M3AN

Yep, easy job to do yourself with some basic tools. It is an airbag out thing though (so you'll need to disconnect the battery and let the car 'discharge' for 20 mins before starting the job). Have a look at the "Rewire DIY" in this document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cafxqdvwEhZP-LM4R4bxbrUDhNC_nd59/view Note that it may still be incorrect, I shared the following feedback with them about the instructions: So just do what I mention for the right side paddle instead. Also, ignore the LCI/Pre-LCI commentary in the document, that's for the US domestic market only.

Sent you a cheeky offer via PM.

Seats look epic mate, where did you get them done?

Dem some trick parts, and those wheels! 😎

I'm a little concerned this is even a question. All drivers should know these two things: Your speedo is wrong Live roadside speed indicators are wrong Always have been, always will be. And yes, probably the reason cars are banking up behind you when you think you're doing the limit.

I have two of the MSX5's, one in permanent 'tender' mode on my M3 and the other used for my 130 and they're brilliant for my needs. The M3 battery seems to love it and is still in perfect condition which, considering the engine only ever gets turned over once every few months, is a win in my books. I got these combo kits when they were less than the cost of the charger alone, the eyelet attachments and rubber bumper are genuinely good additions (the battery bank not so much). I paid $139 for each of them looking back, and coincidentally one in August of 2020, and the other in August of 2021... I wonder if they'll do a similar deal in August this year? Might be worth keeping an eye out if you can wait that long.

I removed the CDV from my M3, much like every other owner has, and would never go back. A CDV means you can never be precisely sure when the clutch will fully engage which is disconcerting and ultimately more difficult to drive, especially on or near the limit. Removing it does however mean that the clutch is less forgiving but once you have the necessary muscle memory that shouldn't be an issue. Having said this, even without the CDV you still have some 'room', it's hardly a 3-puck race clutch.

Hopefully a few of our Ōtautahi members can advise. Not sure if @Aaron still has eyes on the forum? He has a fair bit of ChCh BMW experience.

Indeed 101%! Now down to 91% full. 😇

You can get a genuine BMW one for $$$ (check my 130i thread) or measure the thread and get any AliExpress/eBay one that will fit.

@sweetm3 - Mark has done this w/cert.

FWIW, and as late as this is, I'm still happy 4.5 years into my Avin USA 10.25" dashtop unit ownership. It runs Android and automatically tethers to my phone so I don't need Android Auto, I have a full Android desktop and app store. I think mine is Android 10 or 11, not sure about upgrades so in 10 years or so I might be screwed. If you go this route get as much RAM as you can.

To be fair, most of those e46 'deficiencies' you mention aren't present on the e36 equivalent. I have a vested interest, I don't profess the following to be objective... I think the e36 M3 deserves just as much credit, if not more, than the e46 equivalent, it was the e36 after all that heralded in 15+ years of ridiculously successful chassis and engine architecture. The e36 M3 was revolutionary, the e46 M3 was simply, and certainly beautifully, evolutionary. The e36 M3 was the last truly analogue sports car BMW ever made, and a remarkable one at that, it deserves a top 5 position for sure.

I don't think it's about whether it's RHD or not, I think it's whether it's factory spec or not.

Meant to be driven, yes. And blue is gold on these things, a really great colour. You deserve a 'Sport' aerial, treat yourself.

Free bump. These also fit various E8x models, I have the fronts on my E87 130i (direct swap) and rears to go (a bit more of a faff). Even just the front upgrade is epic, don't hesitate. And for 4x calipers, pads, and rotors? This price is a steal, even if you only ever use the fronts! Am also sure SJ can provide the professional installation/conversion advice you might need, top bloke all round.

I like the video, pretty well made and many valid points. I do however think people write off the slushy 130 too quickly, back-to-back it's nothing like my M3, but it is a lot of fun (albeit mods in tow). Nobody that's driven my auto 130 in anger has got out and said "meh".

Having watched the build from afar, I am not surprised this gives me a semi. Props for a job very well done Mr. Harper. 👌

Despite not being involved (read: engaged) recently with BS I've always had a soft spot for it (except in 2020 but most of those bad apples seem to have fallen from the tree), and would like to see it survive. I'm also old enough to understand the real benefits of forums over modern social media. Way back in the day (early 2000's) this place was a viable business if the conversations I had with then-owners were valid, it made more in sponsorship and donations than it cost to run. That's not viable now because, I'm afraid to say, there's no active ownership and moderation is stretched and (perhaps understandably) jaded. Two sponsors at $500 a year each, and some technical contribution from members, is probably all it needs but the sale value is nostalgic only and certainly nothing like the numbers floating around a few years back, that was dreaming. If the owners want to sell the domain for anything more than the cost of registration, it'll be a stretch. And what do they want to do if they don't get a good offer? Sit on the domain out of spite? Any help migrating the domain from one ownership group to another would however be value worth compensating. I dunno but if any organising committee feels I might add value, I'd be happy to consider trying.

Actually, you want to keep those shorter bumpstops, they're the ones you should fit. The standard BMW "motorsport" ones are too long, dangerously so some (including me) would say. I'm not sure of the fit of the shorter ones you have but most people recommend the BMW Performance versions if going for OE parts (and guaranteed fit). Sorry to tell you after you've installed them!

Agreed. A hook pick and a selection of stainless worm-drive clamps is the way.

Make her pay the difference... then she'll start to appreciate the real value of a dad-mechanic!

And the Chinese market, which is apparently what BMW is pitching to. When you add the USA+Chinese markets the numbers simply eclipse every other global market... combined! So yes, BMW have sold their engineering soul to the sales and marketing departments. They did forewarn us though with the (relatively) terrible S52 USA E36 M3... engineering can only win for so long when it's presented with the challenge of margins. But I watched this today, perhaps we just need to wait until the next generation (hopeful optimism)?

Since it apparently happens so quickly, wouldn't you be best advised to keep the tools? And perhaps hire them out from time-to-time to recoup the cost?

Aramex... again. Amazon package 'attempted delivery failed, unable to locate premises" on Friday. Delivery location... Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain, Parnell 1010, Auckland, New Zealand. And they have delivered there many times. 🙄 Yes, that's the correct address. And it's a pretty big building, in a pretty big park. Any courier driver that can't find that shouldn't be in the "profession". So I called them and confirmed the address. Now, tracking update Monday "Held in Problem Freight", called them again, new tracking update Tuesday "Held in Problem Freight", called them again, new tracking update Wednesday "Held in Problem Freight"... ffs. Their offshore call centre can't transfer me to "Problem Freight" (despite tracking updates imploring me to talk directly to "Problem Freight" because even they can not call this department, they can only message them. So Customer Service can do nothing except regurgitate what is available on the public tracking site. smh.