Olaf

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!

totally quote worthy. I just check the dipstick whenever I fill up, and never look behind me for fear of clouds. I find the following somewhat instructional:

at least you didn't say 1960's BMC product!

so this week I got the tank fairly empty (23kms range remaining, according to the 'puter), and being it was "10c day" at Caltex (AA Smartfuel), I duly took the panzerwagen to the pumps and she immediately skolled $120 worth of 95 without pausing for breath or burping. By the time I got to the motorway, I discovered that the minor differences I observed with my other cars between 95 and BP's 'Ultimate 98', are very pronounced with this 545i. It was like taking my chef's knife (a JA Henkels 8" kochmesser I've had for 30 years) after a session on the oilstone and steel, and then deliberately bluntening it. Right ho, a diet of nothing but 98 for this one, then.

It worked for me! However, I thought you'd been more of a happy and willing curator, as I am.

Hi Tim, you still commuting over the hill each day?

yep, that one's reserved. I read the maintenance archive in detail.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1336121199.htm Interesting, really. ex japan, imported 2011 with 80k kms on the clock. it's an ///Msport (P337 M Sport package, S481 Sports Seats, 704 M sports suspension, S710 M Leather wheel, S715 M aero, S775 Anthracite headlining)... but are those 19" X5 rims? Anyway, it's cheap, if the shillers don't spruik and over-boost the price. 175k kms, 2005, currently under $5k.

I've fixed that for ya There's your hint, Paul. those black speckles over the rear hatch area are what an expert provider of independent BMW service (and generous supporter of this forum) has indicated is a likely issue. There are plenty of these for sale, do take your time. Consensus indicates that MBI from Vero's 'Autosure' policy (you want the 'Extreme' policy) is the one to go for. You'll need to keep servicing up-to-date to retain it's cover. Let us know how you go, we're keen to read of your impressions. I'm picking you'll be seduced by the torque and grunt. Hopefully Auckland's motorways are empty enough that you can floor it in Drive for a long pull from second, and hold third until it changes up to fourth... I love the way you don't *feel* the gearchange, only hear the revs drop. It's addictive.

that's a firkin' worry. He should sell women's shoes. Customer expects expert advice; instead receives "wisdom" from Master of Muppetry.

"Eleven grand? Tell 'im 'e's flamin' dreamin'." It's a late one, and it looks well-optioned. But no, just no.

Wow. I wasn't aware of that, Glenn.

And whatever you do, Get A PPI from a specialist independent BMW workshop, or a BMW dealer. It's money well spent, can help you avoid a dog and go in with your eyes open. leave the AA or VTNZ PPIs for run of the mill cars.

Looks tidy. Given the state of e30 pricing, a bidding war on TradeMe could net you upwards of $5k5 or more. my old e30 touring was also white with shadowline, this really brings back a wave of nostalgia. GLWS, I should imagine this will be very, very easy to sell.

you're in luck. There are a few of us here running e60, and some amongst with V8 (or even V10). First port of call is "So you've just bought an e60" http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=731460 download the latest version of the PDF, have a good read. If you're not put off by that (and you shouldn't be), read on! I've had an e60 545i for 2.5 months and am loving it. The 550 and ///Msport wagon combo should be lovely, a bit more horsepower and torque than the 545. The e60/61 is a great distance car, a real sleeper. Very composed. Great comfort and pretty high-tech (usefully high-tech) compared with earlier cars. Very, Very important - get the sunroof drains cleared, and the rubber grommets in the rear wheel well behind the inner guards cleared out and drilled out so they don't block in future. Blocked sunroof drains account for many of these going to the wreckers, the electronics get drowned. Also ++NB: Transmission maintenance (new filter pan, mechtronics sealing sleeve, bolts, fluid) is essential; the ZF 6 speed is a lovely trans, though does not respond well to neglect despite BMW's "sealed for life" or "lifetime fluid" strapline. ZF themselves recommend periodic maintenance. Wheel Alignment issues account for most active steering issues. There's a few more bushes in the front suspension compared with the 3 series setups, and the car will tell you if it needs attention through wobbles or vagueness. I think the active steering is well-executed on this model. YMMV. If you're lucky enough to get Dynamic Drive (active anti-roll bars), you're in for a flat-cornering surprise. Having driven back-to-back regular and dynamic drive, I'm very happy to have scored the latter. Consider an MBI policy to cover you for the big-ticket items. They're a pretty tekkernogikal car, and when "sh*t goes wrong" it can be pricey. Since acquiring mine (itself well maintained), I've done new shocks and bushes, new tyres, new coils, and am about to do a transmission service. I enjoy every minute behind the wheel, and have no regrets about the purchase. Hope that helps. EDIT: PS, welcome to the forum, Paul!

looking forward to seeing this!