Feelers

[rumatt]

Originally Posted by Nick M3

The answer is that they stuck the recirculating ball crap in because they already had it. It’s 100% value / parts bin engineering.

How bad is it? Does it ruin an otherwise legendary car?



.

[equ]

Originally Posted by rumatt

How bad is it? Does it ruin an otherwise legendary car?

In my view, no.

I care a lot about steering and handling. I have driven e39 m5's many times, I've owned two rack-n-pinion steered 528i's. It's still way, way better than electric steering cars like the f10, f30 etc.

[Josh (PA)]

Originally Posted by rumatt

How bad is it? Does it ruin an otherwise legendary car?



.

I say no too. The car has an element of luxury to it that is different then say an M3. It just does everything amazingly well. It isn't a tossible little sports car. It's much more GT, so IMHO the steering doesn't kill the experience.

[lip277]

Seriously though -
I've not 'wanted' a black car - but then again - I have bought two red cars now and I swore I'd never have done that either.


Maybe we should talk.

[equ]

If you'd been on the east coast, we'd be talking... Are you sure you want to go through with this, Theo?

[Theo]

Sure we can chat. It's still at the shop and I want to get it detailed next.

It's not black per say. It's a reallllllly dark blue. I can pos more pics after the detail.

[Theo]

Items that have been addressed in the last 2-3 years. Some of which was covered by the extended warranty until it ran out.

In the shop now:

- New power steering pump
- New rear bushings
- New value cover gaskets
- New power steering lines
- New washer fluid reservoir
- New vanos sensors

Older:

- New radiator
- New AC compressor
- 3 new window regulators - Waiting for the 4th to act up - Driver rear door
- New brakes - Rotors, Pads Sensors
- New driver’s door mirror - The folding motor went south and you can ONLY get the entire mirror as one piece and not just the folding motor - Do not ask how much GRRRR
- New throttle bank position sensors
- New throttle actuator
- New fuel tank breather
- New Thermostat
- New front control arms
- New front control arms bushings
- New Guibo
- Had all 4 rims professionally refinished
- New driveshaft center support - The noise coming from this was SO annoying
- New airbag control unit - Not because they ever deployed - This module buried in the center counsel just decided to go south - =\
- Also had both front and rear bumpers repainted - Front bumper got a full clear bra - The rear was done because of slow impact damage from the prior owner that finally got to me enough to have it re-sprayed.
- Fixed the leaky rear view mirror issue that plagues all of the M cars.
- Two new OEM fog lights - I had aftermarket Xenon items in there and I wanted to return to stock for the sale


Also to note but not done within the last 3y. There are other repair items older than 3y but maybe not as relevant at this point.

- New clutch and pressure plate at about 68K miles.
- The prior owner had the dash panel replaced for some dead pixels. They are all in working order still at this point
- I also just got the very last DVD maps BMW is going to make for this series nav. 2015
- Installed an Aux out cord in the glove box. 2003 was the first year this was possible with the stock head unit.
- Also added this custom cup holder as the stock ones are useless - I replaced the entire stock unit around 2010 when they broke and stayed permanently open - After I replaced the unit I never opened them again.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/1223848...&ul_noapp=true

If I remember more I will add to the list later.

Near term concerns if any (These were on my near term list if I kept the car)

- Still has the original water pump
- Still running the original struts and shocks
- The fourth window regulator as mentioned above - It's working fine but based on replacing the other three in the last 11 months it sounds like a ticking time bomb

[bren]

This car sounds like a total disaster. That is not to say that I wouldn't buy it in a heartbeat if it fit my needs in any way.

I mean, what could go wrong. Everything has been fixed.

[Theo]

Originally Posted by bren

I mean, what could go wrong. Everything has been fixed.

Bren I keep telling myself the EXACT same thing then something else comes up.

[bren]

Originally Posted by Theo

Bren I keep telling myself the EXACT same thing then something else comes up.

Yep, same way I rationalize with my '89 vette. I mentioned the engine is currently at a machine shop right? But hey, at least they still make parts for your car.