BlackAngel

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.

They look awesome - hope I can get my paint looking that good

Oh man wish I had seen this yesterday - was up in Aucks this morning too. Yeah as soon as that car came up on trademe I knew it wouldnt last long. Took time off work and went down and bought it. Slowly sorting the few issues it has ; front tires, wheel alignment, re-attach some busted undertray (looks like it was driven off a curb or something) battery drain problem - tracked it down to a faulty FSU and have 2 on the way from overseas. Found a reciept inside for a new battery replaced 3/3/16 and also noticed the boot lights had been removed. I think the previous owner was trying to solve (but couldn't) the battery drain problem. Couple that with low voltages likely to cause all sorts of trouble codes . . . . and they probably thought it was time to get rid of it. All the better for me . Replacement FSUs are way cheaper than new batteries Silver is the color I would have picked - way easier to look after, but Mrs likes the black ones Tell ya what tho . . . having the motorsport is giving me a new appreciation of the 520. It handles but has that inch or so of boat in the suspension that irons out all the little bumps in the road along with the comfort seats. It really is quite a chuckable car. . . . and they do say its more fun driving a slow car fast than driving a fast car slow. Last thing on the list for the black car is get it detailed and some sort of long lasting coating on it to keep it nice - maybe at the ming center here in hams or maybe I'll cough up for OCD. Any other recommendations for good detailing/coating would be most welcome.

Seen this car up close a couple of weeks ago . . . . droooooool http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1060966107.htm

I used to always use VTNZ but the last few years has made me change to make specific workshops. 1. VTNZ does not have all the specs - have had a Nissan fail on rack end play - took it to the Nissan dealer to fix - guess what - totally within spec. 2. Different checks on the suspension/steering often require the vehicle is supported in a specific way for the make/model. Specific make workshops are more likely to know the correct procedure. 3. I was pleasantly surprised when my local BMW dealer did 1.5 hours worth of diagnostics on my car for no charge - none - zero - zilch. I will be going back to them from now on.

Saw 2010 760 v12 twin turbo the other day in the garage at a dealers yard. Dealer reckoned it was worth about $50k.