Palazzo

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.

Same temperature and humidity as well?

We've just gone Mobil1 on the 325i and maybe it's my imagination, but it seems to turn over faster in the morning (first cold start) and fires up with a burst to higher revs than before. Could just be me dreaming, but I'm fairly sure.

I think spark plugs become an issue on turbo cars. My Legacy runs properly on NGKs (factory originals), but misses when hot on Bosch plugs. Expensive lesson to learn, as they're platinum, anywhere from $23-35 per plug.

An Integra is 2-300kg lighter than an E36, VtiR pumps out 121(?)kw and a Type R 141. Even with a manual, I think you'd be toast. Might be different with an M50 powered E30 though, as they are also about 200kg lighter. . . . .

There's one on Trademe, under BMW parts (funny that). Guy wants $50 ono for it. Too lazy to find it and post the link sorry, have a hunt, you'll find it.

I'd be hesitant about putting a 325i up against a Vtec. We had a Pulsar Gti and it slaughtered an E36 325i (auto admittedley, with Schnitzer badges all over it) off the line. The guys face was a picture, no one here I hope. Vtecs are light, big horsepower, although a 318is is a nice car, if Vtecs are your target, you're gonna miss.

Topless, you're on. I've saved your number into my phone, if you get to Auckland first, I'm 021 685 063.

Scott, E30 x 2. Topless/William, maybe I can stop in next time I'm passing through on the way to the out laws, like to see how the two convertibles look, as I've had mine lowered now.

Yeah they would be, but oh well, they probably wouldn't fit now anyway. Pity, 'cause they seem to be cheap, assuming you could use the ones off a 5 series. Maybe I'll spend the money on the rip I put in the back seat, Doh!

I stand corrected. All the ones I've found were 16s, was gutted to find they were 5 stud as I wanted them to keep the original appearance, but with slightly bigger wheels on the two cars.

Found some others in the States, about $350NZ delivered, will put up the address when I find it again. Have had Msport springs and bilsteins fitted to vert, I reckon it's dropped about 40mm, can't get my hand between the rear wheels and guard. Looks great.

Genuine E30 M3s had 16s, 5 stud, M325i has 15s. Same pesky, hard to clean shape though.

Glad to read that last post Andrew. We nearly bought one of these years ago, until we went through the service records. Previous 12 months of ownership resulted in $13,000 worth of repairs and maintenance (mostly repairs). Stranded owner on m'way 3 times (tow records proved that) and that car was 5-6 years old at the time, I'd hate to think what they're like now. Flames? My Legacy everyday driver has them in spades, expensive on rear mufflers I should point out.

Try Stocks (George Stocks I think) in Mt Wellington, or Centreline in Auckland for the suspension. I"ve just had Motorsport springs and bilsteins put in my convertible, which have dropped it as low as I'd want on the road, so unless you're planning on taking it trackside, try those. I got mine second hand with less than 10,000km on them, new price was over $1600 just for them, so I'd hate to think what fully adjustable platforms are!

An XR8 with leather is well under $1000/mnth, as would be an XR6T, both of which have won plenty of praise for their handling, (unlike a Commodore, which WILL try and throw you off the road), have shedloads of torque and are safe. . . .

A car dealer I know picked the model year from a serial number in the built in tool kit in the bootlid, can't have been hard to decipher, took him about 3 seconds.

It's cheap! You don't want 'em, pass'em on! What's the pattern on your existing seats? BTW, I've seen E30 M3 seats for sale in the UK for 800 pounds.

Your convertible looks fantastic! What are the wheels/size and where from? I talked to Mag/Turbo and they said "Urrr, too old mate, nobody makes wheels for that" The BBS wheels look Ok for now, but as noted elswhere on this site are a pain to clean. Hopefully, I'll get the Msport springs on soon. I measured it against our 325iM and it should drop it 2cm at the front and 3 at the back. The convertible's pretty well grounded in the rain, but the other is hopeless. It's sideways in the rain everywhere, even on the motorway in rush hour traffic in a straight line! I'm wondering if the tyres have gone "off" from sitting around for a couple of years, even though they are basically new, tread depth wise.

Tried to buy K&N at repco, looked at me like I'd lost the plot so temporarily gave up. Convertible already has scuttle shake, despite railway beam size strengthening down sills. I'm figuring the M springs and shocks will make it worse, so anything that will tighten it up has to be worth a go. Even as a day to day (well, weekends anyway) drive, I'm sure there will be benefits. Love your sig pick and look forward to emulating it at some stage in the coupe. Incidentally, does anyone else have massive traction problems in the wet?

Thanks for the responses. I've seen some ideas for extractors at Als, so may try that. Braces are a bit harder, anywhere from 75 pounds up plus shipping. And yes, it is the Zinnoberrot red convertible that was on TradeMe. Had two broken (rear) shock mounts, which explained the evil handling on way to Taupo, one had been stuffed with washers and glue to hold it together! Car is tidyish and goes well so far. Reason for the extractors is I checked on various websites to find the most cost effective power increase, one ( www.fritzsbits.co.uk ) recommended the extractors, but the cost of their system was 405 pounds plus shipping, just extractors that is. Have a 2.7 engine sitting around too, if I can be bothered sometime. Strut braces are needed I think, as I have the motorsport springs and bilsteins to go into the convertible and I suspect it would benefit from some extra strengthening/stiffening. 325iM was sitting in a garage for 2 years, had rebuilt motor, new shocks/discs/pads/heavy duty clutch/radiator/susp bushes, originally imported for Bob McMillans (Team) wife. Now driven by my partner every day, as I convinced her it would make a great commuter (until I can Targa it). any advice or ideas welcome, I'll try and get some pics up.

Anyone have any brilliant ideas on where to get a decent and decently priced strut brace for an E30? I've just bought a set of 325iM springs and Bilsteins off TradeMe for my 325 convertible, to match the body kit etc, think it will need the extra stiffening. Also, anyone had any decent extractors made? I want some of them for the convertible and our 325iM. Cheers.