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Woh sh*t do you work for Insert Government Agency here too?

This is what I did. Grabbed one off trademe, came with fluid and works a treat. Had to bodge the outlet a bit so I could stick a hose on it. I tried the incense thing first but the smoke machine is much more effective.

A smoke tester is used to find vacuum leaks. I decided to make my own from stuff I had lying around. I got an old steamed pudding pot, but any pot and lid will do. I then drilled two holes in the lid with a step drill. Use a long bolt to connect the base of the pot to the lid and tighten it so its airtight. I used some rtv here to be sure. Then I got some old hose and I connected it from one hole in the pot to the brake booster vacuum pipe. The vacuum pipe just pulls straight out of the brake booster on the e46. I got a second shorter piece of hose and connected it to the nozzle on my vacuum cleaner (I just used duct tape so no air would escape) and set the vacuum cleaner to the 'blow' function. Now we need to block the inlet on the engine so we get a proper airtight seal. I removed the airbox and maf and put a rubber glove over the inlet pipe wrapped with a rubber band. Then its just a case of dropping something inside the pot that will smoke, turning on the vacuum cleaner and putting the vacuum cleaner hose in the second hole of the pot. If you don't have a vacuum cleaner with a blow function you can just blow into the hose with your mouth. I tried many different things as a source for smoke, from tightly balled newspaper coated in citronella, to engine oil, to transmission oil. In the end the thing that worked best was incense sticks. I bought a whole box from the dairy for $1 (which was also the total cost of this project). Then just start looking for where the smoke escapes from. I found it easier to see with the pollen filter compartment removed (just 4 torx screws), but with real tough to find leaks you might want to take off a few more covers. This homemade smoke tester setup discovered the vacuum leaks on both my cars - neither of which I knew for sure had vacuum leaks. I hope this is useful for the community

Decided to bin the cigarette lighter in favor of a USB fast charger, dismantled the original and modified the housing, glued the USB charger in, and modified the wiring loom, the purple wire will go to the light in the boost gage, the charger has its own orange led so win-win!!

Although it looks like a nicely maintained example its definitely not a desirable spec so there is only value for someone who really wants a vert with tan interior (not many). If YOU like the car and if YOU are happy to pay $9000 and are aware that these cars are not cheap to run (budget $2000 or so per year to maintain properly), then it doesnt really matter what we or others think, as long as you are happy with it.

Not sure to be honest - older BMWs values are hard to pin down - usually comes down to how much the buyer wants it. On one hand it's a late model facelift with low km and good service history. On the other hand it's not a sport model and the 2.5 is the less desirable motor (still reliable and sounds good though) and the interior won't be for everyone. Up to you and your budget - don't see it being worth more than $8k though - if it sells there are quite a few nice looking E46 convertibles about, and will be more coming toward summer.

Sale was easy, he rang me and I made him the offer and he accepted. It would appear he had been mucked around a bit and had been constantly low balled and just got grumpy over it. He dropped the car to the airport for me and I drove back to Welly. Will do a thread soon on it but suffice to say it drives very nicely, better than I expected it would.

A set of genuine 17s would be ideal. Open to other good looking sets for my E36 Coupe.

Seems I have fallen into a hole and the market for these things has taken a dive. Couple of people wasting my time but mostly bugger all contact at all. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mini/listing/2770061274?bof=0B5VWTga 2005 facelift R53, manual, supercharged. Had a bunch of work done to get it up to a good standard, and now its a great little car. Looking for 7k but open to negotiation.

Just installed Bluebus in my Jap import E46 with CD prep wiring. Plugged in easily. Head unit found it OK. Had issues paring with it and getting sound until I updated the osi on my iPad and iPhone, then it worked great. Very pleased with the device.

Looking for a new/used clock spring for an MTech 2 Wheel. Struggling to find one in stock anymore atm...

Fixed it. Pulled the fuse for the Nav. It's all Jap gear and worthless to me anyway. Everything is back to normal.

Hi All, Looking at buying a 325 convertible soon. This model has been well taken care of and serviced at BM works in Grey Lynn for a few years. Drives really well and aside from some cosmetic issues seems like a nice car to have with summer around the corner. I spoke to the mechanic at BM works with the owners permission and the staff from BM works mentioned it has been well taken care of and anytime there has been issues the owner has taken care of it. There is one outstanding issue that he did mention which is the "sump weeping" this would need to be taken care of before it gets worse. Approx cost mentioned to fix is around $650. What I would like to know is for a car that has driven around 134kms so far what you think is a good price for the vehicle and also is there anything I need to be vary of with these models? Specifically the convertibles. Thanks

Hi Sam, Thanks for the feedback. I believe the seller wants the auction to run. If the auction runs its course and on the off chance the bidding goes crazy what do you think is the maximum I should bid on this?

Hi Sam, Thanks for your response. It is indeed the black model on TM. I am a BMW novice so not sure what the "facelift" term means sorry. I really like the interior colour compared to the black leather most others come in. In regards to price what would you think is a good price to stop at in bidding? Appreciate your feedback.

Yes. All OEM 330 driveline manual components.

Try Jon at Auto 38.

Nice, glad to hear it worked out. Yes, he was probably low balled down to reality!

$12000

N54s as you know do respond very well to tuning and here is what I have done. New charge pipe (Just do it), intake port clean (they get really clogged up) Oil catch can and upgraded PCV valve, bigger intercooler. MHD (9.0) stage 1+ tune for 98 RON. Boost by gear 10 psi 1st 12 psi second. Linear throttle map for better control. Stoptech Pad and new rotors, Koni Yellow shocks and Tein Springs. draggy says 0-100 in 5.1

Call to discuss. Regards Ray 0212435526

Managed to get my hands on some OEM blackline tail lights so just fitted them this afternoon. Subtle difference but I love it!! Before and after below:

They will definitely keep depreciating, probably to similar levels to E60s over the next few years as they become older and the F90 becomes a common used car. reliability on them is getting questionable particularly on early cars, I have seen quite a few major engine failures this far. Having said that, like anything as long as it has very good service history with only the correct oils used and you get a warranty (preferably BMW Premium Selection as your $10k Autosure claims limit won’t go far towards an engine rebuild) you should be good to go!

I’ve noted ASB have removed all but two ATMs in central Wellington. Bastards!