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I bought this car 2 years ago through the "special interest vehicle" scheme that NZTA have. I bought from a private seller advertising it on Pistonheads after I had been granted a permit. It is a 2003 model that has had 3 owners with 1 owning it for 8 of the then 10 years. My interest in the M5 goes back to 2002 when my son's father in law had one as his work car (believe it or not). I was lucky enough to get to drive it once and was very impressed. I considered buying a second hand one at the time but it was beyond my resources. That car was oxford/caramel so I've had a hankering for one like that ever since It did however get me into BMWs, my first being an E46 330d. I really enjoyed owning this, especially the torque it produced. Since then I have sampled a few of their torquier engines but the E39 M5 was always in the back of my mind as the benchmark. To get back to the said car, I took a punt on the seller being straight with me and he answered all my questions and supplied plenty of photos. He took it to an independent BMW service garage for an inspection. Their view was that it was a good example with the only rust they could find was on some of the fastenings and it would benefit from a clean up. Also mileage was correct. After I got it home I have spent a lot of time cleaning it and also getting my local BMW tech to bring everything else up to date. Including... Engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, rear brake rotors, skim front rotors, cam cover gaskets, gear shift link refresh, both bumpers off repainted, bonnet and door repaint, replace rear scuba boxes (supplied by Ray from one of his wrecks), new tyres, battery, mats and steering wheel. Plus a few shipments of fastenings etc from the UK. Here are some photos... There is a depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the marque here on Bimmersport which I enjoy. I've met up with some of the M5 owners, Martin, Glenn and Darren who are all very helpful. I hope you enjoy my post.

For those following this, in the end I decided the answer was M5

I am thoroughly enjoying mine and its just a 728i. many would argue its the best 7 to own, great looks before they started looking wierd, yet still not too much electronic wizardry to fail. very nice to drive. Personal preferance probably, but i think the SWB is the better looker

Gutted I couldn't bring it! She'll be up and running for the Meet on the 22nd and hopefully Bayswater on the 15th!

To clarify the cert thing for the engine swap, there is no 25% power increase rule on engine swaps. That is for modifying the original engine. If it has a bigger engine, it needs a cert. The end.

Think i saw you heading back on sunday arvo. Girlfriend actually pointed out your car! Was also staying in Matarangi

Mates is after either of the above, and he has cash (bastard guy!) Under 40,000km and in white / silver / black.

Cool! Jooles, great idea and I look forward to meeting you. Can take you on some great back roads for some ultimate driving machine pleasure.

how about blue. Check out mine on TM. Mint car. cheers

50c.

The car will eat those roads up... The only thing that will suffer is my wallet; it also likes to eat up a fair chunk of fuel!

Stunning! Still haven't seen it in the flesh but Martin and I are contemplating a road trip up your way!!

In a weak moment I bought a new one, OTT I know but seemed a good idea at the time.

like i said rego is HGJ143

The pics don't do it justice. It is as new.

Took the CHCH one for a spin, wow... my 540iS was fun... but this thing is next level. Pulled the trigger on the E39 M5 AKL.

Gutted we didnt get to see this today. Nice to meet you though. Your little one is like a mini you. My lady was like omg they look the same. Hahah

It is hard to recommend Compliance Centres when you don't include your location in NZ in your signature .... I use this company to buy all my cars through .... http://www.jpctrade.com/

Pretty sure I've worked out why my VANOS exhaust solinoid wasn't working...

Other way around owning m3 made me poor

Point of no return

M5 for sale in Chch - trademe...... https://touch.trademe.co.nz/motors/listing/view/853035176

I have one......it's called granddads slipper and it is an awesome cruiser - had it 9 years......that tells you something.

If the vanos and chain guides have been done than the M spec all the way, otherwise the non-vanos will present the smaller bills in the future.... However, that's just the engine. If they're both on original m-spec suspension, a lot... and I mean A LOT... of money will need to be spent in the nearish future on maintenance. For example, the m-sport shocks aren't cheap and will be nearing the end of their useful life, plus control arms, tie rods, track rod, etc, etc... None of which respond well to being replaced with cheap aftermarket bits. I love E39s and have owned a couple and my sage advice is find out exactly what work has been done and when before you make a decision on either of them... And since it's not a genuine Schnitzer it's not rare and nor is the motorsport so neither's going to accumulate in the foreseeable ever. If you want a rare one, save up for an M5. You won't regret it.

Gorgeous looking car.

Welcome from another tii owner. Yours looks nice! I hope getting it running well goes smoothly. If you find your engine needs attention, don't rush into rebuilding it. As I have upgraded, I have the one from my car (complete with injection, running well, low mileage top end and rebuilt bottom end) that would be cheaper to buy than any rebuild.

Hello and welcome to the forum had a quick google and their is plenty of info their for you on your tii http://bringatrailer.com/2013/07/26/bat-exclusive-1973-bmw-2002tii-sunroof/ http://www.carbuildindex.com/9530/1973-bmw-2002tii-restoration-the-perfect-build/ It is great to see these cars being brought back to pristine condition.