Eagle

Struts and shocks will certainly need replacing if they haven't been done (rarely ever are). Definitely want to do bump stops at the same time, maybe the mounts, not sure how long they last on these.

Valvetronic motor and sensor are the most common failure points but there are others. You'll need someone whos what they are doing to test\diagnose it properly. Otherwise you just have throw parts at it and hope. Also the right scan tool to re-calibrate the system it depending on what's replaced. It will probably cost 1\2 the cars value to fix if you are paying someone. Id just sell the car, they have too many problems.

Photo is pretty poor but looks like its missing a self tapping screw (typically 8mm). Wreckers etc would have plenty so just get some new ones.

Need a up skirt shot to determine that one

Yeah it looks like a dog. Anything with the N42\46 isn't worth saving in my book, the majority of them seem to be in poor running states due to understandable neglect. Such a massive degrade compared to the M44, probably cheaper to swap one those in.

Haha yeah no doubt you need a some traction aids. I dont trust the self adjusting clutch so im a bit paranoid launching it hard or excessively, i forgot to turn TC fully off on my first run and smelt it, but still did a 6.6s surprisingly. Once i redo the subframe and install the E36 M3 clutch setup i may do another launch set and call it a day.

Here are my results from Draggy. Mostly did a few runs of each and was pretty consistent. 21 degrees outside, half tank of 95, spare wheel and my launching skills are average\scared of breaking the clutch. 0-60 - 2.85. 0-100 (1st>2nd) - 6.5s. 80-120s - 4.47s (2nd>3rd gear) 5.09s (3rd gear) 100-200 (5th gear just under 3k) 19.63s. 1\4 mile - 14.8s Seems in spec from what ive seen online given all the variables at play and older engine.

Type 3's are one of those wheels that look good on just about anything.

An actual cooling system refresh - all hoses with new clamps and new fans blades to boot. Ive never replaced so many parts at once.

Pretty sure the loom is completely different on the ZF and why no one swaps them in.

Yep. No one can advise you on your problem accurately over the internet, even we could you don't have the ability to do any checks or repairs yourself. The transmission may already be too far gone if its slipping and a service may not fix anything. It may stay the same for 2000km or 10km, we can't know. Its up to you whether you want to do risk driving it or not. Take to a workshop if you care about it or take a gamble and drive it. The NZ comment was in regards to the cars value, i have no idea where you are or what a car like that costs, but here its a $2000 or less car so not worth fixing if something like a transmission fails. Its a poor choice of car for reliability and they don't tend to be looked after either. Preventative servicing is critical to avoid problems, transmissions can be working fine one day and give you problems the next.

Depends how much you care about the car. Ideally you would stop driving it and find out what causing it. A car like that in NZ you'd drive it home, because if it is the transmission the repair is worth more than the cars value.

Technically load the engine slightly but probably wont account for very much

Dont think anyone could really answer that question. Obviously its not idea but it's leaking bad enough that you shouldn't have to idle it for very long at all. Flicking the A\C on, having good lighting and viewing angles to spot the source quickly would be all id do. A mirror maybe helpful for checking the crank sensor are.

So you are trying to say you think the transmission is slipping? Could also be an engine problem. I dont think anyone is going to be able to diagnose it over the internet in a situation like this. You'd probably need a workshop to look at it because you can't really do or check much without the car off the ground, you'll also need tools and a scanner even for a basic checks.

buckets= brackets?. I fitted a set of Driftec ones to my mates car they gave him a huge amount of toe in, around 10mm iirc Seen many high end race cars use these: https://www.mk-motorsportteile.de/en/p/bumpsteer-camber-und-rollcentrum-correktion-kit-e36-e46-wtcc

Sold my E34 set for $1800 in 2018 which took awhile. Would be interesting to know what they are actually worth these days. Had lots of interest in them from the US, but even shipping quotes back then were way too high.

Scrap dealers will take it, i got $10 for my E39 one. Yeah i thought about that UV dye too, haven't really heard of anyone using it in the NZ. With a leak like yours im not sure you will even need it with the transmission out.

You are right, it is a Conti\VDO one from Spareto. Yeah a steel plate could work too but more work i agree. All M4X\M5X engines use the same bell housing pattern iirc, but someone else would know for sure.

Could be a hairline crack in the plastic. I have a new OE VNE one if it's indeed one of the issues. Some on facebook or wreckers may have a stuffed one. Pickup a part would have to sell you the whole box wouldn't they?

No. Haven't started the car but given the cig lighter is constant 12V it stays on or off regardless of ignition key position, just like a normal toggle switch.

Has the oil been wiped away in that crankshaft sensor photo? Those o-rings hold the sensors in pretty well even without the bolt, you oil'd everything up im guessing when installing. You can generally reuse the new o-rings if they were lubed well. If i was were me id locate stuffed auto transmission, cut the bell housing at the front so it turns into an adaptor plate or half an adapter plate, bolt it up then mount the flywheel and starter. At least then will have an idea of where to look before ripping it all apart. Should be able to see exactly what area it is without the transmission in the way.

Aliexpress USB charging. Cheapest mod yet at $10. Not something you need often but handy when you do. Dremeled out the cig lighter hole and filled down the + terminal so i can use the OE plug. Nice and stealth and can be switched off and on. ATE handbrake shoes and hardware. Heard a slight drag on L\R when the boot rim was off when the wheel rotates to a certain spot. Could be the the disc but thought id replace them first since they are cheap. Will have to bed them in at some point and recheck the noise.

Purple tag rack feels so good in these

Im got the manifold off on @hunter E39 atm so i took a look. The recess below the crank sensor is concave and slanted towards the rear, i sprayed brake cleaner into it and worked it way down the rear oil pan bolts\engine casting out the middle of the bellhousing.