Harper

Unfortunately the 330ti didn't pass the sniff test getting it's WoF, so it looks like I'll have to get it certed. Perhaps more concerning than failing on having the 'incorrect engine', it also failed on being too low. Less than 100mm from the chassis rail to the ground supposedly. Which doesn't seem right since the ride height is actually higher than it was on the standard sport suspension, and higher than the M3 as well which passes no problem so...?

I've been waiting years for a coupe with no cd changer options to come up at the scrap yard so I can get that left side boot carpet for the extra boot space. One came up about a year ago, but it had massive holes cut out of it for adjustable rear struts

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.

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. 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. 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.

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.

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.

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?

Good donor for your wagon?

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.

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

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.