Was: 1985 BMW E28 520i / Now: Moggie is Now Go

[SiC]

At least not cheap modern copies from the Far East. (Probably)

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[MRustbucket]

Copies! Quite rare now from when the real thing cost a fortune.

They used to be advertised in the back of car magazines in the '80s alongside copy versions of the Mercedes W123 alloys. Some versions were more convincing than others. Especially unconvincing were the plastic hubcaps moulded to resemble Mercedes alloys. They seemed to sell surprisingly well in the early 1980s. They looked even more ridiculous when they were curbed and warped!

[holbeck]

I spose the 'Made in England' is a bit of a clue, I can't image BMW were buying much from the UK in 1985.

[SiC]

I spose the 'Made in England' is a bit of a clue, I can't image BMW were buying much from the UK in 1985.

I saw it as the other way. Our automotive industry was still pretty large even in the 80s. Not the remains of BL but the whole supply chain behind automotive manufacturing. It still is quite large today, but not like it used to be.

[Eddie Honda]

I can't image BMW were buying much from the UK in 1985.

That's because Volvo were buying it.

[mercrocker]

I remember Hampshire Constabulary being the first in the country to buy Volvos. It was justified by the high British content and our relationship with Sweden through EFTA.

[holbeck]

I spose the 'Made in England' is a bit of a clue, I can't image BMW were buying much from the UK in 1985.

I saw it as the other way. Our automotive industry was still pretty large even in the 80s. Not the remains of BL but the whole supply chain behind automotive manufacturing. It still is quite large today, but not like it used to be.

I don't think they bought much that originated beyond Bavaria in those days TBH.
They were known as the toughest of tough nuts to crack as a supplier.

[BenHar]

Congratulations on the MOT.

When I made that comment you had said you were going to restore the car, not just bung it through an MOT and flog it.

There will be plenty of hidden rust.

Ben

No mention of restoration in my OP!

So hopefully a quick project to get back on the road. That's the intention anyway as I don't have time for too much more, given the Dolomite is taking my time up and the others need fettling too (1100 front calipers and also selling it, MGB service). Likely scenario is getting the above list done so I can drive it to the MOT station and let them sort anything else out needed for that if anything other comes up.

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Delicious.

Ben

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

Are you related to Daimlerman?

[SiC]

Had to go to the post office earlier, so I took this out. I originally picked up the keys to the Boxster, but my mind changed to "why not".

Getting in, I wasn't greeted with the strong smells like last time. In fact thinking back I don't remember smelling any cigarettes. This is despite it being sat in the sun. Perhaps the run out on Tuesday with the fresh air through has helped remove the stagnant air? I think some of the smell that I associated with cigarettes is actually the horse hair stuffed seats (if they have them). My mind possibly associates old furniture with that. Definitely has been a smokers car previously but the ozone generator and fresh air has removed that as the original overwhelming smell.

It was only a couple of miles local run, but it drove really well. Super smooth both from the engine and ride. Corners with a fair bit of body roll as you might expect with long throw suspension, but it did it without any protest from the aged tyres on the steel rims. I need to get the alloys on with their fresher rubber and compare.



Definitely still on the list for selling. Maybe not quite as urgently as I originally intended...

I still want a Mini, but perhaps those desires have weakened a tad now this has redeemed itself a bit. Worse case anyway is that I'll park it up in storage for a bit if necessary and have it rotate around occasionally on the toy on drive list.