Mike.Gayner

Hi, I've just bought a e34 540i, and it appears the tyre is making contact with the guard. This seems to be causing significant extra wear on the tyre (and really should have been picked up in the pre purchase inspection). What are my options here? I really dont want to have to get new wheels, and I certainly dont want to modify my guards to any extent. Am I stuck between a rock and a hard place here? Here's a pic of the wheels on the car. I will get better pictures when it's not raining.

Good write up, but I don't agree that left foot braking or the heel-toe technique are "beginner's techniques". In fact, they're really completely unnecessary to know on the road. I guess this is more of a guide for track driving beginners.

I wound up buying said car on Trademe. The inspection at Coombes (who are very friendly, professional and meticulous I might add) resulted in a shopping list of issues, but nothing you wouldn't expect from a car this age. It's indeed going to need some money spent on it, but I wound up picking it up for $5,400. The body is in great shape, and the interior will come up very well with a good clean. The engine is great and so is the gearbox. Issues outstanding include play in the inner tie rod, play in a swaybar link, battery at 65% (unservicable), uneven tyre wear (obviously related to the steering and suspension wear) and a number of smaller issues. It's also overdue for the Inspection service, so I'm thinking of just taking it to the workshop and having them fix up all the little issues. I'm waiting on an estimate from the workshop, and if it's acceptable I will go ahead with this. Otherwise, I'll fix the WOF issues immediately, and work through the minor issues over time. I'll post some pictures soon.

The front suspension in my e34 is knocking over small bumps - what's the likely cause of this? Thanks. edit: Sorry about the title, my keyboard has been jacking off and it's driving me nuts. Obviously that's supposed to read "suspension".

Does anyone know of a good detailer/groomer in Tauranga they can recommend? Thanks.

Mechanics have used this technique for years. Just stops the movement that causes squeaking.

So you're familiar with it? Seems a steal at $5k, don't you think? Have you seen it in person?

Thanks for the replies. I'm in Tauranga and the car is in Maketu. If anyone knows of a good dealer around here (Tauranga/Te Puke) that would be handy. Ta.

(BMW newbie) Hi, I'm looking at buying a 1994 BMW 540i with about 170,000km. The only issue I'm aware of is that when first started from cold, the gearbox is slow to change gears. After a minute or so of driving everything is back to normal. Should I be concerned about this? I'm having it taken in for an AA inspection anyway, but should I save my $150 and walk away now? Or is it normal behavior for these cars? Thanks.