KwS

Since i got the car its had a really irritating metallic chattering/rattling front the front end when going over bumps. When i was last under the car i checked anything i could under there and nothing was loose, so i just ignored it and pretended it wasnt happening until i could get it on a hoist at work. By pure chance i finally found the source of it today.... a missing anti-rattle clip on the front RH brake caliper. Ill pick one of them up this week and chuck it on and ill be good to go. HURRAH!

Had some time, and some nice weather so after a long drive around the place i decided to tidy up some things that have been bothering me. First up was cleaning and reoiling the K&N filter as its was as black as night and full of chunks. Purchased a filter recharge kit, and went to work on it. No pics as its not too interesting. Whilst i was there i removed the airbox and AFM, and cleaned the AFM. Was a little dirty, thank to the usual K&N oil issues. Noted that the hose in the airbox that goes to the Secondary Air Pump was loose and the hose clamp wasnt on the hose, so fixed that. Whilst there i also removed the heatshield and polished it as it was coated in crap and really ugly. Came up really well. I also had a quick go at the exhaust tips with autosol, but they are so filthy that i think ill need to remove the rear muffler and use a drill to polish them.

People always hate on Phoenix, but i think its a really underrated colour in person. Would love Phoenix with Kiwi interior like they got overseas.

haha, extra mirrors and a reversing camera. Someone cant park.

Looked longingly at it. Itching for tomorrow so i can start my two days of driving it again. Never had a "weekend" car before, and im damned if its not making me enjoy the car more by not driving it daily in rush hour traffic.

Have you fit the chip yet? Keen to see if it actually does anything (and what the gains are if it does)

Would a mechanical warranty require a PPI? If so, if its that bad a PPI would pick up on it and insurance would deny coverage anyway

Haha, yes, the badge is way off and very faded so itll get replaced soon.

a screw is a screw. Youre screwing into plastic trim. I already had holes there from the previous owner, so i just used a couple of screws that matched. If you cant work out how to mount a plate frame, then i think you're beyond my help.

cant be arsed taking the plate out again just to take a photo of a screw. The red circles are the ones you will need to add a screw to for it to hug the front bumper. You will need to use self tapper screw or drill a small hole in your front trim. The two inner screw locations will be obvious when you line the frame up. The plate will bend slightly to fit the curve when you install the plate into the frame, and will take a little coaxing to clip into the lower clip (but is held in at the bottom by the lower removable strip anyway). The blue circles are the slots i used to secure the rear plate.

Nope, one line of the moulded slots lined up perfect. Both frames screwed on with no effort. The only thing was with the front one, were if you only use the two factory mounting holes in the center the plate will be straight and not hug the curve of the bumper. Thankfully the PO of my car had his old euro plate held on by two screws in the top corners, which the plate frame also has premade slots to use. A couple of screws there as well (4 holding the front frame on in total) and away i went.

Just if anyone is sitting on the fence wondering.... the quality of the plates and frames are bloody good. The stickers Andy puts on are top notch. RIP 50mm lens, you havent been the same since your focus ring jammed

Brent had one for sale recently, didnt he? I like the MSport wagons, but i feel they need a small lip or something above the window on the back to break up the curve.

That surprises me, only seen one of two white ones, but there are tons of orange ones around.

Looking at it more, i really want the wheels, strut brace, and rear wing.

Oh hell yeah, Figaro are boss

I decided not to get any surrounds initially, as i wasnt convinced how they would look but i didnt have a choice unless i wanted to drill through the letter. Since i got the surrounds now, i conclude i was wrong and the surrounds look great.

Ok, that one i REALLY dont understand. The US M3s are crap. Basically just fancy 328is. Japanese are weird too, importing the US M3 to Japan. The VIN checks out as a real US M3, but (clearly from the pics) its had a respray from Mugellorot. i REALLY want those BBS wheels though. Much rather buy Brents one. Its a real M3, RHD, and low KM. Just needs an owner that has hookups with paint/panel.

Ordered my Vanos rebuild kit from Beisan systems, and a whole bunch of other bits (gaskets and seals) from the local BMW dealer. Just waiting for it to all show up and then ill be ripping into it over Queens Birthday weekend. Finally swapped my plates over from the standard issue things that just look completely out of place, to some GermanPlates and plate frames. Unfortunately i did attach the rear one with screws before i got the frames only to find that to mount the front one i would have to drill through one of the letters which i didnt want to do. Pics. The font isnt too different on my plate, thank fully. Just the 1 that gives it away. Big thanks to Andy for the plates and surrounds.

When i was looking at japanese auctions a few months ago E36 M3s werent actually that cheap to buy in Japan.

Crazy, fresh import from Japan, LHD 3.0 M3. Surely it wouldnt be that economical to import and comply something like this these days? Its clearly super basic racecar spec too, basic OBC, basic audio, manual seats, but does have a passenger airbag, sunroof and arm rest. Looks very tidy, if at the higher end of the $$$ scale though. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-727164808.htm

Good score. Risky buying unseen with issues, but looks like itll work out for you. The E65 look great, would really like to own one but nowhere to drive it in Wellington without taking out wing mirrors everywhere.

When im throwing money at my car hand over fist, a new gearknob isnt really high priority when its purely cosmetic and my OE one is still tidy. Also, this was one of the cheapest i could find on ebay from a trusted seller. http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-e36-e46-3-series-M-ZHP-weighted-5-speed-Leather-shift-knob-/351049330839?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51bc2bb097&vxp=mtr#shpCntId $90NZD + $35NZD shipping. Im sorry we arent all as baller as you are.

Ive been meaning to buy a ZHP too, but the shipping keeps killing it. The prices online are far cheaper than what i have been quoted locally ($185+gst) but shipping is still painful.

Im unconvinced there is a such thing as a true "cheap" E39 M5.... They arent exactly known for tolerating neglect too well.