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The silver 540 had started making a "bearing" type noise seemingly coming from alternator (?) area. The alternator was also producing a bit of a whine on the radio and new bluebus (more so on bluebus), so a spare alternator was procured and I set about taking it all apart. However I noticed the water pump was very "grindy" sounding when the belt came off. So taking the WP out and strangely it turned OK when out of the car. Then I found the reason... the bolt internal to the WP holding the cover had come loose and was machining itself on the impeller... A bit of a cleanup, some loctite, a new gasket, changed the alternator anyway, and all is well again. The noise on the bluebus is much reduced, but still there...

Installed some M-Sport sills last week. Some came up locally and I couldn't help myself. I scanned it the other night out of curiosity to see if everything is good and the coils have definitely got rid of the DME negative current at injector code, I did have a IHKA code for the AUC module which I new nothing about. Turns out its the sensor for the auto air function, it senses chemicals in the air and turns the air circulation to cabin air only. Not a big deal but I will replace that in due course. Next things on the list are: Vanos high pressure hose Tyres all around. Despite the fronts being very new they are awful in the wet.

Over on the blue 540, the underside heatshield's and freshly painted exhaust have gone back on the car. Keen to get this car going then I will continue with the clean etc... New brake hoses and a few other items needed after scrambling underneath for a few days...

Car finally got a wof yesterday, tints had to be removed on all windows which was a pain. There's factory tint on the rear glass and windows so it's pretty similar tint in the rear as before now but the front is much lighter. I'll drive around for a while and see what it's like and if I want to retint it to 35% at the front. Wof place noted the sump oil leak was pretty bad, so that's the next priority. Still haven't got it done as been difficult to find the time and lift space/free engine brace to do it. Have had all the parts for some time now. The Wof also noticed some weeping from the power steering hose pipe so will have a look at that when we do the sump gasket/engine mounts. All brake rotors /pads and sensors turned up so have a lot of parts to put on the car. This will finally have all the mechanical bits sorted that have been outstanding on the car since I bought it. Next things will be sorting various minor cosmetic stuff on the car.

Out in the wild

yep its in my driveway now. i also brought a tech2 325i manual a few weeks back which I will be giving a full restoration. really looking forward to the final result in a few months time. I am looking for some front sport seats, ideally in black leather but anything considered, if anyone has some lying about. NZ wide is fine. Coupe or Sedan is okay, have the bits here to convert if I need to. Also need a rear pair of premium audio speakers/housings with the tweeters built in. 0273079322 yeap, and at least 2 people out there prepared to pay $10 less than the selling price. last one i sold was for $2400NZD i shipped to a guy in Toronto where I used to live. Parts are not expencive in NZ compared to elsewhere in the world. Nearly half of my sales are to overseas now. Oddly quite a lot goes to Aussy too, not sure why, maybe they had a cash for clunkers scheme at one point ??

Not sure @Sammo, I just got a refurbished one in Germany off eBay delivered to my friend who works for BMW in Munich coincidentally, from the private seller across the other side of country, will land in NZ for $965 all up via DHL. This was the cheapest I could find. Even if the Customs GST applies think it was good value. If you’re not handy refurbishment can cost heaps too: I got quoted $975 by an Absolute Upholstery here in Wellington to recover my NA MX-5 Nardi wheel, so declined their kind offer. There are lots of recover kits on the net if you are deft with a needle though. That TradeMe one looks like you could do a good clean, maybe bit of dye on the worn bits and treatment and it would have fair bit more life before needing to be recovered?

Mind blown..

Look up the kyza. One of the most popular artists who people have then built those cars in real life. Also spawned the Live To Offend wide body kits

Don't really like black cars as a rule, but I would make an exception for this one Cheers...

Third time lucky.... After adventures with my E81( 2 door) 130i and my parts car E87 130i, I've now bought a Manual E87 M-Sport 130i! So far I've given it a thorough clean and a good drive around the Wellington hills, very happy with my purchase. Both photos from the sale listing. Its a Jap import that's been in the country since 2015, and I've got a folder full of extensive service history since then including major bits replaced like DISA valves, valvetronic, and waterpump. Car has been converted to NZ Navigation and is a high spec example from factory with black leather seats/silver trim/Idrive/Heated seats etc. Exterior is in exceptional condition bumper aside, interior is also quite nice. It has several mods: Ohlins Adjustable Suspension Works Emotion D9R 18" wheels BMW Performance rear spoiler Tints all round BMW roof racks Rear Wiper Delete Exhaust flap removed "eyebrows" As part of the purchase it had the PCV and relevant pipes replaced and MAF sensor changed after being picked up as a fault in a pre-purchase check. Outstanding issues with it include headliner sagging in the rear and front bumper damage from being backed into near the license plate. Will be fixing headlining shortly. I have had a go at cleaning paint marks off the front bumper somewhat successfully and the actual damage isn't obvious or structural. Will likely get it fixed but not a rush job. Otherwise car is in fantastic nick and drives beautifully. I'm planning to remove the eyebrows and BMW Roof racks asap, will need to find some roof rack covers for the roof. I also have a SuperSprint exhaust backbox to fit on. Think I'll replace the kidneys if/when I get the front bumper fixed as they're painted black. Big decision for me will be about the wheels, didn't originally like them but they're growing on me. They're quite special being 5x120 and relatively rare. I do like the 18" M-sport factory wheels which I have on my 4 door. Have been really enjoying the drive compared to my suspension modded E81, and stock E87 130i. Both which will be for sale now or shortly. Manual makes a big difference in the drive and feels like a bit more power is available. Adjustable suspension is a tremendous ride. So a very happy camper who finally got his manual 130i

Hi All, New to the group, have owned several 3 series got my love for BMW when I was working as a mechanic on them many years ago. Finally got a 3 wagon it's stock which suits me fine as it is a daily and I do some decent kms in it. I dont treat it precious, and the car takes whatever I can give it. I am still not man enough to go full manual on a few roads yet, I believe I will run out of talent or traction before I run out of power.

Sump gaskets not a bad job, just time consuming and messy with the subframe still attached. I got the engine brace on tardme for like $70, welcome to borrow it but might be a bit of a commute!

Couple of hours of cleaning and poking around today. Looks good inside.

RE003's FTW!

it will be done to a standard where I would be happy to keep, but yes it will be listed as well when finished. I already have my cabby and my race car that I dont use nearly enough!

Look at the immediate up front costs that are going to add to the purchase price, it looks to have a pretty comprehensive history. Bumper aside, it just needs a good professional detail to make it puuurdy. Mechanically at 150.000km it's possibly rolling around to clutch and brake rotor replacement time. Check the boot , open the amp area on the left and battery compartment and hope that the sunroof drains are taken care of and there is no water damage. When was the battery replaced? There are a hundred items to look for and they are well listed. Regardless of the scarcity of these wagons if you want to buy one then find everything that is wrong with it up front and get the right price, people are not lining up to buy these when fuel is at an all time high so take the time to get it completely checked over. Have a PPI done by someone that is a specialist and comes with a recommendation, BM workshop? If you've gotten this far in your buyers hunt then none of this should be news to you. Your alternative is to look overseas, but that has its own pros and cons. My 2c. (Probably worth less)

Fugly doesn't come close....

With @Twistee's purchase I've been finding myself strangely drawn to the other E61 M5 on TM. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/m5/listing/3207680991?bof=8bxBkGOu Not in as nice condition as his (front bumper is munted) and the fact there's a 13k bill from Auckland City BMW (rod bearings I assume) is mildly disconcerting but it is the coolest Touring you can get... Any other pro's / cons? @aja540i

Needed a refurb too... can't you get them refurbed on Ebay for $750-800? I would be getting a Nardi or something for less money.

Yup the E30 M-Tech tax applies to parts as well as complete cars. Note to self; check house contents insurance covers car parts in garage!

Mmmm nice and clean! I am basically doing the same thing on my E34 540i.

While I save for suspension refresh and collect pets for that. (Full set of New front control arms arrived last week) me and a mate who is an electrical whizz added an OEM tow bar loom to the car. it’s had a tow bar well before I purchased it but not any wiring. Doh. good project, lots to take apart to get it done and that’s what takes most of the time, about 5 hours including a bbq rib break for lunch. 😛 also, like most zealots when taking these things apart, the under side got a thorough clean the other half has seen the result and has now decreed I must test it at the nearest garden centre. 🤣 thanks to @hqstu for the loom positioning of control box and running loom along main harness. this poked throug under the rear seatbelt and was run along the main harness to the LCM, when it was installed using genuine BMW plugs for all LCM connections give the rear a good cleanb wehile bumper is out, degreaser doing its magic All buttoned up, trailer plug in proper place, doesnt look too bad. disassembly of plug to feed through the new chassis hole and for a thorough clean New hole drilled for loom

Really good stuff. It just works. Bit of money for the apps. But they are great. Powerful little tool.

Ha ha I was trying to rack my brain where the waterfront cafe was in town so I could attend and were referring to the one in Kapiti, yes I will be there.

I may have issues with authority figures trying to push their agenda on me when they have no idea. Let me put it another way, our illustrious leader says utes are bad news, farmers, tradies, jaffa's and the like are abusing the intention of the "ute" - how dare they have freedom of choice ? (or buy something that can cope with the amazingly well maintained roads, go light rail yay it will save us all) My solution - buy a V10, use it like a ute................... I won't claim to be the first person to point a finger at the govt, but I'm probably the first person in my neck of the woods to rock up to Farm Source and pound 60kg of sheep feed in the boot of a superwagon. I like my ute, it's got a bang'n stereo 😎

Engine assembly continues along with a cleanup of underside and exhaust. Awaiting parts including my radiator which a mate has stolen temporarily for his 540...

You're a very brave person if you modify something as timeless, classic and valuable as a 507, but that is awesome.

I use the RHD kit on my M20B30 race engine and it is excellent cheers...Stephen

CHCH BMW DP..? If so, must have been a good few years ago.