gjm

The old M10-based engines were truly built for a single purpose. no engine lasted more than a race or qualifying, depending on use. Times change, technology improves, and I've been talking with a Swedish guy about M10 builds. He's built a street-driven M10B20 in a 1602 making over 740whp, but I can't comment on the longevity of that. (He holds - or held - the record for a M30B35 - 1140whp/1300Nm - in an E30.) Our conversations suggest that we could build a street-driven 600hp M10B20 or M10B21 requiring little more than regular servicing and (possibly/probably) an annual refresh (not rebuild). The approach is different to the 80s engines and uses different materials and obviously different engine management. Personally I was considering 500hp as a target. Seeing the P48 has reinvigorated my interest in that project! Just needs money...

SOLD (STP) 25.5mm diameter front; 18mm rear. For comparison: E36 328i is 24mm / 15mm 1995 E36 M3 is 23mm / 20mm So a great upgrade for any non-M3 E36. Originally bought for our 318i, but that's been gone a while, and I found these when clearing out the garage. Price is for the pair, including end links, bushes, mounting brackets - everything in the picture. Location: Te Kauwhata, North Waikato. $100 ovno.

They make good tax sense, and at the lower end of the market, just make financial sense. Under $30k will buy a brand new, basic, double cab ute. Useful for work, useful for the family. That's cheap motoring.

The collaboration is unlikely to last long. https://www.caradvice.com.au/750340/mercedes-x-class-and-nissan-navara-to-go-separate-ways-report/

There are a lot of overpriced vehicles (and other stuff) listed on TradeMe (and elsewhere). People want more than the market will pay. There are also a lot of low-balling scum out there, but that's another story. The seller of this car has at least three other (overpriced) listings. The 'why' is questionable - they're not going to sell, but price isn't moving. There are genuine dealers who do the same. (Is this seller a dealer? 4 vehicles listed at the same time?) For some it's a cheap advertisement.

Given the content of recent VTNZ adverts, I assume this is OK on NZ roads?

Thanks Andy. With you heading overseas, someone had to fill the gap.

As my daughter would say - sad reacts only. ?

Stop teasing me!

Not at all! And I will confess to considering the possibility of a M57 / manual gearbox swap for the 320d Touring...

I love them, too. If we had the money... Perfect car for a student. Edit: Gone off the idea. Re-read the ad and "A great opportunity for someone to acquire a rare variation of the fast appreciating..." just stood out. Good grief... Was the ad written by a real estate agent?

1 NZ owner... How many in Japan? That is cheap. ?

I think that all the 4-pots got tarred with the N42 brush, but could be wrong. Hence the question. I'd be interested... Filling up once a week, if then, is so attractive! Drop me a line? Looking to the future for Miss M's next car. Something to eventually replace the E46 318i (M43, not N42!).

Ooh! Titanium... ? ❤️

Early days, but considering one of these. It'll be a 116i, 118i or 120i. 4 cylinders. Performance is not an important criteria; reliability and economy are. I know well enough to stay clear of the N42 engine, but that doesn't apply. The models we'd looking at would have either the N45 or N46 engine; I seem to recall that the N46 isn't especially great, either, but I know little of the N45. I understand the timing chain needs to be looked after/replaced, and that VANOS can cause vibration. And that using **good** oil and fuel are very important. Any thoughts? Other than the engines, what should we look out for? Any longer-term owners have experiences (good or bad) they can share?

M2 Competition, in Pukekohe. Rego M2COMP. Good-looking car.

They have pads (Mintex or Ferodo), but no discs. I'll probably ship them in from Germany. I can get a pair of discs for ~EUR 80, plus EUR 55 shipping. Works out about the same price as from Startech, but better quality. Startech pricing used to be 'keen'... It'd cost a little less to buy in from overseas, but there's a wait to receive parts, so the convenience is a big, and fair draw. Pricing used to work out to overseas price + shipping + ~10%, which is fair enough. Lately some of the numbers seem to be climbing, and held stock is less... Of course, I am looking for parts for older cars and there are fewer of those around, making holding stock less viable. I've stood still, but time marches on!

$110 each for discs which aren't as good. Cheaper than importing them, but I'd prefer the better quality. (And they don't have stock.) They seem to have got quite a bit more expensive lately.

I'm looking into new brake discs for the Mercedes. ATE discs - pair: US $100. Shipping... Cheapest option is $229.

There's been a couple of M30s for sale on here recently - don't know what the situation is with those now. A lot of people have opted for the M5x series. As it's not a stock E30 engine, or even a direct relation to any which were fitted, there may be some work involved, but given the number of conversions done, there will be lots of info available online.