bravo

I was talking to Westy about SL's on Saturday. They're pretty good value for money - the v8's are similar in price to e36 m3, similar age, and similar power aswell - just a heavier car, and probably nowhere near as good handling. But for the money, if you'd rather a GT than a sports sedan, they're pretty tough to beat at the price point IMO. If you like the style, but not the price tag, you can pick up a non-amg smaller 6L v12 600sl (290kw) for about $40k, or if that's still too pricey annd hard on the fuel economy, get a 500sl v8 (240kw) for $20k+, or a 320sl 6cyl (~190kw) for under $20k. Unfortunately the styling is such, that most of you won't like them. There's a 600sl v12 in Paihia in charcoal grey with 19" polished lip black centre rims, and it looks and sounds amazing.

I've always thought so, ever since Will bought it. iS lip is the only way - tech II front doesn't work with tech I sides - totally different styles. I always thought will should have put one on.

Started when I was 16, gave up for good when I was 23 (3 years ago) after 2 false starts. I gave up because it wasn't cool anymore, and because I was trying to save some $. Ever since my health has been so much better - I get maybe one small cold a year rather than being stuck in bed for a week with the flu a couple of times a year. When they banned smoking in bars I was against it even though I wasn't smoking at that stage, as I had worked in bars for much of my life and didn't really care. Tell you what though, since the law came in, I see the difference, and wouldn't go back for quits. These days even the smell of ciggies puts me off. I still enjoy a cigar once every year or 2 on special occaisions.

Do you know what car Peter is putting the p-plate that was on the touring, Ollie?

Haha - quite true! I'm possibly alone on this, but I think Audi make some of the coolest interiors.

Much the same spec (and colour) as Will's wifes one.

Depends on how he went about importing it. Would fall under 20yo+ vehicle exception clasue - only problem is LHD. The assumption was that it could be vinned (I'd expect him to do it for me and I pay if I was a prospective buyer).

Fan belt (drives alt and waterpump also), Air con belt, Power steer belt. Cambelt and tensioner. Often pays to change waterpump at the same time as cambelt as you have to remove the cambelt to remove the waterpump. Only buy a reputable brand cambelt (OEM, Gates, QH, Febi Bilstein etc), and you won't go wrong.

Natahn did it on the 320 I stole my tech II from - something to do with making it look more modern??? Personally I don't get it either.

I've never used the holders - I use double sided foam trim tape to hold them on. Works a treat, they won't come off, no drill holes.

I said they were from plates.co.nz.

f**k those rear side windows are huuuuge!

You must have a beautiful woman and that is it!

OK, so a Parcelpost van did this as I was passing him on the passing lane going up the hill from Waiwera on the way down to aux tonight. I indicated right well before the passing lane, and was abreast of him when he decided he too would pull out to pass. Luckily there was a gap in the oncoming traffic and I just third-laned around him. -10 points for indicating for 0.3 nano-seconds, -10 points for using rear-view mirror to see e30 looming behind, and -10 points for not checking blindspot before pulling right. Don't know how he didn't know I was there - redlining in 2nd - should have deafened him.

f**k this is cool And a bloody bargain too. Removable hardtop, new cond soft top, MINT white leather interior, 5L v8 - pwns an e34 540 or an m6 for the money. (even with on road costs). PS - someone buy my e30. Please...

Do it with the r30 when parked on poorly lit residential streets, or busy roads with no marked parking lane. The old mercs (eg w108) had a switch on the dash that turned the park lights left or right - also had a floor pedal for intermittent wipers and windscreen wash,

No its manual.

I like the Simmons. The article can be found on the classic car website Here and here

Stop trying to hide your boner sam. For those of you that don't know there is at least one of each of those cars owned by members of the forum. Nathan aka Zeitgeist used to own the Alpina till he sold it to one of the forum sponsors, and I'll let the 325is Evo owner show himself if he wants. Nathan was almost giving the Alpina away at one stage - he tried to sell it to me, but it needed some money spent on it and at the time I'd just thrown some money at some property and so let it go. from what I can tell its been improved no end now, and I doubt I'll ever get a chance to own one again, sadly. BTW he paid next to nothing for it back then either (due to its needed maintenance one or two missing bits and at first some doubt as to its authenticity - all of which I believe have ben sorted). I've paid more for an auto 320i. I understand the new owner has taken excellent care of it and has turned/is turning it back into the gem it once was. There's at least one other 325is Evo in Auckland as well in diamantschwarz if I'm not mistaken.

Also the 2002 estate/touring. Seen a pic of one once before. Even cooler than e30 touring.

Got pulled up by highway patrol near whangarei today on way down for gokart meet. Only reason he pulled me up was to ask about my german plates. Seemed satisfied when I said they were legit. The end may be nigh though.... I'm still pissed that plates.co.nz has a monopoly on plate manufacture.

"Author of this write up"

The megasquirt kits he makes up in the motronic boxes look top notch. The install is still rangi - especially since it is linked from his company website and vice versa. Its all to do with pride in workmanship. If I even did a job that looked like that I wouldn't put pics up of it, and certainly not linked to my company. I'd be too ashamed.

Link to Wiki I freaken love the piece of cork in the ICV hose! Also go the sikaflex!!!!!

I've got it on USB disk. Bring a laptop to gokarting and you can grab it off me.