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Well I did it. Purchased another car in a hope to replace the Carbon Black M3 which sadly was put to rest earlier this year. I had a huge list, and it seemed that no M3 on the market could potentially tick off the boxes, so I've held on since June hoping one would. But nothing eventuated. So as you do when you're in the market, every new listing of an E46 M3 was sure to be sent to my inbox as it was listed - in the hope something would pop up. And something sort of did around September, but it was 'poverty' pack in my eyes so I didn't think twice. Something made me go back, maybe the wild random dreams about this particular coloured car kept popping into my mind, I'm not sure. But I decided to do a little stalk, run it's built sheet, and would you believe it was DAMN TOPAZ THE WHOLE TIME! Maybe it was the light, the angle, the reflections that made me move past it the first time, but a buildsheet never lies. And so I went on a mission to find out all I could about this little blue topaz M3 situated some few hours away from Auckland. Full Service History. Every little nook and cranny completed, was documented. Nz New. SMG, and in Topaz (Schnitzer colour, personal fav). Went on to dig some more, and found the first two owners of the car, personally knowing one of them. For 11 years it was between two people who only did open road, long distance driving and cared for it better than you might your own child! The first owner took it up to a nice 136kms, and the second to 165km. The lovely guy I purchased it off had driven a mere 3,000kms in the time he had it over 18 months. This car, is just a dime. The paint condition so good it's hard to believe. No dings, dents, scuffs or marks. A few minor stone chips which is to be expected. The interior, not a single lift of the trim, no cracking, wrinkling or anything to fault! This car is hands down in 10x better condition than the old one, the KM's just don't add up to the condition. The next morning (Wed) it was in at Jeff Gray for a PPI (thanks to Greg Hook!) and Fresh WOF. Breezed through it's PPI with not a single thing wrong, every single box ticked. How damn lucky. It was sold. And I picked it up today. Such love. It's perfect. It's better than I could of asked for in regards to condition. I was scared about getting a 'high' milaged M3, but this car just puts my 120km M3 to shame. It's just fantastic. So there you have it folks, I bought another E46 M3 New Post for 'To-do' and 'Done' below.

After selling my black sedan I thought we'd chuck another engine into the touring and drive it as a daily for a bit. Should have really left it as it was and manual converted it at the time but priorities changed. Putting another m20b25 back into it, and looking at some e30 race series springs to go in it for ride height and handling. Picture attached of what it looks like with my 15" RGs on it. Should sit better once the engine and springs are in. Didn't really realise how rare these beauties had become. Will put a picture up after the engine goes in next weekend.

So got it home. Washed and Waxed. Being stored up until I come back on the 13th. List of things to do: - CSL Tune - Tints (Booked Tuesday) - Exhaust System (Agency?) - Subframe (currently mint) - Inspection II Service - New Front Rotors & Pads - Caliper Colour Change - Change Rear Tyres (GT Radial aren't my pick) - Touch up Lower Bumper - Widescreen Headunit (might pinch from Schnitzer) - Swap in Heated Seats/Bolster option - New Wheels - Lowering Springs And more to come. Just finished shopping and purchased - CSL Front Spitters - Carbon - CSL V Style Rear Diffuser Full Carbon - Front Grille Full Carbon - Fog Light Surround Full Carbon All hopefully arrive before I get back!

Thanks guys, nice support team Hahahah. Will be hopefully getting some good ones soon! I've arranged a proper photoshoot for when her carbon bits arrive! (And I arrive back)

I've been driving the 750i a lot lately and decided to blow the cobwebs out of the 740i yesterday. When I got it up to speed I noticed the trans was slipping. Alternating up and down by about 250rpm. I'll do a oil and filter change to get a bit more life out of it but I'm thinking it's time to find that ever elusive Getrag 420g. I was toying with the idea of putting a super charger in it but the motor has done close to 250k now so instead of a total rebuild to cope with the added power of a S/C plus the 3-4g I'll need for the S/C itself now I'm playing with the idea of seeing if I can find a S62 thats still attached to a 420g and doing the transplant. I'll have to do some research on this. I've seen it done on facelifts but never a pre facelift so while I'm not too worried about the mechanical side of things I could run into problems electronically. It could be a more cost effective way of gaiining some horses or it could be a electronic nightmare..lol

Made some jacking thingos the other day, should help get some lift onto axle stands for the transmission swap. Pulled the drivers side door card, getting around to replacing the insert, also took off the lock and handle as it often required a push on the door with a knee to get it to open. Will see about pulling the lock to bits to make it electrically actuated (with manual override from inside), not sure how much of the original I'll be able to keep/adapt since it's all pinned together; may be a good thing its a long weekend...

So it has come to the time to add another addition to our family, to join the rest of the E30s in our driveway. We bring to you "WAGLAN" - origination from Raglan, and prior belonging to Mosens Europarts (hence the number plate on the pictures). An immaculate NZ New example, originally was a 320, but has been upgraded to a 325 (Automagic). Next to no rust whatsoever, and even rip free seats! She drives like a dream, and will certainly work well as a service vehicle for the race series. The stripes aren't original, but were put on by the local paint shop in Hamilton. I actually quite like the look of them. The 14" Basketweaves are also in mint condition. I just can't fault this car. Eventually more to come, but in the meantime Simon and I will seek enjoyment in driving her on the next road trip.

Some unedited photos. (From a phone lol) The colour! (And mint interior trim)

Any excuse to repower or manual it is fine. I approve!

Fair enough then, ONWARDS!

It's not about the cost of saving the Auto. I'll extend it's life a little by giving it a oil and filter change but the plan has always been to convert to manual. The question now is to supercharge or S62.and thats the question of cost. For value for money I'm thinking the S62 is the way to go. Just figuring out the logistics of that swap. The slipping trans has just pushed the project a bit further forward than I had planned. ha ha, a lot further forward.

Just poorly optioned, as most NZ New. (no fancy bits and bobs) Main thing I was after was heated seats with side bolsters, so I'll just sit and wait for a set to come up and pop them in.

Need moar pics!

So much awsome!! Well done Amber, topaz blue looks wicked even more so on an M3. Looks like a good find

Wow, nice find Amber. My curiosity is satisfied as I'm sure you are. Stunning color. Much better than the one in the link I sent you..lol I bet the 13th is seeming a long way off now.

Congrats - must feel great to be back in M3 land. Looks peachy!

Yeah, I now have two Topaz sisters sitting outside You guessed well sir.

I bought each thing individually, but Schmiedmann, ECS and Ebay are the places I go to

Awesome, well done Amber. My guess was bang on except for the CS. I even guessed the colour.

Stunning colour Amber! Been following your E46 M3 hunt for a while now. Glad to see perseverance pays well.

I've been told Harold from Transmission Solutions in Manuakau is the bees knees, (09)2777 177, 021 212 0561. I've only even spoken to him on the phone, but he was extremely helpful and I wish I'd taken mine to him.

I believe you get both gaskets in the set so it would be the perfect time to put a bit of fresh paint on the covers..

Cheers Dave, yeah the grills do freshen up the front. Yip looks like rocker cover gasket which if that's all it's is I'd be pretty happy. Not the hardest one it could be !

The new grills are awesome. Very tidy. I need to get a set of these myself. Is that oil leak coming from the rocker cover gasket?

I personally don't mind the non M models. Black interior is a non go though. Looks like a great car but with 3000 more you get an E60 2005. Big dilemma.

full service history , car has been parked up for while ,so its dusty

Nice!! This has the smoothest non rattliest M62tu I've heard hahaha, was buzzing when you took off from the last meet. Cars looking good mate

Could be a few things. When you say grinding, does it have quite a large thump when you engage rev or park?. Best to get it checked though as these gearboxes are a PITA!! ask me how I know haha.

oriphinz - please don't be put off the forum by one posters overreaction. I've been on other forums, and this one is really good. By and large its a great group of guys and gals who are happy to help. Come along to the meet and greet on November the 1st and hang out and see the cars

Yikes! Andrew sorry to have offended you. So to update Andrew was correct, there is a o-ring there, it has flattened and turned into basically plastic, i will be honest this is my first euro, in the past i have only worked on Nissans and Toyota with traditional filters. I think calling me mentally challenged is bullshit. I have been a member of a bunch of car clubs and have never had this kind of reaction when trying to put up a notice to help other members avoid similar situations. If you read my other post you will notice that i would not name them until talking to them first. I have met a lot of mechanics through various car scenes and whist you seem to be passionate about what you do i have met a lot who do their fair share of lazy / dodgy work (ie zip ties on drive shaft kind of crap) they give a bad name to the profession that i am sure you know all to well. I was wrong the workshop may have done the job properly, still not sure as there is still no top o-ring. When i took the housing out i did syringe up the oil from the housing and there was no remains of the 2nd o-ring, either it broke apart or was not installed, i cannot say either way. Andrew, have yo ever seen the bottom o-ring disappear? Anyway, dumped the oil last night, replaced the filter and o-rings again, fresh plugs, cleaned off all the oil that was in the belly pan and on the side of the block. Also installed a BMS OCC at the same time, really great piece of kit! New pads and rear disks will go on tonight. Also might try to tackle the new intercooler i have sitting around waiting to go on

Nice Kyu

Only a few hours before the tease ends Don't drag it out too long.......

Anyone after some intake parts let me know. Running sweet now just needs a new accelerator cable and a pair of steering rack boots......

^^^^^^^Tis but not the yellow further above. I like Dakar on the E36 but certainly doesn't suit the 38

Success with Tony's today. Gave them a ring and they put me through to the Area Manager. He was horrified when I told him what had happened and assured me that one way or another they would put it right. Even at the expense of having the upholstery repaired. He was a good guy to talk to and I'm pretty sure someone in the Wanganui shop is going to get a well deserved kickin. I will be expecting another call early next week to work something out.

Been a while since I've updated this. The cars been going well. Been driving it quite a bit in some of this good weather we've been having. I've sorted out some of my wheel rubbing issues. I've also replaced my RHR window motor so all 4 now work, It's my favourite part of the car. Here's some pictures from a couple weeks ago taken after a Legit/Split meet. Enjoy

The S50 was the basis of the McLaren F1, they soldered two together I think (may have also used duct tape).

When TJ first got it a few years back I thought it was an epic interior scheme. Rare and different, too many black interiors