gjm

Sorted for another time.

I have a fork-type - insert into the joint and slug it with a big hammer. Probably the same distance as Andrew... (But closer than Olaf! )

I'm struggling with the viability of using our 320d for the trip to work. At (for the sake of argument) 6l/100km and assuming diesel at 114c/litre, it costs 114x6=684c in fuel, plus 100x5.8c=580c in RUcs. Total = $12.64. Taking the E36 318i I've been using recently: At 7l/100km and assuming petrol at 200c/litre (I typically less than this - 98 @ 187c/litre recently), it costs $14. A difference of $1.36 per 100km, which is readily absorbed by the slightly higher rego costs, and more frequent servicing the diesel typically requires. Now, the 320d does have more performance, both in terms of power and torque. The trade-off is that this is for commuting on roads where I can normally maintain 90-100km/h for a reasonable period of time; power and torque are less important. (We have a 5-litre Mercedes for that sort of thing!) Decisions, decisions.

The 4-pot is a better balanced car, weight wise. It does give away power and torque, but there's more room in the engine bay for 'enhancements'.

Good vid. Nice to see one that's a bit longer than usual!

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/6142292851.html Apologies for it not being a TradeMe ad, but this would be interesting, in many senses of the word. Not seen this conversion before, and given what I'd thought were electronic complexities, I'd probably never consider it. However, taking the engine and gearbox, and presumably the entire wiring loom and all sensors and ECUs, it might not present such an issue to someone suitably experienced.

It will replace the 6-series and will be available as a two door coupe, four door Gran coupe as well as a two door cabriolet. So either your prayers are answered, or your worst fears realised. That front-end is going to take some getting used to!

The back looks very Aston Martin.

Or at one of the car sales sites that facilitates sales for private sellers. A great shame.

<sigh>

Thanks Brent.

This one would need to stay auto. Presumably fluid and a filter would help - I suspect that's typically overlooked. After that I only have theoretical experience with autoboxes. No idea if it is an issue with this car or not, yet.

JA91136 ex-Japan, so I expect it's a Jatco 'box. Possibly a 300? The reason for asking is that I've heard not-so-good things about the Jatco boxes. I'm sure it doesn't invariably apply bit something to make me cautious.

Is there a definitive way to tell, from a VIN, which auto gearbox would have been fitted to an E36 or E46? Looking to be able to tell if it would have been a Jatco or a ZF.

ZF LifeGuard Fluid 6 is (as far as I can determine) the BMW-recommended fluid. Penrite don't list a fluid from their range to suit your car and specify this.

https://www.facebook.com/Kayne-Barrie-Motorsport-Ltd-381083371919997/

Entirely reasonable. Your car - you're more than entitled to be picky!

The E90 rims are probably Style 194. 0.5" wider at the front, but should also fit an E46 without issue. (From BMWStyleWheels.com) (From http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=62216)

The rims Brent has sold ^ are really nice, and look superb on an E46. They come up fairly often so perhaps worth waiting for.

You are assured of my vote.

Nothing usual about that, these days!

Permanent. Salaried, paid hols, pension contribution. Usual stuff.

Nothing at all to do with BMWs, or even cars. The company who fund my car-related expenditure is looking for a couple of people to join the team in Wellington: a technical consultant, and a project manager. There's scope for some crossover, and also some business analysis involvement. The company provide EDRMS solutions and services and work with government (national and local), health, and similar areas. There may be scope to work from Palmerston as we have an office there, too. That would up to the individual to discuss. If you might be interested, please drop me a line and I'll forward a link to the role description and suchlike.

There's a guy on Facebook looking for an 'as near to 1997 E36 Touring'. I've PM'd him the highlights from you listing - I'll send you his name.

@zero is familiar with the N42. I suspect he'll suggest using something different.