BMWLand

In between watching the Goodwood Revival and the 6th round of the DTM on TV today I decided to go for the lazy man's method of sprucing up the car.

It still had a few flies and tar-spots left from the 2600 mile journey to Bosna as I only gave it a quick wash on arrival to get rid of the dust and most of the flies which start to smell awful if left for any length of time.

So first a rinse off with plain water then a quick going over with AG Shampoo and Conditioner.

Quick was all that was needed as owing to the CarPlan No.1 Polish applied back in the Spring, road crud just glides off.

Not so the tar spots, so the lower panels, boot and back bumper were given a spray of AG Tar Remover - wait a few minutes and then wipe off - job done.

Next it was a spray of AG Magma to get rid of any iron particles - again a 10 minute job no more.

Then another rinse with plain water before going over the entire car with Simoniz Waterless Car Wash - no chance I'd ever use it as per the...

I still find it hard to believe we picked up the 535i “9-years ago this week” from Bowker’s in Preston. Car is now over 10-years old and just over 63,200 miles.



It is the longest I’ve ever owned a car. The next longest was my Ford Cortina MK2 GT, back in 1972 – 1980. Says something, when you look around and can’t find a car worth replacing it with. Was the same for the Cortina, until the right Dolomite Sprint came along, which triggered the switch.

I have looked around, but nothing really grabs me, yet. I tried the G30 a while back, which didn’t give a big enough improvement (at the time) to make it worthwhile. I’ve thought smaller, the F40 135i has been the wild card. I tried a 1-series M-sport, (118i) to get a feel for the size and comfort, but the car wasn’t ‘our’ sort of car. Recently had a G20 3-series and again not there, for grabbing my attention. Moving forward is still very open ended, particularly in this current climate for uncertain...

Well, I have verbally confirmed my order today for a G80 M3.

My F10 is approaching 7 years old and its deal is up in 8 months. I love the car, the best I have ever had and it has thoroughly upset me to think it will be going around March next year but the equity is very good and I got around 10% off the G80. If I keep the F10 beyond next year I am fearful of the big bills that could wait. I know I am in for at least £3500 next year for a big service, front brakes and warranty renewal as well as the road fund on top so approaching probably £4k.

Have gone for dravit grey which is the same as a car I had for a day and fiona red interior and standard seats as I hated the buckets, also laser lights, the spec is good as standard so I don't need any more.

I know I will regret and miss not having the F10 but times move on, I am genuinely gutted.

Not sure how I feel at the moment. I actually feel like I have been unfaithful - to a car, I need to get a bloomin grip!!!!!