neilv

I added some medium(35%) tint all the way around and installed the LCI leather console +ZHP shift knob. Also put in some UCC Delrin clutch bushings+ greased the pivots to help smooth out the pedal.

Changed some front suspension pieces; the front lower ball joint and I swapped some E9X M3 Tension strut bushings into the stock arms. Full rubber instead of partial fluid filled rubber; should tighten up the steering a bunch and get rid of the slop the stock bushings have.

neilv

Over the weekend I installed the front brake upgrade: 348mm front brakes from the 550i/545i/ rwd N54 535i. Direct swap and funny enough uses the same brake pad, caliper spring and even the stock calipers work(slightly different shape but same piston/rotor width/pin spacing). They just happen to fit under 17's.

Its really only the caliper bracket and rotor that are different but it is absolutely noticeable. Plus if you go for the Oem or zimmerman options that have the 2 piece rotor; the weight penalty is reduced greatly.

kd7iwp

Is it just me, or is that a flat tire?

neilv

Could be just the photo. it is a big meaty tire on a small wheel (245/45/17 on 17x8). New perfectly flat driveway and I had just topped up the tire pressure to 32psi before taking it out.

neilv

Pulled the summer daily out so I have the next few weeks to get some much needed work/upgrades done on the car before she heads to storage.

neilv

I was looking into it a bit; If I can find out how to use the Neodat I will try to make a custom setting between Wert1 and Wert2. Over the winter im going to try and work on that and hopefully match the hydraulic steering feel of my E90.



Before I put the car away I ended up dropping the trans to do the shifter bushings as they were worn. Went with ECS Delrin/Turner Poly bushings and a ZHP shift knob to match. During that I noticed that my flywheel had a nice hole in it. So I went with the Valeo single mass conversion+ newer style clutch fork/bearing+850CI SS pin. Oh man is it sooo much better.

As well my E61 comes back out soon and I have a few parts waiting to install: Style 640M wheels, 545/550 345mm rear brakes/rwd hubs, Heated Sport steering wheel w/ M-sport trim, Bamboo Anthracite trim, LM2 module, LCI euro light switch, #114 updated big disa valve, 6FL console USB/wiring and I even got some Anthracite A/B pillar trims. I also picked up a few CIC parts but no drive. I'm hoping my M-ASK is the updated style so I can at least use the CIC controller for now.

gman6262

Nice project, keep us up to date. I'm going to have to try out the steering settings modifications.

neilv

The wagon is back and the 640M wheels are on (18x8.5 +27 and 18x9 +29) and some 245/40/18 Michelin Alpins. Should save a good few pounds a wheel and tighten up the ride with a shorter side wall. But jees this thing need to be lowered and there's no real options (coilovers are a no go). E90 X-drive facelift strut mounts drop the car ~1/2" without losing any shock travel but I just don't think that is enough.



Got most of the parts waiting to go on, on. My large disa was destroyed so the metal shaft #114 unit gets me back to 255hp; Also tested the small disa and it was still working quick& sharp so bonus.

LM2 swap is done but I still gotta run the rear fog wire. As well, the rear hub swap+ V8 rear brakes is next in line(change out the lower bearing/bushing too as its worn). Also bought some 25mm bolt on spacers to offset the rwd hubs being 23mm shorter. Found out my hatch doesn't work (fluid drained out over the summer) time to rebuild that as well.

FormerE30Owner

Not sure that those wide winter tires is a good idea in the slush or deep snow conditions, nor is lowering the car in winter conditions.

neilv

Tires are only 245 width; I ran the same width last year (we use the 225/255 combo on our E90s and i've used 235s on the previous volvo for winters). Have yet to have to be stuck anywhere or wish for narrower.

Also I've driven a lowered car in the winter for the last decade; I'm not sure why that would be an issue?