[ENTERNAMEHERE]

Originally Posted by christopherchenm

IMHO, that shift knob looks shiny...which make me think of it has been using for long time

Thats the nature of Lavalina leather. Nice and smooth but it doesnt wear well IMO.

[ENTERNAMEHERE]

I changed the silver interior trim as it was slightly damaged - and I dont do slightly damaged. I opted for a 3M wrap which when under direct sunlight looked kinda ble(ish) and annoyed me...Then it started to peel where it had been stretched, even though I had used the proper 3M primer. I purchased a carbon fibre centre trim with every intention of purchasing the other 6 pieces...that was until I took the car out on a sunny day and was almost blinded from below! I was searching through eBay and found a guy selling a full set of brushed alloy trims in "excellent condition"...5 days later they were in my kitchen. unwrapped and almost thrown out of the door!...what a mess they were in!...major scratches, nicks and dings all over them...I was not impressed. But after a couple of hours I realised that this may be a good excuse for a project!

When life throws you lemons - Throw back bricks!!!

I started by firing up the orbital sander with a 180g sheet fitted to see if the damage could be removed - It took hardly any time at all to correct the shortest trim using the 180. I then used 400g w/d then 800g w/d and a Meguiars sanding block/pad. It only took about 30 minutes to have the trim looking great. I then used a NEW Course ScotchBrite pad to reaply the brushed effect. I started by applying lots of presure but that just squashed the pad and polished the trim to a high gloss finish ...so I backed right off and used loads of medium speed passes. I could really feel the pad bite into the alloy and the brushed finish start to emerge.

Have a look, I think that the finish is amazing - Considering the 7 alloy trims cost me a grand total of £80 (Circa $128!)

[AlpineM6GC]

Wow good job

[ENTERNAMEHERE]

Hi again!

So I have spent the last couple of months driving potential replacements for the Alpina. I have decided to improve not move as the Alpina is a great package all in all and ive spent the last 10 years trying to find a balanced chassis and turn-in so dont want to lose that.

OEM+ Alpina Steering wheel.

The original steering wheel was shiny after having only covered 40,000 miles. I had refurbished it but in the end decided on a retrim. A new sheering wheel from Sytner Alpina was going to cost me around £550 but it would have the Lavalina again which I think is too delicate and soft for a steering wheel. So I wasnt too keen on spending that sort of cash.

I contacted a few UK based trimmers and they quoted between £400 to £450 but they would not be able to recreate the Alpina stitching. I searched further and stumpled upon talk of a guy in Abingdon called Jack @ Royal Steering Wheels that had a very good reputation within the e46 M3 community. The thread was about 3 years old so I sent a txt to the phone number and within minutes received a reply stating that he still did steering wheels..."what are your requirements?"

I pondered over whether to order OEM or a slight tweak to the original theme. I eventually opted to have the Alpina colours incorporated into the M-Style stitching. Jack came back and offered me a few upgrades. Perforated leather, thumb rests and additional padding.

I received an email to say that shipping has been arranged and a tracking number. I was like a kid on Christmas morning - constantly checking its whereabouts in the UK.

When I got home the parcel was waiting for me. I gingerly removed it from the box and prayed for a good job as in the past most trades have let me down.

O....M....G! It is absolutely stunning. I didnt even want to refit it as its a true work of art. The stitching colours are spot on and the level of craftsmanship is nothing other than perfect. Im so happy with the finish. I had bought a brand new base-model e90 wheel to use as a temporary wheel whilst the Alpina one was away so I transferred the brand new buttons over to the retrimmed wheel also. Although Jack has informed me that he can now offer an e90 part exchange option if required.

And the price...£134.99 inc P+P.

Royal Steering Wheels
12 Jackman Close
Abingdon, OX14 3GA
Mobile: 07894209349
email: jamizerski@yahoo.co.uk
http://royalsteeringwheels.com/index.php

Mobile pics - ill get some better pics up soon.

[ENTERNAMEHERE]

I would have idealy liked I-Drive but I'm not looking to change my car just yet and very few Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo's seem to have I-Drive. Also didnt want to move too far from the original spec as I wanted to be able to revert back to original relatively easily If I were to sell the car. I needed Bluetooth in the car, Ipod, USB and SD card. Those were my main requirements. After searching the net I had my heart set on a Double-SIN Media system. However...the facia adapters look terrible and the whole install looks very aftermarket IMO. Step up Dynavin and their D9X unit. So much technoligy in one box! Ordered online in the UK and it was delivered the next day.



































Bye bye Pro Unit - You've been a reliable friend - Just not all that clever!










OE Cradle removal

[monkawekrue]

^^^nice!