jeffbebe

I reckon I could make this one look pretty cool as long as the car is in sharp focus. I'll pm my email address.

Realised I never did write up any thoughts after borrowing this brand new 320d for a long weekend. To be honest it was boringly good! We managed a respectable 5-600kms over the weekend driving up to Matakana and around the place and it did that distance on less than half a tank of gas - no wonder BMW were more than happy to supply a tank of gas for free with the car. (half a tank of diesel's about $45 in one of these things I think). The last time I drove a diesel was my dad's Volvo Station Wagon about 15 years ago. It was a bit like driving a tractor only slightly less manoeuvrable. This thing was something else; really responsive, quick enough (not sure how quick but it would absolutely smoke my 528i off the mark). The auto shut-off when the vehicle is stopped is a bit disconcerting (you think you've stalled the first couple of times - even in an auto!), I guess it's designed to save fuel and cut emissions when you're sitting in traffic or at the lights, but when you want to get moving again there is a delay as the car reignites before you can start moving again. There is a workaround; if you depress the brake lightly the auto shut off doesn't engage - not dissimilar to holding a manual car on the biting point on a hill start. The interior's pretty flash and the iDrive system has just about every bell and whistle you can think of. Wasn't sold on the plastic/aluminium finish. This was a sport version but, if I had the cash for one of these, I'd definitely opt for the luxury fittings (wood trim, etc) so it feels like a BMW not a Toyota. I didn't like the sports seats that much either. They're reasonably versatile but pretty hard and very narrow (and I'm not a big bloke) - can't help thinking they'd be pretty uncomfortable over long distances but each to their own of course. Other than that there weren't many cons that I came across. Looks good, drives well, quick enough, very economical. Not much more that you could ask for, I reckon.

You're not wrong. It was pretty funny (and we fed it back to BMW/Ecoya) that when we sprayed the scent in the car it left an oily residue all over the dash and windscreen which didn't wipe off easily!When I say "we" I mean the wife

We were loaned a brand new 320d for a long weekend. I found the auto shut off a bit annoying, particularly round town when you're stop/starting a lot but discovered that it is dependent on how far you depress the brake pedal (on an auto anyway). If you press the brake enough to stop the car but don't fully depress the engine stays running. It was definitely very flash inside, the iDrive system inspired me to install DVD, sat nab and bluetooth in my E39!!

The rings are easy to put in yourself as you don't need to touch the needles. I got the cluster out and the perspex cover off in about 20mins but didn't dare touch the needles. Would have been no problem replacing the bezel rings though. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showt...d.php?t=1838410 Probably cost $50 for a pro to do it.

And now Barbie would like it back.

Happy with the replacement, much easier to read I find as well.

If I could (afford) do the entire interior I'd definitely consider Cardinal though the caramel is a particular favourite of mine. Unfortunately my very limited budget means I'm looking at only replacing elements of the existing interior to give it a new look. Namely, the seats (but not the black plastic backs and bases), the centre console and armrest (but not the dash), the leather door card inserts and armrests (but not the black surrounds) and the floor mat edging; though I'll keep the mats black. I think red looks a bit 80s if it's two-tone w/ black. Quite a few M5s had it and I wasn't a fan:

Thanks Ray. Will try and pop in this weekend.

Nice. I'm thinking of hunting down a cream/tan interior and restoring it. In fact, I'd quite like to dye it a caramel colour - I think the black/caramel two tone interior will look awesome and I prefer it to some of the tan/black ones I've seen.Might be a fun project too!

Cool... Suggestions welcome for good locations! I like this spot just off Wellesley for an urban location:

You've probably already got this on your watch list but this looks pretty tidy: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=494371994 Would be a fun drive there and back too!

How about an evening this week or weekend (w/e might be best so I get time to give the car a clean!)? Dusk is good for car shots... I can bring a camera too - between us we should get some good pics. Byron, would be good to have your wagon too?

Not usually a fan of white cars but this one looks the business.

Jealous! Looks almost identical to mine but with a real engine in it!!

BUMP! Here's the CAI: The grille: And a spare set of driver's side window controls (buttons are worn but full working condition):

Looks pretty tidy and low kms though best to get a mechanic you trust to have a proper look. They look great in black and I prefer the PFL grille. Auction's closed on TM, how much are they asking?

Popped in and saw them. They'll do it super cheaply (and properly) - in return I'll cough up my contact for replacement needles and dials!! Thanks for the recommendation. I'll post a pic when it's done.

Brand new in box. Got them on a whim - should have researched - prefer my original OEM clear/reds. Straight replacement for OEM lights (non-LED). Gonna be charged shipping, etc to return them so thought I'd offer them to B'sport members at the amount I'm going to get back if I return them - $260 (they're $300 new). PM me asap if you're interested or they're going back tomorrow.

Using resistors??? If that's the easy one then I'm definitely out of my league. The tool in the Youtube vid I posted looks pretty effective for removing the needles. Safer than screw drivers maybe!

Sounds legit. I'd be inclined to get an independent mechanic to check it. VTNZ aren't renowned for their attention to detail. Maybe someone on here can recommend someone local down there you could call. Otherwise, go for it and make the rest of us jealous!

Ta!

Thanks. It doesn't look overly difficult but there are a lot (I mean A LOT) of posts from people who've f****d up the gauges when removing the needles so I'm not overly confident I should do it. Anyone know a pro in Auckland that might do this? I imagine it's a 30 min job for someone with the right tools who knows what they're doing.

Cool, thanks.

I made them.... http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index....=e39+cup+holder