Olaf

I don't buy that argument. It functioned very well in a city with far greater contrast between rich and poor, and certainly greater poverty than anywhere in (essentially middle-class) New Zealand. You can try and apply "poor people can't afford it" to any form of taxation; we're a welfare society so no doubt will be able to implement some scheme or benefit to help those who need it. That it's difficult or costly is not an argument to avoid cleaning up our emissions act in our own country! What troubles me is that without any form of positive encouragement, people aren't bothering to do the basics like change plugs and air filter. I agree. It's still a disaster zone; you have my sympathies. We now look back at the open homes we attended (in a very nice community) when we were buying, as a lucky escape. Who could've forseen this madness?

Errr, given our current disarray with WoF testing, I'm not certain your trust/confidence is somewhat misplaced! Equally, I'm stunned that having returned from one of the most polluted cities in the world more than 20 years ago, where we had annual emissions testing, that NZ has shied away from this. We badly need laws protecting emissions control systems, and ensuring vehicles used on the roads conform to emmissions standards.

looks super! congratulations, Jun. Hanging on to the Datsun for another decade should see you profit handsomely on it, even if it's just in careful storage.

he can do it on-line, it's all pretty speedy!

catholic tastes, me. This morning it's been as broad as Miles Davis, FC Kahuna, Fever Ray, Kryptic Minds, Jah Wobble, and the not-hits just keep on coming.

(sadly their music is a bit naff. they do like to put BMWs in their vidjos, though).

looks like Jane has sussed you a new soundtrack, and had her older sister model for the cover...

you going to carry a jack and space-saver spare?

Nathan's right. True of any car, if you do the rears, it'll show you how f%$ked your fronts are. And vice versa. Rears: you'll definitely need new shock mounts. Meyle HD for the win.

Important thing about the BMW coolant is it has the right lubricants and corosion inhibitors and stuff in it. Runs you about $40 for 2 bottles. There's about 9 million pages on the web about why not use aftermarket, if you want to read... and, you're welcome!

Jeez it's even on Bridgestone RE002 or RE003, so it appears to have been well-loved. score!

and I've a set of wheels in Hawkes Bay waiting to get down here too, looking for space in someone else's trip, if that helps!

Hi Jacob, and welcome to Bimmersport! Not only have you bought the e46 (the best 3er IMHO), but you've also bought the best colour** too! Excellent idea to ensure the cooling system is in good order, quickest way to turn an M54 into a boat anchor is to neglect the cooling system. BMW Coolant *only* - it's reasonably priced from Winger BMW. - accept no substitutes. If you join BMW Car Club NZ you'll net 10% discount off of parts on production of your membership card. Re shocks, Sachs is your OEM part. You'll want to replace the fronts as a pair. There are other options like Bilstein Touring, or even Meyle, if you're after somthing that 'does the job' without going nuts on cost or performance. At 300+ kms you'll probably want to replace the strut bearing too, and some of the associated hardware/bushings etc. If you're in a hurry you might find Monroe or somesuch at Supercheap or REPCO. FCP Euro in the USA offer decent pricing and service, and you can expect your parts in a week or less at this time of year. what's my duty.org, xe.com, and realOEM.com*** are your 'friends' (great sources of info), if you start ordering online from abroad. I warmly suggest you subscribe to the Wellington Events Room in order to keep abreast of what's happening. There is a good variety of events in the Wellington region, from coffee meets, cruises, road trips, and of course the monthly Pub Night (first thursday of every month) organised by BMW Car Club NZ wellington crew (Bimmersporters always welcome). Next Pub Night is Thursday 3 January, do come along if you can make it. Hope that helps! Looking forward to seeing you at an event soon. And you should find plenty of help in the Bimmersport community! ** Disclosure: I've been running an Orientblau e46 325i Touring since 2012, including cooling system refresh, full suspension refresh, trans rebuild, braking system replacement, coils, other stuff I've forgotten, and general maintenance. *** this is linked to your VIN sourced from carjam based on your number plate. PS: cheap aftermarket badges are a false economy, delaminating quickly.

Yep, that boot lining is Chav-tastic. If anyone can get this car well-sorted it's you, Kelvin. Man, those wheels will sell on FB marketplace in an instant... to someone with dubious taste! ?

excellent sussing, Kelvin. A big step forward!

wow. Not doubting what you're saying; it's just double-confirmation that the whole system is clearly f%#ked, if from one person to the next they can't consistently read/understand/communicate their own rules.

welcome, James. Looking forward to some images. And tell us about your e46 too!

I thought we'd worked out it's on a per-axle basis.

Congrats Jun, you're in for an adventure driving it back. Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh. And I have some "M5 mirror" photo ideas...

quotes of the day. GOLD! ?

yes, I did it in spring 2 years ago (Dunedin to Invercargill), nice touring roads and stunning scenery with new spring lambs in the fields, and cherry blossoms in bloom.

Yes! Seems I missed a few updates, despite being subscribed! This car may be "built in a backyard", though you'd never guess that through the very high standards of workmanship. It's looking superb, and I for one have Garagistic Braided Line envy ?. What's next, Nathan?

that'll put it into perspective! ?

Auto 38 in Newtown. Page European in Mt Victoria. Both recommended. Update: as of Feb 19, I'm downgrading my recommendation of Page European to a cautious ok.

Pics or it didn't happen! Napier. Excellent Indian Food at Ahuriri: Master of India Tandoori Restaurant, 78 Bridge St, Ahuriri. You gotta go up Te Mata Peak, for the views. Decent British Car Museum in Haumoana, just out of Napier on the way to Hastings. Drive up Hospital Hill, find the lookout over the port. It's stunning. Take a winery tour or two. Church Road Wines (Taradale) not the bestest wines in the region, though their tour is very informative and fun. In contrast to Mission Estate - lovely setting though the reception was aloof and cool, and neither obliging nor visitor/tourist focussed. Get details on the Art Deco Trail. Learn about the great Napier Earthquake of 1931. Trattoria alla Toscana was amongst the very best of Italian restaurants I'd experienced anywhere on the planet, last time we ate there. There's so much to do in Napier, this is just a small sampling. PS: Avoid the Lone Star at all costs.