Leaderboard

I almost exclusively use the Xtrons headunit for CarPlay, however on the occasions that I have a need to do something else I find the default Xtrons launcher to be a pretty jarring experience. I've been having a bit of a look around at options, and have had a play around with iDrive Launcher (https://idrive.ibus-app.de/index_en.html). I know that NBT iDrive didn't come on the E46, however it certainly feels a lot less flashy and feels like it fits much better in the E46 than the standard Xtrons launcher. I think it's an acceptable compromise, given I've already compromised by putting newer technology in the E46 anyway. I have to say I'm super-impressed with the software. It's very nicely built, fast, reliable, configurable. It's a pretty nice experience to get in the car, turn it on and see the BMW boot logo, then the iDrive launcher home menu, then have CarPlay auto-connect. I've got more work to do to sort out the menus (I don't need the Multimedia, Navigation or ConnectedDrive items for example) but will get that sorted once I've got everything figured out and optimised. I'm also working on mapping the second (right hand) control knob on the Xtrons unit to the navigation controls for the launcher, if I can get this figured out it means the interface can be controlled with the control knob/SWCs which would be a nice added touch. Here's a few average iPhone photos - doesn't really do justice to the super-smooth animations/transitions, but you get the idea. Interestingly these photos also show that I haven't quite got the RGB/luminosity of the head unit illuminated buttons right. I 100% can't tell in person, but the photos clearly show it up - will have a play to get it closer.

You can now buy the kit to splice in. https://www.smgsociety.com/product/gear-position-sensor-repair-harness-bmw-e60-m5-e63-m6-smg-iii/ Thanks for the reminder, I'll ask BMWorkshop about inspecting and doing what needs to be done on the harness.

Slave, clutch fork button, release bearing and tube, springs, rear main seal. I think everything other than the clutch fork is being replaced.

Autosure have covered everything!!! So all new and shiny including the slave, best M5 news I have had in months great way to start the day.

@modz Nope and neither did Oz. Maybe Singapore did?

Only one I've ever seen was a pfl m135i in orange.

Took a second take , thought it was NBT 4 at first look. Would have loved something like that in my old M3.

The wagon is currently getting a new clutch and flywheel, thanks Autosure. My assumption is that they won't cover the slave and clutch position sensor, other than those what else should I be digging into my wallet for while the box is out?

If it goes away when you put the clutch in while turning off the car i wouldnt worry about it, most vehicles with a dual mass flywheel have it to varying degrees. You would experience much worse symptoms in the unlikely event the dual mass really starts to fail before a clutch replacement.

Sounds like DMF is in bits. Its not normal.

Great work! , I do love this type of modernization that looks OEM +

Heyyyy this is SUPER cool! Thanks for sharing.

I may have one - will have a look and let you know

231,866km Wheel alignment by Dave Tunley. Rear right (the one i did by myself) was out by ALOT after doing the RTABS. Car is driving very nicely now.

M3LITE. A 320is E30, looked very tidy.

E28 M535i with seriously non standard (straight piped??) exhaust

https://www.vixenrv.com/History.php It isn't really a BMW but it does have a BMW M21 engine. And it deserved to be far more successful than it was. I'd have one.

i remeber being super impressed with the styling of these when they first turned up new, all covered in shipping wax before the groomer got to them. they look just as good today as they did then. pre-delivery roadtests were always good fun.