Chrisblob

Hi all, my key fob battery was replaced by a company in Christchurch called Auto Scanning Solutions; while I was there I asked if the guy did recoding on iDrive units to change to NZ radio frequencies etc, and he said yes - will cost around $80 which I think is reasonable. When I drop the car in to get that done is there any other re-coding that I could get done while its in there? Radio is the main thing I'm after, I'm not sure if TV can be changed (hard-coded NTSC tuner?) or whether navigation or other things can be changed... if anyone has suggestions as to other things apart from radio that could be changed, your feedback is most welcome. ? Cheers.

I spoke to NZC, and they offered to cover the cost of sorting out the key fob - its still working for now. I agree on the look of the car, especially with the style 123 wheels -- those seem to match the highline trim better than other rims I've seen. I test drove a highline 2005 550i before I bought the 540i, and it had the style 124's - sorta looked out of place on that car, plus the fact the rears are 275/35/ZR18, which is expensive rubber compared to the 245/40/ZR18's on my 540i.

not the comfort access one sadly, its the sealed unit that recharges via induction while plugged in the ignition. It can be replaced with an LIR2025 rechargeable, but needs some careful use of a craft knife to cut/pry the seal holding the remote together, it might even require soldering to remove/replace the old battery. It seems to be going again now so I'll keep an eye on it.

I'm not 100% certain which seals were replaced, but with $3500 spent including a new gearbox I suspect it wasn't valve stem seals, more likely coolant leaks that are more obvious to find and don't require lifting the heads. It's welcome whatever it is, as I'm less likely to have to fix those things now. ?

Hi all, I'm Chris, I just purchased a Japan market 2006 E60 540i sedan done around 74,000km, in silver with black interior. My first BMW, in fact first European vehicle after nearly 30 years of driving Japanese and Korean cars. NZC in Hornby were the sellers, they advertised the vehicle a number of months ago but it had mechanical issues on arrival - I never got to test drive it first time round, but when it was re-advertised recently after repairs I test drove it and decided to buy. The problems it initially had were significant, and cost over $3500 for NZC to fix; it got a new gearbox, and leaky seals replaced. The only issues it seems to have now are an intermittent reversing camera, and I suspect the key fob (sealed unit that charges by induction) battery is on its last legs. Very tidy exterior and interior, very few squeaks or rattles, so far very happy with it touch wood ?