[Rustymage]

Hi,

I've recently dived head first into the BMW world after jumping ship from a 2002 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol.

330i E90 Auto
71k Miles

I got the car with the following options:

M Sport additions
-Steering wheel
-Suspension
-Sport seats
Lumber supported seats
F + R parking sensors
Folding mirrors
INDIVIDUAL HIGH-GLOSS SATIN CHROME
INDIVIDUAL ROOF-LINING ANTHRACITE
Pro Sat Nav
Lights package
Xenon lights
etc etc etc

The car has full service history at a independent garage. It had 71k miles when I got it, I've put on about 800 in a month.

I put the car in for a service (incl brake fluid) and diff oil change for piece of mind, next year I'll be looking at a gearbox oil change, power steering change and coolant change. Aircon might need doing next year.

It has a few stone chips under the front arches (surface rust is almost upon me) and some damage behind the rear number plate so its booked in to be sorted at a locally recommended bodyshop. I'd rather keep the body in tip top shape!

BMW refused the warranty on all the issues I raised with them stating stone chips caused the problems, even the paint damage on the rear number plate.

It also has a small hesitation issue (no EML) and auto headlights are always on so it's in the garage as we speak for a check over; it's in a BMW specialist.

Here is the mods I am planning on right now (small I know):

-Full LED swap with canbus bulbs for all interior (incl rear plate) lights
-CREE 20W angel eyes
-Blackline tail lights (brought from a forum member), should be here this week

Unfortunately the previous own kindly used sandpaper to clean the car and so swirl marks are everywhere. Therefore it's booked into a detailing place for a major valet with the following occurring:

-Protection Detail with Angelwax
-Stage 1 machine polish with deeper scratches getting more attention
-Gtechniq C1 and EXO application
-Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour
-Gtechniq G1 and G2 to Glass
-Wheel refurb
-Brake caliper & hub repaint

This month has been very expensive but the pure pleasure driving such a machine makes up for it.

Here she is:

I will update when new work is done, especially the polish!

Anthony

[Rustymage]

Here is a sneak peak at the mods coming my way!

[Rustymage]

So most of my package from Horizon LEDS turned up (the CREE angel eyes are 'to follow').

The LEDs make a massive difference. Unfortunately I managed to damage the plastic bulb holder so one LED isn't working yet. I am looking at getting it fixed; I moved the damaged one to the rear where they are hardly used. The LED roots are slightly bigger so I pushed one of the metal tags down and it snapped. The old bulb works as it still makes connection, however the LED doesn't.

I also broke a small bit of plastic from the rear number plate bulb holder (brittle I think, plus I'm fat fingered). I managed to super glue it for now and will order from Cotswold or flea bay soon. I'll fit once bodywork has been done, incase the body shop breaks it again.

A few tips from doing this:

• Use a credit card on the front dome lights to press the metal tabs
• Use a credit card on the number plate light on the opposite side to the hole to press the tab
• Carefully insert the bulbs to avoid damage
• A small plastic screwdriver type device is excellent at removing the light covers

[dragerboy]

Do you have a link to the interior bulb kit?

[Rustymage]

Originally Posted by dragerboy

Do you have a link to the interior bulb kit?

I got them from Horizon LEDs.

http://www.horizonleds.co.uk/oem-led...erior-led-kits

[dragerboy]

Many thanks.

[Rustymage]

New rear lights fitted!

[sleepysnake]

I like the rear lights. They do make a huge difference and make the arse look pretty good. Get rid of that muted exhaust and get a BMW Performance Exhaust!

Here's mine:

[Rustymage]

Originally Posted by sleepysnake

I like the rear lights. They do make a huge difference and make the arse look pretty good. Get rid of that muted exhaust and get a BMW Performance Exhaust!

Here's mine:

I was thinking of getting the 330i badge removed instead. I've heard the performance exhaust is not cheap..?

[Rustymage]

Went for a spin today as I was bored, snapped this!

[Rustymage]

Another update:

The car has been in the body shop getting her archs repainted and paint bubble removed from behind the rear number plate.

I will be uploading more photos as I get them from the workshop, however here is a teaser!

Sorry about the potato camera and small size!

[Rustymage]

So after a little wait here are the paint photos!













Overall the job carried out is excellent! However I'm sending it back because of some orange peel by the rear number plate aswell as a noticeable paint line when the sun strikes the rear. The arches are really good.

It's going back in October for the rear number plate area to be resprayed to correct the imperfection.





It's currently in the valet for 3 days so I'll update when I get some photos from that!

[Rustymage]

After a long wait on my part the car is finally back from its professional detailing. I have the pro shots on the way but in the mean time...


After Detailing



New CREE Angel Eyes



I also purchased a load of maintenance care products to keep its shine topped up!

[Rustymage]

So I now have the detailing photos I figured I'd share...











The coating on the car is amazing, water just beads off and cleaning is a breeze!



I also brought a set of pressed plates and fake BMW surrounds, looks good and doesn't have any M logos in site!

The last thing on my list was:

New hoops!



I haven't really got any plans for it now, I'd love a performance exhaust but it costs money!

The rear window is now causing me issues - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1318072

It's also heading back to the paintshop because the guy still has bits to sort out!

I hope you like the little updates!

I'll update again with new mods as and when

[Rustymage]

So since I last posted not much has happened apart from an oil leak...

On a weekly under bonnet check I found a pool of oil lurking near the oil cooler. Upon closer inspection I found it had been seaping down the block. The engine had used about 0.5L over the 9k miles I'd done so it wasn't too bad. It appeared worse when the outside temp was freezing, you could visably see the oil leaking.

£83 and the gasket was replaced, good price?

Next...

Deciding to wrap the interior in a Carbon 3M wrap, originally posted here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...4#post21330414

I'll update once I'm done.

Recently I've also purchased a second hand regulator for the OSR window as per my comments here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1318072



My next major expense is going to be a new set of mats, purchased upon receipt of my work bonus