F31 B3 #155

[James_G]

Some great results there Matt and I'm pleased that #155 has come in to the Alpina Register fold. Having previously seen Silver with Oyster in the flesh, it's a colour scheme I'd be very happy with myself.

[MattOz]

Some great results there Matt and I'm pleased that #155 has come in to the Alpina Register fold. Having previously seen Silver with Oyster in the flesh, it's a colour scheme I'd be very happy with myself.

Thanks James. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m loving it so far.

[MrC]

Paddles fitted today, along with replacing a broken front fog light and new wiper blades all round. Hope to get time at the weekend to replace the front brake pads. Definitely feel like I’m getting there.

Hi MattOz,

Recently became the proud owner of F31 B3s #205. First proper car and I'm delighted with it! Viewing this forum really helped make my mind up on what I wanted.

But the steering wheel gear shift buttons are a pain! Really interested in fitting paddles, as you have. Do you do this yourself or bave it done somewhere?

I think you've also said, perhaps in another thread, that you simply use F3x BMW standard paddles sourced from eBay - is that right?

Cheers

[MattOz]

The paddles are just the regular BMW F3* paddles. I found it cheaper to buy a complete SE wheel off eBay with paddles included and just remove them. The bonus of that is that I now have a spare steering wheel I could get retrimmed for my car. Anyway, I digress.

The paddle change is straightforward. There are plenty of steering wheel removal vids on YouTube, but it can be a bit daunting first time

The Alpina paddles have additional wiring that sits in the wheel, but the replacement paddles have shorter, simpler wiring and it’s just plug and play.

I’m Midlands based and would happily help you do it if you’re local. Not a problem

Cheers
Matt

[MattOz]

Had 4 hours spare this morning to do something. Decided to clean the car and then give it a quick clay and polish. This would be the first clay and polish I’ve done since I bought the car.

Quite a bit of contamination on the clay bar, and I only gave it a quick once over using my Rupes DA and some Schol Concepts Black polish on a polishing pad. The car really needs a proper cutting session on the paint, but this will do for today. Car is looking much glossier and I’m content with the results. Just don’t look too closely!

[MattOz]

Spent a couple of hours swapping all the door speakers for upgraded Match items and also added the tweeter housing for the fronts. Just waiting on a pair of subs to arrive.

Now, this is just the speaker upgrade at the moment. Just wanted to get shot of the awful standard base audio. I have no doubt I’ll add an amp in due course.

Pretty simple to do and the sound quality is already massively improved.

[Fast3000]

Great work, she is really coming together. Is the tweeter housing aftermarket? And how did you find it? Thanks

[hap]

Great thread reminds me of James one with his previous B3 and now his B2.5
Keep them coming

[MattOz]

Great work, she is really coming together. Is the tweeter housing aftermarket? And how did you find it? Thanks

The tweeter housing is OE BMW for a car with hi-fi, but not H/K. Part numbers 51337323507 and 51337323508. About £27 a side. Will be fitting new subs at the weekend, as they’re arriving tomorrow.

[Frosty]

Great work, she is really coming together. Is the tweeter housing aftermarket? And how did you find it? Thanks

The tweeter housing is OE BMW for a car with hi-fi, but not H/K. Part numbers 51337323507 and 51337323508. About £27 a side. Will be fitting new subs at the weekend, as they’re arriving tomorrow.

They are what my F11 has, as HK was not an option when mine was new.

F1# audio options.JPG (46.44 KiB) Viewed 139 times

[MattOz]

Had an hour or so free this afternoon, and dodging the wind and rain I replaced the underseat subs. Pretty straightforward job and the replacement Muswell units are night and day compared to the standard crap.

The biggest job is heating the sub housings up enough to melt the glue that BMW insist on using and then you have to pry the old sub out. Takes about 5-10 mins, but renders the original sub to the bin.

Instead of removing the front seats completely, I just laid them on a towel on the back seat. Took the chance to hoover and clean areas not usually accessible too.

Just need to decide if I really need an amp now.