kiwipetrolhead

Hi there, I have a 540i 1994 and a 323i coupe 1982 (built Oct '82 but first registered in 1983). Both are NZ new. What are the "E" numbers for them? (i.e. E30 or whatever) And what does the letter E actually refer to (the Engine)? Also, is anyone here in the NZ BMW Club? If so, what do you get out of being a member? I know they send members a club newsletter and they run some sort of events sometimes, but how often and how much occurs in the lower North Island? Thanks Paul

a pic

OK, despite E30stz's suggestion that the M5 replica wheel might not be the way to go without also doing a body kit (see the second message in this thread), I decided on the Ruotecompany Replica R624, and got Toyo directional tyres fitted. I got 5 wheels and 4 tyres, the idea being that when the tyres are due to be replaced I'll put the best one in the spare and then have a matching set of 5. In the meantime I'll just use one of the original metric wheels as the spare. I am happy with the appearance and while I noticed a different feel in the car afterwards, I can't say if the handling is any different or not. That's because you have to really push the car to get a feel for that and to do that means risking a speeding ticket by way too much... and my wife has been in the car with me all the time too so speeding is a no no when she is with me. I got the wheels from Mag Warehouse/Tremaine Tyres PN (http://www.magwarehouse.co.nz and www.tremaine-tyres.co.nz). The guys there are great to deal with (the best of all the outlets I went to) and I even got a nice free chiller bag full of Macquire's car cleaning products. They also offer a free tyre rotation service every 5,000Ks, including taking the tyresw off the rims to swap side-to-side when needed (because the tyres are directional). The wheels cost me $300 each (I negotiated the price down from $309ea to get that), but that was the cheapest price of anyone. One other outlet offered them at the same price but their tyres were quite a lot more expensive - that was Tony's Tyre Service. The guys at Mag Warehouse commented on the good choice after fitting them and they took photos of my car. Mag and Turbo (http://www.magandturbo.co.nz) opened a new shop in Palmerston North for the first time ever then too, so I went in there since they were advertising "great opening specials". Their directional Nankang tyres were slightly cheaper than the Toyos I went for, but their price for the same wheels was way too expensive... the most expensive of all outlets by a long way. I was very surprised at that, but I said nothing about it to them and they missed out on any chance of ever having me as a customer. The guy was OK to deal with though, but price does count... especially when there is a big difference. BTW, the young guys at Mayhem Performance (www.mayhemperformance.co.nz) were very good to deal with too, and the wheels they had were quite nice. If I was looking again I'd give them another go at getting my business. Mag and Tyre Direct (www.magandtyredirect.co.nz) were so so. Average service (the guy was not very enthusiastic) and the range they had in stock looked a bit 'cheap' to me. On holiday over Xmas I spotted a similar vintage 7-series in Rotorua (at Blue Lake Motor Camp) with the exact same wheels as mine, as well as one or two other cars around... including a 318 (but with genuine BMW wheels though) in the PN Beamer dealership. Well, that's all I can tell you really. But I am a happy camper, and these wheels were one of the cheaper options too! I think they make the car look very smart, but the colour of the car helps. Not outrageous looking and not conservative either, just middle-of-the-road and quite stylish. If my car was a lighter colour I think some other wheel would probably suit better though. So thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. Cheers Paul

Hi guys, I got my new wheels and tyres before Xmas and have since done about 2,000Ks on them. I'll post a message on details of what I got along with a photo sometime soon. Cheers Paul

Thanks bezzal Paul

Them damned metrics eh! I'm switching to imperials on my 540i. Paul

About POR15, I know there is a NZ seller (or two), but I can't remeber who. But here's an Australian outfit who could probably help, if you want any of this excellent product - http://www.ppc.au.com Paul

Them are very nice wheels for a 635csi.As for wheels though I agree with some, you can go too big in both width and diameter. It all comes down to the weight and dimensions of the car and the horsepower. Them 3-series boy racer cars you see around with oversized chromes look crap and I bet they don't handle all that well either. And of course, the bigger the wheel the more drag and the more weight. So you'll slow your car down, and then you won't need as much grip. Wide wheels are a problem in the wet too, as someone else already pointed out. And in NZ we have wet roads a lot. Also, note that F1 cars use 13" wheels with high profile tyres, yet the have massive grip (due to the combination of the tyres and the aerodynamics) but F1 cars prove that you can corner hard with smaller wheels and high profile tyres. Why do they use this setup? A: It is the rules. But of course, F1 cars are very light, so you can't compare them to road cars really. As someone pointed out, Euro car makers work out the best wheel sizes for their cars, so stay close to the OE for best results. Another good way to help is to look at the Targa Rally cars. They use sensible wheels and tyres for the best performance on NZ roads.

Hey, I used to work on Hondas (1990-1991) and we used to have lots of water leaks to fix. Even in brand new (NZ-assembled) cars. (The Jap assembled cars were much better with their quality control, but there was still the occasional one.) The problem was some very small hole somewhere in the sealer between two panels. Sometimes a car only leaked when parked on a hill. Also, another common problem is water getting in around windscreens. This was most commonly due to rust that occurred when paint was scratched off during an earlier windscreen replacement job. The windscreen buggers were bad for that. I don't know if things have improved since the early '90s, since I've been out of the trade since then. What we did to fix the leaks --------------------------------- Pull stuff out (e.g. carpet, plastic panels, etc) from inside the car so that you can see up under the dash area. Then get a torch and look round while someone outside puts the hose on it. Test one small area at a time, and direct the water in different angles at each point. (It is surprising what a difference this can make.) You often have to be very patient and methodical to find some leaks. Sometimes it even required removing the outer guard to find the leak, but we always managed to find and seal them. It only takes the tiniest of holes, not easily spotted by simply looking. You could figure out where the leak was from when they water came in, even though you could not actually see a hole in the joint. But you seal it up, let it set and test. Yes, time consuming, but if you don't want your floor (or boot, as also occurred) to rust out then it must be done. As for windscreen leaks, you have it remove and cleaned up the rust. Get a piece welded in if it is too bad, then put good rust inhibitor on or paint and refit windscreen. Again a time-consuming exercise to do properly. And you can NOT always rely on your local dealership to do the job properly. Sure, they might fix the leak, but if not treated properly and the time spent doing a good job (which seems to be a common problem in all the trades these days), then the leak will reappear within 6-12 months. What's the best rust inhibitor? That smelly fish oil product called "Fisholine". It's yucky, but it's the best I have ever found. Oh yeah, for the best paint to prevent rust and other damage in unseen areas, use POR-15 Rust Preventive Paint - it is absolute magic (http://www.por15.com/) Good luck Paul

It's '94, and NZ new too! They must've changed to imperial wheels for the 'new' model - 96 onwards - I guess. But I don't see you think they'd have metrics on 89-95 353 (and lower), but imperial on 540i's.When I get the new wheels, if there's a problem I'll take 'em back. I'll go out onto the highway to test them as soon as I leave the shop. On tyres, thanks for the suggestions (those who responded). Seems Toyo might be a good way to go (and I was thinking of going that way before I asked). The current worn Dunlops can be spun up in the semi-wet at 80-90Ks and with the Traction Control ON... so I discovered when I went to pass a Falcon the other week! Paul

Thanks Gus, it certainly keeps me busy. Good to hear people appreciate all my effort running it. I'd like to see more contribution and general chat from members tho. Feel free to start a thread if you feel the need.BTW, I am working on a DVD that I will hopefully have to give away for free to KPH members sometime next year. Paul

Cain, 235/45/17 on 17x8 all round is really what I am looking at doing, just like yours are. Your wheels would not have stopped me buying that car of yours, and I would keep them too. But since I'm starting fresh I want to get something I'll be satisfied with. Having said that, to replace these wheels and tyres is not a lot more than the cost of just the tyres if I stayed with the metrics. So in the long term new wheels will save many $! P

E30-323ti, Thanks, I admit that I do like the idea of 18's but this car is mainly used for trips, like our annual hoildays - we load the car up, so if we got a puncture on the Desert Road we'd have no where to put the flatty. And I don't really like the idea of spending my money only to have to leave a near-new wheel lying on the side of the road for some other bugger to help himself to. You know how it is, when you drop your toast the butter side is always on the floor. P

cainchapman, Turbine II's do nothing for me, sorry buddy, but thnx. P

Here's a pic of it. :mosh: (I hope.) P

Guys, Thanks for all your responses. I guess I am being a bit pedantic, but aren't we all! I have to get 'em, so might as well get what will look the best for this car that suits my budget. E30stz, Ruotecompany Replica's R643 [97] is OK, but it only fits 3-series. Well, that's what all three local retailers have told me, and the hardcopy catalogue I have only specifies 3-series too. But I do like them. I don't really like the R634 much. Munkvy, The Beyern Mesh is not bad (and will fit a 5 it seems), and it looks like it might be a very similar style to Ruotecompany Replica's R643 [97] that E30stz mentioned (and which won't fit a 5). It comes in "Chrome, Silver/Machine Lip" - I assume that means there's two finish options - "Chrome" or "Silver with Machine Lip". The chrome one looks nice in the hardcopy catalogue I have, but I've never seen a full-chrome wheel in real life that I actually like. So I'm a bit doubtful. None of the local retailers have BG World Wheel stuff in stock for some weird reason. I note your comments about the Machine Lip... cleanliness and "worms" (Rod) - I like to keep my car clean, but sometimes I don't have time. So thanks for that tip. Rod, They only appear to have the RX2 model now. They are fine, but in 21" only, way too big. And they don't fit a 5 anyways. The only BBS for a 5 is the CH (it seems), but I don't like them. The range for 5 series does appear to be lacking somewhat. Lots of options for 3's though. martyyn, M-Pars - quite nice mate, but yip, where do you get 'em! In fact, they look very similar to the "HP Design" wheels I saw on a 3 yesterday except the HP Design had 10 x pairs of parallel spokes (instead of 5 like in your pic) PLUS they had them studs that make them look like a 2-piece rim. They looked very cool. You have the correct model 5 too I see, except mine is black... well almost, it's sort of very dark green/blue. E30-323ti, I know what you mean about keeping the Speedo correct. The original metric mags are roughly equivalent to about 15 and 3/4" (I think) and have 230/60 x 380mm tyres (I think I have the size quoted correctly here). The worn out tyres measure out at about 620mm in diameter and the boot's wheel-well looks like it can take up to about 650mm. I have tried a low profile 18" in the shop and nope, no way will it be able to be forced in, even when flat. The shop had some very nice 18" KOYA wheels I was tempted with - INOX 2 model (see www.koyawheels.com), but they only come in 18", 19" and 20", and a set of 4 in 18" differed in width front to rear (they imported sets into NZ like that I'm told). Also, I want to get a set of 5 wheels, not 4, and keep the sizes the same front to rear, since that's how they come from the factory and so tyre rotation and swapping around does not become an issue. I might price up a set of Beyern Mesh, maybe in chrome, but I'd have to seem them in real life first. Otherwise, if I can find where to get them nice HP Design wheels from (or them M-Pars)... BTW, tyres... What's your thoughts on: Nangkang (Directional) Yokohama (non-Directional) Toyo (Directional) Dunlop Goodyear (non-Directional) Directional Nangkang tyres seems to be the best priced so far (ex Mag and Turbo) and the guy there claims they are a good all-round tyre, but Mag and Turbo seem to be the dearest for the wheels (for Ruotecompany Replica's R624 [91] Shadow Chrome). Actually, I should point out that all three retailers I've been to have recommended these R624 [91] - I guess because the range for 5-series is quite limited. But I haven't seen one in real life, so I don’t know… They are quite cheap though and I think they look OK, but it's not an M5 I have, so… Also, Ruotecompany have one for 5-series called R631 which I can get for only $950 for a set of 4 (the cheapest I know of), but I think I like the R624 [91] lots more, for not much more money. Thanks guys, and more thoughts welcome and appreciated. Paul :thumb:

Hi there, I am going to replace my 540i's metric wheels with standard imperial 17" wheels, and with 235/45x17 tyres seems the way to go. The cost of Dunlop metrics is around $450 each, so you see the point of replacing them. 235/45x17 tyres just fit into the spare wheel well. I'm going to get a set of 5. Any suggestions of a good replacement mag wheel (in 17")? 16" would be OK too, whilst 18" is too big (won't fit into the spare wheel well). At this stage I had been looking at getting the R624 model wheel made by "Ruotecompany Replica" (yes, that's correct spelling) at around $300 each (see www.bgworldwheels.co.nz), but yesterday I saw a 3-series with a very nice set of wheels on it. They are "HP Design" brand, but I can't find any NZ supplier for this brand. Anyone know where they can be sourced, or any other god options to suit my '94 540i? I don't like full chrome wheels, but some chrome is ok. Any advice much appreciated. Thanks Paul

Andrew wrote: > I'm curious - how are all these new members finding the site? I forget how I found this stite initially, I came across it a while back, but only signed up last week. I put a link to it from my Kiwi Petrol Head page too, so perhaps that's lead one or two more this way.

Thanks guys. Yip I have some pics..., somewhere, but I have to find them - I take so many pics and do so much graphic design work that I have trouble keeping them all in order. Will put some up when I find 'em tho.

Yip, there sure are plenty of postings on KPH, but you can set yourself up to "Daily Digest" if you want - then you get just one message per day with all the day's postings in one. Cheers Paul

Hi there, I just joined up. Check out my posting in the Off-topic section. Cheers Paul

Hi guys, I'm new to bimmersport and this is my first posting. I have a 1983 323i 2-door coupe in really great condition. My wife drives it during the week as she hates driving our '83 Renault Fuego (yip, two '83 cars). I've taken the 323 around Manfeild a couple of times - in fact once we had the track booked for the whole day and I chewed out a brand new set of front brakes pads without any problem! I run a Kiwi M/Sport group on Yahoo Groups called "Kiwi Petrol Head" (http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/kiwipetrolhead/). It has around 180-plus members and many members are NZ Motorsport competitors (karting, rally, speedway, motorcycling and the rest). There's media people in the group too (TVNZ's motorsport producer, David Turner, for example) and others. If you want to join up, all are welcome. KPH is for discussing and promoting all Kiwi Motorsports, as well as major international events (V8 Supercars, IRL, F1, DTM, etc). I post a weekly "What's on this week" message with all the NZ events I know about (and the list is very extensive). But there's always something happening that I don't know about, so feel free to join up and let everyone know of up-and-coming Bimmer events, and if I hear in time I'll include it in my weekly list (which some other people also then post on other large NZ lists). KPH is sponsored by McLaren Motorsport NZ. Check it out and sign up at: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/kiwipetrolhead/ Cheers Paul Palmerston North