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I actually really like SMG (with CSL tune) and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one. Both have their charms. I’ve never gone back to SMG so maybe that would change my mind? SMG sucks is a classic internet meme.

Getting a little maintenance in the way of a new diff being built by Kayne at KBM 45% 2 way, 3 plate setup - this should make a bit of a difference..!

MkIV never had any X factor for me. Always thought it was a fat whale of a car.

Well 2019 is looking promising so far! Late 2018 I dropped the car off to Steven Sole Customs here in New Plymouth for a full panel and paint. IMG_5774.MOV With the car back home now I'm still slowly piecing it all back together. joined_video_ce80f80f32c2432181c062f99dc66cbf.mp4 Next on the list is the interior, Stay Tuned.

I did check if I could find replacement used ones in better quality and wasnt happy with what sellers were offering, so we decided to make a couple of days out of it and combined skills to refurb what we have. Basically: - No foam/sponge left in originals, no softness in the horsehair molded bases. Cloth itself in pretty good condition. - Forced stripes of cotton wadding inside "piping" on the back piece - Kept the horse hair mold but added middle strips of 35-160U High Density foam and side bolsters of 28-170U Medium density foam - Hand washed rear cloth, did not remove from seat as it was riveted to the frame (and no need). - Machine washed base - Wife sewed in "Interface" material into the base stips to create new "loops" to hold the side-centre-side metal bars in place (original channels disintegrated - Initially used OEM like Bull Ring pliers to reattached metal bars etc but found that large cable ties work a lot better. Used lots of them (13per base, 5 on each side and 3 in the middle). Very happy with result, firm but soft, smells great too thanks to the washing and cloth shampoo!

A bit late to the party here, There was at least 1 other 3.8 sold here NZ New, now owned by Christchurch BMW. Rego SD5170. Not sure what they paid but I know it had done about 120kms. Also, Purple, T-Stars and cloth M5 seats.

On it - thanks Gaz.

just seen one pop up in one of the e30 facebook groups, will try to find it again and send you the link

Definitely! That is the plan/ goal, as i can't miss it in my own back yard!

But isn't SMG manual? ? Really though, that intake look real nice. Bet it sounds glorious up the rpm range.

Anything can be three pedals if you try hard enough.

I have two E28s, next time you are in Wellington, you are more than welcome to measure anything you require

Certainly take a electric motor over a turbo charger

To be fair, not sure the 18” wheels look right. A nice set of staggered 17” style 5’s would add to the look!

And all that’s left of the red M5 we had lives in 6FTNDR M5 Dif, mirrors, wheels and interior

I think this is great. I'm a fan, and wish we saw more cars like this. Styling is questionable, but some angles (rear) looks awesome. The reviews are praising the handling. And M2 levels of power are more than enough for the street. I'd rather a BMW interior than Toyota. It's benchmarked off a Cayman - and that makes it look like a good buy. (You can't compare used to new and it's certainly not comparable to a Stinger). The biggest problem I see is practicality. Small boot etc...

Annoying thing is that back in 2007 I worked on a project for Toyota Australia where their TRD section developed a "proper" TRD ute, supercharged v6 petrol, big brakes, shocks & Springs, etc. Was doing well until the bean counters closed it down for no proper reason, look at the size of the tricked-up ute market now. The "TRD" is only a few stickers, and bits of trim, no more power, etc... grr.