Cale

I'm sure it's not rocket science for anyone but me..! I'm on the North Shore in Birkdale.

Yeah good call. I am finding that "10 minutes with a scanner" a little harder than I thought however! I've checked the DME and it is bone dry in there, even after a good rain.

Thanks - what is the dedicated app that you mention?

Thanks - you lost me with most of that. I think by the sounds of it I could do more damage than good? Cool - Carsoft looks like it could be an option. I see it is US$28 from AliExpress which is reasonable. Is it fairly user friendly for a non-computer boffin? Looks like i'd have to dig out an old computer to use those cables haha.

So I’ve decided to make a bit of a summer project of the 1996 e36 318iS and get it back on the road after it having sat in the driveway for the better part of 12 months. Thought it would be a good opportunity to improve my limited skills now I have a little bit of time and space. The situation as far as I can tell is that the DME is no longer sync'd with the EWS (EWS2 due to the car being 1996) due to the EWS not recognising the key transponder. I am not sure how this has happened as the two keys I have are the two keys that always worked, prior to the car sitting for ~3 months. I tried jumping the EWS2 by connecting the two large wires but have read this only bridges the starter relay, so the engine cranks but does not fire (I am guessing due to the DME still immobilising the fuel system etc.). I have been doing a lot of research but finding the information rather confusing/conflicting. Has anyone successfully made the EWS again recognise the key's ISN and (which I don't think would be necessary) done a re-alignment of the DME and EWS? Or have a guide or knowledge on how to re-align the keys and the two units? Could this simply be a problem with the ring antenna not reading the key transponder? I am going to continue to research however any info / experience would be much appreciated.

Do these come with centre caps? I am also struggling to see but is some of the clear coat coming off in places?

Chap from Manheim says it’s a finance company repossessed vehicle.

For reference, I bought an E91 with the N54 in late January this year. Almost 2 months and ~1,600 km later the engine check light came on (ironically right around the corner from the dealer I bought the car from). I had it towed to Auckland City BMW which was covered by mechanical insurance. They scanned it and it needed an ignition coil replaced. In the meantime, I called the dealer I bought the car from, explained the issue, they got it picked up, taken to a mechanic (of their choice which admittedly made me a bit dubious) who proceeded to replace six coils and six spark plugs with OEM parts at the dealers expense. You were definitely right in pushing for the reparation.

Sorry team I've neglected this thread. Bumping it, cos the first person who makes an offer will probably take it. Lee, I will fire you a text tomorrow. My number is 0211493331.

Ahaha I see you running past our place with your two dogs every now and again!

Tried it once but didn't fire. I wondered if it is old fuel. Clutch, I am assuming it would have been part of the scheduled maintenance with BMW up to 180kms, however post that period I can't say for sure.

Her early 20's have been tough, and I don't have the skills / tools or anyone with a hoist. Story is that the starter motor was on the blink in early 2018 (sounded like it wasn't engaging sometimes), I went on holiday in May, recharged the battery in June and there is now nothing from the starter. I believe the airbag light is on due to faulty sensor in the seat. Cosmetically; the roof lining is out of the car as it was sagging, the door cards are not in great shape and the steering wheel leather is coming off. There is also clear coat peeling on the bonnet and the boot needs a good polish. Rest of the paintwork is decent condition for age. Details: 1996 318iS 5 speed NZ new 246xxx kms Owners handbook and service booklet (Team McMillan BMW service from new to 180,000 km) Boston green metallic M-sport body kit 17" Style 44 wheels (~4mm tread left) No WOF, registration expires 24 August. Will put on hold before that date. As is, where is. Not really sure how much it is worth as it is but looking at around $1,400. Happy to discuss or if that’s unrealistic let me know. Somebody buy it and start a project thread please.

Oh dear...

Beauty of a car - this is so tempting given I can't afford the real one.. I wish your son, yourself and your family all the best Tom.

Twinning

You don't happen to have the boot emblem available do you?

Welcome - looks great, do like an Alpinaweiß coupe! Looks like the wheels have been through a few colour changes?

Thanks @qube ! Just noticed in this pic that it’s a bit crooked...

You’re right, it’s fair enough I suppose. Yes, they charge $150/hr.

Those scan packs are an absolute bargain then! The software just runs off a Windows computer? hotwire - i would have thought I was entitled to the scan results but he was adamant he wouldn’t give it out. I didn’t ask the cost of each coil from BMW, when I was quoted min 1500$ to change the 6 coils + 6 spark plugs I didn’t really bother to ask any more questions.

Thought I'd give this an update. Spoke to the Auckland City BMW this morning who had run a scan and diagnosed 2 coils busted and recommended I get all 6 replaced and the spark plugs as well as they were shot. They quoted me an exorbitant amount as we can all imagine. Said that they have tried a million times and never been successful in getting all replaced under insurance - only the two would get done. I said I'd think about it. Got in touch with the insurance. They said definitely wont be covering all 6 and the spark plugs. Said if another coil went within a short time they might waive the premium. Called the dealer I bought the car from. He said to call ACBMW to put it out on the road, he would get it towed to his mechanic, replace the two broken coils and all spark plugs for nothing. Should be ready tomorrow or Wednesday. Not a bad result I reckon. Will replace the coils and spark plugs myself in due course to make sure there's quality parts in there however. Only disappointing thing was having to pay ACBMW $155 (discounted a massive 12% from $177) for the scan and diagnosis... And when I asked for the results of the scan to be sent to me, they said they don't give them out. Shocker.

Thanks for the replies lads. I think I will wait and see the cost of replacement of the one coil (which would be max 300$ with insurance) versus all coils at Auckland City BMW, and a proper diagnosis (I don't know if they scanned it cos I was too busy drinking their coffee and drooling over the X5M). It might work for me to pay them to replace all 6, otherwise I will get the one done then order a coil pack from the US. If they're $150ea that's already a $900 bill before labour so it is probably safe to say I am replacing the other 5 at home using Youtube as my guide... As far as the dealer goes, as a few of you have said the fact that it was not a pre-existing issue and that I have mechanical insurance I'm sure it would be a fight to get them to help me out. The inconvenience factor with this stuff is almost worse than the cost.

Looking for a bit of advice. Heading along the South Eastern Highway (literally 60 seconds after picking up some new plates from qube haha) earlier today and the engine light comes on and the car feels like it is misfiring. I'd like to say I was surprised but then I reminded myself that I was sitting in an imported E91 335i. Called the insurance company and requested a tow to Auckland City BMW in Newmarket. They had a quick look and think its one of the ignition coils. He recommended I replace all (six?) coils obviously. I asked him to give me a quote on Monday. Firstly - will the insurance company (Provident 3 year policy) cover me for replacement of all the coils or could they argue that only one was broken and therefore cover only replacement of the one coil? I'd imagine it will be a decent bill to replace all and have Auckland City BMW do it... Secondly - I purchased the car on 20th January this year. Is it worth me talking to the car to the dealer to see if they will come to the party in some way? The car has only traveled ~600km put on it since I got it. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Followed M3 WGN and two E91's out to Maraetai yesterday (along with the 60km/h people movers...) Was going to carry on following to where they stopped to get a pic of the black, silver and my white E91 together, but decided it was too hard.

Just passed by the Auckland museum so thought I'd get a quick iPhone pic. Next challenge: Your BMW in front of the ocean.