gjm

That's a link to Outlook online...? I doubt any of us will be able to see the content!

There are 5 councils in Hawke's Bay (and a couple of part-districts, but they're excluded for the sake of governance)... Hastings is the largest, Napier is often considered the capital (a parallel with Auckland/Wellington, there!), and the Regional Council obviously covers more geographic area. As a note, even the recent HBRC EGM was a public event, streamed live. Absolutely agree re Wellington. I think many in the area also agree, but they're often outnumbered by the heads-up-asses voting majority.

I'd heard this about Auckland. And, possibly Wellington. I'm becoming more acquainted with council meetings these days, and apparently the rule at at least one in Hawke's Bay is that all meetings are open, all meetings are minuted and minutes are available to the public, and all meetings are recorded. Could be the exception, of course.

Can't quickly address all details, but some Councils do offer the kind of transparency you describe. And individual accountability is covered but perhaps, again, only by some Councils. For less co-operative councils, there are LGOIMA requests. And the public can attend any council meeting.

Springs change ride height, not shocks. Shorter shocks are often required when significantly shorter springs are used. Swapping springs for shorter ones (or cutting existing springs) is a common path to lower ride height. The shock is often overlooked. This leads to compromised function - the shock is already partly compressed before it is asked to do any work. If your car had shorter springs fitted with a stock shock, it may be possible that as it has worn out, it has remained at it's enforced shorter length. If you're fitting the new shocks with the original springs then - theoretically, and all else being equal - the height should be the same. The part number of the new shocks is correct for your car; the part number on the old shock is also correct, although I'm slightly surprised to find that shock is used on seemingly all E46 models regardless of engine (4/6 cylinder, petrol/diesel). I agree with Nathan ( @zero ) that the original shock doesn't look to be fully extended. I don't think they (the original shocks) are readily rebuildable so it seems unlikely it has been shortened, although that may be a possibility. See if you are able to further extend the shock?

Just saw 'MHW' tail lights advertised at $2400 AU. WTF? Many E30s aren't worth that!

I could be persuaded that a W204 C63 is a good idea... Unreal exhaust note. ?

Since the E30 boyz have been using them, asking prices for those have often jumped to $350+++, too!

Nah, that's just him having a laugh. Steve's up Waitakere way. (09) 810 7009.

Talk to Steve at MSE. He manufactures turbos - this should be straightforward for him.

More parts pricing silliness: Brand new meyle insert shocks Brand new meyle brake pads Skimmed brake rotors No springs or top hats. $999 I suspect - hope - the price was a figure to satisfy the 'must put a price' requirement, and isn't an actual asking price, but given the way things are going who can tell?

Looking for a manual (not powered) steering rack for an E30. Found one - $150...?!? I think I gave away the last powered rack I had, and the one before that sold for maybe $25? Is this the price point for such things now? (E46 purple tag racks aside.) I may as well buy a Z3 powered rack for that sort of price!

I was going to call it f**kwittery, but I'm sure that'd be censored!

Not even going to try changing anyone's mind on that! In at least 90% of cases, this is very true.

E30 tax is extending to parts. Boge inserts from 51mm struts. Pretty stuffed - suit custom revalve. Bilstein rears with some life in them. $250.

2002 with a S14 engine... FS. Just $60k. (US)

They have (had) good engineers but the guys I knew who worked there have left.

Eibach springs for the E46 M3 are (IIRC) a 20-25mm drop in height. The springs themselves are firmer than stock, and ride better. I supplied a couple of sets of Eibachs to people a few years ago. I wonder if the Koni adjustment is something they expect you to do before fitting - the rears in particular are a bit of a pig to get to/hold correctly to adjust once fitted. If you want a 'budget' coilover, look at the Bilstein B16 (PS10) kit. Sooo much better than BC Golds or anything similar. ? I love the Koni yellows on my Mercedes. Given the choice between those and Bilstein B8s, there is no competition - Konis every time. I've used yeloows on several cars and always been very, very pleased with them.

Been using it for years!