M3AN

Yeah, that'd work. But I'd prefer them off the road - they've shown just how irresponsible they are already. But then again I hate people that walk on a crowded footpath looking at their screen (or their book) rather than paying attention to their environment. Situational awareness is a real thing.

A stupid bitch in a new M4 with her mobile to her ear driving through Milford yesterday. Personalised plate starting with WEI or WUI or similar - if you know the owners tell them to sell their vehicles status symbols and walk.

Ugh, the poor baby wouldn't start today... used it yesterday evening no problem. It seems like fuel or ignition... starter tries hard for a few seconds, engine turns but doesn't fire, starter then just goes click, click, click like it knows no matter how hard it tries it's not gong to work. Will plug it in on Friday to see what I can find.

My understanding is that BMW fixed the bottom end (more clearance) mid-2003 and by this time had also issued the advisory to use 10w-60. So, assuming my info is accurate, the bottom end bearings shouldn't be a problem in this particular vehicle. I stand to be corrected on that though if somebody has specific knowledge that differs. It would be interesting to know if you could go back to a more sensible oil for street use if you have more bearing clearance (05/03+). I wouldn't want to be the test dummy though. Agreed the CS, whilst a relatively weak upgrade from BMW, is probably more attractive but it's unlikely to tip the balance one way or the other. And you can probably pick up a black interior from a wreckers for $1000 if you're prepared to wait. I think it's still a sensible price (unlike $38k for a 3.0 e36!) so props to the seller in that regard. Set aside $2k for bulletproof chassis reinforcements and plan for a VANOS and cooling system DIY overhaul (<$1000) and you're still well under $35k, enough room for the interior. If you want an e46 M3 you shouldn't really be budgeting less than $35k anyway IMHO.

My mate's e36 M3 Evo has 250k miles (400,000 kms)... and the VANOS has never been touched.... distance travelled isn't always gloom and doom.

Weird. E36's from the same era had either all amber or all clear... which makes a lot more sense.

So it's got amber front indicators and clear side and rear ones? Surely they didn't come like that?

I don't know sorry but I do have an auto M52B28 and don't mind looking under the hood if that would help you at all?

So generic turbo knowledge rather than E91 specific... but I'd say don't rebuild the turbos unless you know there's an existing problem or a design defect that you're trying to overcome... if it's ain't broke so to speak. Wastegate rattle - super glue them closed, no more rattle and mooooooore boost. ??

I think we'll see more hi-po hybrids before they go full electric, giving enthusiasts the best of both worlds. I don't think anybody that's ever driven a LaFerrari has said it wasn't pure awesome.

How did the bump stops "lift the car"? That should concern you more than bottoming out.

Noted and updated. ?

Thoughts... Most people will run a mile from red leather (or any unusual colour for that matter) SMG - for better or worse, most want a proper manual Since the gauge picture is ~70k kms old I wonder how recent the rest of the pictures are It's from the UK, needs a deep inspection for rust Imported and no info on subframe or VANOS mandatory repairs - bottom end should be fine because it's a 2005 Otherwise, I reckon it's a good buy at ~$30k if you're looking for an SMG and don't mind the red.

When they reassembled it after painting (presumably) they installed the side indicators on the wrong sides of the car... Common mistake on e36's as well (indeed they're the same design).

If BMW are going to introduce a M4 Gran Sedan, why did they split the 2 and 4 door M3's in the first place?

True, but I would get heaps of helpful advice in the Trademe Q&A section! ?

Okay, that's reassuring... a 'complicated' history is never in the seller's advantage. There were apparently only 4 RHD Lotus White on Estoril Blue E36 M3's ever made... wonder if I could ask 6 figures?!? ?

Sure is pretty, even by today's standards - far more attractive than the current 6 series! At $150k I think the owner needs to change the auction description from "fast appreciating" to "was fast appreciating" because it's not going up any further. You'd be silly to pay 150 unless you were putting it in a collection/museum (and even then?). Was it written off, de-registered and needed compliance to get it back on the road? Or have I interpreted that wrong?

I'd call City BMW and ask them, if they have them in stock you can pick them up before 13h. Need them for a warrant? Cut up a pool noodle and bang it on temporarily...

To be fair I don't think many people would consider it "handsome" or "pretty" but to my eye most new cars (BMW included) can't be classified as such so I wouldn't call this one out particularly. Many new cars, this one included, seem to also have a disconnect between the "aggressive" front on treatment and the rest of the car. All bark and no bite so-to-speak. Perhaps all the plastic trim is functional though? If it's clip on, customer replaceable then it's ideal for all those parking dings and scrapes you can get - no paint or panel required, just clip the old bit off and the new bit on. I'm not sure if I'm being too optimistic there? Would be pretty cool though. Black (carbon-look) roofs seem to becoming a trend, seems odd, is it a plastic panel also? Lagoon Blue = Laguna Seca Blue? Looks pretty close to me! Looks and personal preferences aside, I'm glad it's all worked out and you've got your own rubber back on the road. ?

But the seat covers... ?

S54 requires Xw-60 full synthetic. FTFY. They only recommend Shell now, if you buy a used e46 M3 from a BMW dealer it will be full of Shell. If you take it to BMW for a service it will be filled with Shell. Although of course we know it makes no difference so buy it (any good brand) from Repco or Supercheap when it's on special.

Kiss my arse!

I would hazard a guess that an enormous percentage of customers (BMW or otherwise) wouldn't even know, let alone care what wheels were driven. That's gotta factor into the equation too. I consider this lamentable because I'm in the other, tiny slice of the population. ? I see the next M3 is apparently 2+2 (~500hp). I don't know how far down you'll be able to dial the front split but possibly not 0%. So, soon it may be the end of RWD BMW's period. Entry level or not. Whatever the reasons, this makes me sad. ?

That looks good who did it for you and where did you source the material?