I used to think Madison was the crown jewel of mid west when it came to crappy ill-maintained roads. We seem to even have penchant for build new ones bumpy (seriously!).

Meh!

Well done my man!

Hot damn, I thought of that snark too! Take your star.

It is amazing to me that we live in a time where a Honda minivan (essentially) sells for $50k and there isn’t even a hint of irony!!

I disagree. My experience is that in snow and ice mix conditions (which is the case most of the time anyway) the BFG M/Ts are not as grippy as BFG A/Ts.

Why does the front suspension look a lot like old school e39 and e53? One lower wish bone (control arm) and one tension strut (thrust arm), strut mounts to the knuckle and secure with a pinch bolt.

I think e39 never had the speedo sensor in the diff. They were moved to the wheels. Also, think that e46 post-LCI were using the at the wheel speed sensors too. Kinda have to for the DSC to work right.

You know I have dreaded something like this every time he takes oit an old, unsafe heap on a cross country trek.

I agree with most of this except mine had a straight six and with snow tires, it went a lot of places non-snow tire AWD didn’t dare to go!

I am sure it is awesome on the three days a year when it’s actually working. Zing!

Yours so pretty! Mine is sadly sold now. I might get another one day when the kids have flown from the nest, one day!

Respectfully disagree. A proper choice would be an e39 wagon with self leveling air suspension in the back, It even has a completely flat floor (even the shocks are not mounted in the body - they are on the frame to create space inside!). The fact that mine was a manual is just icing on the cake!

And if you’re getting a 3G, check the electric brake pump. It’s made of unobtainium and goes for $1k used.

Look bud, I respect your opinion and all that, but don’t you think a car that is on its second engine, second interior and second paint job in the first 20 years is at least a little bit destructible?

...Nissan Xterra, OK, well, that might be a story for another time.

Use Prime for shipping - it’s addictive.

Replacing the transmission or even the whole e46 with a better condition one will be so much cheaper than a new car!

The question is how many men can see a lady in leather, straddling a throbbing machine and still stay upright?

Ahem!