Olaf

Hi Allan here's the short-form can't afford an X5 at the moment. (circa $40k is the entry point that makes sense to me). e60's sound largely disasterous (would be a better option than X5, otherwise), though a 530d is tempting can't afford an F10 5 series ($30-40k) time to move to a newer (read more expensive) car as this one has depreciated to the point where the tax advantage is gone. at this rate it'll be a bloody VW Passat or Skoda diesel wagon! So with that in mind, an e90 or e91 is now beginning to make sense. Still shying away from the 335i for the extra complexity e90 325 or 330 - has an electric water pump, and (usually) active steering. Better trans than e46. Other than that, not much worse than the e46, overall. Same leaks, same need for trans service, same need for suspension updates. It'll be a 2 year car for me, my son will outgrow it, then it's on to a (more affordable) F10 or X5, I guess. haven't been able to think of a BMW around $14-18k that is fun to drive, isn't a massive repair liability, and gets better than 10l/100kms. cheers!

Paul, he can't bring himself to move the driveway sculpture!

so you're saying "looks first"?

surely you mean 'form follows function'?

Washed it. Carefully washed the wheels - using my Auto Glym wheel brush. It was good to get rid of some of the tiny tar spots that have built up on the wheels. I find that the wheel cleaner I use (Break Thru degreaser at around 1:5) helps loosen and remove tar, without damaging the surface. And I chamoised it. Looks much better. And, I did something I'd been meaning to do for a while. I recently secured a BMW Business CD53 (65 12 6 921 963) December 02, from Brent at BM World. The MD Player in my MD53 had been playing up, and I'd not been able to locate a proven working late MD53 to replace it. So today I swapped out my MD53 (65 12 6 919 074) March 02, for the CD53. Took about 10 minutes. Easy. It works, plays CDs, works my changer, and tunes niu zild. Might even sound a little better than the old MD53. Still might have a look at the MD, or even get it repaired. I have a load of MDs, and find they sound acceptable (like nearly as good as a well-recorded cassette) when recorded from my TT or CDP. Better than an iPhone as a source, anyway! Perhaps it's time to get one of those adaptors that will run my iPhone (lightning connector - iPhone SE) into the factory stereo. I have no desire to go non-factory for the head unit. Wouldn't mind replacing the speakers. Better have a talk to Neal at the next run! Olaf.

Hi Allan work/family/community projects have taken much of my attention lately, haven't had opportunity to organise the trip. I shoud be on to that next week. I can recommend Kelvin at Bridgestone Torrens Terrace for the wheel refurb, he does the much of the prep work, and works in partnership with a nearby spray shop to finish off. He of course de-mounts and re-mounts/balances. It's a bit further south than Param, but hey, he's timely and very good to deal with. Search for another car - slow. PPI on e90 330i last week saw me thanking the owner for the opportunity; spending a little to save a lot, as it were. May look at another one soon, or just go e91 325i and move on, freeing up the Volvo to go to a new owner. At least the e46 is going beaut, best I get off my arse and go wash it. It's filthy at the moment.

I think you'd be better off in the WTB section, Elijah? And dare I say, with an e46!? Some seen for under $5k now, bargain material. #8 ) http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1140891722.htm

Allan, I paid close to $500 incl govt stealing tax for a reasonable quality refinish and full repaint in two-pak, baked etc (not this wheel magician thing). There was light-medium kerbing on two rims, dust build-up, and evidence of poor repairs. My requirement was tidy and good, not perfection. There's aparrently one of the best around near you. Warren Dixon at Rimrite was recommended to me by a friend I know and trust. They're in Palmerston North. I think they'll probably run you (for the same job I got done), more than Rimrite - perhaps he's focussed on great quality. These are mine: "You really wanted to join the style 194 mafia, didn't you?" on flickr. HTH

should get this moved to the For Sale section. Moderators perhaps you can help? GLWS.

what about the BMW Frua 2002 GT4 (touring)

so, today I collected and paid for more maintenance done on my e46. It had been leaking oil out of the remaining culprit - the sump gasket. So I bit the bullet. Had been talking about this for a few months with my trusted independent workshop. - I ran Wurth fuel injector cleaner through it for 350kms before this work, noticed the car running more smoothly, despite it getting good long trips (8000kms since late April). I guess the cleaner injectors result in a better spray pattern, better atomisation, better combustion etc. - Replaced sump gasket (gen BMW), engine mounts, trans mounts (all Lemforder) replaced, including new sump bolts and mount nuts. - They replaced the oil level sensor seal and the dipstick tube seal - Oil and filter (of course) - 5W30 Castrol Pro, along with a Mann filter & o-rings from my stock. 8000km oil change interval this time, I'll monitor how it goes. - Replaced the seat occupancy sensor mat (second one in 4.5 years - arggggh). Better safe than sorry or even failing a WoF. - Replaced the rear springs with a pair sourced from Brent at BM World (Thanks Brent!). The left rear springs had broken. Orange Stripe was on the car, Green Stripe have gone on. Need to research what these colours signify in part numbers - there's nothing on RealOEM now. If anyone has any info, please let me know. - Wheel Alignment (following the spring change). She's running beautifully. And I trust, no more oil leaks! Replacing the mounts after 14 years and 166k kms of running has made it appreciably smoother, less driveline vibration on the highway, or under acceleration. Result. With thanks to the team at Page European!

this could be the go.... image linked from e90post.com.

well done Richard, it sounds as though it was somewhat troublesome and best cut loose. Good luck with your new people mover, we hope to see you back here in future! It's a somewhat broad church, so don't feel you need to leave. regards Olaf

Thanks Kyu, I hear you. I did think that if I acquire an e9x with RFTs, I can trial it on the Style 194s on my e46 shod with 245/40 and 225/45 RE003s. It'll be an interesting comparison. Then it's only 18 to 17 in some cases, or in others it's eggs-with-eggs. I've had AA membership for long enough that I get the max discount off of my insurance!

why, yes I am! You've brightened my day, Colin! I enjoy a good laugh in the morning great as this opportunity sounds, an n46, a crappy pitstop exhaust, racing wheels, and questionable parentage maintenance, is a little west of how I imagine this car may be. So I seek a 330i, (maybe) a 335i, or possibly even a 325d/330d... I'd need to drive one. I've ruled out the 320d. Or.... something else. I have to put my thinking cap on. cheers Olaf

well he was right about one thing: it is a factory manual. awesome photos award. new rotors and pads, new clutch, new rims and tyres. and an exhaust. he's just paid more than he'll get for it with 185k's on the clock! Bummer. $20,000... time for a Tui billboard.

hey thanks for that Colin, sorry I didn't get back sooner. Still looking for an e90 330i, PPI today saw me walk away from that example. I'll keep any eye out. I knew RFTs on an X5 were pricey, I didn't expect 225/40/18 and 255/35/18 to be as scary as they turned out! $2k for RE050a, or $3k for Pirellis. It wasn't just the rubber. Hey ho, I'll keep looking, better informed.

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".