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Sounds like torque converter. If you've caught it early enough a service and new oil might save it but if it's already making that kind of noise it's probably on the way out. Ray recently did a tc repair for Amber-Leigh on a 540i for a very reasonable amount. I suggest a quick call to HellBM or one of the other forum sponsors for proper diagnosis and repair if required. EDIT: My 540's still for sale with no such problems

Saw a very tidy Anthracite Grey E39 M5 just down the road from me in Grey Lynn. Can't be many of these and it wasn't Dave O's Old V8 M plate.

It's pretty expensive compared to others for sale too and I'm not a fan of the spoilers on the 8s. Spoke to the seller of this one and it is also currently going into limp mode (which he hasn't had diagnosed) so isn't filling me full of lust.

It's a members' car (Jamez)... Been meaning to take a look. Don't like the colour but there's always paint or wrap.

Wood for wood, eh, Tony? You're weird. (actually, I don't mind it on the console but looks terrible on the wheel).

Buy mine and find out.

The seller's posted some interior shots... That wheel would have to go and the wood wrapped, I think. LHD would be a PITA. Might look out of interest anyway when I get back to town.

You won't be able to put xenon bulbs in the existing fog lamps (not legally anyway) and LEDs will look okay but won't be much cop if you actually want to use them to see where you're going but will be cheap. Best bet - but also most expensive - will be to source some HID fog assemblies. It's only illegal to fit an HID kit to a lamp not designed for xenons. Unless you're pretty good at this or know someone who can do a decent polish afterwards I'd recommended getting a pro to do it and a full cut and polish. It's quite pricey but you only need to do it once then look after it and you'll have paint that looks new for a long time to come.

Aha! I was looking on my phone and didn't notice that... Well spotted, Brent!

I hope the need does arise, thanks!

Couple of more recent shots (yesterday)... Tempted?

Yes, I saw that one. Not the V8 I wanted and no cream/grey leather but does have the motorsport kit which is appealing. I've got a couple of sets of BBS wheels, either of which would look a lot better than those chrome M pars... Although repainted in normal silver and they suit the car IMO. If it's still there when I get back to Auckland later this week I'll take a look. EDIT: Pity it has that ugly-ass spoiler on it.

I've got some 6w (I think) ones lying around. I'll match the OP's price if he has sold his.

Thanks. Won't be rushing into it and even contemplating importing one so will have to be extra vigilant when it comes to maintenance (and rust!). Fingers crossed I can find one suitable.

Good stuff. I don't mind the Schnitzer kit at all.

Yep, love those R129s but although 4 doors is no longer a priority, 4 seats is.

Yeah the red manual was up for sale not long ago for $50k... Way out of my price range. I know someone with two 840s. One M60, one M62... Neither Motorsport. He is keen to sell but hasn't come up with a price yet so I don't know if my budget will stretch. Will consider importing as SIV if I can find a cheap rust-free car in the UK.

I have a box you can have/borrow, Josh.

The main criticism of the E31 was that it was underpowered compared to it's rivals. I guess an M54 turbo would be okay but supercharged M54s barely rate the same output as the V12 and would cost and arm and leg to do. If I get one I'd want to keep it as close to stock as possible (hence bolt on supercharger on the V8) as their value is only going to increase if they're left unmolested. An FI M54 E31 ain't going to be worth anything in terms of resale.

That's the plan, Josh... If I can find one at the right price. Mostly 850s in my price range and I'm not really sold on the V12 - though may have to reconsider if I want an E31... We'll see.

So, what you're telling me is that my perfect car is out there, you might even know where it is, but you're going to buy it yourself!! Choice!! Haha

Yes you can, and it's f**king thousands.

You're a BMW enthusiast... You are not good with money. Fact.

Please offer more for it then as the car I really want is quite a bit more expensive!!

Thinking of moving on my beautiful 540i to explore other opportunities (an E31!!). Many of you know the car. Those that do will know how much I've spent on the car and how fussy I am. It's in immaculate condition as you can see from the pics. Here's a quick run down of what I've done but feel free to look at my project log and showroom pics for more info: 184,000kms (good for many, many more!) Runs like a dream and idles perfectly from cold and it's genuinely quick (you're welcome to cold start test) Paint is immaculate Genuine xenon facelift headlights Genuine AC Schnitzer wing mirrors ACS replica roof spoiler CF front splitters Refurbished black leather interior and m-sport steering wheel De-cat and custom free flow exhaust (vid below for sound!) Most of the trim inside an out has been refurbished or replaced All new door and windscreen seals within the last 12 months Complete double vanos procedure completed (by Ray's team at HellBM) - this was done as preventative maintenance and was a major job All valve cover and upper timing case gaskets and seals replaced at the same time Has had recent smoke test and no vac leaks Transmission has had full service less than 3,000kms ago Oil change when I stripped and powder coated valve covers less than 1,000kms ago AFE dry air filter Emissions (secondary) air pump removed so no cold start noise/issues Brake calipers removed, cleaned and repainted s/s brake lines and race brake fluid Brand new OEM rotors all round and EBC redstuff pads less then 2,000kms ago Pictured with fully refurbished staggered (8.5" front 9.5" rear) 18" BBS RSII wheels - however may sell with staggered 18" deep dish BBS RX 502s Has performance tune and Dinan tuned trans s/w (which makes the auto transmission a LOT more enjoyable) It has a small oil leak from the rear crankcase seal. I've ordered the parts to repair this and can do it prior to sale or knock a bit off sale price and give the buyer the parts to repair themselves. The car looks and drives brilliantly. I'm not wholly committed to selling yet as I've invested a lot of time and money into the car but will do it if the offer is righ. Not looking to get what it owes me (because it would be absurdly priced if I did) but think it is worth at least $12K (it's insured for $14K). If you drive it you will not be disappointed and, I know everyone says this, but I think you'll be hard pressed to find a better one for that price, even with lower kms. I also have a supercharger kit for the engine that I've not yet installed. Not that keen to sell but may part with it for the right money. Make me an offer for either or both. Exhaust: