mackt

It's the end of the road - got home today after an overnight in Alex. Managed to miss the bad weather. I'm in love with the car, it's fantastic,lovely cruiser, feels like the size of a 3 series on the twisty stuff, makes excellent noises! Fun to pass things in (well lots of things in 1 go)... Did Picton to Oxford, Oxford to Omarama via SH1 and then up the waitaki valley. It was snowing lightly over the Lindis but didn't loose traction anywhere, then thru to Alex to meet the family. The picture is at the top of the Lindis pass - only had my cellphone camera with me so it's not the best. The cars a winner with my 2 year old, so the boys did the final leg back to Invers. It took 3 tanks of gas to get back averaged 26 MPG and I wasn't being too saintly

A picture speaks a 1000 words! Thanks heaps for that, I did have one of those and slid my brand new super prepay card in and I'm in business...

Hmmm, any chance of a pic, I think there is something missing in that area, can't see anything for a sim card Thanks

Hi This seems to be the only problem I have unearthed on the new car. I got my new Vodafone SIM card and have inserted into the slot. Nothings happening, I've tried all possible options. Is the reader stuffed or is there an easy fix??? Thanks in advance

The ferry even has internet - cool Managed to get on the 0900 sailing on standby! It's not very rough so no worriesabout the car been thrown around. Need to start planning South Island trip now. If all roads open - Picton, Amberley, Oxford (mum and dad), Geraldine, Fairle, Omarama (Lindis Pass) Alexandra otherwise will just go down east coast to home.

Thanks for that info

Travel update... Departed Auckland at 3.00pm and arrived in Wellington at 10pm. The road was dry and no traffic to speak of. (Snowing on top of desert road!!) I let my wee GPS unit decide on the route, it seemed hell bent on the shortest so I went with the flow, I think it new it was on the shake down drive! I bypassed Hamilton on State Highway 1B and I came out at cambridge, a short stint on SH1 then I was off onto Horahora road (beside the river) then I was onto the old Taupo Road and then SH32, SH41 to Turangi... These are great roads - so pleased I trusted the Force (or my GPS unit) there was no traffic at all on these roads. Turangi to Wellington all SH1 but took it very easy on desert road, rain snow and -1C thought there may be ice. Filled up at Otaki with BP Ultimate stuff. (but would have made it on one tank) Had cruise turned on SH1 and got to Wellington averaging 27MPG (went to low 20's for a bit in the middle At this stage I am very impressed with the new toy Off to see if I can squeeze onto the 9.00am sailing (but am booked on 2.00pm) hopefully weather isn't too evil

Not yet, it needs some love, will get some when I'm back home...

Looks like it will be a bad day for sailing tomorrow, so think I'll leave after lunch tomorrow and get the 9.00am Saturday sailing

It's got huge rear 18inch tyres (275's?) better start saving already for those... Yeh, i checked that out, all looks like new, hoses and expansion tank! BONUS. That e39 article was well worth reading.

In response your price comment Kiwi535 I think you are right about the pricing of e39's I went to a dealer in Invercargill and said I was coming up here to buy a 540 like his one on the yard (2000 Jap import with 70km) for $11K less than the one on his yard - could he match the price (you know support the locals). Thought I was mad. I think I've got a bargain... I know something else always comes along, but you've got to make a move I guess...

No it doesn't but I've got my TomTom One with me which has been fantastic for me getting around Auckland. It's got sports seats and a very nice Msport steering wheel. Black leather. I'm aiming to treat it with some respect on this intro drive as I don't want to put it round a tree, I think it will make my 328 seem a bit docile.

I think it's a good thing it's got cruise! What's the drive time AKL to WGTN? AA guide says 9 hours, I'm hoping it's a bit shorter than that and still have my licence at the ferry terminal!

$16K

Ok, I'm in Auckland for a conference, went to Turners for a look and I spotted this... Tims new car NZ New 540i (2000), all the MSport bits, 120K fullservice history... So I bought it!!!! Just told my wife (she is so cool and understanding!). I got a warranty just in case it's a dog Pick it up tomorrow, think I've just shortened the conference will need to start heading back to Invercargill tomorrow I think.

You will need to go to the dealer with last 7 numbers vin, i'm not aware of any decoders for options online

Just looking at buying a 540i with MSport suspension, is there any major differences between MSport suspension and version II? Thanks in advance

Japan

Hi Just got the option list for a e39 540i I'm keen on. Anyone know what this is, hopefully it has a heater! Maybe the aircons so good it fill freeze the nuts off a brass monkey! Thanks

I think the build sheet is the way to go. I'm quite keen on this 540i especially if it has the essential MSport bits ..it has MSport steering wheel,unknown factory bodykit, sports seats. Have no idea about suspension yet. Blue 540 So it's either a bargin or a 540 highline in drag?

Check out this thread Cupholders Got mine from Pelican $108NZD delivered

you have the patience of a saint - at least it's given you a chance to save some petrol money!

I tried but u need to colour in the whole map

I still get a grin when I remember my road trip with the 328 to Invercargill from Wellington. So many options... Invercargill - Queenstown Queenstown - Lindis Pass - Geraldine via Burkes Pass Geraldine (state highway 72) to Arthurs Pass - Blenhiem If that didn't put a grin on your dial - not sure what would!

Thats who I use, the guys seem quite good. I see the car had SMG plate surrounds, so someone will know some history.