gjm

M10x125, I think.

I don't care about the 'hairdresser' comments - I really like this. Maybe I've turned the corner to 'that' age a bloke reaches when a sporty convertible seems essential? I seriously doubt it's affordable for me, but I may just have to give you a call, Ray...

Spent some time in a sadly futile exercise of trying various relatively non-invasive things to find why the 320d won't start. Could be timing I suppose, although seems unlikely given it was running perfectly before stalling when I lifted off the throttle while travelling at ~85km/h. The obvious thing is to read codes, but that can take some time when it's impossible to get the car to the diagnostic kit. Fortunately, a Very Nice Man has offered to loan me something that should help.

BNT would probably be able to help (but I seem to recall they are related to SCA or Repco?) MillAnd in Dunedin are good. Lots of stock typically of better German quality (although OEM), good prices and fast delivery. Initial contact via their website - http://milland.co.nz/index.php - is a webform rather than phone call, but they do respond. And you will get a phone number from them.

Kinda what i thought. Nice, but that nice?

Blue-540i also had a great car. Sadly, not been seen for a coupla years now. Nice bloke, had a really nice blue 540i (funny, that!) that hung around for ages.

Saw a 435i in Estoril Blue this evening, following it south on SH1. From the back, it looks like quite a small car. Miss M liked it.

How embarrassing. I even looked at the TM listing and the penny (cent, pfennig, whatever) didn't drop. Right. Z4 coupe, aka E86. Only available as a 3-litre N52, or 3.2 litre S54. The E83 roadster did get a 2.0, and the E89 even got a 1.8. So no little engines in the Z-coupes, regardless of Z4 (or Z3).

I was casually looking for something similar. All I've found locally is a pair for $1-200 (with one needing a rebuild) or these.

In answer to my question: no. Z3 Coupes got the 2.8, 3.0, 3152cc S52 or 3246cc S54

Nice car. So far out of reach for me that it's not even worth dreaming about! Did they do a 1.9 version of the coupe?

Can he repair fuel pumps, too? OK - I've not got to that point yet, but I'm trying to line up solutions that don't cost $000s.

I was going to suggest Chris at Suspension Tech, too. I've nothing against Stocks (etc) but this really is Chris' 'thing'.

It always pays to research. BMW prices do tend to be quite high, but there's less chance of receiving an incorrect part, and if you do return is easier. I may have a similar situation with our 320d.

Third line down in the list of applications: BMW 1 Series 2007 E81 [2006-2012] Hatchback Hatchback 130i 2996ccm 258HP 190KW (Petrol)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121548663629 Even with shipping, taxes and having someone do it for you, you should save about $2k.

It's certainly quiet. I'll do a voltage test on it and see what it's up to, but my suspicion is that it could be the high pressure pump which has decided to call it a day.

Changed the oil on the E36 - it has a lovely new filter, and lots of good 15W40 in it now. Made a change doing a different car. The sump plug is a long way back!

At $3k it's worth serious consideration.

If it is the high pressure fuel pump, this is likely to be very painful indeed. ~305,000 miles.

I'm going through potential causes for the sad lack of brmm-brmm our 320d is experiencing. I don't think it is the fuel rail pressure sensor as removing that should see the car reconfigure into a default mode; unplugging it made no difference whatsoever. The in-tank fuel pump on our 320d Touring is located under the rear seat on the right side. Lift the seat base and there is a rubber mat; under this is a round metal panel secured by 4 nuts. Under that you can see the top of the fuel pump. How much noise does the in-tank fuel pump make? There is no aubible sound when listening through the rear seat, but remove the seat and there is a distinct 'hum' (as opposed to a buzz or whirr).

Had it towed home. See my thread for more details. I'll be learning lots about BMW diesel fuel systems.

Today is the first time the 320d has let us down. Heading north on SH1, we were pulling into Mercer services to check tyre pressures when the engine cut out. Not stalled, just stopped. No warning lights, normal operating temperature, no funny noises, just stopped. 3/4 tank of fuel. I've checked all potentially relevant fuses - nothing. It sounds like the fuel pump is running. Turns over on the key without any issues, and is turning more than fast enough to start - new battery less than two weeks ago. Occasionally it gives the impression it is trying to start, but doesn't quite get there. If I leave it for long enough to cool down, it will start and run briefly, before cutting out again. As such, there seems to be a heat-related issue. A bit of research is entirely inconclusive, but does give some ideas as to where to look. The fuel pressure sensor is a potential issue, but so is a failed relay. Or the fuel pump, fuel sender... More annoyingly, there are some reports of similar issues which are simply not revealed under normal diagnostic enquiries - apparently the issue could only show under a directed non-engine-related enquiry, which requires 'proper' INPA or similar diagnostic kit. Unfortunately, being away from home, at a roadside services, does not make for a good place to consider testing and trying things. I've had no choice but to leave the car at the services and get a lift home - I'm hoping to get it moved today without paying a fortune to a breakdown company.

I had a quick look and that's how it appears. I suspect whoever you got it from tried to unscrew it. I'll think of something. Plenty of ways to keep it in place.