[keca10]

Three weeks ago traded in my 07 GTI for an 05 M3 with competition package SMG in Mystic Blue. The VW GTI rocked, but this thing is on a whole another level. The M3 had 16500 miles when I purchased it in absolute mint shape, got it for 35500. Came with Navigation and premium package (and maybe a few other things).

I will have a few pics up soon if anyone is interested.

I do have a few questions (i guess they could each be their own thread, but whatever)...

1. Parking Brake. I need to bring the parking brake lever all the way up for it to engage. Pretty much the car will move until the last click. Is this normal? I know the previous owner upgraded the pads to ceramic (thanks to PPI). Would the ceramic pads and steel brake cables affect anything? Do I need to have the dealer tighten the p. brake cable?

2. I did a bit of searching on this one but found nothing concrete. I had a VAG-COM interface for my GTI where I could change things that the dealer didn't want to (such as be able to code the car and turn off DRLs, or turn on window control function through the key fob). Is there anything like this available for the M3? For example one wouldn't have to go to a dealer if they installed an alarm themselves, they could activate it at home.

3. I am missing a seat belt part in the back seat on the right (the part where you plug it in). I did not notice that it was even gone until few days ago. What could be a reason why this is missing? Maybe the guy raced without the backseat or something? I hope not. I am just wondering if there could be a known common reason why one would be motivated to remove it.

thanks

[zemperaye]

Originally Posted by keca10

Three weeks ago traded in my 07 GTI for an 05 M3 with competition package SMG in Mystic Blue. The VW GTI rocked, but this thing is on a whole another level. The M3 had 16500 miles when I purchased it in absolute mint shape, got it for 35500. Came with Navigation and premium package (and maybe a few other things).

I will have a few pics up soon if anyone is interested.

I do have a few questions (i guess they could each be their own thread, but whatever)...

1. Parking Brake. I need to bring the parking brake lever all the way up for it to engage. Pretty much the car will move until the last click. Is this normal? I know the previous owner upgraded the pads to ceramic (thanks to PPI). Would the ceramic pads and steel brake cables affect anything? Do I need to have the dealer tighten the p. brake cable?

2. I did a bit of searching on this one but found nothing concrete. I had a VAG-COM interface for my GTI where I could change things that the dealer didn't want to (such as be able to code the car and turn off DRLs, or turn on window control function through the key fob). Is there anything like this available for the M3? For example one wouldn't have to go to a dealer if they installed an alarm themselves, they could activate it at home.

3. I am missing a seat belt part in the back seat on the right (the part where you plug it in). I did not notice that it was even gone until few days ago. What could be a reason why this is missing? Maybe the guy raced without the backseat or something? I hope not. I am just wondering if there could be a known common reason why one would be motivated to remove it.

thanks

Congrats. Its going to be alot of fun. Just make sure your on top of you game and take care of it. To answer some of your questions, your inquiry about the parking brake. Mine also does that. I literally have to pull it up to the last click. I put it in gear as well, that pretty much insures me it will not move. I dont know if that eases your mind, but looking back at past records from previous owner, it was recorded that the parking brake needed some adjusting, so either they didnt adjust it, or thats how it is. Anywho, i supposed if it bothers you to a certain point, you could always get it tightened up.

Not too sure about the alarm though, but I have seen some threads stating that the alarm had to be activated by the dealer.

As far as your seatbelt.not sure what to say about that. Everyone has a reason to do things, (most of the time), maybe its just tucked really well under the seat (im sure youve dug through it already). I would just go to the dealership and see if they can get that for you. I dont know if you could get those anywhere else. BTW, if you ever need parts for anything, such as misc. stuff, some MODS, your best bet is europeanautosource.com
Also, a bunch of guys on this forum will sell you performance stuff, and they are great to help out. GL and enjoy the new whip.

[keca10]

yeah, I found another thread where the OP was saying that he had to raise the Parking brake right up to the last click. Just wanted to see how common that is.... Of course I keep it in gear, too. I think SMG kind of requires you to do that.

I can't find a VAG-COM type device for BMWs.... if anyone knows if they exist please let me know.

yeah I am gonna have the dealer fix the seatbelt.

This car is wild too bad the MN winter is coming

[MoLexus]

Just keep in mind your car is still under warranty and if I'm not mistaken safety features in all cars has a different warranty that is enforced not just by the manufacture but by the fed. Good luck and enjoy the ride!

[Calel]

did anyone else chuckle at "VAG-COM" sigh... im still a little boy somewhere inside.. :-D

[B1mmerM]

First congrats!!!

Looks like you got most of your answers but for the seat belt receiver, check under the seat. The seat bottom simply lifts up from the front of the seat. Give it a tug then slide the seat out and see if maybe the thing fell under the cusion.

[keca10]

Originally Posted by likev

First congrats!!!

Looks like you got most of your answers but for the seat belt receiver, check under the seat. The seat bottom simply lifts up from the front of the seat. Give it a tug then slide the seat out and see if maybe the thing fell under the cusion.

Awesome.... something like this is really what I am looking for. I will post my finding (or lack of it) as soon as I check under the seat. Thanks again!

[keca10]

Originally Posted by Calel

did anyone else chuckle at "VAG-COM" sigh... im still a little boy somewhere inside.. :-D

I know I had the same thought when I heard about it on vwvortex. Not the greatest marketing decision (or is it...). But it is an awesome tool regardless of the name.

[ohnoes]

Congrats on the purchase, OP. Looks like everyone else has covered your questions pretty well.

There's no VAG-COM equivalent for BMWs. Well, there's CarSoft, but good luck a) getting it to work, and b) getting it to do anything especially useful. So yeah, really, you're out of luck there. BMWs are generally not as tuner-friendly, mostly because there's only been one turbo engine in the past few decades in the North American market. Can't remember if the E23 745i was sold in this market...

Originally Posted by Calel

did anyone else chuckle at "VAG-COM" sigh... im still a little boy somewhere inside.. :-D

If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say VAG = Volkswagen AG.

[Calel]

invest in a winter package. Some rims with proper rubber on them.. could do this for under 1k if done through the forum.