Actually, I think the N52 powered (naturally aspirated 3.0L as in 128i/328i/Z4) is one of the most reliable BMW powerplants available in modern times. I have only owned mine for 3 years but it's been exceptionally reliable - I do maintenance but have never yet had anything break. I was not willing to own a 135i out of warranty, I don't have the same fear with the 128i - it's ultimately a very simple car.

A few mods help the car a lot - rear subframe bushings, some front camber (either M arms or camber plates), headers, wheels/tires.

-Mark

^ i was looking into them and my understanding is the n52 in the 128i is basically the same as the 260hp version in the e90 330i. so you can swap the intake manifold and tune it and you should be making that same power

$6k for a 16-year-old regular Focus is not a good deal, IMO, even with 34,000 km.

A car like the E39 540i will only be a good buy if bought for a couple thousand and treated like a labour of love to "restore". Even the 6-speeds come up for sale now and then enough to wait for a less expensive one if the MT is desired.

After looking for many years, I spent a lot on mine for the spec I wanted, well kept and clean. A year and a half later, I've already spent more than the purchase price on the chain guides, radiator, valley pan, VANOS, alternator, and other odds and ends in and around the engine. Really feel pressured by myself to hang on to it for longer to get my bang for the bucks!

For sure. With tuning, headers (a huge upgrade for these cars due to the savage emissions oriented design of stock), a race exhaust, and a 3 stage intake manifold I expect to dyno 250whp or around 300bhp.

-Mark

Damn you guys are really selling me on the 128i. Might be a nice upgrade from the Miata that I won't be afraid to drive in the rain :considered:

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/...729977570.html

2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder - $8500

^ That’s pretty overpriced for having 224,000kms and a rebuilt engine... she won’t be getting that out of there very soon unless she’s bending a lot on the price.

2003 and under MR2 Spyders are known for vaccuuming up their own failed catalytic converters and grenading the engine. I suspect that’s what happened to this one.

It could have 36km and I still wouldn't pay $6k for it.

Troof!
These things have the refinement of a 1910 John Deere tractor

I like! Rare, been keeping an eye out for a Golf TDI but never seen an R-line version. It's got the quad exhaust, 17" wheels, lowered suspension, R badging, & Nav. I know that it's just cosmetic but still, makes it stand out a bit. Add a tune and it'd be a fun car to drive. (Unfortunately, posting has pic of it in its winter wheels).

2011 VW Golf TDI, R-line, 95K kms, $13,888
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/...729095370.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00404_...Hp_600x450.jpg

which one of you sluts is going to see the 128 tmr at his work ..bastard

Probably not a good buy but a lot of car for the money
Cl63-26800

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/mercedes...=1_6_6&sprx=-1

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/...733051752.html

1990 Toyota Supra Turbo - $2000

Good effort, but if you are going to do R-line conversion why not do the whole hog and go for the headlights, front bumper, rear valance etc? Half-done job...

2005 Saleen Focus

Not sure if this one has it, but most were fitted with NOS from the factory (in the wake of the Fast and Furious movies). Great condition in pics. Kinda gaudy to look at now, but in a few years it may be worth something.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/...725380698.html

"Garage queen"? pfft, I don't think so! This thing clearly spent more time on the road than in the garage! :lawl:

Surprised it's not sold yet.

Asked wifey about it and she said no :okay:

Yeah that was a mistake. Haven’t you ever heard “it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission?”

-Mark

Those cars didn't roll off the factory floor looking like that. They were modified by saleen and sold new at Ford dealers. They sure as hell aren't installing nos at a ford plant

By the way that the owner put his posting, I think it is a package from VW, not a DIY.

Duh. Don’t know what else to say. Obviously he meant fitted by saleen

Is this a good buy?
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/...732922392.html

^^^ holy smokes that poor bmw looks shit kicked,i knew something was up with a engine bay that dusty.

looks like a good buy
just gotta ditch the exhaust, remove the front window tint and maybe get some stock si suspensions/ better set up and u can avoid the VI bullshit going around

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...733758168.html