gjm

Received a message from the seller... No contact details, but apparently someone was keen to swap with him for another car, but the potential swapper's car had a problem so it didn't go ahead.

Working too hard. Sooo tired. Actually had a half-decent start to today and planned to get outside and do something. Motivation was there and even the spirit was willing... The flesh was so weak. When it started to rain there was a definite mixed bag of relief that I had an excuse not to go and do something, and regret for not having got out sooner and got on with it.

I've asked for a phone number. The seller has accepted my message, but hasn't responded with any contact details.

I admit it. I have 'issues'. I see something that looks well-engineered, and it makes me feel all tingly. (Just tingly... Don't get carried away!) How about the CAE shifters? Not cheap, but what do you expect? Conrad Timms - m3motorsport.co.nz - makes some fabulous parts, too: Seen anything that fits in this category? The sort of thing you perhaps don't need, can't justify, but want.

Doug de Muro has been getting a lot more controversial lately. He has written some insightful and interesting articles, often with personal research and experience (and ownership), but seems to now look to deride pretty much anything.

More news if I get any.

I can try to get a phone number if it'll help? His description of the car: "Fresh Wof, rego till next month, brand new front tyres. It has a 5L v12 engine from an E32 750i, XYZ adjustible suspension, and AC style wheels etc. Car is certified for all modifications."

I don't doubt there'll be drama involved, but it sounds like you're prepared for that. Do you have contact details for the seller?

I think it is the 4th time in 12 months that it's been up for sale. I'd assume there is something wrong but I have no idea what. From the thread: It was built by Andy (who is on here, somewhere) and Lance. Andy had it for years and says "nothing wrong with it when I owned or sold it and many many $ invested in suspension all new gaskets in engine etc. the guy I sold it to had a brain too, so not sure what happened after that, sounds like there is something wrong with it now. Remember you aren't buying the car, you are buying into V12 ownership. It's not cheap to maintain." It was then sold to Adam: "In my period of ownership any issues were addressed as they came up. Being an older vehicle things wear out and need replacing. Great car and if my other car hadn't needed extensive engine work I would've kept it." The current seller is on the Auckland North Shore - must be someone up that way who could take a look?

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.