30th September: Critical Site Upgrade & Forum Maintenance Downtime

September 27, 2014, 2:25 am

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URGENT ATTENTION


30th September: Critical Site Upgrade & Forum Maintenance Downtime

To all our valued forum members.
We hereby wish to alert all our members of a vital site upgrade and some forum maintenance updates to take place on 30th September 2014 from 8.30am until 6.30pm. If the upgrade completes earlier then access to Bmwfanatics.co.za will be restored sooner as well.

We are confident that the new upgrade will further enhance our forum experience.

We encourage our members to continue to post on our Facebook page, twitter and Youtube.

The Bmwfanatics team.

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95 petrol to decrease

September 27, 2014, 4:13 am

≫ Next: Free WiFi from Coca Cola machines

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Price of octane 93 petrol to increase, octane 95 petrol to decrease
by Agency staff, September 26 2014, 19:01
http://www.bdlive.co.za/business/energy/...o-decrease



THE price of octane 93 petrol will increase by 2c/l next week and octane 95 petrol will decrease by 5c/l, the Energy Department said on Friday.

The price of diesel would decrease by 13c/l, and that of illuminating paraffin wholesale by 14c/l.

The price of LP Gas would increase by 12c a kilogram.

The new prices would come into effect on Wednesday.

Sapa

Free WiFi from Coca Cola machines

September 27, 2014, 4:15 am

≫ Next: Cam bearing cap torque setting - M50

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Free WiFi from Coca Cola machines
Article By: Staff Reporter
Fri, 26 Sep 2014 1:42 PM

http://technology.iafrica.com/news/962557.html



Coca Cola has teamed up with BT to offer vending machines with free WiFi in selected areas.

The pilot project, taking place in two areas in Umtata and Nelspruit, will give free internet connectivity to users in the vicinity.

"The initiative forms part of Coca-Cola's commitment to building sustainable communities by empowering the members of these communities," David Visser, Chief Information Officer of Coca-Cola South Africa, said in a press statement.

"We believe that by giving them access to free WiFi we will enable students and school children in the area to increase their knowledge through research while also giving entrepreneurs and small business owners in the community the opportunity to manage some of their business aspects online."

"We are delighted to collaborate with Coca-Cola and be involved in a project that will give under-served communities much improved access to information and education opportunities," Oliver Fortuin, managing director of BT Global Services in Sub Saharan Africa, said.

"At BT, we have a vision for a Connected Society: to help improve society globally through the power of digital connections. As well as providing access, we want to help people use technology to apply their creativity and harness the possibilities of today's connected world."

The first site is at Sasol's Integrated Energy Centre in Umtata, with the area chosen as it was a "popular spot for locals and is in close proximity to a taxi rank".

The second site is located at Thokozane Fast Food in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, BT and Coca-Cola confirmed.

Cam bearing cap torque setting - M50

September 27, 2014, 5:21 am

≫ Next: Semi Slick tires for supercharged M3

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Hz, can anyone confirm the torque setting for the camshaft bearing caps in an m50b25tu.....I've read that they should be torqued to 40nm. Have tried this and my mind is telling me it's too much.
Cheers

Semi Slick tires for supercharged M3

September 27, 2014, 8:38 am

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Hey guys, so... as the title goes, I'm kinda looking for Semi Slick 19" tires.

Story is as follows. My car is an e46 M3, supercharged, running 3psi low boost for now as the car literally wants to kill me. I have water meth and 6psi boost waiting, but before I commit to more power, I need to sort out my traction issues.

The car also has a 3:91 diff gear set. For those that do not know, the stock gear set is 3:64, so this gear set I have is a shorter set. This allows for more acceleration and low down torque. It's often referred to as the poor mans supercharger.

Now I am not sure whether the problem is because the diff and supercharger combo are too much, or that I need tires that can grip more, or that my recently redone suspension bushes are not that great or that my suspension/subframe carrier was installed wrong. All I know is, the car is wanting to go sideways any chance it has.

I am running Michellin Pilot Super Sport 2's at the rear. They have tonnes of tread left, (or I'm just doff and they're finished, but I doubt it). They are 275/35/19. I have been told they are the wrong profile and that I need to run 275/30/19 at the rear. I used to run Hankook Evo 19's at the rear in the 275/30/19 and they stuck like glue. That being said, ever since I first installed these Michellin's last year August, I've felt that they were a bit wonky and gave me weird sideways action. Could very well be the tires.

Once tires warm up, I have better grip, but she's still pretty wild.

First gear up to third gear are just stupid sideways action. I'll launch and spin tires all the way into third gear. By the time I've hit 140kph I'm still spinning. Now as much as this is awesome for guys who love to make smoke and leave 11's on the raod, it's bloody annoying for me, someone who wants grip. I want the old feel of my M3 where I would engage a lower gear, accelerate and the car would shoot forward. Now, I engage a lower gear, accelerate and suddenly I'm sideways and counter steering.

Don't get me wrong. The car is fast. Scary fast. and before you all tell me to get rid of the 3:91 diff, there are countless e46 M3's overseas that are running 9psi boost with 3:91 diff and do not have the issue I am having. I've spoken with many of these owners, all of whom either suspect diff was installed incorrectly, tires are the issue, or subframe isn't mounted right. (reason I think the latter may be true is that it feels as if the rear wheels twist under hard acceleration.) The DSC light blinks like a Christmas tree lights on LSD.

I have sourced a replacement diff with stock 3.64 gears. So I am going to test that soon, but I noticed even before the supercharger how sideways this car was. And I'm sorry, but no one running a 3:91 diff in their NA e46 M3's report the car losing use of 1st and 2nd gear. Often I've heard how potent 2nd gear is and how the car just pulls relentlessly. I, on the other hand, am sitting trying to try keep the car aiming straight. Having to throttle control like mad.

I have bilstein Pss10 coilover suspension and before all this diff and rear bushing work, the car used to stick to the road like it was on rails. Now, not so much. I don't trust the car in corners and have literally lost the nerve to throw her into a fast tight corner for fear of the rear giving up.

The diff was built by boetie budler after the first diff workshop completely messed up the ring and pinion install. I'd trust boetie's knowledge when it comes to rebuilding the diff.

Any advice on a place I can go to to inspect diff, tires, suspension setup, etc to understand why I have no traction. I'm guessing it will need to be a proper race tuning shop, as I've lost faith in most normal suspension and mechie shops.

I'm wanting to try some Semi Slicks to see if this eradicates the problem. So if anyone has any semi's I can try use for a day to see how they work, I'd appreciate it.

E34 Radio

September 27, 2014, 11:41 am

≫ Next: Thank you Moranor! H& fitted

≪ Previous: Semi Slick tires for supercharged M3

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Hz, looking for a pic of the orginal BMW radio fitted to a '93 e34. My Touring doesn't have a radio and I would like to fit a period correct unit. Cheers

Thank you Moranor! H& fitted

September 27, 2014, 10:59 pm

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Hi Guys.
So ordered these wonderful blue springs from Sean aka Moranor.
Finally got to fit these yesterday.
All i can say is it is a must do on the R56 Cooper S!
Looks fantastic and a lot more comfortable than the stock springs!

Thanks Moranor! H& fitted

September 27, 2014, 11:11 pm

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Had the H&R springs Fitted yesterday.
Looking fantastic!

Link wont work sorry guys
Il try fix it later

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sorry about all the topics iv seemed to put up here.
I cant get a pic up will keep trying

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320D de-cat

September 28, 2014, 2:09 am

≫ Next: Airlines warn SA of potential tourism disaster

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Hi guys, I am planing on keeping my 320D for along time and want to prolong the mileage I get out of the motor....

Is it worth taking out the cat? and is it worth while just running a pipe with not boxes?

Its currently on 120 000km and its a 2011, I am also a rep and often drive to clients and need to get out the car soon other wise I run late. So thats another reason for getting rid of the restrictions in the exhausts as to make it cool quicker...

Airlines warn SA of potential tourism disaster

September 28, 2014, 3:18 am

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Airlines warn SA of potential tourism disaster
Twenty airlines have written an open letter to government warning about the impact of new visa requirements.
http://ewn.co.za/2014/08/12/20-airlines-...quirements
Stepehen Grootes | 2 months ago



JOHANNESBURG – Twenty international airlines from countries like Rwanda, the United Kingdom, China and Mauritius have now written an open letter to government warning that new visa requirements are going to be a public relations and tourism disaster for the country.

The new requirements make it compulsory for children travelling to South Africa to have their unabridged birth certificates with them.

The airlines say the rule appears to be based on incorrect information and that the Department of Home Affairs is trying to solve the right problems in the wrong way.

Virgin Atlantic's Simon Newton-Smith says the policy means that international passports are rendered useless for any person under 18.

“The requirements for under eighteens to travel with an unabridged birth certificate is such a unique requirement and is set to be a PR and tourism disaster for South Africa.”

But Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba says the new requirements are completely reasonable.

“We just want proof of the birth of a child as is provided in the birth country.”

Gigaba says the new regulations are not too onerous and parents can use their country's equivalent of the documents while travelling.

He says they're still prepared to negotiate about most of these new rules.

“What we will not discuss is the requirement that people applying for visas to come to South Africa must do so physically at our offices.”

To view the new regulations, click here.

ZIMBABWEANS’ WORK VISAS TO BE EXTENDED

Gigaba says an aid scheme that allowed Zimbabweans to flee the political crisis on four-year work visas will be extended.

The minister implemented a new scheme that will see thousands of Zimbabweans living in the country applying for the special permit that will be valid for three years.

In 2009, government approved the dispensation allowing Zimbabwean holders of the special permit to work, conduct business and study in the country.

The minister says these permits will start expiring at the end of the year.

“From 1 October, we’ll open centres for the applications of Zimbabweans who currently hold dispensation.”

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Gigaba fails to attend immigration hearings
State law advisor Enver Daniels had to explain why the minister failed to show up.
Pippa Green | 2 days ago

http://ewn.co.za/2014/09/26/Gigaba-fails...e-hearings



CAPE TOWN - Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba on Friday failed to turn up at Western Cape Provincial Legislature hearings examining the impact of new immigration regulations.

Instead, a chief state law advisor addressed the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Economic Development, explaining why the minister didn't show up.

State law advisor Enver Daniels said the minister was summoned to appear before the committee to "engage" with it on the effect new immigration regulations, which may have an impact on economic development.

But he said the summons was worded in a clumsy way.

Daniels says the committee cannot summon a minister to test his ideas on the regulations as implied by the word "engage".

This does not mean provincial government will never summon a minister.

Daniels says in this case, it was outside the law.

The advisor asked the legislature to withdraw the summons, adding Gigaba will be happy to engage with the committee under different circumstances.

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South Africa: SA "Ready" for Zimbabwean Special Permit
25 September 2014
By Savious Kwinika

http://allafrica.com/stories/201409261410.html

Pretoria — SOUTH expressed readiness to accept applications for the Zimbabwean Special Permit (ZSP) project.

Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba, disclosed on Thursday the applications would be done online, effective next week, at a cost of R870.

"As the Department of Home Affairs will begin accepting applications via the website for the ZSP on October 1, 2014, we would like to take this opportunity to update stakeholders and the public on the implementation of the ZSP. In short, the Department is ready.

"We, along with our application processing partner, VFS, have completed all the necessary preparations to process all prospective applications for the ZSP,"Gigaba said in Pretoria.

He said VFS had secured all the 10 ZSP Application Centres. These include totally new centres in the provinces of Gauteng (Midrand), Western Cape (Cape Town), Limpopo (Polokwane) and Kwazulu-Natal (Durban).

The remaining six centres are in George, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit and Rustenburg.

"Capacity has been set aside within our Permitting section to be able to process the applications. From October 1st, Zimbabweans will be able to apply online as per the initial plan.

"To this end, a website will be up and running to allow this process to take off," said Gigaba.

Currently there are 120 dedicated staff members who will be dealing with ZSP adjudication.

Gigaba explained the introduction of the administration fee.

Previously, the permits were at no cost.

"We believe this fee is reasonable, when compared with visas and permits of similar duration.

"It is also reasonable, when considering the infrastructure we are setting up to allow applicants to apply here in South Africa, without having to leave the country as would usually be required, with associated travel costs for applicants."

Approximately 245 000 holders of the Dispensation for Zimbabweans Project (DZP) are eligible to apply for the ZSP.

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Limit overseas tourist but invite more Zimbabweans (political asylum-seekers) into the country (I'm trying not to be xenophobic but seriously?! who helps grow the economy more...)

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New visa law harmful to local film industry

The Department of Home Affairs now prohibits foreigners from using agents for visa applications.

Rahima Essop | 4 months ago

http://ewn.co.za/2014/06/04/New-visa-law...m-industry



CAPE TOWN - The Cape Film Commission says South Africa’s strict new visa rules are threatening to make the country less attractive to foreign film crews.

Cape Town has become a popular destination for film shoots and television shows, but the commission warns Home Affairs may be throwing a spanner in the works.

The new rules prohibits foreigners from using agents for visa applications and visitors are also not allowed to renew or change their status if already in the country.
“From what we’ve seen already, it’s going to have quite a significant impact, specifically on inbound productions, major international productions where we’re trying to bring talent, directors and producers into the country.”

The film industry in Cape Town contributes billions to the local economy.

MY AW F80 M3

September 28, 2014, 3:57 am

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After a long wait I have finally received my AW M3 F80. I have been driving the car about 3 days now and would like to share my impressions so far.

Looks exterior: I have to say that I’m not disappointed. The car is just stunning and has an incredible “presence” on the road. I had it parked next to a white F30 and you can really see that this is a different animal. My wife who is not into cars really likes it. A few people have been taking pictures so far and I even received compliments from kids... well, they count

Sound: I like it. I have read many threads on this and agree with what the majority of owners are saying. Reserve your judgement until you sit in the car instead of relying on youtube videos. Since I’m still in the break in period I have not yet gone over 5000 rpm but really like the sound on Sport + mode.
I have also managed 600Km with a full tank and that’s quite an achievement for 317KW car!

Color: This was a difficult decision and I spent a couple of weeks thinking about it but in the end went with Alpine White. I was very tempted by Mineral White but after seeing both colors side by side went for the AW which looks sportier.

Interior: I went with the full-extended leather package. I’m really glad I went with this option and the interior looks just amazing and really differentiates the car from the F30. Shame the extended leather does not cover the entire doors instead of the top.. But that’s a detail really. Leather is top notch quality.
Seats remind me of a C63 and that’s a very good thing.

Drive: I opted for the adaptive suspension but don’t see a huge difference between the various modes. However the ride is smoother than on the E92 and I’m glad.
There is some wind noise from 120km/h but that’s not too disruptive.(this could also be the windy conditions outside).
The steering is precise and I set my preference to Sport. Sport + is too heavy and comfort to numb.

Engine: Wow !!!!!!!!! This thing is fast. I was initially disappointed when I first read about the power increase (+8kw) and did not think the torque increase would be so noticeable… I was wrong. That car pulls like no other and there is always power on tap.

To sum up, I have been waiting and saving for this car for years (wife can confirm). The car exceeded all my expectations and I feel very privileged to own it.

Couple of observations:
Need to find out more about how the remote and concierge services work. this is new for me
Couple of pictures .. sorry not the best quality (iPhone)

All in all, I love the car, I think it's the best M car I've owned. It's not an outright sports car but it's fast, comfortable and handles extremely well for a sedan.

E46 320d DDE and Alternator light stays on

September 28, 2014, 9:27 am

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My car yesterday started doing the following. First, the alternator light came on, and stayed on while driving. After around 400 km, the car stalled because the battery was obviously flat. I still had 300 km to go, and obtained 2 loan batteries to make it home (barely). As I turned into my street, which is a gravel road, going over the bumps the alternator light went off but the DDE light came on and is now staying on, when switching on the ignition it goes off for a split second and the on permanently. The fuel pump under the passenger seat also keep on pumping, where it should kick in and switch off when the pressure is correct? Also, you have to take the revolutions of the car quite high now for the alternator light to go off where it previously went off at idling. Where can I started looking, we have no dealership within 300 km to get diagnostics readings. Any ideas where to start looking. I disconnected the battery overnight in the hope it would help.... and it did not.

F30 Performance Lip damaged

September 28, 2014, 10:08 am

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Hi guys

So as the title states I had a mishap earlier today and damaged a F30 Performance Lip.
It's can can be repaired as its hair line cracks.
A colour spray will cover it completely.

Anyone interested in making a offer for it as is drop me a pm.

Forum Update Issues

September 30, 2014, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: My wife's X3 E83 Sportpack Build.

≪ Previous: F30 Performance Lip damaged

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Please post any issues here so the admin staff can work though it this way they are all in one place

only issue I have found so far is signatures are now in a scroll bar so most you cannot see in full

My wife's X3 E83 Sportpack Build.

September 30, 2014, 11:52 pm

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Thought I should put up a build page for it as I cannot keep a car std for more than 1/2 an hour, lol. This X3 is the replacement vehicle for my wife's silver '02 330i with 274 000km, its a Sept 2004 built registered 2005 BMW E83 X3 Sportpack 2.5lt Black Sapphire Metallic on 155 000km but with a low mileage M54B30 swap, awesome! Plus the 2.5lt is thrown into the deal and I got the lot for R6000 under trade value, plus the former owner is a friend who lives close by.
Reason for the upsize is because of a recent holiday to the Kruger National Park in my E46 touring, we saw game but not enough compared to the SUV's and 4x4's who could see over the tall grass, plus we didn't see any cats as we didn't venture onto dirt roads in the park in fear of getting stuck, there and then my wife and I said the next vehicle will be a SUV. Upon arrival back home I started searching for white X5 E53 facelift 3.0d models but they were too expensive for us to buy cash and tyre prices scared us alot, then I found out that a friend was selling his wife's black X3 and I got hold of him and he said we could borrow it for a few days and see what we think, the X3 sold itself to me in the first day, wife needed another day or two to come round but now loves it! White was the first choice but this black one was way cleaner and way more vehicle for the money than the white X3's I had seen. I did test a X5 and it felt too heavy and cumbersome in comparison to the X3, Im looking for something that still feels attached to the road like a 3series but has good ground clearance and the X3 did that and won my heart, perhaps a X5 at a later stage but not right now. Anyway onto pics.

Start off with a comparison shot next to my wife's favourite car.




At home in the garage.









Dogs have more room in the X3 vs the touring.



10mm/13mm spanner missing.


Horrid E90 steering wheel.



There are a few niggles around the car which I am already attending to, to be expected from a 10year old car and no big deal for me as the X3 shares many parts with E46 parts and those I have plenty of.
Brake fluid needs replacement.


Hood lining shrunk.




Was it too hard to paint that bit or what?


LF Indicator has chromium, RF has orange.



Window is a 2nd hand OEM replacement.

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1 carpet missing.


No books


Torch still works.


The glove box was rattling, turned out to be 2 loose screws.


Spring action is missing.



Front passenger door card.


Wear and tear.



Future Nav screen position.


Wife isn't a fan of the wood trim.


But is a fan of this cup holder...


RR door trim chipped, also missing screw covers on both rear doors.


Rear seat armrest, these open via a button unlike the E46 touring one, had me stumped for a while until I found the open button.




Rear interior lights needed new bulbs.




One Boot light out.

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Not sure what would go into that strange hole.


2lt bottle maybe?


Behind the cover.



Other side has good space for a large amp.


Swapped the 652 for a 668



Even with the bigger battery there is still room for more battery.


Nifty way of holding the boot board up.


No map reading lights?


Fixed!



Rear bumper has some parking lot damage.



Only some curb rash on the left side, right side is clean.

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First mod, ugly E90 steering wheel out and beautiful E46 M3 SMG wheel in. Will try get the paddles to work with the steptronic box at a later stage.

Side by side.






M3 wheel is a little smaller in diameter.



Same slip ring.


Looks way better!

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BEST& WORST TV/DSTV programs

October 1, 2014, 12:14 am

≫ Next: Rogue Rally - 2014 pics

≪ Previous: My wife's X3 E83 Sportpack Build.

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Hi Guys !

Not sure if there was a topic like this before but here goes
So just chilling on monday watching ignition on dstv i came accross a show called Last car standing 5 guys & girls with oldish cars compete for 10 000 dollars of car upgrades ,the @# they have to put their cars thru ,to top it off ,if you loose your car literally get put on a giant spike by a trackter so the looser walks home! 1 of the cars that lost against a supra & avanti was a 1994 318i the guy blow his transmition & the car caught fire, supra ends up winning !

Rogue Rally - 2014 pics

October 1, 2014, 12:32 am

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Hey Gents,

I took part in the CT leg of the Rogue Rally this year.




Some Images in the Gallery below (for the pervs)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=...608&type=1

Help with sensor

October 1, 2014, 12:49 am

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Guys.

Any idea what this sensor is and were it goes.

You meet Fanatics in the strangest places.

October 1, 2014, 1:24 am

≫ Next: ***NEW*** MINI Fanatics Forum!!!

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Last night i was sitting in the middle lane of the N1 highway on my way home form work/gym, the cars all rolling along at 50kph. I glanced in my right mirror and see this Black f30 coming up next to me.

Car is fully blacked out, paint, wheels and all the M bits.
It rolls past me and i see 4 pipes sticking out the back!

I pull up next to the car and hoot, the ower rolls the window down and i say to him " awesome car man"

The owner of the black f30 says to me " Fanatics?"

Turns out we are both flying Fanatics stickers!!

I met GBMW on the highway
His car is so sexy, i mistook it for an M3.

Nice meeting you man!!

***NEW*** MINI Fanatics Forum!!!

October 1, 2014, 2:38 am

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Hey guys,

We now have a dedicated forum for the MINI fanatics! Head over there check it out!



MINI Fanatics Forum LINK

Regards
Jacques