M3AN

lol - I just re-read this and that's the price for one, not a pair! *damn* BMW DE charges EUR8 each.

I don't need them (already have them) but $30 a pair is good. They're US$12 each (+ shipping) from Schmiedmann (51-71-8-413-359) so, given the exchange rate that would be more than NZ$30. At James' price everybody should get some.

Having lunch with him now.

Agreed and totally possible. You just have to be extra careful to get it square and it's a big spanner, a socket will be less expensive if 1) you already have a 3/8" wrench and 2) you don't have a 32/6mm (?) spanner.

Didn't watch the (whole) vid. But it's simple - get plates, weld them on.

No, you weld a new plate over the top that has holes for the existing bungs.

Same, same. Cheers Ron and there you go folks, don't spend more than NZ$34.

My opinions based on 3.2 experience and general awareness: Solid budget, you should get a set of good tyres out of the change from 8k! Would be good to know if it was a new unit from BMW (i.e. still has the inherant problems) or a refurb (which will probably have better seals). Either way, since it's only two years old I'd leave it for the time being. Spend $100 to get the car on a dyno and see what the output looks like. It's difficult to find somebody to do the VANOS and provide a written warranty but a single VANOS overhaul and valve adjustment at the same time would be 6-8 hours work + parts. Yes, check them all and replace them with OEM rubber with (IMHO) the exception of the RTAB's which I'd recommend poly for (I use Super Pro and they're perfect, no additional NVH). FCAB's can be pressed out, you do not need to replace the arms if they're straight. You can spend crazy money on replacing all bushes and some do last for a long, long time so I'd suggest only the ones you need. As per bushings. Do you need adjustible dampers? If not (or you don't know) then you shouldn't get them because you're unlikely to get a return on investment. I use non adjustable Bilstein's with Eibach springs and think they're wonderful. Others recommend Koni's but I'm not a fan. Figure ~$2,000 for all four corners including springs? Yes, it's easy to swap them over but if you have air-con access is limited and you'll need a medium depth deep socket. Can lend you one if required. Be careful not to strip threads in the aluminium timing chain case! 5 minute job with the correct tool. Why? Get it in ASAP, you'll love it. Get new p/s hoses and a new reservoir installed at the same time, cut the return(?) line from the rack and use a worm-drive clamp with the new hose. Hose and clamps cost me about $30 from a hydraulics place, reservoir was about $50, factor in a couple of hours to install it all with a lift. Replace tie-rods at the same time. Engine mounts - I use Vibra Technics but they can be expensive, OEM is fine. Only replace if they're shot. Suspension reinforcements, including RTAB pockets, is a must if you're doing anything other than OEM suspension and bushes but even then, I'd do them anyway. So RTAB, rear sway bar, rear shock towers and for yours the front shock towers too. X-Brace if you don't have one (~$150) Calliper rebuild kit with new seals, perhaps new stainless pistons if yours are in poor shape ($20 x 4) Braided clutch hose (GBP60 or so - get a UK one NOT a USA one) Braided brake lines (US$120 or so) - totally optional Exterior window seals and weather stripping (Maybe $100 - $150 all up from BMW) Water pump + thermostat + pulleys + tensioners + belts (about US$300 all up from Schmiedmann) Cabin micro filter ($40?) There will be more... Laundry list in here: http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/47049-m3an-e36-m3-plog-project-log/ Happy to elaborate if required. Edit: talk to SJ (EUROHO) about the stuff you don't want to do yourself or one of our sponsors here of course!

How much are the Z3 ones (universal fit) direct from BMW NZ? Possibly in stock too.

Yes. If you have (and use) a SCA club card. And SCA will price match so not sure what Repco is on about.

Very interesting. Thanks for the link Ray.

Keen, will send you a PM tomorrow.

VANOS hub failure isn't mentioned above (that I saw). Replace with upgraded unit when you do the bolts, solenoids and seals. If VANOS hasn't been completely overhauled (with receipts etc) take $2k off the price.

If you consider doing a front under tray (as per: http://www.motionmotorsport.net/products/e36-m3-underpanel-kit) I'm 100% keen.

He doesn't know (or rather he does know, he just doesn't know how much). I used to be him.

Whilst I wasn't keen on one I also had completely different $$$ in mind, certainly that's more than the sum of the parts!

Cut it out, Flintstones style!

Same, even though I now realise how bad it really smells to a non-smoker!

Well done Kyu... and never have a sneaky one, it's a slippery slope! Edit: at 28+ days you're already well past the hardest stage!

Yeah... hard to walk past an RS4. But seriously challenging maintenance, engine out for almost everything.

Yes, but a godsend when even an indi wants to charge $60 for a code read... Props on the purchase and diagnostics Martin.

You can't own a 7'er without rear tray tables!

Sorry for the delay guys. I'm still waiting on final details from the US... new stock is inbound and since don't need it immediately I let my order go to the back of the queue. I'm getting 6 yards of M Rain and will need 3 (ish) yards of Alcantara - perhaps Allan can help Sascha if there's enough?

You need to use the non-mobile version of the forum (or a computer).

That's what I'd do.