cainchapman

I'm sure Kiwi535 will be able to offer assistance on that. But my E34 never gets above 1/2 on the temperature scale. Even when I get stuck in similar traffic on the waterfront.

Only a little more than a standard blown head gasket. Welcome and we'll look forward to seeing you somwhere.

So, you're relying on the clown who tests your vehicle to have good eye-sight then. Not conclusive evidence. Money buys you justice. I'd get off that one in court in a heartbeat. Again, I was positive that one of the ladies we met in Rarotonga, was completely pissed, as she was staggering around and slurring her words. Turns out she had MS. Can I see smoke.... What a joke.

284 new registrations in 1 year is extremely impressive for a country with 7.5M people. Last count, NZ had 426. My point is, that NZ has a nation of petrol heads. A visible smoke test is no less subjective than the "your exhaust is too noisy, according to my earometer". Unless it is under load and a time period associated with it, at the very least. Seems as sensible as asking males if they are colour-blind without using green or red in the test.

FOB! I'll bet Tim went to his school ball in it with all his Hoes.

How much does it weigh? I pass through Hamilton often (as little as possible for preference), but could chuck them on a courier for you. Rural deliveries will take a few days though.

I'd be surprised if you can tell the difference using your arse dyno. A 318 might give you an extra 2.5kW going from 95 to 98 and a little more from 91 to 95. Get it onto a dyno for empirical proof.

Just a quick point. E30's are already off the list as they are deemed unsafe. Many fair arguments. I was not implying that my 4l V8 was more economical than a 2l motor. I can tell you that my 12 year old 4l V8 is more economical than my 1 year old 4l Ford! Safer and more luxurious as well. NZ has (among many other highest per capita numbers) the highest number of Ferrari's per capita. The price of oil will need to be truly magnificent before I decide to get a gutless car. I view petrol like coffee or water, I pay what the price is as I need it. Otherwise, be like Gus, get a bike.

That's my point exactly Paul. A well maintained classic (due to it's level of technology) can be efficient and better than a poorly maintained newer car. The amount of post 1995 Jap imports smoking their way around Auckland is phenomonal. However, an emissions check at the border won't stop people neglecting them, once they own it. It should be done as part of the WOF.

I find it hard to believe that prices can soar. Prices of those cars are already at a level. All it is to stop is the cheap crap landing here. So you won't be able to buy an $8k car. Who cares. Andrew is right too, Car dealers are scum and will find a new way to screw people. I am intrigued about the emission and economy testing though. How do they propose to do it, as it has been too hard to implement as part of the WOF, so will this become a compliance test? And who will do it. On the fuel economy thing, I'm not fussed, as you see on this site, many people think that the V8's are not economical. I'd disagree entirely. If I want to drive a Dodge Viper, good on me. As long as it is meeting the emissions regs. I'm happy for freedom of choice.

And in conjunction to Kerry's description. More torque, means that you can use less throttle position for the same motive power. The best of both worlds. You can have a little more economy (however, the fuel costs more, so not a monetary saving) and more kW, when you need them.

Maybe a stupid question, but have you changed wheel size, diff or gear ratios?

Conrod is your man for the 325 Coupe.

I'll look forward to seeing that. You know someone who has Supertourer parts? Send me a list, we might buy them. Outside of Lyall, I'm unsure of anyone who has these laying around, outside of the 3 people who own the 4 cars in NZ. If you want help sourcing stuff, let me know. It'll make a nice addition to the open class racing. (Although an E36 M3 with a 4 cylinder motor, might not be eligible).

Breathing or just a crappy Industrial air?

I'd say the worst vehicle to have sex in would be a prison van. (unless you are from Sydney)

Sounds like Darren Robinson's car. Although he's not CEO of Rakon

Sweet! All it needs is a slippery diff and it'd be a wild drift car!

Obviously coming from someone, who has never driven a big Supercar. The Gallardo is not even a very good daily driver, but the Murcielago is just too big for city driving. If your daily drive is the Autobahn or from Christchurch to Queenstown each day, then yes. You have picked a nice car.

Buy a people mover! or a Honda

Look at www.newzealand.com or www.aatravel.co.nz The Kauri forest and Tane Mahuta is always worth a look. Waitangi. Russell. Kerikeri Stone store. Cape Reinga and Spirits bay.

Jochen, I'll set you a challenge. I'll give you my chassis number and you get in my gearknob or Strut tower mount, a shock, spring or any other such part for my car. I bet BMW get it wrong. They are not standard 540 parts and even the dealer calls me back and advise another 10 days to get the correct part. The car is in the configuration it was delivered in. I have even stumped the technical manager at BMWNZ head office. I had to take the car into him, before he believed my complaints about repeated BMW cock ups on parts. Their parts database is far from perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The first generation of SMG was backward in operation. It was like a Falcon auto. You pushed forward to change up and pulled backward to change down. Non-intuitive and they fixed it with SMG II

To my knowledge, it's back together again. I need an excuse to have a chat, so I'll call and find out.

I could slip it into the boot of the 540 and then you'd keep up Andrew. Nice car. I'll look forward to seeing it in the flesh.