Eagle

Yeah they likely very underrated in how much it would cost to truly sort one, then you still left with a objectively mundane engine and the all other old BMW issues.

Seen M44 conversions, that would be project worth doing if you wanted something with max reliability

They are cheap for a reason. Along with the E65 they are a big step up in complexity and expense compared to the previous generation E39 & E38. Id wager low k examples (mainly imports) are generally worse because they are likely still using most of the original factory fitted parts, you also dont know what conditions that mileage was done under either. Mileage aside you have budget in repairs because they are all older cars now and very few people spend money on maintaining them properly due to cost etc. Service\maintenance history trumps all.

You'd just need a breaker bar to crack the rear sprocket i would of thought?

Goes along with mandatory worn gear knob they all seem to have

Looks much better than the duke. Hopefully you dont have any issues.

Id say that applies to just about N series engine from a cost point if compared to the older M series stuff - more complex\less reliable\cost more to maintain (not to mention all the non engine related stuff). N42 marked the beginning. It feels like they borrowed design tips from VAG and combined them with their own stupid ones.

Looks more like reduction on large\expensive to ship items rather than cheap\small packages. Spareto still miles cheaper in the few things i priced up.

Lots of trash around that obviously gain enjoyment from damaging nice things, if your car average condition common car im guessing it wouldn't have happened. I wouldnt own anything nice if i had to park on the street for reasons like this.

Most automotive workshops should have a scan tool capable of that

Its the modules which go to sleep not actual 12V feed. All you need is to do is find a 5A rated fuse which has constant 12V being supplied to with the key out (use test light or multimeter). Then you just install in a mini fuse tap adaptor to piggy back off that and run your wiring.

Likely normal

Yeah i guess that would do it. They are starting to sit on Waikato expressway on ramps now too.

Rarely ever was in my experience, but with the zero road toll bs and reduced speed roads id say its pretty much gone. What detector? He may of used instant on feature which is hard to detect if no other cars around being pinged. I believe ive experienced it a number of times.

Dont mind the look of that compared to all the other Smart cars ive seen. Guess it has a mix of Mercedes and typical Japanese fasteners?

Parts prices are acceptable for NZ pricing if they are using genuine parts. Genuine shocks are always much more expensive than same brand aftermarket versions. As above you save a fair bit ordering overseas. Labour per hour is very reasonable but hours look marked up to me. 4 hours for rear shocks is very excessive, no idea how they came up with that number . Diff service is usually done by sucking out the old oil via the fill plug, sounds like they quoting to remove the diff and drain the oil by removing the cover, for a diff that doesnt have to long life due to crappy bearings its probably a waste of time. Not sure about 6 hours for a sump gasket either, never done one but id say its excessive also.

That why i just replace mine with the factory seat for the WOF. The base mount\sliders are specially designed for the vehicle by a reputable company and that all i care about.

Not much more work to drop the subframe and do those and trailing arm bushings if not already done.

https://www.repco.co.nz/car-care-panel/adhesives-sealants/gasket-cements/threebond-high-temperature-rtv-silicone-liquid-gasket-250gm-grey-1215-250/p/A1130561 Ultra grey id say would be the Prematex equivalent

Driving to the condition is so subjective though given all sorts of vehicles in all conditions. Very heavy rain or fog is usually where drive slower than the limit depending on roads and traffic. If someone is being that aggressive then the best option is the pull over let them by, dropping the ego and righteous deescalates the situation and you will have worry\complain about. If people treated driving cars the same way as walking down the street then life would be so much better.

Id say they are quite reasonably priced compared to your average modern LED light. $300ish for second hand set last time i checked.

Where you buy them from?. Yeah i can come over one weekend and look at the brakes if you like

The engine is only aspect. You add the all the electronics, tired suspension, heavy cars etc, you see why very few people truly refresh them and spend the barely min on them, you rarely see any with big k's. Obviously you can do much the work yourself if you have the skills\tools and get parts overseas, but they never be what id call cheap to properly refresh.

Is there different types of E46 alarms or just the one?

Didnt even know there was a business called that doing the same thing, i thought it was a typo.