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*real N52 195kw

Sorry but this is just not true. I build a new PC (MB CPU, Video card and Ram)every 5 years and it costs me about a 1/3rd to1/2 what it would cost to buy a new MAC and I get to configure it my way. I have no issues, nor do I have to upgrade anything it all happens automatically. My current PC(MB, SSD and Video card) is coming up 5 years old and I have not had to upgrade anything apart from Windows which was free and pretty seamless. I like games on big high res monitors so that's a good reason to stay away from Apple, But I wont buy their phones either as I see no point in paying more to get less. I agree Apple is easy but so to is Windows and Android these days.

Upon further research via the interweb it appears I can remove the factory trans cooler completely and thus remove 3 coolant hoses. There is a theory BMW runs the later e39 540 transmissions (and other engines) hotter to make the oil last longer (helping their bogus lifetime fill claim...) The hotter oil burns off condensation etc. but reduces ultimate life of transmission itself. The previous M62 engine with the traditional cooler in front of the radiator was a much better system than the later coolant/oil heat exchanger the forums seem to suggest. Always something to learn... I've heard of aftermarket coolers being installed (like mine now) especially if regular towing is occurring...

My wife has decided we should have 10-14 days in the South Island in January. I don't care much for sightseeing so for me this will be all about the roads. We'll be taking the F10 rather than the E34 so it's more of a grand tour than a targa. Her list so far includes Kaikoura for the whales, Christchurch to see our daughter, the Canterbury Plains, Aoraki/Mt Cook for the mountains, Twizel for Lords of the Rings, Dunedin for the architecture, Te Anau/Milford/Manapouri for boat trips/dolphins/pengiuns and then back up the West Coast but there are currently no plans on where to go and what to see on that side. She's found a hotel at the North tip of Lake Pukaki but I'm wondering if it's best to do Mount Cook National Park from the other side (Fox Glacier/Franz Jospeh area). Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions, especially on towns to stay ? We'll be in no rush, we both hate the Contiki style of seeing 10 countries in 14 days, but where is it best to spend a couple of days and where to only stay overnight to to break up a longer journey ? Although to be fair no trip is much more than a couple of hours which is easy enough.

@LemonHunter This one? https://www.autobatteries.co.nz/collections/maintenance-free-european-automotive-batteries/products/din88-euro-mf-automotive-battery

@LemonHunter should be able to sort you out Kyu.

I just saw this, little disappointed TBH, S50/54 would have been nice. Not that an LS E30 is anything to sniff at!

Shotgun marks.

Didn't think I'd like it but that looks good. Props.

Decided to try something new, figured it might make it faster for Friday + a couple of updated photos of the interior.

Starting to take shape a bit. Just realised I measured out 15.5mm on the arch not 16mm so have to build another .5mm lol oh well Top bit is starting to look flat. Still a slight low spot I can feel. Nearly home stretch Touch wood

The car goes in this week to Manawatu Mufflers. Colin has been great to deal with and was the only guy to actually call me back to say he could get the parts and could do the work. Thanks @treone

Dropped something off at a car meet today. Spotted this gem. Not too many of them in the country.

Hi, feel your painful search. I looked for one for a long time. Bought a low mileage M54 2 owner manual a couple of years ago. The N52 engine is lighter and a bit more powerful but on the road (IMO) not worth waiting for in the hope one turns up. The M54 engine is fairly bulletproof.The n52 does have certain issues such as water pump, oil leaks for example. The M54 also has things to watch out for such as the disa valve and both can have vamps issues. My car is on around 80,000 k’s and (touch wood) going great. I did give it a fairly good service when I bought it. Havn’t come across the one you have found but subject to history, nz new and overal condition then that is a good price imo. Oh, need to make sure the electric hood works, there are drain plugs that need to be kept clear in front of the rear wheels otherwise the hood motor gets waterlogged. Z4-forum.com is a good site and happy to share my experience of the car. Cheers, Peter

Im no Z4 expert, but would it not be worth waiting for an N52 manual, Im assuming they are much more energetic to drive and will hold their value more?

Having just got the car back I was keen to spend the day pottering over it for a few quick cosmetic wins. So I tackled the windscreen cowl replacement first. Removing the wipers is always fun on an e39 and this car was a doozy. Ended up modifying a puller to suit as the little one was just not up to it. While doing this I gave the cabin air filter boxes a good clean plus all surrounds. Then on to rear windscreen trim and roof rails, followed by boot hinges.. I removed these one at a time to get behind them etc.. Then the rear lights... in need of a bit of a clean.... Finally the rear seat I had been leather restoring got fitted... time for a beer...

If you missed out the first time it's back, and even less expensive. $118. https://www.repco.co.nz/en/globes-batteries-electrical/battery-chargers-power-accessories/battery-chargers/ctek-battery-charger-with-bonus-power-bank-and-accessories-40-358/p/A6115831 Silly not to have one at this price really.

Finished the upper chassis braces / roof racks!

Signing off on this side for now until I finish the other side. May revisit for a small skim coat to add tenths or a mm here and there. Have her a clean from kilos of body filler and dust I'm struggling to see imperfections in the rear quarter panel which is a good sign I'm near completion. Took alot longer than expected, learning how to sand on a complex contour. But no regrets here ALSO, This colour is MONEY!

And of course my favourite part.

Missing the M3, can't wait to get it back on the road again.