Fuse

Hi folks, I've long since sold my 350Z but I still keep browsing here from time to time as it tends to throw up some quite interesting topics and you're all lovely people! I've asked on a few other forums and Facebook groups and had a couple of recommendations that I'm following up on asking for quotes, but I'm looking for a bodyshop in the East Midlands, preferably near Derby, to get a front splitter painted for a BMW, and depending on cost fitted as well. Anyone know of anywhere decent that doesn't charge a fortune?

I'm sure you're aware, but for the benefit of the original poster make sure any plates you buy are legal and not show plates, which I'd guess the majority of those ebay plates are. To be legal number plates should have the BS number (BS AU 145d) and the name of the company who produced them stamped on and to produce them they need the V5 document. You'd be unlucky to ever get pulled up on it, but all it would take would be for a busy body during MOT time. It'd be a pain to fall foul for the sake of an extra £10 for legal plates.

Plenty of people told me I'd end up selling it, it's too impractical. Granted it's not as easy as a saloon, but I've certainly not found it a struggle. I already compromised by selling the zed, I can't compromise any more or I'll find myself in an mpv (something I've sworn I'll never do!). I'm actually toying with the idea of an e92 335i myself, what I've got now is far from slow, but it just doesn't have the grunt that the zed used to. Ideally I want the f32, but I'm pretty sure the budget won't stretch that far!

In fact, with the seat pulled forward I find there's enough space to actually stand in front of the back seat.

I've got an e92 325i and in terms of access to the rear for kids I don't have any problems at all. I've got a 6 month old and with the door open and the seat pulled forward I find it dead easy to get him in and out and can lift the whole seat out comfortably. You've just got to be aware that being a coupe the doors are pretty massive, so you have to be a bit careful where you park if you need to get a kid in or out.

Thanks for the replies folks, you've pretty much confirmed what I thought, that importing is going to be the only way of getting something, it's just too rare over here. I'm thinking this might be the way to go. Ultimately it's the 370 I want, the g37 was just a family friendly way of trying to achieve it! I did go down this route when I had the 350 though, using a cheap runaround for work and the problem was I just used to get annoyed driving it because it wasn't the z! Can't have everything I guess, we chose to have a baby and we're ridiculously happy we did, I'm just not good with compromising lol, I'll learn!

Well it's been a while since I last posted here as I sold my z a couple of years ago. I moved into a 325i coupe, but I tend to get bored by about three years of having a car and I've already started the hunt for what to get next. The problem is the beemer doesn't turn heads the same way the z did and it just doesn't put the same smile on your face. While I'm a big fan of bmw I don't think any of their models will give me the same special feeling without going m division, which with the age and mileage of car I'd be looking at I simply can't afford (4ish years old, no more than 40-50k on the clock, £18-20k). The obvious choice would be a 370z, but as I now have a 3 month old baby back seats and a boot are a must. Which leads me to the infiniti g37, but try as I might, the styling just isn't doing it for me. I've been hunting round to see if anybody makes a decent body kit for it, but I can't seem to find any in the UK, does anyone know of a reputable place that sells something decent?

These have been sold, you can close the thread

Hi Tony, I've not had any pm come through, could you try resending it please?

Having traded my 350 in a couple of months ago I've finally got round to selling the 18" Rays alloys that I took off before I traded it in. There is kerbing to both the front wheels and more minor kerbing to the rear left. There is also some bubbling on the wheels, though this isn't uncommon as I'm sure most people are aware. Hopefully this has all come out in the photos, but I'm not sure if they've lost some quality on uploading to photobucket. If anyone wants me to take some more detailed shots just drop me a pm with your email address and I'll get some sent across. There are the standard Bridgestone tyres on all four wheels, with about 4mm remaining on the front and about 3mm on the rear. I live in Derby and at the moment I'm only considering collection only. If I don't get any takers then I'll consider a courier in the future. Looking for £350. Front left Front right Rear left Rear right

Yeah it's a 2005 pre facelift model that was registered in March 2006. If you want me to send you anymore pictures or you want to come take a look at it just let me know.

Sorry yeah I should have been more clear, unfortunately it falls into the higher tax bracket.

Just seen the pictures from the Detroit Motor Show of the new Mondeo, have to say I'm impressed. Always thought it was a bit boring looking before, but the new one has a bit of an Aston Martin feel to it from that new front end. I assume that'll be the flagship ST or whatever it is model though. http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/articles/2012/01/cars/ford/mondeo/2013-ford-mondeo-pics-and-details

Just seen the pictures from the Detroit Motor Show of the new Mondeo, have to say I'm impressed. Always thought it was a bit boring looking before, but the new one has a bit of an Aston Martin feel to it from that new front end. I assume that'll be the flagship ST or whatever it is model though. http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/articles/2012/01/cars/ford/mondeo/2013-ford-mondeo-pics-and-details

Couple more pics, including an interior shot.

It saddens me to do so, but the time has finally come to put the zed up for sale. I’ve owned it for just over two and a half years but with an upcoming garage conversion coming up we won’t have the space for three cars. For practicality purposes I can’t run the 350 as my only car, so it’s time to sell up (along with my Clio) and get a single car to replace them both. So, the details! ’06 plate (276bhp version, registered late) Kuro black Manual 35k miles GT spec 18†Rays alloys Alezan leather interior Air conditioning Electric & heated seats Cruise control Xenon headlights Brembo brakes MOT’d until March 2012 Tax up to September 2012 2 previous owners It was last serviced on 14th Jan 2012. I also have the original 6 spoke alloys that the car came with. The front wheels had new tyres (Bridgestones) put on shortly before I switched to the Rays, so the front tyres are practically unused. £9,500 (based in Derby)

I hope it's cured the problem, but I'd say there's a fair chance the same thing will happen again, plenty of people reporting getting the same problem over and over again. If it's an option I'd consider trading it for something else, though I appreciate that may not be possible. It's good that they've lowered their bill, but it's disgraceful that they just try to fleece you until you provide them with proof that this is an inherent defect. How many people have just stumped up the cash because they didn't know the full story?

I didn't think it was as good as some of the other specials they've done and I think 90 minutes was a bit long too, would probably have benefited from just being an hour. Driving over there certainly seems interesting though!

As mentioned above this is a pretty common problem on the 4 cylinder Beemers. There's loads of posts and useful information on the thread linked above. BMW dealers are all too aware of the problem, but that doesn't mean they won't deny all day long that there's an inherent problem with these engines. Your best bet is either to get rid of the car or try and extend the warranty, because from all I've read the problem never really goes away. That said, there was supposed to be a new Bosch coil pack in use for the last few months, but I'm not sure if this has fully cured the problem or not. That post on the E90 forum is your best bet for detailed information and folks far more knowledgable than me on the situation!

I know what you mean. The back end is gorgeous, but I think the bonnet could do with being a fraction longer maybe, almost looks a bit too stubby to me, but it might just be the pictures. Think the lines running the length of the bonnet are a bit too pronounced as well. That being said, I think I might be nit picking

Yeah I was trying to figure out if it was legit or not, but then I'm a cynical git!

When I read the thread title I thought "oh god no, surely not", but actually that kinda works

I didn't realise the prices were so close to each other. Unless you need the extra seats then the 370z would be a no brainer for me (although admittedly I guess I am somewhat biased!). Just seems to me a far more grown up and exclusive car.

I'm looking forward to seeing how Kimi does on his return. Been out of it for a few years now but if he can get back to his best then Lotus will have themselves one hell of a driver.

Yeah I think the genuine ones pretty much touch the bodywork, replica ones usually have more of a gap.