ducatiss

Hi guys I have a Z3 with a 4speed auto in it and the M52B20TU engine in it. The engine is a sweet runner with only 95km on it so happy to leave it there for the time being. I am looking at options for some useful upgrades and want to know if upgrading the old 4 speed to the newer 5 speed auto is doable. Is the gearbox a straight bolt on? Whats involved with the electronics? Is there anything else I should know about here? I am aware that a manual g/box would be a better way to go but I would like to explore all options before I start and I have always been impressed with these 5 speed autos in any E46 I have driven. Any advice here would be great. Many thanks.

I may have a 240 here - though I understand it has 260 ratios. I would need to dig back and read up on the notes that came with it. I am in Invercargill though!

Haha I remember the day when I first saw this Identity Crisis on wheels - it was my aunty's funeral and this guy rocks up in this. I forgot all about my aunty..... Oh and check out the Motorsport Monsoon shield !! Where can I get one of those - I know someone who would really really like one lol

K75S - would add a pic but every time I try and upload one it fails with a msg to ask admin to check permissions...

Thanks Allan - a good read. They certainly seem to have their share of problems!! Though when I look on trademe they still seem to be doing 200 thou plus. I do most of my own maintenance - something I enjoy. Have driven the 320i with the 2.2 motor and really, that is all the power I need. Currently looking at a 320i with various motorsports bits and pieces. Thanks everyone for your views and assistance - will post up a pic as soon as I actually get something. Looking forward to once again having two Bimmers in the garage!!

Alright - great info there and something to go on. Many thanks everyone.

Good info guys - many thanks. It will be a 6 cyl. Quick question, I took one out today for a run and while it went really well, the temp gauge only got up to around the quarter mark over a 20km run (though it is winter down here and the temp I think was only 2 degrees today lol)

Thanks for that - are there any other ppl out there with the E46 that have an opinion on thee things, what to look for etc etc? Cheers

Hi guys - I may be in the market shortly for an E46 (round 03 - 04). Probably a 318i but also may consider 320i. I am not familiar with these models so am looking for some advice on what to look for etc etc. Any advice would be appreciated.

I rekon this thread should be stickied so that anyone wanting to quit smoking can refer to it. Lots of really good information, inspiration and advice throughout.

There is a complete defence to not displaying a current vehicle rego in the transport act - basically there to cover the rego being sent out in the post etc - I think from memory you have seven days from the time you pay for the rego until you have to have it on your car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZxn1F45Y5o Thought this was a laugh (hope it hasnt been posted already..)

It the head games that get you, thats what the book eliminates, or at least helps you cope with. Get into that book Glen - read it every night, you will find that it helps maintain the motivation.

Do you smoke in the car? Even with the windows down, cigarette smoke will create a haze within a week or so.

I have always thought the E36 the ugly duckling of the BMW range - basically its the headlights I dislike. Wouldn't stop me buying one though...

:-) Hooray!! Quote arrived today.

And another problem is that you cant just go and buy a knock off copy from the U.S as they will be setup for driving on the right hand side of the road. The U.K doesnt seem to have the same level of used and pattern parts that the U.S does for BMW. I would thought it very obvious that you would NOT use paint thinner anywhere near a plastic lense...

Dont forget that the Mig 21 was one of if not the most popular fighter aircraft in the world - with more than 10,000 sold all over the world (Central America, China, India, Asia, Africa etc) so it would stand to reason that there is a fair number of people out there that would have the knowledge to maintain the Mig21. Parts are also still available for them so it is not impossible that this plane could be made air-worthy and fly again.

Here's a good clip on youtube of one - shows you round the cockpit and then goes on to take off - I want one!

Well I thought it would be easier for them to check the email with the specific vehicle details etc etc and respond to that. What annoys me is that this is not the first time this has happened with various bits and pieces I have wanted - in the worst case I emailed a firm (again in Auckland) for some bike parts, recieved no reply at all until in desperation I had emailed to Australia, got a price that morning had the parts freighted over, and the day later, eventually received a price back from Auckland!!

Looking at replacing a rear wheel bearing on my daily driver (Mk3 Mondeo) so emailed off to Auckland Bearings Ltd Thursday morning asking for a price and availability on a couple of bearings (will do the other side as well) Now these are expensive little suckers as they include the hub and abs assembly. No response on Thursday so at 4pm phoned through and asked if they were able to anser my email and provide a price - yep will get on to it was the reply. Still no response Today (Fri) I emailed the manager and asked for a price etc to be emailed to me Still no response by 5pm Now I appreciate that ppl are busy sometimes but for a grands worth of parts I would have hoped for some sort of confirmation on whether they could have supplied or not. Obviously the recession is well and truely over for some companies up there. Or am I being unreasonable?

My pick from your list would be a tidy E36 328i but you should be able to get into the E46 for tht money which is a much better ride.

I would agree with BMWTouring's comment above. While Audi's are a very nice car, they can be very expensive to maintain and repair. Yes that could apply to any vehicle, but some of the prices that I have been quoted for Audi parts in the past has been eye watering! The other thing that I have noticed is the BMW NZ seem to keep a wider variety of parts available in stock while with Audi it was often the case of "Yes sir we can get that for you Ex Germany - it will be three weeks wait" There is also a very strong parts base for BMW online (Pelican parts etc)- not so sure if thats the case with Audi. If it was me I would be sticking to BMW based on my experiences with both makes. Plus to state the obvious, you always have the Bimmersport team here for advice and guidance with any BMW issues you do have.

And dont forget that Audi also built and still builds many fine handling, balanced and desirable FWD cars. I still have a preference for RWD but the difference between the two has in reality narrowed to the point where it no longer makes a difference.

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