Olaf

you can be sure that the business cases for such items are very carefully considered, they know fully the kind of laymen 'scrutiny' they'll get, and if they could just make do with a $100 warehouse special, they would! The amount of scrutiny on business cases in Government is well beyond the norm in the private sector; there have been very public failures, and painful lessons learned. I think that "most" would, in fact, have faith that their public servants are spending the funds wisely, not 'gold plating' the toolsets, and are doing the right thing. You can be sure that any vendor of the cheaper alternatives would publicly cry foul if their solution was clearly better (met all of the criteria) than the selected solution in any competitive procurement.

I fixed that for ya, Paul! #; )

190g/km, 7.3l/100, and the vehicle met all of the tender requirements better than the other respondents. IRD's standard depreciation is 30% per annum (diminishing value), I forget what the straight-line is. So assuming a purchase price of, oh, $120k? The book value is now $20,100 at end of march 2016, asuming (conveniently) that the asset was acquired 1 April 2011. So as with any other business, one asumes they follow the IRD rules, and of course in tendering - for government entities - the Government Rules of Sourcing. One hopes they negotiated an exceptional deal based on their buying power (a large fleet purchase), and the cachet for the Vendor. Perhaps I should get one, if they're going at $20k? If you distill the emotion, this is really a straightforward business transaction where NZ Government has selected the best tool for the job. The asset has gone through its lifecycle, and is now being disposed. No sense in sweating the asset further. Shame they can't get it right with helicopters. err, I'll get me coat then.

saw some at the where?house at lyall bay, decided six bucks was just too much, so "I kept one hand in my pocket while the other one was picking up a hotwheels magnus walker outlaw 356". yeah deal with that Alanis! welcome to Bimmersport AJ

I estimate NZD$1700 incl, using the 'what's my duty' tool, and USD 200 as a shipping estimate (MyUS.com) included. You should get free shipping to FL from any half-decent supplier in the US when spending $1k. my $0.02 worth. EDIT: FCP Euro quote USD150 for freight on this kit, though the purchase price is higher. Still, you can get $75 off with their 'over $999' promo code... $1225 incl freight yep, you're at $1,900 incl.

I think you can edit the title if you click on "use full editor". HTH

sunroof drain? best post a couple of pictures!

suggest you take it to a reputable BMW independent or BMW dealer for a full inspection. They'll be able to recommend what should be done for your vehicle. Your profile doesn't mention where you are, so difficult to recommend someone for you. You'll not find anything about owning a BMW particularly cheap, and in fact if your criteria is finding a cheap place, you'll probablly end up paying twice or more. Find a quality service provider. Getting a transfilter and fluid change is a good start! cheers

You can expect plenty of roadside conversations with the constabulary about this wing. I think there's a difference between a bike rack - fastened to the bottled with clips - and extrusions bolted to the chassis. When a ped collides with the bike rack, it will cause bruising and contusions, but will ultimately disconnect from the car. Worst case scenario - a broken bone. Your wing will slice the same ped up. It's not for the road.

nah guys, it goes north-south so you can pick it up and drop it into a carpark.

so maybe in this new world of electrickery I guess Wide Open Throttle is no longer applicable. Wide Open Potentiometer (WOP)? #; )

low milage? yeah, nah. if you're going to do an M3 kit, you need to do the rear window and sort that boot properly. Don't look very tidy to me. Gotta be worth $3k5 anyway. Looks pretty grubby under the hood, too.

yeah, Can't argue with that. My Bro has had a couple of those era oz-Mitsis (Magna and Diamante), and they're pretty indestructible. Odd how I don't immediately associate these with Mitsi. I must confess to having run an '83 Sigma wagon for a couple of years in the 90's, and apart from a starter motor, battery and tyres, oil changes and installing a decent stereo, it was an excellent beater that took us up and down the north island a few times without apetite for oil. yeah I was wondering about that too

I like the threaded bar in zinc, too long with nuts... just in case you were wondering if it was an expensive aftermarket part, it;s actually a really awesome lashed-up-in-the-shed part. I'm not seeing the attraction myself, but hey, if you like it I'm very happy for ya! #8 )

it's a grab-handle for the roof, aids in picking it up. A bit like the old shopping trolley handles of the 1990's.

jeez, you had a mitsubishi that lasted more than 5 years? sorry, my bias. IMHO they use complex solutions to problems other manufacturers (such as Toyota or Nissan) solve with ease, though they fail at ten years. Case in point: white metal bearings for the balance shafts in 4G63 & G63B, they seize and shred the belts. Porsche & BMW execute balance shafts without issue. Oil burning like a tanker at 10-12years, it's pretty rare to see a 12 year or older Mitsi on the road. /rant. sorry, perhaps I shoulda put this one in the quick rant thread!? #8 )

have a search on e36 Anti Roll Bars, you'll also find some very useful info that you'll want to consider in the mix. This thread in particular should give you food for thought. As to your lean, yes it has a list like the Costa Concordia! If it's still there after all your work, there's always different spring pad thicknesses. HTH

last one looks like it just needs cleaning and a little rejuvination, and protection. g ood luck with your new acquisition, and may it exceed your expectations when it arrives!

mind you, if you gotta have a mercedes, the W124 is *the* one to have.

staying power is important. you know, if you want to, like, continue enjoyment. on the track, and all.

well, that was cheaper than marrying her! good looking e30! welcome #8 )

sounds like the behaviour mine exhibited when the regulator was about to expire. it's all fun until it happens in a rainstorm! Oh, you're not in Auckland, so less chance of that! errr, I'll get me coat.

I have the cheapie orange B&D too. it's fair, though very rattly. I'd go for Bosch Blue, or Hitachi... I'm trying to recall the name of the cutting disc that is strong and don't tend to explode and shrapnel on you. +1 on buying from an Engineering Shop. You'll want flap discs as well, for grinding down the welds or stripping paint. they totally rock.

electric water pump and thermostat in the N54

woah! nice work Graham. warp speed causing camera shake #8 )