch delay valve (CDV) removed. Cost half an hours labour from Indy. Can't honestly say I noticed a huge amount of difference but probably worth the £40 it cost. (6)
3. Removed foam nearest bulkhead from sound generator. A nice no cost mod. Makes a lovely sound now when accelerating but still Ok when idling about and doesn't worry the missus or make droning noise (9)
4. Changed gear knob today to ZHP. A real must in my book.(thought it might be difficult and was going to get son to do but it was easy and tiook me less than 2 mins to remove and replace) Found the supplied gear knob too big but more importantly gear changing was a bit hit and miss. Often could not locate gear properly. ZHP £42 100% improvement. After all it is the main tactile contact wit the the car (Ok after the steering wheel which I think will be too costly to replace) As an aside went to local BMW dealership yesterday and all new model BMW manuals had a ZHP with M logo -even though they were not Ms.(10)
5. I have also clay barred (first time I have done anything like that) Autoglym Clay bar kit. Well worthy it if bought a car which has been kept outside.Now paintwork feels smooth and looks good (9)
6. Treated the leather to get rid of scuffs with Scuffmaster treatment (7)
So I think after 2 months or so that's "me done". I can't really think there is anything else I want to do to the car-just to enjoy it and the weather whilst it lasts.
As I say personal scores out of 10- would be interested what others think and also if other "essential" mods are to be added to list as the debate may help other newbies (or would have helped me!)
Thanks
