Olaf

we'll be there mate

Thanks for arranging; I'm a 'tentative' at this stage. InFocus the NZIPP annual conference is in Welly 15-18th so I get a late pass and attend as many events as possible.

now's your opportunity!

careful Paul, that'll stick!

Yeah, I'm in the Powerbuilt, Jonnesway, and Koken zone where it comes to Torx bits. Oh an possibly a Halfrauds piece or two.

There have been a couple of very tidy examples on here that sat for a long time. Suggest you be explicit about the maintenance that's been lavished on it, particularly anything to do with the M62 problem areas. That should put people at rest, and get sold on the strengths of what appears to be a very tidy 540i. I'm not sure if the market has softened with e39 540 (as they approach 20yrs old)... with the e60 prices $9-16k (545i) it may have some bearing? and you've scored a 545i? Awesome, start a showroom thread! And GLWS of your 540i

I'd love to - though am pretty committed both days with this weekend's gym comp. let me know when and where, I'm keen to join you if I can. I'm likely to find a lunch break around 1 each day. agree on the deadlock of Bimmersport IP. Though as Barry notes, it's easy to log in and keep it flowing through the forum. Be good to have that discussion and get a view on benefits/disbenefits, and get a handle on the possibilities. cheers

indeed, congratulations on a fast decision, Tim? Often peops expend such energy and time agonising over a simple purchase (I'm guilty of this too), meanwhile life zips past... driving a Jazz! BTW what colour is it? I'm intrigued, I've not driven a Jazz RS (or any Jazz), might have to broaden my mind and visit a dealer. Great plan being able to hang on to the e36. Keeping it clean and tidy, well maintained, enjoy it for those days you reserve for enjoying a drive. it'll be a valuable classic in ten years as there'll be sod-all genuine clean tidy e36 remaining, let alone a topless 328i. How are your first impressions of the hill commute?

.... now, if we could just get Digby (Paape, from the Porsche club) driving a BMW

I'd like to hear more, Pete. Can you get a hold of the club's charter and articles of incorporation? @Barryn you've also solid background in club governance

Given the known trouble points of the e46, I'd prefer not to think that it was an exercise in planned obsolescence. My opinion is that it's more a case of introducing new materials and techniques that were previously unproven. Time has shown that they're now proven (to have a shorter, finite, life). To adopt a contrary view would be somewhat cynical. the e60 is certainly significantly more complex. There's more risk with modern highly-complex cars for long-term ownership. Thankfully there are ways to mitigate these costs in the form of preventative maintenance, and MBI. Surely we're not as naive as to expect that a car in the order of 5-13 years old that has depreciated to less than 10% of its original cost, has no downside? ?

Repco can vary widely between branches. Buy 20 litres of Penrite, Repco Upper Hutt insist on charging $7 for the plastic tap. Buy 20 litres of Penrite from Repco Porirua - no worries mate, we'll throw in a tap. Misplace first tap - revisit Repco Upper Hutt - now they're (plucking out of their heads) ,nah mate, no freebies $11.50. "Thanks awfully squire, I thought you were taking the piss at $7, no chance of selling me any more at that price". shame we don't have Halfords here.

jeez, I dunno. I'm such a man of the world, yet I've never encountered some of these things. nearest I've come to financing a car is a personal loan in my early 20's. Since then I've always paid cash for cars. sort of like like Frankie Oatway, only without the east end boxer bluster or shaved head

Congrats on your new purchase, they're a pretty eye-catching small car, and come in some pretty cool colours too. Have to ask: WTF is 'gap insurance'? I'd be livid if any sales droid was atttempting to ream me with pricing. I trust you sorted them out quick smart.

chipped, manual, and 1er are all significant differences to the pudding I drove!

in which case you'd find a better accountant, then.

@drtimwright hey Tim what about this? http://www.manukaunissan.co.nz/car/BMW/5 series/999460820 $22k, F10 528i...

Lee, you used to be sensible and laid-back, concentrating on AWD turbo'd Subarus, and laying down sweet beads of weld on that MOPAR. What happened? Now you're collecting roundel badges and are about to be offered the BMW franchise for New Plymouth! It's a wild transformation man. You wear it well.

I drove an e90 320D - and it was somewhat constipated. had a big rubber band that needed a lot of winding up. Getting back in to the e46 325i, my whole family said "oh this is so much better". I've not tried a 330D, I'm sure that'd be a lot better.

(if it's a company car) do have a talk with your accountant; in your accountant's view it'll be a mathematical discussion around how much you spend, and how long you keep it.

Provided with a choice between their spouses looking at models of the super variety, and Rod Stewart's pastime, 98% of wives interviewed chose supermodels. "a model railway, yesterday... or possibly some time in the 1950's"

it's still languising for sale, $13,995... http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1315400256.htm

so the reserve was a very reasonable $950, with the winning bid $1,842.

or, alternately... some model recommendations:

yes, you'll be surprised how fast your young children grow up and need more space. I guess the first consideration is "do I want/need 4 wheel drive for the conditions on the hill in winter?" If not, a larger/newer 3er is probably sufficient... or a 5er. If you do need 4 wheel drive, you're probably in X3 or X5 territory at that budget range. You're spoilt for choice on power plants; I suspect something like an e90 330i ///M would provide plenty of fun for the daily run, without some of the delicate features/headaches of 335i ownership. It's big enough for your kids in the back for 5 years yet (if you keep your vehicles long-term). They're cheap enough that you can keep the e36 as a pampered summer fun car, and alternate transport when your main car is in for servicing. e60 530d? Let it burble over the hill in torque-monster mode. e60 545i? Have fun on your commute, just tell yourself it's all a business expense as your accountant wisely advised you when your company purchased the car for your use. You can find F10's a bit above your $20k limit. X5 V8? plenty to choose from under $20k. MBI near-compulsory. With your commute, the 3.0 petrol model would see you at the automotive guidance counsellor voicing your concerns that she's going out boozing at lunchtimes, such is her thirst. Diesels more scarce at $20k. As said in the recent threads about X5's, you need some coin set aside for maintenance. X3? Hit with the ugly stick, but probably very well suited to your intended use! Hope that helps!