Hi Guys

[Fluid36]

Hi Guys

I'm new to this forum and to M3 ownership so would just like say hi to everyone and thanks for the vast amounts of information that I have already gathered on my path to M3 ownership.

I have just bought myself a 1995 N reg black 3.0 saloon with 115000 miles on the clock. The car is in generally good condition (a few rough edges here and there), but nothing major and it drives very nice from my limited exposure so far. There are however 1 0r two areas that need attention.

The main problems are as follows

1) The cats are blowing (I used this as a major bargaining factor).

2) The service history is not 100 percent complete (it is pretty good but there are a few gaps here and there), also the history check I did using BMW customer services mentioned some work and servicing which is not in the service book (which I find a bit strange).

So my questions are as follows.

1) For the cats I have found some de cat pipes on eBay etc (supersprint) for £275, these seem reasonably priced and since the car has a brand new MOT I could whip one of these on to fix the cat problem and to also maybe gain a little extra performance. How much performance, if any could I expect from this (considering the back box will remain standard at this stage) and would you suggest getting a full service etc done at the same time?

2) How much would I expect to pay to get this cat fitted (I don't have a garage or tools to do it myself) and if the service etc is recommended how much would this approximately come too?

3) Is there anywhere in or near NW/N London that someone can recommend where I can take the car in to get the work done, M3 specialists etc?

Thanks in advance for any help guys

Mike

[Ronnie]

Welcome to the forum!
1. The de cat pipes should give you a slight power gain but probably not noticeable ,How many miles since your last service? It's always beneficial to keep on top of things like this.
2.Depends on service required. Shouldn't set you back too much to have exhaust fitted, tis pretty simple

[bossman]

Originally Posted by Fluid36

Hi Guys
..

The main problems are as follows

1) The cats are blowing (I used this as a major bargaining factor).

2) The service history is not 100 percent complete (it is pretty good but there are a few gaps here and there), also the history check I did using BMW customer services mentioned some work and servicing which is not in the service book (which I find a bit strange).

So my questions are as follows.

1) For the cats I have found some de cat pipes on eBay etc (supersprint) for £275, these seem reasonably priced and since the car has a brand new MOT I could whip one of these on to fix the cat problem and to also maybe gain a little extra performance. How much performance, if any could I expect from this (considering the back box will remain standard at this stage) and would you suggest getting a full service etc done at the same time?

2) How much would I expect to pay to get this cat fitted (I don't have a garage or tools to do it myself) and if the service etc is recommended how much would this approximately come too?

3) Is there anywhere in or near NW/N London that someone can recommend where I can take the car in to get the work done, M3 specialists etc?

Thanks in advance for any help guys

Mike

Hi Mike

welcome to the forum

Congrats on your recent purchase.
The car sounds nice

To answer your questions

1/ yes, they should be ok I would say gains will be negligable (if any) because on naturally aspirated cars, the engine relies on backpressure from the exhaust system to aid in scavenging the cylinders..

I wouldnt think it will have a negative affect but just so you are aware of this.

Also, why dont you try ringing someone like Quarry Motors in Sheffield? 0114 276 9076 / 0114 275 5916

They are excellent and will most likely have a good used pair meaning you wont have to mess about swapping come MOT time

2/ If you find a decent exhaust place it will depend on what condition the rest of the system is in.
Rusted bolts and rusty mating flanges will add parts/labour time to the job.

if it is straightforward I would reckon on a couple of hours labour. Say £40-£60

Service depends totally which one it is.

If its inspection one or inspection two it will be more than a simple oil change

Heres a good guide for you

http://www.quarrymotors.co.uk/servicing.html

You MUST use a good indepndant BMW place if you can and if not they MUST use the correct specification and quality of oil that is recommended for your car.

iirc its a 10/W40 semi synthetic (Castrol or similiar will do)

3/ Ahh!!
Ignore the comment in point 2!

Heres a few well recommended places that I know of in London (not sure how near they are to you but worth the drive......)

These guys come highly recommended... (if you do use any of them please tell them about Bimmerforums We will be taking on some site sponsors soon to help with running costs so are asking folks to spread the word)


http://www.janddvehiclerepairs.com/
High Wycombe
01494 564494

Also, http://munichmotors.co.uk/4556.html in Wokingham are meant to be good

Also
BMWorx Ltd
in Aylesbury
are meant to be

BMWorx Ltd
Unit 7a, Weston Way Industrial Estate
Lower Road
Stoke Mandeville
Aylesbury
HP22 5GT

01296 - 614646

Good luck and let us know how you get on mate