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I have just purchased a pretty high km E90 M3. Pretty sure I'll be on here quite a bit getting advice on fixing it up. Rod bearings will be ordered soon, I'm going to diy the job at home.

Seller nearly paid for all those services 😉

My e31 history - owned a 4.4l Steptronic and own 4l Manual 840ci's (and test driven 1 early 850i). Here's a green apple to red apple comparison: e31: 96 840ci - 4l, 6-spd, 'msport' suspension (think package is standard shocks and shorter springs) and wheels, and big bore exhaust (only known mod). Travelled 120kms. Monaro: '02 V2 - 5.7l, 6-spd, standard suspension and wheels, and big bore exhaust (only known mod). Traveled (when I had it) 175km. I found the e31 was/is a way better car all round. Power/torque: There wasn't that much difference, to me anyway (disclaimer: I ain't no racing driver lol). Both have 'more than enough for me' torque across the rev range. They can get up ad boogie, especially in the crucial 80-100 range. If you want a fun or performance then manual is a must. if you want to cruise then the auto is fine - but steptronic wins in that department (also have an auto HSV) as it is best suited to the GT nature of the e31 IMO. The old 4spd auto in the v12 did the job well but was nothing spectacular. Handling/suspension: This is where there is night and day between the two (both were more than likely on original suspension). The e31 is more refined, smooth and balanced. No issues around town, even better on the motorway and handles the twisties just fine (going at pace but not driving at the limit). Agree that this is where you notice the weight. But it doesn't detract from the experience. On the other hand, the Monaro felt the opposite as a package and had a more harsher ride/feel. Fine around town, motorway is fine - but you do start to feel the bumps and jarring. Through the twisties was the worst - it would often understeer when going at pace into a corner and other times it was like it wanted to fight against you. I found it a bit dangerous. I replaced some bushes (maybe shocks too but can't remember) which improved things but not by much. I've said that when a Commodore grows up it wants to be a BMW haha. And would I get another Monaro - Hell Yeah!! As a side note, I have full front suspension (real challenging to find rear suspension components) and shocks for all corners to go into the e31, so will be interesting if this changes things - but is fine enough for me at the mo. e31 driving summary: It is a GT car and it doesn't hide from that. But don't believe the original reviews or those that say it is slow - it never was a performance car although it looks like it. It does all duties, shopping, cruising and long distance. If you do want 'performance', then its the manual hands down - good luck finding one! - or a CSI - and good luck finding one of those cheap! But the auto is fine too - would recommend the steptronic. Then there's the feeling of driving a pretty special car, there's just something about this era of BMW, and the e31 takes it up a level. By todays standard, it has a 'small car' feel about it interior wise. but it is a friggen awesome place to be in! I also have an e60 M5. They don't compare drive and comfort wise... but when I drive them back to back, the smile is just that much bigger after the 840ci 😊 Oh, and lastly, I've taken both to the summer cars and coffee event hosted by the local car museum. No one looked twice (or once!) at the M5. Its the complete opposite with the 840ci - quite embarrassing waiting in line to park with people walking past or coming up saying - "what is that!, F#$%*&g awesome bro! Holy Sh!t I've only seen one on the internet" haha. Sorry for long post but hope this helps someone 😉

Someone buy this so I don't

They also put 225k km on the car so I think they got their money's worth haha.

Yes, zcp is the option code for the competition pack. Which as far as I can tell is different wheels, 10mm lower, some different software for the gear box and the traction control maybe, possibly some other minor stuff. No engine change like the m2 comp.

Not meaning to hijack thread, but I have a very nice 840ci I would sell and am realistic on price (i.e. less than the Dakar one). Sadly not an exciting colour, but is extremely tidy and has the right wheels on it! Was listed earlier in the year on Collecting Cars and didn't meet reserve https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1996-bmw-e31-840-ci-3 I then "sold" it to someone else who mucked me around. I then decided to keep it as I love looking at in the garage and would struggle to find another, but with kids and 2x other old cars this E31 hardly gets driven. PM me if you want any more info or are keen to have a look.

Great score! Was purchase price much higher than what it passed in at? I didn't realise it was a ZCP, that makes it even better as there were only 4 new sold in NZ. I'd almost be tempted to get an oil analysis before doing the bearings, could be a case of them actually being fine if they haven't popped by now. Edit: Looking forward to seeing you around! If you see a black 335d give me a wave, there's also a black ZCP down here too.

Yes do it @treone - you could replicate this in your backyard ...

@treoneI find this hard to believe.... 3 is always greater than 2! 😂 Just think about it, instead of just alternating colors you can pick from 3 different colors!

Completely factory- staggered with wider wheels on the back. My old car was completely original - from factory. Most of the NZ spec 840 ‘s came with style 5’s.

Like many of you here, I have owned many BMW’s- mostly coupes because I have always loved BMW’s designs. However, the E31 got more attention than any other car I have owned. With the body-kit and right wheels- it’s a fantastic looking vehicle.

Heres my opinion. This is a really nice example in an iconic BMW colour (the only other one I know of is the CSI), has an original sport body kit fitted (bonus!) and had an owner who cared for it (although I know of this one, I have never seen it in the flesh or met/spoke with the prev owner). The current owner has priced it where they have priced it. Any potential buyer will either pay that or make an offer where they value it. The unknown variable is the motivation - to sell or buy. Not everyone is thinking $$ or profit (I think it is mainly Bimmersporters that do haha.) As an 8er owner, it is irrelevant to me what it (or any other for that matter) changes hands for, I’m not in the market, not now nor in the future. And tbh, I really couldn’t care less what it sells for. If you’re looking to make some cash, flip or whatever then go invest somewhere else - you will probably get a better ROI. Trust me it is not just the purchase price. You will have to invest in maintenance. They don’t like to sit idle, so further invest will be required the longer you lock it away. These cars should be driven (and as alluded to above, any car should). And that’s where the value is to me - they are an example of their time period and are awesome to cruise in and to put miles on them! When I take it to local car shows it regularly gets positive looks and comments. Actually, this happens when I’m just out for a drive - can get rather awkward/embarrassing but that’s just prob me 😁. To me, these cars truly are a BMW modern classic. There will never be another like them! If you want one then I recommend going for it - just have your eyes wide open! and lastly, I freely admit my bias towards the e31😁.

Pretty good. Screen reflection was always one of my biggest gripes with those android units compared to OE.

Tesla's efficiency is really good, motors, software, and weight all play a part. That's why we went for a Model Y (about 1,900 kg, 200-300kg lighter than an i4). Price gap was big, and the BMW had less standard features - like heated steering wheel and rear seats had to be optioned on the i4. But the i4's has: Can tweak regen Adjustable suspension Fake sound (actually helps with driving feedback) Cameras you can view (Tesla's got no 360 view, just rendering what it sees) But the i4 beats most legacy carmakers on efficiency, especially when coasting (thanks to those induction motors) Funny thing is, the Model Y's interior turned out better than we thought. At first, compared to my wife's Cayenne or BMW's Merino seats, it seemed cheap. But after using it, it's just as comfy, maybe even better. The i4's Vernasca or Sensatec doesn't feel any nicer, just looks fancier. Got used to no instrument panel and sometimes prefer it. No distractions just steering wheel and the road, feels more pure. A HUD would make it perfect though. Two years in, couple things bug me about the Model Y: Steering's too sharp (2 turns lock-to-lock). Our daily driver feels twitchier than an M car Stiff suspension - great on twisty roads but harsh on speed bumps for everyday driving. The i4 feels more like what you'd expect for a daily driver compared to an M5. The Model Y's great value, but guess I'm still a BMW at heart - always browsing BMWs on TradeMe, new and old! 🤣

Hi All Joined up some time ago, as the marque has always been on my radar, and I've enjoyed soaking up some knowledge fro you guys, but have been distracted by various other things. Have a VW Passat wagon that crushes distance in comfort and a Discovery 3 that has delivered some epic trips to some remote locations. Recently picked up a 2008 135i (almost) sight-unseen off the internet (dealer flicking on a trade-in). Was cheap, clean, had the fold-away idrive i wanted and a glovebox full of receipts from a previous caretaker (HPFP and water pump done). At 130k, suspension is a bit tired, but so far nothing else has raised it's hand for attention. Have given it fresh oil & filters all round and planning coolant flush, brake fluid flush, as well as diff and trans fluid. Looking to replace the old shocks with Bilstein B4's (unless any better suggestions) and still need to check out all the bushings etc. - probably needs all them too.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/523154/nzta-employee-traded-motorists-private-information-to-gang-members-for-meth So I've opted my vehicles out of public data. How can I opt out of NZTA staff being able to access it? Ffs.

Oh that’s nothing. $4.80 item, $40.26 shipping.