Jazzbass

Well, as much as I hate to admit it, 'cos you'll all get big heads, I think you're right!! I've driven a selection of newer cars over the last few days and I've yet to find one to match my BMW on all the points I like. My car has only just turned 100k, which is pretty low mileage for a 1996 model car, plus it's NZ new with a full BMW service history. It runs perfectly, it's dead straight and I guess I can learn to live with it for a while longer... So - thanks for all the input, you actually DID help me to make up my mind. The 528 stays. ))))

Leaving my E39 behind is proving to be harder than I thought, as most of you suggested! Everytime I try a newer car, then get bck into the 528 - the BMW just feels nicer - sounds quieter - accelerates the way I like it. But - its OLD!! I like NEW!!(er) You know my budget - it doesn't get much in the BMW range...

Hey guize - excellent replies. Some in there I certainly hadn't thought of. There was a 300C in the motel last week, but I thought it'd be way out of my budget range?? Yes, I was also thinking along the Audi/VW lines. I totally agree with not feeling like getting my money' worth with Jap cars. I've been there and done that. For me, they do everything perfectly, but after a few weeks of driving them - I just wish they wouldn't, if you know what I mean.

My car is a 1996 528i A SE. That's 11 years old. For me, that's way too old. I'm considering a change. Consider my needs: I'm almost 59 years old I like plenty of room I love comfortable cars I love quiet cars Comfort is more important to me than speed (there's a 100kph limit out there) My back could be in better condition I love good looking cars (ruling out Fiat Multipla right there!) I prefer automatics I have an budget of about $30,000 to spend (including trade) I'd prefer 2005 or newer I wouldn't want to drop too much in terms of handling and ride I'm considering something other than BMW for a change - gasp!!! (never thought I'd say that!!) I don't want a Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi or a Honda I prefer low maintenance cars, so don't want turbo/blowers etc. 2 doors are a pain in the bum for my needs, so coupes are out, as are 'verts. (there's nothing quite as sad as a bloke my age driving round in a convertible - I know there's lots do it, but its not me) If you can, try to put yourself in my shoes and please give me your considered opinion of what cars you think I might enjoy taking a drive in with a view to buy . I won't take offence at any suggestions (unless Damian says - get a Honda - LOL) and its altogether likely that I'll end up with something different anyway....

My tank is 70 litres capacity. I once tried the 'run-out' trick just as an exercise in learning to trust my fuel guage. When it was hard on empty, but still running, I put 68.2 litres into it. I now trust my guage.

I bought mine here: http://www.europlates.com/ for $52 to my front door. (about 16 months ago). I've never had any problem with them,

Christchurch BMW no good?

Only ONE way to know for sure...

I normally never let my car get below 1/2 on the gauge. This means there's always some liquid in the tank and as a possible aid for your problem, some mass inertia to reduce any wave motion which can occur if the tank is almost empty and you slosh in some fluid. Worth a try?

Yes, its very common. The problem is in the brake light switch, which is an easy replacement. It sits just above the brake pedal. Get a new one and the job takes 5 mins max.

Remember also that the BMW roundel is a registered trademark.

The last jeans I bought were from Postie+ (short arse - fat gut size). They've lasted around 15 years. Cost less than $20.

David (SilverFox) has the details..

LOL, to be honest Allan I was paying a little too much attention on the road in front - it comes up real fast at that speed to take a heck of a lot of notice of the revs As I said BLOODY STUPID behaviour on my part!! Do NOT do this!!

Welcome along. On the subject of the sports/economy/snow switch, when I had one I often thought about rewiring it so that it was permanently in the S mode. Anyone here do that?

I understand! If you do get the J/frame off, and want to keep your existing holes, you can still do it. I just cut off the protruding bits (with a hacksaw) from my J/frame on my first E36. I couldn't stand them sticking out like that.

Cain - count me in the 'passing is fun' camp! If I wanted to watch processions, I'd watch USA Oval track racing. I don't.

Have you lost the wheel centres? The Japanese plate holder just unscrews.

The only real problems I can think of are that you have an 8 year old car. From this age, whether you drive a BMW or a Skoda, mechanical bits do wear out. Although I've found that some BMW parts are cheaper than some Ford parts, in general, it'll cost you extra money that you weren't expecting. Anyone who owns an 8+ year old car has to get their head around that. As others here have said - if it's got tits or wheels, its gonna cost ya!!

I've learned that people like 3pedals really do know their stuff and although we agree to disagree on some points, such as gearboxes I greatly respect his knowledge. Therefore, I've learned to read posts from such people carefully and stow away the knowledge that I've gleaned from them accordingly. However, each of us have different views and different needs and ways of doing things. For me, although in a fit of absolute stupidity I've found (some ridulous speed) on the speedo on the desert road recently, I 'normally' am a careful, law-abiding driver and my needs for my car are to be a comfortable cruiser. Since my needs are as a cruiser, my tyre wants are mainly around comfort and low road noise (I take great pride in having my car as quiet as possible). With that in mind, the last set I bought were Dunlop SP 3000s and they've fitted my bill perfectly. They're nice and quiet, give a comfortable ride (standard factory 16" weaves) and it looks like they're going to last more than my expected 2 years, so for me and my style of driving and my requirements - they're a good tyre. They still cost around $1200 fitted, balanced and wheel alignment etc. (I am of the school where a set of tyres is always accompanied by a full wheel alignment). Are they good as a high performance tyre for you? Probably not, but I don't need that. Maybe Alan doesn't either?

The temperature sampling fan has a tendency to get noisy bearings. I personally can't stand any extraneous noises in my car - that's why I have a very quiet exhausted E39. Any squeaks and rattles and I have to fix them immediately. Anyway that fan noise pissed me right off, so I did some research on it and found several people who have silenced it by stopping the fan, with no deleterious effects. Being a Kiwi - I first did this using a black paper clip, which I straightened out and inserted through the small vents in the panel until it caught in the fan blades (very low torque) and stopped them, then bent the end back into an adjacent vent so the paper clip was not noticeable. Bliss! However, after the paper clip fell out a few months later I decided to take the unit out and desoldered one of the power legs. This is a more permanent, but reversible fix. I have had no problems whatsoever with it being out of commission. To the best of my knowledge, your concern over the car holding itself in a lower gear is a perfectly normal cold engine behaviour, as the motor tries to warm up as quickly as possible.

Cheers, all - I don't start at Taupo until Monday, then have to be home for a son's wedding the following weekend and up there permanently from the 20th.

Hi Dudes and Dudettes and those who are undecided. I finish university life at midday today for my next life phase, as previously advised. I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know that the sole forum voice in favour of automatics in BMWs will be absent, at least for a while. I simply won't have time to play online for some time. Have fun and play nice. I'll drop in as I can to abuse y'all, especially Sparkle, 'cos he needs the most abuse. Take care on the roads! Roger

Yes, its that easy. I did it on both my Jappos.

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