freaknout

That's stunning.

I've got the same motor, but a '14 5 door hatch. Been told the water pump is leaking and will need replacing. Called Skoda for a comparison quote and they also mentioned the regulator might also need replacing. What does the regulator do, any advice?

What's a pair of PS5s cost these days? I have a VRS on PS4's which will need replacement in perhaps a year or so.

That sounds absolutely mad. Please do it 😂

Not looking, not looking, not looking 😁

You said in your opening post that you could still make phone calls via BT? Or have I misunderstood? If you can still connect to the car via BT (with voice calls) then if you've the option enabled it's likely a setting in the car or phone somewhere.

If the BT connection is still available it looks like a phone issue. Perhaps there's been a phone OS update or the BT profile has changed. That's where I would be looking.

"Interesting" RUC calculation for hybrids at $57/1000km, which assumes they all run at 3l/100km (referenced from the source, not performed my own calculations). A missed opportunity to change the flat rate of $76/1000km for everything under 3.5T. Quite a large difference between your 118d and M50d 😂

Bahhh! That's a bit harsh.

Very very capable motor. Tourings will have the airbags and compressor gubbins for rear self-leveling. The bags can and do wear, replacing both is perhaps $1k? The bags aren't expensive but the labour might be depending on other equipment, like active anti-roll, etc. Someone more tech than me can help here. N55's generally pretty reliable but they do need to be maintained like any BMW this age. Regularly servicing, oil changes, engine plastics, etc. Charge pipe worth replacing/upgrading for piece of mind. You're had an e61 and the f11 isn't too different, depending on spec. If someone can suggest a good BMW independant in Auckland I would suggest getting them to look at it before committing.

Wow! Time warp.

Stunning car. I remember having a great chat with the owner after a visit to the Paraparaumu pool. Lovely guy and a real enthusiast. Condolances to the family if they end up reading here.

Indeed some great titles there! 1080p was Blu-ray, so I think DVD was 576i if PAL? Can still look really good.

Semi-related. I spotted a gold W8 estate tavelling the opposite way heading towards Otaki Beach (at speed 😆).

Very much liking your enthusiasm and sense of adventure Kees!