jeffbebe

Can't remember where I read it. Economist maybe? EDIT: I've been using that anecdote for a while so may not still be true! haha

Yes, particularly older models. I'd recommend replacing. Shouldn't be too expensive. I just sold a full set of wood trim (slightly faded but in otherwise perfect nick) for $50. If you don't like the wood it shouldn't be too hard to find an brushed ali finish. What M5 did you buy?

Apparently Auckland is now the third most expensive city to live in the world (based on cost of living versus average income). Hong Kong's at number 1 and Sydney number 2. I'm not complaining about house prices... We're lucky to live where we are but isn't the real issue the rising cost of living and the static average salaries? The strong NZ$ only really helps out the already well-off and makes it harder and harder for ordinary NZers to achieve their goals (such as owning a home).

That's the oil filter housing, isn't it? Probably not a major, just a $10 o-ring. The cable ties sound a bit more worrying!

That's cheap! My wife and I live in Ponsonby. We are lucky enough to own our house because we bought it 20 years ago. If we were trying to buy now on our salaries we'd be living in Huntly! A glorified shed (4 bed villa) with a pool the size of my car, went for $2.1M the other day just around the corner from us. Mental. We've thought about selling u, buying somewhere cheaper and living in the lap of luxury but, if it didn't work out, we'd never be able afford to buy back into the area.

First thing I did with mine was full service and replace the auto transmission fluid. If that doesn't fix your problems then consider a recon or, even better, manual conversion.

Saw the same one this morning in Grey Lynn. Looked pretty tidy.

Thanks all. Will (dubman) has kindly offered to drop one off this weekend. Weather's supposed to be kind all weekend so will let you know how I get on.

We don't 'make' them... We 'buy' them of course!!

I wasn't sure if a hair dryer would be hot enough. Better not use the wife's fancy GHD one!

Really? Less than a box of beers! I'll do that then. Thanks for the advice.

Have an inexplicable dent on the front splitter of my E39 motorsport bumper. Paint doesn't look too badly damaged and I haven't got the cash currently for a respray anyway. Thinking I can probably get behind it with the handle of a screwdriver and push it out without taking the bumper off but need a heat gun to soften the plastic first. I can't stand imperfections!! Box of beers if you can help! I'm in Auckland (Ponsonby/Grey Lynn).

Hmmmnn

Shame the plates aren't included

Seems very reasonable. How's the car? Pics!!!!

I just sold an E39 interior trim set on TM and realised that the user who bought it is the same user that originally sold this car in Hokitika (call me Poirot!). I sent him an email asking about the M5 and he said he grudgingly sold it in February and that there's no money oweing. Apparently the guy who bought it sparked up a ciggie and drove it back home much to the horror of the original seller. He says the guy is now onselling because the sale of his other car (E39 540) failed to sell. Both are currently listed on TM (and the M5 price has dropped to $21K). Wonder if he'll withdraw the M5 if the 540 sells... All seems a bit fishy. Does the Consumer Info Notice say “There is a security interest registered over this motor vehicle” - apparently that statement indicates whether the car can be repossessed.

Great looking car. Love the interior of your E46 too.

I'll swap it for the CSL Tell you what... My luck wouldn't buy a license plate bolt for any of your cars, so careful what you wish for Tom. My $27 could stretch to a couple of cups of coffee and a muffin though. Text me when your local!!

My lucky run is continuing.... I won lotto: And Ray let me have a little spin in 8M3... And let me tell you it's everything and more than you imagine! KAPOW!!! http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index....st&p=449782 And the noise it makes!! AMAZING! I want to record it and put it on repeat on my iPod. Tom - forget test driving new cars... Make one of these. I'll help!

I've got one too + MID if needed. Keen to be rid of it so open to offers. PM me.

... Thought it might appeal to a few on here!

Great photos. How was the show? My wife (who is a writer) missed out on the opportunity to meet the band in order to come with me on BMW drive day. She doesn't quite share my passion for German cars and is still a bit gutted, I think!

Great feedback... I'll pass that on.

13+ year old gruts... See, you get what you pay for, just like cars. Buy cheap and they'd have disintegrated in a year. PS Can I just remind everyone that the F10 M5 and M135i were both f*cking mental, irrespective of anything BMW NZ has done (or not done, as the case appears to be)!!

You owe me another coffee now. Looks like Porsche are doing the right thing. I'll bet they're amazing cars to drive but I can't say that I've ever liked the way they look. Just not a fan. Sorry. Don't blame you if you decide not to persist with an organisation that isn't delivering on service though.