JJ0063’s current steed - Life of an impulsive car owner [N47 CHAIN GANG]

[JJ0063]

Less than 5 hours and I am now leaving, chain and box all done.

Well happy!

[mercedade]

That's superb service, for total peace of mind can't say fairer than that

[horriblemercedes]

This definitely gives me less anxiety about buying an N47/57 car. Book the day off work, turn up with a good book or two and saunter home afterwards. Outstanding

[JJ0063]

For those of you interested, here’s a before and after:

And costs, their fixed rate is £1099 for the below 
⠀
• Genuine Updated Chains⠀
• Genuine Updated Guides⠀
• Genuine Updated Tensioners ⠀
• Genuine Sprocket⠀
• Engine Oil & Filter
• Injector Seals ⠀
• Rocker Cover Gasket  ⠀
• Air con regas ⠀
• Two year unlimited mileage warranty⠀

And I also paid £399 for the ZF8 gearbox service which includes a new genuine ZF gearbox sump, genuine ZF Lifeguard oil and is filled via the correct BMW method 

The garage is called BM Mini Tech in Colchester 👍

 

I am very happy, even with all of that work I’m what £6698 deep into this car, I’d confidently get my money back if I sold it tomorrow as a freshly chained 2013 320D M sport. 

[JJ0063]

On 09/01/2024 at 16:50, mercedade said:

BM looks a great buy, even when factoring in the inevitability of you wanting it in the first place.

Whatever you do, don't go for the raised gel/4D plates, please.

PLEASE.

For a modern car, this looks classy. I'll accept a debadging this time, because I am kind and considerate and I know a man has needs (and it might stop you buying black wheels). But don't go Full Dweeb. Nothing good ever comes from going Full Dweeb.

Yes yes yes, I know it's his car and he can do what he wants. 

Would I like someone telling me what I should and shouldn't do with my cars? Absolutely not.

Is this a tiny thing in the grand scheme of things? You flipping bet it is.

But @JJ0063:  look into your heart and you'll see deep down, right at the core, right in that very centre where our loves and our lives are lived - I'm right.

I did something for you today, I drove past a BMW main dealer so went in and bought a set of OEM BMW dealer plates 😉

 

[Schaefft]

4 hours ago, JJ0063 said:

Less than 5 hours and I am now leaving, chain and box all done.

Well happy!

That is extremely impressive, imagine pulling an engine and installing it, all while doing these other jobs, in 5 hours. Considering you probably just added the cost of repair in value to the car this seems like a non brainer.

[Pat Earrings]

IF I buy the 5 off Robson I will be using this place mate and making a day of it

 

IF 👀

[Pat Earrings]

1 hour ago, JJ0063 said:

I did something for you today, I drove past a BMW main dealer so went in and bought a set of OEM BMW dealer plates 😉

 

Dealer plate wanker

[Jazoli]

1 hour ago, Pat Earrings said:

IF I buy the 5 off Robson I will be using this place mate and making a day of it

 

IF 👀

Thought it had been done on that one?

[Pat Earrings]

17 minutes ago, Jazoli said:

Thought it had been done on that one?

For a gearbox fluid change mate 

[mercedade]

3 hours ago, JJ0063 said:

I did something for you today, I drove past a BMW main dealer so went in and bought a set of OEM BMW dealer plates 😉

 

This is the work of a true believer and I adore them. And you. 

You're going to mount them in a chrome trim now, aren't you? 

[JJ0063]

3 minutes ago, mercedade said:

This is the work of a true believer and I adore them. And you. 

You're going to mount them in a chrome trim now, aren't you? 

I was going to try and be tasteful?

[Dave_Q]

A car this classy surely needs a random GmbH and a Munchen on the plate holders:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363547585900

[JJ0063]

Busy day today, got home to a fucking massive box. Dog guard and divider to keep the pug from killing the Labrador when we go out in it..

[Matty]

32 minutes ago, JJ0063 said:

Busy day today, got home to a fucking massive box. Dog guard and divider to keep the pug from killing the Labrador when we go out in it..

I reckon this could be the car that changes you JJ. You're that far into this now surely it's a medium term keeper?

[JJ0063]

7 minutes ago, Matty said:

I reckon this could be the car that changes you JJ. You're that far into this now surely it's a medium term keeper?

It’s the intention, I’ve set myself a minimum of 18 months 

It’s mad to think this is only a year newer than the Volvo but honestly driving it home today I obviously had the new found confidence to put my foot down now I know the chain isn’t going to let go, it feels really nippy, it’s comfy, with a private plate it could pass as a 5 year old car, it’s also just a car I’ve always had on my want list but they’ve always been out of budget. 
 

I am happy that the investment I’ve put into this isn’t lost though, like I say I’d be very confident that if I really wanted to I could stick it up for £7k and it’d be gone in a week bearing in mind the work I can evidence for it, but the honest intention is to actually use it - Mrs JJ likes it too and I can see her taking it over the Fiesta at times too. 
 

With that in mind - what’s the future of the T5 now? That’s yet to be decided.. I’m not good at keeping 2 cars, I get annoyed that one just sits unused and with potentially 9/10 grand on a good day tied up in the T5, I don’t know what il do with it. Mrs JJ wants to keep it, my bank account doesn’t particularly.

We’re going to Scotland in March/April time for Mrs JJ’s 30th and the plan is to find a dog friendly airbnb and go up in the BM. If that’s a success, I may shift the T5 in May/June when they’re in demand and just move on to holidaying that way. We’ll see!

[Bren]

You spelt days wrong.

[JJ0063]

Plates on, hopefully up to @mercedadestandards!

[JJ0063]

Update.. haven’t driven the T5 since buying the BM,  really tempted to list it for sale but I know when the better weather comes I’ll want it. Might just SORN it for a couple of months.

BM is just fantastic, went to Cambridge today and trying to get from one side to the other in start stop traffic was a dream with the auto box. Really glad I went for it, even Mrs JJ is liking it and used it yesterday. 

[Matty]

9 minutes ago, JJ0063 said:

Update.. haven’t driven the T5 since buying the BM,  really tempted to list it for sale but I know when the better weather comes I’ll want it. Might just SORN it for a couple of months.

BM is just fantastic, went to Cambridge today and trying to get from one side to the other in start stop traffic was a dream with the auto box. Really glad I went for it, even Mrs JJ is liking it and used it yesterday. 

Don't, repeat don't sell the T5. You really wanted one and were lucky enough to get one that hasn't bankrupted you. You'll regret it pal. Just sorn it till summer and at least save 50 quid or so.

[AnnoyingPentium]

As much as I'd encourage some financial irresponsibility and suchlike, @Matty is spot on.

[RoverFolkUs]

On 12/01/2024 at 15:57, JJ0063 said:

Plates on, hopefully up to @mercedadestandards!

Full size plates definitely suit it

[JJ0063]

17 hours ago, Matty said:

Don't, repeat don't sell the T5. You really wanted one and were lucky enough to get one that hasn't bankrupted you. You'll regret it pal. Just sorn it till summer and at least save 50 quid or so.

 

17 hours ago, AnnoyingPentium said:

As much as I'd encourage some financial irresponsibility and suchlike, @Matty is spot on.

You’re right, I just find it hard to justify what the best part of 17k over the two cars sat on the drive. I prefer to see numbers in the bank with my anxious side.. I think I’ll just see how things go!

Anyways, here’s some filthy photos..

 

[AnnoyingPentium]

I mean, I'd sell my Vectra if you're wanting a change (and anything from the money from selling the T5 can go on fixing it - as you know lol)...

[Matty]

Yeah I see your point JJ, but the van won't be depreciating any time soon. So plenty of time to have a think

[JJ0063]

Had my windows tinted today, was dark when he finished so didn’t get a chance to get a pic but it looks great. 
 

5% rears and 35% fronts 

[Matty]

25 minutes ago, JJ0063 said:

Had my windows tinted today, was dark when he finished

Ideal end result 🤣

[JJ0063]

Went to a thing called “Run to the Hun” today - VW convoy to Hunstanton. Not really my sort of thing to be honest but a good excuse to drive the van and take the dogs to the beach. Over 150 VW’s, was quite impressive.

Then when we got back I had the chance to get an hour so cleaning done on the BM. It felt ever so likely Spring like, can’t wait for summer.

 

 

[JJ0063]

*Whistles*
 

 

[Matty]

Good luck. How long till you spend your winnings? And what on?