Top tweaks / upgrades to improve the zed...

[Rix]

With my E85 seemingly back in good form after the DME saga, I'm keen to get it back on the road (MOT next week! ), but want to give it some love after a period of inactivity...

The car has v low miles but hasn't been driven/serviced in the last couple of years, so first on the list is a full service - was thinking oil/filter, air filter and fuel filter and will check the plugs - what's their general service life?? Anything else an immediate recommendation?

After that, what are the key things that are likely to see a big benefit from replacement/upgrade?! Car still has some (old) RFTs, and as far as I know has never had the clutch release valve or vanos looking at, nor any suspension/bushes work in at least the last four years. What of this would you prioritise, and what other ideas have you got for effective upgrades/preemptive improvements?!

It's getting a long overdue clean and polish today, so will at least look the part for the MOT man!

 

[brillomaster]

Service sounds very sensible. Check the brake pads and discs, easy enough to put some new ones on. Id definitely change the tyres. Run flats arent good even when new, let alone a few years old.
As for suspension, id do the mot first and see what comes up. New springs and dampers would likely be a good idea for the car to feel fresh.

 

[colb]

Full service, engine oil and filter, gearbox oil change and rear Diff oil change, then you know exactly what you have in there. Pull the spark plugs and clean and gap them if they are still in good condition otherwise invest in a new set.
Visual check of the brake pads and discs, maybe strip down and clean depending on what state they are in. Get rid of the runflats as soon as you can. Easy enough to pull the Disa Valve out to check its not about to fall apart. Good code reader on it will reveal anything else that might warrant attention.

 

[patriot66]

First thing I would overhaul the brake system inc. fresh fluid...no point in doing any other improvements etc if you cannot stop safely. Then refresh the coolant system : expansion tank, thermostat, water pump, fresh coolant, hoses/connectors maybe, radiator maybe. They WILL all fail sooner or later on a twenty year old M54.
100% do a VANOS rebuild and DISA repair/replace. Oil and filter, air filter, 6 x decent spark plugs (I replace mine every 2 years...they're cheap enough). Check condition of intake boot. Replace CCV...it WILL be brittle/cracked/oiled-up. Check camshaft cover gaskets for oil leaks especially on rear drivers side. Check oil filter housing gasket for oil leaks. Replace gearbox and diff oil. New dampers all-round and top mounts etc, new road springs if tired or broken. Replace front lower control arms and 'lollipops'. Replace rear trailing arm brushes (with limiters), any other tired bushes maybe. Check ARBs, links, mounts and bushes. Fit quality non-runflats, 4 wheel alignment. That'll do....to start with

 

[Chris_D]

A stubby aerial will make a world of beneficial difference!
:evil:

 

[M@_]

Clutch delay valve is easy fast and free, but not required. I’d add if there’s a clunk in 1st get new rear diff bushings. Actually get read to check all the suspension bushings, but there are a few known stinkers.

 

[dtrandall]

i would say plugs and coil packs. brake fluid and diff oil. not expensive but can improve brake feel, shift feel, smoothness and acceleration

 

[Mike6]

I think some of these things like new radiator are a bit extreme prior to an MOT and to get the car running well. Dont think you mentioned actual mileage of car but I would always recommend a good service , new oil and filter, spark plugs, air filter and cabin filter. Add to this a check of the discs and pads and give the car a brake bleed. Then book it for an MOT. Assuming all is well you can then look at coolant system, DISA etc.
Also if car has not been used in a few years definately a new battery as old batteries can throw up all manner of odd codes etc. Report back here on MOT and good luck.