Eagle

Did i say it was? No. All my posts having been talking about someone buying a older used auto. As for devaluing the brand i dont think they care too much about that these days, you look at all the models and productions numbers to see that. Their strategy is fill ever market gap with a model just like the japs having been doing for ages. Sure BMW may still be marketed as a "premium" brand but its far from their golden era.

I dont consider it an auto, sure it shares similarities but its more an evolved manual

I never said auto didn't have their place, they have their benefits no doubt. What im trying to say is you can go on about how good modern auto is but in an age where a deemed lifespan of a car is low, sealed transmissions with lifetime fluids etc, ill never be sold on them going the distance without great expense to some owner down the track. No real enthusiast is going to take an old 2nd hand car with an auto over a manual given the choice. Sure some cars maybe better with an auto but im talking about proper cars people would actually want not utes

Using "iS" just makes it easier to ID how its spec'd, don't see the problem. Like the 318is, 325is, 535is etc they are all cars that have certain options the came std.

True to a point but in reality not that realistic. If it were the case many people in this country wouldn't have a car etc at all

Its all well in good when new but what about once the cars gotten older, had multiple owners and have dropped alot in price etc, you'd probably have to sell body parts to pay to any repairs on the auto if it went wrong Sure a manual is basic but its well known and reliable

Id say the majority of people who buy new BMW's buy them for the badge anyway

Ive seen at least 2 330i manuals on trademe within the last few mths.

They do huge k's without issues as long as serviced properly like your's appears to have been. Same goes for any M20 and M30's really, simple ,non stressed and durable motors which were truely built to last.

Had to laugh at "I don't mean to scare you guys, but she has just shy of 360,000kms" etc Honestly thats nothing, if its was 500,000+ i may of blinked

Are you looking to do everything yourself? The E39 M5 diff swap is probably the easiest but im not sure it its easy to obtain one? For the E39 M5 diff sway you need the M5 propshaft and LSD , you swap out the output flanges with E32 units so you can use you 540i shafts

I dont if its just the car or what but you do seems to break alot of stuff I known being a cheap plastic fantastic era car doesn't help. Good thats it all going now anyway.

China can produce quality items believe it or not

Yeah i remember something about you replacing that now. There's also relay module which i forgot about that can cause problems like this

Got the 535 back on the road with new timing chain components, all shifter bushings replaced and an E28 flywheel. Even nicer to drive now and no more dual mass flywheel rattle.

Could also check the fusable link at the same time

Its funny ive had over 10 E34's and never had one electrical problem. Could be the GM module under the rear seat or maybe some damaged\corroded wiring

When i was researching it the only factory options with minimal work needed were the usual E39 M5 diff with various drive train parts and a guy using an E36 M3 evo diff: http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/index.php/topic/28932-how-to-fit-an-lsd-into-your-e39-for-less-than-l500 The M3 route seemed the best option as your only real expenses are M5 diff cover(around $500NZD) and E36 diff which shouldn't be hard to get for and would be <$1k.

Can't really avoid breaking tabs as they are just too old I wouldn't as they plug in fine and are secure without them, you can always get new plugs if you wanted. Easiest method is by swapping in a known good CCM and LKM modules

Yeah its a decent engine but id still take my M30 over it as its actually built to last

The M6 is the exact opposite of what a BMW M is suppose to be, its basically a modern day 850i.

You dont expect anything to last forever but you expect a decent life out such a critical part. If you look at M60 timing setup you'll see its far better\built to last alot longer than the M62 arrangement. Only one reason in my mind BMW would use an inferior system.

Seems like everybody is deciding to sell their E34 540i manuals at the same time

Who buys BMW special tools anyway? most are way overpriced. I always use alt's or make your own up. Oil servicing plays a big part im sure and maintaining correct chain tension to reduce wear. I know BMW were using 24,000km oil changes for the M62tu which i think is a a joke and they clearly trying to reduce their expenses at expensive of engine life.

Only one in Hamilton as far as i know - Ingham Prestige