Some readers may have seen my newbie post, apologies for the duplication.
From around Oct 08 to June 10, I was running a Ford Puma, which I did loads with, before one day just deciding that it was time to call it a day. I was about to embark on more spending, one a new LSD equipped gearbox, some paint, alcantara trimmed wheel, etc. and came to the conclusion that unless I was going to keep it for some time, then I should just put it back to standard and sell it, then use the cash for something newer and more potent.
Highlights included retrimmed Recaro's, FRP engine, 300mm front brakes, 270mm rear disc conversion, Milltek 4-2-1 with sport cat, and various detail improvements.
Fortunately my mother decided she fancied it, so I didn't put it quite back to standard, and before I knew it, I didn't have a car, other than a 1995 Clio 1.9D Bebop (with PAS!).
While the Bebop is a great little truck, it isn't exactly an object of desire. Within about 48hrs I was desperate for something more interesting. On Monday I missed out on a Focus RS (by about £1,500) and a 53 plate 330d (by £350), which I wasn't that disappointed about as it was dark green with cloth, and while it would undoubtedly have been a great car, it just didn't excite me. I managed to avoid the bid button for a couple of days, in the hope of borrowing a '99 306 GTi-6 for a few months from my best friend who is a trader, but the rotten sod sold it last night. I really want a Z4, but it is totally the wrong time of year, so I told my friend that I wanted something I could smoke around in for 3 months or so that wouldn't loose too much cash, and he suggested this 197, which he had just bought. Before I committed, I had a punt at a well spec'd 05 plate MCS, but it went for silly money, so I figured I might as well have a punt at this.
I bought it unseen, 06/56, 80k, 1 owner, in need of 4 wheel refurbs, various marks around the bodywork, some wear to the drivers seat, 1 key, part SH.
When I collected it, I discovered that actual spec as follows;
On the plus side, in addition to spec.
On the down side;
My plans are really just to smarten the car up during my tenure with it, before possibly passing it back to my friend to retail for me, when I decide I fancy something else. In addition I will be fitting a bluetooth and iPod interface, and may do a few minor mods, bit of personalising, etc.
As of today, I have sorted the second key with a replacement battery, had the A/c regassed (in case you go non-franchise, 510g of refrigerant - Autodata doesn't have that info for the 197), and started to clean up the interior - the rear seat bases, parcel shelf and boot carpet are all in the house waiting to be refitted in the morning.
I also had cause to discover the very cool "target" warning light, I clearly didn't drive the car hard enough yesterday, as I only found it today. Very cool. Made a flying visit to see some relatives this afternoon, and yes, this is a quick little car, and the press' fascination with it's handling seems fully justified. Not 101% sold on the fuel consumption just yet though!
So, to my shopping list;
On order;
To order;
Wanted;
The wheel refurb, exhaust blow, drivers seat issue, and a couple of dentmaster type repairs will need to be taken care of soon, any recommendations for the seat, wheels or smart repairers would be gratefully received.
Also I quite fancy getting the interior trim done in vinyl, I think either in a bright metallic blue, or perhaps in high gloss black? Suggestions, and recommendations gratefully received. I like the idea of blue as I fancy getting the steering wheel retrimmed in alcantara, with a blue leather marker band; I was going to do something similar with the Puma before I exited it.
I had my Scangauge plugged in today, and it would appear that the water temp isn't really getting above around 75C, which I think suggests that the thermostat is stuck open. Not a huge prob, but something I would like to get sorted.
I also seem to have a rattle from the tailgate which needs a bit more investigation.
I had meant to have a look at the car on a ramp this morning when I was down at the garage for the A/C regas, but just didn't get chance, so it was sods law that I would notice the blow this evening. Hopefully I will get it looked at soon; could be an excuse to go for something more interesting - though I did get thoroughly bored of noisy exhausts with the Puma, so perhaps not.
Anyhow, that is my not so brief introduction, I am quite taken with the car at the moment, and am looking forward to improving it's condition.
Hope to have something more photogenic soon.
Comments and criticisms all welcome, thanks for reading.
Updated Spec List Jan 2011
To Do list January 2011
From around Oct 08 to June 10, I was running a Ford Puma, which I did loads with, before one day just deciding that it was time to call it a day. I was about to embark on more spending, one a new LSD equipped gearbox, some paint, alcantara trimmed wheel, etc. and came to the conclusion that unless I was going to keep it for some time, then I should just put it back to standard and sell it, then use the cash for something newer and more potent.
Highlights included retrimmed Recaro's, FRP engine, 300mm front brakes, 270mm rear disc conversion, Milltek 4-2-1 with sport cat, and various detail improvements.
Fortunately my mother decided she fancied it, so I didn't put it quite back to standard, and before I knew it, I didn't have a car, other than a 1995 Clio 1.9D Bebop (with PAS!).
While the Bebop is a great little truck, it isn't exactly an object of desire. Within about 48hrs I was desperate for something more interesting. On Monday I missed out on a Focus RS (by about £1,500) and a 53 plate 330d (by £350), which I wasn't that disappointed about as it was dark green with cloth, and while it would undoubtedly have been a great car, it just didn't excite me. I managed to avoid the bid button for a couple of days, in the hope of borrowing a '99 306 GTi-6 for a few months from my best friend who is a trader, but the rotten sod sold it last night. I really want a Z4, but it is totally the wrong time of year, so I told my friend that I wanted something I could smoke around in for 3 months or so that wouldn't loose too much cash, and he suggested this 197, which he had just bought. Before I committed, I had a punt at a well spec'd 05 plate MCS, but it went for silly money, so I figured I might as well have a punt at this.
I bought it unseen, 06/56, 80k, 1 owner, in need of 4 wheel refurbs, various marks around the bodywork, some wear to the drivers seat, 1 key, part SH.
When I collected it, I discovered that actual spec as follows;
- Cabasse
- Auto climate
- Xenons
- Smoked rear windows
On the plus side, in addition to spec.
- 4 x matching nearly new Yoko's
- RFT to 9/10
- Full SH, inc. belts
- 2 keys (one needed a new battery)
- Bodywork better than described
On the down side;
- Keyless locking button on drivers door doesn't work - fixed
- Steering wheel very worn - retrimmed in alcantara
- Star in n/s headlamp ("oh, cool, I've got xenons; oh, I have a hole in one of my xenons") - replaced
- Slight blow on exhaust - repaired
- Couple of clips broken on rear diffuser - not broken, just not engaged, now fixed
- Wear to drivers seat - replaced
- Damage to drivers footwell carpet - replacement awaiting fitment
- A/c was ineffective - regassed
- Missing wheel brace - replaced
My plans are really just to smarten the car up during my tenure with it, before possibly passing it back to my friend to retail for me, when I decide I fancy something else. In addition I will be fitting a bluetooth and iPod interface, and may do a few minor mods, bit of personalising, etc.
As of today, I have sorted the second key with a replacement battery, had the A/c regassed (in case you go non-franchise, 510g of refrigerant - Autodata doesn't have that info for the 197), and started to clean up the interior - the rear seat bases, parcel shelf and boot carpet are all in the house waiting to be refitted in the morning.
I also had cause to discover the very cool "target" warning light, I clearly didn't drive the car hard enough yesterday, as I only found it today. Very cool. Made a flying visit to see some relatives this afternoon, and yes, this is a quick little car, and the press' fascination with it's handling seems fully justified. Not 101% sold on the fuel consumption just yet though!
So, to my shopping list;
On order;
- Parrot MKi9200 phone & iPod kit - fitted
- 2.5m twin ISO extension loom - fitted, then removed as not necessary
- RenaultSport floor mats - fitted
- Albi Blue touch up - used
- Clio luggage compartment storage tray - fitted and removed, makes boot very small with full size spare
- Silver indicator bulbs - fitted
- Renault TIS & EPC - didn't work, but it was cheap!
- N/S/F xenon headlamp - fitted
To order;
- Drivers side door handle (I hope these aren't expensive!) - fitted, circa £70-80 iirc
- Wheel brace - fitted
- ITG panel filter - fitted
Wanted;
- Spare steering wheel (so I can get this one retrimmed)
- Rear diffuser
- Possibly a spare set of wheels, so I can get these refurbished
The wheel refurb, exhaust blow, drivers seat issue, and a couple of dentmaster type repairs will need to be taken care of soon, any recommendations for the seat, wheels or smart repairers would be gratefully received.
Also I quite fancy getting the interior trim done in vinyl, I think either in a bright metallic blue, or perhaps in high gloss black? Suggestions, and recommendations gratefully received. I like the idea of blue as I fancy getting the steering wheel retrimmed in alcantara, with a blue leather marker band; I was going to do something similar with the Puma before I exited it.
I had my Scangauge plugged in today, and it would appear that the water temp isn't really getting above around 75C, which I think suggests that the thermostat is stuck open. Not a huge prob, but something I would like to get sorted.
I also seem to have a rattle from the tailgate which needs a bit more investigation.
I had meant to have a look at the car on a ramp this morning when I was down at the garage for the A/C regas, but just didn't get chance, so it was sods law that I would notice the blow this evening. Hopefully I will get it looked at soon; could be an excuse to go for something more interesting - though I did get thoroughly bored of noisy exhausts with the Puma, so perhaps not.
Anyhow, that is my not so brief introduction, I am quite taken with the car at the moment, and am looking forward to improving it's condition.
Hope to have something more photogenic soon.
Comments and criticisms all welcome, thanks for reading.
Updated Spec List Jan 2011
- APD matched inlet manifold
- APD 4mm PTFE inlet manifold gasket
- ITG panel filter
- Silicone induction hoses
- AP Racing front bells & rotors
- Stainless steel slash cut exhaust tips
- Alcantara trimmed steering wheel
- Parrot MKi9200 phone & iPod kit
- Brodit Blackberry & Satnav mounts
- Auto-dim rear view mirror
- Sunglasses holder
- Anthracite 12-spoke "Raider" style wheels with ContiSport 3 tyres
- Gloss black Speedline wheels with Toyo R888 tyres
- Luggage compartment net
- Plush luggage compartment mat
- Full size spare wheel
To Do list January 2011
- Replace front carpet section
- Replace rear discs & pads
- Fit 197 Cup suspension
- Fit red brake calipers
- Fit Bosch ParkPilot front and rear parking sensors
- Clean front seatbelts
- Adjust drivers door alignment
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and good to see these cars can take the high mileage in their stride. Mine is currently on 48k and has a very similar spec to yours. I recently had the wheels on mine rerfurbed and resprayed matt black and it really does make the car more striking to look at (mine is also an albi).
