Welcome to my introduction page! (it goes down hill rapidly after that over-enthusiastic introduction) I'm an E39 - 523 Automatic caretaker and have been for nearly 5years. She is a cheeky little runner who needs all sorts of work done to her. She is loved by me, as much as she is loathed by the Head of Domestics™ but as the wife drives a SAAB 900s soft top, I keep her around. It means I get to visit GSf carparts frequently and she feeds the nipper and cats quite well. On the 523 I've had to repair a blown head gasket, replace the radiator, replace the ignition switch and change the hedgehog, but these old girls only need a bit of make up and sweet talk and they turn into MILF. I'm not a do-er upper of cars type, more of a keep-it-in-good-working-conditon type, but I happily admire the more creative owners work. Whenever I have been sat in a recovery van's cab, with the old girl in a sorry state on the back, I take solace in the knowledge that every other car I see driving past is a Beemer so rather than feeling that my nose is being rubbed in it, it drives me to be back on the road quickly. That is despite hostile nonsense talk from the HoD. During the day time, I live in Monaco and on weekends Hampshire. Being a Govt Trained Marine Engineer, charged with the upkeep of a Private 52m yacht, I keep my hands on experience in tip-top condition, and despite turning 40 in 2013 I still do all my own overhauls, rewiring, general preventative and restorative maintenance as well as being able to still reach my own shoelaces and fit into 34" trousers. Future projects for me are to change the VCG, as the cabin has that glorious burning oil smell and then convert the lights to clear indicator Post Facelift style, as Orange is SO last century. I'm not really a forum type of person, but my unquenchable thirst for engineering knowledge, hints, tricks, cheap fixes and general chit-chat has brought me to this place of hallowed and respected knowledge, so i have arrived notepad empty, sharp pencil, clean overalls and ready to be educated. Over to you then.... (If you reached this far, then congratulations. Of course I therefore pity you, but thanks anyway :0) Stevie
