CamB

What do you mean? Has it been thrashed?

There're quite a few on Trademe at the moment - non-Evo and Evo. Pricing's getting pretty good too - fuel costs have spoken, haha.

Beetlejuice beetlejuice beetlejuice? I believe he already said he didn't want to turbocharge a little engine.

One of the comments implies the reserve is >13k. And 30 seconds later I see a $15k E36 M3. I'd always choose an E30 M3 over an E36 M3, but I think $ for $ it'd be hard to argue E30 M3 body kit over an E36 M3... I dunno - I still reckon the kit has its place. Just not at his price.

If it's UK import, check for rust! I've driven one of these - they're awesome in manual. Just awesome. More awesome than awesome.

From my perspective - thanks. Answers my questions - basically if you want to do it, while it may be possible to bypass some stuff it may be more economical to simply ditch all of the acronyms above (including the ABS), and you run into problems on: - SRS, if it can't work standalone - there is no LVVTA way to remove SRS I don't think, except for a competition car - I bet you'd have to fight to keep the aircon working. It looks like everything else would need to be - in effect - a downgrade, and in any case a huge job.

Look I'm sorry if its come across as obnoxious - like I said I can see the positives to the X5, but I still thought it was a pretty strange choice when I thought Deeveus525i was looking for a weekend toy. There was confusion - he's posted about getting an M3 (E46) and looking at an M3 for a mate (E36). I also take the view that you take the good and the bad when you post your ride up on the internet. Mine's been criticised in this thread - including by me - and it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Yep! I don't think you need to worry its not an Evo. I think you've got enough powa.

Bloody oath. That's mean. I believe a standard one only gets 260-270hp (an Evo - is yours an Evo?). Far out that must be fast. (edit - I see it's not an Evo. Awesome - more than 50% up on stock).

So ... can you stick an aftermarket computer on an E46, leaving the factory ECU in place? If yes, ergo you could swap the engine, with an aftermarket (or standard) ECU just to control the engine, again leaving the factory computer in place. What won't work? Tacho - get aftermarket. ASC - who cares. ABS/SRS? Now there is a problem...

I'm curious about this - I've been wondering if the prices on E46 etc would drop far enough to make some crazy project worthwhile, but know NOTHING about how deeply the systems are integrated into the car. Does the ABS or SRS talk to the computer? Does the whole system just all freak out without the engine (and transmission) inputs? Can ASC be disabled - and/or why is it an issue if there is no engine controlled by the computer (it can cut power all it likes - nothing will happen without an engine on the end of it)? And .. what is CBE?

Well .... I agree with Glenn. We're also no closer to knowing which idle valve (if thats even the problem) is missing/broken. To the original poster ... which year (pre face lift or facelift e30), and what are the symptoms... low idle when cold? When warm? Both?

Ouch! But kinda true. I mean it has 4 doors FFS. I think a shorter diff, lighter flywheel and 100kg diet would be the ticket ... I do see X5 and M3 having different purposes. That is all.

Not arguing with straight line speed V8 = good too.

Who said anything about it needing to be an M3? I'm just saying it needs to not be an SUV if you wanna go to the track. Preferably not an Auto too. Or weigh 2 tonnes. E36 M3's are a FAST heap of shite with a good soundtrack, an LSD and no driver aids (except ABS) - this means they're quite good to drive. They're most certainly not the only game in town (a bit heavy for a start).

Riiiiiiiiiggggggghhhhhhtttttt. Now I got it. I guess you could take the X5 to the track, although lets face it - it's best suited to towing a race car there

I think we're both struggling to see each other's point! I'm sure the X5 is a great car, for an SUV. An SUV comes with a set of compromises which are different than the compromises associated with an M3. A swing from considering an M3 to buying an X5 is HUUUUUUUUGGGGEEEEE. I have no idea how both cars could meet your (your friend's?) criteria:

Don't forget brake pads/fluid/braided lines, and suitable bushings (especially the M3 style caster bushings).

Would be good if you needed the arches to fit fatty tyres (eg race car, being a pimp, etc).

You should add pics if you want to sell it for that. Does it come with ANY of the manual bits?

Hey - I'm not shy, so I'll say it in case no-one else does. WTF? That's not: a) fun to drive; b ) fun to look at; or c) good on gas. How do you get from M3 ---> SUV. They are polar opposites. (says the guy with a 4 door M3, LOL - I am confused).

More likely tourist delivery?

Option 1 being where I got the resurfacing done.

Price is certainly up there - $12k and reserve not met. I am sure the price used to be $12k asking. I guess if it is a genuine M325i ... and is mint ... (edit - seen Simon*'s comment - that's right, it was in Nelson and I am almost certain the price was lower and I don't think it had a 2.7 but then again my memory is crap).

If it is an M10 one, I can help. I have a Sachs clutch cover and friction plate. You know, I probably want more for the pair (they're reasonably new and I want to sell together), plus the cost of shipping, than it would to get the exsting clutch plate resurfaced. I have had that done for about $90 before.