Harper

20 minutes ago, BM WORLD said:

i used a z4 3L twin pipe muffler 

I'm actually really satisfied after a few days of driving it around with how it sounds with the stock system and resonator removed. Only slightly louder than stock volume but with a better sound, even burbles and occasionally backfires on overrun.

8 hours ago, Danch said:

I saw this listing you may be interested in: BMW E46 Compact AC Schnitzer Exhaust https://www.trademe.co.nz/4739981637

Super cool, tempted to get it and make it fit but would require a bit of custom work since it's for a 316/318ti.

1 hour ago, Eagle said:

Single inlet probably not worth the hassle

The 325Ti muffler is actually also single inlet but a larger diameter than the 4cyl system. It's twin pipe back to the muffler where it merges to a single 65mm pipe into the rear muffler. 318 system is all 50mm.

1 hour ago, Eagle said:

Are you planning to go to a certain place?

Just my local shop. I'm hoping they won't even question it.

I'm a big fan of the CMP coupler, have it on both my E46s and painted black as well.

It's a no brainer upgrade imo. Cheaper than stock, and with essentially only upsides.

I've done about 5,000km since the motor swap and this thing has been almost perfect. Just visually keeping an eye on the dipstick, I can't really see any drop in level so oil burning so far has been negligible. It has developed a slight weep from the upper radiator hose, I've ordered one to replace asap, along with a bit of a leak from what I think is the selector shaft seal on the gearbox.

Other than that it's been behaving pretty much exactly as I wanted out of a daily driver.

I ended up taking it to an exhaust shop and had the resonator removed. I just wanted slightly more noise out of it but didn't want to go to an aftermarket setup which is almost always too loud. 

Not the prettiest thing in the world but it has made the car sound exactly as I wanted it. Still sounds very stock just slightly spicier. Previously it sounded pretty pedestrian with the fully standard 325ti exhaust system.

Next up is getting it WOF'd, we'll see if it passes without a cert. 

12 hours ago, Eagle said:

E36 318is would be ideal

Agree. Jealous of the green coupe my dad's been tinkering on. Not fast but plenty of fun to drive, cheap on gas, would be a great first car.

I must say though, getting into an E36 feels like a pretty old car these days even compared to an E46 which feels a lot more modern and safe inside. 

Yeah I think it's fairly characteristic of most DMF bmws. My M3 still does it even after replacing the DMF. Interestingly my 330 compact doesn't though. 

I turn off the clutch to start in all my cars anyway. Hurts my soul to load the crank thrust bearing on cold start with no oil pressure for literally no reason. Being able to start the car without actually getting in and sitting down is a perk too. 

20 hours ago, Herbmiester said:

Has anyone had their 130i manually converted? If so how much did it cost? 

I bought a half converted one for cheap and finished the job. It's pretty easy really. You have to do the mechanical conversion, wire in the clutch and reverse switch. Code the relevant modules and it's done. That era of BMW is pretty modular and easy to swap.

Weitz had a 130i manual conversion for sale at $3k for ages. Not sure if it ever sold. 

6 hours ago, slideways said:

Do you happen to have a link or remember what they were listed under? I have been looking on TM but havent seen anything on there.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/car-parts-accessories/wheels-tyres/alloy-wheels/listing/4627394142?archive=1

Sold looks like

There was a set on trademe a couple weeks ago for a good price. Almost bought them even though I already have a set. Love them on my compact.

I'll grab the 3 series key ring if it's still up for grabs?

Looks ace, how do they feel?

55 minutes ago, Vass said:

Guess that didn't go through. Grab yourself a bargain fellas.

Good donor for your wagon?

4 hours ago, Bennyboy said:

Not cheap - realistic 

Cheap. Not much cheaper and I'd think about buying it to S54 swap my compact.

Eesh that's cheap

Not something I'm ever very concerned with when buying a car tbh, I more base the decision off condition. I have had good luck with Japanese imports though, and of the cars I've owned the NZ new ones tend to have been treated the worst to be honest, could just be coincidence.  

15 hours ago, Sammo said:

One of the few 'modern' BMWs I would swap to I think.

M2s are aging well, still turn my head every time I see one.

1 hour ago, Sammo said:

The incredible G80/G81 Colours more than make up for the styling IMO

Yeah I've got no issues with the way the M3 touring looks. Not quite as sexy as an RS6 wagon though I think. 

First one I've seen in the wild. Makes my little compact look miniature.

Brake cleaner on a cloth works well, probably not amazing for the finish but I've never had issues

Have one in my M3 and compact, painted them black since I don't like the pink. Never had issues passing wof.

Original seat back in. Bolsters swapped out with the ones off the donor since they were pretty worn.

E46 interior never gets old

It's on daily driver duty now

Both my E46s have the power steering lines cable tied together and have been for years. Who needs bushings.

9 hours ago, Vass said:

Still only 9k km since the engine rebuild but already the 4th oil change so not entirely sure at what point it becomes something to be seriously concerned about. Will do another oil change in 4-5k km's time and reassess.

It took about that many oil changes on my S54 before there was no material in the oil after the rebuild. Just as I was starting to get worried that there was still glimmering stuff in the oil, the next oil change was clear. 

54 minutes ago, Eagle said:

Hard to imagine ever seeing one in NZ that would beat this. The wheels, msport kit and alpine white really make it, somehow the head lights look great now haha.  

The biggest compliment. So nice when the vision finally comes together.