paulo

Lots of high-end cars here in Vancouver, but it's the older ones that grab my attention...

E46 M3 on the bridge… OK, so not spotted in person, but was doing some google street view research for an upcoming trip to SF, and spotted this gem on it’s way onto the Golden Gate Bridge

+1 for Sparetto. I tried them recently for the first time for a swag of e60 parts and they were significantly cheaper than my usual go-tos of FCP Euro and ECS Tuning.

Hi ya - no problem. This one is now sold, but I know that pick-a-part has this type of part listed for $35. cheers paul

Hi there - I’ve got one listed on TM: https://www.trademe.co.nz/trade-me-motors/car-parts-accessories/bmw/electrics/auction-4874924513.htm cheers paul

Thanks for the recommendation - that particular vendor was out of stock. I ended up getting the one from SMG Society. Super fast delivery, and it is made in Germany - looks to be a nicely manufactured unit. comes with the essential seals and clips etc. Will fit it up this weekend…

Hi Guys, I need to replace the SMG hydraulic pump motor on my e60 M5 as the original one has been nicely toasted. Does anyone here have any recommendations / experience on what to replace it with? Eg: Genuine BMW (circa $1000 USD) from FCP Euro / ECS Tuning MLR Engineering pump from ECS Tuning – circa $530 USD “SMG Society” pump from Germany – 330 Euro The original pump is beyond repair. Any advice greatly appreciated! Cheers Paul

Just been looking at your e61 M5 thread and realised that I took a couple of photos of this car back in Feb 2021 in Christchurch. Prior to your ownership, I think… Epic wagon! Great colour!

Many thanks for the links - very helpful! cheers Paul

Hi ya Wondering if anyone knows where I might be able to find some wiring diagrams for e60 / e61 M5 or M6, particularly the DME / ECU and SMG computer wiring diagrams / pinout info. I’ve had a pretty good look on the internet, but nothing there , at least in public domain. I'm wondering if a 24-hour subscription to BMW-TIS might be an option…? Any guidance would be appreciated. Feel free to PM a dodgy download link ! cheers Paul

Yes, that should do the trick. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ve now purchased this kit, and it is slowly making its way to me from the US of A. My preference was to “buy local”, but I fully appreciated the unicorn nature of this request! cheers everyone Paul

Hi team Would anyone happen to have a DME for a V10 M5 or M6? Or know where I may be able to purchase one from? Would purchase a matching DME + CAS3 + key / key chip if not wanting to split out the DME Seimens MSS65 Cheers Paul

Hi guys, Im interested in this e39 that has popped up for sale at ChCh European: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/m5/listing/4564930233?bof=uZwwqzBJ Does anyone know of this car or it's history? I know that it was for sale in Hamilton a few weeks back - a couple of screenshots below from that listing. Looks like the dealer has tidied it up a bit since then (most noticeably the steering wheel) I haven't viewed it yet - I think I may struggle with comfort seats and chrome brightwork, but I guess that could be swapped out without too much drama... Cheers Paul

Maybe check coolant temperature is getting hot enough to allow better efficiency, and that it is also allowing the DPF to do the required occasional burn-off? (needs to get to over 88 degrees I think). I have an earlier e60 Diesel and it has had 2 x faulty thermostats over 80,00km and that resulted in worsening fuel economy until fixed. You will need to access the hidden dash menu to get readout of coolant temp or a scanner with real-time data readings.

A couple of screenshots from when it was last listed for sale in August 2022. Sad to loose one of the better examples from our roads.

Here’s a few more from the Skope Classic…

+1 on the Golf R. Even in DSG format they are epic. Mk7.5 is peak Golf R in my opinion.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/audi/auction-3781185134.htm

Who won?

I think that there has also been a distinct "drought" of e39 M5s coming onto the market for the last year or so (but a reasonable number of e46 M3s), and when those 3 M5s popped up recently, there was pent-up demand to see them snapped up quickly.

Also a ciggie packet in the passenger foot well, so you never have to reach too far to find them! Not a bad price, considering that it's NZ new, and a Manual (albeit converted). But, yeah, looks like it needs a bit of a tidy up...

An unremarkable e46 Sedan in CHCH with annoying (to me) rego plate placement.

In Reefton a few weeks ago - proof that Estoril Blue does not maketh the car…

A tidy NZ New 328i ‘vert. Plate was “DEBS1”

Parked at the end of a quiet street in CHCH. A pinnacle of 1980s German efficiency and luxury. Apparently the “ee” designation was a NZ thing…