New E36 Owner with some questions -1995 Avus Blue [Archive] - Bimmerforums

Krohn27

07-09-2016, 08:28 PM

Hey all,

I just picked up a 1995 M3 Avus blue this past week. It's definitely a project, but is a pretty solid car. My plan is to really make it a great DD, and it's not far from there.

The good
-Dinan Strut tower bars front and rear
-Turner motorsports carbon CAI
-Dinan chip (apparently)
-Bilstein sports with H&R springs
-Great OEM paint, with matching VIN tags on the panels
-A huge stack of maintenance records
-Two owner car
-I pretty much stole it for what I paid

The not so good
-It's an automatic (dang it)
-226k miles
-Vader seats have seen better days
-A/C currently not functioning
-Door panels are a little rough (vinyl is separating)

What I've done in the three days I've owned it
-Gave it a good washing
-PO gave me new slotted and drilled rotors, along with akebono pads, so I installed those
-The headliner was sagging awful, so I took that out, got it recovered and installed

My questions:

PO said A/C worked a month ago, but not now. When I turn the snowflake on, the A/C compressor did not kick in, also AUX fan did not turn on. I jumped the AUX fan connector, both high and low speed function, so that's good news. I had an extra can of the refrigerant in a can, pressure was like zero, so I added some, and the compressor kicked on (good news), but still no cold air. When the compressor turned on and I went inside the cab to check the temp, It threw a CEL. It's code 1237 which is 1237 A/C Compressor cut off. I have no idea what to do with that, as I'm having a hard time finding people with the same error code. Long story short, should I just pony up the dough and take it to an A/C place, or are there other ways I can try to remedy this without other specialized A/C tools.

Thanks!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/IMG_2287_zpsugdlqoff.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_2287_zpsugdlqoff.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/IMG_2284_zpsnvtnf98g.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_2284_zpsnvtnf98g.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/IMG_2298_zpsq4gyh05q.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_2298_zpsq4gyh05q.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/IMG_2302_zpsv8e7xkkh.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_2302_zpsv8e7xkkh.jpg.html)

scooper

07-09-2016, 08:42 PM

notMpowered

07-09-2016, 10:19 PM

That body looks fantastic, especially for the milage. Swap that tranny.
Avus really is the best colour.

Krohn27

07-10-2016, 08:30 AM

bring it to an ac place to get it pressure tested or diy if you have the tools. It's likely still low and there's probably a leak. So you'll have to replace the o-rings (find out where the system is leaking from first).

Bilsteins are a little stiffly valved. You may want to put some HR OE sports or stock m3 springs on there if it's going to be your DD. Dinan springs are also a good choice. I would get some konis though. Nice ride! Enjoy the auto for awhile.

I will definitely take it to an A/C place. I'm trying to do a little more trouble-shooting before I do take it in though. I'd like to figure out why the AUX fan isn't coming on when I press the A/C button like it should. I jumped it earlier in the day and it functioned, then I tried later on in the day and it didn't. So i'm a little confused on that. I actually don't mind the way the Bilsteins ride honestly.

That body looks fantastic, especially for the milage. Swap that tranny.
Avus really is the best colour.

Thanks! I see a transmission swap in my future for sure, once I get everything else all sorted out. I also have a set of genuine stamped LTW wheels in my garage that I might throw on. I originally had them for my z3 coupe, but I think this car is what they really belong on.

****Edit*** I went outside and double checked the relay locations, I was intending on stealing some from my z3 to see if that was an issue. Well the A/C compressor and fan relay were actually swapped (not in their correct positions). I swapped those, double checked the AUX fan fuse, sure enough it was blown. So I replaced that as well. Started the car, pressed the snowflake, and the compressor engages and AUX fan started up, no more CEL as well. Making good headway.

scooper

07-10-2016, 09:33 AM

You can put some dye in the AC system to see where it's leaking from. The aux fan turns on by the switch on the side of the radiator. Car must be at operating temperature and AC must be on (and working). That's probably why it doesn't turn on unless you jump it.

Chamberlin

07-10-2016, 10:33 AM

Beautiful car! I vote for full Modena interior conversion when it's time to deal with the seats!

I have to deal with a no AC situation in my '99 as well. I believe there's a pressure switch on the dryer that has to report good system pressure before allowing the compressor to engage... I think my system is bone dry, but I don't have an AC system checker. I'm sure o-rings are needed someplace... Could you detail the relays and fuse you fixed just so I can make sure they're ok on my car as well? Not sure if the '95 and '99 are different in that regard...

BTW any idea why they recommend replacing the dryer every time the system is overhauled?

mboor

07-10-2016, 08:18 PM

Very nice car OP. i recently picked up the same as a project. Tours looks great, especially considering the milage.

If you ac had no pressure, you definitely have a leak. As mentioned before, there is a low pressure switch that will not allow the compressor to turn on unless it sees adequate system pressure. When you put the can of refrigerant in it was probably just enough to cycle the compressor for a minute. It pumped the new refrigerant through the system, brought the pressure back down (maybe it leaked out that quick?) and turned the compressor off, probably setting the ac code have.

Buy a can or two of refrigerant with dye, put it in and turn the ac on for a while. Then find a buddy with a black light, or buy one at wally world, and inspect the ac system under the black light. You'll see where the dye is leaking from. Find and fix the leak, THEN bring it to an ac shop so they can do a proper evacuation and recharge. The ac system needs to be sucked down and hold a vacuum before its filled, to operate properly. Those cans you buy at the parts store are a band aid.

As a general rule of thumb, people replace the a/c drier as a "while im in there" kind of thing. If you havent had a mechanical failure, i.e. a compressor blow up, then you might be able to skip it. The metal fragments of the compressor can get stuck in the drier when the compressor fails. On second thought, with the milage, and having no pressure in the system for an unknown amount of time, replacing the drier isnt such a bad idea. Sorry for the long winded response.

Krohn27

07-13-2016, 06:58 PM

A few updates, I haven't messed with the A/C yet. Still weighing my options on figuring out the leak. I'm optimistic that a leak is all it is. Hopefully some new o-rings on some A/C lines will remedy it. The previous owner disconnected the battery and didn't know the radio code, so it wasn't functioning when I bought the car. I called the dealer, and two minutes later, radio works. PO also had 6x9s for the back with bavauto adapaters, (there was no speakers at all installed back there). I installed those and it sounds pretty decent. It's a budget car, so I'm happy with the results. I also threw on my set of genuine staggered LTW wheels. They feel right at home on there I'm sure!

I'm currently battling the hood latch. The passenger side hood latch seems to open when it feels like it. Aka, I went out there a little while ago, tried maybe 10 times and couldn't get the darn hood open. Once I do get it open, is there something I can do to keep this from happening?

New fog lights are on the way.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/IMG_2330_zpsiu1demvp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_2330_zpsiu1demvp.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/IMG_2329_zps3pg1piuk.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_2329_zps3pg1piuk.jpg.html)

Deblaca

07-14-2016, 01:52 AM

Wow that car is super clean for 226k, and the LTWs look great on it.

radicalr6

07-14-2016, 02:54 AM

A few updates, I haven't messed with the A/C yet. Still weighing my options on figuring out the leak. I'm optimistic that a leak is all it is. Hopefully some new o-rings on some A/C lines will remedy it. The previous owner disconnected the battery and didn't know the radio code, so it wasn't functioning when I bought the car. I called the dealer, and two minutes later, radio works. PO also had 6x9s for the back with bavauto adapaters, (there was no speakers at all installed back there). I installed those and it sounds pretty decent. It's a budget car, so I'm happy with the results. I also threw on my set of genuine staggered LTW wheels. They feel right at home on there I'm sure! I'm currently battling the hood latch. The passenger side hood latch seems to open when it feels like it. Aka, I went out there a little while ago, tried maybe 10 times and couldn't get the darn hood open. Once I do get it open, is there something I can do to keep this from happening? New fog lights are on the way. [/URL] [URL="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_2330_zpsydwgyxbt.jpg.html"] (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_2329_zpsbype8qbz.jpg.html)

Check the alignment of the hood. If one side is higher than the other the latch will get stuck.

bostonaudi

07-14-2016, 06:14 AM

I have same color 95, personally I like the DS1's on this car the best.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160714/480f447a083743ee09478856d0e32a98.jpg

Krohn27

07-14-2016, 08:17 AM

I have same color 95, personally I like the DS1's on this car the best.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160714/480f447a083743ee09478856d0e32a98.jpg

I really like the DS1's too, unfortunately the car sat for a while, and it sat on the RR with a flat for a while too. The tires were extremely dry-rotted and cracked. The fronts had a bunch of tread left, but they were just unsafe to drive on. I think I'll see if I can get the DS1's re-powder coated and find some new tires for them, those will be my winter wheels!

Ex36

07-14-2016, 01:29 PM

Durty Durm for the win! I roll around town in my AW M3/4/5.

Krohn27

07-14-2016, 09:04 PM

Check the alignment of the hood. If one side is higher than the other the latch will get stuck.

Got the hood open today, one hood pin was significantly higher than the other. I messed with it for little while, evened it out, sprayed each latch and pin with some WD, and generally just cleaned them up some. Hood opens and closes as it should for the time being, but I will give it a week of open and closing with no issues before I call it fixed.

I also installed the Sony head unit that was new in box that the previous owner gave me. Really was an easy task, radio reception is exceptionally better, no more fuzzy stations. It also has AUX in and USB hookup, which is really all I care about.

Durty Durm for the win! I roll around town in my AW M3/4/5.

Awesome, throw a honk if you see in me in the Clownshoe or the M3. I don't really have any car friends up this way, shoot me a PM if you ever need any help on a project!

Krohn27

07-23-2016, 09:01 AM

Just a few updates, got the new foglights installed. ($30 on ebay). I also purchased replacement stripes for the rear badge. They came from http://www.donewhenimdead.com/ and I'm extremely pleased with the quality. Lastly, I got the windows tinted 35%, I'm wishing I would have gone a little darker honestly, but that's alright, I'm not getting it re-done! (tint in very last photo). I'm going to change the oil on it today, hopefully it makes the 4-hour trip to the beach on Monday!

EDIT** I also replaced the door handle trim, the gasket was so cracked, it was almost non-existent. It's an extremely easy and cheap job to do on these e36/z3 cars.

New badge stripes.

CblockM3

07-25-2016, 03:55 PM

I'll echo everyone else, car looks amazing for the mileage!

MassiveWalrus

07-25-2016, 08:19 PM

I'll echo everyone else, car looks amazing for the mileage!

This.

Krohn27

08-13-2016, 10:19 AM

Couple small updates, I accidentally deleted like 10 years worth of photobucket photos, so the thread is missing a few (I tried to upload them again). I've been DD'ing the M3 lately with no hiccups (knock on wood). I really really enjoy driving it. I got some Titanium lug bolts from Acer racing to compliment my refinished LTW wheels. I'm hoping to have the DS1's powder coated in the next few weeks as well. I also ordered a 3-spoke steering wheel that was refinished by member "Shepott" so that should be coming in this upcoming week.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqsjo6oal.jpeg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqsjo6oal.jpeg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpskjpyhghf.jpeg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpskjpyhghf.jpeg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsrbyrikzd.jpeg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsrbyrikzd.jpeg.html)

notMpowered

08-13-2016, 10:48 AM

This car is just beautiful. Glad it's getting enjoyed.

bmwstephen

08-16-2016, 11:28 PM

what did you end doing with the DS1s?

Krohn27

08-17-2016, 08:36 AM

what did you end doing with the DS1s?

I got the tires dismounted, and I'll be sending them to the same guy that powder coated my LTW wheels. Just a matter of $ at this point, but the powder coater works fast and efficiently. So once I take them to him, turnaround is about a week and a half. I'm trying to buy an M coupe (clownshoe) from someone local that I stumbled upon, so I'm waiting to see how that pans out before I continue my journey on the M3. I may need to shuffle some cars around lol.

Krohn27

08-18-2016, 07:34 PM

I got my steering wheel from Shepott today to replace the four spoke school bus wheel that came equipped with the car, very very pleased with it. The slip ring threw me for a loop however, It's an early multi-function steering wheel slip ring from a e39/e38. However after doing some research, turns out that slip ring ( P/N 1094261 ) is the same as a single stage e36 M3 one, it just has a few more wires with an extra plug. The airbag was plug and play, but I did have to splice for the horn. I hope I wired that right, the horns works at least..

anyway...on to the pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsegmwxh1h.jpeg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsegmwxh1h.jpeg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps6jwic9qj.jpeg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps6jwic9qj.jpeg.html)

Ex36

08-18-2016, 10:57 PM

That wheels looks great--I'm jelly. I'll have to drive out and see it. All the more incentive if you have a new clownshoe. It'll be an S54 variant, right?!

Krohn27

08-19-2016, 05:32 AM

My pockets aren't that deep! I'd love an S54 someday, but the one I came across is an S52 (1999). The S54 prices are wild right now, with no foreseen future of coming down in price.

That wheels looks great--I'm jelly. I'll have to drive out and see it. All the more incentive if you have a new clownshoe. It'll be an S54 variant, right?!

Thanks a bunch!

This car is just beautiful. Glad it's getting enjoyed.

Mless5

08-21-2016, 09:57 PM

Did you re-use original headliner material?

Krohn27

08-22-2016, 02:38 PM

Did you re-use original headliner material?

I didn't, I removed it, used a small wire brush to get all the old glue off, then got the material from the same place that covered the headliner for me. It's nothing special, it would cost about $45-60 to buy that material.

Krohn27

09-01-2016, 02:24 PM

Not too many updates, I've just been driving the car and it's been great so far. I had an intermittent tail light failure. I cleaned the contacts and changed some bulbs, all has been well. I also replaced the often burnt out light that illuminates the headlight switch and fog-light button.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsko3wwpde.jpeg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsko3wwpde.jpeg.html)

Ex36

09-02-2016, 02:01 PM

That's the best $2.15 fix I've done for my car!

Krohn27

09-08-2016, 07:54 PM

I washed the car today after a van in front of me on I-40 either blew a rod through his oil pan, or his drain plug came out. Either way, oil and smoke was EVERYWHERE. I grabbed the camera and snagged a few photos before it got dark.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/AK157899_zpsd4vivutt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/AK157899_zpsd4vivutt.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/AK157902_zps1oyjqrao.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/AK157902_zps1oyjqrao.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/AK157905_zps0ldhh2ka.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/AK157905_zps0ldhh2ka.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/AK157908_zpsrg7qajn2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/AK157908_zpsrg7qajn2.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/AK157907_zps5urimz73.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/AK157907_zps5urimz73.jpg.html)

Some of Shepotts handy work

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/AK157919_zpsgi226yud.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/AK157919_zpsgi226yud.jpg.html)

Krohn27

10-25-2016, 10:08 PM

I love my LTW wheels, but as winter approaches (not much of a winter here in NC I know, I just wanted an excuse to do something with the car), I decided to get my original DS1 wheels powder coated. I snagged some new tires for next to nothing from a friend and get everything on yesterday.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/IMG_3312_zpsfgml7wic.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_3312_zpsfgml7wic.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/IMG_3311_zpsn04qsuwp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/IMG_3311_zpsn04qsuwp.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3319_zpseunccbh3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3319_zpseunccbh3.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3322_zpsq4jn5tjv.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3322_zpsq4jn5tjv.jpg.html)

My next stop is to fix these oil leaks. I'm going to do the oil filter housing first, then probably the rear main when I do the 5-spd swap. I'm also getting some oil on the outside of the PCV hose (I hope that's the right one, it comes from on top of the engine to the intake boot), but it doesn't appear to be leaking at the fitting so I'm not sure.

Krohn27

11-15-2016, 08:21 AM

So, e36 update. I replaced the oil filter housing gasket. I also found a donor 328i car on craigslist and picked it up for cheap. I spent the next few days removing the transmission, pedal set, driveshaft, clutch hardline, etc. basically everything relating to the 5-spd trans. I then sold the rest of the car to a friend, and started working on my car. So far I've removed the exhaust, heat shields, driveshaft, trans cooler liner/cooler itself, disconnected anything relating to the auto, and also got the interior torn apart and ready to wire for the 5-spd. The automatic trans should come out today.

On the donor ZF I did the shift pin service last night. It wasn't the most fun thing i've tackled, but at least it's done! All of the parts I've ordered should be here by next week, so I'm hoping to complete the swap fairly soon!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3525_zps9sx2ocp1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3525_zps9sx2ocp1.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3539_zpsz0njsyok.jpg

(http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3539_zpsz0njsyok.jpg.html)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3509_zpsyfokgzfo.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3509_zpsyfokgzfo.jpg.html)

This is the ridiculous amount of extension you need to get to the top bell-housing bolts. (regular sized craftsman ratchet for scale).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/KROHN/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3477_zpsht14vphj.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/KROHN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3477_zpsht14vphj.jpg.html)

Ex36

11-15-2016, 12:23 PM

I jacked the nose of the engine upward and didn't need nearly that length to get on that bolt. Still no fun though. I cannot believe you're doing all this outside (light's good, however)!

Krohn27

11-15-2016, 02:49 PM

I jacked the nose of the engine upward and didn't need nearly that length to get on that bolt. Still no fun though. I cannot believe you're doing all this outside (light's good, however)!

I was having problems seeing one starter bolt and and the top bellhousing bolt, so i started the journey of taking the intake manifold off. I got discouraged after wrangling with the PCV under the manifold and decided to give it one last go from underneath. Got it. I had the hardest time with the starter however, took many whacks with the extension to get it off the alignment pin.

Krohn27

12-05-2016, 08:18 AM

Finished the swap. 95 M3, Now with more manual.

587928

Reprisal

12-05-2016, 03:49 PM

Nice work on the 5-spd.

I'm astonished how clean that car is given the miles.

bmwstephen

12-06-2016, 01:36 PM

Are you selling the automatic shift knob and surround? I am looking to replace my wooden one

Krohn27

12-06-2016, 04:19 PM

Nice work on the 5-spd.

I'm astonished how clean that car is given the miles.

Absolutely, I think the gentleman who owned it before me put a lot of miles on it driving two and from work on the highway. He definitely cared about the car.

Are you selling the automatic shift knob and surround? I am looking to replace my wooden one

Actually yes, I just saved them from the garbage lol. Shoot me a PM

CGumina

12-08-2016, 07:56 AM

I'll sound like a broken record as well, but my God is your car clean for its age and mileage. Superb work on the 5-speed swap!

Side note, I'm incredibly jealous of your location. The Carolinas are so nice, i can't imagine working on a car in the driveway in December here in NY.

M3Dynamic

12-09-2016, 10:55 AM

This is so great. the cars getting a new lease on life its getting a 5speed swap after 200k+ miles after it rolled off the production line :buttrock
I will be right behind you but on my zhp in the spring. Good luck!

Reprisal

12-09-2016, 10:04 PM

Krohn27

12-10-2016, 09:09 AM

Thanks for the kind words. I definitely did get lucky with finishing the car in nice weather.

This is so great. the cars getting a new lease on life its getting a 5speed swap after 200k+ miles after it rolled off the production line :buttrock
I will be right behind you but on my zhp in the spring. Good luck!

I've been sending the original owner some updates and photos, he appreciates the car getting updated. I'm extremely happy with how it drives with the 5-spd. It's such a fun car.

Here's a few more photos.

588299

588300

588301

588302

588303

JasonGM3

12-10-2016, 05:04 PM

Your car gives me motivation to get mine cleaned up! Soo nice!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bmw328m52

12-28-2016, 12:16 PM

Loving the manual trans swap. So many autos out there floating because of this.

Krohn27

12-30-2016, 08:11 PM

I noticed my rear muffler hangers were absolutely destroyed (I'm pretty sure they were original to the car), So I went ahead and got some new ones to get that saggy muffler back up into it's spot. I also snagged a used B&B muffler from someone local to me. I really enjoyed the sound, but I wasn't too keen on the single tip. So I cleaned it up and sold it, back to the OEM catback or a while.

Little video of my tired ole girl with the muffler before I went back to stock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA93xPeb9oA

Today I also changed the cabin filter, which was disgusting, along with hardwired a Valentine V1 radar and mounted it to a nifty mount on the rearview mirror. Will get pics of that tomorrow.

Ex36

12-31-2016, 04:12 PM

That exhaust sounded good, even if it looked mildly goofy! I don't think my twin tip burbles and pops quite as much.

bostonaudi

01-17-2017, 10:55 AM

Sounds racy, then a Honda mini van with VTEC 260 hp beats you off the line. If that car had an LS1 or S54 swap I'd want it to sound like that for sure.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Krohn27

03-29-2017, 02:13 PM

A small update. I've put nearly 4,000 miles on the car since the manual swap. It sailed past the 232,000 mark with flying colors. The only hiccup I've had since the swap is my slave cylinder that went bad last week (I used a new febi brand one when I did the manual swap, but it failed with less than 5k miles on it). I drove the car to work, all was well, even drove it home with no issues. The next morning I had zero clutch pedal. At least it waited till I got home to fail, I swear this car is looking out for me.

I also bought some LTW rep corner splitters for the front bumper. Will throw some pics up soon! As the weather continues to get nicer, I'll probably take the DS1s back off and throw the Style 24 LTW wheels back on.

I feel bad, I'm starting to like the M3 as much/more than my clownshoe (don't tell the coupe cartel members).

deboM3

03-29-2017, 06:55 PM

Looking good man. I love AVUS!

Alpine 318is

03-29-2017, 07:59 PM

bostonaudi

03-30-2017, 07:15 AM

Febi is made by Bilstein, have never had troubles with their parts.

jdmaflac

03-30-2017, 09:18 AM

...I feel bad, I'm starting to like the M3 as much/more than my clownshoe (don't tell the coupe cartel members).

:ban:

callison157

03-31-2017, 11:57 PM

GG///M3

04-01-2017, 09:10 PM

That body looks fantastic, especially for the milage. Swap that tranny.
Avus really is the best colour.

This thread makes me want to stay avus. Just need to find a good set of ds1's now.

boarder2k7

04-02-2017, 12:16 AM

I feel bad, I'm starting to like the M3 as much/more than my clownshoe (don't tell the coupe cartel members).

Dibs on clownshoe!

Krohn27

04-02-2017, 10:21 PM

Great looking car! From a fellow Avus owner.

I have a couple questions for you: What springs and dampers are you using? and, are you running any spacers with your DS1s or your LTWs? Mine is on H&M sport springs and Bilstein dampers, and it seems to be sitting right about at the same height as yours, but my wheels look a bit too tucked in for me. I'm thinking about maybe adding some spacers, but not sure what size to use. Just wondering if you're running them and if so what size.

The car is on Bilstein struts with H&R sport springs all around. As far as spacers go, I'm not running any at all with either set of wheels. When I mount the LTW wheels on, the rears are tucked and so close to the fender honestly that I don't know how you'd get any thickness of spacer back there without rolling the fenders (correct me if I'm wrong folks). I've got 5mm, 10mm, and 15mm spacers that I've run on my clownshoe for different setups and I just don't see adding a spacer on my car would do much appearance wise.

This thread makes me want to stay avus. Just need to find a good set of ds1's now.

Definitely stay Avus, only a one year color for the M3, it's unique! And I think the DS1's are an underrated wheel, I do wish the rears were 8.5's though, they'd probably be a lot more desirable if they were.

Dibs on clownshoe!

Everything is always for sale :)

Krohn27

07-07-2017, 11:35 AM

I realized I never posted a photo with the LTW front corner splitters. The car sailed past 238k miles. It's made two 3.5+ hour trips to the beach this summer. It's a trooper.

http://i.imgur.com/8LPBFcN.jpg?1

GG///M3

07-10-2017, 11:57 PM

Sounds like a keeper

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Krohn27

10-09-2017, 10:39 AM

242k, the car gave me the first check engine light since ownership. It was code 1221 after doing the "stomp test" which was an o2 sensor code, but after some research I found out it could be a slew of things. I went ahead and got a BOSCH o2 sensor, along with some fresh NGK BKR6E plugs and some MAF cleaner. An hour later, I got everything done and took it for a cruise. Check engine light has gone away, and the car no longer has a little stumble in low RPMs. According to the OBC my mpg has picked up slightly, but we all know how accurate those are. Hand calculations on the next tank will truly tell. The ol' girl is still kickin.

Moron95M3

10-09-2017, 12:13 PM

nice! My avus just hit 260k :) Keep it up!!

Krohn27

10-10-2017, 10:47 PM

I should have knocked on some wood after I fixed the CEL. As of yesterday I now have an annoying issue. When my right blinker is on, it flashes quickly, but all my lights are functioning. I have no check control issues. When I turn the hazards on, everything blinks as normal, it's only when I turn the right blinker on does it flash quickly. What else is odd is that I can hear almost a clicking/relay sound when the blinker is off, and the green indicator arrow for the right blinker is very dimly lit all the time. I was driving tonight and the left one functions fine, but the right blinker even when not engaged is very dimly lit green. Any thoughts here?

**EDIT** Update to this issue. It was as simple as changing the RF blinker bulb. To the eye it looked perfectly fine, but it must have been shorting out, causing things to go haywire. Bulb replaced, all is well. Easy fix.