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So I passed cert! Great success!!! Also scored a 316 badge to go on the rear end to keep people guessing

I've been a bit quiet on here for a while. Mainly because of life's many interventions, but also because the 8er has had an irritating ignition issue so has been largely undriven while I slowly hunted around for parts and time to sort it. Anyway, got it running smoothly once more this weekend and took some pics - sadly, because I'm probably going to sell her - and was reminded just how beautiful the 8 series is.

Part way there already only rang him yesterday about doing the job and dropped it off this morning

Yeah originally it started with the stock, ancient lazy 4 speed that was a dull as you can imagine. So I first went to a 1997 5 speed behind the original 1UZ 4.0L using a custom controller. After the 3UZ went in, the ecu took over control of that 1997 5 speed, I should have however used a 2001 5 speed as there are some slight tuning differences between the two, so it wasn't quite a perfect match but still worked. Rather than just going for a 2001-2003 5 speed, I decided to see if I could use my 2001 engine with 2004 parts and just change the wiring, sure enough studying the wiring diagrams said it could be done. So bought the right ecu and gearbox, surprisingly it was hard to find the 6 speed for some reason, the one I got from a wrecker was from a 2005 Lexus GS430 with 135,000kms for $500, they run the same box in a lot of cars with the V8 Motor, Lexus LS430, SC430 and Toyota Crown V8 models plus a few others. These were all replaced with the 8 speed from 2007, and behind the newer gen UR series V8s. So yeah basically like usual Toyota lego the 6 speed slipped in like a glove, all factory mounting points. Only custom bit was just a 50mm plate to join the gear selector shaft bolts so P, R, N, D worked right. Would love to do this 3UZ / 6 speed swap into something like an E46 Touring with M3 suspension and kit work done. Would be easy, (relatively) and cost effective, but while ideas are free, running into a project like that would cost the better part of $20k, so one day.

I dont see a problem with any of that.....

So the date has been set, pretty excited…now just to hope it all goes well!

sold

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1312838165.htm Looks like a bargain for someone willing to throw some time and money at it... someone should make sure the bidding goes over 3.5k so I'm not at all tempted myself. It's a smidge under 265,000 km (Listing and car in miles), so just nicely run in for the next owner. From Listing;

did something about the ugliness .

Mechanic & BMW Wiz, Expressions of Interest: HellBM Motorsport is currently on the look out for a "know how, can do" technically minded individual with good time management and attention to detail. Working to create some of the most unique BMWs in the business, you'll need a flexible mindset with the ability to adapt to a growing market, and the desire to continually develop. Hours & Remuneration negotiable. If this sounds like you, be sure to to touch base. Silverdale North Shore

Just a heads up, the sump will suit an e30 swap.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/customs-classics/92380717/462000-fraud-blamed-on-bmw-addiction An accountant in the US has lost his wife, children and even his freedom over claimed addiction to classic BMW cars. He blames BMW culture. "BMW enthusiasts are frequently programmed into an attitude that all other makes and models are inferior," Terrance says.

Okay, some progress... maybe. When I did the plugs and coils approx 5000km ago, I did notice the back two - 4 and 8, incidentally the hardest to get at - had never been replaced - the BMW dealer where this car was bought was the last and only place in the service booklet to mention replacing plugs (!!). The plugs themselves were carbon bridged. Didn't think too much of it at the time (also !!). Fast forward to today. I hooked up INPA and went for a drive, keeping an eye on the knock sensor readings. whenever it pinged, guess which ones spiked right up? Yup, 4 and 8. So, my plan now is to acquire an endoscope, then pull the plugs and see what's going on in there. Maybe fit a couple of steps' colder plugs while I'm at it. Any ideas whether colder plugs will actually harm the engine or not? It's specced to have NGK heat range 6, I'm thinking 7, or maybe 8.

I've wanted one of these for a while. I'd pay the extra 4 g's and buy Julians.

badly fitting exhaust, strange v12 badge and wrong offset wheels...

Oh my this is tempting

Yeah, uhhhhh I committed fraud out of brand-loyalty. My BMW made me do it. It wasn't me, my 2002 did it. the Kylee Mole defence (it wasn't me, dolly did it).

I just love the supposed defence that other BMW fans effectively peer pressured him into it!

Got a WoF on the E36. Feckin' rear lights were a PITA. Aluminium backing plates, connecting to aluminium tabs from aluminium sockets, relying on pressure from a bulb, does not make for a solid, corrosion-resistant connection! Got to the WoF station and found I had a centre brake light, but no side brake lights and no rear fog light. Turns out that it was just the rear offside brake light bulb that wasn't quite making a connection, and that because it wasn't working the other bulbs took a union vote - solidarity, brothers! - and all decided not to work. One out, all out. Took bl**dy ages to find the culprit. Need to make a tiny adjustment to the steering rack, and will need to look at the front wishbone brackets - 'lollipops' - before the next warrant.

Good luck man, looks incredible. This thread has been compelling reading!

Don't know about the newer BMW's but for my e36 this set up is a good compromise between performance and tire wear. Front: Camber: -2.0 to -2.5 deg (per side) Toe: 0.10 to 0.20 deg total toe in. Rear: Camber: -1.5 to -2.0 deg (per side) Toe: 0.20 deg total toe in. I am happy with this set up. It feels nice and responsive on the back roads but dose't kill my tires, mind you the burnouts don't help with tire wear

you've changed out from 5 to 6 speed? very impressive. and now 6.0sec to 100? It's sounding really nice, Michael. Which trans is it? I take it this is a retrofit from a later model - more Toyota/Lexus Lego?

Cars going well, just keeping on top of usual maintenance. Finished 6 speed automatic gearbox install, and rewiring ECU plugs to run new type 6 speed ECU. This thing goes so much better than before. Over 2 seconds quicker to 100kph than in standard spec with the original 4.0L engine and 4 speed automatic. Here's a 0-100kph clip of the dash.

So a couple of weeks ago I was approached by a media company asking if Rusta could be used in an Ad for a fairly big beer company supporting the English Lions tour coming up. This morning was filming for this, I'll upload the videa once it's completed and ready

Yea, ive actually gone with a new certifier. I have a few things to sort out before getting the plate... 1. There is a slow leak somewhere, needs to be isolated, that should be fun since I cant hear any air escaping. 2. The Airbag system can only be operational when the car is in Park, so I need to build a harness using the P engage light as a signal. 3. Get a proper gear stick < haha

Spotted this at the Valley in the weekend! Looks good and definitely a head turner! Hopefully in the future when we have more meets we will catch up.

Price dropped to 6.5k, come on guys, car has gotta go~

I took it for a strop to Auckland with #1 son, filled a few days of the school holidays in. And settle in the new shocks and tyres. Photos shortly. It's a great distance car. On smooth seal, you can turn up and enjoy the hifi without road noise intrusion. luxury. It's confortable, minimises time in the opposite lane while overtaking, stops and handles pretty well. And for the first time I had the fuel economy readout in the 11l/100km range. Pretty good given I was enjoying the kickdown bark while overtaking. Oh, and while in Auckland I went and had a look at the drift series at Pukekohe. My first time seeing it live, and I wasn't impressed. A separate post on that. I also fitted some genuine BMW wiper blades while in the north. I was having a little trouble fitting the new Valeos. Then I had trouble with the BMW blades... Auckland City BMW service advisor kindly helped me out. I guess I wasn't savage enough with them! Today a package arrived, and I'm enjoying reading my way through the north american e60 sales brochure (bout 70 pages), luxuriating in that BMW marketing speak. all rights reserved. hosted here on Bimmersport. My panzerwagen on SH4 - the Paraparas.

Job's a good 'un