Superb - exactly the sort of advice I was hoping for, so many thanksMr Tidy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 09, 2021 8:23 pm Well firstly welcome to the forum!
Those seats are a huge improvement.
I don't know about parts shared with other makes but many E85/86 parts are the same as othere BMWs, especially the E46 3 Series.
The forum can also be a good source of parts, and both Cotswold BMW and Sopers of Lincoln offer a discount if you mention the forum.
Someone found what seems to be a good source for cup-holders here:- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=126282
I got a new front badge on Amazon for £40.45 in September 2019 - it came from BMW Park Lane.
Cruise Control is a fairly popular retro-fit. The stalk costs around £100 from BMW, and forum member "srhutch" will supply the section of wiring loom required for not much money. If you take the lower cowl off the steering column you can see the outline of where to cut it on the inside.
Hopefully others will be able to help with some of your other questions, but in the meantime I don't think anyone would mind seeing photos of your other cars!
Since that time I've done the cup holder (similar price to you, but with the current eBay discount), the bonnet badge and wheel centres. I took the silver badges off because some were tatty and I'm not looking to compete on a concourse I also found a wind breaker and an indoor cover (both good quality and madly inexpensive).
Like the idea of the cruise control though, and also the bluetooth trick. I'll have a look. Thanks!