gunat

Visually, the BMW diesel is the "TD4" model, which also has a slightly revised look from the older (series 1) vehicle. Definitely more reliable than the series 1 model, but still relatively expensive in terms of maintenence.

I'd have to agree- chances are that this part is plastic. If its scuffed, try a regular polish/scratch remover...short of replacing with a new part.

From what i hear, the car has a chequered history. If it has a Phase 1 engine, chances are the original phase II never survived...Salsa MR installed cosworth pistons after the first detonantion failure. I remember riding in the car years ago. After he sold the car and left SL, i believe it was a common sight at the drags...the silver colour was changed to the present steel blue just recently. As for technical differences in STIs...the dashboard change took place from STI4 onward... thats probably why its confusing to figure out this cars history.

Not me mate...I think you're refering to the STI4 with GC plates. Same colour, etc.

Thanks. I think centre gauges were an option, probably for JDM at that...i would think it applied only for the STI4 onwards because of the new dashboard.

Thanks guys. Peri- we'll catch up at Quiz. Overdrive- got the Fog Covers...i'll drop you a line. I too, have something that may interest you...! Miniace- imageshack is blocked @ work...but i can easily say that my interior is identical to Overdrive's, save for a JDM Meter set (10k rpm Rev, 280km/h speedo), and STI gauges on the centre top pod.

i haven't uploaded to this point since i don't have a decent picture...but here you go:

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Guys...so as not to hijack this thread, i'll post a picture in Overdrive's Post.

If the conversion is done 100% to original spec...suppose there is nothing to worry about then. Only if a buyer wants the real thing, should they be diligent.

To add... For every time a car owner goes and tries to correct his emissions for a retest, its money in the pocket for Laufgs and Cleangas. I have yet to confirm, but i hear that the standards they are implementing are more stringent than Europe...which if true, will mean a lot of cars will go for re-testing. Statistically the biggest offenders are single stroke/two stroke machines and diesel vehicles- and they are getting off easy. Laufgs/Cleangas 1 vs. Environment 0

I don't dispute the logic you just wrote out above. But i don't think losing weight has anything to do with emissions, my friend. Its an entirely different way of making a car more efficient- two very different discussion points. However if we're talking power, i believe F1 cars (and most competitive auto sports) do not have cats on their engines... That said, removing the cat has been the supposed quick and dirty solution to getting more power. Not to mention cheap. And unfortunately for those of us in SL, we don't have easy access to high-volume cats or aftermarket units, so you can understand why some resort to removing the cat. Staying stock is probably the best option only when talking about environment. But bottom line, as i mentioned initially- the overall objective of this new law is completely lost. Its not uniform, is primarily aimed at car owners, and probably won't apply to all.

Sounds good! looking forward to seeing the new pics.

Hey Devinda- whats the car you're working on?

WRX's go for around 2.0 i guess. Depends very much on the condition of the car. Genuine STI's are probably a little more expensive. BTW, there are a whole bunch of subaru WRX conversions hitting the market- so if you're looking at a car, make sure you validate authenticity if you want the real thing. The term 'STI' is being used as a misnomer these days to sell any Subaru has an STI badge stuck on it. Potential Buyers should note that an authentic STI has engine/ECU/gearbox/suspension/Drivetrain that is STI blueprinted. The VIC (Vehicle Identitiy Code) should map correctly. Best to check with the agents before you plonk your money down... That said, Impreza Conversions are less complicated as the chassis is already pre-configured to take the AWD drivetrain- so there's no cutting/welding needed. Only thing missing are the correct structural re-inforcements.

I rest my case: http://www.laugfs.lk/ecosri/Standards.htm# trishaws/motorcycles tolerances are almost 6 times higher than Motorcars. Diesel vehicles exempt from Hydrocarbon testing. Pardon my language guys, but what a crock of sh*t.

I believe its in the AL classifieds already. If i'm not mistaken, its a conversion- however you can't tell, looking at the pics!

Quick&Short: As Ripper has said, there's Plating and galvanizing. We only have plating shops in SL, as far as i know. You can't touch up plated items- you can only strip the plating and re-plate the entire peice. 95% of the time, our fellows botch the job (just don't do it properly) as you'll find the plating peeling off after a year or two. Give the classic car club of ceylon a shout- those fellows know their stuff! They can best advise.

chances are your AC is cooling too effectively under rainy conditions. Its the outside humidity that causes the thin 'mist' that seems to reappear as soon as its wiped off. You might need to raise the temperature a little so that its a little closer to the outside temperature. Also, Rain X or a good Glass polish may help.

And what pray tell, will you do about the Tommi, Evilmak? Cars like ours run rich...so its likely we'll all have issues

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I honestly don't see the connection DHP highlights between losing weight and Emissions testing...you lost the plot mate. Read the threads again- this is about application of a very good law. I am for it- even though it may mean having to revert my car back to stock format (only because changes were done before i bought it)...What most of the members are talking about is whether this law will apply to: 1) Our corrupt leaders/politicos/goons 2) So called "ahinsaka minissu" who drive buses/trishaws/vans that belch the most pollutants, compared a car What i've come to accept about our society (which i've mentioned in an early post) is that we as Sri Lankans are more than willing to screw our own people for personal gain. Case in point: - Police would rather pull persecute a car owner than a bus/trishaw because they resent the car owner, who has something they don't. I think another member has already highlighted this. - In an accident involving bus/trishaws/vans, the car owner is immediately put at fault. Why? Because the car owner is seen as better off...therefore guilty of the other persons misfortune in life. Tell me i'm wrong. I have heard this pathetic term "Api ahinsaka minissu" used by some people in justification for breaking road laws which result in accident. As long as the corrupt leaders/businessmen/goons make it harder for the average man to survive in this country, the resentment will be directed at those who actually work for a living. I've probably raised a contentious issue, but the point is that for every one of us who will abide with the requirements of this law (or any other law), there will be 100 who will get away with not complying.' Better yet, i'd really like to see what Laugfs employees will do when their cars fail the test.

Explains it. One word of advice- if possible, go for a 318i and not the 316, which is horribly underpowered...but is likely to keep you out of trouble If i'm not mistaken, i believe a fleet of e30s were brought down by the Big Gun of a bank+Food Importer+alcohol producer+insurance company. No idea what happened to those cars subsequently...

I think there's an earlier thread on this- might want to search for it. Once had a 84' E30 318is 2 door (not in SL). As you have highlighted, great car- probably the most elemental and spiritually true BMW apart from the mad 2002tii. Even now, the E30 M3 is on my wishlist of great cars to own. Dynamically, no car will teach you better about RWD bias on an excellent chassis (especially since the E30's never came with any electronic nonsense to dial out driver input). They look and sound great- and are generally very tough cars. Like any other car, if you maintain properly, they will give you good service. I've seen a few cars here in SL, and very few are in good condition. That said, the great thing about BMWs is that if you restore them with original parts, you're bound to get about 10 years life out of the new parts. If you can afford to get a clunker, and spend some time restoring it, thats a good way to go. Main thing is to find a car that hasn't had a major accident thats buggered up the chassis or suspension....because a lot about the great driving characteristics come from those- if compromised, its no good. Its no japanese econobox, and you shouldn't equate it to the same. I think it'll end up being one of the "Classics" from the Munich garage- only because the new cars are so far fetched in electronics and driver-aided control. Sign of the times i guess.

guys, apart from the 'don't drink&drive' policy, there is a very viable alternative - Taxi Cab! Yes, it may be a bit more expensive, but considering the potential outcome if you're behind the wheel, i would say its worth it. Be smart - its hard enough to keep our cars intact on a normal day- not worth risking our lives too.