MilesP

Also just had a chat to the local guy and he basically said that while you are doing the swap and it costs around 5-600 for a 318i/ti you should do the fluids and master/slave at the same time so installed would be around 1800 - 1900.

What would be the better car for daily driving? I drive about 40km a day and I do a mix of 60kmph and 100kmph.

I like power but just needs to make me smile when I put my foot down. I also need economy and reliability.

Would I be better suited to an M44 or an M50/52?

Also which would be the cheaper to convert to manual?

I noticed that almost all manual conversion kits on trademe don't include diffs. Would I need a different diff if say the car was an auto 318ti?

Forgive all of the questions

I had the GM 4 speed in my 1998 1.9L E46 318i sedan.

As soon as I purchased the car I had the tranny flushed and it shifted like new, at 150km.

The only grip I can muster is that when going up a steeper hill or when overtaking, the kickdown to what I imagine was second gear, was more sluggish than letting it change down to 3rd instead. I suppose that is to say that the torque and power curves were badly matched to the gear ratios.

Incredible economy, however.

I had an E46 318i as well with the same box but the E46 is quite different to the E36. Or am I wrong?

I really really want that car but I just cant afford it right now

Where are you/is he based?

$1500 and i can make it a manual

Yeah I thought that. I could be keen to get a tidy cheap auto E36 and get it converted. I sent an email to the local guys here and am keen to see what they come up with. TBH I would love a 318ti with the twin cam engine and a 5 speed.

My budget will b 3500. I had the 5 speed on the 323i and while it was ok it felt a bit bogged down all the time so a manual would be wicked. There are a few out there but looks like its hard to find a good manual for cheap

Up for sale is my 2000 Honda Accord.

I have not had it for long and will sell because I would like another BMW.

fpl53: HONDA ACCORD 2000 | CarJam

The car is in very good condition and it has been cared for its whole life. This is reflected in the condition.

149000kms

1.8l F18B 140hp SOHC Vtec

5 speed manual

Digital climate control and air con

Original documents and keys

High end stereo

Brand new clutch master and slave cylinders

All electrics work very well

This is a good honest Honda if there ever was one and will give years of trouble free motoring.

$4200

Located in Christchurch

0273444477

Trademe >>> http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.as...829&ed=true

I am missing my BMW to much so I want to go back to an E36.

I am looking at several options and one that I am considering is a 318ti with the M44 twin cam engine.

I had a 1996 323i imported from Japan and the gearbox was average. It wasn't rough but was jerky between the initial gears. I think that this is referred to as Jatco jerk.

I have noticed though that the 318i and ti does not have the same 5 speed auto. My question is do they suffer from the same problem?

Another question is would a low kms 5 speed jatco transmission have this issue? There is an 83000km 328i on trademe atm

Updated with photos

1997 Rover 620SLI

The Rover 600 series was built by Honda. It has a Honda engine (F20Z1), Honda gearbox, Honda suspension and Honda electronics. Basically they were the only good Rovers ever made.

http://www.carjam.co.nz/car/?plate=WH5320

184000kms

NZ New

All original documents and keys (including leatherback manual)

Sunroof

Towbar

Air con

Alarm

Rocker cover done

New spark plugs

New wheel alignment and balance

Fresh WOF (flew through)

Owned by two families

Great runner. Body is good and in the condition you would expect. No major dints or rust though and is maintained to a high standard.

Would make an excellent first car or a great daily driver. Very economical, comfortable and reliable.

Located in Christchurch.

$2200 O.N.O

0273444477

I don't know if i'm over thinking this but... Trademe

Yes but there are very few Rovers on there and people always want more for their Honda then what they are worth. I want to sell not advertise for months hoping to get $100 more.

Looking at a couple of cars to sell and would like private sale values for each please.

First a 2000 Honda Accord (Torneo shape)

149000kms

1.8 SOCH VTEC

5 speed manual

Mechanically tidy

Average body and interior is tidy but rear seats have stains

Full serviced including gear box oil

New clutch slave and master cylinders

$3500?

Second a 1997 Rover 620 SLI

189000kms

2.0 SOCH 16v 131hp version

Auto

Mechanically and cosmetically tidy

Full alarm

Sunroof

Towbar

Full set of brand new tires inc wheel allignment

Fully serviced

NZ New

$2500?

Both cars would be sold groomed to car yard standard with a fresh service and a pre purchase inspection on me _b

Rough idea?

Hi Mate,

Thanks for the info, I've tried this but it doesn't show Japan or Oceania....got to the serial numbers and scrolled thru.....

Anyone out there can help? Much appreciated.

I had this problem with my car as well. The problem is that on the 99/00 models this wasn't possible. What you can do is go down to a BMW wreckers and get a replacement unit for around $80 - $90.

If you contact Paul at Eurocare he can get you sorted! http://yellow.co.nz/y/eurorec

These guys only service and sell BMW new and 2nd hand parts and I have used them a lot with no issues. Great service and tidy prices.

I am looking at a few cars at the moment.

One particular car is in Dunedin and looks straight.

Two things however do concern me.

Firstly it is in Dunedin so it is a rather large commitment for me (being from Christchurch) to drive over 4 hours and see a car if I am not already sure it will be a good one.

Secondly I do want a second opinion on this car but not sure where from. The owner has said he can drop the car off on a Saturday morning anywhere I need in order to get the car looked at. But after reading on forums I seriously doubt the ability of VTNZ and the AA as far as pre purchase goes.

This is the car in question >>> http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/Miles_Prebble/media/Untitled_zpsf895ae66.jpg.html

Anybody in Dunedin that could look over the car for me or who has trusted mechanics that work on Saturdays?

Thanks!

bump

My parents have got exactly the same spec'd car expect its manual and on 18's. One of the reason's the guy was selling it as rode to firm for him as well. For me its a good balance and while my parents dont rave about the ride quality they can live with it easy enough.

About changing it: E46's on 15's look average but 15's with the Mtech kit would look horrible and so will raising the ride height.

From what ive read and experienced the spring rates of M spec springs aren't alot stiffer than stock so id say its more the valving of the sport shocks that give it the harder ride.

Edit: Did you not notice the ride quality when you test drove the car?

No when I drove it it was fine and for me 80% of the time it is fine. But here in Christchurch there is a road which I drive everyday and this car is to hard for it.

These cars really aren't *that* stiff. But if you want to take the edge off it for cheap, since the handling isn't the issue for you, take off those silly 17" wheels and put on a nice set of 15" wheels with 205-60-15 H-speed rated tyres. You can sell the 17" ones and make a profit. The bigger side wall and softer (lower speed rating) 15" tyres will take the edge off the ride.

Yeah, I have thought about doing that. Also about changing suspension etc.

At the end of the day you are making the car worth less though. Who would want to buy a BMW M-Sport with 15 inch wheels or softer suspension?

If you like the car so much why not buy some standard springs and swap them out. Should be cheap enough to pick up and not to difficult to change over.

If you think about the cost it wouldn't make sense.

Shocks lets say around $500

To installed around $180 (at $60 per hour)

So the shocks cost you $680

That is all and well but there are two problems that I have.

The first is that in spending $680 on your car the car looses value of its original figure because it is no longer an M-Sport. People buy M-Sport cars because they like the drive and the handling.

The second is that you have spent money on a car when you could have sold the car and bought a standard version for less then the sale price of your own car. Why would you when a standard version sells four around 7300 - 7800 depending on spec and the type of wheels on the car.

Looks nice, price seems fair to me. GLWS. You only recently purchased it - didn't you?

Yeah about 4 weeks ago now.

I love the car but I don't love the suspension its just to hard for me. All my friends think that I am crazy.

At this stage I am downgrading to either a standard e46 or a sub 5k Nissan/Honda.

The car is genuine and very tidy _b

Asking to much?

I thought that $8800 is a pretty fair price.

Original condition 2000 BMW Motor Sport with standard factory fit out:

- Motor Sport 17 inch alloy wheels

- Motor Sport Suspension

- Motor Sport body kit (Front spoiler, mesh grill, spots, side skirts and lip spoiler)

- Motor Sport interior

- Anti Skid control

- ABS Brakes

- Electric windows/Mirrors

- 6x ARS Airbags inc side curtain airbags

- Power steering

- Automatic steptronic with sports mode

- Climate control airconditioning

- Traction / Stability control

- 93,000kms

Car is in great condition inside and out. Drives really smooth as you would expect a BMW should. E46 3 series facelift Motorsport sedan.

New front tires and wheel alignment. Rear tires have 3/4 tread left.

A really nice car which is very reliable and economical.

No money owing on it, no registered security interest so clear title.

Drives amazing being an M-Sport.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=583715223

Hi all.

Just doing research and I am a bit unsure of some thing so I thought I would ask here.

I am looking at buying an E46. At this stage I have the choice between a 318i or a 320i.

I called a mechanic and they told me that the 318i is more reliable and cheaper to repair then its bigger brother and also that the 318i has a GM transmission and not a jatco transmission. They said the 6 cylinder version has a jatco box and therefor is less reliable.

I have just gone from my old E36 323i and it was an import with a jatco box. The box was OK but was jerky and felt like it drew a lot of power from the beautiful straight 6 which was a shame.

So does the 320i have a jatco box or is the mechanic mistaken?

Also why should I buy one over the other? Does anyone here have any experience with the E46?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Has anyone here actually had much experience with the 318i?

I NEVER thought that I would be buying a 318i EVER until I test drove one out of interest.

Compared to the 6 cylinder variant they are lighter and deliver power much faster. Ok yes they have less power but they are not a slow car at all. I honestly think its maybe a second slower then my E36 323i.

I test drove a 320i and it felt heavier than the 318i and more bogged down some how.

Also the other reason I went for the 318i is that the M43 engine (not the facelift which is actually a dreaded Rover engine ) is extremely easy to maintain and repair. For example the water pump which all E46 variants needed done takes 30 mins to change in the 318i while it takes an hour in the 6 cylinder variant.

In my mind, better on gas, better city driving, cheaper to repair and maintain. Why would you buy anything else? I would definitely consider a 325i and upwards but it would have to be an incredibly genuine car.

Why are you selling yours just to buy another just like it...

Really don't like the M-sport suspension but love the E46