charles28

I had this issue with one of my E30's, however in my case it was the radiator, (Head gasket had also been done before hand). Going up hills would result in the temp going over 1/2 way, i also replaced the fan clutch, thermostat etc first.

Seems cheap, but whats the bet it needs another 5k spent on it to make it decent.

Actually its not quite that simple, they make very little money out of insurance work and the insurance companies mess around and take months longer to pay than they should. Its a heavily regulated industry, they only allow a set amount per hour for labour and often the insurance companies won't pay for genuine parts (also only allowed to make a tiny margin on these) (depending on the insurance company). A load of the average work is a result of the insurance companies not being willing to pay full price. But in this case, the panel beater was being paid for extra work and they have no excuses at all really and I'd be taking it back too.

+1 good option Another car I've been considering myself.

Manual Mk5 Golf GTI with a stage 1 Remap is a good option.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/volkswagen/auction-922414656.htm this one sold for a fair price.

You do of course end up paying a Premium because of it being a popular sort after model, with the Golf R32 Name, but its an iconic car. so 15k is about right. Ie the Audi version http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=937148481 is basically worthless in comparison, when considering K's etc But they are not nearly as cool looking, so are cheaper, but mechanically basically the same car. Even my old Mk4 Golf GTi is a fun daily driver since remapping ECU etc and doesn't rattle like a Jappa With the NZD dropping recently its unlikely that any fresh import ones coming will be cheaper. I recall a few months back there were quite a few of that model for sale and saw them in the 13k range.

I have purchased parts from Hennie Sadie and he does performance tuning etc, but the easiest way to contact him is on facebook.

Yes, the clutch usually feels very light on these. They are nice cars, but over priced imo. the newer shape is faster overall, (on the top gear test track by 3 seconds). seriously do try a Mk5 DSG model too. I'd suggest getting it checked by Hennie HS Performance & Tuning IF your a facebook user, join the group Volkswagen enthusiasts of New Zealand

These are from their cheaper range, however they review quite well. (Morel Maximo 6) http://www.caraudio.com/forums/subwoofer-speaker-reviews/528899-morel-maximo-6-review.html however the reviewer got them rather cheap. The next model up is the Morel Tempo. My E39 still has its stock audio system, however the factory amp I replaced with an Alpine MRX-F35 (Previously an Infinity i7540 for a while, but had someissues). I use a Parrot BT system. which is the same as http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-parts-accessories/other-accessories/auction-935238571.htm so that I can play via BT and USB etc. It appears there's loads of Speaker adapters on ebay for the E46 to take the 6.5inch speakers.

Today I replaced the front 5.25inch speakers (I had DLS ones) and factory enclosures with a wooden adapter to allow for 6.5inch speakers and obviously some new speakers were installed. I installed some foam around them to stop any rattles, the end result was a massive improvement.

Great choice, i'm glad you didn't settle for a 320i, they are plagued with issues and are really not worth bothering with. The inline 6 engine is so much better.

ohwell, even if it wasn't the intake, it was cracked right? so was probably good to have it replaced anyway.. that is.. under the warranty.. if I had to pay $3500 for nothing i'd be quite upset.

The best bet is the dealership for a car like this, someone that works there owns one too. (guy in the servicing dept) or at least did recently. Next option, Kevin Burt

Bosses 2011 AMG CL63 needed new rotors and pads.. cost $12,000 heh $4500 NZD just for the Front Rotors alone http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BENZ-AMG-63-W212-2009-2012-FRONT-DISC-ROTORS-GENUINE-/131512302977?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item1e9ebe7d81&vxp=mtr

When new these cars were known as Widow Makers, so its not that surprising, at least i remember reading that about E30 325i's a long time ago. Have owned 3x of them myself, they do feel rather old fashioned and flimsy after driving modern cars, I never had any problems with the handling. There is something cool about them too. The steering ratio, Brake pedal feel etc do however give it a 1970's Ford escort feel..ok maybe that's a bit harsh, they were designed over 30 years ago.

Agreed

Nice car, but if you can get the LCI model, it had quite a few improvements, these came out in 2007, so the 2007's are a mixture of the two. However currently it seems they are quite a bit more expensive. http://www.bmwdrives.com/bmw_cars/e60_my2008_detailed_changes.pdf

I would recommend getting a PPI done at a BMW specialist to ensure all is well, it may sound like a waste of time due to the low KM's, but the age factor is more important in some ways, this is probably better value than a warranty that often had a $350 per claim excess and strict servicing requirements to be followed (often more strict than the manufactures recommended).

How many km's will you be doing annually?

So after checking carefully the issue is the new fan shroud, its warped. I've made it fit in without the other stuff so far, so might leave it a while, so that it hopefully retains the shape. --- 2 Hours later --- Yeah its all back together now, but annoyingly the car had crept back a bit when on the jack stand and scrapped the back bumper against the garage door a bit.. aghh..

Today I replaced the Vanos oil hose and washers. Also the vent nipple on the radiator. Both jobs were straight forward and total time about 30 mins, but the vanos hose previously wasn't done up tight and had a missing washer (Oil filter housing end of it). However, it was leaking around the part where the metal piece is crimped onto the hose anyway. I torqued the banjo bolt to 32nm (as per spec) with new washers. At the top I had to use a spanner as theres not enough room to use anything else, so had to guess the torque. (Have had this end removed before when I did the vanos seals). I'm yet to see if either repair was effective, as I am having trouble getting the new radiator shroud to fit (My one was cracked in 2 places). If I get the tabs at the bottom line up and sit correctly in the radiator the top doesn't line up, if I get the top to line up the tabs at the bottom are not sitting in place at the bottom of the radiator. I need to pull it all out again and try again. The Radiator shroud has the correct part number and for the most part fits, its just being annoying. I have removed and installed the old one several times. The radiator appears to not be original, it has no branding on it at all and doesn't look very old. The fan clutch is a BEHR which is an OE brand, but not sure if these are branded BMW or not when original.

Did you buy that red one? Changed the battery today too, the original battery was still in the car (Bmw stickers and Japanese writing), it got to the point where it wasn't storing much power anymore.

Garage Rivals... The E39 is getting some much needed attention again soon. The Vanos oil line is leaking badly, its probably the source of the main oil leak I have, (the end that goes to oil filter housing). So I have ordered a new one with washers. I have also ordered a Power steering reservoir o-ring, repair nipple for the radiator, brand new radiator shroud (mines cracked in 2 places).

I got one of these at Xmas time for $549 http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/home-appliances/coffee-and-beverages/coffee-capsules-and-accessories/sunbeam-cafe-series-espresso-machine-grindfresh-grinder.html So far its been good, but it seems they only last about 3 years or so. I used to buy a coffee every morning on the way to work, but now I use this.