Re: M535i my new toy. It's a keeper.
Posted: Sep 12, 2021 6:52 PM
Done a lot of things not worth to mention. I have spent a lot of nights on my e36 track car. Its amazing how much time takes any custom work.
IMG_3178 by Tiit Saul, on Flickr
Then lockdown happened for 3 weeks in my town. The best 3 weeks in years. I got a lot of work done around the house, spent time with family and got to work on cars more than usual. I was tired of working on E36 and wanted to work on something cool.
_MG_0204 by Tiit Saul, on Flickr
I love all my cars equally, but "Bluey is definitely my favourite. It is a fun retro driver, but a few things do annoy me. A/C does not work, noisy exhaust, steering has slop in it, no cup holders and suspension is shot.
I considered all kinds of options for new suspension setup, but ended up ordering BC coilovers and couple days later post man dropped them off.
Installation was simple and quick. My setup has 7kg/mm (392lbs) front and 6kg/mm 9336lbs) springs at rear. Out of curiosity I measured stock front spring tension. According to my measurements they are 2.3kg/mm (129lbs). Stock springs are a lot softer and had 100mm of preload.
Untitled by Tiit Saul, on Flickr
Coilovers are smaller and lighter (look at the front shock piston difference). No doubt new bilstein shocks would out last BC coilovers big time. Hopefully coilovers wont fall apart in couple of years.
Untitled by Tiit Saul, on Flickr
ride height was set as stock. I do not see a reason to go any lower.
Untitled by Tiit Saul, on Flickr
Untitled by Tiit Saul, on Flickr
_MG_0212 by Tiit Saul, on Flickr
First drive experience was positive. Ride is softer than feared. Seems ok. Have a look at the quick test drive video we shot.
https://youtu.be/f2TGi-_tmL8
Next we tackled the exhaust. There was no leaks in the system, but catalytic converter has lost its core and empty case resonates like an echo chamber. I had pair of E36 M50 cats laying around, and it seemed like an easy swap. It ended up being more work than hoped, but got there in the end. Car still is not super quiet, but much better than before. Here is quick before/after video clip. Difference is bigger in real world.
https://youtu.be/784Ho9rTaB8
Untitled by Tiit Saul, on Flickr
It is a better car than before, for sure.
After that the e23 rolled on the garage. I am super excited about it and deep in the b35 swap right now. Lockdown has ended for me and progress has slowed a bit.
_MG_0216 by Tiit Saul, on Flickr
IMG_3178 by Tiit Saul, on FlickrThen lockdown happened for 3 weeks in my town. The best 3 weeks in years. I got a lot of work done around the house, spent time with family and got to work on cars more than usual. I was tired of working on E36 and wanted to work on something cool.
_MG_0204 by Tiit Saul, on FlickrI love all my cars equally, but "Bluey is definitely my favourite. It is a fun retro driver, but a few things do annoy me. A/C does not work, noisy exhaust, steering has slop in it, no cup holders and suspension is shot.
I considered all kinds of options for new suspension setup, but ended up ordering BC coilovers and couple days later post man dropped them off.
Installation was simple and quick. My setup has 7kg/mm (392lbs) front and 6kg/mm 9336lbs) springs at rear. Out of curiosity I measured stock front spring tension. According to my measurements they are 2.3kg/mm (129lbs). Stock springs are a lot softer and had 100mm of preload.
Untitled by Tiit Saul, on FlickrCoilovers are smaller and lighter (look at the front shock piston difference). No doubt new bilstein shocks would out last BC coilovers big time. Hopefully coilovers wont fall apart in couple of years.
Untitled by Tiit Saul, on Flickrride height was set as stock. I do not see a reason to go any lower.
Untitled by Tiit Saul, on FlickrUntitled by Tiit Saul, on Flickr_MG_0212 by Tiit Saul, on FlickrFirst drive experience was positive. Ride is softer than feared. Seems ok. Have a look at the quick test drive video we shot.
https://youtu.be/f2TGi-_tmL8
Next we tackled the exhaust. There was no leaks in the system, but catalytic converter has lost its core and empty case resonates like an echo chamber. I had pair of E36 M50 cats laying around, and it seemed like an easy swap. It ended up being more work than hoped, but got there in the end. Car still is not super quiet, but much better than before. Here is quick before/after video clip. Difference is bigger in real world.
https://youtu.be/784Ho9rTaB8
Untitled by Tiit Saul, on FlickrIt is a better car than before, for sure.
After that the e23 rolled on the garage. I am super excited about it and deep in the b35 swap right now. Lockdown has ended for me and progress has slowed a bit.
_MG_0216 by Tiit Saul, on Flickr