E46 M3 - Couple of questions now I've had the car a while

[Bada Bing!]

I've had the M3. Month or two now, and a few things have popped up I'd like the answer to. Can anyone help?

1. I get a few flat spots on acceleration when cold for the first minute or two - normal?

2. I need iPhone connectivity quick. That HK stereo is just going to waste with FM. Any suggestions?

3. Why don't I have any cupholders? I have the phone cradle beside the handbrake which I think is where the cupholders normally live. I don't use the cradle though as the iPhone is hooked up by Bluetooth. Will removing it and replacing upholders interfere with the phone functionality? Would I just get cupholders from the dealer or is there somewhere better online?

[Slurms]

Bada Bing! said:

I've had the M3. Month or two now, and a few things have popped up I'd like the answer to. Can anyone help?

1. I get a few flat spots on acceleration when cold for the first minute or two - normal?

2. I need iPhone connectivity quick. That HK stereo is just going to waste with FM. Any suggestions?

3. Why don't I have any cupholders? I have the phone cradle beside the handbrake which I think is where the cupholders normally live. I don't use the cradle though as the iPhone is hooked up by Bluetooth. Will removing it and replacing upholders interfere with the phone functionality? Would I just get cupholders from the dealer or is there somewhere better online?

1. Not sure about flat spots as such being normal but certainly on start up from cold the engines can be a little difficult. Very easy to stall when cold and you can get them to kangaroo..

2. there is a DICE unit that replaces the CD changer, likewise there is also a BMW branded box that offers a similar solution. Not a 100% true interface but allows access to play lists and displays some track info.

3. Yes the cupholders are normally beside the handbrake, you can replace the phone cradle with the cupholders but you need to relocate the pairing button. If you do a few internet searches it's been done by others.

[Bada Bing!]

Thanks for that. I don't have a changer in the back, just the DVD for the satnav. Does that change things?

[kazman]

Do you have the prewiring for the changer? If so, thats all you need for an Intravee 2, which i use and have found to be excellent and very "factory".

[Slurms]

I'm not 100% sure but I believe that all the M3's are pre-wired for a CD changer in the boot, either way the head unit will still have an interface socket so installation should be possible.

[Nedz]

The flat spots/rough running for the first minute when cold is normal,dont worry about it.I have often wondered why my vert doesn't have cup holders,maybe they just weren't an option on the E46/M3.

[0836whimper]

All common questions I had.

1 As advised already, the 'flatspots' are the car being grumpy when cold, typical of these cars, nothing to worry about. Let it run for 30 secs before driving off helps, or you just get used to compensating for it

2 Intravee is best for Ipod integration (assuming you solve the lack of changer issue). Relatively expensive, but easy to fit and works really well, full control over artist, song, playlist etc and integrates with all the nav display, controls and steering wheel.

3 I added cupholders with the BMW genuine part, easy even with bluetooth kit, if you can't find a diy guide I can assist. Type e46 cupholder into ebay