M3AN

@Petrie - I'm not sure if it's the same fix, even if it's the same problem but the E series cars have this problem also, the "fix" is to remove the headlamp and drill drainage holes where they fill up with water, dry everything out, and reassemble. Front bumper possibly has to come off. If you catch it early enough you can save the electronics and avoid costly replacements.

It had visible rust. It's an "extent" thing, it wouldn't get compliance if the current amount of rust compromises the vehicle, I'm sure. But rust grows and something that might be okay now won't necessarily be the same in 10 years, we all know that. I'm also not convinced that import compliance checks can actually see everything, for example you'd need to take the arch liners out of every car and I bet they don't do that. The visible deterioration of the M3 in question would be obvious to even a casual observer, that might be fine for some prospective M3 owners but most wouldn't accept that state, or future risk, and it will never, ever, be a "mint" car without a full (and likely uneconomic) restoration. It was priced to reflect that so kudos to the seller, they obviously see (literally) the problem. By way of comparison, my M3, which is 8 years older than this E46, has no visible signs of corrosion. At all. And it was a daily for 15 odd years. This is the standard I apply if anyone asks about the condition or perceptions of an M car, because I'm assuming they're enthusiasts with high standards. If other people have lower standards than that, fine, I don't care, but if they ask for my opinion that's what they'll get. I turned down a UK M2C because of exactly this, and it was way better than this M3. I'm glad I did because otherwise, every time I looked at the engine bay, I would see "compromise". These cars are not built of Cor-Ten, they're not meant to rust. This is an endemic problem with UK cars and UK car enthusiasts, or at least those without their heads in the sand, accept and acknowledge this every day across forums and socials. YMMV.

Yep, looks like it's gone. The fact that it's from the UK means you must consider rust. The fact that you could actually see corrosion and rust at the top of the engine bay confirms it has rust, just like most UK imports. The strut tower bolts were clearly rusty. Where there's smoke there's fire.

Wow ^... my set of 4, including near new BMW pads, cost ~NZ$750 landed from the UK. I'm talking the blue M-Lite (M135i/M140i) Brembo from the F series though, they look better (IMHO), and are much lighter, than the E series performance brakes. A little more complicated to fit though. If you're looking for used parts, it's a good idea to also peep at the for sale section of m3cutters in the UK, it's very active and covers everything BMW, not just M3's. Even better if you know someone in the UK that's willing to act as a freight forwarder.

It's a rusty UK import, unless you're preparing to do a ground up restoration, or simply run it into the ground, avoid. Look at all of the aluminium (magnesium?) corrosion in the engine bay... imagine what the steel under the car and behind the arch covers looks like?

Within the next couple of weeks I'll be listing a NOS & NIB original BMWP E87/1 Aero Spoiler (primed, never painted) here on BS, It will be a package sale with a Maxton Design spoiler extension, also brand new. I won't split (but of course you can if you buy it), and it won't be a cheap combo, but it will go up here first in the FS section, and I'll pop a note in this thread also. Put your thinking caps on if it's something you might be interested in, it may well go quickly so you'll want to be prepared. No need to try and snag it early, I won't entertain pre-offers (okay, if you offer $1000+ I might fold! 😂). I need to buy a CS bonnet for my M2 and someone here needs to help me do that! Edit: why not list it now? I don't have pics and need to follow the rules.

Now on Trademe. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/car-parts-accessories/bmw/brakes/listing/5435420114 Interested Bimmersporters should contact me here for a sharper price.

30 mins, $6k. If I had the means, and the space, I'd buy it just for the parts. Although that would mean I couldn't afford the Hiace. Edit: $8550 at close, certainly a good deal if you have the means.

<$6k at 16h today, 4 hours to close: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/m3/listing/5424722124

Recolour looks fantastic, what products did you use?

Nice work! Might as well remove and clean the vanos solenoids and filters whilst you're in there.

Okay, so ABS and places like Spareto list one part for both sides so I probably should have put 34212228801/2. It will be related to the direction of the internal vanes, I suspect these are perpendicular but will check on the weekend. Edit: verified as non-sided, don't think this makes a difference on the rear of a road car TBH, (unless you drive with the handbrake hard on).

lol - let me check... I've been known to do stupid things in the past.

@Jacko might have some spare 18's...

Kia ora, Now surplus to requirements I have two new rotors in E39 M5 rear fitment (may suit others?) for sale, brand new, never mounted. Edit: BMW reference number is 34212228801/2 (not sided). Price: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/car-parts-accessories/bmw/brakes/listing/5435420114 Specs: Brand: ABS Brake Disc Thickness: 20mm Centring Diameter: 75mm Height: 61.2mm Minimum Thickness: 18.4mm Outer Diameter: 328mm Rim Hole Number: 5 Brake Disc Type: Vented Bolt Hole Circle Ø: 120mm Surface: Coated Hub Diameter: 180mm One of them, both are still boxed: Cheers.