central3

Left and email with you a while ago - do you have a matt silver wrap - thinking about wrapping my door/dash and gearshift trim - possible?

The springs were purchased for $300 from Euro_One in Otahuhu. They were unused German springs but the box looked like it had been sitting around for years. The paper work said they were made in 2005.

The offset changed from 35mm to 39mm. Not a lot but the tyres were only just fouling on the rear. For the front the offset change on its own wouldn't have been enough hence fitting 225 tyres instead of going wier.

2 years into ownership and time for a makeover Brought a set of BBS CH 18x8.5 rims off Bimmersport member Sammy J (thanks Sam). They were fitted with 245/40 tyres which I knew would be too large (diameter 25mm increase over OEM) but I fitted them to check clearances as I intended to lower the car and wanted to stay with 245’s on the rear. I was worried about the 35mm offset and sure enough the fronts and rears fouled when the suspension loaded up. Not surprising considering that my standard offset was 41mm (front) and 50mm (rear). To overcome this I decided to use a fix as viewed on E46 Fanatics. Bolt holes drilled out to 22mm and then countersunk using a 35mm countersinking tool Carbon steel bolt seat inserts sourced ex a set of 300ZX rims. 4mm machined off rim mounting face. New centre locating rings machined and fitted View of machined face, back side of steel inserts and centre locating ring. Inner side of rims repainted Rim lip repainted (damaged during tyre removal) Dunlop Sports Max tyres fitted 225/40/18 (front) and 245/35/18 (rear) Wheels fitted up with brake callipers detailed and a bit of chrome added (anti-rattle clips and wheel bolts) Bilstien shock absorbers and Eibach Pro-Kit springs fitted all round Had Auto Interior (Newmarket) fit a leather interior, very well priced and quick. Last job was a thorough clean and detail. Car washed, paint surface decontaminated using an Elasti-Clay clay bar, machine glazed using Farecla Gold Top glaze and waxed using Meguiars NXT. Car height and stance is exactly what I was after and no tyre fouling even with the car loaded

Is the CD43 the new-generation radio with programmable tuner (as fitted to E46 cars from 2001 onwards) Do you have the latch assembly for the rear 60/40 fold down seat back (RH side) Unlike you I wouldn't mind changing my cup holder for the oddment tray - do you have - if you do is it the open type or does it have the retractable cover (as per the rear ash tray thing) and what condition is it in

Car looks great - any chance of a few photos and some comments on the cars spec?

Is our forum sponsor still doing business - emailed him via his website and tried both contact phone numbers. I am looking at having my dash and door trims wrapped in silver - any other providers?

Thanks guys - Jono I PMed you on the 18th but didn't hear back, also couldn't see anything on your website that matched my needs - 3pedals, can't get Brigestones in the combination I am after, looked at Pirelli and Continental but I was going to be looking at $4,000 - Apex, went for the Dunlops in the end, good price + good write ups + the tyre guy I was dealing with was the most helpful

I am moving to 18's on the 330i and have received the following tyre quotations, I am fitting 225/40/18 to the front and 245/35/18 to the rear. Comments please - Goodyear F1 Eagle ($1,610) - Hankook Ventus V12 EVO K110 ($1,540), as fitted to Lexus. Apparently a good high performance tyre. - Dunlop Sports Max ($1,400).

thanks Sam - again do you know if this procedure would apply to an E46?

No - Central NI

Very interested in this. My E36 conversion has the high idle and rev increase during gear change. Also I have been considering a conversion for my E46 but have been put off by the electronics complication. Reading between the lines re your discussion with Hybrid - do you think this same procedure is applicable to a E46? I see in your write up you refer to "Pin 18 is programming voltage for OBDI cars (not fitted in my E46)" - is this a mistake or are you making reference to an E46.

In my case I was able to purchase an upgrade kit to fit to my 3 spoke wheek. It cost me $427 including frieght from my local BMW dealer. Fitment was straight forward, took a few hours. It looks like you can do the same but the kit maybe more expensive refer - link

Sounds like the same problem I had - Jeff Gray originally convinced me to buy a new key ($400 I think) and then told me it was a mirror fault after this didn't work. New mirror was quoted at $1,400. They were very helpfull in trying to track down a second hand unit but no joy after a number of months. I eventually brought a mirror ex the US, you will need a convertable unit as the US sedans and coupes use the rear window antenna/FM reciever as per NZ. PM me if you would like some more info

I have a mirror ex a 2003 330i jap import, the auto dim function is ok but the remote locking reciever is not functioning. This is not an issue on cars that are not ex Japan as their recievers are mounted in the rear window (unless they are convertables). Yours for $50, I'll refund if its no good for you. If you are interested let me know,

Waht tyre sizes are your running - when you say big sway bars what have you done here - how is the ride/handling?

The picture hasn't come through - can you try again please

The car looks great - this is the ride hieght I am after - what width and offset are the CH's?

Dispite an earlier comment re not lowering my motorsport I have purchased a set of BBS CH 18x8.5 rims (cheers Sam) and am now keen on a more agressive stance. Keith is out of stock for H&R springs, I can purchase H&R ex Australia for NZ$660 or ex USA for NZ$520. Could also do Eibach's ex USA for around NZ$550. Trademe offerings are Kings or Jamex. The Jamex springs are very cheap at $299. Any comments on why H&R/Eibach would be superior to Jamex? Also the main "stance issue" is the front guard arch gap, any advice on whether to go low or super low would be appreciated. I'm inclinded to the low's which should drop the vehicle by 10-15mm but the images I have seen of super lows look pretty good. Will super lows give me any 100mm WOF height issues? Will the ride be too comprimised (note I have a new set of Bilstiens fitted so new springs should be well controlled).

Hi Sam - re the BBS CH rims and tyres. Are they genuine BBS? Are there any defects (curbing etc). What vehicle have they been on? Please confirm that they are all the same offset.

Fitted my multi function steering wheel kit this weekend and now I would like to know the best way to purchase and fit a mobile phone interface that will function as per the BMW system (steering wheel controls, mike, voice dial, phone book display on the head unit etc) I found this http://www.bimmernav.com/BMW_E46_Bluetooth...structions.html - advice please

Fitted my multi function kit this weekend - works well - now I would like to know the best way to purchase and fit a mobile phone interface that will function as per the BMW system (steering wheel controls, mike, voice dial, phone book display on the head unit etc) - advice please

Awesome - that will be the way for me then - looking at this got me thinking about some smg paddles to hook up the same time - have been searching the forums - very easy wire up it would appear but all based around an smg wheel - does anyone know if you can retro fit paddles/switches to a standard MS wheel?

I just searched the part numbers in dogsballs instructions Link the 2 kits are priced at US$165 and US$459. The cheaper kit has more parts listed. The more expensive one has less parts and appears to include the "hub cap, air bag"". No mention of switches in either. Looks promising though so I'll be calling my parts man Monday to see whats what.

I notice in the instructions posted by "dogsballs" that the retrofit kit(s) appear to be for the wiring etc plus the switches and covers to convert your existing steering wheel. What was in the full retro kit you priced at $367?