gjm

The ones on the white car, or the ones on the black car? Durn't much like either! ;-)

Front strut brace completed. (Pics to follow.) And rather than make them, we've bought a set of chassis reinforcement plates. The car won't go any faster, but should feel nicer to drive which fits with plans. Same speed - more feel.

I thought all money realised from speeding fines went to central government? I suppose they might spend it on law enforcement, but more likely on junkets for MPs, new flags...

Cops sitting hidden up a slip road aren't watching traffic, or drivers that don't drive. They're typically watching a 200yd stretch of straight road. I woke someone up who nearly drove into me yesterday. Black VW Passat, driver with a shirt and tie, had been weaving fairly well between Meremere and Hampton Downs - two wheels over the line to the left, or the centre line. As I passed him he started to drift towards us but a hand held on the horn saw his head snap up, and him nearly drive off the left side of the road. I saw in my mirror that he'd stopped. Policeman? There'd been one on the southbound HD slip road. Camera van? Would have made absolutely no difference whatsoever.

I've not given up yet. My (light touch) investigations reveal the seller has been a very naughty boy and may not currently be at liberty to respond. However, if it does all stay as it is then the gear is still in the back of my car.

Leaking heater matrix? Any smells in the cabin?

I don't go in for warranties like this, but I tend to buy older cars and then normally fix them myself. My experience is, therefore, irrelevant. In your position I would certainly take Glenn up on his offer of having a chat. You'll be better informed and able to make a decision.

As I understand it, the thermostat opens once a temperature is reached. Temp will continue to rise for a short while, but will then drop back to the desired temperature. As such, yours is probably fine.

Toto Wolff, boss of the AMG Petronas F1 Racing team, is threatening to drop one of the two drivers if they can't get along. Sky Sports has reported the relationship between Hamilton and Rosberg is at an all-time low and that they very rarely even speak to each other. Wolff has said that "if it were to become detrimental to the team that would mean that we would not maintain the long-term set-up in the team with the drivers." He went on to talk about team spirit and that while Hamilton and Rosberg are competitors on the track, any rivalry must not overflow in the pits - such competition is not good for team dynamics. Seems an odd thing to say given the number of Mercedes 1-2 finishes last season, but it sounds like he's playing a much longer game.

Go get it, take it home, then decide what you want to do.

Many thanks to Craig for the parts. Sadly, I don't know if I'll be using them. Looks like the person (no-one on here) I was getting the 320/6 from may have done the dirty on me - he's completely unresponsive and didn't show (or contact me) when he was supposed to be dropping the car in Picton yesterday. He has a deposit, and I'd paid for a one-way ferry ticket for the car. I shall continue to press for some sort of explanation, but it's not looking good at the moment. If it doesn't work out, I'll have some parts for an E21 if anyone needs them!

Quick question. The hole in the firewall. Cut out to remove rust, so there for a good reason. Regarding a cert - would a good repair be acceptable? Or is it likely to be a case of replace the entire firewall? (Please, no!)

That's a pretty good result!

Plans? What are they? I've all-but given up planning anything! Go with the flow.

No plans for lowering or even anything particularly adventurous. I showed Mrs M this pic, and she said "Mine!" So, as with the E30 for Miss M it'll be something solid, reliable and safe. And hopefully not too boring.

Craig - I'm keen. I expect to be picking up a 320/6 in the next few weeks or so, and know it needs suspension work. May as well get a headstart on sorting the backend!

The right rear on our car intermittently shows up on the dash. I'll need to get it sorted before the WoF, but so far cleaning contacts and replacing the bulb haven't helped.

Chris - I'd take this in a heartbeat! Your car has done about a third the mileage ours has, and being NZ new does make your car more attractive. Sadly, I doubt my finances will get a look-in. If you have any decent service history you could see up over $8k.

Sorry Kyu - I've been keeping Andy busy!

Sold as seen.

One day - I'm after a R-GS at some point. My Bandit 1200 keeps me happy while I'm waiting.

From 14.00.

That Hans? He's a very nice man. So helpful!

I'd agree - frozen meat isn't quite the same. However, I now have a freezer full of sausages, beef joints, venison, lamb, chicken... That's sorted a barbie next weekend.