gjm

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmwnz/permalink/1349496508453495/?sale_post_id=1349496508453495&rt=11 It's in the BMW NZ Parts/Classifieds/Discussions group.

+1

It's not quite as far-fetched as it sounds... A turbocharged E30 iX wagon could do it. Unfortunately the iX was only ever supplied with the M20B25 engine, but that could be changed in order to get the power and economy (although not at the same time, obviously). I'm so easily pleased!

A 4WD 2-door wagon with about 400hp, returning 15km+ per litre...

Sounds like it became an almighty mess-around.

They're a beautiful rim, imho. Unfortunately, their value as a percentage of the value of our E36s...

The same suggestion could be levelled at most other manufacturers of sports (or just sporty) cars, of course. However, that would only be to support the sale of entry level, base-spec cars. And that is something that I think would work so well for Mini. Bring the cool car back to the market (even if it is twice the size of the original!)

That's why I suggested keeping them as close to stock as possible. MSNZ would probably require a cage, but after that it could be race legislated that no further changes are allowed. Run them on road tyres and standard rims. OK, some very limited changes might be permitted such as brake pads and fluid, but keep everything else absolutely stock. I think it would work. The MINI challenge was just too much of everything, and appealed only to those people well-enough-heeled to actually be able to go and race in another already established significant series anyway. And those people would expect all the bells and whistles that go with (relatively) big budget manufacturer-sponsored race series. Sell it as a budget series. (Although 'budget' in motor racing is usually a 'how big?' rather than 'how little?' question... ) I really think BMW are missing a trick. The up-spec cars are great, sure, but there's an entire market that is being missed. Manufacturers really need to get back to the roots of car buying rather than fill ever-changing designs with more and more technology, flash trim and fancy gadgets. Besides, start with a base-spec car and you can always up-sell the alloys and so on. Probably a lot more profit to be made that way, too.

Talking with someone at BMW last week; there is a suggestion that NZ may be seeing sense. All the Minis that come in at the moment are specced to the hilt. Fancy alloys, aircon, HID lights, leather, ICE, fancy paint... You name it. And the price reflects this. It seems someone at BMWNZ may have finally had a common sense infusion, and there might be a chance that some base-spec cars could come in. Steel wheels, halogen lights, cloth seats, no sunroof, flat paint... For (perhaps) $25k? The current cheapest Mini, a 'Cooper' (John will be turning in his grave!) lists at over $35k. For $25k, it becomes a possibility for so many more people. Introduce a race series for as-near-as-possible to stock cars, and you've got a winner on your hands. As Ford said, what wins on Sunday, sells on Monday. Even if it is a single make series. Huge opportunity. HUGE. I'll be waiting for my royalties.

Starting bid now $2000...

Yes. Yes, I do. I want an entire string orchestra! There's two cars in bit in the garage. Project work... The E46 is running maintenance! (Or supposed to be, if it wasn't for the bloody weather!)

I've heard nothing bad about them, and bad news spreads pretty well.

Can we please have some decent fY%$% weather for a couple of days? This morning was nice down this way, but instead of getting on with some car-related work which I'll have to do outside due to the garage being full, I chose to head north, planning to meet with some other BMW folk at Kyu's. Not only did a broken toe (which I've been nursing this week) mean I stopped halfway, had a coffee, then drive home very carefully, but when I got back the morning, and the good weather, had gone. I want to get the turbo on the 320d swapped. Don't want to be doing it in the rain.

First thought that came to me, too.

You'd get an LS7 in there. Might need some massagng, but it'll fit.

Yes. I spent some time in Iver talking to Kevin and discussing handling, and how stiffer isn't always better.

Anyone got a good pair of Motorsport front struts suitable for a sedan? We don't need springs.

Google, flickr... I'm sure there are others. I'm going to 'rescue' my photos from Photobucket while the site is still up. It's been showing increasing amunts of advertising lately, and getting slower, and slower...

M10B18 and an auto box. Drive it around Auckland... You're stationary most of the time anyway - no one will know! Does look lovely.

'84 Strosek in GP White '86 S2 in Rosewood metallic CS-spec+ '89 GT in Guards Red

PM'd re valance and rad support

TBH, it never really bothered me. Took a week or so to get used to and after that... It was just different. RHD headers for a M5 may be OK, but several of the cars I've had would have been a different matter. Various V8 Mercs, and a Porsche 928... RHD headers don't exist unless you have them custom made. That said, following a tractor down a narrow-ish country road while in the C10 was 'challenging'. There's no way (from the LHD driving seat) to tell when it's safe to overtake, and moving far enough out to see past meant anything coming the other way would have hit me before I could see them coming. Certainly not ideal.

I drove a few left-hookers in the UK. US muscle (Camaro, Mustang, C10 pickup) and some Italian - an Alfa Romeo oddball, and a Integrale. It certainly takes some getting used to - overtaking while in the C10 really required a passenger! - but it's not so bad. And puts the gear lever to the right of the driver. And yes.. Tuning parts like headers are much, much more readily available for LHD cars.

Buuuut... Hyundai! Although if you squint at an early one, they do kinda look like a 1-series BMW from the back...