What have you done to your E89 today

Caliper painting has taken place! Despite cleaning, sanding and cleaning, I found painting these to be an absolute PITA. I kept getting contamination in the same spots, with fisheyes appearing. I ended up using a brush to “force” the application of paint in these areas, speckling the finish to closely match the sprayed areas. One fully cured I will give a quick final blow over with the spray to give a uniform finish.

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Matt.rowley.1990 said:
Caliper painting has taken place! Despite cleaning, sanding and cleaning, I found painting these to be an absolute PITA. I kept getting contamination in the same spots, with fisheyes appearing. I ended up using a brush to “force” the application of paint in these areas, speckling the finish to closely match the sprayed areas. One fully cured I will give a quick final blow over with the spray to give a uniform finish.

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The fish eyes are contaminated areas..usually it’s oil that’s been absorbed into micro pockets in the casting..
 
Arguably one of the best oils you can buy for a beefed up turbo’ BMW…if Carlsberg did engine oil…

BMW Longlife-04 formal approval is on the front label (not just “meets”), alongside API SP, ACEA C3 and dexos2 with a printed licence number (D20583HI081) — genuine licensed stock

Poly Alpha Olefin base…

Germans know how to make oil..IMG_2548.jpegIMG_2549.jpeg
 
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B21 said:
The fish eyes are contaminated areas..usually it’s oil that’s been absorbed into micro pockets in the casting..
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Indeed. No amount of panel wipe, brake cleaner or degreaser would help. As you say, I came to the conclusion it was leeching from the casting. Either way, they’re uniformly covered now and I’m happy with the result. I’ll see about fitting them over the weekend.
 
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Matt.rowley.1990 said:
Indeed. No amount of panel wipe, brake cleaner or degreaser would help. As you say, I came to the conclusion it was leeching from the casting. Either way, they’re uniformly covered now and I’m happy with the result. I’ll see about fitting them over the weekend.
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Have you done a final clear coat on them?
 
ARCS said:
Have you done a final clear coat on them?
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I haven’t and I keep considering it. The paint I’ve bought is designed for brakes and is high temperature rated. I’m just worried that the solvents in the lacquer could soften the paint and cause the fisheyes to return. A tough choice!
 
Speaking of the brakes, any tips or nuances when it comes to bleeding the new 340mm calipers on the E89? I know it’s a case of inner bleed nipple, then outer but if there’s anything else to be aware of, I’d appreciate knowing.
 
Front suspension refresh - Bilstein B8 + Suplex M Sport equivalent spring.

MOT advisory 'corrosion' on the rear shocks so I did those a few weeks back. Then you may as well do the fronts but waited until weather cooled as trying to remove stubborn nuts in 30 degrees plus heat means you end up sweating your own nuts off!

Princely sum of £76.35 for the spring compressor and as already documented here, it's a godsend. It isn't branded Vevor but seems there's just a single pattern anyway. I've never done springs before and likely won't ever again but it's reassuring to know that your front teeth are completely safe! So worth it even if I chuck it as I'd rather it didn't just take up space.

Still waiting for BMW Online to send the new long bolts I ordered on Sunday through so that I can finish the job - hopefully here tomorrow. I struggled to get one of them out and as the head is now slightly damaged, I am reluctant to re-use it.

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Matt.rowley.1990 said:
What was needed to get her through in the end? I know you mentioned it was emissions holding you up.
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Well last year a different MOT station said the emissions was very close and had to warm the car up thoroughly to get it through.. CATS die with age and use.. this year..no issues with CATS..but..the front adjustable drop links I bought at great cost in 2022 ish the rubber boots were split ..eagle eyed MOT tester..also the tyres they were spiffy about despite over 3mm+ of tread..usual inside wear despite modest camber.. !1784908072593.png
 
B21 said:
Picky / responsible MOT tester failed the car on split boots on the drop links..

Plus whining about tyres with over 3mm over the whole tyres…anyway planned to change them out as they had started white lining.

So fresh booties and drop links fitted

235/40 19 and 275/35 19 on 437Ms…up 5 on the profile….just about as much as you can stuff in the front end…very tight everywhere…consequences of using E90 M3 control arms and Ohlins Road n Track shocks and Shelby Mustang BBK..



New drop links are much better designed..nice little Allen key’d recess to hold the ends whilst torquing down.



First test flight shows a marked improvement in ride quality with that extra 5 profile…tried 32/34 psi but will go 34/34 psi to see if that reduces road camber induced pull on the steering…



Front right spring collar seized so any preload twiddling will wait till winter.
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Question B21 on your tyres - how tight are the fronts with 235/40 ? I have the 326M style 19" and they look tight already on 225/35?
TIA
 
NS66 said:
Question B21 on your tyres - how tight are the fronts with 235/40 ? I have the 326M style 19" and they look tight already on 225/35?
TIA
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It's very tight..I need to add 5mm spacer to the 29mm offset on the 437M to help clear (just) the brake pack..this on full lock causes the tyre JUST to rub on the liner..more a kiss..I would imagine a326M without spacer would clear a fraction more..but if not a 5mm spacer may be needed..FWI a 245/40 19 rubs a lot!..sadly..
 
Took the 35i for its mot today and after 8 years in my ownership its just had its 8th pass with me, always serviced and repaired when ever needed although it can be painful on the old wallet.
As the years have gone and life has got busy this last year was the least I had done at only 1800 miles, sad really but all those miles have been fun and with a big with the full 375bhp and its Milltek exhaust sounds, beautiful 😍

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It will be a sad day when she goes up for sale next year to facilitate my possible retirement 😢
 
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