aja540i

hand brake cables disconnected, driveshaft unbolted, subframe bolts out and hey presto!

Exhaust is off with a little help from my friends..

The only thing more infuriating than the look of that grille is the fact that it doesn't even need a grille!

A bit of heat and some swearing will probably be enough, if not I have various sizes of angle grinders...

I assumed it was a resonator of some kind, but it could have been a cat/ dpf of some kind ( if old diesels had cats?) Its not a major problem as its just a couple of quite rusty bolts to the turbo, what could go wrong?

something has been cut out of the front and a straight pipe welded in, not sure what was there originally.

How much did the dealer quote to do the work?

Brake calipers off, ride height sensors, ABS sensors, lower shock bolts all out, one side down, one to go. I think the exhaust is going to be the biggest hassle as it is one piece from the muffler to the turbo!

Right, time to tackle the rear subframe bushes! I have decided to remove the rear subframe from the car to do this, I have my reasons but the main one is that I have a press to remove and install the bushes, and I want to replace some suspension arms and bushes at the same time, so why not! I may come to regret my decision..... Firstly, up on Jack stands, wheels off, disconnect air springs, so far so good!

Could you glue a bit of something to the bottom of the mat to stop it curling? A bit of hard plastic or thin aluminium or stainless might do it? Or maybe sew a bit of stiff wire along the edge underneath, some stainless TIG wire or similar? Mine does the same thing but I never move the seat so its not an issue for me. Or maybe take the mat out and get some bright red "chrome" plastic chequer plate from Supercheap auto.......😉

I do like some of the comments, "it will cost you a lot of money!!!" No sh1t genius, its a 500 hp n/a V10 in a station wagon!

Not a bad review, i think i might get one.....😉 I don't think changing the colour will really improve it, save the money for gas!

PM'd , thanks.

😜

I'll take it, I can make it fit in my man cave !

So, latest WOF was a bit of a disaster, LCM decided to pick that day to sh1t itself so failed on about 8 lights not working and cracked rear subframe bushes, which I have bought but apparently having them in boxes in the boot isn't good enough!! I have a spare LCM lying around ( I mean, who doesn't) so I just have to get it coded and thats done, then fit the subframe bushes. Oddly they put the red stamp on the checksheet about not painting rust repairs until they are inspected but didn't fail it on any rust! On a more positive note repaired ABS module is now in the car and working perfectly! The old girl gives and the old girl takes away....

Anyone around Akl able and keen to code a replacement LCM for my 530d? happy to provide gas money!

"Can I buy a cheap and reliable BMW" NO. that is all.

Isn't that covered by the fuel tax? Bigger engine = more fuel = more tax. Seems to be a reasonably effective way to steer people towards smaller, more efficient vehicles.

Not hugely confidence inspiring when the seller doesn't know the answer! Sure, he is selling on behalf but he either didn't bother asking the owner or the owner doesn't know. Either way, not great.

There's a good chance your heater has a leak and a previous owner couldn't be bothered taking the dash out!

It will probably be a hell of a lot cheaper than the same noise in a V10 M5!! 😂

SMG 3, only the US got manuals.

Probably dashboard restorations https://www.dashboardrestorations.co.nz/

I just had my E39 unit repaired by him, took a couple of weeks, but so far is all good.