M3AN

Ahh, nothing is easy with aftermarket. I had to tap the temp sensor threads all the way though, something wasn't right with them and I had to buy a damn 14x1.5 tap to do it. Spending $45 on a single use tool is a bit of a kicker but net-net the rad + tap still came out less expensive than the rad would have cost me from the shop. Still, it's going to require some PTFE tape to seal. Also had to trim down the fan cowl to clear the welds on the alu rad that aren't there on the stock one but this was pretty easy and only a few mill's in a few places to get it flush. But finally it was good enough to start the car and commence the flush. All sorts of terrible came out, wouldn't drink it for sure, just rusty water plus the flushing agent and tap water I pored in over 20 mins. Next up thermostat housing back off, thermostat in, fan on and fill her up. Distilled water is on special at New World this week also, $6 for 10l so bonus. Might be driving it next week! Famous last words? lol. NB: when I pulled the transmission cooler pipes out I was very lucky to notice the o-rings were perished (they were stuck in the sockets). I picked up 4 new ones from BMW and installed two up front. When I get the trans oil and filter replaced I'll get them to install the two rear o-rings (into the actual gearbox) as well. BMW charge more than $4 per o-ring...

Put the new radiator in the 328 and hooked everything up loosely and without the thermostat, flushed all the filth out of the system with tap water and a flushing agent. It was disgusting. So, hopefully by the end of next weekend will have the thermostat and fan back in, everything tight and a new coolant system.

Well, if it's getting a WoF before sale at least you'll get 4 new tyres.

I have lots of clips, let me know the part numbers you need.

So I finally got the fan off thanks to Brad suggesting my access and leverage could be better with blades off. Duh. I didn't know you could take them off from the front. Not very pretty but it's all being replaced... Genuine BMW composite water pump, no axial play but you can never tell with these things. And boy I tell you want, it's a PITA with the "large" radiator that they chose to wind two hoses through the fan cowl. Even though I was replacing all of the hoses it's a massive challenge getting the hoses, clamps, cowl and expansion tank all in at the same time. Hint: assemble expansion tank, both tank hoses and cowl together as one then install after radiator into car, finally attach tank hoses to radiator overflow and engine block (remove airbox). But I still can't flush it because the damn threads on the temp sensor socket need to be chased, I can't screw the sensor in. Threads themselves look fine but there's a bit of a lip at the front that prevents engagement. So it's mostly reassembled and if I get time between chores and Bathurst tomorrow I'll finish it and flush. Otherwise Monday which I've taken off to recover from Bathurst, Japanese F1 and UFC 204 tomorrow (13+ hours of sport).

98 will be a waste but 95 is leagues better than 91.

Duly noted, thanks.

Exciting... lol. Black grills. Facelift type for the pre-facelift panel. They look heaps better I reckon. Not a perfect fit but cheap as chips.

Black grills on the 328. Hardly a perfect fit but cheap and cheerful. The lovely patina on the hood is sawdust, thanks neighbour!

Just search ebay for "E36 velocity splitter" - don't pay hundreds for them!

^ really? O_o That's pretty mean actually.

I couldn't bear it any longer. I've just sent them a message with a realistic price range.

That might open the doors but I don't think it will work with the EWS immobiliser? Could be wrong but pretty sure the SA models also used EWS with a transponder in the key - that's the bit you'll need to code and it requires a special rig.

If it's such a slight ding, given it's her first car why not just run with it? And if you kept the old springs you can swap them back in before the car goes anywhere. Or pick up a set of 4 cheap ones from Brent?

You should have told him you can get an actual M3 for less than that.

^ Hoped so, thanks.

Do I need to block off the trans cooler holes (or do anything else with them) if I'm using a separate cooler for the transmission?

Saw this car in the flesh last nice and it's friggin' awesome. And I can assure you all that the wheels, tyres, brakes and seat are all bigger and better in real life than they are in the pics. Epic effort Richard!

Keeping it auto for the time being, fine for a commuter. I think you can get full alu radiators here in NZ, check out some of the Trademe suppliers.

Cheers bud, hoping it'll turn out okay for a thrash around auto lol! The rad came from a BS member here Richard. He got it new but wasn't suitable for his (cool) race car build so was just gathering dust in his (cool) workshop. And if you think this is sweet you should see his BBK... lust. 6 pot Wilwoods front and rear. They're absolutely massive and and for only $2k. OMG!!!

NP. $200 including fan cowl, expansion tank, level sender and ancillary hoses. Really good value! Tank and sender are surplus to requirements and available if anyone needs them.

New and with with alu end tanks to boot. Purdy... Thanks to @richard for a good deal and great chat! He even threw in a fan cowl which I needed and some ancillaries I can probably reuse. Now, just gotta get that fan off!

I'm not up on my Fords so I should probably have just said "the quick one".

I'm really digging the red door cards, they match the red flashes on the front seat covers. The fact that the rear cards are actually screwed on just screams lifetime to me. And lifetime is a good thing when it comes to cars I'm sure!

You really need the codes read again then and the light reset and then after it triggers again the codes read again. I don't suppose you have access to a code reader? If your car has a pac-man style connector in the engine bay (second picture: http://www.peakeresearch.com/compatibility.htm) then I can get the codes for you.