Stoneleigh will have to wait until next year!

The thought was there but to be realistic a journey of 5,000km in a week in a rebuilt car open to the elements and the thought of all that English rain didn't fill me with a lot of enthusiasm. Instead my sights were focused on the Scania enthusiast Road Trip which took place on Thursday. It was all very 11th hour as I was rushing to get the windscreen on, lights fixed, relays replaced. Thursday morning I nipped into BMW and they were kind enough to give me a free engine diagnostics.

Two things wrong, one was the MAF sensor which costs £350 and the Camshaft sensor which comes in at £100. I decided instead to use CRC air sensor cleaner first. I'll check out Ebay for the cam sensor.

The guys were very friendly and were very interested in seeing one of their engines packed into such a small car. Actually during the diagnosis they told me the engine was actually from a 1998 BMW not a 96 which I was lead to beleive by the BMW breakers (note to self - don't complain!) 


I'd like to do something with the bonnet as it's quite a handful to take off and on. Perhaps it can be hinged in some way.

The new wishbones are great, the turning circle is very much better than before. If I can get the angle right I can get out of the garage in one instead of 5!

At last the GKD sticker in place on the bonnet!

Windscreen wipers needed some adjustment to fit parallel to the bottom of the screen. I'm not sure how effective they will be in a rain but I'm not in a hurry to find out. Today I cleaned the MAF with  the CRC cleaner and went back to the first air filter I bought. The backfire has now reduced, acceleration is brilliant, so much so that I have to learn how to change gear faster!

Some small jobs, rear carpet makes a big difference. 

Peter at GKD ran me off a BMW inside sticker. Nice against the black.

Windscreen wipers in place. Not tested yet!

A couple of adjustments I need to do in the next few days. I bolted the drivers seat a few centimeters too far forward so waste some valuable leg room. The foot rest is great but it makes it a little tight between pedals but it's worth it. Anette is making the gearshift gaiter for me, hopefully that will be ready tomorrow.


I was out driving past Rosenhill today along the much loved motorcycle routes in the area. The weather was great, sunshine (a little cold perhaps) and clear skies. I'm still thrilled with the road handling, the sound, the speed and above all it has the same feeling as riding a motorcycle only it can be done without a helmet.  


Peter is developing a supercharger kit which uses a Mini Cooper S system. It's estimated to increase power by 50HP. Hopefully he will have that ready by winter. It's not something that is really necessary but it's a new challenge, and I reckon that's what life's all about. 


A few more pictures:

Pity the black gets dirty quite quickly

The reversing sensors work very well. ebay sell them.