Allanw

:o Maybe the bearing in a tensioner or idle on the belts has let go, or the AC compressor - I wouldn't run it anymore, until you find something. The viedo obviously sounds a bit different to real life... It sounds like an exhaust leak in the video.

very true - Our E39 had a battery under warranty in very early 2004 (unusual) - It's still in there now though, very nearly 11 years later. Dads E30 had it's forst battery replacement after 11 or 12 years too - then another a year later - turns out an alternator fault wasn't charging the battery - the first was probably OK for a bit longer

No turbo destruction risk either

Oooooh! Shiney! (now sort out those headlights!) If you get bored, let me know - I'll bring ours down. It looks like it's a farm tractor.

Haha Cool. I love it. I've got a pile of front brake caliper rebuild bits for an E23 8 pistons, seals etc and two seized capliers. They were supposed to be on my VW van, but I sold it

FYI: "Aeroparks" in a BRILLIANT place. You car is NOT taken offsite - they drive it to reception for you to collect, but that's it. Thaey'd probably not do that if you requested actually. They only collect you in a shuttlebus. I wouldn't use anyone else at AKL, regardless of the car I was in.

At the same place we keep hearing stories about isn't it??? http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/50663-park-n-fly-dont-use-them/

I don't actually do them up - I just spin the fan until the nut bottom out, then wind it back, and give it one good last spin to snug it up. Then drive. If you going to use the screw driver trick above... some of the pulleys are plastic! Don't try too hard!

yup our manual 525i owners manual says 1565kg. online E46 manual says 1549 kg. Dunno how much weight would transfer with the drivetrain into the E39. I assume there would be some weight gain. maybe make a total of 100kgs heavier? That's less than me

Hard to find "Official" weights... but I think you'll find the weight of the driver can make more difference than the weight of the car. 3's aren't light, 5's aren't heavy... unless you compare a 318i and a 540i Touring. I'd imagine an E46 M3, and a 530i both in manual are probably pretty close.

On such an old car, and for a fairly basic upgrade, you can probably get away with just fitting the bigger lump and run the 523i ecu as is. It's NOT the right way to do it, but it's not like you're fitting the V8 or increasing the capacity by a large percentage (it's only going up 300 cc's, and under 20kw from memory). I know it's been done before, and works well enough to drive - BUT DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH on it - you don't want to end up with a complete dog. I don't know, but it may lean out a bit at high RPM, as the 523i may run smaller injectors or something, but the AFM and o2 sensors will probably overcome the majority of lean problems, except the extremes. also, be aware that it technically DOES need a cert, as the capacity is increased. Swapping over the bits from both cars "properly" is a LOT of work for very little gain.

I thought you were trying to ENCOURAGE people to help you

I agree - Dads E30 is on it's 3rd radiator, and original viscous coupling. The gauge never moves. Dad replaces the radiator before it causes trouble (if it looks a bit average, a new one goes in), but the Viscous coupling has never been as issue, though he never sits in traffic for long, just the "rush 20 minutes" if they're going somewhere at everyone elses home time.

I've never needed one. I did however need one for the crank pulley on Dads E30 - took about 10 minutes with a drill and grinder to shape a piece of strap from the scrap bin. A local engineering shop, or steel merchant will probably have the metal you need either in the scrap bin, or offcut bin - for free, or for a donation to the beer fund.

Don't tell anyone, but I reckon an E39 with an S54 would be a bit of fun

getting it done by a "generic" inspection company is like burning the money and buying sight-unseen. My experience has been they are CLUELESS. ONLY get it done by an experienced and reputable workshop, or do it yourself.

Best colour EVAAAAAAR! That's awesome. If you decide you don't like the colour, just tell me when I can collect it What's under the blue tarp, with wheels poking out??????

Hasn't got a crack diff mount has it? E46's and E30's bother suffered a bit from it - the diff moved when a gear was selected, taking up the slack in the mount.

BAHAHAHA! That guy just joined a special little club! Along with the person at work who did $8K of damage to a Hyundai... in the car park. If you're going to show off, know what you're doing, and don't back out when the fun starts and do all the wrong things!

So... is he keen to swap for a few hours

Dodgy ignition switch?

Sorted, by a VW Nut

Anybody travelling in Auckland between Pakuranga (Miramar place, off Ti Rakau drive) to Glenfield, North Shore (Top of wairau hill where wairau and Glenfield meet) over the next few days or week or so??? Collection and delivery don't have to be really close time-wise, but want them collected fairly soon, if possible. 4 (Audi ) wheels, 2 with tyres on I need to get moved. If I can't get it done, I have a REALLY good mate who will make a special trip just to get them for me but it seems a waste if someone is going nearby anyway. Happy to give beer money etc via bank deposit.

Oh dear - I thought the manual was bad enough! - more reason for a skinny mate with skinny arms!