E30 325i Rag-Top

Needs pics for all items as per forum rules, or thread has to come down. Thanks.

Can't make out driver sets but passenger is definately not a CSL one, so that's a big -ve straight away. Pussy wanted some comfort when driving!!

Whereabouts is he based, I could be interested the 3 x alloys but would like to see them in the flesh.

47 were sold NZ new so most probably yes.

Thanks Mark, I'm looking at 5-stud for the E30 and was just wondering. The full BBK would probably be overkill on an E30 which = lockups and flat spots. FWIW I did try to find RacingBrakes.com and got directed to some weird Aussie V8 racing site, but I think I've found it now under RacingBrake.com - no "s"?

The top hats and calliper brakets - do they fit on Euro M3 hubs? Also what rotors and calipers are they made for?

To show what functions are available through the iDrive system. Internet function is very limited and incredibly slow. It is also not the "Connected Drive" system that he alludes to either, although the apps are quite useful sometimes.

Why would you put a DCT shift knob in a non-DCT car? Seen it all now..

Geez, that is a bit rough! As Graham said, there is a pile of these things out there in the world. Usually in the corner of someone's garage where they take them out and not put them back in when they sell the car. Happens all the time with our fleet cars, the number of these things we go through is unbelievable.

I will get around to updating the "F" series and now "G" series in that list one day... Although I keep on at the factory they still don't seem keen on an M3 Touring unfortuantely!

Which tank do you want? The pre-facelift Zeppelin shaped one that sits up high in front of the battery, or the facelift, square one that sits lower down in the inner guard? I have both and will be down in HB this week-end.

Are the fog lights the same as the M5? I've got a E46 MtechII one which I know fits some 5 Series.

Are Koni sports rebound adjustable now Ron, the ones I have seen and used are only compression (bump) adjustable?

If I had the E46 - yes, if I had the E30 - no!!

Every one is a f$%$%ng expert - can tell you where you are going wrong, but sadly lacking in solutions or ideas to fix it.

^^ Not always the case, especially in terms of power and performance. Later componentry is often developed more with emissions in mind, and as a result de-tune, or strangle the engine. I'm not saying this is the case for the M50, but I have certainly found this with other items.

I've got a guard that I think is diamond schwartz, will check what side it is. Definately have a couple of glove boxes, with latches and keys.

Benefits come also from the later suspension set-up of the E36 / E46 rather than just the bolt pattern. Much wider availability of coil-overs, shocks, etc, no need to weld struts. Other benefits you have mentioned, yes you can weld and drill some but not all rims (also cost). Yes you can use top hats and remove able rotors but off-the shelf are easier and much cheaper. If you are running bigger rims / tyres then a bigger and stronger wheel-bearing and spindle to match is a good idea. With the scarcity of E30 M3 suspension parts the prices are in the moon beams area now and not going to come down if something breaks later on, so I would suggest the other options.

Those photos certainly don't do it any justice either. For a car like that and at that price you'll need to do a better selling job than those potato photos. Those rims are totally off for an 8 Series and also detract from the car, quite badly in my opinion.

There are a few in NZ, but only a very few. And thinking about it, they might not be for sale to the General Public...

They should have got a "proper" E38 and gone all out for the Protection version, the police would have had trouble stopping all 3.5 tonnes of one of those. There is a BIG difference between the double glazed windows (which are 1/2 inch thick and not bullet proof) and the bullet proof windows (which are THREE inches thick and in special door surrounds with protective coatings on the inside, which not surprisingly are), then there are the bullet proof tyres, steel plated armour, etc, etc. NOTE: This is not condoning criminal activity, merely pointing out they bought the wrong 7 Series for the job.

You might want to start reading and understanding the web-sites you are posting the links to. You quote me and posted a link to the Uk customs web-site for a scheme which only relates to Overseas visitors and EU Residents, so I pointed that out. Then you post a link to another web-site where the second section is titled: "VAT Qualifying vehicles" where it states "only if strict guidelines are followed" so it is NOT any car, even if it is bought through them, that can have the VAT taken off. I'm posting this up so others don't get confused.

So you're going to fly over to the UK to take delivery of your car then, and qualify as an "overseas visitor", to use that scheme? That would add about $2.5k in flights, plus $1k accommodation, living expenses, etc. onto the price. I think you've maybe got the wrong Customs and Excise notice, there are quite a few relating to car exports.

You would be VERY lucky to find a 2008 car that still qualifies for VAT refund. Would have to be owned by a business for the whole time. Most businesses turn their cars at a maximum of three years, not eight.

sh*t mate, you have gone grey very qucikly! Good to see you can fit in the new car now though.