Olaf

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.

I have to disagree. 20 or 30 years ago they weren't doing 30x30cm patches on roads, they were doing half a lane-width and trying to fix the substrate, so at least a temporary repair would give 3-4 months safe service. There is no evidence of this kind of repair being done poorly. If it is a question of quality workmanship, it's down to contract management - something a quality commercial procurement department will resolve. Honestly, I saw better roading in Ireland and Mexico in the 90's than I'm seeing here these days.

I drove SH2 to Napier, and SH50/SH2 back to Welly after xmas. Apalled at the state of the roads, I've not seem them in that state of disrepair in more than 30 years! Crumbling small quick-and-dirty patches, breaking surfaces, drops/compactions... I guess the govt is spending elsewhere?

Well said, Jo. After working in the UK for a few years, I learned that NZ - particularly in tech - under-invested in management training. Thrust into senior roles without the requisite skills, and lacking the development to be successful. NZ continues to promote people good at their job to lead, rather than talent-spotting leadership and developing it. In comparison, in UK I found genuinely talented managers! Dirty secret: some of NZs largest companies continue with large PG budgets, as they recognise it's cheaper to defend or settle than to train. The counselling is very useful; sleep is essential so don't be afraid of resetting the sleep cycle with the aid of your GP. Exercise to help the body and mind. And some excellent legal advice to set your mind at ease with a solid understanding of what is unlikely and how to control your situation. Then you can make a plan. Put it all together - functional trajectory back to a new normal. Jo is right - it's not the end of the world. Once you're into the planning to find a new environment, flip through 'what colour is your parachute' again. The support of friends amidst all of this is very important. HTH

Sorry Nathan, nothing to report. It got well and truly parked. We still have the e46 Touring, going well, though it's my wife's daily and the rattly tweeter really needs sorting.

yeah, cool car though way over-priced. It's a $19k car IMHO.

One wonders how it works on a commercial level. eg, where a franchisee might have franchise license withdrawn, or be directed to sell; and a proven operator is subsequently installed? Not suggesting this has happened in this case. Or if a franchisee wants to step out, one expects that BMW NZ would have a large say in who takes it on. Continental are part of the Symes Group, they're large and effective. The Continental BMW team on the shore are excellent to deal with, we're hoping that things improve in Wellington.

was about to say the same thing Julian @C-130 Hercules 😀 You're very welcome @Jun all part of the community spirit

Not sure I follow that logic. Sales set prices, not asks. Their space on the yard will owe them something like $1200-2000/month, so this car has cost them more sitting there for three years than they’ll ever realise by selling it. Money laundering operation right there, yeo.

agree. compare SH16 to the Kapiti Expressway. All that engineering and they couldn't successfully build a road over a swamp. It's like a rollercoaster. I too have very low expectations for Transmission Gully. Prepared to eat my words, though I doubt it will open in 2021. Vehicles were being sold off and workers contracts finished back in May; downsizing as the contracts went into dispute. Word from the earthmovers is that some parts were laid with the agregates in the wrong order, necessitating significant rework. It's a big ambitious project, and its benefits when completed will be significant. Especially if it joins with a completed Kapiti Expressway extension that bypasses Otaki at last. There. We don't argue about *everything*!? Merry Xmas! 😊

what could possibly go wrong?! 😎

I bought the tool on sale - Powerbuilt - for $15. never used it!

Sounds like you’re winning. Could it be Oetikker Clamps you’re referring to? Faster and more secure for manufacturing or repair - just not reusable.

I'll be in touch, Chris, thanks!🙂