E30 325i Rag-Top

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a40435258/bmw-m-csl-teased/ And a bit more information and pics here too... https://www.bmwblog.com/2022/06/27/bmw-3-0-csl-coachbuilt-car-officially-confirmed-in-first-teaser/

@BM WORLD what’s with that front bumper, not the usual MTech2 front for an E46 Coupe is it?

Yes, that part wouldn’t be taking any of the vertical load of the engine weight, however, being around the mounting bolt it would be taking a load under accelerating / braking and cornering. Not as high max loads, but more repetitive I would suggest. My concern would be it cracking around the bolt allowing more engine movement. That section has been beefed up and raised in the design for a reason… Probably not a “do not under any circumstances” more a “not ideal but if there’s no other way” fix.

Bugger, looking closer at your photo I can see how far out the top of the mount is, so yeah, needs quite a bit of relief there. More than I would want to take out of an engine mount that’s for sure. Is it possible to get around the pipe that’s the issue and squeeze it into an oval rather than round? Not perfect, but the change in cross section should be minimal, and look better than just bashing a dent into it..

I’d agree with M3AN, the mount looks like it’s just the heat shielding in the way which could be re-profiled to give more clearance. Worst case it means less of a tweak to the headers. If it is the actual Ali mount arm that’s in the way then I wouldn’t suggest removing any of that for clearance… just in case.

f**k me, not again. Been covered more than enough times in threads on thousands of different topics. Closed.

there are / were more than one testing cycle. That looks to be an ancient USofA EPA one for urban cycle, there will be a joined extra-urban (or highway in US speak). All slightly different to reflect different traffic characteristics of various countries and areas. Hundreds of different EU ones. But yeah, pretty sure none of them have anything near 50% idling time. Would be interesting to know how it works under WLTP when no two journeys can be exactly the same..? @Gaz not sure that was directly VWs fault, more the risk-averse reaction of most other manufacturers in the hope of not being fined.

And the traction control if you’re a bit heavy with the right foot.

Stop / start doesn’t make it any slower to get away, you lift off the brake and by the time your foot is on the gas the engine is running, it’s that quick (well it is in a new bimmer anyways). If it’s Auckland traffic, the car behind will be either texting, looking at Facebook, watching a movie, doing their make-up or eating breakfast anyway. Normally takes them ten seconds to realise the car in front has moved, it’s why the traffic is so sh*t.

I take it you are referring to the BMW having been built 3 decades ago..? The same is very much true of the Japanese cars as well. I would love to see some stats on vehicle reliability, not the JD Power rubbish which factors in customer expectation, but proper failure rates per 1000 vehicles for instance. Having worked with, and owned, brands from UK, Europe, Japan, US and Aussie there are horror stories and problems behind the scenes for all of them. There is a class suit against Toyota in Aussie at the moment due to vehicle issues. Worst two cars for problems I have owned were a Mitsi and Subbie - both Jappers! There is so much more equipment on modern cars, that has to be developed so quickly, that there are much higher chances of things going wrong. Doesn’t matter where in the world it’s made though, situation is the same.

Wow, I am very envious of the pace of progress on this car, not only are you doing things to a very high standard, you are doing it fast as well!!

@jon dee that looks like some 16 year old’s homework. I wrote longer, more detailed, reports when I was an under-grad on industrial placement. Mind you, that was when you had to do some work to get an academic qualification rather than open a box of corn flakes.

@kwhelan be careful, referencing scientific tests like that will get you banned from the internets!!

It’s not been too bad so far, between half hour and 45 mins each way. Plus it’s hybrid working now so only have to be in the office two days a week. Luckily we also have designated parking spaces provided both in the building and at the Wilson’s just up the street. Without that it would be a massive ball ache. Once I am more familiar with the route it will be back to making calls from the car as well which makes better use of the time - multi-tasking!!

Yeah true, race to the bottom these days very few people seem to want to pay for quality or service. If that’s all their worth then I’ll put them in the wife’s mighty 116d for shits and gigs. FWIW looks like gloss round the outside and the vertical slats are satin.

Genius Bimmersport thread, starts with a car, quickly turns to TradeMe and then ends up discussing which on-line sports service is best value.

Clean Car Scheme fees due to CO2 emission maybe..? Has to be paid before it can be registered.

What would a mint condition of LCI black grilles (genuine BMW) be worth..? Asking for a friend… 🤫

Ah, I see, that does make it a lot harder to assess the size of the problem. In all honesty there is not much wiring in an E30, so that helps (and very few modules). You could be right about the history, price your offer accordingly, could be a bargain if it’s a simple issue to fix.

I can understand your concerns with a number that high, however, I would look beyond that and focus on the condition of the car and give it a real thorough check on a hoist and test drive. If you’re new to E30s and / or not overly mechanically savvy find a mate to take or use an inspection place who knows E30s.

White is nice, but depending on your lifestyle and vehicle use can mark and stain VERY easily. Kids, dogs, DIYers and even new dark jeans wearers should probably avoid. Unless you have lots of detailing products and time to keep it clean.

@FritterMullins thanks for answering the questions and posting the photo, I’m looking to change the ratio of my 3.64:1 LSD in my race car to something higher. Just wondering if going from 3.64 to 3.73 will make much difference and whether it’s enough of a change to make it worth the hassle?

Yes, agree, that doesn’t sound right at all. Our 116d (pretty much same engine) is completely different when cranking. Yours doesn’t sound like it is turning fast enough to catch and fire. I would think that is your issue, and not the glow plugs.