Olaf

Found what I needed, thanks.

Yesterday I collected my new-to-me Style 123 rims (thanks @Family Wagon), and drove back down the island. I'm certain my M54 needs VANOS seals. It's running much better for a good run, though is lacking torque. Today I spent a couple of hours cleaning the Style 123's for the e60. Several repeat-and-rinse jobs (on the inside) to remove built-up brake dust. I pryed off old balancing weights, and used a scraper to remove old adhesive remnants.

Welcome, Gordon. "the New Zealand of the Northern Hemisphere" - I like it! The Japanese imports have low mileage, though you may find they show greater wear due to longer hours of operation (cooked hoses etc). Mind how you go. That looks like a beauty.

very well reasoned, Paul!

period correct? what about the Ken Done M3 livery?!

I don't mind executing panning shots of your car while you drive up and down the road; we just need to sort out a mutually convenient time, and preferably a cloudy day

to be fair, Glenn asked pointed, clear questions (I understand private, as well as public), of the Owners and Mods for quite some time before removing his sponsorship support of the site. We've seen other potential sponsors ask these questions. EDIT: we should be careful not to confuse ownership and direction questions, with forum software upgrade questions!

@adro Just putting together details for trip to Auckland this Weekend. Contact me if you want an exhaust carried. Preferably clean/wrapped.

I'm thinking VANOS seals are on the near horizon for my e46/M54. One of these days I'll have someone who's done the change, drive mine. It's not throwing codes, though my impressions are that it's lower on torque than it used to be... Do you ever attend the Wellington BMW Car Club/Bimmersport events?

Penrite HPR5 (5W40) meets LL01, and is effectively heavier than standard 5W30, if that's any help. Runs great in my M54. Have you changed out oil pressure sensor?

today (Tuesday 2 May, 2018): e46 at 184035kms. (6 years ownership, 72,000kms). - oil change (Penrite HPR5), oil filter (MAN-HU9254), Air Filter (MAN-C251141) - replaced steering coupler (BMW 32-30-6-761-571). E10 E-torx and wobble joint and extensions, 16mm socket, long pry-bar, red threadlocker. A ramp helps. Need to figure out how to straighten the steering wheel - oops. - also changed out Air Box mounting grommets (BMW 13711702508). There's a squeal that can occur when they wear out, at around 3000rpm. Many thanks to @Barryn for assistance! Next steps: Windscreen replacement, lock barrel replacement, new key, headlight lens remediation (again). And then in the next few months, the list of remedial maintenance; replace valve cover gasket (again), oil filter housing gasket (again), new spark plugs (again), auto trans filter and fluid (again), and probably VANOS seals.

It's nicely optioned up, too. I pulled the vin details:

you buy it, I'll (carefully) bring it to Auckland for you.

Arggghhhhhh, my eyes! I can't un-see that. What did that nice M6 do to deserve that cruelty? "ahem. If one needs a car with that appearance to attract a mate, perhaps sir might consider vacuum technology?" Seriously though, nothing that some decent wheels/tyres and a few hours removing wrap wouldn't fix... Chick magnet indeed. He'll be beaten by angry fathers!

"get rid of that bmw NOW! I can't fit the pram in it, and we need the money to rep[air your Audi for family duties - the lawn is growing around it and we're looking like rednecks!"

Not back to square one. Get it scanned by a specialist! Or are we wasting our breath here?

Wow. Just wow. Great work, tremendous attention to detail, and some beaut fabrication in there. The videos with the exhaust notes were music. Can't wait for the next installment!

Indeed, common issue with e60 is battery replacement without registration (cos people get charged for that), then the charging is wrong (it's still optimised for the old worn-out bettery), and new battery ends up pooched in a year or less...

The Koni Sports should be ideally suited with your M-Sport springs. in addition to the Demon Tweaks, you could try ebay.de - you'd be surprised how reasonably priced they are. The only reason I didn't go Koni Sport for my e60, was my 545i is on standard suspension and the sports are intended for lower springs (which your MSports are). I didn't want to change springs and have to consider impact on the active anti-roll. It should be much more straightforward with your e39. If I can beg a before and after ride with you, I'd be delighted.

Nice one. What's the score with the Airbag recall?

remember, the NZ customs website is your friend. used to be 'whatsmyduty.org.nz'.

you get to choose your carrier and service. DHL, UPS, FedEx, or 'bulk discount', and sub-selections for service. It's all on their site, go read and explore. I prefer FedEx express. The MyUS website is good, your in box works well, and you can use a phone app too.

yep, I recommend them. If you join under the Visa promotion, you get a bunch of benefits for no cost.