gjm

Assuming everything is standard (correct wheels and tyres, wheel bearings in good condition, correct ride height) place 68kg on each front seat, 68kg in the centre of the rear seat, 21kg in the boot and make sure the fuel tank is full. Then: Front: Rear:

Hmm. Didn't even say 'hello' to me, and after I'd travelled all that way... We were staying with friends in Campbell Street, but back home now. Wanganui is nice - really enjoyed a couple of days there. Is there much (or any) demand for IT PMs, managers or similar in the area?

Another plain camera van this afternoon, on the longest straightest piece of northbound SH1 between Huntly and TK. Visibility in excess of 1000m, no turnings or sliproads, laybys or similar within that distance. I've been driving that stretch for 4 months and there's not been an accident I've seen in that area. I suppose at least it was easily visible. Still, it's not safety. It's revenue gathering.

BMW's use of M-Technik is suffering the same fate as AMG post Mercedes purchase. These days it seems almost as much about big wheels, bodykits, engine and suspension tweaks, and an additional bit of badging. There is talk of a M-spec 7-series, but I feel that is (again) a similar action to designating a Mercedes S-Class as an AMG. It's missing the point.

I was a little surprised at the middle order too... Positions 2, 3 & 4 I have some experience of and can understand. Is the M1 the best M-car ever? Dunno. I suspect the E46 may have topped the E36 on the basis of outright capability - more drivers would be able to drive the E46 faster (perhaps). From what I have heard, the E36 is a better drivers car, though, and it is interesting that the M-versions have exactly the same recorded time around the 'ring (for a standard car) - 8'22". The E46 CSL was much faster. Got me thinking though... Anyone got an E28 M5 they'd like me to look after for them?

A Boxing Day discussion? Not my list... Found it online. Not sure where the idea of a M6 came from - as far as I know there was only ever the M635CSi. Still... 1. M1 2. E28 M5 3. E30 M3 4. E24 M6/M635CSi 5. E39 M5 6. E46 M3 7. Z3 M Coupe 8. The M8 Prototype locked away in a vault because it was too insane for humans to actually drive (or the accountants didn't like it) 9. E34 M5 10. 1 Series M Coupe 11. E36 M3 12. E61 M5 13. E92 M3 14.-87. All others Take a deep breath... And, discuss.

You could drop Brent at BMWorld in Papakura a line or give him a call. He's around over the break. 021433600 [email protected]

At the opposite end of the scale... Braving the ravages of hayfever yesterday (sneezing, itchy eyes, tickly throat), I took Miss M to Pukekohe in search of that elusive item - the 'right' present for Mrs M. Now there's a town that comes alive at Christmas! Still, managed to park in the 30 minute bay, under cover, next to Farmers. For those that consider this a rash and impetuous action, it was all we needed. 27 minutes later, we're backing out of the bay and on the way to Takanini. Stopped at that Kiwi shopping icon Blue-540i hates so much (the new one, just built, next to the railway line) and failed to find what we were originally looking for, but scored many points with Miss M by purchasing a steampunk vampire novel for her. Books are actually not quite so expensive in there. A lunch stop at Pita Pit - it's healthy, and I need to do something to offset the next few days - and we were on our way again. All sorted. A very leisurely 2 or 3 hours of quality time with my daughter. It was fun. Today - groceries. Shops are closed for a full 24 hours so it is imperative folk lay by enough food to feed thousands in the event of a drought, flood, pestilence and famine occurring while zombies attack. Again, headed for Takanini. Parked in moments (albeit in the only place we saw the entire time we were there) and bought crayfish, scallops and giant prawns at the fishmongers. Next door to the fruit and veg shop - sorted. Two doors down and into Mad Butcher - a fine selection of eye fillet and scotch steak meant we had to make a decision, but soon on our way again. Drop purchases at car, walk 'round the corner to Countdown, pick up a couple of bits'n'pieces, then back to the car, stopping for some essentials (engine oil) on the way. Another stop at Pita Pit for lunch, and home for a snooze before mowing the lawns. Yup - I've had it easy. No queues, no city centre stuff, no parking problems, and no real pain. To be fair, it is pretty much the first time ever!

Merry Christmas one and all. Thanks for the welcome here, and for putting up with me rambling on about some boring oil-burning grandad-style car. I narrowly missed meeting folk at Maraetai (after I didn't look in the right place) and again at Piha. Must try harder. Have a good'un, and take care.

As a side note...

Not just any chick, though, and the van had been... errmm... 'lightened' for the run. Regardless, it was imho an amazing achievement. The 'chick' is a legend.

Aye... It does look good. And I am very pleased with it. I'm kinda seeking my version of perfection, which is something I said I'd not do with this car! Oh well... Lots to do before I start 'playing' with the suspension. I'll check the sills on my car, but from the pic it looks as though they may also sit parallel to the ground. I used the 'clean my car' filter in Photoshop.

Especially for Phil, cos I know he won't sleep right 'til he sees a pic. The front looks as though it could do with coming down about 25mm. No more... Just enough to have it ride at the same height as the rear.

LOL I'l sort some pics. Should I wash the car first? It has that 'seen some life on SH1' appearance to it at the moment! And I collected the last of the Chrimbletide gifts this morning. No last minute worrafugamIgonnabuy trips for me this year. Which makes a change...!

It does seem a little slower, but mostly when posting. Having hit 'Post' there was normally a near-instantaneous reaction. Since the change I have had several occasions when it has taken as long as 30 seconds. Not complainin' - I promise! I mod another forum and know how difficult it can be.

I like the Hartge rims, but the suspension will need sorting in order to make use of them. Budget doesn't stretch to that at the moment. While on the subject of dreaming, I was offered an E46 330xD Touring. Unfortunately it was from someone in the UK. In other news, today I fitted the Style 73 rims, replaced the plain drivers side mirror with an aspherical one, and replaced the trim on the passenger side door. The front corner has had a 'push' at some point meaning the bonnet rubbed on the upper leading edge of the wing - sorted that, too. Tomorrow... Cut the lawns, change the oil in both cars, and if time allows replace the rear brake discs and pads on the Touring.

Yay you indeed. I remember well the issues with applying for jobs for the first time in years, and attending interviews. Great to hear you came through it with a result.

I grew up on Land Rovers. My dad's LWB 2.6 6-cylinder 'Safari' was so much fun... And in the wet, broadside around roundabouts was a must. We fitted all sorts of engines to them. Aside from the Rover (ex-Buick) V8, we used a GM 6.5 turbo-diesel V8s, 318ci Chrysler engines, V6 Ford Cologne... I stuck with my 2.25 '4', but with some work got 175bhp out of even that. It's all academic though. There's only so much power you can actually use in a leaf-sprung ladder-chassis truck. The rest is fun, but ultimately pointless.

Dahling! I didn't know you cared! <Ahem!> I'm quite sure she will be very happy and that automotive-related gifts will be acceptable in this case. :-)

Hopefully that is a mission in the sense you are searching for that right gift, and not hoping to find something that should fit that description?

Speights? You after something special? Lion or DB... :-D

You're unlikely to make it to Boxing Day, let alone the New Year! If you do, let us know your secret before you tell everyone else!

Errmm... No. I bought alloys for Mrs M once. Learn from my mistakes. Nice try, but this falls into the same category as kitchen kit. She needs that window, and you must buy something she doesn't know is necessary, but it needs to be that one thing she can't live without. Drink alcohol. Get hammered. Write a list. DO NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. (I appreciate that with credit cards and the internet this may be too late..) Review list in the morning. If it still seems a good idea, or any lightbulbs flash over your head (figuratively speaking) then the listed item may be a good idea. Edit: I have been following my own advice, can't see straight (although it seems to be helping my hayfever) and now need to edit everything I type! (Having read it twice!!!)

Just make sure that when you are buying *that* present, you have polished your "it's not for me, it is for my partner - wife - mistress - other half - significant other - brains of the operation - lover - girl friend" (© Blue-540i) line to be delivered to the attractive sales assistant. Surprisingly, I did once get away with the line "the only thing in that shop which would look good on you was the sales assistant"... Still not sure why. Hope to find out, one day. Do not buy anything which may involve the kitchen or any sort of housework. I don't care if the maiden in question has cited that she adores something, wishes she had something, or can't believe she has managed to live without *it* for so long. Whatever *it* is. This way, disaster lies. It's like the Titanic, ffs. You can see the iceberg coming, know there is more under the surface than is being revealed, but still choose to ignore it. You deserve whatever response you get. Eventually. Buy something she has not mentioned. That she hasn't hinted at. That - preferably - she has absolutely no idea that she is even the tiniest bit vaguely interested in. This seems to be the impossible dream, but go on - if you've been with her more than 5 minutes, you can do it. It *does* require work, but - and trust me - on this, it is worth it. Ohmigod, yessss... Get it right and it's worth it. Yup - it's nigh on impossible. But make the effort. She'll (probably) appreciate your efforts (if you're lucky). You'll know how effective your choice was very soon - either it will be immediately evident (frying pan / head interaction), or you'll never see the item in question ever again (despite assertions that she loves it, even if she can't name *it*), or maybe, just maybe, it will be displayed. Either for all to see, or just in the privacy of your close, personal company. (I wish you good luck with that.) Regardless, get something. And be sure to have a damn good reason why. Nothing is not better than something you thought she might not like. At least, not if you want to have another chance to buy anything for her...