NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted September 29, 2021 3 hours ago, M3AN said: 🤨 je ne comprends pas? The one I linked to is genuine BMW, it's exactly the one I purchased, and they're not handed, the LHD and RHD steering wheels are exactly the same part, as are the fittings and accessories. If you like it, pull the trigger with confidence, even the product page says it's genuine BMW. The original piece is listed as both lhd/rhd on schmiedmann. The Alcantara one says lhd only, so I was reluctant to order it even though I couldn't work out what was different. Good to know it fits. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3AN 4016 Report post Posted September 29, 2021 8 hours ago, NZ_InFerno said: The original piece is listed as both lhd/rhd on schmiedmann. Ahh, gotcha! Although I no longer "notice" mine it wears better than the rubberised plastic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted September 30, 2021 (edited) Yeah, I thought it would wear better, plus match the other bmw alcantara pieces I've got. But now I've ordered a bunch of interior pieces the only thing that will be looking worn is the steering wheel. Which I now want to either repair(I need to investigate this) or replace. A replacement is likely to come with an insert, so I'll look around and see what's out there. I've got 40 days to add the insert to my Schmiedmann order anyway 😅 Edited September 30, 2021 by NZ_InFerno 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Navin 180 Report post Posted September 30, 2021 I had the same dilemma when I had the 135i so ended up stitching on one of those Alcantara covers onto my steering wheel which matched the insert, turned out great 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted September 30, 2021 (edited) 13 hours ago, Navin said: I had the same dilemma when I had the 135i so ended up stitching on one of those Alcantara covers onto my steering wheel which matched the insert, turned out great Nice @Navin, does the Alcantara insert have a spot for the M badge or have you glued it on? Do you have a link for the wheel cover? How much thicker is it over stock? Yours looks a bit thinner than others I've looked at, which make the wheel look quite chunky. Edited September 30, 2021 by NZ_InFerno Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Navin 180 Report post Posted October 1, 2021 I ended up just gluing the badge on. It was certainly a bit thicker than stock but wasn't too dramatic and I actually preferred the feel of it with the wrap. Got it off aliexpress, and was quite impressed with the quality of it. When I ordered there was an option not to have the red marker so went with that and gray stitching to match the m performance handbrake boot. https://m.aliexpress.com/item/4000353458798.html?spm=a2g0n.orderlist-amp.item.4000353458798&aff_trace_key=a5984e33e7c74834b3e1f9b9d2cd9279-1633048375630-03435-UneMJZVf&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=469amp-IjdStVzOGrc4vGFT-866qw1633048414021&browser_id=8b1b3873a0904a4aa6bf8d9ca9c4d1af&is_c=N 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted October 1, 2021 This looks like an awesome option. I'm going to message them and see if they have any without the stripe. Thanks! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HJ130i 12 Report post Posted October 2, 2021 https://www.eastdetailing.com/ I’ve got a cover from these guys - looks and feels awesome (I got the faux alcantara). took the wheel off to instal, took me a good few hours of stitching, but it worth it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted March 7, 2022 Hello, from the other side(of the world) ps I placed this order in September 😫 1 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted March 7, 2022 All parts arrived from Schmiedmann undamaged thankfully, but it was an absolute mission to get them to ship the order to me due to parts out of stock, then me adding more parts to the order and probably a fair bit of lost in translation and assumptions. Next time I'll definitely order parts that are in stock lol. Bit of an update, cars been running fine with no issues. Currently have an absolute pile of parts in the garage and house to throw at the car, including the sump gasket/motor mounts which I've been trying to get done for more than a year now 😅 It's nearly happened a few times and I will again say that it'll get done, probably after covid now realistically. Other mechanical parts are the new rotors and brake pads plus brake sensors. Nothing really wrong with the current ones so they'll get done after covid too! I've been ordering cosmetic parts for the car for the last 6 months and finally most have arrived. It's well overdue, as the car was not as cosmetically tidy as I would have liked since buying it a couple years ago, but the unexpected mechanical issues and servicing have been the priority. I've fitted some over the new year, including this nice new idrive surround fresh from the dealer. The old one was pretty worn. Also gave the car interior a thorough detail, with my new cleaning supplies, and started exterior ceramic spray with a regular clean(yay snow foam) and its really been looking good over summer. Pic from Hardpark in January. Also replaced my Work Emotion centre caps with new ones as made the mistake of pressure washing the old ones a bit too closely 😅 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) Schmiedmann parts that arrived today: Msport Gearknob New oem Indicators New bmw fuel filler cap Alcantara Wheel insert BMWP 🤤 I've also had factory H8 bulbs and new factory tweeters from fcpeuro sitting here for a month, a new stock wheel insert(long story) and a new leather steering wheel cover from Mewant too. So once all this is done, it's going to be a very fresh interior. Still waiting on the new grills from Schmiedmann but otherwise everything's here to significantly improve the outside and inside cosmetically. Started fitting some bits today: Old gear knob vs New gear knob, I would highly, highly recommend this Msport knob if only for the incredible shift feel. Its such an improvement it literally feels like I've put a new gearbox in the car. I've changed gearbox oil, upgraded shifter bushings and the shift has felt better than when I purchased with each one but not brilliant. Now it's brilliant. And actually fits my hand unlike the BMWP knob which shifted nicely but way too smol. The 130i has smelt of fuel the last couple of months after longer drives, found that it was coming from the fuel cap. Which as you can see below, is not only missing the attaching plastic but the rubber seal is pretty deteriorated. Next job when the weather clears are these bad boys, they're very yellow even after being polished a couple times. New ones slot right in, hopefully 😂 Edited March 7, 2022 by NZ_InFerno 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treone 647 Report post Posted March 7, 2022 @NZ_InFerno - what's your plan for the old gear knob? could be interested as a temporary one for the e31 until I can find a period correct m-logo gear knob... 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3AN 4016 Report post Posted March 7, 2022 Nice work @NZ_InFerno! As a matter of interest, which tweeters did you get? Can you post a part number or FCP link? Everything I follow ends up in ambiguity. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted March 7, 2022 3 minutes ago, treone said: @NZ_InFerno - what's your plan for the old gear knob? could be interested as a temporary one for the e31 until I can find a period correct m-logo gear knob... It's gone into the pile of well used parts I've taken off the car, I'm not planning to get rid of it as if I ever sell the car I'd like to offer the new owner the option to return it, as much as possible, to factory. Or move all the nice bits along to another BMW... Actually reminds me, I've got a near new BMW Performance gear knob that I need to sell along with a couple of other parts I've accumulated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) 12 minutes ago, M3AN said: Nice work @NZ_InFerno! As a matter of interest, which tweeters did you get? Can you post a part number or FCP link? Everything I follow ends up in ambiguity. I bought the stock hifi ones, not the Logic 7 upgraded ones. I stumbled upon a clearance sale on fcpeuro so paid $55US for two. Also why I bought the H8 bulbs, they were too cheap. Edited March 7, 2022 by NZ_InFerno 1 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treone 647 Report post Posted March 7, 2022 All good @NZ_InFerno and actually makes sense to keep with the car. Should've said in my post - awesome work too! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted March 7, 2022 (edited) 12 minutes ago, treone said: All good @NZ_InFerno and actually makes sense to keep with the car. Should've said in my post - awesome work too! Thanks man! I just had a quick Google and the spare bmw performance gear knob I have will apparently fit your E31, you're welcome to come round to test fit it and try it out if you want. Can try the old gear knob out as well, that's just a generic E87/E90 msport gear knob which should be readily available used I would have thought. Edited March 7, 2022 by NZ_InFerno Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted March 9, 2022 New Indicators fitted, looking much better now! Also discovered the drivers side indicator had broken its clip and been double sided taped to hold it in place. So glad that got sorted too. Started to take the insert off the steering wheel and found it was pretty fiddly with the airbag in place, so going to revert back to my original plan of taking the airbag off, stitching on the leather wheel cover and doing the insert all at the same time. Which is going to need a few hours based on my sewing skills 🤣 As you can see it's got a shiny new airbag, but the steering wheel and insert are pretty worn. Can't wait to see what it looks like with new leather and insert on there. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted October 14, 2022 Bit of an update, have acquired more parts courtesy of FCP Euro including a new accessory belt and tensioner, replacement power steering reservoir with fluid as preventative maintenance and an oil cooler gasket kit for a slight leak from the cooler. I haven't fitted anything yet, nor any of the pile of mechanical parts and cosmetic bits I've accumulated previously. One day 😅 Will start working on small bits with the weather improving. But I have recently fitted new to me stock tail lights courtesy of @Angelo At the last WOF couple months ago it passed with no issues, though noted there was water in the right tail light. Turns out there was crack in it and some damage, not sure when that happened. Previous owner home tinted the tail lights and it hasn't aged well, I'd been planning to replace them at some point with Dark lines but they're quite hard to find. As it so happened @Angelo had his old set of tail lights so I snagged them as an ideal replacement and they've worked a treat. A massive improvement on the back end, really freshened up the look of the car and de-aged it. Plus no more water ingress. 4 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Angelo 24 Report post Posted October 14, 2022 Wonderful my bro! Hope to see your car someday(in akl) lol i also hope that the reverse light bulb is included cause im not soo sure if i left it there 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted October 14, 2022 56 minutes ago, Angelo said: Wonderful my bro! Hope to see your car someday(in akl) lol i also hope that the reverse light bulb is included cause im not soo sure if i left it there It definitely needs a road trip or two, just gets run around Welly. All bulbs were in there, I was surprised too 🤣 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Angelo 24 Report post Posted October 15, 2022 On 10/15/2022 at 12:35 PM, NZ_InFerno said: It definitely needs a road trip or two, just gets run around Welly. All bulbs were in there, I was surprised too 🤣 good to hear, i've upgraded my taillight to led reverse light. they're soo bright that you get blinded by it haha 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted August 5, 2023 Haven't posted for a while, not much has happened to the car. A slightly concerning oil leak from the oil filter housing meant it sat for a couple months waiting for parts. A few maintenence bits and preventative stuff got done in the meantime and it got a fresh wof the other day. Failed on the rear plate bulb 😂💡 Few months back: - New Power steering reservoir fitted and new fluid after a flush. Some nasty stuff in the pipes. - Had a puncture repair back left tyre - Headlight restoration again. Hopefully lasts longer this time. This week pre-wof: - New Oil Filter Housing Cooler Gasket, to fix the leak. - Power Steering fluid flush, again to get rid of the gunk. - Coolant and Oil top up from the cooler fix - New Front Accessories Belt, Tensioner and idler pulley. Oil had been dripping on this, needed doing anyway. Belt was near end of life. Tensioner and pulley were originals. - Replacement rear License Plate light to pass WoF Lot of oil and gunk got washed off the front of the engine as well, it's had a silent leak for a while. Got a good clean in to get all the oil off and tidy the exterior after all the weather. Took a couple of quick pics today after a nice drive up north, as proof it's clean and still going strong 😂 Next up is brake lines, slight cracking noted on wof. Will fit stainless and I have all the rest of the brake parts here ready to go on. So will do full refresh on all corners. And front tyres will need replacing before next wof. Have given up on finding new kidney grills in gloss black, so maybe back to stock? Still haven't fitted steering wheel insert nor steering wheel replacement leather. I should do that 😂 And maybe, finally, the oil pan gasket/motor mounts/ all the other parts I've got for when the subframe gets dropped will happen. Maybe 😅 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ_InFerno 371 Report post Posted October 7, 2023 A bit more love for the 130i, been throwing a few parts at it the last couple months. Had a wonky idle and limp mode accelerator pedal a few weeks back, suspected vanos solenoids. I wasn't sure if they'd been done on this car( I did have 3 130i at one point 😅) but I did find some cheap nasty solenoids in my parts pile I'd ordered during lockdown for reasons unknown to me. Swapping them in made a difference, and also change in fault code! From a generic valvetronic to intake solenoid 🤣 Don't buy shitty solenoids kids. The old solenoids were originals, so definitely due for a change. Went to the usual fcpeuro and picked up Pierburg oem solenoids and a few extras, delivery in 5 days Fitted the solenoids today, mega difference in performance, exhaust note. The mid range is alive again! Also swapped in some new hood struts, the old ones have been overworked in my ownership. Also rusty 🫠 I also picked up some of the vanos filters, will get them in at some point but looks quite fiddly. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1662 Report post Posted October 7, 2023 43 minutes ago, NZ_InFerno said: Don't buy shitty solenoids kids. and all the other electrical stuff 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
