jeffbebe

What he said!!

Yep it has steptronic/triptronic/whatever. It will change gears in Sport mode automatically but if you engage manual mode (by pushing the shifter up or down when in sport) the Dinan software will stop it automatically changing gears regardless of speed/RPMs so you're essentially driving it a clutchless manual.For US$299 it sounds like a no brainer to me compared to $4-5K for a manual conversion that my wife can't drive and will have no desire to learn how to drive.

Hahah! TBH, I don't care about people over taking me. I'm not looking to do it to compete, I'm looking to do it for personal enjoyment. I like the car as a project, love E39s and want to take it on a track 3-4 times a year. I actually think Dinan's SW auto trans upgrade sounds pretty good. Sure, the higher RPMs in each gear and tighter shifts in sport mode won't be as quick as a manual but presumably the changes to the manual mode (i.e. preventing automatic shifts at any speed - which transmission does with stock software in manual) is going to mean I can effectively drive it like a clutchless manual. Hasn't got flappy paddles but the changes should be pretty fast, shouldn't they? How much worse than a manual would it be? EDIT: I'm asking because I don't know, not to be provocative.

I think they're great wheels and you don't see too many around. You're right, definitely suits the E39. Now I know your car I'll stop and say hi next time.

Yep, fingers crossed I'll be there. Tech 2.0's the business but nothing compensates for elbow-grease. I usually only wax my cars a couple of times a year and then use Meguiar's Quick Detailer (or similar) the rest of the time.Presume you've got a garage for that beauty!

Yeah... Now you have to buy a Vauxhall Zafira as penance.

Yep. Great looking car. I love the interior but see what you mean re: the two-tone steering wheel... Though I may be just saying that so you sell it to me! haha PS Kidneys look good, would never have known they were vinyl wrapped. Saved your self $100+ on new ones!

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Can be a bit frustrating when you're looking for advice and instead you get opinion. Thanks for hijacking my thread with one of these... FFS!

Too late. The euro boot's gone to Featherston with the 528. The US boot has really grown on me actually, gives the rear of the car a very different look. Too right. They might look the same on the outside but the V8's got some serious toe.

Unless they listen to it of course... Love that unmistakable V8!

Car finally got a good clean today. She's scrubbed up well. At lot less to do to get her looking... Well, pretty much exactly the same as my last one!

I saw you following me up Richmond Road today at about 3pm in your E46! PS Thanks for letting me out at Mitre 10! haha

I had imagined the headers would be much more expensive. Definitely something to think about. Do O2 sensors need to be moved or ECU remapped? Would like to track the car 3-4 times a year if possible.

SOLD. The guy who bought it owns these, so I know shes gone to a good home!

Really?! I didn't even bother getting a price as I knew it would be high. Perishables are pretty cheap from Schmiedmann and shipping's not too bad if you get a few things at the same time.

Sold the 528i today for a good price (though she still owes me a fair bit...). Here she is with the new toy hours before leaving home: Got straight onto Schmiedmann and bought a few cosmetics and waterproofing (rear windscreen moulding cost me $94 from the stealer for the 528I!!!)... Let the games begin!

Going to get the car up on the hoist next week and check the suspension. If it needs work I'll do suspension first followed by transmission SW, CAI and Stage 2 Dinan engine tune. Ideally, I'll try and get the cash together for the tranny SW and tune by August as I'm heading to Europe for a month so can send the ECU and EGS to the States. If the suspension's good, will do the brakes first... Not sure what I'll do with them. New brake package like Brembo is major $$s so maybe some decent slotted and drilled rotors and good pads to start with. Please let the criticisms, recommendations, slaps on the back begin...

No... Spotted poking its head out of an old garage by Grey Lynn park.

Hello!

I sold it. Luckily, I've got another.

Thanks... Yep, got a deposit for the 528i... She goes tomorrow. Will be sad to see her go, she looks so good. Hopefully won't take too long to get the 540i looking as good.

Another oxymoron!

Will take a look when I can get it up on a hoist. Everything feels good but can't say for certain in what condition it is til I look... Good advice, thanks. On the wife front... I dare you to tell my wife that! ha

Factory xenons in (bad pic is half done). Not bad for $430 and I've got a buyer for the old ones. Car must have had them at some point - on the build sheet and it has self levelling motors, etc. Anyway, straight swap, just had to grab a couple of plugs for the angel eyes and indicators from Ray. Think I'll keep them factory with halogen rings and fogs - tried the LED thing but it was more hassle than it was worth. Waiting for new spark plugs and other bits and pieces to turn up then full service. If the weather holds out this weekend... The big clean.

Ray, make as many as you can... They are particularly awesome!