Hi all
I've been lurking on here for a few months while I looked for an E86 - now I have one so thought I should introduce myself. Or rather my car. It's a late one, registered in March 2009, on 52k miles. It's a fairly basic spec, it has heated seats but not much else - but I bought based on condition, it's a really clean one.
So far I've had a full fluid and filter change done, including coolant, brakes, gearbox and diff. I had the coolant expansion tank and thermostat done at the same time. There's an engine light on which is an O2 sensor fault code - so it'll probaby need a post-cat sensor at some point soon. It's got a cracked rear spring, no great surprise expcept they were already done at 34k miles - although that was in 2013. I had the front ARB bushes and drop links done already, I might take the opportunity to do the springs and dampers all round as well as any other bushes and consumables whilst it's in.
Future plans include a stereo upgrade - it has the basic system, I've added a Grom BT3 but it doesn't sound great. No sure if I got lucky but I found the CD changer cables just by taking out the passenger side cubby box befind the seat - glad I didn't have to take most of the boot trim out to find them. If the weather holds I'll do a paint correction and polish some time soon. I also want to do a cruise control retrofit so I'll probably be bothering srhutch for a loom at some point.
I'm really enjoying the car so far. I came from VWs, I've had several Mk1 GTIs plus a Corrado VR6 that I still miss - but BMW ownership is just as good.



I've been lurking on here for a few months while I looked for an E86 - now I have one so thought I should introduce myself. Or rather my car. It's a late one, registered in March 2009, on 52k miles. It's a fairly basic spec, it has heated seats but not much else - but I bought based on condition, it's a really clean one.
So far I've had a full fluid and filter change done, including coolant, brakes, gearbox and diff. I had the coolant expansion tank and thermostat done at the same time. There's an engine light on which is an O2 sensor fault code - so it'll probaby need a post-cat sensor at some point soon. It's got a cracked rear spring, no great surprise expcept they were already done at 34k miles - although that was in 2013. I had the front ARB bushes and drop links done already, I might take the opportunity to do the springs and dampers all round as well as any other bushes and consumables whilst it's in.
Future plans include a stereo upgrade - it has the basic system, I've added a Grom BT3 but it doesn't sound great. No sure if I got lucky but I found the CD changer cables just by taking out the passenger side cubby box befind the seat - glad I didn't have to take most of the boot trim out to find them. If the weather holds I'll do a paint correction and polish some time soon. I also want to do a cruise control retrofit so I'll probably be bothering srhutch for a loom at some point.
I'm really enjoying the car so far. I came from VWs, I've had several Mk1 GTIs plus a Corrado VR6 that I still miss - but BMW ownership is just as good.


