Update
As with most repair jobs, there is bound to be a scope creep due to things being uncovered in the repair process. e.g. The replacement of control arms led to replacement of stabilizer links. Etc etc etc.
Things done to date (some mentioned in earlier post).
1.
Shocks front and back: makes a huge difference, I installed them in parts to test effectiveness (fronts were done first, then later the rear ones, one could feel the difference on speed humps, the rear had harshness and was bouncy)
2.
Control arms and stabilizer links: much better handling and increased cornering confidence. Way less body roll which I think positively impacted by shocks as well.
3.
New discs and Pads, all round: This is a pet peeve (squealing brakes). Had to change the prior brake pads before they were finished. Glad those sounds are gone, gone. Had an issue with GW sensors, reverted to BMW sensors). Problems went away.
4.
Water Pump and Thermostat: School boy error on this one. Had not taken note that this car has an oil temp instead of coolant, thought it takes forever (10-15 minutes) to warm up meanwhile was comparing non-comparable (E46 coolant temp vs this car's oil temp). Coolant warms up quicker (less than 5 minutes) than oil. Anyways its a key preventative maintenance item this not a waste of money. BTW, BMW gives you back some cash when you return your old Water-pump, don’t throw it away.
5.
Crankcase Breather pipe: The car had a higher-than-normal V8 beat, upon investigation, the previous owner had put together the torn breather pipe with lots of masking tape which ended up leaking. Can't blame him, BMW wants R2.5k for a “pipe”. Got one from BMW Midrand that comes with oil separator for ease of installation (plug and play).
6. The car used to get super-hot (like a sauna) after a short parking period in open parking. Going to shopping areas with no undercover parking was not great. Did a
Smash & Grab tint at PG Glass, their pricing was very good. I went with a 35% tint to keep it “factory” like tint, car is much cooler now, better sun protection.
7. The tyres were 8 years old, fronts were pathetically worn-out (as in wouldn’t pass Roadworthy test). Researched quite a bit and settled on
Michelin Pilot Sport 4s. These tyres compliment work done on the suspension, it now feels like its on rails. More traction when putting power down.
8. My
steering wheel had scarfs and marks (it's a 15-year-old car), it wasn’t too bad but its something I thought should be done. Leatherboyz did their magic. The tri-stitching came out tops, though that sort of highlights the worn soft touch plastics, which are on the to do list.
9. Driver’s Bolster side had faded. Whilst Leatherboyz were busy with steering, asked then to re-dye the leather. “Sorry, we don’t do dye here, we replace” so they said. I obliged, their work is good, still hasn’t blended yet ( they said I must give it time, will blend in).
10.
Bulbs: Right low beam died, then replaced with a Philips D1S, wrong, car came with Osram D1S, so will be putting the Philips up for sale. In the meantime, awaiting the
Laser Led light bulbs to improve illumination. Will give more feedback once installed. Took the liberty of also ordering angel eye globes, fog lights etc.
11. Car had a
valet done (mild detailing). Did it before most of the above work, will need to go back there again. talk about putting the cart before the horse.
12:
Exhaust work: This brings the thrills of driving the car, did the mid-pipe to back section and kept the cats etc. as is. did not want engine problems by tampering with O2 sensors, cats, putting in cat foolers (asked Peter for advice, thank you Peter). I typically keep the exhaust as it was from factory, but I must say I am smiling like a hotel cat from this mod.
Things, that I still need to get to:
13.
Upper coolant hose: After installing new water-pump and thermostat, noticed small drops of coolant on the floor. Issue I didn’t notice before. Upon closer inspection, there is some build up on the upper hose. So, have to do this asap (should have done it same time with water pump change). Each time I check coolant level in the morning, it is still “full”, so means not much being lost.
14.
Bumper realignment: it looks like the bumper once hooked onto pavement (driver tried to reverse thus was pulled out, suspect the previous owner just pushed it back into place and left it at that). Not neatly done. Hoping this can be done without wanting to “respray” it.
15.
Soft close on drivers' door has intermittent issues. Will sort out at some point.
16.
Soft touch plastics needs either to be redone or replaced. BMW Sells the entire window switch and panel, I just want the covering panel, so will have to have it done at some point.
I didn’t repost pictures that were posted in prior posts. will post recent pics of the car post tint (haven’t full car pics since been working on it)
As the saying goes:
Rome was not built in one day, going to take it one day, at a time. have done enough to enjoy the car for a while.
Thanks for reading.
….to keep me out of trouble. 
….to keep me out of trouble.
