drtimwright

Just bought this yesterday - think it complements my '98 E36 cab nicely... @Olaf wanted to see pictures so here you are!

Awesome thanks!

Hey everyone, As part of my waiting game until insurance company says "replace or repair", I've been looking into importing a Jap Import myself (via a wholesaler). Something like this (although I'm currently preferring a 125i but none of those for sale today): http://auc.carwebs.co.nz/aj-ot7PXZK8sooBAqg.htm I was just wondering if: Anyone has imported a jap import themselves (or via a wholesaler like carwebs) What are the things to watch out for - any obvious got-ya things Any other good information that might help me Thanks! Tim

WCD are up front about that - the salesman said that they are picky about their cars so you'll often be able to find a cheaper one elsewhere. But salespeople so it's hard to know what salt to take with that. The less expensive cars seem to be in Auckland or Christchurch for some reason - Welly dealers appear to be a couple of K higher than those two other centres. *shrug* Tim

I already have a 328i Anyway, I was after a 1.6l engine for fuel reasons. What are the differences between the 116i M sport and 120i M sports? They both seem to have 1.6l turbocharged engines. Although there are 100kw for the 116i vs 125kw for the 120i. Hmm. That's 25% extra power... Tim

Hey, So, I might be in the market for a new car and am contemplating a 116i Motorsport like this one (I test drove it today): https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1397977430.htm Was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on that model. Also, it's got an iDrive thing and needs an upgrade to get bluetooth streaming. The dealer said that the updated module (including installation) cost $1K - is this something I can do myself for less cost? Tim

Well, it's not like I drive over the Remutaka pass every day in an overpowered old car...no wait...that might be me... I wiped the thing off the 'oil' was mostly oily black soot (see attached photo). Which means it might be an old PS leak that's since carbonized and I should drive more moderately. Tim

The yellow is pine pollen on my driveway The oil is only on that thing and the pipe that comes out the bottom of it - until the pipe goes horizontal then the oil goes away. The oil looks kinda misty but it's only on that one thing - whatever it is! Tim

Looks like one of the hoses connecting to the radiator is bulging. And there is an oil leak coming from the engine - the oil pump perhaps?

Replacement was new. I think there is a hose on that side - might check if it's attached properly in the sunlight.

Hey everyone, My car (1998, E36, 328i) just started hissing from the front and a bit of steam coming out. The steam didn't last long. The hissing lasted 5 or 10 minutes (so far...) The sound comes most strongly from the front left grill (as you face the same way as the car - so passenger side). So I suspect a cooling system issue. There is no coolant leak on the ground and a visual inspection (at night with phone torch) didn't see anything obvious. The radiator was replaced about 6 months ago. The reservoir tank is on the same side as the hissing. Anyone have any ideas - and do you think I can drive it to get it to the mechanic? (it's a 10-15 min drive to the guy I see). I'll check the level tomorrow once the engine cools down. Thanks! Tim

You know, I am genuinely in awe of the Honda engineers now. The little thing eats that hill for breakfast. A return trip Hutt to Masterton clocks in at an average of 5.6l/100km (with aggressive hill driving). Of course, there's no substitute for solid german engineering. A roaring inline-6 engine, the smoothness of the ride, having the wind blow through your hair (or over my hairless head) and that 'you are in control of this huge beast' feeling you get from the 328. But as far as speed, nimbility, and fun goes - the Honda is surprisingly good. Tim

Here is a pic!

Purple for the win! I pick it up on Friday so not sure how the hill is yet - will keep you in the loop (the dealer has to make a couple of minor fixes to it and Friday is the first day I am nearby to pick it up.). If you do go for a test drive in one, don't use the Jazz - it has a 1.3l engine. The Jazz RS and other models have the 1.5l engine. Oh, I know someone who just bought a Jazz RS. They are happy to give you a drive Tim

Well, I don't think there is a HondaSport.co.nz forum ... so in worst case I'll glue a BMW logo over the H and come along! Tim

Correct. And they might give you a small amount for a deposit on your next car. It covers the "gap" between your regular insurance and the finance costs.

Thanks - and good luck with your purchase!

I know - accountants do seem to make things much harder than they should be! And, yes, the top gear presenters gave it a rave review. That's why when I saw it sitting there I said 'I'll test drive that one too' fully not expecting to get out of it with a massive grin on my face The finance side of things was interesting. They added in 'gap insurance' and 'mechanical insurance' to the finance price without telling me. And the mechanical insurance price for 3 years on a 2013 Honda was $2200 - whereas I paid $1800 for 3 years insurance on a 1998 BMW! (still 1 year left if anyone is interested...) Tim

Oddly, as a computer programmer, my expertise is in developing simple ways to express complicated things! Tim

Thanks for the advice everyone! I bought a car today. Sadly I was "sensible" and bought a Honda. Jazz. RS. 2014. 11K on the clock. (yes, 11K). I have to say, that 1.5 litre naturally aspirated engine has a surprising amount of power - it is super fun to drive! The dealer offered me a 2K trade-in on the '98 E36 328i Cab. So I didn't do a trade-in and will try to sell privately. Or 'have trouble selling' and keep it for bimmersport events On a different note, while I appreciate the photo of the modals above, it's probably something to avoid if we want more females involved in bimmersport! Tim

the wife has given me instructions 'something not old that we can keep for some time'. I'm interpreting that as "2011 or newer for European, 2013 or newer for Japanese". For BMW, trademe has told me it is either an X1 or 116i. And I do quite like how the X1 looks - going to be test driving one later today! (the 2016 Nissan Leaf is getting a look in - but that would require re-wiring the carport. As are some other small new jap hatchbacks with good reviews - but personally I'll get more enjoyment from something with a three letter name that starts with B and ends with MW. )

This one is awesome!

I sure am! Well, 4 days a week Tim

Hi all, It's time to change my car so thought I'd ask here for some thoughts. Basically, I want to spend about 20K (+whatever I can get for current car) and get something that's not too old, has a bit of grunt, and has 4 doors (kids!). Currently am driving a '98 E36 328i cab - which might be for sale soon... The 2011 X1 2.0 turbo diesel looks pretty good - does anyone have any thoughts on the X1 or any other suggestions? Tim

Hey Michael, I'm contemplating selling my 1998 E36 328i convertible. It's done 145K. Replaced the radiator a few months ago. Working well - a little noise from back rear wheel area but getting that investigated (and getting warrant) next week so will know more then. I'm in Wellington tho. Tim