gjm

I'm unsure of the route the water is taking, and I know the matrix needs to be replaced so I'll go down that route. I'll find where the water is, and where it's coming from more precisely once I start removing large pieces of dash.

But you liked my powers of diagnosis? I feel quite proud, even if it may have been obvious to those more experienced .

Oh, you guys...!

I think I have diagnosed the issue. It looks as though the heater matrix has leaked water across on to the relays behind the fuse board. This could have caused a failure in the circuit to one or other of the fuel pumps. When I pulled the relays, there was water on top of them. I've just received a new heater matrix, but don't currently have anywhere under cover to work and with the weather being the way it is - rain for 30 minutes, sun for 30 minutes, repeat - it's not ideal for the entirely unenviable task of E46 heater core replacement. This requires removing the entirety of the interior at the front of the car - seats first, just to make enough space to do the rest. I can't say I'm looking forward to it! But at least it is less expensive than a replacement high pressure pump. in the meantime, I dried out the relays and the entire fuse/relays area generally, replaced everything, and had the car running for about 5 minutes before cutting out. Removing the relays again showed more water.

Thanks Ron. From Castrol: "Check for colour-coded label next to filler plug. If no label fitted, use MANUAL VMX 80. With orange coloured label, use ATF DEX III; with green or blue label, Refer to Dealer or Castrol Technical Department 0800 10 40 60. Do NOT mix fluid types." It did confirm I have the correct engine oil and diff oil!

Thanks Muzz.

1995 E36 318i 5-speed (factory) manual. No dog-leg, reverse is next to 1, 5 next to 3. I think this is a Getrag 250G. (Did BMW use different manufacturers for their 5-speed manual gearboxes at this stage in production, maybe ZF, Getrag, GM, Jatco...?) I'm comfortable with the diff oil requirements. EP - Extreme Pressure - oil of any appropriate viscosity, used to lubricate hypoid gears. However, the E36 gearbox appears a different kettle of cogs. Trying to find a definitive answer has eluded me. Calls for 75W, 80W, 75W90, ATF (but not manufacturer X's ATF - need to use their other product), synthetic, non-synthetic... There's talk of different colour labels on the gearbox. Or no label. RealOEM sort-of helps. But doesn't: So it could be ATF (any particular ATF???), or it could be MTF LT-2 which is a SAE 75W80. Look at the label? I can't see a label! And RealOEM tells me there might be a label, but doesn't tell me where it is! <sigh> I'm not a fan of draining what is in there and replacing like-for-like. Maybe I flatter myself as being reasonably tech-savvy, but if I can't work this out from information available, should I rely on a PO to have been able to? If this is a Getrag 250G, knowing that hasn't helped... I have found reference to using Dexron III, and to using MTF LT-2 in the 250. I'm fairly sure they aren't interchangeable! Anyone have a definitive answer? If this is a Getrag 250G, that hasn't helped... I have found reference to using Dexron III, and to using MTF LT-2. I'm fairly sure they aren't interchangeable!

Yulian - I think you simply went to somewhere that doesn't offer the service you require. It is as simple as that. Had you gone to 'ABC123 Acme Car Polishers' looking for a 'Ultimate Ceramic Coating' they might offer you a 'Super-Duper Waxy-Shiny Hard-Coat' polish, and tell you ceramic isn't needed: they'd hope to sell the service they have available. That's business. That's all there is to it. OCD are not ripping you or anyone else off - they are offering a specific service at an appropriate price. It's just not the service you wanted. And now you're bad-mouthing a company whose customers are happy with their service, potentially meaning your friends won't benefit from something that could be suitable for them. Please don't do that.

The cameras are supposed to provide a deterrent but like most other security methods, they only deter those who aren't prepared.

'tis glorious! ;-) PM on it's way.

Non-standard is fine... We like 'different.' And being white means it isn't quite as difficult to respray. Look forward to seeing the pics.

What colour is the E36 bumper? It's a long shot, but if it is Cordoba red Miss M would be keen. If not, we'll go back to plan A and look at fixing the one she's got!

Damn. (Where's my dunce's hat?) Would BMW like to make it a bit more confusing for us simpletons? At least they didn't call it a M1...

That doesn't sound quite right... M135i rated at 320hp, the E46 M3 rated at 340hp. (Rough figures.) A tuning box will take a M135i to 385-395hp. I'd suspect someone wasn't being entirely honest about how standard their M135i was.

Well spotted!

I quite like it! There's pics of a white one around, too.

For the 320d. We'd like windscreen cover and I think that means Fully Comp (and an additional premium on top of that). I think only AA offer windscreen cover with TPF&T, at ~$70 extra. For giggles I looked at TP only. Adding F&T more than doubled the premium in most cases. So far, prices are $4-550. Seems a lot for an older driver, clean license and no claims, living rural, car kept in a locked garage... Pretty much a model insurance client. Protecta were most expensive, and AMI (I think) were cheapest. (Based on FC cover.) I've not considered Youi, but did look at State. Any thoughts?

The only concern I'd have is in the case of an accident. Dunno how the authorities would view an un-certed car in that situation, but I doubt it would congenially!

That's about where I would pitch it now.

Oi! Oh... I see what you mean...

Damn. I wanted a blue one.

I'm trying to persuade Miss M to start her own project thread... She has created a forum ID - 'Miss M' - but that's as far as it's got at the moment. If you see her post, be gentle, eh? She's really good and knowledgeable with Snapchat, Instagram and things like that, but has never used a forum, and very, very rarely touches email. Insight into the next generation of internet users?

Replaced the thermostat in Miss M's car. Took it for a drive - temp looks good.

Will be looking into replacement rear shocks, but unlikely to be anything special. The ProKit is 'only' a 30mm drop so stock shocks are fine. Front struts are Monroe so aftermarket already. Ride definitely seems better, even though all we've done is swapped the rear springs.

It's a start with the basics and go from there thing. 17mm AF Doesn't mean 17mm As F!@# - it's 17mm Across Flats.. She's enjoying it.