Schwarzbär

[kung fu jesus]

Acquired my new daily driver a few days ago. It is a 2005 325it. :)

14992

14993

14994

I have looked off and on for an e46 touring with a manual transmission for about 5 years. Finding this one at this time was serendipitous. It was local, one owner, full documentation and repair history, 81k on the clock. It has a few blemishes, but nothing I can't fix. :)

The manny tranny wagons are rare, especially in 2wd, and die-hard enthusiasts will cross the country to get them.

Plans are fluid, but right now I admit it is reeeeeeaaaaaly nice to have a comfortable car to commute in. I have forgotten how smooth the modern DOHC L6 BMW engines are.

My wife is a little jealous of the car, but she took solace when I told her the IS300 Sportcross she drives is probably faster. :). Still not sure how she agreed to me buying another BMW, but it happened!

[TimTim]

Awesome man! That thing looks perfect for hauling a go-kart :winky:

[kung fu jesus]

14995
14996
14997
14998
14999
15000

Well, I'm spent.

[wannafbody]

I don't think that's a shooting brake. I think someone sold you an old fogy station wagon.

[kung fu jesus]

Speaking of old fogies, get yer eyes checked. It's not your Buick Roadmaster.

[atank]

I love manual wagons..................

[RustRat]

My father's third car, and the second one since I was born was a E34 520, and it was my favorite.

This looks really nice, and I LOVE the name.

[Slampen]

Nice station wagon.

Turbo the IS300, would make it insane fast. :)

[geffrocks86]

Congratulations! Looks and sounds to be a great Touring!

I miss my e46 wagon 5 speed dearly! I traveled from CA to IL when I located mine. That was in 2006! Sadly I sold it, and replaced it with a e91 a few years later (auto :?) It's not the same.

Look forward to reading your future posts.

The e46fanatics site has much love for the Touring, at least back when I used to frequent.

Cheers!

[RustRat]

Nice station wagon.

2JZ swap the IS300, would make it insane fast. :)

Fixed

[Martin]

My first thought when I saw the name


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPkWZdluoUg

[Phatmiata]

^ hahahhahaha same here

[Demon I Am]

lol, my first thought:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Glass_of_K%C3%B6stritzer_Schwarzbier.jpg


I make a hell of a schwarzbier.

[freedomgli]

Cool car. My wife (then girlfriend) used to have a E46 325i sedan with that same interior. A lot of them are pretty beat these days so it's rare to find a good one, let alone a manual wagon. Congrats.

[TimTim]

Nothing in that collage was a Wagon with full blown E46 touring car body work and livery, can't imagine why not... :roll:

http://i1313.photobucket.com/albums/t541/miatatim/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpszcfknsd7.jpeg

[kung fu jesus]

Thanks all. I'm glad this worked out the way it did.

The color isn't my first pick, but the maintenance and history is tough to argue. There is a dent in the FL fender in front of the door. I will probably just replace it. I think this is where the black color comes into play,; it's easy to replace and or paint a replacement. There are a few scratches and dings, but nothing I can't handle. The interior is nice. The car runs very well and is a really comfortable driver at speed.

So far, all I have done is an oil change and pre-maintenance on the power windows. The previous owner sent me the recall notice she received Monday about the Takata airbags. No big deal.

I plan to keep this one pretty mild compared to my previous daily drivers. I will fix the little blemishes er time. I will move up to a 17 or 18" wheel combo, probably lower the car an inch or so, upgrade the stereo system. I will probably change the faux wood trim. I am thinking about vinyl wrapping that.

If a ZHP bumper should happen to come my way, great, but it isn't a priority. I just like the car pretty much as it is for what I need it for. There is a Daily Driver Throwdown tentative for next year at AMP among friends, so we'll see how well It does hustling around the track then. :)

[Agent☣Orange]

Can we please get back to the fact that this is a station wagon?

[tsingson]

Wouldn't one of these work better for your girls, AO?

[Agent☣Orange]

Not really. I'm more of a Caterpillar fan.

[Martin]

Can we please get back to the fact that this is a station wagon?

You like large women, we like station wagons. Live and let live, I say!

[Agent☣Orange]

J/k. I like wagons too.

[Slampen]

J/k. I like wagons too.

Trying to be friends again?



:)

[Sharpie]

Congrats Steve! Looks nice.

[kung fu jesus]

Thanks again everyone. I love wagons. The long roof line, the utility, and in some cases, the performance.

Seems odd because I remember long road trips stuffed in the back seat of my parents' Dodge Coronet wagon. Yes, I had the middle seat, with my feet on the trans hump because I was the youngest. :)

I have owned an SUV, and I see the usefulness, but they make me uncomfortable by the way they handle and their size.

[kung fu jesus]

Can we please get back to the fact that this is a station wagon?

Actually, it's a touring. ;)

The time I owned the SUV, I was glad I had a vehicle that size once. Just once. The rest of the time it felt wasteful.

[Agent☣Orange]

Trying to be friends again?
:)


Actually, it's a touring. ;)

The time I owned the SUV, I was glad I had a vehicle that size once. Just once. The rest of the time it felt wasteful.


Okay dammit. I'm busted, BUT you guys did unfairly hammer on my dating preferences...

[theothersawyer]

MMMmmmmm E46! :D

[kung fu jesus]

Black Bear is now my wife's DD. Her Lexus wagon was totaled when she was hit from behind. Her only complaint is lack of a good stereo, so I went top shelf and ordered a Dynavin N6, it should arrive in another week or so:

http://youtu.be/-BvsPcROsFE

She's pretty stoked.

[kung fu jesus]

The stereo arrived this week and I was preparing for a long day of being up to my elbows in wiring and interior bits while knocking serious rust from my German language skills.

The exact opposite happened. This was the easiest aftermarket installation I have ever done!

From unboxing to completion, 2 hours, and that included a little time to mess with features, GPS antenna install and mic placement.

My wife LOVES it. The features are vast and the expandability potential is huge! It sounds great and the same songs on this unit sound so much more rich and lively, even though I left the stock Harmon Kardon speakers untouched. Much louder, but refined over the stock system, I'm impressed. The CANBUS works perfectly so the steering wheel controls will make it safer for her to find music and take calls.

Added bonus, it fits the interior and styling perfectly.

15777

[theothersawyer]

Is that he Eonon or however it's spelled? Been debating picking one up!

[kung fu jesus]

Dynavin

[kung fu jesus]

Well, this is my wife's car now so I am now pretty much just maintaining it.

It developed a leak from the oil filter housing, which is common, so I ordered the gasket for it. I also plan to replace the AC tension pulley, VANOS oil feed line, front brake rotors, and pads. A few other minor things, too.

[MiataQuest]

I love all things wagon!
At speed they are better than an SUV!
Here is my 1984 Audi 5000 Avant.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1210/4721650016_320b05851b_b.jpg

[kung fu jesus]

Yeah, I'm with you 100% on the wagon v SUV argument. I wish my wife's Lexus IS300 Sportcross hadn't been wrecked because I really like this car. Oh well. She enjoys it, so I guess I get the next car we buy. :)

[theothersawyer]

You can always order double parts so you can do maintenance work on my BMW too! :)

[kung fu jesus]

I get mine through a friend who attains them at a nice discount.

I ordered new lenses, a left grill, and rear wiper arm, which I broke last night. :|

I found a matching rear seat cushion that I may pull the trigger on. The PO had a child that spilled juice on the leather and stained it. I found something else that's nice about the wagon...no one expects it to be a manual. I did a burnout in the grocery store a few months ago and everyone looked at the Mustang 100 feet in front of me. I lol'd.

I have a good friend that picked up a reaaaaaaaaly sweet ZHP and he secretly covets my wagon.

[kung fu jesus]

I love all things wagon!
At speed they are better than an SUV!
Here is my 1984 Audi 5000 Avant.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1210/4721650016_320b05851b_b.jpg


Yeah, I'm with you 100% on the wagon v SUV argument. I wish my wife's Lexus IS300 Sportcross hadn't been wrecked because I really like this car. Oh well. She enjoys it, so I guess I get the next car we buy. :)


This will sound hypocritical, but since my wife assumed DD with this wagon, I have had my eye on an N210, the 4th gen 4runner. A little background, now that I have the Miata back, I have long coveted a vehicle that I could use to tow it with, but still use it as a reasonable daily driver. I also have romantic notions of exploring, overland trips, etc. I really, really want a V8 4runner for this. Size, reliability, towing, power, offroading cred, comfort. It ticks all my boxes. I have never owned a truck, and I don't consider the Honda Pilot (yuck) we had as such. Now that we live back on the east coast, we are very close to Appalachian mountains and parks. I want to get back into kayaking, camping and just getting lost in the wilderness. I have long wanted to visit Yellowstone. I also have two large dogs we take on short trips. As a kid, I also played a lot with 'Adventure People' toys . These toys were vehicles and action figures that had all the accouterments of going where ever whenever, and I think that adventuresome ideal has always stuck with me.

16225

So, if we look for another vehicle, to take some pressure off the Miata, I want a V8 AWD 4runner.

16226
16227

Like this, but in white silver or blue. :)

[tsingson]

Juvy has her options narrowed down to the new Explorer or the new 4Runner. I love the 4Runner for their rugged look especially since it looks like a bigger FJ. I always felt that it was underpowered but was extremely happy that they did do a V8. The pictures you show their look freaking awesome and your color choices would just be the icing on the cake. Are you looking at lifting it slightly? I think some truck version TE37s with some slightly aggressive all terrains would be killer.

16228

[kung fu jesus]

I would actually need to own one first. :) I don't know if I would lift it. If I did, maybe just a little, but I would probably airbag the rear for towing purposes.

If I went with the V6, I would get an '05+ for the 5sp auto trans that the V8s received from '03 onward. That white one is HAWT. for Juvy, maybe look at a GX470, too. Value-wise, you get a V8 4runner with a stouter 4WD system (if you want that), plush, plush interior and, generally, the Lexus models are better maintained. The rear seats don't fold flat (something I require for the boys) and the rear gate is side-hinged, which may make it hard to access for me if I'm towing. I saw some great deals, though a little pricier, in the GX models.

The V8 4runners are actually pretty quick. 0-60 under 8 secs I seem to recall.

[tsingson]

I lifted the Expedition but only went with a 2.5" lift. Didn't need any more than that. I love big meaty tires on the japanese SUVs. Just looks rugged and yes folding flat rear seats are a must. Juvy needs to just test drive the 2 and see which one she really likes. She said she won't be looking at any other cars except for those 2.

[HarryB]

No Subaru Forester love?

[kung fu jesus]

Can't tow a Miata with a Forester.

Between the Explorer and the 4runner, The Ford is cheaper, but not only in price, IMO. The 4runner is a little boring inside, but I just feel it's a better vehicle.

[Martin]

KFJ, you've been talking about getting a V8 4Runner for years. Buy one, dammit!

[tsingson]

I felt the opposite when I sat in both. She was actually kind of disappointed in the interior when she sat in the 4Runner. She said it felt a bit cheap. But she was also comparing it to my Expedition. The new Explorer is very plush as long you stay away from the entry level ones. It will be all up to her. And I agree with Martin....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/crazyrom/image.png

I will try and keep an eye out over here for one. V8, 4WD, right? This will keep me from looking for another vehicle as well.

[kung fu jesus]

KFJ, you've been talking about getting a V8 4Runner for years. Buy one, dammit!


I felt the opposite when I sat in both. She was actually kind of disappointed in the interior when she sat in the 4Runner. She said it felt a bit cheap. But she was also comparing it to my Expedition. The new Explorer is very plush as long you stay away from the entry level ones. It will be all up to her. And I agree with Martin....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/crazyrom/image.png

I will try and keep an eye out over here for one. V8, 4WD, right? This will keep me from looking for another vehicle as well.

LOL! I'm not ready to buy right now. It took me almost 7 years to buy the Sportcross and about the same for the BMW wagon. I'm just watching and waiting to see how everything will pan out.

I understand the appeal of the Ford, but I'm not sure about them, the resale, and the durability. Two different distinct intentions, too. I'm surprised she wants a vehicle that big with your daughter heading off to school in a few years.

[NCGreasemonkey]

Not to high-jack or contribute to one...

Just read up on the banter on the 4-Runner between you fine folks. One thing I would check is if the V-8 4-R shares the same chassis as the Tundra. I can check Monday if they are, just remind me.

Reason behind this question is our shop has had two '08-ish Tundras in with Rack leaks. One got fixed. One towed away. You have to pull the engine to replace the rack and pinion.

Engineers that don't turn wrenches cause this sorta mess!

[kung fu jesus]

4Rs share the Land Cruiser Prado 120 chassis, not the Tundra.

[theothersawyer]

Juvy has her options narrowed down to the new Explorer or the new 4Runner. I love the 4Runner for their rugged look especially since it looks like a bigger FJ. I always felt that it was underpowered but was extremely happy that they did do a V8. The pictures you show their look freaking awesome and your color choices would just be the icing on the cake. Are you looking at lifting it slightly? I think some truck version TE37s with some slightly aggressive all terrains would be killer.

16228

My brother in law had an FJ with TE37's! Now he has a new Tacoma with TE37's! Off roads it all the time too!

[kung fu jesus]

I'm a fan of Toyota trucks. This was before the Top Gear episode. They just work and their versatility is pretty amazing. I know about the frame issues on the Tacos/gen 3 4Rs, etc.

Ideally, the V8 4R is my choice, but I still shop V8 Land Cruisers, Lexus LX and GX 470s. On the domestic side, I will admit there are a couple of models I watch as well; the late 90s 2dr Yukon and Tahoe is the one that intrigues me. I just don't like the Fords, and it's difficult to put my finger on because I like Ford in general.

There is also sort of a sleeper pick that I watch too, which may be crazy. It's the Saab 9-7x. Yeah, it's a tarted Trailblazer, but Saab resale is in the shitter. There are 5.3 GM V8 Saabs with a 4sp (meh.) auto that are absolute steals. The 9-7 has a much revised front suspension that makes it drive a lot better, but it has the power and towing I need for towing. There are even Saab 9-7s that are Trailblazer SS clones with the 400+ hp engine that no one seems to know about. I saw one of those Saab SS versions selling for about 70% of what the Trailblazer SS would. From all accounts, too, I read GM dealers are servicing the 9-7s too.

So, we'll see. I have time, and it's not a huge priority right now, but if it escalated I would know exactly what I wanted and where to find it.

[kung fu jesus]

I'll throw this in there, too...the '07+ Jeep Grand Cherokee with the M-B CRD and trans looks awesome on paper, still don't know if I could trust a Chrysler product though. A diesel mid-sized SUV makes my nether bits tingly.

[kung fu jesus]

Part arrived! The left replacement grill was here Monday, nothing to show. It was fairly simple.

The lenses, wiper arm, and PS reservoir seal arrived this morning, it's a slow work day, so why not install them? Here we go!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/ed213885d26d76967ddce8b46617b09d.jpg

PS seal was easy.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/282fd2352d5b7f6945f792123220c5b9.jpg

The headlights were interesting to disassemble, I mean that in a good way. It was all pretty easy stuff.

I documented the driver side:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/2da4b167ccedbc05c7c372da6975bd1c.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/825e7cc57f7dd2e272c664cfc9678ee6.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/9ffa2bc3c387f6e2e5c8f7987db2104a.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/3048e61c1965814a3f42893ffdbc4e6d.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/d8e67ecd3ff386e8ffec2e47a13c3424.jpg

Old vs New:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/6f6bbcca2e323219ef3bee3fb85ae548.jpg

Picture shot through the old one:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/a4c0e2f71fd26a64bfb8a3cbb2628a28.jpg

And again through the new one:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/2cba33b5cbe403376fdaccf1d5ee66fa.jpg

I washed all the seals, they were in very good shape.

Installed...
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/7af54ef61c8e084a0caeea949662cdcd.jpg

Onto the passenger side:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/899c134a469e752f9aaa1e50885d45db.jpg


All done!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160701/c42c91cc1f90d387acf708e84ea09735.jpg

[Demon I Am]

It's amazing how much difference clear lenses make in the looks of a car

[kung fu jesus]

Someday I'll muster the motivation to clay and wax it.

[theothersawyer]

I just did the same thing and the car is so much better looking now! It's amazing! I don't recall if the wagon is the same as the sedan, but I have some chrome surround with black slat grilles if you want them they are yours for the low low price of free!

[kung fu jesus]

Oy! I was surprised I couldn't find any used ones when I needed them, locally. The tabs on the left side had broken, leaving just two holding it on. I installed a new aftermarket replacement, though. I may take those off your hands though!

[theothersawyer]

I wish I had known you needed them! I just installed all black ones on my car and the old ones came out perfectly without any broken tabs!

[kung fu jesus]

Started cleaning the paint. It has a LOT of scratches and the only way to remove those would be a full wet sand, but the wife drives it and never washes it, so feh.

It's 98 today, so I carefully washed it and the engine bay. Lots of dirt and fauna in the bay, but I washed and flushed it out. I pulled it in the garage and began with a cleaner wax, then a sealant wax, a mist of detailing spray. I only got the hood and passenger fender done, I was feeling too warm. I'll probably do a couple more panels as I feel up to, should have it done Monday, maybe.

I wanted to do the front brakes, but my 'parts guy' is out of town and I didn't get them from him before he left. :/

[kung fu jesus]

Pushed through and finished the job. Balls. It's hot today.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160703/c8e3e27185c95b2a1f561904eb5a16df.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160703/844228ed8fe39ea7361ed4498e8999da.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160703/eb7a849fe1d1a75d054e0a2a782549f9.jpg

[kung fu jesus]

Took the wagën to W.NC. Deal's Gap. Soft suspension, slippy touring seats, but still hugely entertaining. :)

There were a few times I would pass people, and the surprise sort of made one of them laugh. Looks like a black e46 from the front, station wagon from the rear doors backward. So, as I pass, people are a little amused. Then I go into the next corner, heel-toe downshift and rocket out the exit. Good times. :)

[kung fu jesus]

I guess I'm gonna have to order some more Killboy photos... :)

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160710/0aff3b759f1b1ee130a2e0fef6a1d749.png

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160710/0d9c3442775e30910aa671669e93cf61.png

My wife says the sun was in her eyes. :noddingsagely:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160710/869b8c029959be3a82c5fdcf3c4d79f4.png

ALL the suspension droop, please.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160710/58b82fa43ea0dc22be9bc8d7c325cec5.png

[MemphisMiata]

That's awesome! A wagon on killboy!

[kung fu jesus]

I have to admit, this trip really endured me to this car. Makes me want to fix it up, give it some style. :)

[kung fu jesus]

New front brakes and rotors for the 'bär. Brakes are a breeze on these cars.

No more shudder under braking now. :)

Also changed the air filter and rotated the tires.

[kung fu jesus]

Oil filter housing gasket. Goddamn. Not sure the new one sealed right. What a stupid design.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/531d8e28d89193d529f6dedbf4182c26.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/a2b6c58ddab61a3401cb248fa6d8b027.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/06322776e434650c38276fcbe8243b1b.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/40a7a6875a1ed38fcb746b9e6bd7a847.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/bf04e02c311193b394ee19dfec9876d0.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/f3dffa5b157d5655b1bc50bc68337249.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/3c7d0284efd46b410cb6e4cfa4fc6be7.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/e5f0fe3cc55ec4ec4ba93489ae9ea6dc.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/3ee13ce9f99d86ed988990df2bb44236.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/7e24c8af08aeb7721baac082584c5a06.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/a85b3960e6049e0a9684110ae332929b.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/0043af642ca3239cb848591ead7fee7c.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/3bbdee7d38b8a456a723be4a186e95c5.jpg

[kung fu jesus]

'k, think it sealed right, just needs a few heat cycles to fill out the channels. I never knew the metal undertray was shiny silver, so much damn oil caked on. I think it's alright for my wife's upcoming road trip.

[kung fu jesus]

Before/after degreasing. All six cans of cleaner spent.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/7e41896d1e045738ba8567fea934617e.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/632c505aad42eab889b441d86bbaab62.jpg

[Agent☣Orange]

Wow! Major clean!

[theothersawyer]

'k, think it sealed right, just needs a few heat cycles to fill out the channels. I never knew the metal undertray was shiny silver, so much damn oil caked on. I think it's alright for my wife's upcoming road trip.

This! Mine was so dirty, but super clean after some work!

[kung fu jesus]

96k on the clock. Time for spark plugs. Records don't indicate they were changed, and are recommended at 100k. Prayed to Cthulhu that they weren't seized or broke off upon removal. They did not, but were pretty stout to remove.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/5f75a1a3cd4cde90a91dcff1e469d330.jpg
Revmove cabin filter box at firewall ( to access the last two cylinders)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/fdc3961b1b4f9357202a9cb362ed3a42.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/7ceb67b37b39d123c224807489a86396.jpg
Remove engine covers.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/a407718ccfe572897b3d22ed699bc362.jpg
Pop out the coils one at a time. Soooo much easier than in an e36.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/5cd08b512666b40bdc8a7c91f8557254.jpg
Yup. Original factory plugs. Not too bad.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/a3a10845ddc5be853e44ad398f8b3598.jpg
NGK Iridiums. Gapped to spec.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/31ada8de0d13ebc6f26d2910287b9eac.jpg
Checked wells for oil and debris. I have a VC gasket on desk just in case.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/2daac4caed78c3ad036aa1031492fce3.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/39d7e514629245f829b07e126d981630.jpg
Time to finish up. This all has to go back in. Blu looks on approvingly.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/ac725a307628c9c8ef6d6b2f4effc25f.jpg
Washed the cabin filter box.

Finished up by washing car, it's filthy.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/4c093bd5efc17dafacc448dd130b23ac.jpg

[kung fu jesus]

Gathered up some part numbers for the cooling system refresh.

BMW owners have a free resource at realoem.com. It's a site that allows me to pull up the build data of my BMWs just by plugging in the last seven digits of the VIN; model, year, chassis code, engine code, body style, subpackage, and date code (build date). On top of that I can browse through the part diagrams of all the systems and subsystems. The exploded views list the part numbers for all the parts. It's really very helpful and I learn more looking at the explored views than reading the repair manuals. It's a tremendous resource. The part number/descriptions are easily copied and pasted into a table like excel or a Microsoft Word document table. This is awesome for making a list of parts to look up to purchase.

I made my list, about 22 items. A lot of online BMW part retailers have service kits that are customizable for the cooling system, but they included parts I have recently replaced (like pulleys, tensioners, and belts).

So, I took some time to plug in the part numbers in a few of the sites so I could hand-pick the part manufacturers and compare prices. There was about $100 difference between the vendors I checked and some had parts I didn't like (waterpump impeller construction).

$525 for ALL the hoses, water pump, radiator, sensors, seals, coolant, t-stat, t-stat housing, and clamps. I included a new pump pulley and heater control solenoid for peace of mind. RMEuro in Denver had the prices I liked and a solid reputation.

I had replaced the overflow bottle and pressure cap about 8 weeks ago when it failed in the driveway (thankfully).

I'll wait for the parts and attack this when the weather cools.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170715/81922e94938fbc7dd10244cfacf439fa.png

[MiataQuest]

I sure love north-south engines and RWD!

[Agent☣Orange]

I have boxes of parts sitting in the garage too but too damn hot to do anything. Can't wait for winter.

[kung fu jesus]

I've thought about picking up a second hand AC unit for the garage. It's a converted car port, so all the walls are insulated and there are two double hung, insulated windows.

As big as our lot is, I would love to punch out the back wall and turn it into a 4 car unit. That would be tits!

[Agent☣Orange]

Mine is cinder block so no matter how hot it is outside, the blocks just make it hotter inside, like a clay oven. I've gone back and forth about getting an air conditioner. It would cost a lot to run so I'd have to make sure whatever I'm doing is important enough to warrant the electricity bill.

[kung fu jesus]

Swamp cooler and one of those industrial-sized fans?

[kung fu jesus]

We sent the wagon down the road today. :) New owner loves it.

We replaced it with a ‘10 RAV4 Limited, V6 AWD. This little CUV is a sleeper! 269hp, 0-60 in 6-6,4 secs. It scoots! Already named it Canyonero Junior, aka CJ. Wife is happy, dogs are happy. :)

[Agent☣Orange]

Maybe all I remember is the original Rav4s but 269HP? Holy chit!

[kung fu jesus]

Yeah. I thought we would be looking at 4runners, but I had an epiphany when a V6 RAV accidentally was listed as one. I looked them up, the specs, and I showed them to her. She liked the size a lot better and that V6 option is really unique for that class of vehicles.

We drove a few, V6 2wd, 4 cyl AWD, but the V6 AWD was just a hot buy in my view. We drove a few of its competitors, but the V6 RAV was really unique. The 4cyl version has a 4sp auto, the V6 has a 5sp auto, so even with 100 extra ponies the extra gear brings the V6 within 1 mpg of the 4 cyl, and it feels a LOT more relaxed cruising on the freeway and around town.

I’m a fairly patient shopper, maybe picky, but my wife is not. ;) One popped up 350 miles away, in NC. It was a central FL car previously, 1 owner. Ran the records, VIN. We had a friend in the area check it out for us (he was the one who bought the wagon today). We cannonballed up past Boone, NC and brought it home. It was an excellent deal.

So far, just removed the factory pinstripes, the old clear bra. I replaced the battery, got hooked up on new tires, and installed a Sony 2x din CarPlay headunit for her. She loves it. I also removed the heavy FL tint from the front windows.

I still need to get it over to the detailer to put the final polish on it for her.

[Agent☣Orange]

Whatever. My KIA Soul can run circles around it. Just tell me where you’re parked.

[kung fu jesus]

I embarrassed some poor bastard in a 5 series BMW with it. He definitely wasn’t expecting me to to leave him from the stop light, as he was trying to beat me before his lane ended. ;) Reminded me of the time a soccer mom sucked the headlights out of my M3 with her minivan in a similar instance.

[Agent☣Orange]

Sacrilege!


Sounds like the way the new Teslas can beat everything with their ludicrous mode but lack any shred of soul.

How long before we start modding electric motors?

[kung fu jesus]

How long until? Already happening, Sunshine. :)

[Agent☣Orange]

I meant cars, not your vibrator.

[CLZinn2]

Always liked Wagons and can't for the life of me understand when 3rd row wagons were avalible, why people bought mini vans??? I LOVED my (not old then) Ford Taurus Wagons. I'm sure the BMW is OUTSTANDING!!! ENJOY!

[HarryB]

Sacrilege!

How long before we start modding electric motors?

Check out Mountain Pass Performance ;)