gjm

The heater matrix is the first component used in the build of an E46. This is place in on the floor, and incidental things like the chassis, suspension, interior and so on are then bolted to it. This means replacement is a major job. OK - it's not quite that bad, but to replace the heater matrix in an E46 requires removing the front seats and the entire front dash with all controls and so on. Basically, strip the interior from the front end of the car.

Tell someone with an E30 M3, 190E-2.5 or similar that their car is lesser than something with a bigger engine! However, I do understand the sentiment. A 518i is hardly representative of what BMW were trying to achieve. Of course, manufacturers now muddy the waters by using the exact same engine in a variety of model levels, tweaking the ECU to produce more performance.

Nice idea! I do want to unroll/unstretch the rear arches, but I suspect that'll be a cut them out and attach new ones job. Economy. 1155.6km on less than 75 litres of fuel. That's less than 6.5 litres per 100km, making it cheaper to run than the 320d (once RUCs, extra rego and suchlike are taken into account). Doesn't have the same performance, power or torque, of course. All the same, seriously tempted to find an E46 1.8/1.9 (M43) Touring.

I think clicking on the star or spot next to the post detail in the unread list takes you to the first unread post.

The W124 is a nice car. It's actually a pity it has electric seats and a sunroof - at this level they're more desirable with less spec. Less to go wrong or leak. Looks like a nice car... Just ignore the description! The W126 could be nice but yup - appearances ruined by bling. Dunno if it still up on TM but there was a rusty 500SEC "AMG". The seller said you could tell it was an AMG because the VIN ended in a zero... How I laughed. And laughed... It did have a set of Pentas on it but the car itself would have needed serious work. And it wasn't an AMG.

Had someone run into the back of us today. Picked Miss M up from school, was waiting at a junction for a gap in the traffic when there's a bang and the car lurches forward a bit. The other driver admitted responsibility, and even described how she'd been trying to see around another SUV to see what traffic was approaching. I did politely suggest that watching the car in front was a better idea... I know it's not the best-presented car around, bu there's really no need for that sort of thing. The good news - the bumper impact absorber appears to have done its job, compressing and extending, saving the bumper from serious damage. Not sure if the bumper supports on the leading edge, near the wheel arch, have survived or not. The bad news? The other driver was in a SUV so while she hit the rear bumper, she also rode above it and dented the compound curved piece of metal work under the tail light, in two places. This damage extends to the side where the paint has split, so some remediation is required regardless of whether or not we want to make an insurance claim.

Warm up regulator? Pull the electric plug from it and (with engine off) test for open circuit. With engine running, test for voltage across the same connection - should be 12V, although 11.5 is acceptable.

Aye... An' thass when there weren't lines downt middle oot rud, neither!

I've been having fun in Miss M's 318i. Not even an 'S'. For me, manuals are so much more fun. There's a sense of satisfaction in driving a manual well which leaves me feeling as much passenger as driver in a car with an auto 'box.

Much uncertainty over what will happen re Top Gear. Matt Le Blanc was asked if he'd be back and replied "I don't know. I'd like to. There's nothing officially happening yet. Follow the BBC."

MTA membership is voluntary (RMVT isn't), but if the dealer is a member they will help with advice. They tend not to be biased, so they'll not simply support the dealer.

Was/is the dealer a member of the MTA? If so, call the MTA. Did they display a CIN? You're entitled to have small faults rectified. However, I don't know if you now have recourse after 7 months. If you have continued to contact the dealer, then I think you should have.

Just '80 & '81.

I've found reference to these being made by Kamei for the Euro market. They're known as 'lufthaube'.

I understand what you're saying and I kind-of agree. However, having gone through almost the exact same process a couple of months ago, upgrading another forum to exactly this software, I suspect that had we not decided to 'do it' we'd still be playing, tweaking and testing, trying new things (and this software has many new things!) in another couple of months time! The new platform is particularly versatile (within reason). Give the guys some time - they're fitting this in around real life.

There's an M10-powered 1987 automatic coupe in Wairarapa on Facebook at the moment: 400000km, "lowered by Mag and Turbo to stage one" (whatever that means) and more than a few spares. Asking is $4750. I'm looking at the two (well, 1.5 ) we have here and wondering what the best course of action is, given Miss M now has an E36.

Would this mean there'll be fewer arguments over who goes to get the coffees in? No unsafe pics, and the content was published in the 'Arts and Entertainment' section of a UK national newspaper, but you may wish to exercise discretion. Coffee... And *so* much more!

At Middlemore Hospital this afternoon... The boot suggests it is a 318i, but those hood scoops look interesting!

May as well, while you're in there.

7.12 l / 100km

Do the heater core. It's not uncommon for them to fail. Price is something over $200 from a BMW dealer. I'm sure they can be had cheaper elsewhere. I've got a write up on removing the dash somewhere. I'll be referring to it when I do our 320d (when it stops raining long enough!) and will post on my thread.

Basically, they've swapped which end of the pineapple they use.

I have asked. From the look of them, I was thinking possibly E39 fit 17s.

Ken Douglas of Automotion Motorsport Engineering writes: "Hi every one just an ask out to keep a look out for these 4 wheels and tyres that were stolen in a burglary of my workshop down Hokio Beach Road last night. They took the wheels off a customers BMW race car that I was building and even had the cheek to use my tools to remove the wheels. They are rare and unique to BMW race wheels so if you see them around or if anyone tries to sell them to you please let me or the police know ASAP. Customer is obviously as disappointed as I am about the theft of the wheels and tyres. " If you see or here of anyone trying to offload these - they're not unique, but not common - please let Ken know or send me a PM.

Wheels too big, suspension too low. jmho, of course. But definitely nowhere near $9ks worth.