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Thanks Olaf your insights are helpful as always.

After a gap of many yrs since my last BMW, have just purchased a 2002 NZ new 530i Motorsport, 1 owner. Looking foward to attending to some cosmetic matters...anyone near to me is welcome to offer advice! Cheers.

I have experience of a petrol E60. Didn't like the shape when it came out new. Didn't like it when I bought one. But it has now grown on me, both exterior and interior. IMO the E60 is a well set up and balanced car to drive. I have no experience with diesels at all but... what are things to be aware of? I'm not looking for an opinion on the 'looks' of the E60 just what does/would owning a 10+ year old BMW/E60 diesel entail? Or more specifically - a 2007 NZ 530D MSport LCI one :-) Looking forward to your thoughts and insights!

The "new" 1996 328i that I bought 2 days ago, and I hope I can do a manual conversion on it in the very near future. Been talking with Jono from auto 38 in Newtown...very helpful, but he did say that it's hard to get hold of a ZF gearbox. So fingers crossed...

The easiest way to check series from nothing. Input your license place here: https://carjam.co.nz Grab your VIN from there and enter it here: https://www.bmwvin.com/ It'll give you all the info you ever wanted about your car.

yes indeed, I'm looking at the same option. Though need a new contract! I've driven a couple of the earlier 530D's, they're comfortable mile-munchers. the heavy lump in front changes the balance a little over benzine powered e60, though still a lovely BMW drive. They certainly pick up when the loud pedal is encouraged. Sadly diesel doesnt seem to be covered in the "so you've bought yourself an e60" pdf. As Dan mentioned, swirl flaps potentially disastrous - easy and inexpensive delete. LCI seem to be harder to find, I understand the improved iDrive is favoured, and lower risk of flappage issues. Options commonly found in NZ include the lighting package, active headlights, active steering, spare wheel, leather interior. Filters seem more expensive than petrol. Service intervals seem good. So overall, the same e60 areas of concern (water leaks flooding electronics etc - see the "so you've bought yourself an e60" pdf), and as with any BMW, evidence of regular maintenance. Needs good long runs to avoid soot buildups and DPF problems. There's been a nice e60 530D for sale in CHC for a while, has Dynamic Drive as well (I think similar to the M5)... wonder if that's a maintenace liability with age, or just a seriously cool option to feature in a mile-munching distance car?

drill a fekking great hole in the boot lid for access, and when you're done, cover it up with a huge 1990's shopping trolley handle spoiler. job's a good un. oh wait, it's not an e30. I'll get me coat then.

well, yes! And then there's us.

Paging @Olaf

Vj still at page. He serviced my old e30 323i since it was brand new. Carried on doing so until it had done 330.000 kms when I moved it on. Only needed wear and tear items in that time .

Finally fitted some nicer wheels to my e39, looks a bit too high now even though it's MSport suspension...might give autolign a call...

Maybe worth taking out an MBI policy, just for peace of mind.

Productive day today! Removed and sold my blue recaro seats Have money in the budget to fix up my black sets driver bolster, so those will go in the car eventually! Moved the M30 back to my place and got it in the engine bay for a test fit. Just realised I don't have trans bolts so if anyone has some lying around?? M3 (S14) flywheel resurfaced, M20 clutch kit and cleaned up G240 ready to go together also Will remove and finish res praying the engine bay hopefully in the next fortnight

Agree. For that price, I would expect a stack of receipts which include a full suspension overhaul.. Anything made of rubber replaced given the age of the car.