gjm

Not a colour I would have chosen, but having driven Mondeos for years in the UK (mostly hire cars, although I owned a ST200) I can happily say I'd much rather have one of those than a Vauxhall (Holden) Vectra. The Mondeo isn't bad car at all. Lacking in charisma, perhaps, but very capable.

Thanks Jon. 170-175 isn't all that much power these days, or even 15 years ago when the M3 was making well over 400. The attraction for me was around handling rather than outright acceleration or speed, so that's not an issue. Sadly it seems as though the lower power output doesn't necessarily translate to better economy, although the stock 85hp per litre isn't too shabby.

Gruppe5 Motorsport are building a road-going 2002 with a Dinan-tuned 5.8-5.9 litre V10. Power output is 744-803hp, fed through a 6-speed transaxle. Fun times! https://www.gruppe5motorsport.com/

Camchain tensioner and VANOS are the biggest issues with the N45 generally, but the N45B20 used aluminium liners which can cause problems. Usual other factors apply - use good oil, regularly changed, and good quality fuel. Other than that it's probably no better or worse than many other engines of the same era. But as Jared says - the earlier iS versions may be a better long-term bet. If you can find one... (And the E36 has build quality issues all of it's own, too.)

N45B20. 175 road-going hp, 275 for racing. The 320Si is said to handle at least as well as the M3 - it's a homologation car with 2600 being built.

Has anyone seen or driven one of these? Are they (m)any in NZ? Jon @E30 325i Rag-Top - do you know?

Definitely would be useful info.

Plan is to build 30 cars a year.

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. ?