CSET

As above, these kind of modifications were all the rage in the late 90's - back in the days of the 'Shark' Diamante, Barbie e36 M3 (pre-drag) and even Ketzel's widebody MR2 (a bit more on-topic for this post). They may look out of place now, but given the length of ownership (16 years) chances are the mods were period-specific for that confusing era.

A completely different class of car.....!?

Uppity up. These are still stored at Ray's, and I'd say I'm overstaying my welcome a bit here! Thanks to everyone who has texted and called about these over the past week or two; as a price indication I'm looking for $2,500 - $3,000. I'll put these up on trademe next week when I'm back in Auckland unless sold prior - call or text me on the number below if you're keen. Christian 021 832 609

All three are very different cars - I haven't driven the 550 so can't comment on that one. In terms of the perfect all-rounder, many journo's tend to rave about the 535d. If I had a family and/or boat/caravan, and had a decent commute, the 535d would be an ideal car IMO.

I was thinking of the same example, couldn't remember the car though but I know it wasn't a stereo-typical boyracer. As I see it, the law is there for two reasons: 1.) detract the 'at-risk' target crowd from such activities 2.) punish the multi-offenders Has it worked? 2 years in and one crushing is not a strong record, BUT people are talking about it, and hence aware of it. So in my mind, it's working. Surely something different could be done around the execution of the law, but it's certainly a start.

'04 on 78k, no idea of hp (haven't dyno'd). I'd assume some has been lost from factory, and some gained from changing the exhaust but I doubt either is very noticable. Would be interesting to see, however.

Interesting, sounds like normal wear and tear - how many km's on the car? Although you have to pay 5x excess, it's still much better than forking out for each part!

Thanks Ray, Back up for sale all. Currently stored at Ray's workshop. Let me know if you are keen, it'll save me fluffing around on TradeMe. Cheers, Christian 021 832 609

On hold

Hi all, Wheels: 3 piece Work 5x120 20 x 9.5 front 20 x 10.5 rear Not sure of offset - will confirm once I have them off the car tomorrow. Safe to assume it'll be low. Tyres: Firestone Firehawks - 245/25/20 on front and 285/25/20 on rear. Pretty hard to tell accurately how much tread left while they're on the car, they'll probably have a bit of camber wear - I'll confirm once they're off. Condition: Good - some minor curb scrapes, clear coat on one of the rear dishes is fading, small indentation in one of the rear dishes. THE INSIDE OF THE SPOKES HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY GROUND TO FIT OVER THE BRAKES. Don't blame me, I inherited them with the car. No shimmys, wobbles or hops - they ride well at both low and high speed. Price: If these are perfect for what you're after, don't be concerned by my asking price - give me a call and we can talk. Albeit pricey when new, they're not new anymore so they're only worth what someone wants to pay for them. Contact: Christian 021 832 609 (call or text) or christian@aps-advance.co.nz Note: I can take more pics if required, but this should give you a flavour. Pickup only - Onehunga (stuff trying to post these).

Hah yeah, was a bit of fun driving down to Ashburton/Timaru and back - amazing the difference about 30k south of Ashburton - completely cleared up and no snow at all. Transition was pretty fast also. Must admit I fell on my ass a few times wandering around - I'm not made for this weather. Back in Auckland now - plane only delayed 3 hrs last night, really feel for those who had been waiting all day...!

Nice car - it looks great in alpine white. Great p-plate too - very fitting...!

+1. E39 540 hands down. For the price you'll pay for a 530, it's well worth investing in the 540. Depends what you want, of course. The 5 and 7 series of that generation (or any, to be honest) are worlds apart. If you want a fully featured luxo-barge (as noted prior in this post), go for the seven. They're electric-everything though, so make sure you get a good one. From my experience, the 5 series is big enough for the family, and provides a much more 'sporting' ride. I'd pick the 540 over a 7 any day of the week - solely because I'd get a bit sick of the 'wafty' ride the 7 is known for.

There's one in the family that I have driven a few times - in my opinion they're powerful enough with the i6 3.2, would love to see a vid of this one in action - someone post a link (I've searched youtube).

Honest opinion? Throw them both in the bin and save for a good e30. You could invest your time creating a good one from the best parts of each, but at what cost? How much is your time worth?

Thanks all, what a welcoming community! I look forward to meeting the local AKL'ers at the next event, and learning more about BMW (being a first time owner and all) - with the goal of becoming a productive member of the group in time.

Haha nothing like a warm welcome! Yeah I was the same - showed a colleague, then kept thinking about it. Spoke to my financial controller (a.k.a. wife) and we popped down to the dealership. Still don't quite know how I managed that one...!

I can't take any credit for the aesthetics - all mods were made by the previous owner. And I'll bet you won't be jealous when the tyres need replacing..!

In fact, it sounds like you know - so I'll take your word for it! Skipped over this post before.

Hi all, Was pointed to this thread by Mark S. Interesting to hear your thoughts on the wheels - I was pretty sure they were "iForged Seneka" wheels, but will be able to confirm when I take delivery.

Good one, thanks for that. Haha good to see a vibrant discussion on it - the wheels especially. I did some research, and was sure they were "iForged Seneka" rims. Will post up in that forum.

Hmm I've had a look-see and can't find it... Do you have a link? Sorry, a bit new on the site (with a whopping 3 posts!).

Thanks chaps, it's an e46. I have yet to take delivery, so only have the showroom pics from Team McMillan and a decidedly average cell phone pic (below). Seems quite standard besides suspension, wheels and a supersprint exhaust - also has an 'individual' paint code (sterling silver). I would certainly be keen on any information on this car if it's known in the community?

Hi all, I've recently purchased my first BMW after owning a number of Hondas (and an Audi A6 - don't hold that against me, it was a horrible vehicle and I was quite young at the time). Long time fan - many of the family have/had BMW's of all descriptions, and with my wife now working at BMW I thought I'd join the ranks. I'm based in Auckland, and have been a regular on the NZHonda forum from 2002. There's a chance I have met a number of you over the past few years in WGTN or AKL through family connections and/or race days, so I welcome the opportunity to reintroduce myself and the chance to become part of the BMW community. I look forward to learning more about the community and meeting with you all in time. Cheers, Christian