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Unfortunately the colour choice was limited to any colour I liked, as long as it was "tango" haha! I'd always found them a half step above a Camry to be fair; but I've not driven one for several years - and it does what it says in the tin and suits my needs for the time being... and it was in such good nick with such a good history, it was difficult to justify something else at this stage.

i hope hes not your mechanic any more. stick with the correct castrol oil for the S54 engine.

Don't look... It drives far better than I expected it would, has a very extensive service history and came from a fussy owner with great presentation - unlike most of the alternatives I looked at... taking it over the Rimutakas tomorrow so interested to see how it goes. And if anyone in/near Wellington has a set of Mondeo 18inch alloys give me a shout!

e46 Touring. 190,000kms and change. It was time for some work, so it was booked into Auto38. VANOS Seals Valve Cover Gasket Oil Filter Housing seal Oil change & Filter (Mann & Penrite HPR5) Front suspension end-links (Meyle HD) Check and lube rear brake callipers Car is much nicer to drive. The endlinks had been rattling a little, and so not holding the wheels down on the road in corners. It's less lethargic. Yes, we're talking about an M54B25, so it's never going to 'sprint' compared to a B30; it's so much nicer than it has been for the past few years. A little more torque than it had, it's become smoother, and the mid-range kickdown at around 40 km/h (without flooring for kickdown) is happening effortlessly. Happy days. We've had this car since 112k kms, it's feeling better than ever. Conclusions: 1. If your M54 is over 150-160k kms, your VANOS seals are very likely in need of replacement. 2. If you're in Wellington, you really should consider Auto38! PS: this happened on the way to Manfeild a couple of weeks ago:

so... this is what happens when you run out of wheels to sell?! ?

Haha i know right when he told me the power figure i was like is that it lol. But my goal wasn't about the final power figure, more so getting the thing to idle and run smoother which its is definitely now. So very happy with the tune. Gavin even picked me up from the airport which was a 40min drive away, Highly recommend the guy!

cheap aliexpress ones I got for like $5 if anyone wants it photo shows the iphone x version but its for iphone 7. fake alcantara material and a poorly stamped M logo.

As much as i like keeping things original i don't why people don't swap to FL lights, massive improvement with the only downside of them being sealed. I agree with qube though, im going to assume its still using many original parts. Not a bad example to spend $ on though

Das ist einer Emm funf ja?

looks well presented and being 2000 you at least get the 1 year wof but it is prefacelift, has ugly front headlights, not sure what is up with the seats not being the standard M5 version, just looks like normal msport seats.. but in saying that its probably not a bad buy at around 30k given the value going up. still, kms are highish but i doubt it will detract from being a great car to drive. i would budget at least another 5k+ on maintenance bills though in the near future for bits and bobs?

How’s your recovery going, SJ? I hope the insurers are looking after you on the Baur, too.

So my e53 shat the speedo cluster, the speed and fuel gauges don't work. Ordered a new one from Germany. 000000 kms so will have to code it to my current mileage. Gotta love diesels haha

Well done! Even I’m tempted with a Mondeo after the Grand Tour’s piece on it. Sold the E46 then?

If you haven't already, check the condition of the drive shaft giubo.

Come on Lester! You know you should talk to me about this stuff. Could be the centre mount, worth having a look at and inspecting it for play. Also worth checking the rubber donut for signs of wear and tear

Good condition X5 Rims, 5x120 Factory silver with a little curbing, can easily be cleaned up Tyres will need to be replaced In future , might still be borderline wofable ??Fronts - 21x10" ET40 with 285/35/21 DUNLOPS Rears - 21x11.5" ET42 with 325/35/21 DUNLOPS These look pretty mean on 5 series and 7 series BMWs as pictured After $800 ONO, located in Auckland

Thanks Jon. 170-175 isn't all that much power these days, or even 15 years ago when the M3 was making well over 400. The attraction for me was around handling rather than outright acceleration or speed, so that's not an issue. Sadly it seems as though the lower power output doesn't necessarily translate to better economy, although the stock 85hp per litre isn't too shabby.

Gruppe5 Motorsport are building a road-going 2002 with a Dinan-tuned 5.8-5.9 litre V10. Power output is 744-803hp, fed through a 6-speed transaxle. Fun times! https://www.gruppe5motorsport.com/

I sat in one back in the day when they were available new from the dealerships in the UK, quite pricey over a standard 320i M-Sport IIRC. Quite a cool little limited numbers homologation special, maybe a little down on power in road trim to be fully exciting but still interesting none the less. I didn't get to test drive as there was no demonstrator vehicle as the dealers, so I can't comment from personal experience on that side. I have certainly never come across one in NZ, or heard of one. A quick search reveals nothing NZ, which I would expect. Even in terms of the used imports there is nothing in the screeds of 320i models that have been registered that would suggest it was an E90 Si model.

Motorsport bumpers are part of the issue, they get caught on anything. The way to do it without changing your existing car would be a strut shim, either create your own like @Allanw did or buy factory ones like these - https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/front-suspension-shim-priced-each/31306779671/

this morning, this happened. should be here in a couple of weeks. ?

Eww, who wants a car without an OBC? Peasants.

My recovery is going okay. Having a screwed shoulder is a bit debilitating to say the least. I may need an operation to correct it but I am trying to avoid that at all costs. My insurance is still taking their time with my claim. Apparently the valuer is having a hard time finding a car of comparable condition or model to value it against. He has sought information from overseas markets but the insurance company keeps saying they're waiting on him. Frustrating to say the least as I have secured a replacement vehicle which I need to pay for.