Welcome.

I am in the "shire" as well.

First of all DONT go to BAVARIAN in Taren Point. After being a good customer of theirs for years, they turned around, charged me $1K to look at a problem, then told me it was the turbo (it wasn't), then said maybe it is the Alternator (it wasn't) then they took off the harmonic balancer for no reason other than the thought it was cracked. It wasn't, it was dirt, and they did this without asking. Then ruined my transfer case by putting the wrong oil into it (I have a post-facelift 3.0d 2005 model) and changed other components that were from wreckers not new as requested. The worse thing is that they pretended the items were new and wanted to charge me new prices. They say they will ring you, they never do. The car has been ruined (has never driven or sounded the same) for over a year now because of them and no, I'm not exaggerating either.

There was another "specialist" in Parraweena Road, they put a $2800 scratch on the car whilst in their possession, then said it was there before I dropped it off.. Little did they know I take photos of the car when it is dropped off and picked up.. Suffice to say, they ending up paying after it went to the authorative body.

Anyway, I have settled on Bob Mol Motors in Taren Point. They have been in business for 45+ years, and are very knowledgeable about the "modern day" cars. Their rates are extremely reasonable and will accept me bringing my own parts (I get my OEM parts from Germany through an agent. The price ends up a third of the price that BMW Australia charge).

That's my experiences in finding a "specialist".

With regards to the engine type, I couldn't offer any advice, but search and read. There is a lot of info about. I went for the Diesel purely for fuel economy in that weight of car, as I get about 800-1000km from the tank (about $110 average to fill) and as bigwave said, anywhere between 8-10L/100 depending on how much motorway driving I have done on the tank (mine is my daily driver for Business). For short trips in the 4.4, I think you will find the L/100 figure rather high.

Also, there is an Australian forum under Xoutpost too. You might get more Aussies reply from that one.

Rob

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2005 3.0D, Black on Black.