BlackAngel

what year? - the early ones had the module behind the glove box rather than on the back of the abs unit so weren't subject to the heat of the exhaust. I chased abs sensors all over the car - had a right rear sensor fault which changed to left when swapped over - replaced both - tried a different module to rule that out - gave up in the end and left it with SDEuro to sort - pleasantly surprised when they sorted it cheaply by just cleaning all wiring contacts . . . either that or there is some little secret they know that I dont

Tempted to trade my 520i auto in on this uk spec manual http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1066454711.htm I actually prefer the standard suspension over the motorsport suspension and the comfort seats too - if they dont give me a decent trade I could keep the 520 for parts and transfer the leather and maybe the diff over if the 520 has a higher gearing. Cast iron block gives a little piece of mind as well in reference to overheating - they can take a fair bit of abuse unlike the alloy ones.

This looks mint http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1077459839.htm

Thats some list - would be a labour of love I think. OTOH, quite low kms if genuine. Corroded fusebox scares me - water leaking in?

Maybe try SDEuro at Horotiu. They were good enough to let me try another module one day when I was trying to work out my ABS issues. In the end aftr replacing both rear sensors and eliminating the module I ended up letting them sort it - I think they just ended up cleaning up some harnesses and it was all good.

On my 520i I replaced the cat with a bit of pipe (cat core had collapsed and blocked things up) and it sailed through a VTNZ WOF. But back to the 330d - making that much power (near e39 M5 levels) at diesel engine revs - torque must be phenomenal !!!! and in a smaller car too 800nm FFS Just clicked the link again its saying SOLD - 1st to see will buy I guess - bet it put a huge grin on someone's face

Bet this thing is a hoot to drive http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1075680368.htm 215km . . . hmmm . . . . what's the longevity like on these engines bearing in mind the higher stresses with the upgrads and the extra strain on the tranny?

While you're waiting for more experienced answers I'll just say this . . . it would be worthwhile checking battery and alternator output voltages. Low voltages can cause any number of fault codes so always good to eliminate that before chasing codes. Dont really understand the bank 1 and bank 2 thing - thats V engine terminology to me, sure the scan tool is set up right?

I see bidding on the M3 jumped $25k overnight and significant jump on the 335i as well. I also see a common bidder in both auctions

$1 reserve auction - wonder what it will get to . . . . http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1072533844.htm also BMW 335i Coupe 2007http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1072529632.htm

Motorsport too - nice.

Well done Shane. Should be a good sleeper and fun with the manual. Best of luck with the repairs and sale of the E30.

^^^^what I was thinking . . . probably a new cooling system too. What does everyone reckon it would be worth all fixed up?

Anyone looking for a project? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1069916202.htm

On the dealer estimate it says $306 (+gst) for the oil

$800 doesn't sound too bad considering the plastic pan replacement. I got quoted that from a dealer for the e39 which has doesn't need a replacement pan or harness socket - otherwise the rest of the work is pretty much the same. On saying that though - my Nissans get a full trans service by one of the best trans specialists in the business for around $400. Hmmm . . . . might give them a call and see what they will do the e39 for . . . .

Stainless Steel braided Teflon? That's what the SS brake hose kits are made from . . . although a hose from reservoir to master cylinder wont see anywhere near the pressure that the downstream hoses will so could be considered overkill - but just wondering how the certifiers will view this and whether it needs a DOT rating, Teflon hose would probably do the trick. Given that the cylinder and reservoir don't have relative movement - maybe a solid stainless pipe?

Was waiting for a ping pong ball to come shooting out of that bonnet

Now you're bringing back memories - we used to get around in one of these when we were teenagers - affectionately known as the big D, the submarine or the banana car. (Didnt Roll Royce use Citroen suspension under license? Didint even need a jack to change a tire - just use the adjustable ride height to block it up. Otherwise it was a Hillman Imp, Ford Anglia or Fiat 125. Man those were fun cars.

Just had my car put through a WOF by the local dealership. Its a '97 520i with 220000km on it and I'm sure they could've condemned it if they had a mind to. However, after finding a worn rear suspension arm balljoint as a part of a wheel alignment, that was all it required along with a set of wiper blades - and just a note that rear brake hoses were starting to persih - very pleased with the service. I used to use VTNZ for years but lately they've just gotten silly - and not only do they not have the specs on hand for the particular car, they also dont have the procedure for testing those specs - for example, dealing with suspension they jack very car up exactly the same way regardless of suspension design. I have had two instances where they have failed WOFs and then taken the car to the particular brand dealerships (Nissan and Toyota) only to be told the car is fine and within tolerance.

I see the price has dropped a little on this one http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1063371668.htm Anyone know anything about this car beyond what is in the ad?

Don't know it he'll be able to help you but worth a look. I got a cable and software for my '97 520i for about NZ$100 delivered. http://www.cable-shack.co.uk/

Just read this thread beginning to end , What a mission!!! Well done - great determination. Hope it all works out for you.

Got me curious now . . . . So comparing last pic with the first . . . . . did you black out the grilles and emblem on the bonnet or is that some trick of the light?

I have one of the first (97) and one of the last (03). Great thing about the '97 is the cast iron engine which CAN tolerate severe repeated overheating. I ended up replacing the radiator, thermostat and thermostat housing in the '97 and she still revs out nicely at 220,000km.