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I wouldn't want a manual in mine, the SMG is (usually) better at changing gears than i am, and if i decide i want to take control i still can. Not that i couldn't drive it with a manual, but i don't think it would add anything to the experience, the SMG is fine once you get used to it and if you use it properly.

The best way to describe the fit and finish for the parts is probably "variable", some parts are pretty good, some are average and some like the C-pillar extension are pretty poor. As with most things in life, I think you get what you pay for. The main thing for me is that they are fairly accuratedly detailed to the originals and they are light. No point changing to FRP panels if they are 3mm thick and weigh the same as steel panels. The edge profile of the M3 inner guard is pretty different to that of the standard E30, not just a case of cutting it off and moving it out 20mm as I was hoping. So rather than try to fabricate a modification I have ordered a pair of outer-inner guards for an M3 which should be pretty easy to fit up, and then give a more accurate position to fit the outer guard up against. So whilst I am waiting for those to arrive, I have started fiddling around with other bits and pieces, including the front lip spoiler / splitter. The supplied part was just a single upper skin that was far too flexible to be any use, so I added a bottom skin from a sheet of aluminium composite and used some expanding polyurethane foam to fill the gap between the two and bond it all together. A bit of old carbon-fibre look wrap on the top and it almost looks like a bought one!! Worked out a slotting fixing system so it can be moved in or out as required for more or less front grip similar to the M3 Sport Evolution. As it has a reasonable thickness I was able to shape the front to act like a proper splitter and should have some proper aero effect, rather than just looks. Here it is in the fully extended position.. One part finished, just fifteen to go..

https://www.trademe.co.nz/1825057735 That's gorgeous. I would love to have this. Hopefully the new owner is a member here.

I think it's because it's the Merino leather and not the standard leatherette? Also, it's brand new so is still nice and matte

They all do this!

100% with you. Hence my comments on that other listing. Could be worth repainting it though. You must have access to all the original colors from the factory? I love Blue BMW's but I would take the Black one over the Blue one here. Thanks qube for making me look at cars again... The UK imports cop a lot of flack for rust and corrosion. But they are starting to be picked up by true enthusiasts now. Which means they are being cleaned up. I have seen a few advertised (whilst asking a premium) that have underneath pics to prove they have no corrosion. Summer cars. Same thing is happening here.

http://www.burgertuning.com/N54_BMW_spark_plug_socket_adapter.html Just scroll down, you"ll see NGK 5992 1 step colder spark plugs. Sorry mate me silly I mixed up USD with NZD its $72 USD.

The front wheels/tyres look stupid on that blue one, way too wide. Tom's is a difficult proposition because it's so far from original. It's the correct car for the person that wants to heavily modify an M3 but of little appeal to everybody else unfortunately. The black one (https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1833187514.htm) does look nice and low km's however being a UK import I'd need to check the entire underbody. $36k is top money for one of these IMHO so it would need to be essentially perfect. Note that subframe not done, no mention of VANOS work, it's an '05 so rod bearings may not be a problem but even without you're looking at another $2k min for the other stuff.

Carbon Black with red leather is a great colour combo, but yeah Tom's modded E46 M3 would be a more "fun" car to own and drive. If it wasn't for the yellow exterior colour I would have been seriously interested in Tom's car. Not sure I can live with Pheonix Yellow even on a weekend car.

I had one break but it left enough to get some polygrips onto it. You could drive two screws into it and then lay a screwdriver between them to wind it out.

@BM WORLD @HELLBM do you have anything?

Nah, boring lack of colour. Rather this one,

Found this on my way home

Doesn't affect the import laws. The logic being that cars coming into the country should be cleaner than those already here. Even though you can buy a used NZ new EU3 E46, it has to be EU4 to bring it in as an import.

HPFP... we all go through that one haha, had mine replaced about a year after getting the car. The part has had so many revisions, hopefully the new one is more reliable. Hopefully you can just enjoy the car now

Shout out to Tonys Tyre Service in Takanini, first time ive ever used em. Decided to try some RE003s out. Really clean workshop, really good customer service, and I watched the guy use a real torque wrench to tighten the wheels back up, and then another guy came around and checked the torques!