//Melon's Estoril Blue 328i Thread.

//Melon · 06-24-2020, 08:06 AM

Hello all,

Allow me to introduce myself.
First off, I normally always use the name "Melon" but it was taken, so I added a little BMW-ish flare. So, this will be my second BMW, the first being a 1987 325e that I did a full restoration on. I literally jumped in with both feet to the brand. I've owned a plethora of fun vehicles in the past, NC Miata, C5 Corvette, MK6 GTI, and a few motorcycles.

My E30:

Build Thread:
https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...on-s-e30-build

Current Daily:
2018 GMC Canyon SLT
Will be referred to as "truk" from here on out.

There is a Lady Melon, she drives a 2017 KIA Soul, and before you snicker, I drove it to Miami and back (12hr. drive one way) and it is seriously not a bad little car.

//Melon · 06-24-2020, 08:09 AM

Now on to the good bits:

I haven't yet purchased the car, i.e. done the paperwork or taken delivery, I just have made an agreement to buy it from a really good friend that I've known for years. He posted it for sale, and I knew I'd regret it if I let it slip away.

2014 BMW 328i M-Sport w/ M-sport Brakes. 31,XXX Miles
No other options, but he did get the bluetooth enabled at the dealership.

//Melon · 06-24-2020, 08:13 AM

So me being me, getting a turbo car out of warranty means I need to tune the mofo.
I've also got a few other modifications I'll be doing, nothing wild, just making a nice daily out of it.

Planned Mods:
Bootmod3 Stage 1 Tune
VRSF 5" Intercooler w/ Charge pipe

H&R Sport Springs
Bilstein B8 Shocks

Apex ARC-8 Hyper Black ET30 wheels
BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp-2 245/40/18 Tires

Window tint of some flavor, undecided how dark I wish to go.

And the car comes with a Borla catback.

Already been getting parts in.

//Melon · 06-24-2020, 08:19 AM

One of the things I did to prepare for the car's arrival is to paint the intercooler black. This is purely for aesthetics, I didn't want a big silver thing on the front of my car. Before I get a lesson in thermodynamics, I've seen the McM and EE videos on the subject, and I'll take the 3% loss in efficiency. In Louisiana summer, nothing will keep it from heat soaking in the summer, I'm hoping this helps in the 60-80 degrees F range. Once it hits 80-90+ degrees here, no amount of cooling will help. It's just hotter than the surface of the sun.

VRSF Intercooler. It's a nice piece, well built, very good for the price.

Taped off the ends, and tested a hidden spot with Duplicolor etching primer. The IC was painted when it arrived, so wanted to make sure there wasn't going to be a reaction. All was well.

This is the paint I'll use. It's cheap and decently durable. I'd normally use a 2K Spray Max - Hot Rod Satin Black, but it was 3x the cost.

Primed

Painted. Came out well, I'm happy with it.

Got bored and sanded off the VRSF logo.

//Melon · 06-24-2020, 08:24 AM

Reference Material:

CDV Delete:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1486773

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1686574

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1625114

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=23109685

Bootmod3:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1321857

Wheels:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1705207

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1740535

Intercooler and Charge-Pipe:

Suspension:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1674850&page=2

https://www.ac-schnitzer.de/en/bmw/3...30-saloon.html

Suspension Torque Specs:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=994489

Clutch:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1462114

Brakes:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1464075

Headlight Retrofit:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1243971

https://marsperformance.com.au/Black...-F30-F31-12-15

https://www.umnitza.com/headlights-p...r-halogen.html

BrysonDM · 06-24-2020, 10:56 AM

Very nice! Subscribed to the thread! keep it up!

Mike.F31.MSport · 06-24-2020, 01:45 PM

Hi Melon! This is mike.bmw from R3V. Looking forward to seeing what you do with your F30. I've been very happy with my E30/F31 combo. :-)

//Melon · 06-24-2020, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrysonDM

Very nice! Subscribed to the thread! keep it up!

Excellent, I hope to not disappoint. I'll be making cross posts for specific installs/items as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike.F31.MSport

Hi Melon! This is mike.bmw from R3V. Looking forward to seeing what you do with your F30. I've been very happy with my E30/F31 combo. :-)

Hey man! I figured I'd bump into a few R3v people over here.
Friend of mine and his wife recently picked up an F31 330i I haven't seen it yet in-fact but I'm sure it's nice.

cfm56d7b · 06-24-2020, 05:32 PM

Great car and equally great thread to follow.

PS. Manual transmission is a nice touch!

//Melon · 06-25-2020, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Great car and equally great thread to follow.

PS. Manual transmission is a nice touch!

Manual was a must. I miss dailying a manual after driving the truk for the past three years.

//Melon · 06-25-2020, 06:08 PM

Got with a friend of mine to give me the torque specs from the service manual. I noticed that BMW recommends nearly all of the bolts to be replaced, so I got on Real OEM and got busy.

Got the parts diagrams together and made a spreadsheet of the bolts that I'd be touching for reference. Nothing like making an order, and getting a bunch of miscellaneous pieces of hardware in with no guide.

Since the car has relatively low miles, and if I keep it to 75k miles or so, I'll probably need to do a full suspension overhaul at that point, I decided to just get the "bare minimum." Got the major hardware, rubber spring seats and gaskets. Was much cheaper than the full kit from ECS, got it all with a spreader tool from FCP Euro for ~ $175 with tax.

Parts diagrams for later reference:

khoa@x-ph.com · 06-29-2020, 02:17 PM

Great thread. Following to see how it turns out for you OP.

//Melon · 07-02-2020, 12:14 PM

Flying out tomorrow to get the car.
I'll post some pictures over the weekend of the trip.

//Melon · 07-06-2020, 11:05 AM

Didn't get many pictures due to it being a rather uneventful roadtrip. It's also been raining nearly non-stop since I arrived back at the house.

I did stop at the BMW factory in Spartanburg SC for some quick photos.

//Melon · 07-15-2020, 12:05 PM

Got the suspension installed, along with the intercooler and charge pipe.

All my replacement bolts and spring seats laid out.
I'll post pics of the car after I get an alignment on Saturday, give the springs a week to settle.

Charge pipe laid out, noticed more clamps than necessary, and no bung for the vac port for automatic cars.

Ended up finding a plumbing fitting that fit snugly, sanded it down for better adhesion and used JB Weld to secure the fitting onto the bung. Not the prettiest fix, but better than a rubber cap with a hose clamp.

I like it rough...

//Melon · 08-04-2020, 11:36 AM

Vacation pics time.

//Melon · 08-04-2020, 11:39 AM

So, I cooked the pads pretty quickly, I have StopTech pads on the way, but they're delayed until late September, around the same time as my wheels.

SAD!

//Melon · 08-04-2020, 11:40 AM

Also

//Melon · 08-17-2020, 03:55 PM

Out with the old.

In with the new.

//Melon · 08-31-2020, 07:25 PM

Wheels finally arrived!

//Melon · 09-09-2020, 10:17 AM

Got the new wheels on!

I'm going to get the windows tinted windows tomorrow, and I'll take some better pictures this weekend.

Mike.F31.MSport · 09-10-2020, 05:58 AM

The wheels look great. I was thinking about picking up something similar for my wagon.

06-24-2020, 08:06 AM	#1
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	//Melon's Estoril Blue 328i Thread. Hello all, Allow me to introduce myself. First off, I normally always use the name "Melon" but it was taken, so I added a little BMW-ish flare. So, this will be my second BMW, the first being a 1987 325e that I did a full restoration on. I literally jumped in with both feet to the brand. I've owned a plethora of fun vehicles in the past, NC Miata, C5 Corvette, MK6 GTI, and a few motorcycles. My E30: Build Thread: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...on-s-e30-build Current Daily: 2018 GMC Canyon SLT Will be referred to as "truk" from here on out. There is a Lady Melon, she drives a 2017 KIA Soul, and before you snicker, I drove it to Miami and back (12hr. drive one way) and it is seriously not a bad little car.
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06-24-2020, 08:09 AM	#2
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Now on to the good bits: I haven't yet purchased the car, i.e. done the paperwork or taken delivery, I just have made an agreement to buy it from a really good friend that I've known for years. He posted it for sale, and I knew I'd regret it if I let it slip away. 2014 BMW 328i M-Sport w/ M-sport Brakes. 31,XXX Miles No other options, but he did get the bluetooth enabled at the dealership. Last edited by //Melon; 06-24-2020 at 08:29 AM..
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06-24-2020, 08:13 AM	#3
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	So me being me, getting a turbo car out of warranty means I need to tune the mofo. I've also got a few other modifications I'll be doing, nothing wild, just making a nice daily out of it. Planned Mods: Bootmod3 Stage 1 Tune VRSF 5" Intercooler w/ Charge pipe H&R Sport Springs Bilstein B8 Shocks Apex ARC-8 Hyper Black ET30 wheels BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp-2 245/40/18 Tires Window tint of some flavor, undecided how dark I wish to go. And the car comes with a Borla catback. Already been getting parts in. Last edited by //Melon; 06-24-2020 at 08:30 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2020, 08:19 AM	#4
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	One of the things I did to prepare for the car's arrival is to paint the intercooler black. This is purely for aesthetics, I didn't want a big silver thing on the front of my car. Before I get a lesson in thermodynamics, I've seen the McM and EE videos on the subject, and I'll take the 3% loss in efficiency. In Louisiana summer, nothing will keep it from heat soaking in the summer, I'm hoping this helps in the 60-80 degrees F range. Once it hits 80-90+ degrees here, no amount of cooling will help. It's just hotter than the surface of the sun. VRSF Intercooler. It's a nice piece, well built, very good for the price. Taped off the ends, and tested a hidden spot with Duplicolor etching primer. The IC was painted when it arrived, so wanted to make sure there wasn't going to be a reaction. All was well. This is the paint I'll use. It's cheap and decently durable. I'd normally use a 2K Spray Max - Hot Rod Satin Black, but it was 3x the cost. Primed Painted. Came out well, I'm happy with it. Got bored and sanded off the VRSF logo.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2020, 08:24 AM	#5
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Reference Material: CDV Delete: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1486773 https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1686574 https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1625114 https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=23109685 Bootmod3: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1321857 Wheels: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1705207 https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1740535 Intercooler and Charge-Pipe: Suspension: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1674850&page=2 https://www.ac-schnitzer.de/en/bmw/3...30-saloon.html Suspension Torque Specs: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=994489 Clutch: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1462114 Brakes: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1464075 Headlight Retrofit: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1243971 https://marsperformance.com.au/Black...-F30-F31-12-15 https://www.umnitza.com/headlights-p...r-halogen.html Last edited by //Melon; 08-31-2020 at 07:28 PM..
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06-24-2020, 10:56 AM	#6
BrysonDM Private 53 Rep 97 Posts Drives: 2016 328I Xdrive MSport Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Thompson, Manitoba, Canada iTrader: (0)	Very nice! Subscribed to the thread! keep it up!
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06-24-2020, 01:45 PM	#7
Mike.F31.MSport Private First Class 105 Rep 159 Posts Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: VA, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1991 BMW 318is [0.00] 2015 BMW 328xi wagon [0.00]	Hi Melon! This is mike.bmw from R3V. Looking forward to seeing what you do with your F30. I've been very happy with my E30/F31 combo. :-)
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06-24-2020, 05:32 PM	#9
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5886 Rep 10,256 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	Great car and equally great thread to follow. PS. Manual transmission is a nice touch!
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06-25-2020, 06:08 PM	#11
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Got with a friend of mine to give me the torque specs from the service manual. I noticed that BMW recommends nearly all of the bolts to be replaced, so I got on Real OEM and got busy. Got the parts diagrams together and made a spreadsheet of the bolts that I'd be touching for reference. Nothing like making an order, and getting a bunch of miscellaneous pieces of hardware in with no guide. Since the car has relatively low miles, and if I keep it to 75k miles or so, I'll probably need to do a full suspension overhaul at that point, I decided to just get the "bare minimum." Got the major hardware, rubber spring seats and gaskets. Was much cheaper than the full kit from ECS, got it all with a spreader tool from FCP Euro for ~ $175 with tax. Parts diagrams for later reference:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-29-2020, 02:17 PM	#12
khoa@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 662 Rep 1,276 Posts Drives: F83 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	Great thread. Following to see how it turns out for you OP. __________________ * TAX SALE * Get Cashback When You Order This Month! ** Check Out Our Sale Section! Phone 725-221-5267 \|\| website www.x-ph.com
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07-02-2020, 12:14 PM	#13
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Flying out tomorrow to get the car. I'll post some pictures over the weekend of the trip.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-06-2020, 11:05 AM	#14
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Didn't get many pictures due to it being a rather uneventful roadtrip. It's also been raining nearly non-stop since I arrived back at the house. I did stop at the BMW factory in Spartanburg SC for some quick photos.
	Appreciate 1 RMachuca3d723.50 Quote

07-15-2020, 12:05 PM	#15
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Got the suspension installed, along with the intercooler and charge pipe. All my replacement bolts and spring seats laid out. I'll post pics of the car after I get an alignment on Saturday, give the springs a week to settle. Charge pipe laid out, noticed more clamps than necessary, and no bung for the vac port for automatic cars. Ended up finding a plumbing fitting that fit snugly, sanded it down for better adhesion and used JB Weld to secure the fitting onto the bung. Not the prettiest fix, but better than a rubber cap with a hose clamp. I like it rough...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-04-2020, 11:36 AM	#16
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Vacation pics time.
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08-04-2020, 11:39 AM	#17
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	So, I cooked the pads pretty quickly, I have StopTech pads on the way, but they're delayed until late September, around the same time as my wheels. SAD!
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08-04-2020, 11:40 AM	#18
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Also
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08-17-2020, 03:55 PM	#19
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Out with the old. In with the new.
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08-31-2020, 07:25 PM	#20
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Wheels finally arrived!
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09-09-2020, 10:17 AM	#21
//Melon Designer, Builder, Thrasher of Tires. 86 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 1987 BMW 325, 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: BR, Louisiana iTrader: (0)	Got the new wheels on! I'm going to get the windows tinted windows tomorrow, and I'll take some better pictures this weekend.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2020, 05:58 AM	#22
Mike.F31.MSport Private First Class 105 Rep 159 Posts Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: VA, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1991 BMW 318is [0.00] 2015 BMW 328xi wagon [0.00]	The wheels look great. I was thinking about picking up something similar for my wagon.
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