gjm

Damn. (Where's my dunce's hat?) Would BMW like to make it a bit more confusing for us simpletons? At least they didn't call it a M1...

That doesn't sound quite right... M135i rated at 320hp, the E46 M3 rated at 340hp. (Rough figures.) A tuning box will take a M135i to 385-395hp. I'd suspect someone wasn't being entirely honest about how standard their M135i was.

Well spotted!

I quite like it! There's pics of a white one around, too.

For the 320d. We'd like windscreen cover and I think that means Fully Comp (and an additional premium on top of that). I think only AA offer windscreen cover with TPF&T, at ~$70 extra. For giggles I looked at TP only. Adding F&T more than doubled the premium in most cases. So far, prices are $4-550. Seems a lot for an older driver, clean license and no claims, living rural, car kept in a locked garage... Pretty much a model insurance client. Protecta were most expensive, and AMI (I think) were cheapest. (Based on FC cover.) I've not considered Youi, but did look at State. Any thoughts?

The only concern I'd have is in the case of an accident. Dunno how the authorities would view an un-certed car in that situation, but I doubt it would congenially!

That's about where I would pitch it now.

Oi! Oh... I see what you mean...

Damn. I wanted a blue one.

I'm trying to persuade Miss M to start her own project thread... She has created a forum ID - 'Miss M' - but that's as far as it's got at the moment. If you see her post, be gentle, eh? She's really good and knowledgeable with Snapchat, Instagram and things like that, but has never used a forum, and very, very rarely touches email. Insight into the next generation of internet users?

Replaced the thermostat in Miss M's car. Took it for a drive - temp looks good.

Will be looking into replacement rear shocks, but unlikely to be anything special. The ProKit is 'only' a 30mm drop so stock shocks are fine. Front struts are Monroe so aftermarket already. Ride definitely seems better, even though all we've done is swapped the rear springs.

It's a start with the basics and go from there thing. 17mm AF Doesn't mean 17mm As F!@# - it's 17mm Across Flats.. She's enjoying it.

I'll start a project thread, but here's today: Replaced the rear (Jamex?) Superlows with Eibach ProKit springs. So much nicer - looks better (in our opinion!), rides better. Might get the fronts done tomorrow.

Found water on top of the relays behind the fuses under the passenger side dash. Pulled them, dried them, and the car started!!! For 5 minutes... Possibly the heater matrix leaking causing the problem. Possibly something else. New heater matrix on order. It'll be sorted.

I recently touched on this with something I was thinking of and was told that the certification process has recently changed slightly. I don't know if prices are variable between certifiers but I'd not be surprised if they are. I gathered that there used to be a 'whole car' certification facility, but that's no longer the case and each item is checked separately. With consequent extra paperwork... And cost. I've no plans to become a certifier but I plan to find out what is involved at some point.

On the right hand side of the binnacle? If so - it needs replacing anyway. It works, but the detentes are now more like 'guess what position it's in now'.

Took delivery of a set of Eibach ProKit springs for Miss M's E36: -30mm/-30mm to replace the -lots currently fitted. Much cheaper than anything we could have bought locally, unfortunately - I tried. Yesterday: fixed the bulb in the air con controls so the controls now light up with the headlights. Bought coolant concentrate in prep for thermostat and similar changes at the weekend.

The fuel gauge on our 318i regularly says empty when we start up in the morning. Flicking the fascia above the needle sorts it. It's called character.

Popped into Repco on the way home to get some engine coolant. Had to go through the boxes with the desk guy (can't really call him a parts guy!) but found a couple of 12V 1.2W bulbs. $3.50 each seems a bit steep, but it's a done deal now. Most difficult bit was getting the fascia back on again!

p/n 63210406930, superceded by 63217167000. $12.50 in the eBay link, or $1.00 from Pelican Parts. Probably best to get it as part of a larger order, though... ;-)

Here's what we have: So - just a single bulb to replace?

Sorta kinda interested cos they'd match Miss M's car with the soon-to-be-fitted Eibach ProKit springs, but it's a financial non-starter at the moment. She'll have to make do with the Monroes that are on there at the moment.

There's some pics around the internet of an E24 shooting brake, but as far as I know they are all photoshop. Quite nice, but not metal. Let's start with the E31. Sufficient potential interest for more than one carrosserie technik to consider making the necessary modifications: I'll skip over the Schulz E28 Touring - that's almost well known! But how about a E30 3-door Touring? For those who want something bigger, the E23:

Yeah... I think the story, regardless of truth or fiction, is completely incidental. Evans has even said (with regard to Top Gear) "I gave it my best shot, and that wasn't good enough."