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Did a little switcharoo this arvo, removed some decals and swapped the boot lid. Running the e92 18’s for that super smooth look. Loving how little effort this thing takes to swap around, keeps someone who’s consistently getting bored like myself entertained !

Because they are all automatic.

To be clear I am not hating on auto - and agree that with a tune they are actually really good. But flat peak, Monster Energy vape squad aren't so keen on them.

Biggest limitation to N54 power production is cast pistons in an open deck aluminium block. The Siamesed cylinders give some support but the 2JZ had both Siamesed cylinders and a thick closed deck with extra thick cylinders at the top. The RB block in contrast had thin-ish cylinder walls, core shift, thinner deck and was not as hard as the 2JZ, it also had a poor oil system and frequently cracked the block when pushed past 5-600 HP. So I agree the N54 has limitations compared to the 2JZ but apart from the Barra (Which is very big and heavy) the early N54's stack up pretty well compared to a lot of other tuner engines. I didn't mention EJ, SR or 4G engines because well they are 4 Cyl and yes they can make big HP but they require a lot of work to get there especially the EJ . Also all of the above mentioned engines will require new turbos, intakes, pipes and fuel systems so it makes any argument about the reliability of the factory setup for big HP a bit redundant. The stock setup on a 2JZ would allow maybe 450HP pretty similar to an N54 and a bit more possibly than an N55, a stock RB26 DETT can make just over 400HP. Now finding an affordable Supra or GTR well that's just not going to happen and they cant be tuned with a phone App. Just getting some perspective here.

Replaced all hoses in my 26 year old cooling system. On Friday I got a check coolant level warning. Topped it up when cold, started and got it up to temp. Just as the thermostat opened there was a big gush of steam from under the inlet manifold. When doing a check, two of the hoses just ripped off leaving the hose-clamp and a bit of hose stuck on the outlets... Hoses totally rotten. Sourced replacement hose, fittings and new clamps and made up a replacement hose set. Did a throttle body delete too since the thermostat in the airbox broke a long time ago and it's been linked ever since to always on. I replace all hoses. Also decided to replace all the fuel hoses too. The result ended up fairly tidy for an E36... Fullsize http://i68.tinypic.com/16gfrwy.jpg

I purchased this on a bit of an impulse a few months ago (couldn't resist an E39 Touring!). Year: 2003 Kms: 180km Colour is silver, with black leather interior, wood trim, grey headlining and genuine BMW 16" alloys. Body and interior is in good condition that's in keeping with age and kms. Hey it is 15 years old so not everything will be perfect ? WoF expires Oct 2019, rego expires Dec 2019. It has an aftermarket Sony single DIN headunit however steering wheel controls no longer work. Cruise control isn't working - I suspect wiring was butchered when stereo was installed. Bad dash pixels and broken front cup holders - common on the E39. Has oil leaks - diagnosed by Auto 38 coming from rocker cover, inlet cam sensor O ring and sump gasket. Replaced all 6 spark plugs and one coil due to a misfire - thanks to Jon at Auto38! PRICE DROP due to leak - $1,800 firm for a stock standard e39 touring! Cheers!

It certainly leads a busy life for the amount of kms it drives ?

I don't think there's an E46 M3 in town that has so much owner devoted attention :p

put a manual in it

Blad. Niiice. Must show me that rig some day soon. EDIT: "Swiss shoots German in Wellington!"

New WOF for the E30. 1990’s car shot on a Hasselblad from the 80’s

I feel ya, but still,

Drive a well sorted n54/n55. Blows an E36 M3 out of the water for pure performance and refinement.

Nothing would ever truly beat those engines given they were overbuilt by Japanese in the golden era of engine manufacturing. No intention of owning one but do respect them and do get the appeal of N54\N55. Its too bad many modern BMW engines like these seemed to be plagued with reoccurring issues or issues that shouldn't exist.

honestly love these wheels on the E46.. sooooo nice. Must have said that at least 4 times in this thread haha

Emblem comes with the airbagand can't buy new individually so best bet to find one 2nd hand or aftermarket

Hah, you make it sound like you can just turn the boost up on a 2JZ and get 1000hp. In reality 1000HP out of a 2JZ, RB26 or N54 is going to be a big, expensive job. The 335i has been a performance deal since 2016, or earlier even. I was looking at low mileage 335i wagons in 2015 for under 30 grand.

The consensus here is to avoid those engines entirely.

Been thinking this for a while as the prices have been coming down, all of the twin-turbo ?35i models are so easily tuneable and with the addition of a few cheap bolt-ons can give so much more power so easily. I've been wondering why it's taken the boy racer / tuner fraternity have taken so long to pick up on these models, maybe they are too hooked on their Japanese models to notice the potential of the Euro cars?

Wouldn't be tempted to trade for my 335i touring? I kinda miss the damn thing. I know it's unlikely but pm if interested.

had a good run out of our X5 4.4i 2001 model , done about 230ks , trans was rebuilt by previous owners about 10-15k's ago yea just watch out cam chain guide repairs also trans , other than that not too bad late v8's have the N62 engine , they have a lot more issues but use less fuel , 3l petrol too under powered really diesel 3l turbo probably a good option but the petrol v8's are cheaper to buy , just get one from a family or company that's owned it for years as they probably have spend the money on maintaining it rather than the quick flick it before it breaks guy

Time for another diff seal. Must’ve been a 1000km running-in seal. Ffs. That’ll teach me for replacing them (old wern’t leaking) while having the diff out.