central3

Make sure you do not press the seal in too far - I had mine done by a dealer (input and output seals) and they pressed them in too far - major leakage - search the M3forum for more info - more info on my issue containe here http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/37133-m3-make-over/

Welcome Liam - mine's a manual too - I avoided the SMG due to the amount of chatter on forums and an unpleasant experience in an E36 version - if you ever get the chance hook up with Tom for a ride in his CSL - the speed and directness of the shift under acceleration and the blip on downshift is to die for - given the choice again I may well have gone SMG

gradually - as funds permit - buying up OE suspension parts to do a complete front and rear overhaul sometime next year as well. When the old suspension comes off i really want to give the underside a really good clean - with the (ambitious) goal of keeping it that way once the new suspension is in.... I live in hope! Ahh - a man after my own heart - bimmer life begins with a clean underside. I have copped a small amount of flak re my bottom but once cleaned up (read detailed) it is very easy to keep that way (as long as you don't drive through mud). I have a set up in my garage which means I can wash the car, dry it, get it up on axle stands and wiped down underneath (including wiping off the inside of the rims etc) in 1.5 hour or so.

This looks like huge fun - love your attention to detail.

Rubbish photo but M3 on the way to Rotorua - WRKHCK registration and looked like it

E30 race car seen parked up in Whiritoa last weekend - going for a run so didn't stop to get more details

Group buy? I need to replace mine as damaged during an act of stupidity - keep me in mind

Like - know what you mean by not easy - is this the genuine 3M product?

yeah that's right - belts and braces approach I guess

For those of you who, like me were not aware. The circuit and museum opened last Easter in Cromwell. Huge investment by the owner of VIP pet food who has big operations in Australia, USA and NZ. Apparently he had a look at Hampton Downs but due to its inability to host GT3 rounds (?), which he apparently does in Aussie, he decided to set up his own course. Amazing array of cars, bikes and a truck (Inky's). NO BMW's!!!!!!!!! A few photos follow (the Stanton Special must have been man in its time (1953?) it was quick and reliable - 12.8 second quarter - supercharged at the time I think)

People speak highly of this guy - I took a rim to him once but as it had been previously repaired he wouldn't take the job on - he threw a bit of a wobbly actually but could be worth a look depending on where you are http://www.rimrite.co.nz/about-theman-for-mags.htm

My wife reckons I am a stalker haha - these cars look damm good in traffic - stand out real well versus other decade old cars

Terrible image but spotted (I think) Armit in his new "weekend M3" on a Friday - WTF????

Crap photo but pretty sure this was you today - car looks very sharp

That came out pretty good - I have the same US boot but thought that it wouldn't work because the boot is patterned for LHD as is the plastic base section - looks like it sits ok though To anyone wanting to mimic what Christan has done here - I have an Alcantara boot (and standard knob - cam with my short shift kit) which I will part with for beer money

3.5 hours north of Welly so not too many weekend blast opportunities - the red light under the mirror should flash intermitently when the car is locked if you have an alarm

Beg to differ but I have been using turps to remove tar for a very long time - my paint/clear finish has never suffered - quite the opposite in my experience - I should have added though that my process is to wash the surface first and after rinsing off with water apply turps with a rag - allow time for the tar to soften then wipe over again with another turps sodden rag - wash again with soapy water - never used gloves but this may explain the 6th finger I have grown

Simple - turps + let it soak + soft faced scraper + turps + let it soak + wipe off

That someone could be you? I would be keen to be involved. Sorry but I didn't realise you were the M5 driver on Saturday - spent most of my time wondering how come you had 2 ladies in tow - now I know

Cheers Andy - good to meet you (and the rest) on Saturday - bizzarely I didn't take many photos so now have a good record - you weren't the only one wondering what was going on in the front seat of the M5 - looked like a move to me

Yeah Christian - my PM probably put you off but worth putting on your list - spacers are good

I am a bit biased here (my old car) but if you are ok with paying the sort of money you are talking for a 330 then this is probably a good one - don't know if it is still for sale though http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/45797-buyer-advice/

Agree with "don't get too paraniod" comments but when you are due for a valve clearance adjustment go the extra mile and have the exhaust tab's checked and the cam bolts as well. Below is a thread that I did when I carried out this work. Ended up importing the 2 cam timing tools so if you are mechanically minded I have these available. Intimidating job but if you have the gear (and after the first time) no problem. Does add that piece of mind as you hit the 8,000 rpm redline http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/42061-m3-work-log/

So had another go at the rear box - this time pulled a skunk out of section 2 of the box - I think this has done the job - sound quite deep and is an improvement over standard without giving any drone inside the cabin