E30 325i Rag-Top

What you are saying about the smaller 4-cylinder turbo cars makes 100% sense, and most people would think that is the way to go. However, sales of the new Falcon with the new EcoBoost engine have bombed in Australia, and I believe in NZ as well. It seems the car buying public still have an issue with a "small" engine in a big car. The same can be seen in NZ with BMWs like the 520i, good car, drives great - but is still seen as needing a bigger engine. The economy of the car is usually off-set by the amount the companies back the bigger engines on the fleet deals - it used to be MUCH cheaper to lease an XR6 or XR6 Turbo than a billy-basic XT over a three year lease period. As for diesel, neither Ford AU or Holden have access to a half decent engine unfortunately - try driving a diesel Captiva or Territory. So, yes the reliance on building a single "large" model car is a dangerous position to be in over the long-term. Personally I really hope they keep the plant alive, and invest some real money to bring it up to world-class standards. Once it's gone, it's gone forever!

Pretty much spot on I would say...

Good idea, when we moved up we rented where we thought we wanted to end up. Renting is a pain, but gives flexibility if things don't turn out how you expected.

Holden are in a much better position than Ford as they contribute globally to GM, engines to Mexico, cars into N America and Rwd design centre. That said, nothing is for ever and can change quickly in the auto industry. My bet would be that it is a bit of manipulation by GM so that the Govt. Enquiry decides it is better to give Holden $$$s rather than pay 50,000 more benefits.

The camshaft and radiator are the only ones that would be worth more than scrap value. Price of the cam would depend on what profile it had on it, is it standard? Radiator $100-150 I would suggest would be a fair price.

Isn't that the Grand Tourer concept car that was revealed a couple of months back?

Oh wow, that is so cool. Added to my Santa list to go with my other E30 M3 models.. maybe if I stop buying these I might be able to get the real thing though??

He lists it as 265/overdrive box, which I guess means it's the 265/6 which would be the same as a US Spec E30 M3 (non-dog-leg). Must be a good box if it can handle the torque of a V12, my little 4-pot won't stress it too much!!

Colour looks amazing, very good choice! Looking forward to seeing pics with the MTech1 kit on it as well, I hope the colour match on the kit goes well!!

Certainly in very good condition (if it's as good in the flesh as the photos) and if the mileage can be verified then that is a big plus. There are a couple of negatives - Japan version so US Spec (no dog-leg box and strangled by emissions gear) and not the most desirable interior with the basic cloth. A pretty good price for what it is though.

Yes, the Individual information does show up, but not on some of these external VIN decoders which is the problem here. Option code 774 (showing blank on your link) should read Individual Series 93 Japan. So this would mean it is a Limited Edition for the Japanese market, put together by the Individual Department, and as the Individual Dept are part of BMW M Gmbh and not BMW AG, then technically the guy is right, this car has been through the Motorsport Centre. As to what the Limited Edition included, and which of those badges were added by the factory and what were bought on eBay it would be very hard to find out. And as to what value, if any, that adds to the vehicle that is a whole different question.

No good for me, the wife took ownership of the hairy walnuts when I said "I do"!

Don't you start Michael, there's enough twats in Auckland doing that already!

So glad it was dark in the cinema when I saw it for the first time, certainly "got something in my eye" even though you knew what was coming.

Wow, you don't see one of those every day!!

Biggest question is how much can you pay? Are you buying or renting? Good news for you is that the new lending restrictions are beginning to slow the market, making it better for buyers!

Glad it cured your problem James, it took a full Race Series Brains Trust to come up with the diagnosis! Personally I have never been a fan of water blasting or steam cleaning engines, water and electrics do not mix, and there are lots of places for the water to get in and cause gremlins. Can be a prick to find where / what it has got into to cause the problem as well.

If you want to drive fast do it on the track, where there are no cars coming in the other direction and safety measures for your protection. A controlled environment takes a lot of the variable factors out of the equation and allows you to go as fast as you want (or can) without risks to others.. or your licence. The countries that are increasing speed limits probably have proper motorway systems, not NZs idea of rutted cart tracks called State Highways which are dangerous in their own right. I agree that the focus on speed is a bit one-eyed, the number of downright poor drivers and vehicles on the road should be taken out before such stringent speed measures. Maybe a bit more emphasis on driver education rather than punishment - explain to people what a "stopping distance" is meant to be, I can't get over how many nose-to-tail accident there are! Unfortunately this news will just mean more people wombling along straight open roads at 80-90km/h as they are worried about getting pinged for 104, does nothing for safety as pretty soon there is a long tail of frustrated drivers trying to overtake with some desperate manoevers.

Don't you mean "scratchies" pretty sure most people wouldn't want scratches on their BMW??

The Twilight series...

There are two definate signs of a blown turbo on a diesel: 1) lack of power - not enough urge from the engine to pull a maggot off a greasy chop 2) clouds of black smoke out the exhaust - and I mean clouds, not a puff. If you have neither of these then it is not a major turbo failure. All turbos have a "whine" it is a high-revving turbine after all, the blow off sound would still suggest an loose joint or leak in a pipe.

Is that the same one as before? I don't remember the other one being a 318i, and I thought it ended up with some kind of weird E92 Front End on it. Dear God there can't be two of the monsters can there???

I did have a F/L header in there with my M20 L-jet, but all the plumbing connections on the S14 are over on the LHS, I didn't fancy jerry-rigging something up with coolant hoses going all the way across the engine bay - recipe for disaster written all over that one. Just wait until I get around to the electrics Grant - then I'll be keeping you busy!! I have managed to find most of the wiring information and plugged most leads into things which fit, but I'm sure there's gonna be some fun when I flick the switch for the first time. I mean, what is an "Evaporative Purge Valve" supposed to do when it's at home??

Or maybe it could just be the translation of the German designation into the English language..??

Couple of nice Bimmers out at the beach yesterday (shameless plug I know)..