Arma

I just got a great new job offer and will be taking it. I'll initially be in Auckland until about July, when I'll have to move to Wellington (that's where the main HQ for the company is). :-) So I've actually never been to Wellington yet; even though I've pretty much visited every other major and (almost) minor city in NZ. Just wanted to ask about suburbs, mechanics etc. any information would be useful. 1) Best suburbs inside the city? (suburbs with: nice houses, nice views, relatively close to city ~5-10 mins drive) 2) Suburbs to avoid / high-crime suburbs? 3) What are some notable BMW/euro mechanics in Welly? I'll be moving with my gf so will be looking for at least a 2 bedroom place to rent somewhere not too far from the city. I wouldn't mind if it is slightly outside of the CBD, in a more family friendly neighbourhood - so long as it is within 10-15 mins drive to the city. I heard rent is a little bit cheaper than in Auckland (seems to be from what I've seen on trademe). If any of you from Welly could suggest a suburb that might be a decent choice it would be great. My budget is about 350-500 a week for rent. Some friends have told me to avoid some suburbs such as Newtown. From some research: Te Aro, Kelburn seem fairly close to the city and a good choice. Although I've seen some nice places a bit further out near Karaka bays etc., which I wouldn't mind. Last question: Any decent serviced apartments near the city area? Planning to stay in one of these, or a hotel as a last resort, for a couple weeks before finding a place to move into. Thanks in advance for any info.

Some red Toyota Trueno rear-ended my car while I had it parked in the city, and then drove off without leaving details. Passer-by saw what happened, took the offender's plates down and left me a note on my windscreen. Left quite a few scratches on my rare bumper, so will need a repaint. Hopefully didn't do any structural damage inside. Have already called the police to take down the details of the offender and the witness. Will pop by the station sometime tomorrow to file a report. Kind of annoying as another Toyota had rear ended the bumper few months ago and I had it repainted back then as well. -.- Offender: CEP952

Pmed :-)

If the sale drags out till April, I may be interested.

Got a brand new e39 flex disc / guibo. Ordered this in from Pelican Parts few months ago for my 2001 530i, but don't really need it right now. It's not been used - brand new still in the box. See listing for pics: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?ed=true&id=685198352 Bimmersport members can take it for $70.

Currently on southern motorway northbound in front of market rd, pulled over getting plates confiscated. Lasted a little while. Edit: Got let off with a warning, but the plates were confiscated.

Awesome stuff - was nice bumping into you at Ray's yesterday. Funny, didn't know about the difference the x5 bushings would make - would they fit a 530i? Intrigued. Also - have you done some work on your exhaust? Sounds even more beasty now, or maybe I wasn't listening properly before

I've currently already got a half broken one (just broke yesterday I think - the motor that grabs the CD's from the deck for scanning is broken, so the slider just moves to the position for each CD, but the part that grab the CD's just stays stationary). Wonder if it's repairable

Anyone got a cheap, working 6 CD changer for the e39? (2001 530i msport) Looking for a cheap one because I'll be changing the stock sound system not too far into the future, so don't really want to invest in a brand new / expensive OEM part - just a used one that will work for the meantime because I'm a crazy audiophile and can't drive without music even for a week (Radio quality just doesn't cut it for me).

http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/46241-another-e39-m5/

Just noticed this one on TM too. I see it's mentioned on Jooles' thread as well but figured may as well make separate thread here. This belong to any member here? Is that a fair price for a pre-2000 m5? - although 105k km is still pretty good, but at the stage where I guess a lot of maintenace would need doing? (unless a lot of preventative maintenance was done already) http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/e39/auction-668121995.htm

Not sure about what the 'best' oil to use would be per se, but if it helps I try to use castrol edge titanium 5w30. Like Julian said, try call one of the above forum sponsors, someone is likely to have them in stock. Milland is also very good if no one else has in stock.

Got the wheel alignment done today, and then went for the WOF, which passed.

Last WOF was done in May and suspension hasn't been serviced since. Guess they didn't notice the play during that WOF (maybe it just got worse in the last few months).

Took the car to Ray's this morning to have the entire subframe replaced, as well as the front left lower control arm and the rear left lower ball joint. Got the car back in the afternoon - was quicker than I expected! Thanks Ray. Will need to go get a wheel alignment done now and then hopefully go pass the WOF.

Want!

Oo you been busy. Good to see no fault codes thrown because of the cats. Keen to hear how the beast sounds now . Considered putting spacers in the front at one point as well - didn't think it would provide any noticeable improvements to handling though!

That one's been on TM for a while now. Think it started off at like 50k? Price has been reducing since

Yep, I most likely won't be. I live 1km from work anyway so can walk it, or maybe drive there once or twice if I really need to.. Although I'll probably drive it to you when dropping it off for repair

Failed a WOF yesterday due to a play in front left and rear left wheels. Upon investigation today @ Glenn's, it appears one of the bolts on the front left lower control arm was not tightened when it was installed (by another repairer a couple years ago). So the arm was moving around loosely, and because of this, over time the teeth on the control arm end wore out both ends of the subframe it is supposed to be supported on (see photos). This means even if the bolt is fully tightened now, it will cause that subframe area to bend, which is potentially dangerous as it's aluminium and it could crack while driving. Basically it will need a new front subframe/cross-member, and possibly another control arm too as the teeth have slightly worn out. The play on the rear left wheel is just a ball joint which will need replacing as well. Might see if I can buy a used subframe from Ray. Fun fun. Wear caused by the control arm teeth The Control Arm Teeth

Good to see you're enjoying it.. properly . Always loved e34s

Hey, what brake rotors/discs (and pads) do you e39 folks usually have running on your e39s? Mine may require replacing soon (rear ones) - Is it recommended to always go for the more expensive genuine BMW ones or are there some decent but cheaper aftermarket ones that are worth checking out? (e.g. a pair of rear rotors from here: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-parts-accessories/bmw/brakes/auction-659527513.htm would cost me $140 NZD). Not sure how much genuine BMW ones are in NZ but it's probably a lot more that (i think?). This is for the 530i msport.

Pelican (www.pelicanparts.com) and turnermotorsport.com has served me well so far. I think Pelican might have been marginally cheaper shipping-wise - can't remember exactly.

Yep. Unfortunately I was doing 132 in a 100 zone (friend was driving behind me and I thought he started tailgating me.. so I stupidly sped up. Turned out to be a cop). Fairly hefty fine and demerits :doh:. Was almost sure the plates were gonna get a mention, but that was as lucky as it got.

Happy Birthday mate! Legend