[K9Leader]

Replaced the radiator on my 2010 E91 x-Drive auto - old one plastic developed a leak at the typical spot just above the inlet. Plastic was pretty brittle as the entire inlet neck broke off when I tried to pull the hose off. Not a problem as I was replacing the hose as well - did the upper inlet and lower outlet hoses, expansion tank and cap and small hose to the expansion tank. Water pump, t-stat, and Mickey Mouse flange have already been done. Appear to be no leaks and coolant, pump, fan all functioning as they should.

First time I've ever done a radiator so feeling pretty accomplished. Probably shouldn't say that (write that) out loud and tempt fate.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by K9Leader

Replaced the radiator on my 2010 E91 x-Drive auto - old one plastic developed a leak at the typical spot just above the inlet. Plastic was pretty brittle as the entire inlet neck broke off when I tried to pull the hose off. Not a problem as I was replacing the hose as well - did the upper inlet and lower outlet hoses, expansion tank and cap and small hose to the expansion tank. Water pump, t-stat, and Mickey Mouse flange have already been done. Appear to be no leaks and coolant, pump, fan all functioning as they should.

First time I've ever done a radiator so feeling pretty accomplished. Probably shouldn't say that (write that) out loud and tempt fate.

I agree, the radiator was surprisingly easy. the lower hose on the passenger side was a bear, but everything else came off easy.

[K9Leader]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I agree, the radiator was surprisingly easy. the lower hose on the passenger side was a bear, but everything else came off easy.

Yes, I ended up getting out the reciprocating saw for that one. I fooled with it trying to get it loose for about 20 minutes and then got out the saw - both the radiator and the hose were being replaced so . . .

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Gave it the ol' leatherique treatment. Messy but worth it! I need to fill in some small cracks on my driver's seat and touch it up with some dye. All in all though it's held up great for a DD.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by K9Leader

Yes, I ended up getting out the reciprocating saw for that one. I fooled with it trying to get it loose for about 20 minutes and then got out the saw - both the radiator and the hose were being replaced so . . .

That would have been a better plan! Unfortunately I did an emergency radiator replacement last month, so it was a new one I didn't want to sacrifice. This was replacing the hoses that I shoulda' done then. Next time!!!

[Buug959]

I just got back from a test drive. Yesterday I replaced the front control arms and ball joints. I can just about guarantee they were the originals from the factory and with 170k kms on the dial they deserved to be retired. The steering feels so much better now and the clunking over even small road imperfections is gone. I need to book an alignment now to finalize all the suspension work I've done lately. Oh and I installed a set of wheel spacers (12mm front and 15mm rear) as well to fill the wheel openings a bit better.

[tcphoto]

You need an appointment to get an estimate from a body shop now? I guess it's been a very long time since I've needed such a service, the actual work cannot be scheduled until September. I am clearly in the wrong business...

Update: I just received the shop’s estimate and the total is $2305 plus the $380 for the tire that I had to replace. Now to see what State Farm says and when to get it in the shop.

[LORDD]

From top picture to this …

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by LORDD

From top picture to this …

WOW! What process did you use?

[LORDD]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

WOW! What process did you use?

Lots and lots of elbow grease I used some interior cleaner I had lying around started with spraying it on then scrubbed with upholstery brush then , side bits with it . Then dried it off with a damp cloth . Then sprayed again used a sponge with a scourer pad to get at the side bits then worked my up and down one small section at a time . Then rinsed off with damp cloth then touched up bits that needed doing . Probably took 1-1.5 hrs to get it done

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by LORDD

Lots and lots of elbow grease I used some interior cleaner I had lying around started with spraying it on then scrubbed with upholstery brush then , side bits with it . Then dried it off with a damp cloth . Then sprayed again used a sponge with a scourer pad to get at the side bits then worked my up and down one small section at a time . Then rinsed off with damp cloth then touched up bits that needed doing . Probably took 1-1.5 hrs to get it done

Well it paid off handsomely!!!

[Buug959]

I washed all the bug guts off of it that I picked up last night on my test drive. I killed a lot of bugs! It was fun. It's also booked in for an alignment and provincial safety inspection Saturday morning. I had to renew the registration as well, expires end of July. With all that taken care of it should be good to go for a little road trip (about 2400 kms round trip) later this month. I'm off to Montreal to see Shinedown. It'll be only the second show since Covid started. I'm excited. Maybe there'll be some moshing! One can only hope.

[Soden82]

Installed a front wilwood big brake setup I got off a forum member. Now I need to find a rear set up to go with it!

[LORDD]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Well it paid off handsomely!!!

Thanks I'm very pleased the passenger one is not to bad but will do it to match . The rear ones are quite bad but not as bad as the drivers was. Will do them in next few weeks .

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by tcphoto

You need an appointment to get an estimate from a body shop now? I guess it's been a very long time since I've needed such a service, the actual work cannot be scheduled until September. I am clearly in the wrong business...

Update: I just received the shop’s estimate and the total is $2305 plus the $380 for the tire that I had to replace. Now to see what State Farm says and when to get it in the shop.

Definitely get the M-sport bumper. Don't mention that to the insurance but rather tell the shop to order that bumper instead. That's what i did when i had to replace mine.

Shop is quoting you for the re-bar as well im assuming. Make sure that they know you will check that the re-bar was replaced. Many times they dont replace it as there is no damge to it, but they charge the insurance for a new one.

And finally, if you do get a m-tech rear, go with a satin black paint diffuser look. Dont use the stock corner sticker that come with the original diffuser. Tell the shop to paint it instead. And paint the upper center trim piece same color as body.

[tcphoto]

Yes, the list of replacement parts include the rebar, I plan on buying the bumper and have a shop that will paint it. I can install it myself if needed. I see the diffusor is black but would it be smart to have it sprayed BSM also?

[LORDD]

Tonight I did yep you guessed it more cleaning this time the passenger and rear seatbelts then removed 3 oil stains from the carpet .

[LORDD]

Today after Finnally getting my interior clean and I'm happy with it for now and having to wait for starter button to turn up I finally have done the job that has bugged me since I got the car get rid of the wooden trim and replace it with silver hex trim soo much better .
Before

[LORDD]

After 😀

[tcphoto]

I received payment from State Farm for the hit and run from a week ago and immediately ordered the MTech bumper. Hopefully, it will arrive in a week and go directly to paint. Would you recommend painting the diffusor BSM or leave it as it is? The picture is from their website.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by LORDD

After 😀

Looking good! If you don't smoke, consider swapping in an accessory tray. It's one of my favorite upgrades!

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...rt-51167132376

[Brian86]

Fresh oil. 330k.

I started wiping oil off the trap door and bottom oil pan... before remembering what a stupid task that is, considering the fantastic mess sitting on top of the aero trays :/