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Welcome mate, looking forward to the pics. Old school is cool.

I am not sure if that is true for certain models (perhaps in certain countries) where the M-Sport cars get different differentials or other engine bits, but AFAIK M-Sport cars only have a different trim level and suspension, the engine remains the same as a non-M-Sport. Therefore fuel consumption should be the same, not taking into account the change in aerodynamics (better) or different wheels (usually the M-Sports come with bigger wheels and wider tyres). That's assuming you don't drive the M-Sport harder, might have more of a lead foot with the better suspension

Welcome mate, car looks good.

Welcome! It sounds like something emissions related. I would go to a good shop and get the car scanned for any codes and go from there. If you're in Auckland you might want to try our forum sponsor, Glenn @ Botany Motorworx.

Don't we all mate We can actually do without the OBC!

I agree. The M cars always look better (although the E92 M3's side mirrors look a bit like Dumbo's ears and take some getting used to) just because they look more aggressive. I don't think there's anything wrong with people modding their cars to look like an M car... putting the badge on is a completely different matter. Sounds like the driver of the Avus M3 wasn't as capable as his car!

Fixed link: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-133622267.htm

Nice improvement, makes the car look that much cleaner

Great placement Simon, letting others read it as you leave them in the dust?

They sure didn't waste any time, did they? What a pity. Anyone for a CF roof retrofit?

Dan, I am sure some poser out there will be happy to swap his M badges for your M3 ones, and possibly even pay you some cash too.

Yup I believe so - here's a link: http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticl...OBD_Convert.htm I think you're right, 99% of Japanese cars I've seen have the 11 button, even the later models, but pretty much all the US cars got the 18 button after it was available. I think it's an option in some markets while in the US they may have made it standard. Some cars in the UK didn't even have an OBC.

Welcome Tony, the car looks great, and nice pictures. BMWs cost more to maintain than your average Honda or Toyota, but they aren't as bad as people seem to think they are. Like you said, most BMW enthusiasts would happily pay that extra premium for that extra bit of driving pleasure.

IMO it is totally fine to have an ///M badge if your car has Motorsport options. As said above you have to look at it from a marketing side of things. The majority of car owners do not need an M3, M5 or M6, they are happy to putter around with a less powerful/less able car that is more than fit for their purposes, and if they like how the M-Sport looks/feels, why not? Stock standard BMWs are great cars, and with Motorsport options they are even nicer to drive and are a very able car. I'm sure if BMW didn't have the M-kitted options it would have lost quite a few sales to other brands that do. Anyone who chucks an ///M badge on a non-Motorsport kitted car is a pretender. But it's no different to other car brands, ie: Honda (Type R). Any BMW enthusiast will know that a car with an M badge is not a true M car, and most of us can tell a true M3 from a fake one. I don't think an M badge dilutes the M brand... if you're a true enthusiast, you ultimately bought an M for the driving experience!

Welcome! Congrats on the purchase. Car will look good with the ricey bits removed.

Pictures aren't working?

Happy Birthday mate!

Hey Greg, I'm guessing your car has the 11 button OBC? The earlier E36s got a 7(or 8) button, then they got the 11 button, and finally the 18 button. The 18 button will not be plug and play but it can be retrofitted, you need the 18 button's wiring harness.

Looks pretty nice actually - though it seems to go much slower than it looks!

Looking forward to seeing it in person one day. Intake manifolds don't look too bad IMO, maybe just need a good clean?

Happy Birthday Paul!

It's a very common problem. Don't think it's a problem with the PCB, more likely the display itself is screwed - most people just go to the wreckers and buy a good unit, I recommend you do that, should run you $150ish.

Happy Birthday Jamie, have a good one

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone, have a good holiday and drive safe.

The paint shop should be able to mix any colour you like.