M3_Power

So about a year ago I bought a pretty beat up M steering wheel for bugger all money - intending on taking it apart to understand how it is stitched together. The idea behind it was so I could retrim the Alcantara steering wheel myself whenever I need to (despite the fact that I actually have three of these ) ... I am pretty handy with a sawing machine and needle and I figured this wouldn't be too hard to learn and do. I purchased the correct CSL Alcantara material (a full yard of it) about four years ago ... have only just decided now to give this a try Taking it apart: Understanding how it is stitched together: Peeling it back ... half way there: The CSL Alcantara material in the background: "Face off" - Will be used for pattern making "Naked steering wheel" More to come when I find the correct M stitching colour thread and when I've had time to cut out the pattern and saw it together.

Most likely not very helpful here, but the moment I saw Fluid Dynamics I instantly thought of the Marussia F1 team - loads of product development and I suppose physics and fluid dynamics (aerodynamics I suppose is a subset of it) - would be a cool experience I think (maybe just me again wanting to live my F1 dreams vicariously through someone else lol) Go be the next Andrian Newey!! http://monstercooljobs.com/marussiaf1team/UK-EN/ Good luck ... you sound like a very smart guy, there'll be a position for you out there.

Hahah I was looking at that mid year actually - they have more than one of those in the shop + a couple of genuine Motorsport chassis for sale. I actually think that one is a bit overpriced - there was another in the UK (I think chassis number 5 or number 4) but it was in pieces and needed some rear quarter repairs.

Why would it be given that the real deal (to which this kit is for) has tubbed wheel housing. I'd actually be worried if this was a bolt on kit!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380421617896?ssPag...984.m1438.l2649 Very tempted ... anyone wanna go halves on it

I feel like hugging you right now !!!!! PLEASE let me know what you come up with - thank you!!

(NSFW - coarse language) It made me laugh .... Equally applicable to E46 M3s I think

Quite a few parts actually. Parts that are simply too expensive to repurchase. Any suggestions?

So apparently all BMW (Audi and a couple of other German manufacturers) use Nextel Mankiewicz products to do all their interior plastic coatings - I've been trying to track down a specific colour coating for a while now with no luck. I don't believe there's a distributor in NZ for this brand, nor am I certain that the coating process can be applied easily to plastic parts by your DIYer. Any ideas gents? The coating I am after is called - colour code: Decopaint / Softpaint Mankiewicz - Alexit 341 - 83

He doesn't own all those cars now I don't think. He usually has about 3 at a time and trades them often when something newer and cooler comes along.I am told he made his wealth from owning a currency exchange business.

Ain't it sad that such a 'strange' looking car is the current best looking M car from BMW BMW Performance seats are made by Recaro - there's a big recaro sticker on the bottom of it. The seats are actually a standard recaro model called Sportster: http://www.recaro-automotive.com/en/produc...-serie-1-3.html It is nuts - quite a bit quicker in a straight line compared to the V8 M3. That would be him as you can see from his trademe account. Although I have to honestly say that the best car he has in his collection is the Honda Civic Mugen RR - now that thing is "THE BEST" handling car I've had the privilege of driving around Pukekohe.

Not when I drove it. It had around 450hp ... not sure if it's been reverted back to standard power output now, but when I drove it it was heck of a lot faster than a standard one. To the owner however, this was actually quite a 'slow car'. I guess when you have a 600hp+ R35 GTR, nothing compares haha. Oh and in case anyone was wondering - no I didn't thrash the car - the owner just wanted some feedback on the lines around Pukekohe and the setup on the car - so I took it quite easy around the track (given that it didn't handle very well, I didn't dare to push the car at all, as we'd most certainly be in the wall if I even tried).

I know the owner quite well and he's fastidious when it comes to his cars. I've also had the pleasure of piloting this around Pukekohe in anger with all of its 450hp+ or something ridiculous on tap - it is VERY fast in a straight line. However - I don't rate the suspension very highly - in fact a bit of a let down in my opinion (the spring rates are too low for the car and the rebound insufficient to conteract the heave that happens when you have that much power going to the rear end). Fair to say however the owner didn't really set this thing up to go fast around corners - more so for straight line speed and "looks" (or stance if you like). Either way, any new owner would be pleased to own this - it is loads of fun, just need to raise the car a tad bit, heavier springs and perhaps better shocks with a high rebound range. I've driven and reviewed the 1M extensively. The difference between the stock standard one and this thing is night and day ... an extra 100hp goes a long way in something like this.

They will fit all Mini models (R53 and R56) both S and non S. You are suppose to fit a steering limiter kit to limit the steering angle otherwise it will rub the inner guard liner (not absolutely necessary tho in my opinion as the minis already have pretty bad turning circles) If your mini has the 4 pot brembo front brakes, you'll need a 5mm spacer for the front. R56 R53

Set of genuine Mini John Cooper Works Wheels - 18inch - style R105 Dimensions 18 x 7 ET52 - finished in matte black (no centre caps) PCD 4 x 100 Tyres 205/40/18 (Dunlop Runflat tyres) with more than 70% full treads on all four tyres. Some minor curbings on 2 of the wheels from memory. Otherwise very good condition - definitely not bent. Reason for selling - have upgraded to a different style. $1800 (tyres alone are worth more than this) 021 281 0155

No I didn't give the video that title ... dpccars did ... Surprising that Steve would get some details wrong about it though ... and where's the E36?!? http://www.dpccars.com/car-videos-12/11-22...fect-BMW-M3.htm

An alternative from overseas ... higher km, but cheaper. http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classif...amiester/915837

I see bits of the new 6 in that .... hmmmmm

The factory servicing intervals are far too long apart - 25,000km or every 2 years - usually when you drain the oil after that period it's almost good for road paving !!! The other let down (and has been talked about in German forums) is the crappy paper oil filter from BMW. I find that it's not the dealership, but the person working on the car that matters. I wouldn't be surprised either if the incorrect oil was used - there's 2 versions of Castrol Edge (and Edge sport) and only one is correct. Mine is changed every year or after every track day, which ever comes first. If the car doesn't get used much the oil can stay in a little longer, but best to change the oil filter every year regardless. With the added benefit of killing the understeer in the E46 M3 : )

I've got all the gear to do mine, but haven't gotten around to it given the car's still really low km. It's technically not difficult: Videos: Part 1: Part 2: Long write up: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread....alve+adjustment pdf version of above write up. http://www.shipkiller.com/BMW_M3_Valve_Adjustment_DIY.pdf And the Vanos hub and bolt write up (the best one I've seen by far) http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=411224

Love the high tech engine support Paul ..!!! That's definitely the best one I've seen so far!! Gosh those bearings look pretty bad I have to say. I wonder if they were in fact changed in the first place!?

http://www.dpccars.com/car-videos-12/11-05...-BMW-Isetta.htm

ono ...

will entertain or near offers

Will entertain or near offers ....