Alfie's new Imola ///M....! (Long)
Alfie's new Imola ///M....! (Long)
Apologies for the delay in getting this done, but here it is.
Thanks Si.
Well, after a year and a half of searching, I’ve finally achieved my goal!
Buying my first Z3 back in July 2003 was a bit of a landmark in my life. A wish I’d had for so many years had finally come true. My Topaz 3.0i took three months of searching to find, and oh, what a gem she is!
With my comparatively little detail knowledge of Z3s and to be honest, sports cars in general, I had decided that the ///M roadster wasn’t for me due to the ‘extra care, attention and cost’ that they demanded, but I still hankered for something substantial under the bonnet. A 2.8 or 3.0 was the way to go and I still reckon that was the best choice for me at the time.
I’ve always been immensely happy with my 3.0i, but in June 2004, the inevitable happened…..I met Charlotte….and fell head over heels! I knew at that moment that an ///MR in Imola was the ONLY next step for me. She looked AMAZING, and by all accounts, she performs as good as she looks. I also met DavidM’s stunning Imola, and some time later, Big MrP (an older model S50 in the same colour combo) both of which simply served to reinforce my desires.
I read all the books and all the posts on Zroadster (the latter being far more useful than the former) and boned up on the facts and figures about the ///MR, the differences between the S50 and S54 models and their respective problems. The characteristics (and characters) of each soon became clearly apparent!
I decided that the S54 was the model for me, not just because of that little DSC button and the much improved suspension, but for other reasons too, especially the ‘rarity appeal’ which (sadly perhaps) gives me a real buzz…!
All ///MRs are rare, (how often do you see one on the road…apart from your own, obviously?) but just incase you weren’t aware, the later S54 model saw allegedly only 79 right hand drive examples produced, (Source: www.bmwmregistry.com) the majority of which I believe were either Estoril Blue or Titanium Silver. That doesn’t leave many examples in the other seven colours!
And so, a year and a half ago, the search for an Imola S54 began.
Charlotte came on the market, but Bryn was damn quick off the mark and struck a deal before I could even stop dribbling and get my offer in! I’m just happy she stayed in the fold.
I was well aware of how rare these cars are, so I widened my search slightly to include Black Sapphire with Imola and Black interior, like Phil’s, because that’s just stunning too.
And some time later, I paid a visit to the amusingly overpriced Hexagon of Highgate to check out AussieZ3’s Phoenix Yellow ///M before it was exported to Oz. She sat there sparkling in the sunlight looking like liquid gold. I soon changed my mind about Phoenix and realised that it’s an exciting, bold, strong colour that really suits the car. Then I met Jay’s too and I was completely sold.
Almost every lunchtime was spent trawling the usual local and national websites with zero results. BMW.co.uk, Auto Trader, Pistonheads, Exchange and Mart and any other site that came up on a search. There were S54 Silvers and Estorils in fab condition every week, but never the elusive Imola.
There were a few false starts. I found a black one in Coventry at a really good price, but it was quite high mileage and their offer for my 3.0i was slightly less than stupid.
Then there was that rather odd Phoenix I found in Slough. First UK registered January 2001, but RHD S54 production didn’t start (allegedly) till February 2001….! Very strange. The price was right, but I decided against it because there were too many questions about its history. Plus, the wife ‘suggested’ that Phoenix was a colour suited to the ‘slightly younger man’…..So that was the end of that!
I also came across a few examples in black which were advertised as 2001 but turned out to be late registered S50 models.
I replied to a private ad in Auto Trader for an S54 in Steel Grey with Imola and black inside. What a FAB looking motor….and talk about rare! I’ve only ever heard of one other in this colour. I thought for a long time, but didn’t buy in the end because it just didn’t feel right. I can’t explain exactly, but I didn’t feel a passion for it, perhaps because I’m fed up with seeing silver, grey and dull coloured cars everywhere. I much prefer a little colour in my life, especially on an extroverted motor like a Zed!
Then at last, it happened….. Whilst trawling the BMW web site just before Christmas 2005, I ventured into the ‘Under Preparation’ section of the ///MR + ///MC search. There it was! An S54 ///MR in Imola with Imola and black inside! And the incredible thing was that it was at a dealer just 5 miles away in Watford! Obviously, I bunked out of work early and dashed straight round there.
She had only just been dropped off by the previous owner who had PX’d her for a new Chelsea Tractor. They’d given her a quick wash, but nothing else had been done and she was looking a little tired and jaded.
She’s got all the bells and whistles though, (hard top, cruise, HK, etc.) and after a blast up the A41 towards Aylesbury, and Scotthall’s assurance that they would make her all bright and shiny again, a few days later I put my money down.
They took several weeks and did a whole load of work on her both mechanically and cosmetically and she was finally ready for collection on Friday 13th January…
They turned her out a million times better than when I first saw her, but she still needs that extra TLC and personal touch that only unhurried weekend dedication and graft can achieve. (Or maybe £500 at Porsche Restorers….?)
There are ongoing things which the dealer is still to sort out for me. There are some standard accessories missing (tonneau cover, rear window towel, hard top cover, etc.) and a few cosmetic issues which I’m insisting they sort out. I paid top dollar for the car, so I won’t give up till everything is perfect and as good as new. They are aware that I have another car for the daily slog, so are not exactly rushing to get the Imola sorted. It’s taking longer than it should, but we haven’t come to blows just yet!
One of the things I’m pleased about with this example is the fact that she’s totally original. That’s exactly what I wanted, so I then have a free reign to do a few tasteful changes of my own. Whatever I do change though, will be easily reversible so she can be restored to stock later in life if she does become, as I believe she should, a true collector’s piece.
Mods I’m considering are:
Front strut brace. Essential, but Admiral Insurance are putting the dampers on that.
ACS polished steel roll hoops. Coz I can.
ACS front splitters. Nice but pricey.
Slightly louder set of pipes. Yum!
Z8 chrome washer nozzles. Tiny addition, massive effect.
Chrome door handles. The wife likes them.
Painted brake calipers. Nice, but straying a little too far from original perhaps?
Silver indicator bulbs. Easy.
Lowering springs. Maybe, but I’m no expert.
Apart from that, I intend to keep her pretty much as stock, but only time will tell if I manage to keep that vow!
Selling the Topaz will be a great wrench because it’s a fabulous car in stunning condition, but sadly it’s got to be done. Keeping both (along with my everyday E36 323i cabriolet) would be a bit audacious, wouldn’t it?
So here’s to the first summer of fun in the new Imola ///M….!
I can’t wait!
Incidentally, she doesn’t have a name yet.
I realise I’m opening myself up for some serious jibes here, but any suggestions?
Thanks for reading.
Cheers!
Alfie.
Thanks Si.
Well, after a year and a half of searching, I’ve finally achieved my goal!
Buying my first Z3 back in July 2003 was a bit of a landmark in my life. A wish I’d had for so many years had finally come true. My Topaz 3.0i took three months of searching to find, and oh, what a gem she is!
With my comparatively little detail knowledge of Z3s and to be honest, sports cars in general, I had decided that the ///M roadster wasn’t for me due to the ‘extra care, attention and cost’ that they demanded, but I still hankered for something substantial under the bonnet. A 2.8 or 3.0 was the way to go and I still reckon that was the best choice for me at the time.
I’ve always been immensely happy with my 3.0i, but in June 2004, the inevitable happened…..I met Charlotte….and fell head over heels! I knew at that moment that an ///MR in Imola was the ONLY next step for me. She looked AMAZING, and by all accounts, she performs as good as she looks. I also met DavidM’s stunning Imola, and some time later, Big MrP (an older model S50 in the same colour combo) both of which simply served to reinforce my desires.
I read all the books and all the posts on Zroadster (the latter being far more useful than the former) and boned up on the facts and figures about the ///MR, the differences between the S50 and S54 models and their respective problems. The characteristics (and characters) of each soon became clearly apparent!
I decided that the S54 was the model for me, not just because of that little DSC button and the much improved suspension, but for other reasons too, especially the ‘rarity appeal’ which (sadly perhaps) gives me a real buzz…!
All ///MRs are rare, (how often do you see one on the road…apart from your own, obviously?) but just incase you weren’t aware, the later S54 model saw allegedly only 79 right hand drive examples produced, (Source: www.bmwmregistry.com) the majority of which I believe were either Estoril Blue or Titanium Silver. That doesn’t leave many examples in the other seven colours!
And so, a year and a half ago, the search for an Imola S54 began.
Charlotte came on the market, but Bryn was damn quick off the mark and struck a deal before I could even stop dribbling and get my offer in! I’m just happy she stayed in the fold.
I was well aware of how rare these cars are, so I widened my search slightly to include Black Sapphire with Imola and Black interior, like Phil’s, because that’s just stunning too.
And some time later, I paid a visit to the amusingly overpriced Hexagon of Highgate to check out AussieZ3’s Phoenix Yellow ///M before it was exported to Oz. She sat there sparkling in the sunlight looking like liquid gold. I soon changed my mind about Phoenix and realised that it’s an exciting, bold, strong colour that really suits the car. Then I met Jay’s too and I was completely sold.
Almost every lunchtime was spent trawling the usual local and national websites with zero results. BMW.co.uk, Auto Trader, Pistonheads, Exchange and Mart and any other site that came up on a search. There were S54 Silvers and Estorils in fab condition every week, but never the elusive Imola.
There were a few false starts. I found a black one in Coventry at a really good price, but it was quite high mileage and their offer for my 3.0i was slightly less than stupid.
Then there was that rather odd Phoenix I found in Slough. First UK registered January 2001, but RHD S54 production didn’t start (allegedly) till February 2001….! Very strange. The price was right, but I decided against it because there were too many questions about its history. Plus, the wife ‘suggested’ that Phoenix was a colour suited to the ‘slightly younger man’…..So that was the end of that!
I also came across a few examples in black which were advertised as 2001 but turned out to be late registered S50 models.
I replied to a private ad in Auto Trader for an S54 in Steel Grey with Imola and black inside. What a FAB looking motor….and talk about rare! I’ve only ever heard of one other in this colour. I thought for a long time, but didn’t buy in the end because it just didn’t feel right. I can’t explain exactly, but I didn’t feel a passion for it, perhaps because I’m fed up with seeing silver, grey and dull coloured cars everywhere. I much prefer a little colour in my life, especially on an extroverted motor like a Zed!
Then at last, it happened….. Whilst trawling the BMW web site just before Christmas 2005, I ventured into the ‘Under Preparation’ section of the ///MR + ///MC search. There it was! An S54 ///MR in Imola with Imola and black inside! And the incredible thing was that it was at a dealer just 5 miles away in Watford! Obviously, I bunked out of work early and dashed straight round there.
She had only just been dropped off by the previous owner who had PX’d her for a new Chelsea Tractor. They’d given her a quick wash, but nothing else had been done and she was looking a little tired and jaded.
She’s got all the bells and whistles though, (hard top, cruise, HK, etc.) and after a blast up the A41 towards Aylesbury, and Scotthall’s assurance that they would make her all bright and shiny again, a few days later I put my money down.
They took several weeks and did a whole load of work on her both mechanically and cosmetically and she was finally ready for collection on Friday 13th January…
They turned her out a million times better than when I first saw her, but she still needs that extra TLC and personal touch that only unhurried weekend dedication and graft can achieve. (Or maybe £500 at Porsche Restorers….?)
There are ongoing things which the dealer is still to sort out for me. There are some standard accessories missing (tonneau cover, rear window towel, hard top cover, etc.) and a few cosmetic issues which I’m insisting they sort out. I paid top dollar for the car, so I won’t give up till everything is perfect and as good as new. They are aware that I have another car for the daily slog, so are not exactly rushing to get the Imola sorted. It’s taking longer than it should, but we haven’t come to blows just yet!
One of the things I’m pleased about with this example is the fact that she’s totally original. That’s exactly what I wanted, so I then have a free reign to do a few tasteful changes of my own. Whatever I do change though, will be easily reversible so she can be restored to stock later in life if she does become, as I believe she should, a true collector’s piece.
Mods I’m considering are:
Front strut brace. Essential, but Admiral Insurance are putting the dampers on that.
ACS polished steel roll hoops. Coz I can.
ACS front splitters. Nice but pricey.
Slightly louder set of pipes. Yum!
Z8 chrome washer nozzles. Tiny addition, massive effect.
Chrome door handles. The wife likes them.
Painted brake calipers. Nice, but straying a little too far from original perhaps?
Silver indicator bulbs. Easy.
Lowering springs. Maybe, but I’m no expert.
Apart from that, I intend to keep her pretty much as stock, but only time will tell if I manage to keep that vow!
Selling the Topaz will be a great wrench because it’s a fabulous car in stunning condition, but sadly it’s got to be done. Keeping both (along with my everyday E36 323i cabriolet) would be a bit audacious, wouldn’t it?
So here’s to the first summer of fun in the new Imola ///M….!
I can’t wait!
Incidentally, she doesn’t have a name yet.
I realise I’m opening myself up for some serious jibes here, but any suggestions?
Thanks for reading.
Cheers!
Alfie.
Last edited by Alfie on Thu 02 Feb, 2006 12:24, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Alfie's new Imola ///M....! (Long)
Surely your pipes are loud enough?Alfie wrote: Slightly louder set of pipes. Yum!
Congratulations, hope you and the hussy will have many happy miles together.
And the car, of course!
Ciao,
Spokey
Spokey
jackal on PH wrote:i love your profile... an endless pornographic paroxysm of the letters BMW
do you actually like driving at all or are cars to you just a manifestation of some sort of pathological mother complex ?
Congratulations on the new arrival,she looks as bright as a button.
Gazza.
Gazza.
Gazza
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"
Z3 S54 M roadster , BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
Congratulations again Alfie, looks mighty fine to me, plenty of polish been used there
Stunning in the red
Pleased that you've finally got round to introducing her properly
Z8 washer jets, doesn't that involve drilling the holes larger ? non reversable- but excellent addition
Garyw
psst. the plates do match (front to rear )
Stunning in the red
Pleased that you've finally got round to introducing her properly
Z8 washer jets, doesn't that involve drilling the holes larger ? non reversable- but excellent addition
Garyw
psst. the plates do match (front to rear )
- BostonGreenZ3
- Joined: Fri 06 Feb, 2004 18:05
- Posts: 622
Congrats mate!
Enjoy!!!
Ps Is it 01, or 02??
FYI ACS don't make the hoops anymore, so get them from Alumex (who used to make them for ACS) I did, thanks to Simon for alerting me to them.
ps lucky getting the cruise! Mine's being retrofitted, but they are having a hard time getting the computer to recognise that its there, and so far it's not happening.
Enjoy!!!
Ps Is it 01, or 02??
FYI ACS don't make the hoops anymore, so get them from Alumex (who used to make them for ACS) I did, thanks to Simon for alerting me to them.
ps lucky getting the cruise! Mine's being retrofitted, but they are having a hard time getting the computer to recognise that its there, and so far it's not happening.
Alfie, MARVELLOUS. Chuffed to bits for you mate.
I'm sure it won't be long before we see 'Milly' out on a dawn raid!
It's nice to hear plans afoot to make her totally unique, reflecting your style.
Tony, I think the questions was S54 RHD M Coupe's. Can't be many.
May soon be realising a little pipe dream of my own too!
I'm sure it won't be long before we see 'Milly' out on a dawn raid!
It's nice to hear plans afoot to make her totally unique, reflecting your style.
Tony, I think the questions was S54 RHD M Coupe's. Can't be many.
May soon be realising a little pipe dream of my own too!
someone in a minority once wrote:I know I'm in a minority
- Paul.Stuhlfelder
- Joined: Wed 01 Dec, 2004 14:31
- Posts: 1020
- Location: Caernarfon
- Contact:
Alfie
Congrats it bootifull !
So OBL now drives a chelsea tractor then
Do get a front strong strut. Well worth it. Tighter turn in & less bump shudder.
Elephant added £20 pa for mine. Having said that, my renewal is due & Elephant have bumped my premium up to £816 because of my claim last year so I'm switching to Norwich Union who have quoted me happy at just £666 just to get my business.
Congrats it bootifull !
So OBL now drives a chelsea tractor then
Do get a front strong strut. Well worth it. Tighter turn in & less bump shudder.
Elephant added £20 pa for mine. Having said that, my renewal is due & Elephant have bumped my premium up to £816 because of my claim last year so I'm switching to Norwich Union who have quoted me happy at just £666 just to get my business.
- Phoenix Nights
- Joined: Mon 16 Feb, 2004 17:36
- Posts: 681
- Location: Leicester
- Phoenix Nights
- Joined: Mon 16 Feb, 2004 17:36
- Posts: 681
- Location: Leicester
Well done mate, looks fantastic.
have you seen this site?
Lots of Imola Red bling!
May soon be joining you in the S54 club..
http://www.geocities.com/jarruda/
have you seen this site?
Lots of Imola Red bling!
May soon be joining you in the S54 club..
http://www.geocities.com/jarruda/
Too kind!
Thanks everyone!
You're all fart oo nice.
I've added a few more pics if you'd care to pan upwards.
Sorry Chris, I forgot to take some with the lid up.
Never a priority for me!
Next time, I promise!
First registered in UK August 01.
'Milly'.....Hmmmm....I'll think about that.
Any other inspiration?
Cheers!
A.
You're all fart oo nice.
I've added a few more pics if you'd care to pan upwards.
Sorry Chris, I forgot to take some with the lid up.
Never a priority for me!
Next time, I promise!
Built date Feb 01.AussieZ3 wrote:Is it 01, or 02??
First registered in UK August 01.
Already got the pukka ACS polished steel ones on my Topaz, so I intend to swap them over unless someone makes me an offer I can't refuse....AussieZ3 wrote:ACS don't make the hoops anymore, so get them from Alumex.
Not something I've ever had before, or really need. I can understand why it's so important for you though!AussieZ3 wrote:lucky getting the cruise!
I sure hope not!stu wrote:I'm sure it won't be long before we see 'Milly' out on a dawn raid!
'Milly'.....Hmmmm....I'll think about that.
Any other inspiration?
Already have one on the Topaz, so I'm well aware of their benefits. Again, I intended to swap it over, but Admiral have said NO!Robin wrote:Do get a front strong strut. Well worth it. Tighter turn in & less bump shudder.
Cheers!
A.
Alfie,
If you're having trouble with your insurers and mods, then try Adrian Flux. I came across this company last year when I suggested that this forum might be able to negotiate a group specail deal.
I've just transferred this year's insurance for my MC to Flux and I've done £5k of mods and they're all covered on a like-for like basis £438 including protected no claims and legal cover I've saved myself more than 25% on my last insurance which would insure my moddded car but the cover didn't extend to the mods!
If you're having trouble with your insurers and mods, then try Adrian Flux. I came across this company last year when I suggested that this forum might be able to negotiate a group specail deal.
I've just transferred this year's insurance for my MC to Flux and I've done £5k of mods and they're all covered on a like-for like basis £438 including protected no claims and legal cover I've saved myself more than 25% on my last insurance which would insure my moddded car but the cover didn't extend to the mods!
Gonna tease you all, Like ALF 1E did for far too long with 'Millicent'.Bloke wrote:stu wrote:
May soon be realising a little pipe dream of my own too!
So come on Stu, whats that all about?
Bloke
pps Garyw, no you dont have to drill to fit the Z8 washer Jets, well not on a 2.0 ltr 2000 they fit in as astandard, with the fitting kit
I'll start a 'guess what I've got' thread, but suffice it to say, I'll have to be posting on other 'specialist car' related forums fairly soon.
someone in a minority once wrote:I know I'm in a minority
-
- Z Register member
- Joined: Sat 30 Jul, 2005 19:34
- Posts: 4054
- Location: Belfast
Nicely done, Alfie. Well worth the wait I'd say. Looks terrific.
BMW Z3, the only way to build a true roadster
- The most powerful letter in the world.
- The most powerful letter in the world.
Cloz wrote:There is something that will never change is my love for Z3
smartypants wrote:Conor?
With an M??
The World's gone mad
smartypants wrote:The Z3 rear is a great thing to behold
- SledgeHammer
- Joined: Tue 10 May, 2005 17:31
- Posts: 323
- Contact:
Re: Too kind!
Shame........ I bet she looks stunning with the Imola top tooAlfie wrote: Sorry Chris, I forgot to take some with the lid up.
Never a priority for me!
Next time, I promise!
One of a kind Imola-Imola conbination
- SledgeHammer
- Joined: Tue 10 May, 2005 17:31
- Posts: 323
- Contact:
Wow what a car.
You may find this item interesting.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Orginal-BMW-Z3-Ha ... dZViewItem
You may find this item interesting.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Orginal-BMW-Z3-Ha ... dZViewItem
Use the Search button before posting newbie questions about hard tops and fitting kits, footwell speaker amps, water in the boot, hood maintainance and those horrific angel eyes. We get like 10 threads a week on the same subject, it's obvious that you haven't searched.
Hi Alfie,
Love the car, I'm gonna regret asking this. I also have a 3 litre, of course would have preferred an M but couldn't convince my wife.
How do they compare back to back. Is the performance difference huge also how different is the cars character.
Finally what wax do you use - she looks amazing.
Love the car, I'm gonna regret asking this. I also have a 3 litre, of course would have preferred an M but couldn't convince my wife.
How do they compare back to back. Is the performance difference huge also how different is the cars character.
Finally what wax do you use - she looks amazing.
Alumex rollbars
Hello Alfie,
I hope you dont mind if we (ALUMEX) add your pics in our satisfied customers
Z3 webgalery?
http://www.alumex.de/galery/galery.htm
Sure better would be if you send us some...
Falk
I hope you dont mind if we (ALUMEX) add your pics in our satisfied customers
Z3 webgalery?
http://www.alumex.de/galery/galery.htm
Sure better would be if you send us some...
Falk
- Marvellous
- Joined: Sat 15 Oct, 2005 17:10
- Posts: 274
- Location: Saddleworth
Re: hi
Thats's a really big complement.321bhp wrote:even though i love my cosmic black,with red/black interior,i think the imola red with red/black inside is the best ever put on any z3 z3m 10/10 a beautiful car
Genuinely, thankyou.
A.