Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Got to agree with BQ there again, if you're already running small wheels with big sidewalls, then new OEM dampers, springs, and bushes will do wonders.

Bilstein B4/B6 dampers will also be a really good option with OEM or Eibach springs (with OEM spring rate).

Twice as much as the Bilstein it is true, but cheaper and better than the KW stuff according to Center Gravity.

This just popped up on my fb, never seen one before -Skoda 1100 OHC Coupe, mmmmmmm

https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/skoda-world/heritage/skoda-1100-ohc-coupe-restored-to-its-former-glory/?fbclid=IwAR0FnfVcV4qN2F0dJkWgj3753eWzPOV4HgchT46e-eDs_bX3hJyZeGLQhZI

Forgot to mention the best bit, mechanic let me take his e34 for a spin while he worked on my e46.
Auto box isn’t the most responsive but it’s pretty fun once you hit the powerband.

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Skoda (and the Chezch and Slovak people) did some amazing automotive work until they became part of VW.

Still my favourite BMW, had the 5 speed 2.5 straight 6. Had the usual waterpump, thermostat and failed viscous fan but was a great car. So easy to drift and control.

EDIT: and various suspension bushes at every MOT that luckily had tools so that you could do them on the car and not have to strip down the suspension.

Never been a fan of coilovers , heard they are OK for track use but far too harsh for the road, I am a fan of Bilstein damper/Eibach spring B12 kits.
Put in your model details and search here
https://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co.uk/info-parts_list?make=BMW&car_year=2004&model=3+Series&car_id=320+2.0+E46+d%7C2001%7C2005

Ohlins are not necessarily any better. Also depends on the models. From 85-05 they were owned by Yamaha and lots of ohlins stuff was fitted to yamaha was stickered Ohlins but not great.

Ohlins front fork seals aren't that great, usually having a single lip seal so more prone to leakage and usued to be common to use non standard double lip fork seal.

EDIT: Ohlins now owned by a US company that also owns federal mogul and Marzocchi!

Which, given that Nef is likely to be fitting 20 year old motorcycle shocks to his BMW is very pertinent advice.

Messed with my Subaru suspension as it was my daily driver as well as used for spirited driving. Sti, Eibach (springs and street pro), something else and finally AST at a cost that made my nose bleed!

Never really cracked it but the AST was the best for keeping it pointing in the right direction and livable driving to work.

Are bilstein still have manufacturing problems? In the Panda world the B6 is the damper to have and there have been supply issues world probably covid related.

Spring wise are aftermarket better than OE for longevity?

Also when altering ride hieght do you guys get the suspension set up checked?

Is that in regard to eBay coil overs or my general cluelessness when it comes to selecting components? Although either way, the glove fits.

It does seem like a fairly standard OEM replacement, or spending some cash on bilsteins are the obvious choices. And I’ve just precariously scraped my way down a farm track once again, so lowering is a no go. Fuck it, maybe I’ll raise it.

Automotive perfection?

Awesome thanks everyone will try Motorway.com!

Yeah speed is the third element - I normally wouldn’t be too fussed about a week here or there but we move to Northampton for 4 months mid-September so need it sorted by then

@NurseHolliday thinking about getting the Tesla wrapped - know anyone who’s had that done?

Stoopid question, do subaru use differing spring rates for different luxury levels?

Anyone else been following the engineering company making a flat v8 using two alfa sud engines. Engine has one crank, but each 4 cylinder keeps its one bank per cam.

Going to end up in a mid engined sprint.

I'm going way back (20yrs) but the iirc the "D" series of Subaru's had softer spring rates.

Not sure about the more modern and contemporary models.

I recently drove a BMW 135i coupe that has been lowered on eibach pro springs and has bilsteins b8 installed. Running 18's with 35 and 40 profile tyres. The ride and handling was fantastic. And for a 12 year old car the thing felt solid. Turn in was a bit vague but the car has now had some camber and m sport lower control arms installed. But was impressed with the livable ride comfort and control from the b8's. With nearly 600Nm on tap the thing was quick too.

Not specifically a Tesla, but I know plenty of people who have had their cars wrapped.

Alex's website is terrible but he's very very good:

http://www.vividvinyl.co.uk/

https://www.thedrive.com/news/psa-driving-an-open-wheel-race-car-on-the-highway-is-very-illegal

If you could, you would.

Unsurprising but worth re-iterating as everything seems to be moving toward touchscreens these days.

http://www.vibilagare.se/nyheter/physical-buttons-outperform-touchscreens-new-cars-test-finds