Olaf

Imagine you've just paid cash money for a valuation, there may be some privacy issues. You might also have style and prefer not to brag your car's worth around a forum for every tom, Dick, and harry to see, yet are prepared to quietly share info with those 'in the club', so to speak. You might not want to invite a round of "but they're just not worth that, has the market gone made, oh more money than sense, oh I'd never pay that, oh Covid's done that to the market, oh rich fat cats" as per, oh, "the e30 market"? In case you can't imagine why you'd not blurt it out.

But there was. Last year. Before Covid. More original. Just 51k kms, never had paint. It didn't see the market, though. Just quietly changed hands thank you very much. I'd "blame" us catching up with some of the prices in Europe and rest of world. Made a bundle in your property portfolio? Why not buy that car you've always wanted. Missed out on Property as the market went ballistic? Why not have a flutter on that appreciating e30?

Both cars run best on 98 #8 ). E46 is excellent, the weak-points are well-understood. If you're prepared to put some parts, time, and effort into it to address what is undoubtedly deferred maintenance (these cars are rarely lavished with the care and understanding they need), you'll have a gem. They're a *great* drive! We're approaching 200k km on ours, owned since 112k and 9 years, love it to bits and no plans to replace it (I've asked my better half a few times in the last few years if she'd like something newer and the answer's the same, "no I like this one"). e90 - more complex, safer in crash performance, parts more expensive, good car. N52 at 2006 (I guess), great engine though you're onto electric cooling pump, etc... probably approaching bigger deferred maintenance bills? Drive em both, buy the one you prefer. Be prepared to spend a couple of grand on either to get a well-sorted car. HTH. PS: Well done avoiding the 4 cyl 320i - not BMWs finest hour, and to be avoided. And welcome to Bimmersport, @Mark Baker

Yesterday I got her down off the rack, removed the cover, gave her a quick wash. Headed out to Paraparaumu to GIMS Cars & Coffee, caught up with some of the Welly Crew from BMW Car Club NZ, and some other mates. Event missing the heart of the Southwards Cars & Coffee meets, it seems more 'Fast & Furious'. She started first go, ran like a charm, and gleamed under the cloud. I was able to re-synch to the stereo with my phone, just as well as I'd left the memory stick full of 80's music at home. I did find that pootling along in 5th at 80 on a light throttle and favourable seal indicates 5 litres/100km! Here she is at a tickle over 80 showing 6/100. Yes that’s 2250 rpm - 4.27 diff ratio life! I have a 4.10 in my basement, though I rather wonder if that’d knock the wind out if the B16’s sails. I'm saving that for the M42 conversion, if not an LSD. Cruisin' - like Michael Nesmith? Back at the ranch I connected up the CTEK ahead of tucking her up beneath blanket and up on the rack, and it went straight on stage 3 of the charge cycle. I'd have expected stage 5. I guess that battery - despite living on trickle/float for the last 4 months - is showing its age a bit. It was a couple of years old when I bought her in 2018, so well past end-of-life for a crappy AA battery. I guess I’ll get a KOBA replacement when the time comes. CTEK's wunnerful MXS5.0 intelligent 8-stage battery charger & maintainer, yesterday. The rear axle and running gear is looking pretty tidy, so I clicked a snap when tucked-up. Yes, I should have painted that cross-member. Add to the list of things to do! I'm continuing to amass parts for it. Our kitchen project has extended in time and scope, and won't be done till May/June now. I need to find some time to clean up those brake and fuel lines, and sort out the boot lid seal and spoiler/bootlid. Get a plan together for the engine. I was very pleased to note the radiator support panel/front scuttle is looking really sound since last year's clean-up and paint. No bubbling, surface rust hasn't come back. Result. Tucked-up in bed In summary, great to dust her off and get her out for a drive. Reminds me how much I enjoy her, the analogue driving experience, all the maintenance work that's been done before... the brakes, suspension, bushes, wheel bearings etc... I have to accept we're in a bit of a hiatus at the moment and I'll come back to her in future.

bummer. time for you to make a ritual sacrifice to the gods and/or bark at the moon. I've no previous correlation established between optimistic posts here on BS, and public disappointment with my cars, nor should you!

but hang on, you thought you'd taught them a lesson.

Just chant that to yourself when these little toe-rags have fifteen more years on them and are kicking you while you're down, based on the lessons they learned at a crucial age. You can have the last laugh! 😀

awesome.

@promo we're playing your tune mate 🙂

No, this is the new zealand version of setting a poor example and perpetuating shitty behaviour.

can't begrudge Josh his sensayuma! He's one of the e30 massif, solid bloke.

Yep, next time they'll kick a dent into it instead.

hi Jon @E30 325i Rag-Top I'm keen for the Lachssilber metallic decals please, post to Welly.

There ya go @TermiPeteNZ, it's the economy DD against your e60! If I try hard in the 545i I can 17 around town 😎

okay I admit, not one of Dolby's finest moments.

@Mikan I reckon we're well-overdue for a project update. What's been happening with the blue beauty over summer?

Date: 9 Feb 2021 Distance: 262722kms 1. WoF. Grey Thunder flew through the WoF check at the start of Feb. "it's just so nice to drive!". Tyres wearing evenly. Some surface rust noted, so I'll need to address. Update Grey Thunder's sitting in dry storage now, I lost my free garage last year after my generous neighbour sold his rental, and the new investors let the garage with one of the flats. I've little time to drive her while we're doing a full kitchen replacement at home. Kitchen project hould be finished late April (we've waited 20 years to do this, it's getting done right), and then back into the car. I'll need to get back on to harvesting/collecting M42 swap parts, exhaust, some body seals etc and get it all done and certed during this year. Since last update I did secure a Z3 M44 exhaust manifold for the swap. Meanwhile the Next Steps/to-do list has grown a little: Next Steps: Address surface rust on hard lines and fuel tank balance tube etc Replace boot lid seal (ordered), remediate boot lid/spoiler lip Replace boot side-vent seals (have parts) Replace L&R Door Seals Replace L&R window seals Spray cavity wax into front rad support (the remediation last year has held well, let's treat the inside) Source RH door rubbing strip and clips, replace Centre console - clock (have parts) Driver's window - fix in regulator to address wind whistle Address non-functioning remote door mirrors Replace those OEM front ARB bushes with the genuine BMW 20mm bushes (have parts) Rear Parcel Shelf, Noise deadening, Premium Rear Speakers (have parts) Fit analogue centre console clock and bezel Fit Genuine BMW Antenna Grommet Fog light rebuild and install (have parts) with new bulbs (on order) Horns install (have parts) Wheel alignment (last done 259342kms) - it's over a year, and I think it's settled a little. 15" Basketweaves and tyres - need wheels and tyres Still love this car to bits, and driving it really puts a smile on my face. M42 Parts list for refresh/conversion: M44 cam chain tensioner Coil on plug kit (coils, wiring and connectors) Full gasket Kit Serpentine belt, tensioner power steering pump (used) Water pump M42-specific cooling hoses Thermostat e46 Purple Tag Rack & e30 purple tag hoses e46 Rack rebuild kit e46 tie rod inner arms ? Oil Pump? ? Rings & bearings? ? Camchain & gears? Stromung stainless exhaust system and of course oil, coolant, patience. M42 Conversion parts already secured: e30 318iS hydraulic mounts and RH engine support arm upper & lower oil pan and dipstick tube M42 (e36) and DME complete with starter and alternator e30 318iS M42 loom (complete) Z3 M44 exhaust manifold spark plugs (FGR7DQP+), oil filters (Mahle OX91D) Steering: e36 tie-rod ends e46 bellows kit x 2 Some badges... Best I don't scare myself. Here, have a music video in lieu of a photo update!

Auto Glym High Performance Tyre Gel has just won Forensic Detailing Channel's bake-off. I've had the Meguiar's Endurance, I don't rate it - too shiny, a nightmare to use, and I don't think it's water based. Talk to Barry's Garage @Autoglym

+1. Jon & Keren at Auto38 recommended.

@Mad_Max same deal applies Geordie, if you're on another mission through Welly, we'll catch up again over food and refreshing beverages! Oh - Dunners to Invers - not such a roadie!

@Cammsport love your work, Cam! Know what you mean about 'progress on house = no work on e30'. Kitchen distracts me for next 3 months or so, my e30 is fairly paused.

My brother has just alerted me to this site - it's *awesome*! https://amazingribs.com/bbq-technique-and-science/how-to-grill-and-smoke-everything

Dude that's awesome. And it's on-trend, being electric! I saw that Weber have released their electric BBQ range recently.

no question a proper smoker is the way to go, I have trouble getting temps stable at 90c with the Cap'n-cook***... I understand with the purpose-built smokers you can get 65c for loooooooong and slow smoking? *** though I have slow-smoked a cube-roll with rub over 3.5hrs to great effect, measuring internal beef temp with Weber meet thermometer.

Come on man, where's the build thread on that?! Looks very interesting, and probably significantly less pricey than a Giant Green Egg or Kamado Joe. @Driftit I like the idea of the Oklahoma Joe you mentioned, but lack the space. I've been running an old BBQ Factory 4 burner Capt-n-cook that I refurbed (including flame tamers, enameled grilles, cleanup, reg, and sand-back, repair, re-oil the frame) for 5 or 6 years now, including smoking with a pair of smoker boxes that I cycle through (hint: soak your chips in cleanskin Cab/shiraz/merlot - whatever's cheap!). I'm about to assemble family xmas present Weber Family Q3200 as key alternative while kitchen replacement is in-play Feb-Apr. When one's better half suggests 'we should get a Weber Q to cook on while the Kitchen is in pieces', there's no need to question.