Alpine White 23i - #31

[RickyBobby]

So the Maldives E85 went on Friday morning and in the afternoon the Alpine White 23i was delivered.

Well I say delivered but the lad i bought it from was on his way to Leeds and agreed to call in on the way.

Anyway I fitted the SmartTOP module and a stubby aerial today and can see a long and enjoyable relationship developing between me and this car

 

[AleNod]

Define 'long' . . .

 

[Jam03]

A month, tops.

 

[Stevo7682]

Nah winters coming 6 months
Stephen.

 

[1955Davidr]

Are we opening a book on it, 6 weeks is my guess.

 

[mikeyH]

14 days I think but maybe I'm being a little optimistic

 

[Paul Rice]

Loving No. 31 but hey i am bias

 

[RickyBobby]

Completed a couple of little job's today as I settle into long-term ownership

Fitted the 3D printed cupholder supplied by the Z4Forum member - I let the previous one go with the car but was so impressed I didn't hesitate in ordering another one. This one is slightly adapted to accomodate the partition storage compartment.

Then a little recolour of the drivers seat bolster - didn't need much so was easily touched in. This is the first time I've had the non-sport seats in the E89 and I think I prefer them - much easier to get in and out of.

 

[RickyBobby]

I found this trim part under the seat when I was cleaning the car the other week but one of the securing tabs was snapped so I couldn't replace it. Had a look on eBay and just over £20 seemed a bit excessive so gave Sytner Sheffield a call. They only wanted £3 but needed to order it in - so I picked it up Friday and popped it straight in.

I also took the opportunity to pick up some trim clips as I'd noticed a few were missing when I removed the drivers kick plate to clean underneath. They had 9 in stock so at 28p each I had the lot.

Replaced the missing ones on the drivers side then removed the one on the passenger side to clean underneath but all the clips were still intact so no replacements were required

 

[RickyBobby]

Never had one fail but on the basis forum wisdom suggests they are replaced e very 5 years I swapped out the original salmon relays today with a pair I picked up from Sytner Sheffield the other week.

Thought I'd also take the opportunity to strip out all the boot lining to have a good look around and check for any signs of water ingress - can never be to careful with these E89's.

Turns out all was good and as suspected both rear lights had previously been replaced with more recent units which is an obvious bonus.

Everything refitted and I taped up the 3rd unused rear light holes despite there being no signs of water ingress from it not being done previously

 

[RickyBobby]

I've decided to stick with the style 290's so I've booked them in for a full refurb with RS Wheels in Sheffield. I've used them before and they always do a proper job and are bloody cheap.

So to save myself a wasted trip I had all the wheels off today to check for cracks - all good and the front tyres were replaced in 2022 with the rears being done in 2024 so good for plenty more miles yet.

While I was at it I also decided to remove the badges - personal preference I know but I always feel the lines of the E89 present better when not broken up by the badges

 

[AleNod]

I do like your fettling posts Garrie. Better do my salmon relays too, thanks for the reminder.

You don't fancy changing the white plastic side indicators to the facelift silver longer ones ? I know Tony changed his, mine came with the silver which I quite like. Mind you, your white on white . . . I dunno . . . Just a thought . . .

 

[RickyBobby]

I do like your fettling posts Garrie. Better do my salmon relays too, thanks for the reminder.

You don't fancy changing the white plastic side indicators to the facelift silver longer ones ? I know Tony changed his, mine came with the silver which I quite like. Mind you, your white on white . . . I dunno . . . Just a thought . . .

I often wonder if the relay change is one of those urban myths but for what it costs and how easy it is you just have to do it - don't think I could show my face on the forum again if one failed and the roof motor burnt out.

Must admit I don't like the LCI indicators but then again I have always had an aversion to exterior chrome on cars.

Probably one of the reasons I like these E89's - none of them had chrome exterior trim pieces (save the indicators) and they all had the high gloss shadow-line option which I remember requesting on an old 5 series I had.

I was planning to leave the wheels silver but RS Wheels have suggested satin black and on a white car I reckon it might look OK so will probably go that route.

I don't feel so bad having the 290's blacked out and it might be nice to try something different for a bit - I've looked at a few for sale threads of Alpine White E89's with black wheels and reckon they don't look bad but tbh for what they charge I could always swap back or just but another set of wheels.

 

[Scooblitz]

I’m debadged on the Z3. Was literally the first fettling job I did when I got it. Fully with you on that one.

Black wheels. I often find black wheels lose the aesthetic of the wheel itself. It becomes lost in the wheel arch. Dare I even say, cheapens the look of a car. However, each to their own. As with all cars and their owners. You do you as they say these days.

What wheels did you potentially have in mind for it?

 

[AleNod]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509076120825

Not many with black wheels, did find this one. If it helps . . .

 

[RickyBobby]

I’m debadged on the Z3. Was literally the first fettling job I did when I got it. Fully with you on that one.

Black wheels. I often find black wheels lose the aesthetic of the wheel itself. It becomes lost in the wheel arch. Dare I even say, cheapens the look of a car. However, each to their own. As with all cars and their owners. You do you as they say these days.

What wheels did you potentially have in mind for it?

I'd normally agree with you but personally I dont think the 290's offer much in the way of aesthetic appeal and being 17" can look a little lost against a 40 profile tyre

 

[RickyBobby]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509076120825

Not many with black wheels, did find this one. If it helps . . .

Yes I'd seen that one thanks and I do like the 325’s - I found this one on Facebook with 290's

 

[Paul Rice]

Didn't like the black wheels on mine although they were Matt black

Will probably have them powder coated but for now like the Techno grey look

 

[RickyBobby]

Didn't like the black wheels on mine although they were Matt black
View attachment 349765

Will probably have them powder coated but for now like the Techno grey look

View attachment 349767

294's - they must cost you a few quid to get refurbished with them being split rims?

 

[Paul Rice]

294's - they must cost you a few quid to get refurbished with them being split rims?

Bang on Garrie, probably replace the bolts as well, the DIY job will have to do for now, may even replace the wheels for something differant.