Haitoman

If it's not the wiring from the switch it can only be a fault in the instrument cluster. The brown/white wire from the switch goes to pin 26 (the emitter of a transistor) of the control module.

It has commercial appeal...nothing else.

Just took the M3 out for a spin with the K&N filter. Whether or not it was the old filter (made in 2007) restricting air, who knows...but it seems like a different car. Imagination maybe, but it no longer thinks about revving. I'm very happy... Thanks for the comments above. I am aware of oiling of the MAF sensor and am no stranger to cleaning it, so that doesn't worry me.

Yes, that is my feeling too but there is so much hype out there. It's not the extra power I'm after...it just feels like it wants to go quicker but can't suck in air fast enough. Hard to explain as it goes just fine...just feels like it wants to go. I'll try the K&N tomorrow.

Maybe I am getting used to the M3 after 12 months and 3000km. Can someone let me know (pref through personal experience if I will notice it pulling better (it already pulls just fine but - well you M3 guys know how it is...) with a new air filter. It probably hasn't been done for over 7000km. Update...ok, so it turns out my new K&N I pulled out of my old 330i fits the M3. So I just replaced the paper filter which was filthy. Question now remains...will I notice any difference?

I'll butt in here as there is something worth saying. I noticed that my e46 M3 key (Not infra-red type) on 433.92MHz works all day every day EXCEPT in the local supermarket carpark and various other places around the Kapiti Coast. I decided to take a radio scanner and check out what was going on. Low and behold it turned out that there was a local radio station repeater or link that covers that UHF frequency...mystery solved. So, moral of the story...don't always assume that it is the car when the key plays up.

Everyone to their own....the car world would be boring if we all had the same tastes. I just want to know why on earth someone would fit a tow bar on a convertible.

Looks like a shark's snout

Proper manual...LOL just like they fit in CSLs. Great way to introduce yourself and make new friends...

F-series can also be coded but requires an E-Net cable and e-sys software. All available on ebay eg. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ENET-BMW-Cable-for-Coding-Programing-and-Diagnostics-Ethernet-to-OBD-/290997752379

It's a pity you guys with the bmw scanner tool are not in Welly. I see the software can change miles to km on the odometer. I have the new mylar speedo stencil coming from poland and switching the odo would be icing on the cake. I can do it with INPA or NCS Expert but it is fiddly.

MAF sensor sounds likely

It's actually irresponsible to advertise that they have finance available for people on a learner's licence for high performance vehicles that need to be maintained. It's probably standard wording on their ads but still a bit on the nose...

Inspires me with no confidence when a dealer describes the colour as "Blue Black"... http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-635612606.htm

I bought one of these. Works perfectly on my E46 M3. http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-USB-OBD-Diagnostic-cable-INPA-Ediabas-BMW-DIS-v57-SSS-v32-GT1-/231037035345?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item35cae16351&vxp=mtr

So, I get a call from the missus...no dash lights in the M3. Dash off to Waikanae in the F10 MSport - it turns out to be battery connection. Driving back in convoy and a shiny M6 pulls up. Three nice black M cars 3, 5 and 6 series all in a row....nice.

You don't have a choice unless you power the spotlights from a separate battery. As gjm said, it depends on what your alternator is rated and the condition of earths and other wiring. When you start playing with high current i2r losses become significant.

That will work fine. I would use a lesser rated fuses however to reduce the possibility of a fire if something goes wrong. You won't need more than 2A for the relay and 10A (100/13.8 = 7.2A) for the spots. Make sure you use a 'slow blow' 2A as the relay in-rush current may be quite high.

That is one ugly car...

I agree, they are not terrible - about 28 around town and 33 on a trip - that was the best I got out of mine.

I've owned a 2002 E46 330i. Things to check: - Signs of rust around rear wheel arches. - Gearbox (Manual) Check the spring detent works properly, and there is no stiffness or heaviness. If so, there is a cheap kit available to fix this (as I found out). - Check for signs of water/mould in rear lights on boot-lid. - Clunking or knocking due to suspension bushes. - Check front fog/spot light surrounds are in place. - Ask if radiator plastic fill tank has been replaced yet. They can crack suddenly usually after 130,000km (lots of steam gets out) Otherwise they are bullet proof, but thirsty. Good luck they are great cars.

Well, the day had to come when the TV in the E46 would no longer work when they switched to digital. Has anyone got any suggestions for how I can get up and working again - apart from, "don't be cheap just go buy a digital adapter for 600 bucks off eBay."

Don't get too paranoid about things going wrong on the M3 or you will never enjoy the car. As an M3 owner myself I can say I find it ultra reliable but it is a high performance car and I know one day it will cost me. I'm prepared to take that risk on a car like this.

First, thanks for your replies. I know it sounds an odd way to do things but basically due to my circumstances I can buy at new UK OTR price less 35%. The new price here for a 1M is equiv. to about NZ82k (go the exchange rate) so I'm talking NZ55k or thereabouts. The problem is I have no idea what a 1M is going for in NZ nor what it will fetch in 2 years. So given any of the above is on the cards, I need to know which will sell easiest in NZ - both model and colour.

I am a Kiwi living in the Uk for a few years and drive an e46 330i and have a company e90 320d. I am about to purchase a new BMW to bring back to NZ after 12 months. I plan keeping it for 18months before trading it back in NZ. So I need to know which of the following, once it is 2 years old car would sell best back home : a. 2012 335i M Sport sedan colour Black or White? b. 2012 335d M Sport sedan colour Black or White? c. 2012 535i M Sport or 535d M Sport sedan in Black or White? d. 2012 1M coupe Black or White I can purchase any of the above but I am trying to maximise my return. I would appreciate any thoughts from you... Andrew