Tim's Trophy - #455

[Tim.]

Great thread here Tim. Just read from the start and enjoyed it. I also have a Rs2'd T, so that's another to the list.

Will keep watching this progress, also love the white on red combo, looks brilliant.

Cheers for the comments mate, I didn't know you also had a Trophy with an RS2 as well as your 182. Have you got a project thread for either of your cars?

Fancy bringing the Trophy along to Prescott?
http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?733050-La-Vie-En-Bleu&highlight=vie+en+bleu

Love this Tim, looks great and some nice additions to boot :approve:

Thanks for looking George - your additions certainly help!

The Trophy and I went to @Cub. 's this weekend, met a few of the usual suspects and caught up with some new faces too - good to meet you @Phase1sr , can't wait to see P1 RUK in the metal!

@Christopher. fitted my alcantara A-pillar covers (thanks mate) which came courtesy of Alcantara Austin (@Austin-182) over a year ago. They're a nice little touch in the cabin but sadly it highlights other things which need doing to continue with the incremental improvement of #455. Next up - a Phase 1 gear knob I think.

The Trophy is due an MOT soon, plus it's approaching its interval to have the aux belt changed (on age not mileage ) so while it's having that done I'm toying with the idea of removing the AC and getting the Cup kit I sourced from AlexW into the bay. I've also picked up some Goodridge braided lines from @G 172 along with some more ATE Superblue fluid so that can all go on too.

Since November I've only driven the Trophy 150 miles or so, and while I didn't intend to put it on the rollers I was going to take it to SRR, however, it didn't start that morning so I took the Beemer instead. Nothing to worry about - a new Bosch S4 battery fitted and it started first time when I took it to Oli's yesterday, and driving it made me realise just how much I've missed it! It's so focused and rewarding, although on a hangover the 3-series has a slightly more refined ride, nevertheless the love was well and truly rekindled.

I'm really looking forward to the weather improving this year so I can start driving it properly again, and already in the diary is a 700-mile, 2-day Welsh road trip in March. The route has been planned (with help from @SharkyUK ), the accommodation booked (cheers for the recommendations @Ph1 Tom ), and the cars will be ready, all we need to do is pray for good weather (@God) so we can enjoy some of the best roads the UK has to offer. Cannot wait!!!!!

 

[Christopher.]

Looked lovely yesterday mate. Id post up the pictures i took but they came out quite poor

 

[Cub.]

#455 looked awesome yesterday, as ever

Roll on Wales.

 

[Mr R.]

Great to meet you to Tim, i love your Trophy it is bloody lovely mate.

Im trying to work out how i can have one in my life.


<3

 

[Ph1 Tom]

You're most welcome!

Car looks great, enjoy the trip!

 

[SharkyUK]

Hi Tim, I did get your e-mail but haven't yet replied! I'm hoping to meet up with you guys for at least one of the days whilst your are in Wales.

 

[Cub.]

Hi Tim, I did get your e-mail but haven't yet replied! I'm hoping to meet up with you guys for at least one of the days whilst your are in Wales.

Be good to catch up if you are about bud

 

[Tim.]

March 2014 (53,000 miles):

A small update following the annual pilgrimage to Michael Woodford Motorsport - #455 is now sporting a Phase 1 gearknob, some braided brake lines & ATE Superblue fluid, courtesy of G 172. The tactile feel to the aluminium knob is a vast improvement over the cheap standard item.

It also sailed through its MOT, was treated to some fresh Fuchs Titan Pro Race S oil, an Aux belt service (cam belt not due for another couple of years) and the air con has been removed using a Cup setup, sourced from a car AlexW was breaking so thanks to him too.

The car has been driven a grand total of 209 miles in the last 6 months, and when I picked it up from Mike's I was actually surprised how much I'd missed it, and it wasn't with him for long. The 330 has put in a sterling effort over the winter months but now the sun has started to make a few appearances it's time for the Trophy to take centre-stage once more, and what better place to take it than some of the best roads our country has to offer.

On Friday afternoon me and a few others will be starting a 700 mile trip, heading up to Llangollen before making our way back down through Wales, via the Evo triangle, Llanberis Pass, epic roads around Bala, down to the Elan Valley, the Brecons and to the M4 and back home on Sunday. I've wanted to do a trip like this for some time and I really think the Trophy will be well-matched to the kind of roads I'm hoping our route will take us on. No doubt a post-trip thread will appear when we get back, fingers crossed the weather holds out to allow for some spirited driving and decent photographs to be taken.

It's only a car but I'm really looking forward to bonding with the Trophy again, it's in fine fettle and it's going to be a great trip!

 

[Cub.]

Can't wait for the Wales trip. I extended my breakdown cover with the AA to cover recovery to any location of my choice, in anticipation

The T is looking awesome 'Othy. Didn't know you'd gone down the air con delete route aswell. Good work.

 

[Chi]

Can't wait for the Wales trip. I extended my breakdown cover with the AA to cover recovery to any location of my choice, in anticipation

The T is looking awesome 'Othy. Didn't know you'd gone down the air con delete route aswell. Good work.

There's confidence for you

 

[Cub.]

There's confidence for you

Lol! I have bad experiences of heading to Wales and my chariot of choice failing on me in deepest, darkest 'bumfuck' country (wasn't clio, was a Mini JCW).

This time, i'm going over prepared

 

[Chi]

Good plan have u details of the trip? Looks like you get close to me so I might try and catch up with you guys..

 

[Cub.]

'Othy is the leader. We merely follow

He can detail the itinerary a bit more, as in truth, I don't know where I am going / what i'm doing. Lol!

 

[SharkyUK]

It's only a car but I'm really looking forward to bonding with the Trophy again, it's in fine fettle and it's going to be a great trip!

It will indeed be a great trip. You've got some awesome roads on your route.

 

[Tim.]

An update with nothing to update...

The car ticked over 55,000 miles while I was out for a drive on Sunday, and it felt as good as ever.

The car wants for nothing, I'm so happy with it and while I still have a wish-list (doesn't everyone?) I can't honestly see me ever spending out on an LSD or turbo conversion.

Next realistic plans will be Pagid Blue pads (not for another couple of years) and an engine bay tidy-up & powder-coating of a few bits when the cambelt is due (June 2016). So nothing soon other than regular oil changes (Fuchs Titan Pro Race S) and light servicing.

As I said, in my opinion the car is perfect as it is. I don't drive it that often but when I do it never fails to engage me. I'm not sure I can ever see me selling.

Next update due in 18 months

 

[SharkyUK]

Pfft. How dare you enjoy it

It's great to see you are still enjoying the Trophy mate, and that it is running sweet. I yearn for that day... Long may it continue and I look forward to future updates. Whenever they arrive.

There is one thing I'd like to pick up on, though. LSD. A very worthwhile addition in my opinion. Despite not having the best of fortune with my own T at the moment I am absolutely loving the diff. Just sayin'...

 

[182_sport]

Epic car bud don't know how I missed this build!

Would love passenger ride in this thinking of the rs2 myself

 

[Tim.]

Pfft. How dare you enjoy it

It's great to see you are still enjoying the Trophy mate, and that it is running sweet. I yearn for that day... Long may it continue and I look forward to future updates. Whenever they arrive.

There is one thing I'd like to pick up on, though. LSD. A very worthwhile addition in my opinion. Despite not having the best of fortune with my own T at the moment I am absolutely loving the diff. Just sayin'...

I'm not ruling it out, but it would have to be a significant windfall for me to invest that much in a car I only drive 3k a year in. Maybe it's time I liquidate some of my equity and buy an F430 instead

Next time I'm over your way you're welcome to a drive but you must promise not to place a curse on #455.

Epic car bud don't know how I missed this build!

Would love passenger ride in this thinking of the rs2 myself

Cheers pal, if you make it to Castle Combe or a South Central meet then you're more than welcome to hop in the passenger seat for a quick blast, not a problem at all. The RS2 is a totally different proposition to ITBs or a turbo, but I love its smooth delivery and the way it retains its value!

 

[Mr R.]

I love this car.

 

[Cub.]

LSD. You know my views on this x

 

[TimR26]

LSD would be a good upgrade but Tim doesn't track it enough to justify the expense IMO

I need to ask for a passenger ride next time we have a meet!

 

[SharkyUK]

I'm not ruling it out, but it would have to be a significant windfall for me to invest that much in a car I only drive 3k a year in. Maybe it's time I liquidate some of my equity and buy an F430 instead

I hear you - and I can appreciate where you are coming from. Ooh, F430 did you say?

Next time I'm over your way you're welcome to a drive but you must promise not to place a curse on #455.

Thank you, that's very kind of you. I promise not to curse #455. Well, I'll try not to...

LSD. You know my views on this x

^ Even Oli agrees and he actually knows what he's talking about

 

[182_sport]

When are you next at Combe bud?

 

[Tim.]

No update on the Trophy but some attention was given to the Beemer as the EML had been illuminated for quite some time, and I've had a DISA kit from Sheffield-based i6 automotive for ages, so that was fitted.

The DISA kit (link here) is smart and while I didn't think the old one looked as bad as some you see, the change in low down torque and driveability is significant, it should have been done a month or two ago. Thanks to whoever on CS posted details of the kit, and if anyone is buying one check out the i6 website and their eBay shop as prices differ between the two.

As for the EML, it was diagnosed as an air leak, which I'm hoping the DISA change will remedy, however, it'll need a long run to see if it returns having been cleared. If it does, the next stop will be the crankcase breather valve.

The 330i is a great car and I really enjoy driving it but it does illustrate how unrefined the Trophy is in comparison. Having driven the 3er quite a lot recently I took the Trophy out to the South Central meet at Longbridge Mill and after a few hundred metres I thought something was seriously wrong. Turns out that's just the noise it makes (lots). It's not quite the same as the straight six growl of the German barge, nor are the seats as comfortable, and clearly there are a lot less toys in the Clio, but that's why these two complement each other so well - they do completely different things, very well indeed. I don't need either, but I love both!

Insurance for both cars is up in the next few weeks so if anyone knows any multi-car providers which cater for modifications, suggestions are welcome.

 

[Bluebeard]

Pics of it with it's new wings on??

 

[TimR26]

Good no update update Tim.

 

[Bluebeard]

Good no update update Tim.

You been on the gear again?

What does that even mean?!

 

[Tim.]

Pics of it with it's new wings on??

Good point, thanks for the reminder.

When I removed the Le Mans stickers from the rear bumper some paint came off so I booked it in at the well-respected Headley Bodyshop in Newbury (@Stryker), and had it repaired and resprayed. Very pleased with the finish and while I was there I got a quote to replace the front wings with genuine BMW, spray them along with the front bumper and bonnet, and blend into the doors. The four-figure quote was a little more than I was expecting so I did a bit of research into how else I could address the rust becoming evident on the front wings - a common problem on the E46.

Fortunately this car was registered very early in January 2004 and as a result it qualifies for BMW UK's 12 year corrosion warranty. I took it to my local dealer, Dick Lovett in Hungerford, where it underwent paint depth testing, had pictures of the damage taken and a report was prepared. Sadly, not all the required information was taken at the time so I need to return so they can photograph the VIN, and take copies of the service history and a few other bits & bobs before they can submit a warranty claim.

If it comes through then the damage will be repaired courtesy of BMW, however, what's more likely is that they'll try and weasel their way out of it any way they can. If that's the case then I'll have a decision to make - sell or repair. I won't know more for another few weeks at the earliest, but I'll keep you posted, I know you're fond of this car, as am I.

 

[TimR26]

You been on the gear again?

What does that even mean?!

Read first two words of post 184.

 

[Bluebeard]

Read first two words of post 184.

Aha!! I get you now. <3

 

[Tullyvernon]

Just went through the whole project thread, lovely Trophy you have, bet its some fun to drive!!

 

[Tim.]

30th October 2014 - 55,100 miles

I've been off work this week so between spending some quality time with my gorgeous 2 year old daughter I took the opportunity to give the Trophy a little clean. First up yesterday were the white 2118s, which were in a poor state - I was worried they'd stay the brown colour they've become, but I needn't have been - Autosmart Smart Wheels, Tardis & IronX to the rescue. I can't believe how well they came up, properly gleaming!

The 2118s are wearing AD08Rs so today I took the decision to put the Turinis back on, as they're wearing slightly more sensible-for-winter Hankook V12 Evos. The Turinis came off over a year ago and now they're back on it makes it look like a completely different car. The other half says it looks less chavvy now too.

Today's clean was finished up with a couple of coats of CarPro Reload, which is a great product in terms of application, performance and it smells good too. Sadly, especially given the comments from previous photos I've posted, I didn't have time to apply any tyre gel, nor did I polish the exhaust tips so apologies for that, but I wanted to get a quick photo before it got dark. So here are a couple of iPhone pictures taken in fading light, also showing the brand new drive, which we're made up with!

In the last year I've only driven 2,000 miles, which is unacceptable, although a big chunk of that was on our superb Welsh Weekender. Next year's resolution is to drive it much more, on roads it was meant for. Another trip to Wales is on the cards, plus a longer jaunt to Scotland too perhaps, and I'm looking forward to joining in any driving meets which any of the new reps might organise.

FL - 0
FR - 3
RL - 1
RR - 2

 

[Cub.]

Drive looks great

I like the sounds of Wales and Scotland

 

[TimR26]

I agree with your other half, looks great on the Turinis.

Good work with the drive as well

 

[Bluebeard]

More driveway?? Blimey. Must be able to fit about 44 cars at your house now??

 

[Rob]

How was the DISA valve to fit Tim?

I keep meaning to do mine.. it was replaced with a brand new one just before I bought it (say 3 years ago now) so it could probably do with an upgraded design one...

Loving the driveway also, trying to figure out what to have myself, but I need to find the time to get down the builders merchants.

 

[jesus]

Looking good Tim

 

[Tim.]

Looking good Tim :smile:

Cheers Jamie.

Drive looks great :smile:

Good work with the drive as well :smile:

More driveway?? Blimey. Must be able to fit about 44 cars at your house now??

Loving the driveway, trying to figure out what to have myself, but I need to find the time to get down the builders merchants.

It's great to hear positive comments about the drive, thanks guys, definitely money well spent! And yep, 44 cars is about right, although next job is to remove the hardstanding in the back garden and extend the lawn so the little lady can have even more space to run around, so it'll be reduced significantly next year.

How was the DISA valve to fit Tim?

I bought the kit ages ago and if memory serves me correct it came with a link to a PDF download of 20 or so pages of detailed instructions along with pictures at every step. Very thorough indeed! That said, I let the specialists do it while it was in having the other bits done, but by all accounts it's a pretty simple job for someone of your calibre.

 

[Gorms]

Looking good Tim and I lke the drive. Top work bud!

 

[Tim.]

I got a quote to replace the front wings with genuine BMW, spray them along with the front bumper and bonnet, and blend into the doors. The four-figure quote was a little more than I was expecting so I did a bit of research into how else I could address the rust becoming evident on the front wings - a common problem on the E46.

Fortunately this car was registered very early in January 2004 and as a result it qualifies for BMW UK's 12 year corrosion warranty. I took it to my local dealer, Dick Lovett in Hungerford, where it underwent paint depth testing, had pictures of the damage taken and a report was prepared. Sadly, not all the required information was taken at the time so I need to return so they can photograph the VIN, and take copies of the service history and a few other bits & bobs before they can submit a warranty claim.

If it comes through then the damage will be repaired courtesy of BMW, however, what's more likely is that they'll try and weasel their way out of it any way they can. If that's the case then I'll have a decision to make - sell or repair. I won't know more for another few weeks at the earliest, but I'll keep you posted, I know you're fond of this car, as am I.

Time for me to eat my words. I've just taken a call from Dick Lovett BMW, Hungerford, who have booked the 3er in to have both front wings replaced in early December, courtesy of BMW UK's 12 year corrosion warranty. Gobsmacked!