jimbo01

My wife drives a Red SLK230 Kompressor (her car - currently standard), or the 4WD Honda Odyssey (Big bore, K&N, 17" Alloys), or the Mitsubishi Outlander (my work supplied self driver).

The car i drive for fun is my 740i. I love it!

I got my second quote for touching up the paint on my black 199 e38 740. This was from BlairWright in Wellington (recommended by BMW). Just over 1200 to do entire right hand side, and left hand side from the front door to back.

This is much better than my other quote which was for paint on just 4 pannels, and a cut and polish of the others for about $1750.

Will post photos when finshed.

E38 with Nav, amplifier wiring:

Thanks for that; one more detail - where is the amp located?

OK. Easy peasy. I'll look up the applicable diagram.

Also: did you know it is really easy for you to add original factory navigation to your car?

I just added nav to a 2001 NZ-new M5 with the same system as yours, and man, it works really really well.

Jochen

Sounds interesting - in car navigation would be nice. How does one go about this? What sort of costs are involved?

Thanks guys I'll try a trial run first with the traction control turned off and actually time it properly. It probably needs a new air filter and oil anyway so I'll give it that too but that might take me a few weeks to actually do...

If that fails I'll give Gavin Bellars a call.

Hi - I just got a 1999 E38. With traction control on (in the dry), warm, in sports mode, push the foot to the floor and it did about 7 seconds according to my wifes watch on our test drive, which is what BMW claims in the manual. An online review of the 1999 US model E38 claims to have run 6.2 secs, which was faster than BMW claimed (they claimed 6.8 for the US sports model. If it's taking 10 seconds get it along to BMW and on their diagnostic computer - that just isn't right. To put it in perspective my Honda Odyssey 4WD 2.2 non VTEC will do just over 10 seconds (big bore, K&N). That has a mere 101kw and 210nm torque and is almost as heavy.

An instersting aside; I recently tested the new Holden SSV which CLAIMS of sub 6 second 0-100kph time. It took just over 7 seconds according to my wifes watch. We even did it twice to check - the dealer sitting in the back shut up about how great it was after that - and found it hard to claim the 33 lites / 100km showing on the computer represented great fuel economy for an 8!. No idea how one is supposed to get the 5.8 seconds Holden claim but it wasn't leaving it in auto and pushing the foot to the floor. We also tested the new Honda Legend which claims about 7 seconds and did 7 seconds. That is one car i'd love to see with a bit more power than the 217kw V6 - that 4WD system is amazing at getting the power down when cornering fast.

The E38 had a sports pack in some markets that included firmer suspension - does anyone know a supplier, of do I just aproach a performance car outfit like mcclennans in Wellington?

Do you have the HiFi system (non-DSP) or the Top-Hifi system (with DSP) ?

Do you have Tv / Nav, or just the normal stereo?

Jochen

It's the non DSP, with the TV. Doesn't have NAV. There are no obvious speakers on the rear window shelf. Any diagrams etc that could make this easier would be greatly appreciated.

nice choice.

make it sit a bit lower and that would look so pimp.

I got a quote to have a few defects in the paint cleaned up and some small dents removed - this is the 1st priority. Then a personalised plate - although they may frown upon what i want - could be considered offensive by some conservitive types. Later I want to firm up the ride a bit so this may involve lower / higher rated springs and maybe new shocks. On the 20" wheels and 30 profile tyres it's a sporty but plush ride.

Just went for a ride up the Rimutaka Hill in the pouring rain, in sports mode. It was remarkably fast, although can run a little wide, and the back steps out a bit. I still have the grin on my face!

I just picked up my 1999 NZ new 740 (E38) today. I thought it had 10 spweakers but there doesn't seem to be any speakers in the rear parcel shelf - so what are the tricks to addding a couple of subs into a factory BMW system???

Hi - well sort of a newbee. Signed up back in December 06 to get some tips on a 540 i was looking at - and now i'm back having just picked up my Black 740i this afternoon. It a NZ new 1999, with aftermarket 20" rims. At the moment I can't ge the silly grin off my face - damn it's got some get up and go!

I'm an acknowledged car nut.

For the more sporting moments I have access to my wifes Red SLK230. Not as fast in a straight line but I know which can corner faster on the Rimutaka Hill...

740.bmp