M3_Power

Thanks Jon! I believe you are correct that in the EU it is 10 years (CSL is 10 years old exactly this year). Surprised about what you say about good craftsman in NZ that make CF - I would have thought so too myself given the super yacht industry, but I am having a hell of a time trying to find anyone that can do this type of work, or remotely interested!!

I wish he was in Auckland to be honest ... well priced, seems easy to deal with - might have to give him a call to find out a bit more ... hmmmm Yeah I am going to start off on some smaller stuff and make sure I can remove it from the mould first!! (biggest fear) I've also seen videos on youtube where people have used panel beating bog instead of fiberglass over the gelcoat and it seems to work faster and cleaner - any ideas if this might be a good alternative? But yeah, in terms of this console - anyone else that know anybody that does good vacuum infused carbon fibre products - get in touch!! Like I said previously, an order woth potentially about $10,000 and many more future products.

Have you ever owned an E46 M3? Because I've owned one since 2000 and in the CSL I am averaging 11.4l/100km and have seen numbers as low as 10.8l/100km - none of the ones I've owned have ever had an everage worse than 12.4l/100km, most of the time it's in the 11 litre range. My brother had an E90 335i and he was averaging about 10.4l/100km in his 2 year ownership. When I had my E92 M3 I have never seen anything lower than 14.7l/100km and that's pussy footing it ... any burst of acceleration and it'd be up in the 15.Xl/100km range ... I've even gone a full month as a test to try and get the fuel consumption as low as possible and I've never ever seen consumption figures remotely close to an E46 M3 - the whole new M3 is more economical than the outgoing model was nothing more than marketing. For me anyway, the performance simply didn't justify the consumption. It is a nice car and there are aspects of it I still really like, but like you said, if you are buying it for consumption purposes, look elsewhere (or perhaps missing the point). I am at two minds about this - if you are comparing it on paper the new car will trump the old for sure ... if you aren't in a hurry I'd wait till the new car come out before making a choice on whether to get into the old V8 or the new twin turbo.

It does actually. It's an issue if it gets damaged or worn (such as vandalism, hail storm, unattended to stone chips where the resin starts to separate from the carbon fibre - very common on the front splitters) - it means you won't be able to replace it with a carbon roof that's such a signature part of the CSL.

It's alright Ollie, we just have a differences of opinion on his GST position. I've tried my hardest to communicate in the kindest possible way my point of view across but I think either there's a level of distrust or perhaps the part I am wanting to have manufactured is too insignificant in the whole scheme of things (despite this being an order of $5,000 ~ $10,000). I am happy to take my business elsewhere when I don't get replies. Real shame really as everyone that have placed a preliminary order with me so far have been really excited about this (especially the calibre of the person making the parts) - This would have been a beginning to loads more stuff, but oh well. I'll keep looking I suppose.

Okay just going to give this another bump ... as stated above, have been in touch with Glen in the south island - reasonably priced, but he's fully booked up till end of April ... Have also been in touch with Hi-tek's suggestion ... having a bit of a communication breakdown however ... so I am going to start to look at alternatives. Any other suggestions (bellicose - haven't approached your suggestion yet) - given that you used to work in the industry, can you give a rough estimate at the cost of this? Matt (MLM) ... I've been to nz fibreglass and bought the required gear to start a mould - going to practice first with some miscellaneous stuff - have also viewed countless amount of videos and to be honest it didn't look too hard (I think I'll eat my own words when I start on it haha). Looking more at people that can reproduce the part above in vacuum infused carbon fibre now over 3D printing - so any suggestions welcomed. Thanks all!!

LOL!! Never said your hoist was dodgy Paul!! Ingenious actually (I've always wondered how I would hold the engine up without the factory tool or an engine hoist and chain - and you've provided me with inspiration!!) The make shift chassis puller is dodgy however, I kept waiting for the concrete wall to break, the bar to pull out or the wire line to snap and cut the guy in half !! Agree with the rest of your observations (although I missed the retarded paperhand (must review). Watching that video I also kept wondering if they were repairing that car inside a post war derelict building ...

Modified KKL cable with permanent battery voltage and real ignition detection. Suitable for GT1 DIS, INPA and ISTA Not suitable for cars requiring D-CAN. Latest FTDI FT232RL chipset 5 available ... $25 each.

Would make a great advertising poster!!

Sorry I can't help, but I have to say I've been curious about this car also ...

I love his make shift chassis puller .... it top's central3's 2x4 engine hoist! Love it! He has better colour match than a lot of local panel beaters I've seen.

IBM Thinkpad T30 1.8Ghz 1gb RAM 20gb IDE hdd Genuine Serial Port I cannot guarantee that the battery will hold charge. Overall pretty good cosmetic condition. I've been using this as a diagnostic computer myself, but this is now surplus to requirements. Will come with a correctly modified FTDI KKL USB cable with real ignition detection (latest FTDI FT232RL chipset) [note, not the serial type cable - but I can source one if you need it] Some screen shots of it working: correctly setup software and cable allows full access: $350

Good to know that my feedbacks aren't seen as too negative - intention is to provide my feedback on a car as I've personally experienced. I don't abuse my cars and probably over service them, and I think I am reasonable driver - the gearbox is known issue on the M3 - so are most of the ones I pointed out. I was just lucky to experience most of them in my one !! Compared to the E46, the E9X do have less issues. The other surprising bit to me however is how cheap E9X parts are when compared to the E46 (and I buy "a lot" of parts - just ask Bevan at Team McMillan parts haha) - so in actual fact the E9X is cheaper to maintain to a certain extent when compared like for like. Most of the issues I mentioned above are M3 specific, I do know that the earlier E9X diesels also have their own issues, the later ones less so The twin turbo models also have a lot of issues with the turbo and fuel pump - so be weary of those - all well discussed and reported on forums (and experienced first hand by my brother!) Happy to help! I used to get about 6.8km to a litre in the E92 M3 and that's driving it like a sissy and never putting my foot down .... take another km to 1.5km out of that range if you put your foot down every now and then. On the track you get about 1.9km to a litre. The C63 AMG is even worse .... it gets about 6.4km to a litre - plus it chews tyres (tyres last about 15,000km max) - my mother has one and she drives like a nanny and even with her driving it chews tyres and guzzles fuel. However I'd happily pay for the fuel in the C63, but not the M3 ... one listen to both engines independently and you'll get what I am going on about!! It's a shame the S65B40 wasn't direct injection. If it was it'd have been way more economical

I can roughly describe the three years ownership as: first half of first year - loved it - what a great combination of fun ride and comfort. second half of first year - getting a little bit dull ... why the fook does it use so much fuel!!?? What's up with this gearbox? What's the ticking noise in the engine bay? Second year ownership - Fook ... I've just lost 55% of what I paid for it !!! Why the fook does it use so much fuel?? beginning of third year ownership - I best get rid of it quickly before it loses another 45% in value!!! Fook why does it use so much fuel!!??? middle of third year ownership - why the fook does no one want to buy this car!!!! Even tried giving it away to dealerships and they don't want it!! Fook I hate filling this car up .... what's up with the diff, gearbox !! Trades the car in ..... phew!!! finally got rid of the car!! I've not gone a day where I've regretted getting rid of it ... if anything it was a huge relief!! It's not a terrible car, it's just not a particularly good one in my opinion and for the money some dealerships are still commanding, you are way better off buying a 1M ... way better off!!

NZ had 2 models .. the HP and the SE Basically the cars were all loaded with every single option you could think of ... the HP gained the electronic adjustable dampers (so soft, normal and track), 19 inch wheels and also they were delimited for top speed. Otherwise both cars were indentical. The LED tail lights look different - look at the back when they light up they are completely different - I believe the LED also had brake force lighting (ie. they light up differently under emergency braking). Brand new the SE retailed for $168,000, the HP retailed for $182,000 - most owners that bought new lost about $65,000 in the first year. The facelift idrive is hard drive based with better menus and functionality whereas the old was only DVD based navigation and a simpler menu structure. The new iDrive is much nicer in my opinion. Standard options included: full leather, iDrive with navigation and TV function, bluetooth, M dynamic mode, Sport/power button (different throttle map), front and reverse sensors, auto wiper and lights, courtesy LED lighting, Xenon headlights and washer system, carbon roof (unless sunroof model), 18 or 19 inch wheels with Michelin Sport 2 tyres.

Seems I've been summoned : ) The biggest fault with the E9X M3 is the fuel economy .... I kid you not ... be prepared to own a petrol station should you ever get into one!!! My humble advice .... DON'T!! If going for the dual clutch model, they aren't as problematic as SMG in terms of mechanical and hydraulic issues - but there is A LOT of software issues with the DCT - I am not even sure if it has been fixed yet. The gearbox is inherently weak in the E9X M3 - it's a ZF unit, not a Getreg and if driven hard the gearboxes are known to crunch (first to second especially - shift at redline and expect to hear an all familiar grinding sound) The gearbox just doesn't like to be rushed, drive it slow and it'll be fine - similarly the clutch (they don't last long at all!!). The V8 has engine issues also - big end bearing (sound familiar!!) - it seems to be a trend with the high revving BMWs. But drive it hard and if you hear bottom end knocking, walk away ... - the oil gully design apparently starves the bearings when the oil thins out ... and you start to get the tick tick tick ... tack tack tack knocking noise with them. No particular year where the cars are affected apparently (as even now if you do a search of the forums you'll read about it - mine had it and I know a couple of cars have had engine replaced as a result), but just listen for it if you are buying one. Did I mention the gearbox is weak? ... The diff and half shafts can also cause issues - mine had a undiagnosable problem that BMW NZ couldn't track down (metalic knock on take off) - It went to them 3 times and in the end they said it might be the diff, it might be the half shaft .. and it might also be the gearbox. Cure ... nothing .... they didn't want to fix it as they couldn't pin point what was causing the noise. Rest of the car is lovely and it's an easy car to live with day to day - great fit and finish inside and very comfortable, easy to drive around in slow or if in the mood stupidly. Look for the orange peel in the paint - they came like that from the factory due to the new eco friendly water base system now used - if the paint is smooth and mirror like, it has been repainted - period. If you take it to the track, take an extra 20 litres ... you'll need it by about 11am after a 2 hour session. If you get more than 120km to a tank at a track day you are going too slow!! Just remember 95% of the suspension on it is aluminium (including the shocks), so easily bent (including the rear bottom arm, which incidentally is the only non aluminium bit - this gets bent easily for no apparent reason). Good luck!!But my humble advice ... buy a 1M over a M3 .... It's more economical, rarer, faster and has less issues.

Investigating my options at the moment - would love to attend to be honest!! It's looking like it'll be an absolute blast with really good attendance!! Might actually make more sense to buy a car and then bring it back and then sell it if shipping's going to be $10K (seems high compared to what I've been told by another friend)!!! In other news ... if any of you want a commemorative polo shirt for the event please PM me - I'll liase with the cslregister and organise a combined shipping for those that want one. link: http://www.cslregister.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9845

Some of you may know that BMW AG is hosting a 10th anniversary bash for the M3 CSL in May this year ... and the cslregister has put together a group to head over ... below are the details ... I am seriously thinking about attending, so thought I would re-post the register post for all those that might be interested: If only I could find a cheap way to ship the car over : P!!!

Brand new - was part of a spares package I purchased - but I already have one, so surplus to requirements. Get a spare, as these often get scratched to oblivion. This handle retails for $385+GST and most likely no longer available. $200 (handle only)

The OBD counts down from 25,000km ... I know because mine was reset last year and it's the first time it has been reset to that. Despite that I've already had countless oil changes and one inspection 1 done regardless.

It used to be that the parts were ordered and manufactured when certain volumes are met - hence the long wait for certain key parts. But the story is the parts are now listed as No Longer Available - meaning they will not be reproduced even if there is a volume order. Even if it goes to Classics, it means that parts would be many times the $$ of what they cost originally ... either way, it's bad news for owners - as the supersession part numbers are now the standard E46 M3 part numbers.

Have been in touch with Glen ... and he has provided some pricing and feedback - very helpful. Can you tell me, do you know him personally and seen his products or just word of mouth?

Nice one Josh : )

Condition based servicing wasn't available on the E46. I believe the first to get that were the E60 followed by the E90s.

I actually think it's the original recommended service schedule that screw these cars up to be honest. The E46 M3 came out at a time when "free servicing" was the thing to have included in buying a new European car - BMW were the first of the luxury three to do it and they basically had the same type of servicing interval across the full range ... M car or not. Heck, they even gave the car so called 'life time' gearbox oil ... And this is on a car without a gearbox oil cooler and often see failures because of overheated gearboxes. The service interval was 25,000km or every 2 years ... but I can tell you that to save money, most of the cars were serviced on the km travelled rather than the 2 yearly recommendation. For what is little under $400 at the dealership, this engine deserves a yearly oil change regardless.