Olaf

Just watched the video. Yep, he's on-message with a view that has been circulating for years. What? I get a dopamine hit when you get a text? Oh f%#k off. I'm a gen-X er, I'm happy having the technology marvel that is SMS (which I started using in '98) and these days my smart phone... but the notion of needing txt hits? Pah.

Looks superb. And hey, the most important part of ///M sport can be retrofitted; the suspension. So if you are servicing the suspension at 160k, you get your springs and ARBs from Brent or Ray, buy your new bushes and, ///M sport shocks to suit, bingo. Happy wafting! Im on "my first V8" and loving it, despite (around town) it's like going out with that girlfriend you used to have that can't pass a bar without going in.

I think you chaps will find both have aluminium suspension and steering components. The 540 shares many with the M5. A quick check of FCP parts pages for 530i and 540i confirms this.

you can also talk to European leather care in Petone. They'll sell you Colorlock and Elephant Leather Preserver to recolour yourself using pigments and toners rather than paint; they'll do it for you if you prefer, and they'll do repairs as well. I've not used them for repairs, though have used Colorlock and Elephant Leather Preserver to great effect in my Volvo, and will give the e60 a spruce-up soon. EDIT: Come to think of it, Greg's repairer may have sent those seats to European Leather Care for the re-colour. They certainly look good.

I know I really should be buying one now...

interesting! I'm largely un-moved by iDrive, and find it a bit of a faff in use. On the move, iDrive is a bit sh*t really. Even changing sources on the stereo is four to five presses compared with on the e46. Still, it does (or rather, can) convey a great deal of info. Thankfully main A/C/ventillation controls are separate and analogue! In fact, these are more successful in the e60 than the e46/e39. Additionally, the custom assignment of buttons on the steering wheel via iDrive in the e60 is a genuine useabiity step forward. For example my diamond button is set to 'recirc' - as I approach a tunnel of follow a diesel truck I now keep my hands on the wheel to close off fresh air. The same is true for restoring fresh air. In terms of safety, the e60 features the same forward steps from e46/e39 as the e90, e87 etc... meeting 5 stars and significantly surpassing e46/e39 in terms of front seat leg/knee intrusion in frontal impact. The structure is designed to stay away from your knees and legs, and they've used the elevated and strong visual horizontal bar design cues to give you something to focus on, whilst cunningly returning away from the front seat passengers above the central horizontal plane. I used to prefer the e39/e46 also. This more contemporary design language makes the older models look far more dated. I do agree about the e60 centre console and the new way of 'not particularly integrating with the dashboard'. Defying convention, really. And good on them for being bold. What annoys me is the vast area of useless space. And the centre console door is bloody annoying to use on the move. Lighting controls are improved on the e60, as are wiper controls. Having cruise control on its own stalk, and in a consistent location on the e60 is a big step forward for the e60, de-cluttering the steering wheel controls simplifying the interface. Relocating the central locking and hazard controls to the top-centre of the dashboard is genius; on the e46 they were an afterthought thrown somewhere in the centre console, lost, and unintuitive to find. And although the indicator stalk and it's funtion is initially confusing in the e60 (as per the e87 and I think the e90), it's excellent in use once you know it. I'm sure it took engineering students years starting with a blank sheet with the brief to "build a better indicator stalk function". I'd love to see the other prototypes. There ya go, one man's meat is another man's poison.

I got to 2:59 and couldn't listen to any more of this guy. I'm sure he has an opinion and a conclusion; if you can endure 15 mins of that presentation you're probably on some kind of medication, or quite possibly should check and confirm you still have a pulse.

please explain! lets them down how? Aesthetics? Function? Durability?

you're a wise man!

you're lucky. at the time, my wife said "those e39's are ugly. buy something else." and the e46 was later acquired. Toledo Blue is different. Not so keen on that leather interior, but its a *leather interior!*. Which for child-ferrying duties, is the bomb. It's so, soooooo much easier to clean vomit out of a leather interior than a cloth interior. Ask me how I know!! I reckon allowing for the usual M54 neglect, some brakes and shock work, it's pretty good buying at a shade under $3k, if you're looking for a wagon for family or utility duties.

you walk around with that hanging out your back pocket it the supermarket and I'm sure you'd get some intersting looks. I must grab a snap on my phone, it's in my plumbing box in the basement. I'll post it here for sh!ts & giggles.

Wouldn't Vaseline result in premature deterioration due to the foam reacting with the petroleum? Plumbing supply stores sell large tubes of water-based "medical lubricant" that's used for lubricating waste seals for toilets etc, it's inexpensive and ideal for that sort of job. Hmmm FCP T-shirt liked some of the designs, not so keen on the polyester mix.

my 545i has a rack. "nice rack!"

I thought the main difference in the e39 for 530-540, was (apart from the V8 differences) was in the steering. Rack and Pinion (530), Recirc Ball (540). Changes the steering feel between them. Is this correct, or a misconception on my part? I understand the e60 has a rack regardless of power unit.

Hi Allan, the Style 194s are a staggered set. 8" front ET34, 8J5 rear ET37. with 225/45R17 on Front no clearance issues whatsoever on my wagon. Hopefully same for your 325Ti. with 245/40R17 on Rear no clearance issues whatsoever on my wagon. Hopefully same for your 325Ti. Hope that helps. Here's the comparison between Style 68 and Style 194 for ya: Front: Style 68 Staggered with Style 194 Staggered (e46 tyre spec) REAR: Style 68 Staggered with Style 194 Staggered (e46 tyre spec)

I figured this would be one you knew

I thought I might spray onto a microfibre towel, then wipe on to the belt.

not bad for 20 year old leather interior eh?!

Thanks Dave, I'll do that.

took my e46 325i Touring for a WoF. Needs two rear tyres (one failed, one at 1.5mm), blimey I usually replace them at 3mm. Got my money's worth there. The speedo's now on 180k kms and pocket change. RE003 245/40/17 on order, still got 3mm on the fronts, Guess I'll take em down to 2mm. Got to clean the seatbelts, theyre a little slow to retract. Not an advisory, though.

@Barryn check this out

come on man, lets have a showroom or project thread on your e91!

since last update, I had the carpets fully valeted, and then took all the photos for sale. Then I got a bit busy and I left it parked on my street. Yesterday I started it for the first time since 10 July - and of course it started first time. Warmed her up, put some air in the tyres, and took her out for a recommissioning drive. Going very well, my wife will be piloting it for a few days while we get new tyres for the e46. Found a note on it from an old work friend, he might be interested iin buying it. Time to find her a new home.