Olaf

oh, and today I did something that wasn't to my BMW. I paid for a PPI at my local trusted independent Page European, on a vehicle that I subsequently have not purchased. Shame really, as I really liked the car. I can confirm that a PPI from the good independent (or even the dealer) is worth its expense and time. Nothing to see here. Move along. Olaf

yesterday I fitted 2 parts to my e46. 63 12 6 921 860, and 63 12 6 921 859. These suckers are just like the 'quality' item we find ourselves replacing, the wiper cowl. I am happy to report that there is now a seal between headlamps and bonnet. that is all. More updates tomorrow. Olaf

many thanks, Matthew.

so how do you predict the electric water pump failure on the N52, Ron? I understand when they do sh*t the bed, you get an orange light and "do not drive vehicle" up on the dash. Surely replacing a leaky radiator is reactive, not preventative maintenance? Unless replacing your leaky radiator is "preventing a blown head gasket"?!

thanks all for the responses. Ron, it has the valve cover oil leak, yes. Though what you're saying is "don't buy a BMW circa 100k kms - coz they'll need work". Eg the electric water pump & thermostat block should be considered a maintenance item at around ten years, aloing with the hoses, expansion tank etc. These are not part of your maintenence plan, but prudent items to replace. Same goes for a trans flush & filter. So for the Valve Cover leak, I'm wondering if it's 2.5hrs labour. - or more. So I can determine if there's more than $1k to catch up on in this instance. cheers

thermarest, down bag with breathable shell, macpac tent. luxury you can afford. Yep, hard to beat 4x4 diesel van for good access and mobile accommodation. You should earn a knighthood for persevering with possum trapping, Dave, and farmers should be buying you beers.

I should add, I'm about to buy one this week; I'd appreciate your help with these questions team! cheers

madness. loving it. might get one in about 13 years when depreciation makes it "affordable".

looking at e90 330i with N52, I've driven a few, as well as e90 323i Msport and 320d. I'm a bit tight to go to 335i, the 330i seems like a fun place to be for a couple of years, so am sussing out a few of the problems, before I buy. Yes, I'll get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW Independent. I learned the hard way that VTNZ PPI's are worth sh*t when it comes to a BMW. Now, about the 330i e90 and it's foibles/features. I understand the electric water pump is a sh*t to get at, and is expensive to replace along with the thermostat. I've heard the run-flats are a bit average, though the extreme of buying the plastics and sourcing a jack and space saver spare is.... how much? I have a couple of other questions. 1. Leaky Valve Cover Gasket. I've read the procedures, and see it's a bit shitty to do. Need to reset the valvtronic motor with a scan tool. QUESTION: Approx how many hours labour to have this done? I understand one should replace the cover bolts as well. 2. If you were replacing the Valve Cover Gasket; Question: what else would you do as a matter of course while it's stripped down? The Oil Filter Housing gasket I guess. Anything Else? 3. Cooling system: if you were replacing the waterpump and thermostat, you'd do the hoses, and expansion tank too? Anything Else? 4. Tyres Question: About how much per corner are the Bridgestone RE050a RFTs made for the e90, in 18"? One I'm looking at has had the plugs replaced. Does the N52 suffer from coil failures like the M54 does? Thanks in advance for your consideration! 'Olaf'

the proliferation of plant pots are your spouses subtle response to your proliferation of 5 series in the driveway!

welcome. nice ride, you should enjoy it here.

but where do the cassette tapes go? Surely you're going for the authentic 80's experience?!

good thinking, Dave. Damn, that's tempting. GLWS. A van as your daily? Some changes afoot? Look forward to catching up soon. R

Oh well, no response, so I researched myself. "Battery Registration" resets stored settings about the battery, and tailors charging to the characteristics of the battery. ISTM you wouldn't skip this, BMW built in the smarts, so do it right. here's a couple of threads for those interested: http://www.munichmotorsport.com/wordpress/?page_id=164 http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=418907&page=2 hope that helps Olaf

Holy thread resurrection! what does "861 CHANGE OF CODING DATA SET" mean, exactly? EDIT: sorry, slightly off-topic... with respect to an e90.

I reckon it's worth $5k tops.

ahhh. thanks for that!

why's that, Troy? is it to do with variability of friction between tyre and roller, or something else?

Whilst I appreciate the humourous gibe, I was somewhat logically poking fun at Dave's suggestion that Clarkson had to go because 'Even a King can't be allowed to get away with murder'. There is however clear evidence that the BBC has in fact, for decades, allowed their kings of entertainment to do just that. Unfortunately many, many Beeb employees have gotten away with much worse, and for longer; but the greatest noise is made on internet fora about JC. I agree with you Dave, one cannot assault someone in the workplace, and should of course be held to account. Clarkson wanted to go and possibly chose a sketchy way of acheiving this end; we'll never know.

awesome. what do you reckon that'll be going for? USD1M? USD10M?

Dave, I think you may be making judgements on the persona that you see projected on the screen, confusing that with the man behind the programme. He acts the buffoon, the immature lad - because that's what people bought into. He is by all accounts, a very bloody intelligent and capable bloke. That Top Gear was taken from an average BBC TV periodical into the phenomenon it became over a few years from circa 2001, was down to Clarkson and his Producer - not a fluke of the Beeb. cheers

Yeah Jon, I think you're being far too kind. the kids these days call that "FAIL".

Clarkson wanted to go, nothing they could do would hold him back. The furore was probably useful for helping it to rise from the ashes.

bummer, mate. As it's a scooby, it's probably in parts by now. Hopefully the remains will be located, so you can move forward with your insurer.

yep, e23's are really solidly built, and are great on the open road. Looks like it's in nice order, if it's all tidy underneath. welcome to the forum!