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Love it.

Im trying to ignore the pointless argument going on above, (seriously we've heard it all before auto vs manual)., but I can't... If manual is what the world wanted it's what the world would order with a new car. But the majority don't, and the advancement in autos vs the lack of opportunity for advancement in manuals is fast making them redundant. Complaining on here won't change it anyway so what's the point? If you really think it's such a big market, get some capital backing, order 100 manual BMW models (parallel import even) and then sell them yourself to the currently "ignored market". If your right you'll make good money and make BMW sit up and take notice. Personally I'd rather invest in an Airconditiong business in Antartica. Seriously, The writing is on the wall with this one, let it go. But for the OP This car isn't listed as a 330i rather a 330 so hasn't had a lot of views and the price keeps tumbling, Ks are reasonable, colour is right and I'd bet you would own it for $7500. Bring it to auckland, drop it of to ray of the conversion out of that coupe. Hey presto, manual 330i for less than most autos are selling for. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-696326020.htm Might be worth a look

just FYI, i was not arguing the fact that the 540iS is a model, i was arguing that sticking an M5 or 544i badge on a 540i doesnt make it anything different. In saying that though, Yes, the cars were indeed registered as a 540iS, but its a well known fact that when first registering a car you can put almost anything on the rego label. Doesnt mean it is one. Its like when people register cars as 540iA.... because its an auto.

I find it easy to park correctly all the time. Also, take that you stupid bitch, takes all of 5 seconds to correct a parking mistake.

Sounds like a Speight's inspired pickup line from down south..................

Hmmmm. I'm inclined to agree with Dan really. Like, this logic is a bit like saying you're gonna chose the short Jenny Craig challenged chick that looks like shes been chasing parked cars, over the 6ft Amazon goddess that really does tick a few boxes, simply cos no-one else is gonna hit on the first one........ Reality is new auto's are very very good in my opinion, & have been for a number of years IMO. Some of the new manuals are now 6 speed boxes, because some muppet decided that's the new fad to have, & in a lot of cases, its turned really good cars into a worse version of what they were in 5 speed manual form IMO....... If you ever want to see a really good benchmark - go test drive a new Ford Ranger in auto & manual form - both are 6 speeds. The manual is just a dog of a thing, yet the auto combined with the other technology in the vehicle makes it simply outstanding, both on & off road.............. Its a bit like saying I won't buy something with ABS in case that plays up one-day, etc etc.......... Even on a lot of the new big trucks, earth moving gear etc, its auto trans or torque-convertor type drivetrain, for very valid reasons.........

I think that's a bit harsh.What you're suggesting is that if you can't afford a $6k trans rebuild on a $12k car, you shouldn't have it. I will therefore automatically (excuse the pun) discount every auto by that amount and every manual by $1500 for a new clutch. People can wank on about efficiency as much as they want, but cars, if you're an enthusiast, are supposed to be fun and a manual box is more fun. I've had DSG boxes, good autos and manuals, for sloshing about in the city rush hour, I'll have a proper auto, for fun and enjoying a car, a manual. And who cares if it's 0.2l/100km better.

To be honest who gives a f**k what it is or isn't. I might go buy an AMG badge and stick it on the 540 and I'll ask vtnz to make sure that when it gets relicensed it says bmw 540 AMG, this is an amazing car although I wouldn't spend that on it I'm sure someone will. I'll get back on my fence now

Many posters on here cannot seem to grasp the simple reasons why manuals are dying. It is not the dealer's fault - they would stock the vehicles if there were buyers for them. Many people indent order European vehicles and are happy to wait for their desired spec and trim. The tastes and gearbox preferences of a middle aged professional who has $100k+ to spend on a new car tend to differ from the BMW fan boys aged 18 - 30 years that are members of this forum and buy $5k E36's and $10k E46's. If you are spending $100k+ on a car you tend to buy what you want, if you wanted a manual you would buy an M3 rather than a 330i. Also, once someone lives with an auto for a few years it is hard to get back into manual. And with the amazing technology available in auto transmissions, why would you bother with a manual anymore?

I fnd it funny that the new car buyers decisions when they ponied up the readies is second guessed by people buying the car as 4th, 5th or 6th owners 10 years down the track because it doesnt match what they would have done if they ever went and bought a new car.