M3AN

Meyle HD droplinks (way beefier than stock), a few Mahle oil filters, OE cabin filter, and because I must keep adding until the shipping goes up, a set of BMWP genuine aluminium pedal covers, all ordered from FCP. Can't complain when shipping is <US$30.

And just collected these, thanks for a simple and good deal Kyle (@///M) - spied your car at the same time, looks like a nice example! Not sure when I'll install them, the front bar (e9x M3) is relatively easy, a bit more faffing around to get the rear bushing inserts installed. I might order new drop links (and some oil filters) from FCP.

That's interesting, thank you. Having said that: Front camber at 1*10' isn't as much as I'm expecting to get and I'll ask for as much as I can get, anything up to about -2*30' is fine for a street car, the more the better (I'm expecting closer to 2*). Front toe is what I was going to ask for (0*10'). Rear toe is +ve and I don't know why, I'll have to look that up (I was going to go for -0*05'). Rear camber is just "maximum please" as there's very little adjustment. It'll be interesting to see what I end up with, will post the sheet.

Do you have your last alignment sheet? I'd like to know what those M3 specs look like, I trust BMW's judgement over mine. However I won't go into an alignment without knowing the precise measurements I'm looking for.

Long video, here's the relevant part: https://youtu.be/-WIFefCg-h8?t=676

Used my new tool today and completed the oil change. The oil and the filter that came out weren't pretty which undermines the claim on the MTA window sticker about the last oil change. It did however have a magnetic drain plug (another good sign that it's been owned by an enthusiast) and there wasn't a spec on it. Filled it back up with 6.5 litres of golden HPR5 5w40 and a new K&N filter (which I've been advised I should have skipped for the Mann Mahle brand - so I'll change it after 1000kms, no harm done) and she's good to go. 127,558 km for the record. Currently aiming to pick up an M3 front sway bar and need to keep my eyes open for an equivalent rear. Alignment on Tuesday. Exciting. ?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2669348313.htm

Yes, and no dipstick! ?

I didn't realise this would be so inexpensive, nor did I know this tool actually existed. I thought the "proper" tool was the vice grip like one which I didn't particularly want. So, all going to plan oil change this weekend.

I ended up with two sets of these, one is surplus to requirements. My loss, your gain, I'll swallow the GST and international shipping so you just pay the product cost and I recover most of my cost. I won't be so generous if these need to go on Trademe. These fit H8/H11 and H16 sockets and are designed carefully to preserve the beam pattern of the halogen it's replacing unlike all the cheap crap ones you can get which just smear LED's all over the place. They're very high quality as you'd expect from Philips. These will work with many post 2005 BMW halo or fog lights. The box is still sealed but if a serious buyer wants me to open it to show the contents I could do that. These are NOT CANBUS error free, you can either code out voltage checking or purchase a Philips CANBUS adaptor. If you're in Auckland, will be picking these up and have a Carly compatible car I can probably code that for you. Picture of one side installed below. Price: US$140, NZ$220 - Retail in NZ, if you can find them is >NZ$330

Stock is 3.2 but I've just realised that link doesn't have the purple tag (e46, also yellow tag in LHD only) info, that's around somewhere too.

Found it, here you go, post #15: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/e30-technical-forums/suspension-unsprung/springs-shocks-sways-steering/137404-e36-racks-let-s-settle-it-once-and-for-all?p=3058409#post3058409

Yes, all the purple tags are the same. I don't have the ratios to hand but there are a couple of extensive threads out there that make technical comparisons. Essentially the purple tag is closer ratio, less turns lock-to-lock, feels weightier, and has less of a dead centre. It feels more direct whereas the stock one (IMHO) feels very vague and light. The consequence is that it is more lively so requires more micro inputs, some don't like that, I do, it tells me what the road is doing. I noticed an enormous difference when I swapped one into the M3, others have said they didn't have such a significant experience, so there's some subjectivity baked in. I went even further and swapped the purple tag out of the M3 for a non-M Z3 one, even tighter, feels like a go kart.

Everyone with a sporty e36 should get one, M3, 328, whatever.

lol - one of my packages has just arrived after 8 weeks. I got a refund 3 days ago... ? It was from the US and I had other stuff from the US ordered later and delivered earlier. Now I'm in that PITA situation of having more than I need and trying to negotiate with the original seller (they haven't been paid our on insurance yet and I'd have to sign an affidavit to say I didn't receive it). Anyone need some high quality Philips 6500K H8/11/16 fog/halo LEDs?

This is what's claimed for mine.

I've currently got 18x8.5's ET38 running 255's on the rear and it would be fine at stock ride height although ET50 ish would be better (less poke).

10 litre units on special... https://www.repco.co.nz/en/oils-fluids/engine-oils-fluids/engine-oil/c/1862918079?q=%3Arelevance%3A1862918079%2F1926767971%3A10.0%3Abrand%3A1442566234 Not their best deal ever but if you need it now. This (HPR5 5W/40) is what I'm feeding the 130. When I can get the filter cap open ?

DISA valve slowly going out/stuck? Loss of power in the middle of the rev range and no codes is apparently a common symptom. To be honest I've only just started reading up on this and my knowledge is immature but that symptom stuck in my head.

I have a set of dead e36 M3 front shocks you can have for free if the above doesn't work out. I'm in Ellerslie.

I'm also surprised Bellars said that, must be a new policy. They did a smoke test on my 1997 M3 about 4 years ago. As Andrew says, Bavarian Motors in Glenfield or if you're happy with a quick blat up the motorway the team at HellBM (forum sponsor) up in Silverdale might be able to help you out.

Very little adjustment available so I'll spec my own: Max front camber that can be matched both sides (up to 2 degrees), I'll be surprised if they can get much more than 1.6* so about ideal. Weighing up either 0 toe or perhaps 10 minutes toe out up front for turn-in, if I go out at the front I'll go toe in (50% of front e.g. 5 minutes) at the rear for tracking. Might go for 0 all around to experience the new camber changes alone... undecided. Raise the rear ride height by 5mm - to see if that eliminates the slight rubbing I get with the 255's on there at the moment. Max rear camber which will be very little I imagine (I don't know what e87 spec is to be honest). I have a bit of time to decide, can't get an alignment until next week now. The M3 will get some love in the meantime.

It won't be going further than the alignment shop anyway really. I did expect it after swapping M3 suspension into my old 328 which, even with an eye alignment, still felt sketchy. It's amazing what a few degrees of this and that can do!

Ahh, diesel only, I didn't realise. Still that FCP price for a BEHR one seems pretty sharp.

Interesting part, it's only used on the 4 cylinder and boosted E8x/E9x cars, the NA 6's use a different part. But that does mean pretty much every wrecker in NZ will have one from a 116, 118, 120 etc... for dirt cheap (~$30). Turners have one from US$100 which is pretty good for a new one, not sure on shipping. FCP is cheaper: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products?keywords=64539229021