Palazzo

Here's a thought. Maybe BMW NZ realised that due to the success of the M3, the M badge was recognised and coveted. So when they could source some 325is models, they simply badged them M. Approval for this you can guarantee would have come from Germany and from the M division, whose anal nature extends to the colours you can use on T shirts. I think the high compression engine as listed below, is a myth. The dogleg came on earlier models (esp. 323iMs., of which there were some, but I recall that the box wasn't as good operationally as the 5spd in later 325iMs. Otherwise Andrew, you're suggesting that the 325iS was a model for the UK and US, which had identical specs to the 325iM, yet was never imported here, despite us having an identical model, with identical specs. I'm yet to see a 325iS with an "S" badge on it, (cue somebody proving me wrong), yet I've seen plenty with M badges on on UK forums. What's the answer there? Any car dealer who dealt in the 325IM will tell you that they commanded a significant premium (and still do) in their day. Was everyone stupid and you've been the first to see through this charade? There are a lot of copy cars out there and there are genuine ones. Our convertible has everything now, bar the LSD, but it ain't no Motorsport. The 325iM on the other hand has everything and handled better as stock and is the real thing. Whether you like it or not. Enough ranting. Cheers. incidentlly, the car that started this hijacked thread looks fine (would be better with all the kit) and I wish him luck.

So define a real sport.

The one with the join in is definitely going in the wrong direction compared with ours, good luck with it all.

Hah! I almost added "I think a tyre/suspension guy bought it and there were plans to supercharge it" in my first reply, now THAT would have been detail.

It is all wrong. The pipe with the join in is heading in the wrong direction (first photo), should come back to top of radiator as seen in photo 1. The pipe currently going from top of radiator to the block, should in fact leave the block and go straight down to the bottom of the radiator, (bottom left as viewed from the drivers seat). The middle pipe running past the distributor is in the right place, should go to bottom of radiator, (rhs from d's seat). Topless, if you read this, apologies, I only got your message today, but couldn't have caught up anyway. Will try and swing a trip your way in the next week or two.

That looks all wrong, from memory and wtf is up with that hose joint? Does the fan actually clear those hoses? Other car is home in about half an hour (facelift), I'll have a look and compare. Hope they haven't done some damage as Bm's seem very sensitive to over heating.

Arrgh! Dude, I was just saying that was the size of the M3 brakes, if yours are the same., then it's logical to assume they are the same. If the E28s are the same size, I wouldn't mind betting that if you go in to BM and ask for discs for an E28, they'll be cheaper than if you walked in and asked for brakes for an E30 M3. Sorry for any misunderstanding.

Ours had a crap feel as well. Had new pads/discs, but had hardly been driven for two years. Even a lot of heavy braking couldn't get rid of the surface rust (was black), got them skimmed and new pads and hey presto, so much better. Still not fantastic, but good enough.

No prob, and as Topless said, if you do want to sell. . . . . .

I knew someone would jump all over that. Read it again, I said you "could" (ie, technically) include the 750/850, as the motors were supposedly hand built at the M plant, never said it was an M car. The others, as I said, again, were M products, that is they had input from the engineering division, not like now, where you walk in and ask for the M pack, they bolt on some 17s and a badge and away you go. The 850Csi was supposed to have 380bhp and a 6 speed manual, sounds like a good start for an M car to me.

If you read TotalBMW (April '05), you could also include any 750i/850i, as the motors were assembled at the "M" plant. Cars that were developed by the "M" engineers included the 325iS (NZ M325i, hence the bigger sway bar mentioned here yesterday), the 850CSi and the 330Ci Clubsport (england only I think)

Try BMWarehouse in Hamilton, or otherwise, Brent (I think) on here. The dealers may be worth a go, or Ebay, or Royz (tradername ) on Trademe. He has heaps of stuff.

Found the 15 inch brake size, same as the other, 284mm vented, but says 250mm vented for rear (E30 M3). Either way, size is the same so measure up. Info came from BMW car club in England, they have a M Power section. www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Probably worth checking E34/24/32/36 sizes as well, as some at least are probably common.

Other side of town, Westmere. I'm supposed to be catching up with friends all day from out of town, but have your mobile no. If it looks like I can get away, I will. Have to admit there may be a small 'er indoors problem if I try this though. . . .

You're cursing because you have 5 stud and I'm cursing because I have 4, what a world. The M3 with 16 inch alloys had 284mm vented front brakes and 250mmsolid rears, according to TotalBMW. Can't find the 15 measurement at the moment.

Yeah, thought about buying it, so got acquainted! Wanted $35k, then $30, then $28, then $25, then $20, at which point I offered him $12!! It was immaculate, new suspension, new everything. I think he got about $17-19k for it, saw it about 4-5 weeks ago, still looked great and you wouldn't believe the sound, sounds deep NASCARish down low, builds upto a real high pitched scream. I should have bought it.

There's a white '89 (I think) ex 535i, which has a full body kit, 17 or 18 inch genuine motorsport alloys, stainless exhaust/headers/huge tip, tan leather interior, '95 wide kidney (V8) grille and a manual gearbox, mated to a Lexus 4 litre V8. Rego OP7355 (I think, again). Lowered as well, looks mint and sounds unbelievable. That the car? Cost the guy around $40k 5 or so years ago if it is.

Delphin (Dolphin?) grey Zinnoberrot red Not that I'm biased. Otherwise, Techno Violet E36 M3 thanks.

Great looking cars, silver one looks new! I 'm pleased to see someone else has to clean two sets of basketweaves, guess you're handy with a toothbrush as well?

Goodyear GSD 3. Quiet, soft ride (we have the same size tyres on a 730 V8), good grip and good looking. Don't know about wear yet, but they look OK so far.

Probably National for both, unless Act perk up again and look worthy of a party vote. I don't like people interferring with my life and that's all Labour does. And benefits (sorry, tax relief) for people on $70k plus? Pleeeze.

Best I can measure it, the convertible is now 110mm (to underside of sill rails) and on a trip down to Raglan on the weekend, I was having to drive around dead possums to save the front spoiler. 50mm?? What a tool! Or a liar?

One, an oil line marked by pieces of engine, clutch and associated drive train paraphernalia. Try 3k.

Erm, and now for the correct 80-120 time for a Diablo. NZ Autocar, 2.8 seconds. 0-100 in 4.4. And for comparison: Audi RS6 Wgn, 2.84 E55 AMG Merc, 2.66 Evo VIII FQ300, 2.94 Legacy 3.0R, 4.18 Impreza STi, (05), 3.08 Clio RS 182, 4.6 All 80-120 times.

Thanks, you answered my question perfectly.