mackt

Thanks for that - see thats what happens when you let your wife pick the car she likes the look of! Just couldn't get her to consider an M3

Hi Good to see website back up! My wife decided on a 2004 307 2.0 petrol with 4 speed auto/tiptronic gearbox - ex Japan Long and short is - thought the gearbox was not as responsive as it should be and then developed a major "clunk" when it kicked down that was threatening to rip the engine from it's mounts! Took it to the dealer to have the computers talk and inspection,looks like we are up for $3k to $5K to recondition! So does anyone know what are best options are: 1. Recondition gearbox 2. Locate 2nd hand gearbox 3. Blow up car and run like the wind 3. Buy a 330i sedan? Thanks in advance

I have just sold the 540 But I pulled the Intravee out as thought someone may want it here. This includes the Intravee the Alpine KCA420i ipod adapter and all the cables. Has latest firmware installed. Intravee Link - Trademe

Well I think the cleaning the sensor has worked a treat - the trip to Dunedin and back was uneventful and performance was like it used to be - it's interesting how you don't notice a slow degradation in performance overtime...

All sorted - gave the sensor a clean with contact solvent cleaner. The cotton bud was black after cleaning the wire!! Went for a test drive and popped it into third - the roar was back and no loss of power - so hopefully a medium term fix. Off to Dunedin tomorrow so that will confirm if I need to replace or not.

Hey thanks for that - for some reason I didn't think about the easy option!! Off to my sparky soon.

Hi The 540 started misbehaving the other day - loss of power when passing!! Decided it was an ignition coil going - anyway went to the local $tealer and got told my oxygen sensor needs replacing $1K - I needed the oxygen stat Now I am not adverse to spending some coin on looking after the car but my brain can't cope with something the size of an ipod shuffle costing $1000 bucks. Bit of research online has suggested giving it a clean - that is definitely option 1 $25 for some CRC MAF cleaning spray. Option 2: Get a BOSCH OEM replacement ( F 00C 2G2 029 BOCSH MAF) from bimmerzone.com for about $300 NZD delivered. Or is there somewhere I can get one of these locally? Thanks Tim

Seen a few of these, they seem like a great "practical" wagon. Lets hope someones depreciation is my gain! Needs to have 4WD so I guess thats why the VRs Skoda's won't make the list. The Scout isn't to appealing in the flesh...

Got a look at a 3.2 V6 4Motion DSG wagon in black in Dunedin at the weekend - ticks quite a few boxes.Also checked out the new Outback - it is huge inside... Also took a Renault Laguna 3.0V6 Hatch for a blat - not a bad car either.

I guess the S8 looked great after watching Ronin the other night, mind you the e43 M5/535i chase was pretty cool too. Must be due for a trip to Auckland to do a recon (no 545's around here)...

I quite like the look of these I guess it would be good if it were 4wd as we have the odd bit of snow ice and ski field excusions.

I spotted that - looks like a great e46 wagon - what are they like for space?

I reckon the $35K mark

I am slightly tempted (only a little) to get an Audi S8 But really what are your options once you have had a 540? I'd hate to get a new car and find it didn't feel right and I love the V8. Can the change be made successfully or do I just acknowledge that its Bimmers forever? I look forward to comments. Thanks

Hi My wife is getting sick of the Outback for carting the kids around and maybe getting in the zone for a change -wants something "sporty". It is the car we take away for holidays and it has a ton of room for kids stuff, and the pod fits too. But a hatch with some boot space and the pod on the roof may be OK Options: Audi A3 3.2 DSG 5 Door Hatch Audi A4 3.0 Wagon Golf GTi/R32 Renault Megane - but the J-Lo butt maybe a deal breaker I took a VW Passatt W8 for a drive yesterday - smooth but no where near the 540 for fun. The other option is a change the 540 for a wagon - anyone had a 530i Touring? Suggestions? Thanks Tim

Update time... Well discovered car didn't have DSP so didn't need that blackbox. Installing the Intravee was easy as. Plug in the Ipod and thats where things went a bit pear shaped. The screen output was garbled and very limited functionality. I could play a playlist (that had been selected before plugging into Intravee) and go forward and back. Anything else kicked me out to AM/FM - agggh. Tried firmware updates/ IV2 website support.No joy. But the sound was great so made the compromise to pick a playlist and deal with it. Great news though - they just did a firmware update to V6.0 this month - just downloaded and updated and things way better, screen layout is good, can select playlists, still some gremlins but way better. So if you want to integrate a ipod into your bimmer I think this is the way to go. If you have a newer than 2000 car think my issues won't exist,probably due to old BN23 tuner or tv module.

I've had my NZ new 540 for a year now, got it at Turners in Auckland with 120000km. Done 18000km's as it is my daily runner and any excuse for a blat car It has to be the best car I've ever had. It cruises well, handles amazingly, fun on the track, my wife loves driving it and my 3 year old lad loves going for a drive with dad. What have I done: New Tyres Ignition coil Headlight adjuster It is almost due for a service after 12 months 1 green square to go... I don't think it's cost anymore to maintain than any other car I have had. Find one you like the look of take it for a drive and if you love it buy it! Oh it sounds soooo good with loud pedal down!

All done - nice and easy Light off car into box - courier to Glen at Botany Motor Worx - box back and light back onto car. Just got WOF ! Thanks for everyones help Tim

Hi Just failed the WOF - front right adjuster broken - seems to be a common problem. Talked to Ray at HellBM and Ross at BM Workshop and learnt that there is a potential fix. Have been to the local dealer and have ordered the $20 repacement part. The dealer warned that the fix rate is about 40%. Having a look online I see a few comprehensive DIY articles - all seem to be with the non-angel eye lights - I have angel eyes on my 2000 540i. My plan is: 1. Remove headlight 2. Remove all the wires etc 3. Heat headlight unit at 90 degrees C in oven to soften the glue around the lens cover. 4. Be very patient and quietly remove the lens cover, reheat as required. 5. I think the angel eye rings are glued on too so may need a second trip to oven - hmmm fan bake or standard! 6. Then it's a case of removing the light reflectors etc to expose the broken bits 7. Replace 8. Reassemble 9. Get warrant Anyway has anyone else done this - any tips, advice or pitfalls. I guess since the fix is 1% of the cost of a new headlight it's worth a "crack" - that may not be the right word! Thanks in advance Tim

Yeh great to see another 540, love the interior too. Great looking tow car!

Yeah - if it was a Ford or Holden the phone would be going nuts! But the drive to take it North would be great fun :-)

Dropped it to $7K no reserve - someone will get a great car for not much $ 328i Coupe

Hi Anyone looking for a 328 coupe - check out my TM lisitng. Needs to go to a new home, winters coming and I feel sorry for it sitting outside. 328 Coupe

Hi Les Great to see another Invercargill BS member. There is great info on this site and heaps of people able to help with the things you maybe after. Alot of the sponsers of the forums will be able to help you out. Tim

All fixed - burble burble Used a local garage who have good links with an auto electrician with a scanner. I hope the other 7 ignition coils behave!