M3AN

Swapped the 2GB Avin unit out for the 4GB unit today... nothing really worth showing because it looks the same. I did take the opportunity to add some thin rubber tape in strategic places in the hope of eliminating (or at least reducing) the squeaks. They threw in an external microphone for the inconvenience and it's got 64GB of internal memory instead of 32GB but it was still a PITA to have to go though the process. And now I have to return a massive box to China... ? Centre console needs to come out tomorrow or Monday so I can install the storage tray that arrived the other day, typical of BMW it's not an easy swap. The black side markers are growing on me.

I was actually going to say that... got as far as editing my post above and then thought... "no Dave, let it be"... It did deserve to be said though...

Yeah, I agree... $15k is a sharp price if it drives well. Spend another $5k on it and it could be mint.

Wow, that looks fantastic, well done. Did you use adhesive backed Alcantra (wrap) or did you glue it yourself? And what colour code Alcantara do you recall? As a matter of interest how do you find the 135 compared to the Evo? I've had a couple of Evo's in my time, loved them to bits as a driver's car.

Not much more, I promise! ?

Black LED side markers with progressive activation (the LED's light up in order like a flash new car). For some reason I'm not 100% sold but the stock ones that came off were in pretty bad shape so these will stay for a while. Clay bar, cut, polish, and ceramic nano coating ($79) booked in for Wed next week, will be interesting to see how she turns out. Only a few more packages to arrive before I can have a rest... ?

Interior pics up, interesting combo.

Only the blue ones... ?

And the e36 M3 is the best M3 ever built!

And by the same person, trolling...

Yes, thanks for the reminder... I put a few things in my 130 thread so dig in there also. Delivery was DHL, tracked, txt updates and web tracking, it arrived faster than I expected it to, less than a week. There aren't any instructions but most of it is self-explanatory, disassembling and cutting the dash and routing the wiring to your liking will take the most time. They incorrectly sent me a 2GB unit but my 4GB replacement is expected on Friday. The touch screen is WAY better than I expected it to be, it's bright, clear and responsive, I'm very happy with this aspect, you don't need glare guards even in direct sunlight. Away from the main interface you have all Google Play services so you can log into the store and download apps and offline maps really easily (assuming you have an internet connection, BT or WiFi). You can't load these as a start/home screen though (e.g. boot to Torque) The various audio interfaces are less than ideal; OEM audio + Android music + nav (separate speaker) + BT all gets a bit confused most of the time... now, that could be me but I'm not sure I'm that incompetent. I'm going to try to set it all up again from fresh with the 4GB unit. The real added value for me is widescreen nav at the moment because I don't listen to a lot of music. The music player supports local, AUX, USB and BT and is pretty elegant and can show album art and tags. But the rest? I hardly use. I've added no cameras or extra sensors so can't talk to them. Support was prompt but I ran into a 'policy roadblock' at the 2GB -> 4GB exchange and that took some time (and a brief escalation to PayPal) to sort out. They're exactly the same unit as sold across Alibaba and eBay but with some assurance of support. They do not ship or provide support from the US despite the "USA" in their name. I don't think that's made a difference though. If you want specific other info ask away, happy to try and answer.

Well you have to wonder... I can't imagine so for a few more years. People are still paying $6k+ for a sorted e36 328! I suspect it's just that most (boy racers?) are too focused on the 135 to see the real nugget.

BMW - #51167136190 (single part comes with the rubber mat, you don't need to get that separately). I shopped around a bit and ended up getting mine from eBay with free shipping, arrived in about 12 days.

Hip? No, I'm shooting ducks in a barrel in this case. I don't think mine's particularly special but on your scale of value it's worth $50k if the other is worth $38k. Defending an unrealistic price seems pretty ignorant to me, you have no idea what you're talking about and you've demonstrated that by spilling out misinformation about the LTW's. Stop now. Perhaps stick with your porkers? I'm sure you're an expert in them.

So this arrived today, an OEM storage pocket to replace the front ashtray because these things have poor (accessible) storage compared to an e36 which is what I'm used to. About 2 hours after ordering it I found out that you can actually use an e9x compartment and keep the ashtray cover. I think that would look better but may compromise the capacity. I'll probably install this one and see how I feel before committing to more money. Because I'm replacing the ashtray it does mean I can try and install lighting and a USB power socket in the tray pictured... a project for the long weekend perhaps...

Great, then mine's worth $50k every day...

Wow, that is sweet. ? Loving the commitment Sam, welcome! Hoping to see it at a coffee meet soon... ☺️

Keep in mind that it's not too expensive to convert a 420G SMG to proper manual...

Jeez, I wonder what they'll expect with the interior refurb?!? Do you know where they got it done BTW? I understand you wanting to remain objective Christian but I think we all know that it hasn't sold for $38k because it's not worth anything near that.

Ahh, so that's why you need to use jack stands instead of the jack!

Speaking of which: Imola GT Evo - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164042375144

Yeah, I've seen it. There's nothing I have seen that says it's worth that much. NO e36 M3 is worth that much unless it has delivery miles only on it. Period. If you slow down a little you'll see that I've acknowledge LTW's are "more valuable" but that does NOT make it great car.

Very nice... headlight washers too? How do you find the Android 10.25"? I've just installed one myself, is yours from Avin USA (read: AVIN China)?

The only things particularly special about the LTW are the limited numbers and the aero kit. Brakes are stock, I don't even think the LTW got floating rotors, the suspension is stock Euro M3, the interior is meh, and doesn't include Vaders which are an iconic e36 M3 essential, the oil pan is stock M3 euro, the fuel pumps are stock M3 euro. Most importantly it doesn't have a proper M3 engine... 3" intake, no ITB's, smaller injectors, weaker bottom end, non-forged pistons, etc, etc. Compared to the US M3 the LTW is good. Compared to anything else it pales. Sure, there are only ~125 so for that fact alone they're rare and (apparently) more valuable but as a car? Nothing special. I'd take the $38k Euro over a proper LTW any day of the week. But I also wouldn't pay $38k for the Euro, that's a stupid asking price, especially given the miles on the thing.

Very interesting although I'd like to see the interior before assessing value... owner wants 7,900 'buy now' but if you could get it at auction for around 6,500 it would be a great deal... some receipts for recent work also.