₦airaland Forum

Was at the mechanic's a few days ago and stumbled upon this undergoing routine servicing as I was told.

You need to be next to her to appreciate the magnificence.

Apologies for the poor picture quality

234CustomCars: New to the chat. This is my 330ci. H&R Sport Suspension Spring kit (2" drop), 19" wheels (225/40 fronts and 255/35 rears). Dynavin clone to be installed this weekend. @GEe2728, there's a nice silver 328ci for sale. Never been used in Nigeria. i'll put up a pic.

Wow!

Love them wheels!
Great specimen you've got there. Auto or manual?

Siena:
It must be German.
It must be a full-size sedan.
It must be AWD.
And it must be built out of aluminium!

BMW 7 Series? No! No AWD, no aluminium shell
Merc S-Class? No! No aluminium shell
VW Phaeton? What's that?
Audi A8/S8? Before nko? If it was another poster, I would have had some doubts

*Subscribed*

I used to work in a Logistics firm that owns trucks that cost in excess of NGN22m (brand new) with clients' payloads sometimes topping NGN20m.
The truck drivers then used to earn between NGN35,000 - NGN60,000 depending on miles covered, locations visited and specific contract.

My question to you op is: Should the driver's salary be a function of the value of the assets in his control or should be determined by the industry standard/job grade? I ask this because this argument was actually put forward anytime agitations for pay increase arose.

Back to your question; I personally believe that negotiations take place before acceptance of a job. If during interviews, we agree that your salary is x amount and on resuming the job you realise that there is probably a capacity to earn more (not because your job description has been enhanced but because you have sized "oga" up and see that he can pay more) then I would think you keep the thoughts to yourself!

My company driver is outsourced and he earns N50k (+ N20-25k based on overtime)
Personal driver earns N35k

Hello Bro,
I didn't realise I wasn't alone in the 'weekend car' concept.
It surely is the way to go.
In addition to sourcing from the UK, do try this site i stumbled upon which stocks samples mostly from Germany but also from all over Europe
Let us know how your research pans out.

http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/audi-s6-avant-4-2-quattro-rosenheim/181403273.html?lang=en&pageNumber=1&__lp=4&scopeId=C&sortOption.sortBy=searchNetGrossPrice&makeModelVariant1.makeId=1900&makeModelVariant1.modelId=21&makeModelVariant1.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant2.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant3.searchInFreetext=false&minFirstRegistrationDate=2001-01-01&maxFirstRegistrationDate=2002-12-31&export=ALSO_EXPORT


PS: I do 2-wheels too. Nothing to be afraid of

5 Series bro.

Long time, how have you been?

samuelk: I think i saw this car or something similar around Ipaja roundabout around friday or saturday..

Not the same car. Also saw another one similar in Alausa today. May be the same one you saw?

uboma: @ op, what happened to this other project?

https://www.nairaland.com/783978/project-restore-2002-audi-allroad

i must confess that i followed it with great enthusiasm from the start...

@uboma:
So sorry I let the ball drop on that one.
I have updated that thread. Please check it out
https://www.nairaland.com/783978/project-restore-2002-audi-allroad/1

Cheers

Hi All,

I chickened out at the last moment due to the complexity of the logistics of getting this project on the road.
-Parts from the States and Europe
-Availability of a proper mechanic with enough time and patience on his hands
-My own time and availability to supervise

In the end, I reckoned it might not be financially viable compared to getting a running and driving sample of the same car.

I started something else here though: https://www.nairaland.com/1410627/bmw-325ci-e46-rescue-project

Enjoy

Shagati

Back to the tyres

Bit the bullet and settled for the 235/45 ZR 17 and got 4 units.
Thread on the tyres that came with the car were still all between 40-60% worn but no need to take any chances as they were well past their best by dates.

grimadult: Am so following this thread!! Nice work oga shagati on your BMW.

azpekuliar: Subscribed. Good to see you buddy.

Thanks

uboma: @ op, u did well replacing the oil and oil filters. Imagine what would have happened if u had skipped it. Good work and very informative thread.

I can imagine what would have happened if particles of the filter had gotten into the engine. DOA Project!
I would try to upload costs for this upgrade too as I am sure like many others, an idea of costings would encourage more people to embark on restoration projects. It shouldn't neccesarily cost an arm and a leg.

Cyberknight: Are you doing this project yourself or have you got some engineering workshop to assist you therewith?

Some of it would be DIY like replacing the horn, sorting out the central lock etc. Major work would be done at a workshop

yungboss: that's a wonderful project Mr. shagati...i love the coupes, mine is a 323ci with the sports suspension...
I anticipate changing the engine to a 330i...especially since i had an race encounter with a 2009 camry V6.
I dont wanna rush at it, i'll try to post pictures here...nice one sir.

Please post pics here by all means. The 330 is serious muscle eh? Are you based in Lagos?

This might be interesting to some here

Cheers

https://www.nairaland.com/1410627/bmw-325ci-e46-rescue-project

Tyres

On a scale of 1-10 for priorities, tyre replacement came in at about 9 or 10
The tyres on the other hand did not think so
Checking the manufacture dates of the tyres showed that 4 (includes the spare) were manufactured in 2006 and one was made in 2008.

Also, the configuration was very funny.
225/45 ZR17 on the rear (OEM recommended)
235/45 ZR17 in front (checked online and discovered that Hartge had run a similar model with this size without modification)
The spare was 245/40 R17

Took the car out a few nights ago and a few kilometers from home had a blow-out (front-right).
I couldn't be bothered to stop to change it as I didn't intend to salvage the tyre and I also had no intention of contributing to the Lagos crime statistics so I continued driving home.
Worst case scenario was a new rim right?

Luckily, no damage to the alloy wheel *phew*

Siena: Just hat I like to see - a full-on project, quite a change from the usual Car Talk fodder.

I'll be following this with keen interest.

Welcome buddy

Oil replacement
20W50 grade oil is to be run for 1,000-1,500km to 'clean' engine before switching to synthetic oil (any contrary thoughts to this? Reactions welcome please )

Air filter
Out with the old (enough dust/silt to fill a bucket ), in with the new

Replacement oil filter

So what is the first thing to do after buying a used car?
Change oil and filters right? Right! This is what I decided to do and I wasn't a second too soon! ! !
See pic below for reason why:
Apart from the fact that the oil was pitch black and about as viscous as water. . . . . . . . the oil filter had broken into two pieces in its compartment

Background.

I wanted something small, powerful(-ish) preferably rear drive and within a budget as a weekend alternative to current vehicles - 2012 Skoda Octavia (office car) , 2006 Mitsubishi Galant (driven by the Mrs) and a 2012 1200cc BMW bike.

I found the Beemer and the proposition was very attractive.
-Interior in good shape
-Engine starts once and runs smoothly
-Smooth transmission
-A/C working fine
-95% of electrics functioning
-Body relatively ok with just a few scratches

The only immediately discernible issue was rattling/niggles from the front suspension (usual BMW challenge in Nigeria) as well as squeaking from the rear right strut. Nothing headache inducing.

Further investigation revealed:
-Excessive vibration while stationary and transmission in DRIVE or REVERSE due to failed engine mount(s)
-Horn needs replacement
-Hand/parking brake needed attention
-Oil level sensor to be replaced (yellow oil light stays on for a few seconds after starting even though oil level is correct)
-Remote/central unlocking ignores the driver's door but opens everything else. All doors lock fine
-Wind noise from driver's window sill while in motion

I will update issues log as I go on

Hi T-Die,
Thanks
I have been following your Audi project with interest
I picked her up earlier this month

[quote author=t-die]Any known issues with the car?[/quote]I will address this in the next post ;

Exterior

Interior pictures

Some options:

Multi-function steering wheel
Outside mirrors with folding feature
Chrome-Line Exterior
Automatic Sun-blind, rear
Execution of fine wood (I am sure this refers to the dashboard wood trim - Lost in Translation?)
Smoker Package
Armrest front
Automatic air conditioning
Radio BMW Business (C43)
HiFi speaker system
Indicator lamps white
Hot Weather Package
Full spare wheel
Sports steering wheel with airbag, leather
Electric Front Seats
Foglamps
Speedometer - Kilometers
On-board computer
Battery in luggage compartment

The Car:

Make: BMW
Model: 325CI (EUR)
E-series: E46 (2)
Series: 3
Type: COUPE
Engine: M54 2.5 Inline 6
Power: 141 KW (192 HP)
Drive: REAR
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Color: BLACK METALLIC (303)
Upholstery: LEATHER / BLACK (N6SW)
Date of Manufacture: 2000-12-20

Siena: I treated my Audi Cabriolet to a good clean, so I could access the paintwork. I also took time to look at different colours, nothing's decided though.

https://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx329/NaijaGuy/Audi%20Cabriolet/20130811_162430_zps1665f8c9.jpg

https://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx329/NaijaGuy/Audi%20Cabriolet/20130811_162410_zpseb81295f.jpg

Hi Siena,
Do you know know anywhere in Lagos where this level of cleaning is offered?
Not just the regular steam wash and interior vacuuming but the works.

Long time. Hope all's well.

Shagati

Deleted

Siena: DAY11 does it again.

Yes, I don't know how he does it!
He sorted out my Touareg head unit code in minutes.
Read out the code to me on the phone while I was still doubting and before any consideration

Now for you OP. A bit long but bear with me. Source: http://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/cc/2009/road-test.html

2009 Volkswagen CC Sedan
3.6L V6 AWD 6-speed Automatic

The CC was created by taking a Passat — same wheelbase, same powertrain, same basic interior — and lowering its roof line by 2 inches while radically changing the styling. With apologies to the Karmann Ghia Owners Club of America, the result is the finest-looking automobile Volkswagen has ever created. It is sleek and elegant and, like the Mercedes CLS it's often confused for, was designed to be a sedan with a coupelike roof line (hence the name CC, for "Comfort Coupe". As expected, this design element does impinge upon rear-seat headroom, but it's not as bad as you'd think — the lack of a middle seat is the bigger problem.

Performance
The 2009 VW CC VR6 4Motion is powered by a narrow-angle 3.6-liter V6, which produces 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. A wonderfully smooth six-speed automatic is the lone transmission choice and includes a Sport mode and paddle shifters for manual gearchanges that are accomplished with reasonable quickness. The 4Motion bit refers to the CC's optional all-wheel-drive system that's only available with the VR6 engine. Even with the heavy 4Motion components, our CC test car went from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds during performance testing — about the same as a BMW 328i. No surprise that it feels plenty strong around town and on the highway.

Unfortunately, that VR6's added oomph and 4Motion's added weight result in so-so fuel economy. EPA estimates are 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. Under our lead-footed care, the CC managed only 18 mpg. Both the 2.0T and VR6 cars with front-wheel drive are more frugal.

The 2009 Volkswagen CC is hardly what we'd describe as a sport sedan. Although its chassis felt capable enough when pushed on our favorite mountain roads, with minimal body roll and a surprisingly tossable feel, the electric power steering is devoid of feel and doesn't lend a lot of confidence. It weights up OK in such high-speed driving situations, but is generally on the too-loose side and noticeably numb on-center, particularly on the highway. Parking is at least easy on your arms.

Comfort
In typical German fashion, the VW CC offers a solid ride that swallows up bumps with well-damped confidence. However, those seeking a cushy luxury cruiser will probably find it too firm. Wind noise and road noise are kept nicely in check — even at 80-plus mph. In fact, such speeds are this car's forte, which is no surprise given its Autobahn-tuned roots.

The CC's beautifully sculpted bucket seats are some of the finest in this price range, nicely enveloping their occupants without getting pinchy. Adjustments for the driver seat and tilt-telescoping steering wheel are generous, clearly designed with a tall person in mind (although shorter drivers were just as comfortable).

The two rear bucket seats are nearly as well-sculpted and comfortable. Legroom is also excellent, with our tallest editor capable of sitting behind his own fully pushed-back front seat. Because of the sloped roof line, headroom is a different matter. That same tall editor had to slouch down a bit in order for his head not to touch the headliner, but it's actually not much worse than many competitor midsize sedans.

The bigger concern is the lack of a center position in the backseat — a bin and cupholder take its place.

Function
The 2009 Volkswagen CC features a well-laid-out, uncluttered control design. Climate controls are easy to figure out, with a single button or knob controlling a single function. Our fully loaded CC VR6 test car came with the Technology package, which adds a navigation system, digital music storage and a back-up camera. Both the nav and audio systems are controlled by VW's new touchscreen interface, which is easy enough to figure out thanks to logical menus and helpful physical buttons that run alongside the screen. Particularly welcome are the four banks of preset buttons (24 in total) that you can mix and match among AM, FM and satellite radio stations.

Included on the VR6 (but optional on the 2.0T Luxury) is the superb Dynaudio sound system that pumps out 600 watts of raw musical power through 10 speakers. Even an iPod played through the typically mediocre-sounding aux jack produces a crisp, strong sound. When listening to a CD, you're likely to hear things you've never heard before in your favorite songs.

Interior storage is about on par for a midsize luxury sedan, with a fair-size center console compartment, smallish door pockets, a center cupholder-bin area and two slide-out shelves located under the air vents. The CC's trunk is quite large, although most of its size comes from its depth. A set of golf clubs will not fit widthwise, meaning you have to either angle them or place them through the center pass-through. When we tried the latter, there was tons of space left over for a large suitcase and a baby stroller.

A front-facing child seat fits easily in the backseat's buckets. You obviously can't mount a rear-facing seat in the nonexistent center position, which could be a safety concern for some parents and makes mounting it a problem, since you have to scoot up the front passenger seat.

Design/Fit and Finish
Other than its slinky exterior styling, the VW CC's cabin is arguably its most appealing attribute. Materials quality is beyond reproach and certainly befitting a car wearing this price tag. Our test car's snazzy two-tone leather interior drew raves from everyone who sat in it, although after only 1,200 miles, the soft leather was starting to show signs of staining. We'd therefore stick with the black leather option, or the high-quality leatherette upholstery standard on the 2.0T that's less likely to stain, easier to clean and still available in two-tone.

Who should consider this vehicle
Someone who wants a stylish luxury sedan without the stigma of a luxury badge. Lower trim levels (like the significantly cheaper 2.0T) should appeal to those who want to own something sleeker and more upscale than the usual family sedan.

Does this answer your questions?

ninz: Ah.. gud to hav u here at last, bro Siena. ;-)
Actually I hav no knowledge of cars save what i've gained via mags and NL and dis will be my first ride.
Kindly advice the best choice in terms of everything for a greenhorn like me, even if u have to recommend Japanese.
Gracias.

p.s- what is W124/201 and B5, pls?

Apologies OP for the thread derail
@ ninz
Audi A4 B5