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I think one of the problems, as proven by this thread, we all want something different out of the forum/car shows/etc and since NZ has a small market, it makes it hard for things to survive. Just look at any music festival over the last 10 years based in NZ if you want to draw a comparision. I will be forever thankful to Bimmersport as it stopped me from going down the path of 19 inch chromies, lambo doors and flashing neon lights.

facebook has nothing on a decent forum for discussion and information collation and sharing.

Clicked on the OP's link - took me to my own listings, was very confused.

Its quiet cause i post on the forums, i have a very low tolerance to baggers and idiots so blame me

I disagree that Facebook will replace forums. Maybe for the young folk but not for me!

Parnell Rise a little after 5pm yesterday.

I think the hater comments in this thread sum up why this forum is quiet. 2c Back to FB with the "wankers"

Clears look outdated to me. Sooo last decade.

I do believe the last time i looked the rear shocks were bilsteins... I'll get it on the hoist tomorrow and take a photo of the front and rear for you.

sorry about the divorce

You sound rather jaded

Forums are like a long term relationship, after a while its just a rehashing of the same old conversations and routines, it can end up like feeling like you are flogging a dead horse… and when kids come along, then the romance is well and truly dead. You can’t stay together for the family or blind loyalty, it stifles potential and creativity, and it can make you a very dull, empty and unhappy person. You need passion. Sometimes it’s best to cut your losses and get out and sample the other low hanging fruit, change is good and exciting. Read into that what you will.

To be honest I put it down to a decline in people willing to work on their cars. The [insert ricer suburb near you] lot are all on facebook complaining about cops harassing them in their hondas, and the rest of the car inclined people get their mechanic to do it or do it themselves. Basically there's not many people left doing decent projects in the driveway, they're either good enough to do it themselves with little help or wanna be jap street racers (glad they're not here) of course it's made more extreme by the fact this is New Zealand and then add to that the small portion of BMW owners and from the BMW owners, those who actually want to do their own car work. That basically leaves us. Social media will never replace a forum, when I search "E32 IHKA" I get a bunch of forums serviced by highly knowledgeable groups of people, not one social media account. I have asked things on Facebook and got nothing but idiotic replies. Forums are easy to navigate records, and they keep good historical data. Ever tried to find an old post in facebook? It's a nightmare. Overall though there appears to be a global decline in willingness to work on your own car, even the big international forums are getting quiet with the "old timers" keeping the likes of me around by being able to instantly diagnose a poorly described rattle from the AC unit as a loose blower motor mount and linking me to a 5 year old forum post on how to fix it. That sort of glorious knowledge is why I love a good forum. Sadly it seems that people are scared to even look at an engine. For me, once you know the working principals you can fix it. Of course there are the finer points of how a specific system goes together and how to handle it but in general, if you research things you can do it yourself. I find the NZ forums to be very helpful, the Americans and Euro guys are pretty much "buy the part that fits" type people, whereas us kiwi's tend to reply with "well, the fitting costs $150 but with a bit of brass, a tap & die kit from repco and a few beersies you can make on for $12" - That sort of workaround, do it from anything is what I love about most NZ forums and that's not just cars - metalworking, fabrication, RC you name it, there's a Kiwi saying "bog it together" and an American saying "just buy a $50 part, spend $75 in shipping and wait for a week"

you could be on to something there Paul, i think you are right. One look at BMWCCNZ strengthens your point though having said that, one could argue that those who have old BMWs that wrench on them themselves are more enthusiast than those with the latest 235i or M6 that has only ever been at the dealer, the owners not dreaming of touching them. I find myself placed in this school of thought

Nice e34 storage bench u have there

Facebook won't replace forums / they're just busier with bullshit.

Waved good bye to an old friend :'( she started as an ugly ducking and turned into the beauty she is today. Luckily I sold her to my workmate so will still see her around lots.

I think the problem is the original crew have moved on / changed priorites and are here less often. Those that drop off aren't being replaced as the younger crew are heading to FB instead. I don't currently own a BMW but still check in here every once and a while I still think there is a place for a forum, but NZ and BMW's only is too small. Shame there is no car centric forum for grown ups (i.e. no flat peaks, slammed cars etc) specific to NZ.

Where's your sense of fun ? I take it Toms after the rhd version ?

I think the chrome finish would act as a barrier between the paint and the plastic. Don't think the paint would bond with the chrome finish just as normal paint will not adhere properly. Sand the chrome off and it would work. Or just leave it... It's only a phone!

Be keen to hear your impressions, fingers crossed...

It's been discussed many times before. There is no right answer as various people have said above, and is entirely dependent on the state of each individual car, it's upkeep, etc. I've had great Singa and Jap imports and sh*t ones. Topic closed as we don't need to discuss it all over again. Just use the search function to find more fruitless topics about the 'best' origin of imports.

Front seats in the 8 look doable but the rear seat looks difficult! Would love a colour change but not sure I'm prepared to pull mine apart to make a pattern... It could take me months to finish it!!

Easy. "Rune Tinos Maraud" Best you get that sorted! Could be trouble.

Well after a bit of a run around with the insurance company, finally got my car back! Not completely finished as parking sensors need doing but I needed the car back as having sold the white one didn't have a spare car just sitting, and insurance are paying for fixing that when I get it done. Anyways! Got my rear bumper and spoiler fixed, AND my front bumper and skirt! (Which was shocking as hell anyway) It looks fantastic, love the work done, looks like a new car! And all old damage that was apparent is fixed up with the claim so I sort of killed two birds with one stone.. And then of course a quick before shot