gjm

I've quoted (elsewhere) 1375 based on memory of BMW advertising blurb from <gulp> 25 years ago. ?

I've had a quick look around, but haven't found anything to suit your car. Laurent Motors in France do a wide range of turbos for BMWs, but nothing for the 4-cylinder N4x engines. It might be worth contacting them, though?

Hi Nicolas, The N42 is far from an ideal engine for this sort of attention. I'm sure you've heard of the N42 issues. First thing to do is ensure the timing chain and all associated parts are renewed. Not just appear in good condition. Then a cold air intake, exhaust replacement, and chip tuning could see you get to 160hp. It's still a N42 though, and fundamentally designed for economy, not performance. Mosselman used to do a turbo kit for it, but I don't know of a supercharger - there may be a Rotrex kit somewhere. To be honest, you'd probably do better to fit a 3.0 from the E46 330, or similar.

Apologies - not actually a question about a BMW, but one which could easily apply. Car will not 'proceed'. Select D, 1, 2, 3, and there's no forward motion. There is a sound of auto gearbox components doing something, but no movement. No bad noises, either. Did seem to almost move in 1st. Select R, and it'll go backwards, no problem. Previous owner advises that this happened over a period of time, gradually losing the higher gears. Also admits that gearbox had been leaking fluid. A garage advised the very non-technical PO that a replacement gearbox is required. I plan to drain whatever fluid is in the box, remove the sump and filter, and inspect for debris. If it's clean - no particulate - I'll replace the filter and sump and correctly fill with ATF, and see what happens. There is no indication the garage did this before their diagnosis to the PO. If there is matter in the sump, I suspect either a rebuild (s/h box quoted at $1200-1600 ? ) or a replacement gearbox will be needed. Any other thoughts?

Bought another Mercedes.

Sounds like a system that worked. Better sort that.

Hammerite cleans beautifully... So long as you use Hammerite-specific thinners. Likely to be patches. I hope it's only patches... It's preventative work to stop or at least slow rust ahead of getting paint sorted properly.

Auto PS don't list it on their website (but that needn't mean anything.) PPC do list it - https://www.permanentpaintedcoatings.co.nz/shop/product/240865/Bill-Hirsch-Miracle-Paint-Rust-Killer/ Supposed to be good stuff - I've not used it. I'll find a way to acquire some and give it a go.

Anyone got a great deal on POR15 (or a similar product)? Got some work ahead of me...

Black is fine. May see if I can find a decent s/h gearknob.

That does look good. I'll check out their site. I wonder if they do anything for gearknobs, too...?

Falling apart. Worn, split, crumbling. The finished surface has gone and the sublayer just comes away when touched. Steering wheels are one of very few areas where covering it up can work!

As our cars get older, so the finish on the steering wheel starts to wear. Not too bad at first, but it soon gets tot he point you want to wear gloves, or you end up with filthy hands as the surface is transferred to your skin. Has anyone tried something like this: https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=2670462738 ? I did one a long time ago on a Land Rover, and I'll take the descriptions claim of '1 hour' with a pinch of salt!

A lot depends on the style you'd like, and if you want a clear floor or if supporting posts are acceptable. Budget plays a part, too. Custom Kit sheds are beautiful and stylish, but often $many. Your TotalSpan, WideSpan, etc supplier's are pretty competitive but industrial in appearance. For a 300m clear floor look at farm sheds. And... Will you want the floor put down as a part of the deal?

I contacted the sender of my item. They've resent, but that one now appears stuck at an airport too. And an order from Germany is having exactly the same issue. If shipments from overseas are being held at departure points, why aren't NZ Post advising of this?

Can the $30 a week be offset against tax?

I think Milan ( @E... , I think) is considering a group buy for the BTBs.

Miss M was more 'in debt' to the IRD than that, but the bill was waived. Looks like they have adopted a 'less than $xx will cost more than we get' policy.

My thought too - looked a bit... not exactly flimsy, but not as robust as I'd like to see. Aye. Adds an inch or so to the jack pad height. Possibly not a problem for many cars, but anything low(ish) is going to require a different approach. Drive up on to blocks first, perhaps? I have pieces of 25-40mm thick wood, 300mm square, that I use. I do like the idea of being able to use the jacking point for the stand.

Certainly gets around one of the questions I often find myself asking when I work on a car that's new to me. Finding a sensible place for jacking, and a sensible place for a stand. Claimed to be safer than 'normal' stands. And the RS3 version is good for 3 tons, and larger jacks.

2003 X5. Colleague at work is looking for new tyres. She has runflat rims and tyres and present, and has been advised she *must* use runflat tyres. Not because 'ordinary' tyres won't be suitable - they'll fit and work perfectly well - but because in the even of a puncture, the pressure sensors could be damaged if 'ordinary' - not runflat - tyres are fitted. I thought the sensors were sufficiently out of the way for that not to be an issue? Of course, I don't own or drive an X5...