hotwire

Cheers guys. Catch up with some of you at the weekend

Just did one at work last week. Have you got the key out? Needs to be able to turn to acc position in order to line the release tab up with with the access hole beside the barrel. I couldn't this time (& also have had before) so had to drill out the barrell to remove - a #@%$#@ of a job You don't need a key (if it is ok) but do a new barrell. They come from Germany already coded for the car - quote the 7 digit # code to the dealer - early $200's from memory

Can't recall offhand the E46 rear lamp layout but... If it has no bulb holder (& has the same brake light going on each side) then it will be a fog lamp provision. In some cases there are fog lamps on each side of the car, often though, there will only be one on the outside (road centre) of the vehicle. meaning RHD car will have one on RHS - opposite for LHD. Most older Euro vehicles were set up like this. Turn the rear fog light/s on & compare position of working R/H lamp to the vacant position on L/H side - this will confirm the above. Rule is - if a lamp is fitted - it must operate. This rule would have no bearing on the above setup as there is no bulb holder present from factory. Regards headlights - if you have installed (& correctly) the correct version bulb, then providing they are correctly aligned - the pattern should be correct. Genuine bulbs - BOLLICKS - BMW don't even produce bulbs

Looks good. Great hear on subtle mods/updates. Each to their own but would be a real shame to see a car like this bastardised. It is what it is & at this age/condition - it is arguably more collectable as it is.

Beware with HID - you need to replace the whole assemblies. It is illegal (& rightly so) to use HID bulbs in non HID lamps

Glenn @ Botony Motor Worx - forum sponsor on here

Welcome to the site. If you are not knowledgable - get it professionally checked. Don't know your location to be able to offer advice of who to use? They don't need to be expensive to maintain... but start with a known good car

Welcome. Very nice car. What are your plans? As it is in the condition it is I hope you will do it justice:-

HB Rich, ARGG - your're nealy a year younger than me

Rusty Italian above has provided a site that shows/explains the procedure to fix DIY. Above that Glenn said to call him to discuss & you said you would. Also above you have been recommended "Fixit" can do it - Google or phone book maybe???? Otherwise Robinsons Instrument Service in Auckland can fix it. No I haven't got their number handy but it can easily be found:- Edit SP

^^^^^ Great outcome

Just measure them. They could be either or. If the car was originally a 318i then they are quite likely 45mm

We watch with anticipation

Yet another - Jack/engines don't go well together Didn't we say a "Dulux Red overhaul" is not a recon'ed engine You need to do the bits inside too

Probably a cluster replace - still bloody dodgy though. Not surprised you recognise it Chris - uphostery

Why wreck? Looks to good to waste to me

HB Tony, have a good one

Hi Mark, To my knowledge there have been to date, (I think the same for both formats - CD & DVD map as yours) only two versions from BMW NZ. The first being in 05 & then an update in late 08 - probably the one you have. The first disc was $900 ex BMW but I understand the update was about $600 for initial purchase (an update of an original that was purchased was cheaper). Both these were done by Geosmart then supplied to BMW. Again, to my knowledge, there is to be no CD updates in the future - a disc for all the earlier ibus systems & E65 MOST, but as you say - the E90 uses a DVD version map, which I understand is to be sourced from Germany in the future. This is probably what JG's are talking of. They are a map disc only & not a software update. You may want to query the pricing - considering it has gone up again to the last price. Edit: Sent message

As above John - insist that it is returned to OEM spec - this car is what the premium you pay is based on. If it needs to be OEM to achieve this then so be it. Assuming you do have glass cover of course

Not the OEM as it is but there are options in adding digital via it's AV input facility so won't be a problem. If on PAL Europe - your limited success will be due to location. Try it if/when you are in the city

HB Mark, no doubt our paths will cross one day

Go into TV, into TV-mode & scroll countries. If no NZ option (quite likely - dumb I know) find & tune into either PAL Europe or Switzerland - same as NZ. If you want TV in motion, NZ nav & an integrated reversing camera - PM me

Ray has contact numbers listed... phone maybe?

Chris, As above - it needs a later model VM (version 3, 2000>) which supports both 4:3 & 16:9 format. When you were conversing with me a while back regarding this upgrade, I was going to supply you both units to upgrade. Edit: You still need a reversing camera too...

I'm not sure on the E46 sedan light system as far as operating voltages for tail/brake lights. If straight 12v then can be done with relays. I can sort that for you. If varying voltage (as at least some are) then it is more complex to do, without using an OEM kit.