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Not a BMW, but pretty cool nonetheless

My vote goes to the G30

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1981-bmw-e12-m535i

It's definitely firmer than a standard M3, but not uncomfortably so; no excess driveline noise in the cabin or anything of that nature. I've been meaning to update this thread for a while - recent (well, around a year ago now) additions include a CSL airbox (Karbonius). Some photos after a wash a while back:

Very hard to gauge a good market value because there isnt anything to compare it with by going off what it owes us including all the repairs and time spent I would say $11k ono.

Quite curious to see how high this goes - over 300,000km, well used, does not seem too neglected for the kms but definitely in need for some TLC. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/3044036194?bof=p4iKHilQ

Saw a nice F11 wagon pop up and thought it might be a good modern replacement for our family wagon. Just putting this up here if anyone is looking for a nice E61 touring. Wont be going on trademe unless I decide to seriously sell it but it depends if the F11 wagon stays available long enough. 2009 530i E61 LCI M Sport Space Grey Metallic N52b30 straight 6 engine 3L NA Automatic with the newer shifter style 164,xxx kms Black leather interior with heated seats Panoramic sunroof with drainage hole issue and tailgate wiring issue all sorted also Engine oil and filter service done recently Trans fluid service done (BM Workshop receipt included) Engine mounts (left + right), trans mounts, oil pan gasket, drive belt idler pulley, belt tensioner, serpentine belt, valve cover gasket, valvetronic gasket, cam cover gasket all done. Tinted windows all round Towbar (detachable hook style) Very well optioned example being LCI has the LED taillights etc It does have some minor cosmetic marks on the outside, interior very tidy and mechanically runs well Michelin PS4 tyres on the front plenty of tread left, rears are nothing special Roofbars not included Would be happy to hear thoughts on what it would be worth. Hard to price it because its probably one of the better ones compared to the ones I see for sale but it also has done a bit more kms than most.

That's correct; guards were cut off of a donor vehicle (I believe it was actually a convertible - not 100% on that) and were grafted onto the sedan. The inner skin of the wheel arch needs to be extended to match the wider guard. Borrowing from my build thread:

I too have a 3.0S that has been in my possession for 15 years without moving. The previous owner stored it for 10 years too. It's an NZ new 1974 car with a tidy, near rust free body and tidy interior. Engine was cooked prior to my ownership. It continues to wait patiently while other projects jump the queue . . . .

Jeez, went from $8500 to $15,000 since I posted this

Tested and hesitation sorted!!🤗🤗🤗 Fuel filter added, shifted fpr, alls cooler. No flat spot or cutting off. She runs smoother and idles normal after heating up. Will tidy up. BCs looking like a strong possibility 😎😎

Yes, we bought two of those. Always been against car covers for the reasons Dave mentions above, but certainly the number of these sold to serious car guys with both fast road and race cars warranted a closer look. Like you we suffer a bit of a dust problem, coupled with little use over time. These ticked all the boxes. About the same cost as a couple of double bed sheets stitched together, but a bit more elegant, function over form sorta thing.

If it's going to be inside and not blown around you can also use some polystyrene wrapped in terrycloth or microfibre as standoffs on the horizontal surfaces to allow for a little breathability which is good for humidity control and moisture release. A lot of indoor covers aren't breathable.

Yeah I would think that compromises rust protection, I wouldn't be too pleased, you're paying good money for those! At the very least, they could do a partial refund so you can get that fixed up. Would probably be easier than dealing with returns (assuming you bought from overseas).

Mines a race car. So lots has been changed around. But I think the badges are correct. I don't think it ever had 535i badges on the back. Just the M badge.

I could be wrong, but alot were debadged at the back, whilst the e34 540is often had a solitary ///m badge. Here is a fine example of the E34 535is which was debadged. This car has been discussed for many years on this forum - here's a for sale advert 11 years ago

Have been looking into a CSL-style bootlid (Seibon Carbon) and diffuser, but undecided as at yet (have heard mixed reviews re fitment with the CSL-style bootlids). Anyhow, latest updates: I've since fixed the missing lip on the bootlid, left-rear door trim, centre caps and fitted Bimmerworld adjustable rear camber arms. The earlier-style mirror modules (non-ribbon-cable) have also been retrofitted, and the GM coded accordingly, so the M3 mirrors are fully functional on a car that originally used ribbon-cable mirrors. ?

Suspension back in over the long weekend: Also sorted out the wheels for this project - thank you Tom (M3_Power)! The car seeing daylight for the first time in months: Very happy with how it's turning out; a few more jobs to go and then it'll be on to paint.

Thanks Michael & Kyu; definitely special blessings rather than a sacrifice. Only a small update today; have had a review of the welding work with an LVVTA certifier, only minor adjustments required. The arches are currently being filled and smoothed, and are coming along well: And with the front bumper lightly held in place (not properly attached):