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or have an N54 130i 😁

Generations: e93 335i & F30 330d. Wish mine was white.

So I ended up picking up a completely different car as the one I viewed was rough. Couple of oil leaks, the roof had been painted Matt black. Straight pipes exhaust etc etc. I ended up getting a 2004 325i in Hellrot Red with only 111kms. Full service history until the guy who I got it from, who did all the services himself. A stack of receipts and old WOF’s. The car is super clean as it had only done 8000kms in the last 5 years he has owned it. Full new Pcv system, cooling system and a few other bits and bobs. I have since I picked it up converted it back to stock oem rear taillights (had some sort of AliExpress looking LED lights) removed the hideous AliExpress angel eys which were wired to constant and just a good clean to get ride of the moss on the exterior. oh and I’ve removed the m-sport colours from the front grille. Full black leather m-Sport interior is immaculate, no wear or tears on the leather or dash. it does have a faded rear shelf which has gone a kinda blue colour and will need to be dyed if it can come out? 18” oem wheels need a refurb and new tyres all round and this should be mint. What do you think? Im still undecided on the front lip! It’s a genuine BMW full carbon fibre, but I don’t know 🤷🏼‍♂️ Also, going to swap the LED side indicators back to OEM.

I would agree with this, I have never owned a 130i, but have a 135i and a 325i wagon, n52 engine is great in the 325, and would be significantly better in 3l form in a lighter, smaller car. n54 is great engine but different to drive, much more low down power but falls off at higher revs, handling is great too on the 135i with a few changes, definitely recommend stiffer suspension, and negative camber up front, and the OEM rear subframe bushings aren't the best either. Both cars have their pros and cons, but id imagine that a 130i might be more rewarding to drive especially on nz roads, high revving NA straight six, more linear power, whereas the 135i is almost too out of control, especially when tuned, traction is always an issue.

This is my NZ 2003 e46 M3 107,XXX km Initial changes made; Europlate DICE Mediabridge bluetooth (works with steering wheel buttons) Storm Motorwerks V3 SMG shift knob Storm Motorwerks smg gaiter ring SMG decal delete Black steering wheel cowling Cup holder centre console ['Inspection II' - thanks Ray @ HellBM]

Unexpectedly we might be moving a bit sooner than I thought and my classic e28 has been far more daily competent than I thought it would.. So the big 7 does not get the road time to justify it sitting there! Lots of details in advert, genuinely an amazing and rare car: https://www.trademe.co.nz/3603075905 Would entertain offers here, asking $38k on Trade Me, which vs pricing on the older E65 seems legit. I also can supply the android mirocast unit to share phone to those rear screens.

Electric trucks with pantographs, an interesting idea. Maybe apply the technology where it has been used for the last 100 years and electrify the rail network: Tracks and corridors are already in place and under utilised No more extra poles on the side of the roads for cars to hit and kill people. Gets the trucks off the long haul runs so less trucks on the road, Yeha!! Reduces the amount of rubber from tyres that is polluting the environment. 18 wheels or more on a truck and trailer.

Stunning interior!

Could just been a failed coil but if you have the 330i it seems pointless not driving that. Yeah i thought so too but wasn't going to say anything hehe. Too bad you are so far away, otherwise id certainly offer you a hand.

Yep, I've got a F25 X3 30D Msport. Very impressed with it. Easy to drive, handles pretty well - not at e60 545i levels, but grippy and far less roll and compromised handling than you'd expect. The torque is addictive. My first Diesel, I'm really enjoying it. I aim for a good run every month to keep the DPF clear. You can find them for around $25-35k for pre-LCI versions. The Msport is better-spec'd; most NZ new don't appear to have had the msport springs and dampers, which is apparently a good thing as it's well-balanced without. The suspension works well with RFTs. The X-drive gives it a certain advantage in the tight and twisty stuff, I'm surprised at how much I like it. Put a search out on the Tard, there's usually one coming to market every week. I think the 35i would be fun too. EDIT: Oh, you become surprised to learn it's two tonnes... it doesn't feel like it, though if you do short running up and down hills it does slurp a bit more than you'd expect. Factor in the weight, and it all makes sense. Put it on a trip and it's pretty parsimonious.

I found the 135 to be quite “jumpy” with the power it has combined with the shorter wheelbase, makes it quite a (potentially) dangerous little rocket car. It just means that it should be in the hands of a capable/careful driver who knows how to drive to the conditions and not push it beyond it’s limits because its not going to be very forgiving. The 130 wheelbase may be similar but with more weight and less power it is definitely easier to manage. An E9x 325i is a totally different car to the E87 130i. Ive owned the wagon E91, and coupe E92 and driven the E90 sedan and vert E93 all with the N52b25.

Damn, car is looking great. Sometimes wonder if I should have got an E46 M3 instead of the old jalopy.

New plate

Both 130i and 135i are fun and awesome cars, in different ways. 130i - more versatile, 4 doors, bigger boot space, can rev high, NA engine, great handling, awesome around town and twisties 135i - subjectively looks cooler imo, great if you usually drive alone or with 1 other person, faster, turbo spooling sounds, also handles great, amazing performance if you are chasing quick 0-100 or off the line speeds

@Olaf don't you have a 2nd gen X3?

After driving a brand new Ionic 5 for a few days, this is what hit me the most. I assume the CX5 feels similar. Nice cars, but they just feel cheap compared to even a ~9 year old X3. Personally I'd go for an older euro. Best of luck.

Vortex generator, awesome! Just like VTEC, only better. Vroom, vroom.

No, there is a $120k red nz new rx2 coupe for TM sale in PalmNth at the moment but that is not mine. Did see the $150k one and yes, it's special. Our white one is a BaT import from Seattle that is being rhd coverted in Dunedin as we speak and I am hanging out for its completion.

She’s sleeping rough for the next 4-5 weeks, just in time for the rainy season 😬

Had a general fiddle to see if something has changed causing the power steering-esque groan since having susp worked on. Found this beauty:

Diesels need long hot runs to clean out the Diesel particulate filter. Too many short trips will cause it to block up $$$