gjm

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.

Got a WoF on the E36. Feckin' rear lights were a PITA. Aluminium backing plates, connecting to aluminium tabs from aluminium sockets, relying on pressure from a bulb, does not make for a solid, corrosion-resistant connection! Got to the WoF station and found I had a centre brake light, but no side brake lights and no rear fog light. Turns out that it was just the rear offside brake light bulb that wasn't quite making a connection, and that because it wasn't working the other bulbs took a union vote - solidarity, brothers! - and all decided not to work. One out, all out. Took bl**dy ages to find the culprit. Need to make a tiny adjustment to the steering rack, and will need to look at the front wishbone brackets - 'lollipops' - before the next warrant.

Happens to a lot of people. Me, f'rinstance. Set out with every good intention of getting a job done, then something happens and enthusiasm just goes clean outta the window. I was fortunate and had a couple of very nice chaps come down and help me through the last event of that nature.

Condition is everything. As is ownership - I was stung by a distant seller passing on a car that wasn't his. Check the car (and docs) in person if at all possible, or get someone to look at it for you.

I need a replacement in the E36. The current one dribbles water on to the screen.

Changed the oil. Again.

Looks like a 'saved by the anti-intrusion bars' situation. Brent showed me a car in his yard that had been hit very hard - those bars really earn their keep. Fingers crossed nothing other than pride was hurt.

I love these.

I saw a post on Farcebook earlier where someone had been quoted $60 to have a new key cut for his BMW - he had the chip, but had broken the key stem out of the plastic fob. He was hoping someone could suggest somewhere cheaper.

There's a feeling I can empathise with... Pulling the turbo off the 320d to find that 'someone' (probably a nice man at a garage) had done it before, and used exhaust paste when reassembling. Fortunately no detrimental effects, but all the same... Has me questioning everything when I come across stuff like that.