Hello all - not much has happened with the car. I am in the process of buying a set of AMG/OZ 17" staggered alloys for it which should really set it off. I am off to Dubai in a few days but already thinking about my plans for 2016...
Cosmetic
- Split and refurbish the AMG's with polished lips
- Full repaint (inc insides of door shuts, all panels off car) along with new rear screen, mirror boots, sunroof seal, boot seal, fog light lenses, aerial grommets, window trims, door chromes, roof trims and a repaint of the grill, door handles, windscreen wiper arm and headlight wipers in satin black to make them "pop".
- HID kit fitted for the headlamps and fog lights (4300k? - not sure what to go with at the moment) - lights are like candlelight compared to my M3 xenons.
Mechanical
- H&R springs fitted all around (suspension way too soft and high atm)
- Front and rear shocks replaced (probably Bilstein or Koni - thoughts?)
- ITG airbox filters fitted (£120 for the pair)
- Fuel pumps replaced (Bosch - about £180 for the pair)
- ASR defeat kit wired and fitted
- Replace flex disc (I have one already, may buy another and replace the pair but they look healthy from looking underneath tbh)
- Entire front and rear suspension bushes and arms replaced (£££!)
- Idler arm bushing replaced (about £100 for the kit)
- Brake fluid flush and full bleed, hoses adjusted (£150 if done properly)
- Prop boot bearing replaced
- Laser wheel alignment once all the suspension work is done
This year has also been quite focused on the mechanical side of things to be honest to get her running properly so it's time to get cracking with the cosmetic side of things so I can actually bring the car to shows and enjoy the cleaning and maintenance side of things. I've poured tonnes into her so far and she looks no where as good as she should.
I think the year after I could see myself moving onto the interior, with the following planned.
- Recaro black leather seats fitted with MB fridge (due to lack of armrest)
- Auto dimming mirror wired in
- Dual electric mirrors (my drivers side is currently manual)
- Replace all 4 door entry sills (£200 from MB)
- Replace steering wheel with Victor/similar - thicker rim for better driving experience
- MB sport pedals fitted (always wanted these)
- Headliner and both A pillars retrimmed in black alcantera (£750 ish)
- Replace speaker wiring throughout and finally fit the rear speakers
- Fire extinguisher fitted to drivers seat
I would also be on the lookout for a big brake kit or silver arrow brake calipers. The 500E braking system is far from adequate, especially apparent driving at high speeds. I feel I need a big brake kit as the silver arrow kit probably wouldn't "feel" as good at the lower speeds. I have seen a few solutions online but they're silly money so hoping for a used set to come up or if that fails, get a set off another car which I can adapt for the 500E (AP racing, K sport, something like that, serious stopping power).
Lastly I will move onto the exhaust. My plan is to retain the Lorinser backbox as it is in keeping with the Lorinser theme but replace the cats with dual sport cats and then two pipes straight through to the backbox. Should sound pretty mean after that
I will need to have it setup by a specialist though and Acid at MSL suggested Imran at TorqueFlow.
I have collected a few bits for this project along the way but always on the lookout for parts to hold onto. If you have anything outlined above feel free to give me a shout
Cheers
Bill
