CSET

Me too Hope to get it back today, will spend some time in the garage tonight and trial fit the new lip - thanks again Greg! As an aside, I've developed a liking for the 118d I have in the meantime... not something I would've expected... but it's just so easy to drive/park/don't have to worry about it! Maybe wouldn't pick the 'modern', but beggers can't be choosers... Edit; and aside #2 I had the pleasure of driving an e36 M-Coupe in the weekend. I've been looking forward to driving one for comparison purposes. It feels like a completely different car - everything from the power delivery to the handling characteristics feels worlds apart. The latter is understandable due to the different chassis & weight, but the former was a bit of a shock. It does kind of make sense, but would've thought they'd compare given similar engine and generation. Surpising.

He's in Auckland.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/...n-511631203.htm Needs full resto, but just look at it To be fair, I'd prefer the 2002 beside it, but either would be just tops, thanks.

^^ got a lol from me! Confused yet, Lawrence?

Tints on front window different to rear...? I like the front

Hey Lawrence, Adding to what Apex said, the only thing on your list that you'd benefit from doing in a particular order is the chip. The car will need to be retuned to get the most out of a performance chip - If you are 100% sure you'll be modifying the intake/exhaust/etc in the short term it may be worth saving the chip until last to save yourself doubling-up on the tune...! Christian

Another option is the Allex/Runx - as far as I can tell it's pretty much the same as a Corolla but a Jap import with a few different trim bits. The Allex has chrome trim around the windows, the Runx has black plastic. I bought one of these 2 years ago for the wife - 2004 on 28,000kms, new condition (and I'm picky), 1.5 vvt for around $12k from memory. I recall the equivalent NZ-new Corolla was around $14-16k at the time. Not what I'd call a 'thrilling driving experience' but perfect for what it is! It's pretty hard to go past this for a reliable a-to-b around-town runner. It's on 40,000kms now; we've replaced the battery and regularly serviced it, oil is still clean and it runs like new. A free plug for Wilkinson Trading in Penrose - both Wayne and Blair are great guys; they looked after us well, and I still get a personal b'day card from them each year. Almost unheard of these days.

Thank you very much Greg. Intermittent cold start issue, suspected worn starter motor. The boffins at Team Mac are onto it.

I ran too many pounds of Vtec, and the floorplate fell off. Off to the mad scientists. On the plus side, I have a few updates on the wish list: - Replace the standard clutch-stop with an adjustable item - Mine surprisingly isn't broken. I just assumed it was, given most are. - Fit a bloody euro-sized plinth thing for the front number place - Bought, need to paint and mount when I get a sunny arvo. - Done - Replace rear lip spoiler with carbon (style) lip - Not 100% sure whether I want to do this or not, it's lying in my garage at the mo'. - Not doing this anymore, I'm happy with the standard item. - Carbon front lip (direct bolt-on/off) - This one looks to be in the bag, will post up pics once received - Replace fog lights with HID items. - They're fog lights, I can't be assed. - Replace rear shocks - Shocks are good for now, will retain until they need replacing. - Hard wire in a radar detector of some description - Carbon rear diffuser (replacement part) - Sent a couple of requests for options - Re-cover touch surfaces. There's a couple of little chips off the steering wheel, and I don't want the driver's armrest to wear. I'm pretty picky tho, so this is down the list. - CSL airbox (in the distant future, chances are I won't go this way however. They're freaken expensive) - Sent a couple of requests for options. Looks like Simota is much more cost-effective, but doubt it'd do much apart from make a racket. Not sold just yet.

I was thinking the same - very similar to the trademe photo of the Drift Max job. Unless DM is a copy of something else?

Haha, as did I. More and more coming over from NZH. Welcome to the other side. Beaut E36 too! Hondas for life

Bloody hell. That's almost signature-worthy..!

25/26 for me, caught on Ssangyong. They should have a 'who cares' option for that one.

Is this supposed to make their car look like it has more features? Honestly, I wouldn't even notice it from the outside. What's the point?

I've just done some google image searching on the 'black' series... If anything, I think I prefer the previous model! It has a real touring car look - can't say I've had (or probably will ever have) the pleasure of driving one however!

Ouch. I sincerely hope nobody was inside. On the positive side, it's one of the best lowriders I've seen.

That raises a good point. I haven't had the luxury of owning a high spec car + a daily before, and generally see cars as fast depreciating assets. I'd rather invest all available capital in the best practical car I can afford to maintain than buy a weekend racer and a daily. This way, I get the pleasure of driving it every day and don't have to maintain two cars. Don't forget also, there's more ongoing cost to running two cars than one aside from the original purchase (rego, maintenance, space etc). Although this may be outweighed by the running costs of the 'fun' car depending what it is! To me, an M5 can be a practical daily. It is essentially a four door luxury sedan with a big engine and performance suspension (plus lots of other bits and pieces, I know). If I had the money to both purchase and maintain one, I doubt I'd need a daily.

I like it - a lot of the jappa guys have gone the branded painted towhook route, and even added roofracks. If you're after that hardparker theme, have a look for a wind deflector (Thule make them). Here's some inspiration:

That's a lovely car - congratulations on your purchase! Looks to have aftermarket headlights too? I may be wrong, might just be the lighting in the photo...? If you want to have a look at the wheels pop over to mine - PM'd you. I'd be keen to check out the differences with SMG as well - I've only driven the manual.

Hi mate, thanks very much, and congratations on your purchase! The 20's are in my garage at the mo' gathering dust - will pm you my number, you're most welcome to come by and have a look.

Looks good thanks Greg. Can you please pm me your details and we can sort out logistics etc.

Thanks sanderm3 - I'll be updating the showroom thread here with what I've done to the car as I slowly chip away at it.

Worthy of repost.

Wow, what a great piece of kit! Thanks Neal, I didn't know those existed!

Okay thanks - will look forward to hearing from you