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I'm a poser though haha

I personally wouldn't be looking at a low KMs E36 320i for 13k, especially if you're wanting to then just manual swap it. Better off buying something like this https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/2985237483?bof=8Z9MJgwM Which is already manual, has the larger engine, and looks like it's been looked after a bit.

Im the opposite lol, I'd just buy the cheapest one with the best condition/history, regardless of the colour. I wouldnt pay extra for a colour, especially LSB as i think its ugly 😅

What happened here ? Drugs ? Reminds me of that old cowboy song... I've never gone to bed with an ugly woman but I've sure woken up with a few Cheers...

Date: 9 Feb 2021 Distance: 262722kms 1. WoF. Grey Thunder flew through the WoF check at the start of Feb. "it's just so nice to drive!". Tyres wearing evenly. Some surface rust noted, so I'll need to address. Update Grey Thunder's sitting in dry storage now, I lost my free garage last year after my generous neighbour sold his rental, and the new investors let the garage with one of the flats. I've little time to drive her while we're doing a full kitchen replacement at home. Kitchen project hould be finished late April (we've waited 20 years to do this, it's getting done right), and then back into the car. I'll need to get back on to harvesting/collecting M42 swap parts, exhaust, some body seals etc and get it all done and certed during this year. Since last update I did secure a Z3 M44 exhaust manifold for the swap. Meanwhile the Next Steps/to-do list has grown a little: Next Steps: Address surface rust on hard lines and fuel tank balance tube etc Replace boot lid seal (ordered), remediate boot lid/spoiler lip Replace boot side-vent seals (have parts) Replace L&R Door Seals Replace L&R window seals Spray cavity wax into front rad support (the remediation last year has held well, let's treat the inside) Source RH door rubbing strip and clips, replace Centre console - clock (have parts) Driver's window - fix in regulator to address wind whistle Address non-functioning remote door mirrors Replace those OEM front ARB bushes with the genuine BMW 20mm bushes (have parts) Rear Parcel Shelf, Noise deadening, Premium Rear Speakers (have parts) Fit analogue centre console clock and bezel Fit Genuine BMW Antenna Grommet Fog light rebuild and install (have parts) with new bulbs (on order) Horns install (have parts) Wheel alignment (last done 259342kms) - it's over a year, and I think it's settled a little. 15" Basketweaves and tyres - need wheels and tyres Still love this car to bits, and driving it really puts a smile on my face. M42 Parts list for refresh/conversion: M44 cam chain tensioner Coil on plug kit (coils, wiring and connectors) Full gasket Kit Serpentine belt, tensioner power steering pump (used) Water pump M42-specific cooling hoses Thermostat e46 Purple Tag Rack & e30 purple tag hoses e46 Rack rebuild kit e46 tie rod inner arms ? Oil Pump? ? Rings & bearings? ? Camchain & gears? Stromung stainless exhaust system and of course oil, coolant, patience. M42 Conversion parts already secured: e30 318iS hydraulic mounts and RH engine support arm upper & lower oil pan and dipstick tube M42 (e36) and DME complete with starter and alternator e30 318iS M42 loom (complete) Z3 M44 exhaust manifold spark plugs (FGR7DQP+), oil filters (Mahle OX91D) Steering: e36 tie-rod ends e46 bellows kit x 2 Some badges... Best I don't scare myself. Here, have a music video in lieu of a photo update!

Catching up on this build. Last time I drove this car was at Tunnel Run, but I've been pottering around on it since fixing up bits and pieces. Got sick of wobbly drivers seat at full extension so I've bought some solid seat mounts from Garagistic in the UK (https://www.garagistic.com/). Whilst these were super pricey with shipping etc, I'm sick of mucking around trying to make Sparco, Recaro and NZKW bits fit together - at least I know this will work.

Did PDC use to work, before the FRM replacement? If not you need to check the module isn't swimming in water. But yes, coding the FRM to your car seems the logical next step.

Whatever you do, do not spend $13k on a 26 year old 320i, regardless of the mileage and condition. If you want an E36, find a 328 for less than $5k and spend the $8k change you'll have on a manual conversion and a complete renovation. You'll have a proper project and change for beers.

A 320i makes far less power compared to the 2.5 or 2.8L without having noticeable difference in fuel economy (could even be worse depending on your driving). Just doesn't make financial sense to do a proper manual conversion on it especially since its only to be used a a daily driver. You will also loose a chunk of $ if and when you sold it, as a manual converted 320i isn't that valuable or sort after. As above you are better off spending ~10k on a manual 325i or 328i and using the change or maintenance or to tidy it. If you want a project car then you'd be off getting something that's cheap in reasonable condition which you can learn to fix up. You'd likely still spend less than that 320i and have a better car once done. Kilometres don't mean all that much, the 30,000km may have been short trips around town\sitting in traffic\getting in and out. Condition and service history are far more important. A looked after car with higher k's is generally always better bet than a neglected lower k example. You also pay a large premium for very low k's and usually still require $ to be spent things that wear with age eg fluids, filters, tyres, suspension bushings.

The OEM rear upper shock mounts are super soft foam (presumably to compensate for runflat tyres). There's a cheap rubber bushing by Munroe that makes for a nice upgrade, FCPeuro should have them.

152,300 kms. Both front wheel bearings replaced and new fuel filter installed last week. Thankfully this has eliminated the whining noise I had coming from the front of the car when cornering at speed. She’s much quieter. Bliss. Replaced the banged up standard plates with some euro plates too. Love how it looks now.

Somehow I had missed this thread all together, just read through the whole thing. Awesome work man!