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Time for a plate change, went slim on front, not sure. Really need to see the front in the light. Euro look is definitely better and a bit of double meaning in the plate ?

Sorry guys, no real assembly progress as of yet, waiting on panel beater to have some free time to swap the rear panel, was rusty behind the towbar so going to unstitch and stitch a replacement Have started to strip the rear end and will 2k coat it black Couple of other goodies have been purchased, M3 evo brakes and new rotors, brakes have been rebuilt and hawk pads which ill keep aside for work outs and put in good day to day pads for weekend driving Along with these to go on the motor eventually Hopefully the next update is either a new panel on the back or the rear end assembled and the new wheels mocked up!

I know a bit about the M103/4, from MB, AMG and Brabus. When that controller gives up, throw it all away and go MegaSquirt, Link or Haltech. It's cheaper. This was mine. And yes - two of the coil packs did give up...

Chipping away at the AVIN 10 inch Android 10 4gb/64 head unit. I have factory NAV, Hifi audio with a 2007/08 vintage CCC. Getting the old screen out was easy. It has a power connector and a video connector down to the factory headunit. It's a matter of taking out the climate control panel, and associated trim, unscrewing the factory head unit and sliding it out past over the gearstick. My unit has a big connector with the factory loom (including the green MOST bus fiber connetions), a radio antenna connection, gps connection and a video cable from the factory screen. All of these were disconnected and the factory head unit set aside for the time being. The AVIN provided loom sits between the factory connector and the head unit and breaks out a number of connections etc. The power part of this loom needs to go up to the Android screen on the dash. I ordered a GPS splitter which is needed if you want to use your factory GPS antenna/sharkfin, as it's the only way it will reach up to the screen location. The advantage of this is also that it will allow the GPS feed to the factory NAV unit (should for some reason you want to use that, I like things to work as they were originally even if I dont' use them so this was a bonus for me) . Radio connection remains into the factory headunit. Depending on your factory setup you may or may not find the need to run the sound output (AUX) from the AVIN loom to your factory AUX port. Some cars need this, others don't. Of course mine needed it so I had to run a cable from the loom to the AUX port in my centre console. The Android head unit has a number of connectors, CCC video from the factory head unit, power connection from the loom, a USB port tail (run that to glovebox or other location) and tails for reversing camera and aux in feeds. It also has connections for the GPS and the 4G antenna. The AVIN unit seems to fit into the hole that the CCC screen left behind (haven't fixed it in it's final position yet). Challenges for me: Fitting the additional loom into the space behind the factory NAV unit. It's double DIN sized and deep so doesn't leave much room. Fortunately there is a gap at the back and the loom can be stuffed in there while leaving the connector with enough reach to plug in. Tricky but just needed patience. Running the AUX lead from the loom under the center console. Not too much of a pain but extra time taking off panels. I want a better solution than popping the cable out through a gap and plugging into the AUX port. In the future I might connect it internally so it's not visible to the rear of the AUX port. Tips: TEST TEST TEST EVERYTHING! Check you have sound from your factory radio (the AVIN does not do FM/AM that remains with the factory unit). Check you have video from your CCC/CIC to the new AVIN unit. Check your iDrive controller is working properly etc. It's possible to plug in the CCC video cable the WRONG way into the factory head unit, resulting in a corrupted video display. This stumped me for a good 15 mins until I realised the connection was not keyed on the back of the factory unit... I have not done the final fitting to the dash yet ...so the big gap won't be there when it's finished

Shifter upgrade kit and transmission mounts: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assembled-by-ecs-parts/shifter-rebuild-kit/sftrbkt2/

Hi all, Just checkin' in, I'm new to BMW but a fairly experienced VW owner (MK5 GTI, MK6 Variant). I always wanted to try one of these straight-6 engines, so I bought a 130i M-Sport (LCI) recently. I don't think I'll ever regret the switch. Volkswagens will always be people's cars where BMW is for those that like driving. So I'm pretty happy. I'm planning on a few mods, but I'll leave this lady as close to factory as possible. Nice to be here, looking forward to the wisdom, experience and advice I'll get here.

www.bidbud.co.nz

Had quite the busy weekend pulling apart this old girl

Hey Guys, Just thought I would let you know about the great service I got from this guy. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=1969570 His name is Kerry and he has repaired my instrument cluster and mid for my E38.My mid was doing the usual pixels are gone and it was a get around to it thing. The cluster lights on the second row stopped functioning and then the stepper motor on the speedo failed showing a maximum speed of 40km so I had to have something done. Auto sparky told me it would be 4 weeks and around $800.00 - $1000.00 for the repairs. I found him on Trademe and after a quick chat I boxed it all up and sent it to be repaired. The service has been excellent, he has sent me pictures showing the issues within the units, progress images as they have been repaired, and the completed repair images. The turn around has been 4 DAYS! Including overnight couriers in both directions! The repairs completed were New mid led and bulbs, New resistors in instrument cluster lighting circuit, All stepper motors replaced in the instrument cluster, 3 new bulbs in instrument cluster. Total cost including shipping was $360.00 with a 12 month warranty If you need some work done on this part of your car I thoroughly recommend talking to him. He is based in Christchurch. Pm me if you want his contact details. Cheers

This is Barry's @Autoglym “Mini-Me”. Why Mini-Me? It’s the little version of his fabulous Zinnoberrot e28 ///M535i! See the likeness? Mini-Me: Tuesday 11 August, 2020 e28 ///M535i - August 2017 (unmistakeable likeness) The short story is it’s done ~250k kms, originally from Wangvegas. It was found in a quiet garage, off the beaten track. A very tidy car, feels like the rear seat has barely been sat in. There are the minor dents and dings of a 30+ year old e30. It’s running a very slick M42 installation that's had new rings and bearings, and it idles beautifully and goes well. There's a carefully-built compact header setup that clears the steering and meets with the standard M40 exhaust. Mini-Me currently runs an auto, and has disc rear end from factory. Plans are to tidy it up, perhaps a manual conversion, windscreen, and get it certed. And then enjoy Mini-Me for fun and shows. e30 Mega Meet, here we come! First job: A good go over with Auto Glym and a little elbow grease… Rinse and Bodywork Shampoo to start, with a quick blow-off Auto Glym Clay bar kit, Auto Glym Bodywork Shampoo (briefly), Followed by Auto Glym Super Resin Polish, Auto Glym Clean Wheels, Auto Glym Bumper & Trim Gel, Auto Glym Bumper & Trim Detailer, ... and then finished off with Auto Glym Instant Tyre Shine. Beautiful! You might have guessed, Barry is Mr Auto Glym. Support your fellow Bimmersporter, you can find his products here: https://barrysgarage.co.nz/shop/autoglym-product-categories/ Plans are to tidy it up, perhaps a manual conversion, windscreen, and get it certed. And then enjoy Mini-Me for fun and shows. e30 Mega Meet, here we come! Some upholstery work is being scheduled, and other maintenance items are in the wind. Watch this space!

SO I accidentally a ActiveHybrid 5 last night, Ex-Japan, Cream interior , Now, to somehow collect it from Palmy....

After looking at a million options and different replacements for the Merc, we’ve settled on our first M car. Taking into account we wanted a rapid tourer that could do light daily easy driving it seemed a later car with adaptive suspension/ steering etc would best suit. My wife is not that tall and finds any 3 series too low in the seat, she likes to see the end the bonnet and the F series is just to low for her to be happy, interestingly the latest 3 is ok in this regard but really for the spec we want out of price range. Getting another 7 is just two big in F01 range and the F10 is about right considering we are moving from an E class. Next issue was engine, N63 V8 seemed like it would hand grenade at the look of a late oil change. And even if you got a good one, resale would be utter garbage. Wife didn’t want a diesel, couldn’t change that. 535i option, good balance of power,price, poise, however vehicle specs are generally pretty piss poor and not at same 550 level we really want. Probably get bored with it. Looked Audi S6 which are very nice but decided when the right F10 car came along we might get really interested. E class was more of what we had and that is a good car but we’re selling the E550 because it lacks a really driving connection so anything but a E63 was out and they are too similar to the 550 for me. E60 M5 was an option, yes they have problems but so do all M/ performance cars one way or another. Find the right one it would be an awesome car. Ultimately the lack of adaptive suspension, it’s transmission change and overall tech age made the extra cost of the F10 worthwhile to us. Had ‘our’ M5 come up late last week at Auckland BMW, just traded. Promising look of spec, and mileage (80k), looked black in the pics but is metallic Blue (Imperial-Blau brilliant metallic (A89)). On first seeing we where happy to see the colour of the car outside in sunlight. Lovely metallic fleck. Its a one owner NZ New, BMW full service history car. Less then 80k would have been nice but the provenance to me was more important overall. Previous owner had a E39 M5 prior to this and traded up to a new M5, condition is extremely good, clearly looked after. Here’s some pics from the ad, more to come at pickup tomorrow ?. Let the fun begin. Some of the options: soft close doors, electric boot, heated and cooled front seats with full comfort and bolster adjustment, surround view cameras, big arse engine ? with 560 odd horses

Yep. From the outside with lights off they look identical. Now we’ve cleared that up ?, I need to find me some Xenons to fit to bring it back to build spec.

Halogens are standard across the range in all years I believe, Xenons optioned, often standard on higher end like 540/m5.

If memory serves he always wanted ~24k in past auctions. The problem is no one wants to own it for that so he appeared explore other 'tactics'.

The twin cam M104.94x/99x in 3.0 and 3.2 guise after the initial M104.98x engines (300e-24 etc) were the start of the chocolate loom. The -24 .98x engine have a different problem in that the bosch controller for the coils is $6K from Mercedes and after market is non existent. The stroked 3.4 AMG engine was based on the .98x engine and the 3.6 used an om606 diesel crank in the M104.941/992 kinda like alpina used the forged M21 diesel crank in their 2.7 M20's.

I've got good news and bad news https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/2755802817?bof=9849D4pu

What's in the box....?!

controversial opinion They are only really aimed at the people that can afford new these days, and who will sell it in 3 to 5 years, thus that’s as long as they need to last. Mercedes also is guilty, just look into the biodegradable wiring loom.

Cars still running sweet, has been on a couple of long drives recently and the drivers seat is a quite comfortable place to be. Nice sized parcel turned up this morning... ?

I'd forgive TM every sin under the sun if they banned Rob_ from ever commenting on an auction again.

Have shipped plenty of things Personally depot to depot with mainfreight, normally quite straightforward. Have also had lots of pallets delivered around Wellington by them for work. If you can get it onto a pallet, mainfreight should have no issues delivering it to your mechanic.

That's so true!

Nice - I came from a MK6 GTI to a Straight 6 E46 - VWs are 'Gateway Drugs' haha

yeah, nothing pressing anyway. My WOF shop tell me there’s abit of play in the steering rack every 6 months. Would like to rebuild or upgrade that at some stage. Rear trailing arm bushings and subframe bushes are waiting in the parts cupboard but until The E39 cuts me some slack that’s all ‘would be nice’ stuff.

Didn't know this was all happening. Though I never hid my hatred for the dumpster fire that is trademe, I didn't expect them to make it even worse. Or did I? No I did, it's absolute trash.

We even had a helicopter built in the workshop for Kent Baigent owner of Tellus Vacuum Cleaners in 1985 This photo was taken when moving the workshop over to new premises in FOX St Parnell From Eglon St. Was a Rota Way Kitset built by aircraft engineer and Blair Crossan. Our workshop was also used by advertising companies in the area who were also customers for automotive adds. Customers like Saatchi & Saatchi and Clemenger BBDO.

123,000km Car had been in with Jon @auto38 because it started bucking and lurching at 2000rpm, it had always had quite bad drivetrain lash but this bucking/lurching made it very unpleasant to drive. Jon diagnosed play in the U-Joints as probably the main culprit. I dropped the exhaust and heatshields (not that fun on your garage floor) and took the driveshaft out to Bryan Howatt of Howatt engineering in lower hutt for a rebuild and balance. This manual swap came out of a members black convertible 325i that was stolen and then recovered....so the drive shaft is high mileage Found the hanger bearing's rubber casing to be broken. Also found my mysterious exhaust leak. Bryan worked his magic and a week later the drive shaft was ready to be picked up replaced the hanger bearing, both U joints, the little vibration damper, 1 exhaust stud (the bolt stayed on and I screwed out the stud) and new copper nuts. Car was running much better, no clonks from the drivetrain when the clutch engaged and disengaged but the bucking/lurching was still there @2000rpm in each gear. I thought it must be the diff as there was still rotational play there when I put the driveshaft back in. Called @beemwr who I sold my original diff too and had a good yarn. Then called Kayne Barrie who had rebuilt the current LSD in it and he said it sounded like the engine was running lean and to check my tune. So I chucked the Turner Motorsport chip back in (I had taken it out to trouble shoot the bad fuel economy) and the lurch is gone. Car is pulling nice and healthy and drivetrain is smooth, and no mysterious exhaust smell in the cabin. Happy days.

I bought an engine from someone in Hamilton about 18 months ago, and he made use of Mainfreight who delivered the engine to my then mechanic's workshop in Newtown. And Mainfreight's price was not too expensive.

All the big names at the time: https://tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124929&page=4

Yes Kent's car. The one that nearly killed him. It was a ACS car leased under bond from ACS. It went up to Macau and raced there before it got demolished at Puke. We worked on a lot of the "Rich Kid's" cars back then. The race car had a specialist team including BMW NZ staff working on the car full time. My customer list which I still have is staggering .

Taken in my workshop in 1985. Glenborne Motors Ltd. Parnell

Love this. It's like paying for the photo at a theme park log flume (Probably cheaper too!)

Hi Guys, below on when I started dismantling the E46 Started in August 2019, with a hard deadline as the driveway was to be removed, started pulling parts out when I came back from work, in the carport, hence, night time, cold, but anyways, had to do it so, off we go. While on it, did the maintenance you can such as gaskets, fluids, injectors, hoses, etc.

Happy now William ? Ooops I forgot the question mark...sorry

Another small update, but mostly some pictures. I forgot to mention on the previous Meremere post that I fitted an E21 Kamei spoiler. Fits quite well and is adhered using the 3M automotive tape. It's different and very '80s/'90s, I'm a fan. You'll also spot I fitted an OE towbar. I had it tucked away for awhile and never really intended on fitting it. I would preferably have a towbar on the E91 or E36 (did find a westfalia electric retractable for the wagon but it's bloody 50mm ?‍♂️). The old battler has been an absolute life saver with the house & garden projects we've been doing. The catch is though, house stuff being done = car stuff paused once again. There's still a HEAP of wee projects I'd like to do on the E30. Cooling system upgrade, oil/water px and temps. But for know I'm loving just driving it around.

Posting here in case any BS members are in the market for a punchy SUV. Save $60k off retail for what's practically a new car! I bought this for my Mum as a birthday present to replace her 335i wagon however she's decided that she prefers a smaller station wagon. This car is absolutely immaculate. Travelled only 13,000kms. It was serviced in June by Auckland City BMW and has 3 years BMW warranty remaining. In sport mode this sounds awesome with loud crackles and pops. If that's not for you just put it in comfort or eco! Features include: M-sport package Carplay (lifetime package already paid for) Lane departure assist 360 degree camera Harmon Kardon stereo Night time lighting package Electronic tailgate Keyless entry ... The list goes on. $77,900 021 070 9077 Viewings in Orakei. 0210709077

August 2017

Had a pair of F650GS' (one a single cylinder, the other a twin Dakar), an F800GS, and then moved onto expensive Italians with interference engines and complicated cam belts. Were I to do it again, an RxxxGS would be my purchase.

I had a BMW R100 gs paris dakar replica but whatever the combinations i tried the wind noise was horrific.

The photo of your speeding moment looks like a still from a film. It’s stunning!

wow weird " shaguar1 Hey, sorry to do this, but I need you to remove my bid. I’ve bought something else. Thanks" - 6:19 pm, Fri 29 May The auction closed at 7.30pm thaat same night. Seems very strange you'd be bidding on a specific car like that and then suddenly buy something else in such a short time...

Think it depends on the rest of the car/lights such as side indicators and rears

VAG parts are massively expensive. There's a few BMW/VW/Audi parts that are all the same and BMW are always the cheapest

Cause: "Honey, we need a new family car." Consequence: F10 M5 Can I marry your wife too?

Installed a Mtech II 370mm steering wheel.