Yuen

Allan, in general the M-sports have: - a different interior to the standard, but not the same as the M (other than the headlining which will be black like the M) ie: sports seats, whether cloth with suede bolsters on the E46 and E39, or full leather - sports suspension - larger wheels - M-sport kit which is similar to the M3/M5 kit (how similar depends on the M car, for example E46 M3 has wider arches, while E36 M3 is exactly the same as non-M). On the E39, the front bumper is the same as the M5 but come with slats instead of mesh in the front bumper. Diffuser will of course be different due to the M5 having quad pipes. Engine, exhaust are the same. In general the M-sport cars do not have M mirrors. You see some around though, I think they are special options or late model cars where BMW sticks all the nice bits on them to sell them, this can depend on the country too. So like Paul said, an M-sport is really just cosmetics, other than the suspension, different steering wheel and possibly different diff. PS: On an E39, the M-sport should have black headlining and pillars, but note some E39 M5s were optioned with Alcantara headlining which I don't think you can get on an M-sport. Some earlier cars, ie: 1994 E36 325 M-sport didn't come with black headlining. You bring up a good point - all my comments above assumed M-sports were the later cars in each generation. It seems the earlier cars of each generation have an M-Sport/M-Tech kit that don't look like the M kits. For example, 1998-2000 M-Sport E46 looks very different to E46 M3, 1996-1998 M-Sport E39 to the E39 M5. The earlier E39 M-Sports seem to have normal bumpers but with attachments like flippers and whatnot. Unless those M-Sports aren't 'true' M-Sports? I'm sure BMW has a different name for them, maybe Aerodynamic Kit or something.

Did you manage to get the door cards too?

Didn't know there was a meet on, and didn't even know of Garrison till now Thought you must be doing some shopping! Was busy anyway.

If it's the rubber elbow, best to go new as with any rubber part.

Saw it parked in front of Pak n Save

Saw your car last night Brian, shiny

Isn't the material covering the bolsters Alcantara (better than suede)? And the centres are cloth as you say. Looks like it's NZ New too? Nice one. Casualt the black E46 looks very nice, airbox is worth a bit since it's a Gruppe M one. I skimmed through the auto vs manual debate, seems it's really a subjective thing and having driven a Steptronic I say if you're not a hardcore enthusiast you might want auto, if you're going to be stuck in traffic jams on a regular basis the Steptronic is probably better... or you could always get a manual weekend car. That said I remember some threads from awhile back from Josh which several other members replied to, talking about the auto gearbox having issues. Does that not apply to this E46 guys?

I'm guessing Launch Control?

Smaller on 97+ FL.

IIRC Dinan chips are only supplied by Dinan - everything else is a copy.

Nice Have you driven the coupe/sedan? I imagine it's much more fun driving the convertible but wonder if there is noticeable difference in handling.

Doing up the 328 Westy?

Heat gun??? Glue??? Don't do that to your cars guys! The roundels have 2 pins on the back and are held into the holes on the bonnet/boot by two plastic grommets that slide onto the pins so as to ensure a snug fit. To remove, just use a flat head screwdriver. PS: Cover the screwdriver tip with some electrical tape and put a cloth beneath the levering point so you don't dent the panels or damage the paint.

Congrats Brian, I like the colour coded grills. Get those rear side mouldings back to black, they don't match the ones on the doors

Yeah, look at that torque! Rear end is improved, looks like the facelift E90 sedan is the one to go for. Odd that the tail lights are all red?

I'm guessing it's the 'extended leather' option that BMW offers. Might be a nice touch to put an Alpina shift knob in to go with the theme!

Love it

Nice work Brent. Leather covered glovebox is cool, is it rare?

I don't drive mine

Hahaha, awesome. I love it. I wonder how it does in the twisties

Oh my. Looks fun! Maserati inspired front grill?

Quite certain you can't. They are part of the front lens (which is replaceable if yours is old and hazy/pitted), and if you remove it the light will be naked and water can get in. See here: http://www.bmwdiy.info/non-celis-front/index.html In any case it will look hideous without the front lens, the E39 needs those headlights to suit its rounded shape. I would buy an E34 instead!

Yup, clean the inside of the headlight first and if you're still not happy, buy any bulb you like but don't go higher than 55w.

Happy Birthday Mike. Have a good one

Just want to point out that white bulbs can seem to be brighter than normal 'yellow' halogens due to the colour, but can put out less lumens. If there's any form of tint around the bulb then it's reducing the light output. There are some bulbs out there without tint which burn very slightly whiter than normal halogens, and actually put out a bit more light, ie: Osram Silverstar which I used. However I didn't think the gain in output was worth the extra cost. Before you run out and buy new bulbs I would really clean the headlights first. Buying new bulbs is a band-aid to your problem if your lights are old and dirty. I saw the biggest increase in light output from cleaning mine. And make sure you don't get bulbs greater than 55w, so you don't kill your wiring and/or lights from heat.