gjm

Damn. There goes any chance of my jelly beans offer being accepted. It was going to be for a lot of jelly beans, too!

Jasjot.S

I'm not sure if he is still on holidays, but he'll certainly be back next week.

Doesn't sound like quite the same problem. Give Kayne Barrie a call - 027 497 5330. I have a very superficial knowledge of Getrag 'boxes - he's rebuilt more of them than he'd care to remember.

How does it feel? There should be a little pressure needed to get across to the 1-2 gate, and a lot (obviously) to get into reverse. Similarly, getting to the 5th gear gate should require a little effort, and the gear lever shouldn't 'flop' between the 3-4 gate and the 5th gear gate. I think there is a locking pin and a bush (check p/n 23311228392) which when worn, can cause the problem you describe. It is normally associated with other symptoms, too.

Does the gearshift return correctly to a neutral position, or does it tend to sit between the 3-4 gate and the 5th gear gate?

Imagine a lightweight (carbon roof, bonnet, boot) E36 M3 with an S14-derived 4-pot 2.5 litre engine, spinning to (say) 8500rpm and producing 240-250hp Nothing that can't be done, but as far as I know not something that has (yet?) been built.

Looks like Monte Carlo blue, metallic matt.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1225314342.htm Not perfect, but looks unmolested and is NZ new. Given what I've read elsewhere about prices, could be worth a look. (I don't have $12k!)

No such things as an E24 M6 with an automatic gearbox! Lovely cars, with or without a manual gearbox. I had a dolphin grey M6.

I've never heard of them! I'll take a look.

1981 - the 380SE. Not the best example of the W126, but a great car in it's own right.

The tongue that drops down on the right side looks different to the E30, but other than it could be the same.

If you could, that'd be great. A rough idea of the profile, and sizes would be wonderful.

Idle issue - vacuum hoses? This gives a good run-down on what to look for and do: http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/BMW_E30_3_Series_Idle_speed_troubleshooting.htm

That's the one I'm looking at. Much cheaper than anything I've found elsewhere... But only good if it fits!

Great cars. This is the coupe version of the saloon we have. The 500 and 560 are siblings. The 560 is slightly lazier, more long-legged; the 500 is more sporty. That said, I find we rarely see more than 3000rpm and even then we're deep into licence-losing territory. Big cars, but with the suspension set up correctly they handle very well and predictably. And for a 1980s V8, they're pretty economical too.

Reason for WoF failure (according to NZTA In-service WoF regulations, 8.1.19): A brake backing plate is: a) insecure, or severely corroded, or c) deformed from its original shape, or d) cracked, or e) contaminated by brake fluid, oil or grease. But that doesn't say a backing plate needs to be fitted, and in some cases will actually refer to the backing plates in a drum brake setup. Thinking about what they do... The plates could help keep radiated heat away from your tender ball joint boots and (in a few cases) may help direct cooling air where it's needed on the disk. That said, heat will likely only be an issue if you cook your brakes, then immediately come to a complete stop and don't drive away. And most backing plates won't do anything to guide air sensibly (without some sort of ducting also being in place). The only real benefit I can see is that they help keep your suspension clean(er) of brake dust. I know a lot of racers don't use them. For further thought - have you ever seen a motorbike with a brake backing disc? I suppose there may have been one or two, but I suspect 99%+ of bikes don't have them.

Damn. I looked a them earlier, sucked my teeth a bit, reminded myself it was Boxing Day and found something simpler to do.

Can I get the rear brake disc backplates off an E46 325i without completely dismantling the entire arm?

Aye. Merry Christmas. Strawberry Margaritas are ensuring that.

I use a Penrite ATF in our 320d. It's good - after 500000km there's still no issues. I've attached the Penrite application list. Penrite ATF application list.pdf

The 6-pot cars do use more fuel, but are generally more powerful. If you're regularly travelling longer distances the fuel consumption difference will be less significant. I prefer the 4-pot cars. They may run out of breath earlier than a larger capacity 6 cylinder car, but the balance of the car is better, and handling improved as a result. (And if it is important - a 6-pot will cost more to service due to having 50% more cylinders. )

Rust-free is the key element. Check, double check, and check again. It's a fairly run-of-the-mill example, with normal issues, and with what has become a run-of-the-mill price. Nothing exceptional, but not exceptionally expensive either.

It's a bit odd. The taller, slimmer filter is so obviously wrong (when you see it). The one I have looks OK until you try to fit it. I'll get it sorted. Pretty sure I went by the p/n their catalogue suggested.