M3AN

Actually, the main problem with a brake based "LSD" (i.e. not an LSD at all) is that you're simply throwing away horsepower. Unwanted power to any given wheel is wasted and burnt away as heat or noise. And you overwork your brakes in the process. With a proper LSD negligible power is wasted by sending torque to a wheel with low traction. It may work in practice but it's so sub-optimal that it should be discarded for any "proper" car. It would be more accurately called "traction control" than "E-Diff" (or whatever it's called).

I've had all my powder coating done here: http://www.mikestan.co.nz although they outsource the surface prep (or you can sort it yourself). I've never had any problems and their prices are really competitive if you're prepared to fit in with a scheduled colour run.

A Schnitzer team legend. RIP Karl.

A Tesla S in "Ludicrous Mode" is crazy fast off the line... much, much faster than the R35 GT-R I thrashed for a while in the Netherlands (probably the fastest road car I've ever driven). I've never been in a fighter jet (although I have been in a official US Navy simulator) but I imagine the feeling is similar! It's a proper punch in the guts. It's starting to get crazy all these irreparable cars and often, even the cost of basic repairs that require replacement electronic modules. We thought airbags were bad in the late 90's and early 00's but things are getting a bit silly. If you can only get your car repaired at a licensed dealer and with astronomically expensive parts in the future I see insurance companies simply saying "no" and regulators saying "yes". It started to go downhill when you needed to get your battery coded to your car lol...

My comment was only intended for the benefit of Gabriel based on my experience, my point being simply that you don't need to replace everything.

They look very good with that colour car, sexy as hell. That's up there pricewise for the wheels, what condition were they when you took them in?

Always good to hear first hand experiences, my glass needs some attention too.

Do they accelerate like a Tesla? If so, then I'd put my money on this being the reason.

Now, make it actually useful... https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1615962-DIY-Original-BMW-Flashlight-installing-LED

Yes, #3 - basically any high tensile bolt should be replaced. And I disagree with the premise that all nuts, bolts, washers, spacers etc are single use, they're not. For example there's no need to replace top mount nuts unless they've failed for some reason (and that's improbable). Most of those parts are available locally anyway in the event that you find something that's damaged (which is again, highly unlikely). Spring retainers almost never need replacing. Each to their own but you'll pay a premium if adding unnecessary bits in bumps up your shipping costs or worse, bumps the whole lot up over NZ$400. If cost is no object then go for it (of course) but I thought cost was a consideration in this case, sorry if I misunderstood.

Bump stops should only be a few bucks a side, I can't see them adding much to the overall cost. Yes to the top mounts, you'll want to replace those. You should be able to reuse: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 15 and maybe 12 from the Real OEM link you posted, everything else needs replacing. Just clean the parts you're going to reuse and make sure they're not damaged or deformed. That FCP kit seems more expensive than I'd expect and it's not essential to replace everything that's included. Do get new bottom mount bolts for the struts though, don't reuse your existing ones.

lol indeed - 15s 1/4's instead of 13's please sir. ??????

Family Q + Longines + Tissot + Casio (dive watch) Salmon tonight. ?

Now that is an interesting suggestion, they're a really fun car around town and on the open road, had one for a Paris to Brussels trip. I had no idea you could get on for less than $5k. My concern would be the maintenance and upkeep, I'm not sure what the costs would be but I imagine they're not insignificant.

I can't imagine you'd want an external ceramic coating on a PPF/wrap, that would seem like a waste of money to me. As for the interior, that shouldn't need any protection unless you're planning to abuse it. I agree with Kyu, if you're really, really concerned get the front end wrapped clear and forget about the rest. Although I'd never bother to do that on any car I owned unless it was collectable.

G

Wow, up to $4.5k? In that case I agree with Andrew, put the money in a passive growth fund and use the proceeds over time to repaint as required. Have you spoken to the guys at OCD about options?

They are very good cars, I didn't think you could get one in the price range. Never seen a manual myself let alone driven one!

If she's a "very competent" driver and the primary consideration is "fun under 5k" then hands-down it's the MX-5, you're unlikely to have as much fun unless you have an Evo. They really are that good, and at such low speeds.

No service that I'm aware of but it's a popular request often satisfied by enthusiasts. You might get some traction on this thread, I've lent out my M3 for this purpose before (when I say "lent", I was the driver). I'd reach out to the official BMW Car Club also, they may be prepared to ask around on your behalf if you join up.

I lived in Amsterdam for years and have to wonder why Wellington/Auckland/wherever need to reinvent the 'pedestrian/bike/vehicle' solutions that already exist all over Europe and aren't dumb.

I noticed the gut also. His BBC salary was huge, Amazon apparently doubled that... The Grand Tour is basically just Top Gear on a new channel and I was was already sort-of over the format and the personalities when it was axed by BBC. I preferred the new Top Gear and the fresher format and did like Matt in the lead, I'm disappointed he's gone. Will probably still watch both, as always.

Epic, the Taupo region is brilliant on a clear day, I love it. Used to stay in Acacia Bay as a kid at mum and dad's place and more recently in Five Mile Bay. Are you staying down there or was it a round trip from Auckland?

Look at the beautiful cycle lane we hear so much about! Looks confusing af to me, what are the dashed lines for?

Potentially. And if you repeatedly compressed and released the foam that would probably hasten the process. But I'm going to call that sourcing a clean base from a wreckers would probably be easier... doesn't need to be leather either.