Palazzo

Glenn at Botany Motor Worx, in Botany. Very helpful and a forum sponsor.

Withdrawn by administrator. Pity, that was hilarious.

Sorry, M20B25, I think Glenn might be right about the throttle cable, I've probably pulled it too tight. Will try that.

Anyone?

The X6? I was too scared to go within 20 feet in case it rubbed off.I saw these at JCBMW last week, the only redeeming feature looks wise is that it makes the 1 series coupe not quite as ugly. Just my opinion of course.

As per my losing coolant post, I cleaned out the throttle butterfly valve which has given a nice smooth idle when warm. Only problem is, it's slightly too high at about 1k rpm, or even fractionally over. According to Haynes, it's not adjustable. Any ideas? Pushing the throttle spring back against it's stops gives the desired effect, but can't imagine this is the cure? Cheers.

Well, I wouldn't say it was a 5 min job, but for $1.80 worth of gasket and $16 worth of sealant, leak fixed. And a thorough butterfly valve clean has resulted in a nice smooth idle again.

I was told this was normal on GenIII Holden V8s as well, whether on a GM or BM, I'd not be happy at that rate.

If it's the same stuff (Meguiars) that you use on convertible (plastic) windows, it works great. Took all the yellowing out and most scratches. If the lenses are plastic, should do the same.

Had a chat with Glenn and he was spot on (as usual), it's the cork gasket on the throttle body. Spraying straight down on to that hose. $1.87 for the part! Cheers again Glenn.

I think (hope) it is that hose, although how you replaced it in half an hour is beyond me! I can't even get my hand near it. I'll have a chat to Glenn tomorrow and see if he thinks it can make it to Botany. Thanks.

This morning, the low coolant light came on (FL 325i E30), nothing too unusual there, kept an eye on the gauge, didn't move until I got into the driveway at home. Got out to a hissing sound, checked under bonnet and there is a leak/steam coming from around the top of the engine, under the inlet manifold. Are there any pipes under there, or is this impending disaster? Any ideas? There is coolant visible in the hollows of the top of the motor.

Bellars is on the Shore off Constellation Drive (I think). I will never cross the door of Civic again and told them so. the place next door doesn't necessarily do a bad job, but they will milk you for every cent. Alan Giess should be back next month.

Master cylinder? I had this problem in the convertible in April and to top it off got two (!) dud masters from Autostop. Got a working one from one of our sponsors, EuroItalian. I assume it still works, haven't driven it since. Glenn from BotanyMW was most helpful.

Alan is a good guy and he sold the business 2-3 years ago. The new guy is not so good. Alan still works out of Whangaparaoa (sp?), but is in the UK for 3 months. I had a ridiculous quote for work from Civic Auto in the Strand 2 years ago ($930 + GST), done for $440 incl at Bellars and I know there is another place in the Stand that charges you by how much money he thinks you have.

If those are $20 as described above, I'm keen for some.

How much do you think for the Basketweave centre caps, the screw in ones? Cheers.

I always drive away from a place that insists on pre pay. Middle of the day in the city, WTF? Their loss at $150 a tank.

Personal favourite, REKNAW, used to be on a Citroen in Wgtn years ago.

There is at Toyota, not sure that that will help though.

Sold for $8.5k, reserve was $7.2k. Bit rough, as you'd expect, but seemed to drive OK.

As before, it looks lovely and each to their own. Incidentally, the E30 325i did have motorsport pedigree, it won either the WTCC or German equivalent in '85-'86 (bit vague as I can't remember the dates/series), beating the Cosworth 190E in the process. What series did the E36 M3 win? Good luck with the sale.

Some of the early 911s did have lead in the bumpers, basic fix towards what has become today the 911 GT3 RS. Almost all of the Porsche family are great, we've had a 944 (standard) which is no quicker really than a good 325i, but is a far better (IMO) driving experience and certainly much quicker, across a winding road. Driven various different 911s, 928s and 944 Turbos and S2s. They're all great. It's like the Honda/BMW thread, sort of pointless. There are great cars available both ways. Just your opinion, which is great, beacuase you're never wrong.

Curse the lack of grip in the M325i, wonder why my convertible is sitting in the rain at the mechanics, work to pay for the convertible at the mechanics. Thank my lucky stars I talked to Glenn regarding the repair and think how lucky we are to have someone so knowledgable and helpful on the forum.

Lada was based on the 124 Fiat, a '60s design. Apart from appalling aerodynamics, the 131 wasn't too bad. My mate had a 131R in Wellington, at 110km/h on the motorway, the aerodynamics were so bad, a wind gust would knock it back to 90.