Kodachrome

Sorry that was misleading of me, its grey smoke, one bank only and changes smell and colour with different motor oils (I tried a "smokeless oil" which confirmed it right away), its definitely oil being sucked through after letting off throttle after hard acceleration, which is a tell tale oil seal leak due to vacuum. Also smells like burning oil and not petrol. Its also "using" more oil than it should. That aside, Im looking for someone to do the job, I have all the parts already and actually most of the tools, I stripped it down myself and found the one tool I didnt have was a spring compressor that would play nice with the camshaft. The M70/S70 engine is actually quite easy for this job, you just put some rope in the spark plug holes to stop the valve dropping when the springs are removed. Head doesnt need to be removed. I would prefer a pro to do it though as its somewhat annoying work.

Finally think I should get this fixed so I can drive in the summer without gassing myself with black smoke. I was told of a good guy in Porirua (thought name was something like Mark Wallace but I cant find him)... has to be someone good with older BM's. Any suggestions?

Great but virtually all the E60 M5s up on TM at the moment have lower mileage than the E39 M5 in this thread. One of them only has 64k on it! They arent "cheap", they are worth $38 to 40k, thats it. Which put pressure on the E39 M5.. which is the problem the seller is seeing.

At $39k asking vs $30k asking, there is no longer that much in them to make that statement true, unless you think inherently the E60 M5 is not enthusiasm worthy?

Your pricing is inline/good compared to other E39 M5s, but when a E60 M5 (along with its newer engine, chassis, lower mileage and wear etc) is only $9k more you have to consider maybe all the E39 M5s are overpriced and none are really shifting.

The Mobil 1 Motorsport 10w60 is a better oil in the same metrics than the Castrol 10w60 TWS (data available online, its about high temp shear resistance). Also the Castrol 10w60 Edge (not Edge Sport) is the same oil BMW sell as the M oil.

NZ Customs are the ones asking for the value (indirectly) though I did already state to the shipper surely customs would provide a valuation if they wanted one. Was told they will only do so if they dont think the value you give them is accurate. The Consignee/Shipper is just using whatever value I give them, which doesnt really have any standing. Thanks Peter. The valuer I used will give me a free Insurance friendly quote when its complied so I should be able to head that problem off! Put me on the E31 register indeed!

That was what I did straight away however Sneddons the importer said it wont be acceptable. I did find http://www.carvaluation.co.nz/ who will do a Valuation for $75 which they claim will be acceptable for Customs...

After 10wks at sea my 1993 850CSi will arrive here on the 10th. The import company says I need to provide: "We have reviewed your documents and need either Purchase Document or Registered Valuation for the car from a New Zealand entity." Problem is I dont have a Purchase invoice as I bought it from a private seller 5 years ago, receipt was hand written (and I cant find it, it was just half an A4 page). I tried AA Valuations, Redbook etc and none of them list the 850CSi.. anyone got a recommendation? Can I just hand-write another Receipt? Or recommend some "entity" who I will just pay for a piece of paper? Need to get this sorted ASAP!

Its on my bucket list anyhow!

What exact;y are the Rims on the car vs what you can sell, ie model and size?

Any interest in selling the wheels separately?

Missing the 850CSi but has the M8 prototype... which is pointless as it was never even driven on a road. http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=11

Still available?

Bought it last Saturday, already back.. I might just import a Magnaflow 14468 and get it installed, cheap, sounds miles better. EDIT: Just ordered a Magnaflow..

I would be on for that, how would you suggest we do it logistically however?

Im prolly going to buy that E34 540i in Auckland per the other thread but it has a terrible looking (and possibly sounding) muffler on it. Anyone got something nicer (aftermarket) to sell?

Yeah I used to have a e34 540i 6speed with the M5 LSD, bought for 1200 2 years ago.. old BMW's don't command the same premium in Ireland! . My 540i 6speed had both ASC and the LSD though, seemed fine? What did stop working was Cruise Control.

Well he is willing to take 6k as is and those issues are par for the course on an e34 at this stage.. Still annoys me when people don't `get around` to replacing bulbs.

Heard bsck from the seller, has the following issues: Some fog light bulbs gone Leak at power steering Rear electric windows not working.. says its an electric control module not the regulator. Windscreen washer not working

Yeah to be honest would leave all the bits as is, aside from Diff and Exhaust, I already have a somewhat more classic BMW (850CSi, though slightly modded to keep with the times). I actually want a sorted E34 540i with suspension and bodywork done with decent engine to Supercharge and mess about with.

Good feedback thanks. The exhaust tips are indeed woeful.. if it sounded good it might be worth just getting diff tips welded on. Car also needs an LSD, with all the other stuff done this seems like a strange bit to be missing.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/nz/auction-670977218.htm I know its been up for sale for ages as I comes up in my searches all the time. Pricey though.. assuming thats the reason its still there? I am tempted, but a lot of $$ for a near 20year old car. Suspension been done but I would be concerned for that Autobox at this point.

FYI Repco have the better Penrite HPR Oil but in +10 guise (10w50) for $48 per 5litre, on offer at the moment. http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products-categ.php?id_categ=1&id_brand=1

BMW Germany parts starting to arrive now, got two deliveries this week, maybe two more left (I ordered tons of stuff for two cars).