Olaf

Yep, DIN88/DIN88L is the physical spec. I didn’t mind paying extra for AGM. There were many, many options; many easily eliminated on basis of low power (CCA) low capacity (Ah), low warranty. In the end, I thought it better to find a solution with high-ish CCA, high-ish Ah, and backed by recommendation from Auto38. I was asking them to supply and fit and code; it’s unreasonable to ask them to source something the haven’t a relationship with. The size thing is useful as an indicator; most of the lower-power and lower capacity batteries seem to be shorter in height (170mm), or length (~350mm). Less space, less plate surface and electrolyte I guess. in the USA it’s easy to get a 950CCA 110Ah battery.

Which brakes are you thinking?

Caveat emptor!

not if you use FedEx. They make GST/and those other entry charges quick and painless. As @BreakMyWindow points out, DHL are pretty good too. They'll delier to Post Office Boxes as well! Though the changeover to Courier Post can be awkward where this is required.

Simply, if you're going to import something, you consult with the border control before importing. Anything less, and you're throwing yourself into the unknown. You wouldn't stand on the sideline at a rugby game and just throw yourself in without permission or knowing the rules.

time for some updates. 19 August 2019. 175176kms 1. Replacement rims painted and installed with new rubber. Sadly RE003 not available in niu zild in 275/35R18, so I've gone with Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 (H452). They were pretty well-reviewed. This was not a completely logical move, but the right rims came up and I wanted to try the staggered layout. I'd certainly gotten my money's worth from the RE003's. I usually replace tyres at 3 or 4mm tread remaining, slowed myself down while I dicked around with getting the new rims sorted. Jon at Auto 38 did a superb job of mounting the tyres. 35 series rubber certainly demands modern machinery. This is not your Dad's 185SR14 from the 80's. I'm still bedding them in, and getting rid of the mould release agent from the tyres. I'll sort out glamour pics in a week or two. 28 August 2019. 175285kms 2. Battery replacement and coding. Battery went flat after driving to Porirua and returning to Spotlight with my family, I'd had a battery warning light earlier in the week. Left the car at home for a couple of days, it started fine on Saturday. Shopped a little in Porirua. Battery died in the Spotlight carpark in Kaiwharawhara; my son and I remained in the car for ten minutes, key off. When I went to start it, it was pooched. AA Battery callout, got it started easily, inconslusive test (no sh*t sherlock, left your booster battery connected while running a battery test?), recommended a full re-charge then re-test. I asked to buy a new battery (this one has given me plenty of trouble over the years, going flat at the most inpoortune times), we argued about AGM (he said no, has to be 2010 or later, then his book said 2005 or later, and I knew this to be wrong), and couldn't sell me one as he didn't have DIN88 on board. I researched replacements. Yes Cinderella, you may have an AGM battery for a 2004 545i; you can expect a 950CCA 110Ah battery of large dimensions. Took the car round to Auto38 on Tuesday morning to discuss options and do a little measuring. It didn't restart. Checked out coding, found the following: Jon ordered a suitable replacement and had it coded up correctly completing the battery registration procedure. It now starts like a champ! If you're reading this and wondering what to do, there's plenty of info on RealOEM, in particular, some useful notes on installation. Here's some physical dimensions - you can fit quite a big unit in there: Terminal Type T1 Length (mm) 393 Width (mm) 175 Height (mm) 190 More photos later. We fitted a Koba SA59520 95AH (20HR), 850A (EN), 180MIN (RC)

I like it. If I win lotto this weekend, I'll have it. I like the look of it. And it looks slightly less menacing than a the equivalent M5.

We salute you. ?

that is a score! https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ryobi-airwave-50l-air-compressor-and-air-tool-kit_p06210560 $249.

@treone could this be you? It's not a V8, but it is manual...

More updates for the to do list, before e30 Mega Meet (in no particular order): 1. Stereo (above) 2. Horns (have parts, need to wire in). 3. Fog lights (need lights and switch) 4. Cooling System - replace all hoses and clips, new coolant (again). Query thermostat housing. Have all the hoses, clips, and coolant are waiting and ready to go. 5. Wheels. New hubcap badges have arrived, Paint is ready to go. Just need time. 6. Wind roar driver’s door 7. Cluster (refresh and tacho), analogue clock for Centre. 8. Dashboard? 9. Align wiper arms. 10. Front iS lip. Paint bumpers and mirrors body colour. 11. Acquiring parts for rear disc retrofit (after Mega Meet I reckon) 12. Upholstery refresh (I've given up on finding e30 sport seats in need of refurb). 13. Strut Brace 14. Small case 4.10 LSD 15. 15" basketweaves with 205/55R15.

PS: what happens when you don't fill in the form and it's over a grand? weeks of misery, if it's coming in through NZ Post or UPS!

you read up on the NZ Customs website, and find all that info. www.customs.govt.nz I used that to good effect to register an NZ Customs Number for my company. Once you've submitted the forms, and got a number, you select a decent carrier like Fedex, and life is easy. Calling Customs for guidance on this process is pretty pain-free. As long as you've included your NZC reference in your shipment's addressing, you get a call from Fedex before the parcel has even left the USA (or other market), and you're emailed a letter with details, and if you pay within 1 or 2 days there's *no delay* at the border, it comes straight through. Sweet eh?!

it was certainly looking good yesterday, Alan! Images missing from this thread!

You are clearly of discerning taste. The A45 is akin to the current mad hot-hatch Honda, both of which look like they’ve been taken to by a teenage art student with scissors, cardboard, and Colour-matched duct tape. This is a very worthwhile journey you are embarking on. ?

certainly seemed fast when I drove one.

have you tried your BMW dealer? You might be surprised.

If you need so much more power than the 300hp these come from factory with, budget for an LSD.

FBO?

@E30CHCH ignore the prices, they're arbitrary USD prices. You can either enter the last 7 digits of your VIN, or plug your way through selecting your car at the front end of realOEM.com which give you access to the parts diagrams, part numbers etc, by logical group. I plugged in info for a 1990 318iS as I knew the 14" Style 5 is an option. Hope that helps.

check above

yes, BMW dealer. Find the part number on realOEM. In fact, one moment caller... EDIT: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AF92-EUR-01-1990-E30-BMW-318is&diagId=36_1392 I think for the 14" you're after 36132225622 - check it out on the parts diagram. Unsure if the badge is included - looks like it is? Hope that helps.

Looks very tidy! How about getting it up to snuff? Your rear subframe rubbers are now 30 years old (unless they've been replaced); similarly, fuel hoses, ball joints, diff mount, gearbox mounts, engine mounts are all 30 years old. You'd be surprised what going through and replacing them with new OEM or Genuine parts will do for your ride and handling. While you get to know the car, you can figure out what you want to do with it. You need a lower lip on the valence. Reminds me of my old one, I had a 1989 325i Touring in Alpinweiss with shadowline trim, sunroof, and factory manual box.

around $120 from the dealer, I think. Good luck. This probably comes down to whether or not they tightened it correctly, whether it held well anyway (they're pretty loose and can come off), or whether it was nicked elsewhere. What can you prove? Hard lessons. Yep, when I was nineteen I was sold a sh*t pair of retreads (tyres were very expensive back in the 80's!), and the car pulled, after an alignment. Re-checked. Still pulled. Told the car must've been bent beforehand. Swapped the wheels over, side to side; pull followed the right hand tyre. Told them tyres faulty, got told to f**k off. Still, I'm sure that Beauripaires manager didn't go far, and the company hasn't had any money from me over the last thirty-plus years!

welcome aboard @GlenK!