New M3 Driver!

[MrMPG 10]

Morning TSN'ers!

Over the weekend I just took delivery of my new (2008) M3, its a car i've wanted to own for a long long time and finally bit the bullet - what a machine!! It was definitely worth the wait, I put about 100 miles on it already just taking it down country lanes etc, the power is just too addictive, its like a never ending surge of awesomeness.

One thing I'm now scared to death of is it being robbed by some scumbag, I know the watchdog programme a while back highlighted the problem (thanks BBC!...idiots) and I'm fairly certain most cars after 2011 got the software upgrade, I take it this can now be done on older models at my local BMW dealership?? Also is it worth upgrading the standard security system to a Viper or Clifford system?

Thanks!

[Mook 1,166]

Welcome to TsN

It's a great car and the V8 sounds the muts. There's a few owners on here, one of whom (Mac) has had one nicked and replaced it with another.

Have you thought about a tracker as well as an after-market immobiliser?

[MrMPG 10]

Thanks!

Yes I have thought about that as well, any ideas on the best unit?

Cheers

[Mook 1,166]

I had a tracker on two of my cars because the insurer insisted on it. Bit of a PITA getting it moved from one to the other. Never needed to be used as a disincentive for nicking it, probably because of where I live (not too much car crime).

[Andrew 760]

I don't bother with a tracker (although it does have one onboard but it is not subscribed to) but I do have a Diskloc thing to deter thieves.

I understand that the new software update sorts the ODB problem however, how does a thief know one that has been done vs. one that has not? A visual deterrent is the only way in my opinion.

Incidentally, I've got an outstanding call with my dealer to do a free update but I've not heard back about that yet.

[MrMPG 10]

Great thanks for that, I'll certainly be looking into it.

[MrMPG 10]

Andrew, which size did you go for - i'm not near the car at the moment so can't measure up but would like to get one sorted ASAP

[Andrew 760]

You only need the small one. If you shop about you might get a free bag too. It is a bit of an eyesore on the car and I begrudge it really but I'd not be without it.

[MrMPG 10]

Excellent, found one for £68 with a bag on 'the bay'. I know what you mean, its just a little more piece of mind vs the scum!

[Andrew 760]

When you get it make sure that the velcro on the metal pivot is well attached as the metal underneath is rough and will mark your wheel if it isn't there (he says from experience). You will also be best off leaving the lock at a slight angle (with the arm at say 10 o'clock) to reduce pressure indentations on the wheel. They do come out after a while so no great shakes in my book.

[Biscuits 212]

Welcome to TsN MrMPG and congratulations on your new purchase, they really are a cracking car

[Luke 1,232]

Post some pics up.

[MrMPG 10]

Andrew, thanks for the info re the disklok.

I'll get some pictures up ASAP currently away with work. Its Silverstone II (4 door had to compromise in order to get a 'family car'), satnav, PDC, EDC, 19's, Manual, Memory seats, USB Audio, DAB and Bluetooth.

[Mook 1,166]

4 door M3 = stealth-mobile :D

[Andrew 760]

Sounds almost identical to mine aside from the extra doors.

That makes four M3 owners on here now and a host of ex-owners too (I can think of two of these).

[Luke 1,232]

Like the 4 door model. It's quite subtle and good for the family and obviously great fun to drive.

[Calm Chris 749]

Mac (from memory) adjusted the pin outs on the OBC which means anyone plugging in gets jack all. I think he then made a straight on connector which readjusted the pins to the correct format.

So the garage and anyone else authorised to use the OBC can use it provided Mac gives them the straight on connector.

I might be dreaming it up, so await Mac and maybe he can forward on a link to the blog he wrote about improving security.

[MrMPG 10]

Luke, yes it does look subtle (apart from the hump and the 4 pipes) but to those that don't know what it is it could pass for any 'other' BMW.

Thanks for the info on that Chris that seems like a very good solution.

[Woppum 512]

Get the mod I had done!

BMW M3 E92 Exhaust Modification by BDM

[MrMPG 10]

I agree that sounds really nice, however convincing the Mrs and having a baby trying to get some kip in the back doesn't bode well, maybe one day. How is it inside, able to hold a conversation at normal level? How is it at 70-80 on the M-way?

[Woppum 512]

Sounds so much better in all respects.

[Biscuits 212]

Sounds so much better in all respects.

And quiet compared to your 997 RS !

[Andrew 760]

70-80 it is quiet as you like - no problem at all. I think you are under 2k in 6th at 70.

[Woppum 512]

And quiet compared to your 997 RS !

Positively mute!

[Mac 1,012]

Mac (from memory) adjusted the pin outs on the OBC which means anyone plugging in gets jack all. I think he then made a straight on connector which readjusted the pins to the correct format.

So the garage and anyone else authorised to use the OBC can use it provided Mac gives them the straight on connector.

I might be dreaming it up, so await Mac and maybe he can forward on a link to the blog he wrote about improving security.

This is exactly right I also have some other security on mine that I'd not really discuss on an open forum really, but think two factor authentication to drive. Even if you did program a new key on mine you wouldn't get anywhere anyway. In fact, even if you nicked the keys it wouldn't matter anyways.