Accidental Bimmerer

Thanks Olaf, I've read a lot of the posts about coding changes. I'd rather pay someone who knows how than invest the time & money in buying & learning software for a one-off change.

Hi, my recently acquired E91 only came with one key fob (+1 emergency fob). I might me in Christchurch this coming week; can anyone advise the best (i.e. price vs reliability) way to get a new one?

Hi, I might be in Christchurch this coming week. My E91 with CCC & iDrive is still stuck on Japanese FM frequencies. Anyone in Christchurch able to help reprogram?

Hi, I have a 2006 E91 with "BMW Navigation Professional (DVD)" installed (H D D Navigation System / PC Card in boot). Is there anyone in the Nelson region could help me reprogram the radio from Japan to Oceania? I believe the computer is CCC.

That's why I like to buy seemingly-good, cheap cars - if it all turns to custard, I'll sell it to a dismantler and tolerate a small loss!

It seems good so far, drives beautifully. It does have the N52 'lifter tick', but from what I've read that's not fatal. The computer screen froze up on a run into town this evening, but it was working again on the return trip, although response seemed a little sluggish.

Thanks Vass, it doen't smoke or burn much oil at all now. I think it was something to do with the CCV hoses being gunked-up, I believe the moisture condenses inside them on short winter runs? The replacements were insulated, which may be the solution.

A couple of years ago I saw a little white 2004 E46 316ti for sale on the side of the road near where I live. Asking $2500. But it had some panel scrapes down the left door & 3/4 panel, although not too obvious at a casual glance. After a test drive in the hills nearby, I offered $2000 and drove it home. A few days/weeks later I noticed puffs of smoke when driving around town. Sometimes quite a lot. One time waiting at the lights outside a packed Sprig & Fern it tried to lay down a smokescreen. Checking later I found the oil filler cap full of creamy gunk. I thought I'd blown a head gasket. A bit later the starter motor failed completely close to home. It was off the road for a few weeks as I sought instructions to take it out, and had to order some torx ring spanners from overseas to get the top bolt out. $400 for a new starter, and $100 for a new CCV valve with insulated hoses, I eventually got back on the road. $300 for a couple of new tyres, new WoF, and I was back on the road. The transmission is a bit of a reluctant up-shifter, and sometimes goes into diagnostic mode on cold mornings. I ordered a transmission filter from Latvia or somewhere, but it arrived with a damaged gasket. Got a refund without sending it back, and ordered another one from Aus. Got the Caltex oil waiting for me to feel in the mood for getting dirty. In the meantime I've got quite a nice little non-smoking motorcar. Not much poke, but heeeeaps of fun on a winding road like the Takaka Hill... A couple of days ago I saw a little silver 2006 E91 325i for sale on the side of the road near where I live. Asking $3000. But it had a slight ding in the driver's door and a couple of very minor defects, although not too obvious at a casual glance. After a test drive in the hills nearby, I offered $2600 and drove it home. Sh*t I hope it goes better this time...