Eagle

Maybe he knew sunroofs are more hassle than they are worth and decided to save some $

He's been trying to sell it for awhile. Don't even know why you do all that work to a rough non msport. If syncro's are bad or depending how bad, then the box isn't worth very much imo (given the cost or if even possible to rebuild) Im sure you can look on US forums, ebay etc to get an idea how much a conversion goes for. Ive only seen the boxes for sale here locally for around 4k, so adding another 1-2k for the rest of the parts id say gets you in a ball park if one was available.

Yeah the higher profile tyres certainly mask the stretch. Crap picture of my old E30 on 205/55R15 15x8 rear with Toyo T1R (soft sidewalls) I recall ride quality and grip was rear grip reduced somewhat though compared to 15x7's. The increased tyre pressure was probably partly responsible.

Do they give you updates for all customized ordered BMW's or is it just a general thing?

Not wrong

Gave the paint a going over with the Meguiar's DA microfiber system. Stopped using foam pads after i tried this as i found it delivers good results for minimal time and outlay. No swirls or holograms so maybe someone has cleaned well over the years or corrected it in the past? @hqstu ?. Got most of the light scratching out leaving some the time consuming deeper ones alone. With thinner clear and stone chips present in certain areas i dont think its worth the risk given the light blue hides defects very good. Ride height has increased a little with the new parts but im a fan of factory lowered height. Yet it scrap it in all the typical situations after a few 100 k's so should limit any bumper damage.

Yeah wouldn't worry about the diff, looks all surface rust to me so wire wheel would clean up that no sweat. I agree about the 6 speed, comment was more aimed at running a 3.38 diff. Will PM you about the flywheel\clutch

Not to start an oil debate but manual says you can use 'special oils' too

For cars - Vice grip garage (similar to what Roadkill used to do). No desire to own any old american stuff, but i like the get it running and drive it 100's of k's back home home format.

Yeah i think 5k tops. 3.5k-4k region probably more realistic given most E39 have rooted suspension.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-power-steering-reservoir-cap-seal-32411128333

ZF 6 speed would balance that out. With the 5 speed + 2.93 running nearly 3000rpm @ 120kph and $3.00+ per litre now for 98 octane you would loose i reckon.

That's quite reasonably priced given it included the diff, im sure that added a bit to the shipping costs if going by weight. Never thought about using a currency converter service, good idea. Whats wrong with the diff? it looks like it will clean up fine with a waterblast, rust converter and paint? Ive got a new LUK dual mass flywheel and\or clutch kit if wanted?

Yeah Rockauto is priced very well for certain bits and pieces (bearings being a common one). Their lower pricing and Fedex shipping costs more than make up for GST.

Have you done a wheel alignment? Must be toe'd the fook out with current height

Yeah i expect it reach 400,000 now without requiring any more significant amounts of cash.

All back together and driving good. Back end is noticeably tighter with the new\improved rubber subframe bushings, possibly with the reinforcements helping with some additional rigidity.

2k primer, urethane seam sealed and base to blend into the existing paint. Messed up sealer, applied way too much and it started to cure much quicker than i expected with this heat. Subframe etc covered most of it up anyway.

Probably need them for the ever increasing number of terrible drivers

Star Insurance Modern hobby for the E46. Seem to be one of the few that had agreed value while being well priced @ $585 p.a. Classic didn't want to insure my vehicle as it was too modern or generic according to them.

That's styling in general these days esp front ends. As above without the grill its basically generic.

B28 would be the easier\cheaper conversion, less engine problems and nicer to work on engine compared to the B30. B30 is basically the opposite of the above. Only real advantage is more power and torque provided the vanos is working properly. MS43 ECU has a lot of community support for modifying etc.

More like Mercedes swapped but good V12 engine choice

Maybe too low ball offers (which would be legitimate in this case) or realized the price was unrealistic?

Yeah 2nd hand dealer approach is usually pure greed. Minimal effort and maximum reward. I understand they are a business, but buying a car, putting a huge margin on it, then not even bothering to address even minor issues nets them no respect from me.