Neal

Could it be that the torque from your 330d is simply overwelming your tyres ? Used to have a similar issue with my M3 which has less torque. Suspect the rear tyres (255s) had gone hard. Replacement tyres sorted issue. ( current gen sticky tyre)

By the way , did you find a cheap source for tyco bush contacts by any chance for the connectors or did you by via bmw ?

Some interesting challenges you've tackled. I didn't realise that the m seats where so heavy until I removed the passenger seat recently. Very heavy with all the motors.

So new processor arrived. Needed to move the laptop 12 volt charger and add another power on relay for the amps. Reused the old Japan telephone bracket and added more rivnuts. Processor fits in old factory amp location and helps to brace the navy rack.

So , the factory tuner will power on accessory distribution fuse box. This powers on processor and laptop charger ( and computer fans if ended later on for forced cooling)

Processor in turn will turn on amps so the system should be turn on pop free.

Used a small fuse box and found it bolted to existing holes within the boot cross member. Its feed via 30 amp cable so will be fine for low current accessories.

Next was the battery wiring and amp distribution block. Uses 0 gauge cable into the block and 4 gauge to each amp. Overkill really but the voltage drop across the cables should be very low.

All fits underneath factory battery tray

Boot wiring now complete for stereo , pc , Ulf and reverse cam. Next stage basic processor input level tune.

Good outcome

Fyi , I had to do this twice using the repco kit mirror fell off next summer.

Got some time Sat evening

Added power wiring for amps and carpc.

0 gauge to dual 4g, probably overkill for an old fashion 1000 watt rms system , but voltage drop should be minimal

Thought of using a ppi dsp 88-R rather than the mini dsp's? Can be imported for less than $400 nz.

Would give you 8 outputs , and three inputs. (4 channel in , 2channel in , 1toslink in.) you can also connect a hands free bt connection and will do audio source switching on in coming call.

Otherwise other gear looking good !

Spent a couple of hours on car stereo in the weekend. Needed to move a number of items around to fit new processor.

Cheap at that price. I'd by it.

Cheapest last year was 120 usd. Ended up making my own.

Can vouch for shark. Have fist hand experience in being a crash test dummy.

Shark and head held up well with a head first low side on a street circuit. Visor system also stayed intact despite gravel rash.

Have seen a couple of those ally units crap out, one over time and the other while lifting a '74 XJ6 at the diff.

Needless to say it got ripped apart and taken to the scrappies fairly quickly.

Never seen a workshop use an alloy jack......just sayin'

Thanks for the heads up. The mini is so low that my trusty old motorguard won't get under it. I'm one of those OCD types that will always use a secondary measure such as axle stands.

Have one of those supercheap alloy racing jacks. low enough to get under my lowered race mini and is more than up to putting an e36 on two wheels.

Only small annoyance is the circlip on one of the wheels pops off every now and then.

Does the e38 have a heavier battery gauge ground lead that other BMW models ? Hard to tell from internet pics.

Put bm53 module back in rack. Clearance for RCAs is tight so opted for 90 degree adaptors rather than tracking down short RCA plugs. Allows use of some standard interconnects rather than making custom.

Added accessory outlet to equipment rack for netbook power supply. Will sit behind boot carpet and heat can dissipate into the rear guard.

Added ground cables for amps, processor , netbook supply and remote on relays

Powered up 3sixty.1 processor to setup the basics such as RCA levels . Looks like its a dead unit and wont boot up. Just another reminder to self not to buy s/h stereo gear from tradesmen. Shame as I spent a day on modding brackets and building custom RCA interconnects.

I was mainly going to use the processor as an input switch to a 4.1 output.

New plans, Precision Power have recently introduced (re-badges) a new entry level processor . Has OEM integration and has three inputs plus handsfree input.

Features 8 channels of output and 3rd octave equalisers on most of the channels. Also has time alignment so I'll be able to add some delay to drivers side speakers.

Have ordered one so hopefully will have one in a few weeks.

http://precisionpower.com/store/products/accessories/signal-processors/deq-8-127.html#

Have (new old stock 1960s ) sidchrome set for the mini(s) and blue point and 30 y/o sidchrome metric sets. Seem fine for home use. Screwdrivers have been Stanley but I've broken a few along the way

Can anyone recommend a suitable brand for home use air ratchet and socket set ( both metric and sae) ?

Bright red Z3 with the plate "camp"

Brought a smile to my day

Seriously nice car !

One of my all time fav BMW models.

Putty re11s werent stocked in M3 friendly sizes

I think someone needs to do the right thing and share the profits

You'd think

Mind you. Even super cheap are charging $10 for 5 meters of a single colour . If you've ever priced up multi colour your talking hundreds .

23 colours isn't too bad.

Btw, wrap it in tesa tape. Less likely to rattle inside talegate and gives oem loom look.

Cheap via ebay uk.

Get a factory loom repair section and redo the broken and repaired section . It's colour coded so should be straight forward to bypass the bodged section. http://www.schmiedmann.com/en/product/1945562-new?product=V20-83-0008

Came across these kits when researching reverse camera installs .

Great solution ! I noticed the infra red aerial amp on the right rear pillar when doing a rear speaker replacement and thought it was in an odd place. Especially when the ir receivers led is in the clone noise.

You've worked through the system well. I was thinking that the charge coils would need adding and the ews would need some kind of custom load.

Tim325 needs to see this thread for his compact project.

Great write up. Did you also add a inductance charging ring to the ignition to charge the keys ?

Just a word of warning on static Tom. Flashing devices on carpet via unearthed laptop is an easy way for devices to go pop.

Get yourself an electronics anti static work mat and earth it to something if flashing the modules out of the car . Mats are $20-$30

Static isn't necessarily a problem all the time but I've seen enough expensive equipment fry to be weary of the effects of static. ( worst was a pair of $170k network modules)

Otherwise, great project to learn on.

Retire

$4.4 on term

$500k on family

$100k spending spree

Spend $100k pa on living / holidays

$40k pa on toys

Rest is tax on interest