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MattA

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Posts posted by MattA

  5. Posted · Report reply

    I've been told to avoid the brushless / touch less car washes, because they use much stronger chemicals to shift the dirt and grime to make up for the lack of brushes?

    Touch-less washes are only any good at keeping a clean car clean, and your right if the chem dosing or cycle duration's get out of spec you'll eat your paint.

    Red is the most susceptible leaving a cloudy/chalky appearance.

    Most of the water reclaim systems wind up being bypassed as they require significant upkeep, or you get oils and road film being reapplied with the first rinse. If the system is operating correctly the recycled water is only used for the initial wash down.

    Generally speaking I'd avoid any machine car wash (touch-less or roll-over brush) if you want you paint finish to remain intact.

    • Like 5

  11. Posted · Report reply

    Had staggered M-Par's on it but it never drove well. 255? on the rear 225 fronts or something like that. I was doing a lot of Whangamata to Taupo and Akl on them, the 17's were about the best handling improvement I've made, subjective I know. Given the state of most of our "driving" roads big rims & low profiles are only cosmetic.

    The 535d is a much better handling car on the factory 18" but it looks cooler with the 19's.

  12. Posted · Report reply

    You need an e28 in the picture :P

    appealing idea, but.... I'm working out what my long term plan for the 540 is now that I'm keeping it.

    It needs some love, so new bushes through the front end and maybe steering linkages as there's a small amount of play there. I'm a growing a list of other bits and pieces, some mechanical and a few cosmetic.

  16. Posted · Report reply

    We went diesel because it performs better in a heavy vehicle (more torque) most of the time it is chugging over between 1500 and 2,500 RPM which means it is unstressed - compare this to a V8 pulling 4,500 RPM to make similar torque.

    We estimate our fuel savings over the last 4.5 years to be north of $20 grand over the petrol option, average servicing costs for our 'above average' use is around $900 per annum, which validates the vehicle is a much smarter choice than a petrol V8.

    We drove from Wanaka to Auckland (1500km) for $106.10 plus RUC which would be another $90 -- that's a measly $196.10 the same in a V8 at 13l/100k and $2.10 / litre is $409.50

    If you do 1500 k per month you would save around $200/ month that's $2400 a year you can spend on other things.

    Tyres are where we pay big time as we chew though at least one set per year with a typical cost of $2,600 per set - but that is because its a big car.

    Bought the 535d for the same reason, averaging 700km/week I sure feel like I'm saving.

  17. Posted · Edited by MattA · Report reply

    I'm sorry guys, you're correct.

    I've removed my ranty posts.

    I don't mind, enjoyed the read and I'm not the slightest offended.

    As I tell my kids everyone is entitled to an opinion just understand mine is always correct :P

    P.S. I'm joking re my opinion, I was incorrect once and according to my wife all the time!

    • Like 4

  19. Posted · Report reply

    I'm not sure. There was a tyre discussion recently and he didn't wreck it with irrelevant, misleading, ill-informed supposition. He might be indisposed.

    I have little experience with the X5, only sharing the road with them. My opinion is very simple. They're two tons of pretentious, inexcusable rubbish. Have some consideration for other road users and get a station wagon instead.

    I'd hazard some of your experience has been sallied by the ass hats that often drive them....

    I'd suggested a Subaru Outback or Forester, which she didn't like the look of but they have ok load capacity and ground clearance. She's test driven an Outback and was totally unimpressed said may as well keep the old Surf.

    While she's not likely to be "off road" in any real sense most of the MotoX she rides are in cut maze paddocks and the like so a station wagon (like the 353d) isn't going to cut it.

  22. Posted · Report reply

    Performance (mostly the torque) in the 535d is phenomenal, I'd imagine in an X5 would be great.

    It wouldn't be doing any great km's so the economy of the diesel isn't really a benefit once you factor in the higher Reg and RUC's

    Aaron, 15ltr/100km is bloody good towing a boat!

  24. Posted · Report reply

    Agree with the life time fluids, I assume the "life" ends with the manufacturers warranty.

    Have my diesel for towing although she'll likely want to take her bike to MotoX at some point, pretty light trailer through.

    I'm not convinced its a good idea from a financial / maintenance point, can think of plenty of toy's I could spend $$ on first, but it's not mine!

    There's also the "Remuera tractor" stigma....

  25. Posted · Edited by MattA · Report reply

    Hi All,

    Anyone have first hand experience with the X5?

    I've never been a big fan of them, though they have got better looking as they've evolved.

    Wife is thinking of "upgrading" from her Surf, wants something nicer and more comfortable and she's seen a few X5's she likes.

    thanks

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