CSET

Welcome, and congrats on your purchase, it looks to be an awesome machine! There's a wealth of knowledge & experience on the M3 here, which you'll no doubt pick up by searching on the forum and talking to members. I recently spent a fair amount of time looking at good 'streetable' tyres, and decided on the Nitto Invo's. Very pleased so far, a ton of grip, quiet & imo definitely one to consider. Also I'm keen to hear why you un-installed the K&N intake? I actually went the other way (stock to K&N) - and most certainly haven't considered going back! Have you replaced the standard clutch stop yet...? Makes a world of difference...

Beautiful!! Dream car right here.. great purchase!

Rough.

Damn that hauls. Shame it was filmed with a cabbage.

Hi mate, I'm going through BMW but Turner and a few others do them too. Part #51168260312: http://www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=324 or ebay: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BMW-E46-NEW-Glasses-Storage-Tray-Center-Console-Dash-Holder-323-325-330-M3-312-/190598413209 In fact after a little more investigation, you may be in luck .. doesn't look like they fit M3's with the tv screen.... I thought because mine didn't have Navigation I'd be ok here.... Hmm. You buy?

Work in progress mate. I have now sorted the handbrake handle so it aligns the same as stock - stoked! For such a small change, it was a bloody frustrating job. Expensive, too - as it turns out you can't buy the alcantara handle separate from the entire assembly, and they only come in LHD (so 90% is wasted for this part). On that note... if someone (for some reason) needs a LHD handbrake assembly for an e46 m3, let me know...! Next on the cards, a replacement OEM sunglasses holder for the ashtray & blank. Like with the cupholders and oddments tray, these handy parts either weren't available (or simply not chosen) on the NZ-new M3's - at least the one's I've seen. I'll keep the other interchangeable options as well. I'm also still waiting on the car cover from some cowboys on eBay, supposedly in Germany. Pretty sure I am getting scammed here, two incorrect tracking numbers, no package 4 weeks later... I've raised a case a couple of weeks ago, to no avail yet. Let's see what happens - I'm still holding a thin hope it's been sent. Also, a new idea on a theme for the rally: Except given we're starting in Hamilton, it'd probably be more proper calling it the 'bling' taxi. Still open to suggestions here, I have another month or so before I need to start thinking about ordering decals or parts.

Hi everyone, Time for another update, as a few more parts have arrived from BMW, and I've been busy installing them. The cupholders & oddments tray replace the centre console storage area, handy if you want to conceal some coins or carry the odd drink in your car. This shot also shows the standard leather handbrake. The alcantara handbrake turned up, with the whole bloody assembly. Turns out this too is made for a LHD car (like my alcantara gear surround), and as such doesn't bolt on to the RHD car. Mmm. Alcantara. I thought I'd ordered an alcantara handbrake boot too, but it turns out the one I ordered is a direct replacement for my current one. It's new though, so I'm not too fussed. I removed the leather handle and lay them side by side for comparison. Removing the new handle proved... challenging. I've managed to rip my hands to shreds (through gloves) trying to remove the bloody thing. I recommend using all of the following tools, in a soundproof room. Once done (and you're back from the medical cupboard), attach the inside of the handbrake boot to the handle - this part is important so there is overlap. You'll need a thin (medium) cable tie - if you notice, BMW do this from the factory, so it's not really a rangi mod. Putting the handbrake handle back on with blistered up hands is pretty fun, this is as far as I could get it on tonight. I still have 10mm or so to move it into place properly, but it's on. I'm going to call victory on this one. Some generic shots I took of the new front lip & rims the other day before the rain, for a little variety. Next on the list is an OEM sunglasses holder to replace the front ashtray. The 2014 Gumboot Rally is also coming up - so I need to start thinking of a new theme. The Luftwaffe livery was pretty cool, but I'd like to go for something a little more stand-out next year. I was considering a 'Death Race' theme with a whole lot of vinyl & louvers, but scrapped it because it'd probably be irreversible (and frankly dangerous given I'd want to somehow attach machine guns on the front & a tombstone on the rear). The other option I thought of was to replicate a GT car. For this, I'd need a spare bootlid to bolt a wing onto & a splitter extension at the front, a couple of those nasty red towhook things, yellow film for the headlights & a whole lot of decals - this one would be a fair bit more straightforward. Open to suggestions here??

Have a listen to my dyno vid for the Supersprint at full noise: http://s375.photobucket.com/user/monthly5/media/M3Run3_zps82840ed3.mp4.html or on cold start, with a couple of light revs around the 25sec mark: http://s375.photobucket.com/user/monthly5/media/MTOYColdStart_zpsb2e62706.mp4.html From what I've looked at online, the El Diablo sounds quite different. Some prefer the rasp of the Supersprint, but it's entirely personal preference. From my research, the power gains were quite similar. Let's catch up at the next meet - have a look-see for yourself! Sounds like a great trip to look forward to! I'd love to go over there, maybe one day!

Potential ticking time bomb.. would be a heap of fun until the diff (or something else) blows.

Which rear muffler are you looking at? From what I hear, the options are very different in terms of noise output. Mine's running the 'lightweight race' one below; aside from being a tad loud on start-up, no complaints from me! http://www.supersprint.com/en/IT/prod-c-274-7149-8758-bmw_e46_m3_32i_coupC3A92Fcabrio__01_E28093E280BA_lhd__rhd.aspx Are you looking to replace the cats & headers too? I may have missed it above, but is yours actually manual? If so, replacing the standard clutch stop with an aftermarket adjustable one makes a heck of a difference. Lots of threads on the net of others doing the same - and it's a simple mod. I haven't done a write-up on this one because it really is basic to do. Also, the weighted US-spec gearknob changes the throw considerably. I don't know if the CS already has a shorter gearknob than a normal M3 though - if not, definitely worth doing (and gotta get that awesome alcantara surround)! Hopefully I've given you a couple of ideas at least - Happy motoring!

Very nice machine! Welcome! Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

Soon-to-be appreciating classic I'd say. I also can't see them coming much further down in price - I've been watching them closely for 2+ years now. I would've gone for pretty much exactly what you're after if mine didn't show up at the time I was looking! Don't forget - just because you think they're overpriced at $20k+ doesn't mean they won't sell. Like everything, the only real indication is what the market will pay... and if they're actually selling at $20k it's a reasonable yardstick. Best of luck finding what you're after - if you manage to, you'll be laughing your way to the bank in a few years!

"Not a photographer", posts epic photos. Haha damn - looks nice!!

Beautiful.....!

Congratulations on the new addition! GLWS - a pristine example, and well priced. I'd have it in a heartbeat if I was in the market again!

I thought those little round bits were the parking sensors - today I learned...! Love the mirror covers!

Pretty much awesome. So clean, an absolute inspiration for subtle styling mods. Top form mate.

Haha come on man I expected you'd have wrapped your seats by now! At least a CF inner roof lining..! All good thanks mate, I'd like to match the 3m Satin on the roof if possible. (and I'd butcher it if I wrapped it myself)

Thanks chaps - lol at the dustpan Kyu, hit the nail on the head! Will probably ask Seth to wrap it, I've already touched up a stonechip from the drive y'day!

The new day has brought new perspective. I like the contrast - it stays black for now. Comparison

Lip grey? I don't know, I kinda like the contrast. Was actually thinking of getting it wrapped Satin Black, depending how it holds up against stonechips. Thats the great thing about bodywork, its reallu easy to change around when you want! Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

Good job mate, consistent times! Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

For sale: One Strassentech-style lip. Some light scuffs, otherwise mint. Cheap shipping (will fit in an envelope).

Right, pics. Excuse the quality, I have little doubt there'll be better pics taken tomorrow! Here's the underside of the Strassentech lip. It's completely separated at the top of the lip (stuffed) - but did it's job well in protecting the front bumper from the impact! I picked up a new Hamann style FG lip this afternoon around 2pm. It was gel coated, needed a fair amount of work to be 'flat' surface without pock-marks, so started on it right away. Mmm. Bog. A few layers later and we're here: Liberal amounts of sanding primer.. A few coats of black.. I am impressed by the colour - matches the gills & front kidneys: Went to the Food Show, and finished off fitment when I got home Love these little fins: Whew. Doneburger. See you all tomorrow.

Nope, he has a young family - I'd much rather he spend his money on them than my tomfoolery with cars! All painted and looking swish. A nice silver fleck in the paint too. May actually make it for tomorrow after all... we'll see. Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk