Vince's garage

[Morribiscuit]

Hi guys, I learnt something new today.
My Aircon compressor had no oil

Discovered this when I did the Aircon degas and service today.

Glad I didn’t use side of the road guys with a Gas cylinder and tubes only....

This machine checks
1. Gas levels
2. Oil
3. Leaks

Instead of refilling gas, it extracts all the old gas out, then refills with new gas.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I did not even know this was a thing! Interesting.

What made you go for a regas? Air not cold or what was the reason?

Is something like this quite a costly process?

 

[VinceM]

I had not done an Aircon service in 3 years
It was R550, which I found reasonable.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[individj]

i must say respect to you for the amount of money & time dedicated to your cars.

 

[VinceM]

Decided to invest in one of these.....Optimate 6

I bought a new battery late last year for the 330ci.....which in hindsight was a shortsighted decision.

The new battery has similar problems to previous one....the car stays parked for more than 2 to 3 weeks, at times the battery goes a bit flat (lights/radio still work but not enough power to crank the engine). I don’t like removing battery terminals as I would then have to adjust the clock again...etc etc

Let’s see how it goes with this battery charger. Anyone else using a battery charger?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[gavsadler]

I rotate my charger between the cars on a monthly basis. Even for the 'daily cars', the short trips don't do anything to really charge the batteries.

Always a good idea to keep them topped up. The smart chargers can be left connected to the vehicle and then they trickle charge them all the time.

 

[Tickled_Tortise]

Decided to invest in one of these.....Optimate 6

I bought a new battery late last year for the 330ci.....which in hindsight was a shortsighted decision.

The new battery has similar problems to previous one....the car stays parked for more than 2 to 3 weeks, at times the battery goes a bit flat (lights/radio still work but not enough power to crank the engine). I don’t like removing battery terminals as I would then have to adjust the clock again...etc etc

Let’s see how it goes with this battery charger. Anyone else using a battery charger?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Iv been using one for the past two years it works well, my bike battery still died while hooked to the charger for about 3 months, although that could be due to age of the battery.

One issue I had was the clamps were too small, so they could not fit over the terminals of my ford, the mazda fits fine and I never needed to use it on the previously daily driven bmw. I see you have more connections than than my brand offered, so if the clamps don't fit I'm sure you can fabricate something with the extra connectors.

Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk

 

[VinceM]

I rotate my charger between the cars on a monthly basis. Even for the 'daily cars', the short trips don't do anything to really charge the batteries.

Always a good idea to keep them topped up. The smart chargers can be left connected to the vehicle and then they trickle charge them all the time.

Thanks Gav, that’s reassuring for my purposes as the Mrs does 10km round trips to work and back, I’m working from home so only do short trips to stores.

Do you charge directly via battery (ie strip covers to get to battery) or can you use the front bonnet connectors?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[VinceM]

One issue I had was the clamps were too small, so they could not fit over the terminals of my ford, the mazda fits fine and I never needed to use it on the previously daily driven bmw. I see you have more connections than than my brand offered, so if the clamps don't fit I'm sure you can fabricate something with the extra connectors.

Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk

I asked the question on the connectors too as they looked very small, was told that they hook up to the bolts / screws tighting the battery clamp.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Riaad]

Thanks Gav, that’s reassuring for my purposes as the Mrs does 10km round trips to work and back, I’m working from home so only do short trips to stores.

Do you charge directly via battery (ie strip covers to get to battery) or can you use the front bonnet connectors?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

You use the connectors in the engine bay

 

[VinceM]

You use the connectors in the engine bay

That’s what I wanted to confirm if it has the same effect. Engine bay or directly onto battery?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Riaad]

That’s what I wanted to confirm if it has the same effect. Engine bay or directly onto battery?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

The OEM bmw battery charger states that it should not be connected directly to the battery, as it can interfere with the modules in the car. Personally, I only connect my charger via the posts in the engine bay, and never had any issues.

 

[gavsadler]

I've connected using the terminals in the engine bay, as well as directly to the battery itself, and can't say I've had any adverse effects.

I think it's also important to follow steps correctly i.e connect first before turning on the charger.

 

[BeemerFanatic]

aaah this is a good idea, also ended up changing the battery in my daily when full lockdown started last year

 

[VinceM]

This design was ahead of its time.....

The choice of lights used in coupe / cabriolets helps with ageing.......LED tail lights back in early 2000

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[VinceM]

Coming up! In M539 restoration voice over.

New discs all round and brake pads.
BMW OE pads all round for 330ci
BMW OE pads all round for 325ci

After much research and deliberation, I went with Meyle-HD discs all around for the 330ci
and Meyle HD front discs in 325ci. I had fitted OE rear discs not so long ago in the 325ci.....BMW prices have really sky rocketed.

I also did a mid-interval oil service for 330ci......I think I must do true fanatic 7,500km or 10,000km oil change.
Changing oil at 12,500km might be a bit long? the oil is a bit darker, better yet, still miles better than waiting the full 25,000km for oil service. The oil filters are still cheap from BMW itself, around R250 a filter....used BMW OE filter.

I was asked why I refer to OE and not OEM.
(i)OE is original equipment parts that are bought directly from BMW itself.

(ii) OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer which makes original BMW spares but also keep those same spares in their own label available at other shops other than BMW dealerships. E.g BMW filters are mostly from Mann and Mahle, you can buy a Mahle labelled filter from a reputable place other than BMW itself (ie Goldwagen). For some brake pads, Textar is OEM, you can buy at other places other than BMW dealership.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[VinceM]

See the wear level on the pads when I changed them; I prefer to put new pads with new discs.....but they had a lot of life left

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Jive_E46]

Nice updates boss. I should do my yearly maintenance post too!

I’m not too fanatical over BMW branded parts but I certainly understand the value in purchasing original.

Hope you have many more miles of smiles with those Ci’s


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[evnmopwr]

Coming up! In M539 restoration voice over.

New discs all round and brake pads.
BMW OE pads all round for 330ci
BMW OE pads all round for 325ci

After much research and deliberation, I went with Meyle-HD discs all around for the 330ci
and Meyle HD front discs in 325ci. I had fitted OE rear discs not so long ago in the 325ci.....BMW prices have really sky rocketed.

I also did a mid-interval oil service for 330ci......I think I must do true fanatic 7,500km or 10,000km oil change.
Changing oil at 12,500km might be a bit long? the oil is a bit darker, better yet, still miles better than waiting the full 25,000km for oil service. The oil filters are still cheap from BMW itself, around R250 a filter....used BMW OE filter.

I was asked why I refer to OE and not OEM.
(i)OE is original equipment parts that are bought directly from BMW itself.

(ii) OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer which makes original BMW spares but also keep those same spares in their own label available at other shops other than BMW dealerships. E.g BMW filters are mostly from Mann and Mahle, you can buy a Mahle labelled filter from a reputable place other than BMW itself (ie Goldwagen). For some brake pads, Textar is OEM, you can buy at other places other than BMW dealership.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

LMAO

I LOVE THAT GUYS CHANNEL!!!!

 

[Jamil]

What have we got here! Valentine’s Day came early for this one....some TLC for 325ci

Time for the 325ci to get shock changes all round.

The shocks in the car are the original shocks from approx 16 years ago......

I did a lot of research, spent days reading on strut changes.........without doubt, 6 out of 10, Bilstein came out tops, then Koni, then Sachs, etc.

Someone vouched for Monroe as they were Audi OE suppliers at some point, but I went the safe route......and since I got no Mech, saving a bit on labour.

Thanks for reading.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Which Bilsteins are these?
I need to replace on my 325ci as well and wanted to find out how was the ride and stance on the Bilsteins.
thanks.

 

[VinceM]

B4, similar to OE/stock version

I hear B6 is more plush, I’m happy with the B4.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro