The Little Things That Make Your Car New.

[aaron325ix]

I have noticed that making just simplest little repairs on your car can make it feel like new.

I recently had a loose headlight switch, found the nut and finally got in on there and no more play when I turn on the lights what a relief.

Today I replaced my throttle cable and my gas pedal feels like new. Unbelieveable.

What little things have you done to make your car feel like new?

[BDSax]

m50, 5 speed swap, paint. next is new leather for the interior, yes i agree.

[FLUTE007]

i just went nuts on my car this weekend gutted it and did all new drop with new rearend, but last week i balanced the wheels , and that was the best so much smoother , so ya its the little things that count...

[Lazr111]

when i did a valve adjustment, the car felt like it came alive... it was a good feeling.

[aaron325ix]

valve adj. is next weekend for me. Did you do it yourself? I have never tackled that myself, although i hear it's easy. I'm just concerned with turning the motor, I have an iX so I guess I would have to lift up the whole car so I can turn the wheels? Dunno though, maybe there is an eaiser way. Anyone?

[erik325i]

It's always the things you see or use every day that are the most appreciated. e36 window switches, leather e-brake boot, clutch stop, '95 m3 steering rack, smaller steering wheel... are just some of the things that make driving my car more enjoyable.

-Erik

[aaron325ix]

It's always the things you see or use every day that are the most appreciated. e36 window switches, leather e-brake boot, clutch stop, '95 m3 steering rack, smaller steering wheel... are just some of the things that make driving my car more enjoyable.

-Erik

Again, one more thing on my list. I have two switches, but need two more to complete the task. Anyone here have two they want to give up?

[speedhop]

'95 m3 steering rack,
-Erik

By far the best update i've done...so agile

[cferb]

I think my favorite is my seats

[TwoJ's]

Yeah, I like things that make my e30 feel more modern (but not too much so). To me things like my e36m3 non vader seats were a huge upgrade. Also, the ipod controller on my deck is very nice, especially since I made the cruise stalk work to control the radio (forward = next track, backward = previous track, up = volume up, down = volume down). It makes it easy to control the radio without looking away from the road.

Also e30 things that really help the interior are the '90+ knee bolster and an mtech2 wheel. The things you are talking about are regular maint., and that obviously makes a car feel better.

Now, if I had an early model, I'd go for a more "old school" look with no shadowline, chrome kidneys euro bumpers and some period correct seats and wheels.

[TwoJ's]

And just as a note, when you do the valve adjustment, you shouldn't need to raise the car, just put it in neutral. You can turn the motor with a wrench on the crank nut (or you can get a socket to fit it. I'm not sure of the size, but for an s14 it's 36mm). Or if you are lazy, you can bump the starter. Take out the plugs when you turn the motor over.

[Justin B]

e36 switches, suspension overhaul, then new springs again a couple days ago actually. Even just CLEANING the interior makes the whole experience a lot better. I let mine get a little too dirty too often =( Lots of little things.

[smonkbmw]

Also, the ipod controller on my deck is very nice, especially since I made the cruise stalk work to control the radio (forward = next track, backward = previous track, up = volume up, down = volume down). It makes it easy to control the radio without looking away from the road.

WHOA, need to see a write up about this!!

[TwoJ's]

WHOA, need to see a write up about this!!

I'll definitely do that once I get all of the kinks worked out. I think I may have to use a relay for each function, but we'll see. The project is on the back burner until I get my body work finished.

But first and foremost, you must have a deck that supports factory steering wheel controls (for newer cars). I have the Eclipse CD5000. I'm not sure which other brands support something like this.

I also have a write up for the z3 antenna that I've done, but I haven't been able to post it in the FAQ section yet.

[sweetride01]

My 501st post... will I move from E30 addict?

Change those faded seatbelt clips (buckle holders), this does wonders. It should also add safety. Then protect & intensify the colour of your dash by applying 303 aerospace protectant!