gjm

It's certainly been for sale for a while. I think it was discussed on here some months ago - opinions were divided on the colour then, too.

Could be, may be, perhaps something like this:

You could. (I had one of them, too. ) The C36 was quoted at 276hp against the E36's 272 due to slightly different intake and exhaust configuration. With throttle bodies and little else these engines made a little over 300hp. The M104 was made by Mercedes in 2.8, 3.0 and 3.2 sizes. AMG and Brabus did conversions for 3.4 and 3.6 litres. They are a popular swap into the older W201 body. Several turbo conversions around too, going beyond 800hp.

Not sure if it's still listed? It could be a genuine E36, but I think there were 12 of these, not 6. I had an E36 estate in Malachite Green - great car. Does potentially suffer from the biodegradable engine wiring loom, but other than that, these things go well, stop well, handle well and are very comfortable. 272hp. However, there are some things which aren't original. The rear lights have been changed (Mercedes/AMG only used orange indicators at the time) and that bootlip spoiler doesn't look original. The rims look like they could be 18s - these cars came on 17s. It'd be interesting to see the gearknob - it should have 'E36' embossed into it. Parts for these can be interesting. None were ex-factory AMG: all were built by Mercedes as cars, then shipped to AMG for work. This means that the main dealer databases typically show these cars as being a 320, and not a E36.

Could 'hide' it here if you need to. I'm good at keeping secrets. Might have to insist you tell Mrs M it really (really, really!) isn't mine, though!

I saw you'd asked about having a WoF done, and received no answer. I'm really keen on the idea of the car, but managed to keep my sensible head on. Besides, I didn't want to bid against someone else and just cost them more.

Based on my experience (and there are more engines in the 8-series than I've driven) the 840 was more sporty, while the 850 was more cruiser but still ultimately faster. I felt the same was true of the 500 and 560SEC Mercedes. The slightly smaller engined car was a more sporting drive, and while both were grand tourers, the bigger-engined car was more so.

My head keeps saying Giallo Yellow, but that was the Integrale. Bros 850 was (iirc) Black Mica Metallic, a rare colour (we were told). His was also a Ci, 1994MY.

Highline E24 in Dolphingrau, 840Ci in yellow. My brother had an 850: we sort of swapped - I'd previously had a Merc 560SEC, while he had a 500SEC. We'd swap cars pretty often.

Flipping a car like this typically means something isn't quite right. Very sad if that's the case. Aside from what I expect the economy to be, it'd be fabulous. Power, comfort, space, and a towbar. Can't ask for a lot more.

Similar. It's (partly) why I don't own my M635CSi, 840Ci or any one of many other lovely cars. No space, life, and... Well, moving from the UK to NZ may have something to do with it! I still like this one. It's LHD, been for sale for what seems like ages, and it's not a colour everyone would want.

Anyone know the seller? Is the reason real?

While the 6-series appears to have gone quietly into the night, there is hope. A new 8-series looks likely. More news on May 26th.

1984/07 - 1987/10 DC72 535 I RL Sedan M30 right-hand drive Europe 1986/03 - 1987/11 DC92 M5 RL Sedan S38 right-hand drive Europe 1984/10 - 1987/09 DC91 M5 Sedan S38 left-hand drive Europe 1986/11 - 1987/11 DC93 M5 Sedan S38 left-hand drive USA

It's a NZ new 535i. Model designation is DC72: the M535i was DC91, DC92 or DC93 depending on destination market and which side the steering wheel is on.

I checked this morning - there is a dash light when the fogs are on. I don't think I've ever seen it before. That Dave... He's not often wrong, and he was right again.

That shows how often I use the fog lights! ?

There's sufficient fog down our way to sometimes qualify as being appropriate for using fog lights. The issue is that it is possible, in older BMWs at least, to switch on the foglights, and forget them. There is no indication on the dash to say they are in use. And turning off the headlights/sidelights does not cancel the foglights - the next time those lights are turned on, the foglight is there waiting. I don't think the button on the E36 lights up to say foglights are in use, for example. Mercedes have a system where you turn a knob to switch on headlights. Once turned, you pull it out to one position to enable one set (front or rear - I don't recall which comes first) of foglights, then pull again to enable the second set. When you turn off the side/headlights, the foglights are automatically cancelled - the knob returns to it's initial 'in' position. So simple. So effective. So not used by so many manufacturers.

Two's company. Three's allowed.

I know this engine can use oil as it gets older and the piston rings wear, but haven't heard of big end issues (before).

It's based on what I was told a couple of years ago - I've not tested it! (I'm too nice. ) I was told that not completing a deal once the auction was over had to be down to the parties involved. The seller might still be required to pay a success fee, but if either side unilaterally backed out of the deal they could have their account closed. Not much in the grand scheme of things, I guess.

A complaint to TradeMe is in order. There's no legal redress that I'm aware of, but the seller will receive a stern ticking off from TradeMe. And you can, of course leave negative feedback. Nothing that'll make any difference of course, and the seller probably won't care. Look at it this way. If the seller is that much of an arse that they'll stiff you on a perfectly good sale, what have they done (or not done) to the car? You could have had a very lucky escape.

Sweet. Thanks.

1991 E30 M20B20 vs M20B25 - is there any difference in the parts used for the timing belt and water pump? (And associated bits and pieces?)

Barry is the man to go and see in Wellington. Talk to Christian - CSET - if you're in Auckland.