M3AN

I also updated the NZ/AU maps to 2024, let me know if you need the files, happy to share although you'll need a FSC for your VIN to install them (edit: I can point you in the right direction for one of these if you need, beware that they come at a cost).

Mod #5 - It's actually more than aesthetic because it creates a contrast with the other buttons so it's easier to hit when not looking. Matches the start button red and keeps the backlight. NZ$6 from Ali with free shipping, as opposed to £30/USD35 which I'm sure are the same product from China. Use some ceramic grease when installing for best results.

Mod #4 - another practical one to fix a BMW design flaw, the door seals start to rub off the paint in the jambs, some people even have rust forming there! You can see the tell-tale marks on the passenger side in the first pic. Cleaned them up and applied custom cut PPF which is the accepted fix (second pic).

Mod #3 - a practical one, CTEK charger adaptor hard-wired in, needed to remove the carbon V brace to tuck away the wires, and took the opportunity to clean under all the covers and clear out the drains and gutters.

Second mod... I struggle with standard issue plates, made this one up myself and I wasn't drunk this time so it's actually good (IMHO).

First mod... just a sticker/decal, I like it and it's actually a closer match to the rest of the black in the engine bay than the camera lets on.

The purchase ended up happening pretty quickly although the journey took a while. M2's first caught my attention early last year and only the OG M2 was in reach then, and I was thinking I'd need to sell the M3. In the end I couldn't exchange an S engined M for an N engined one, it's an emotional thing. So I forgot about them until early this year and then kept a casual eye on the market, looked at a couple but never pulled the trigger. I checked out a few other cars to validate, or challenge, my preference for what was by now the M2C. F82 M4 - I really had to try this before I could eliminate it despite my biased preconceptions. But they were right, this car is enormous and it doesn't feel any smaller when you're sitting inside. But it doesn't feel heavy to drive and that surprised me the most. It's a monster, a real monster, and an unruly one at that, it'll step out at the slightest provocation, which can be quite fun if you're ready for it. I drove a pre-LCI and the tech has dated a bit, the LCI is quite a step up but man, it's got a lovely interior and the extended leather is so much nicer than the M2's plastics. Oh well. But too big, not for me. G42 M240ix - Holy crap, this is quite an incredible combination of electronics and machinery, but it's a messy, incoherent combination, clumsy even. It's a bit ugly, it's a bit big, it feels hefty when changing direction but it's an absolute weapon in terms of power delivery, only really being left behind by a proper M above about 5k rpm. Sticks like sh*t to a blanket as well. But my lord, the cabin is a chaotic combination of switches, buttons, and touch interfaces and just yells "VERSION 1.0", it's a visual and ergonomic fail, wait for the LCI. G87 M2 - Can't afford it, don't like how it looks, don't want it. But seriously dealers can be annoying and I capitulated. Don't like the digital dash at all but that's only a future software update away. Drives fine, can't really use the power, doesn't feel as heavy as I expected it to and does not have the same hefty feeling of the G42, tricky suspension. Still, couldn't own it even if I had all the money in the world, it's just as fugly in person as in the pics. So, a new journey starts...

I picked it up in March and am loving it, so why the picture of the mint 635CSI? Because you've got to buy the seller right? The 6er has had a full strip, rebuild, and restoration inside and out, it's magnificent. The M2, now minus the decals and with custom plates in hand to be fitted, is pretty epic to be honest. NZ new so great spec, inc adaptive LED's and oversized brakes, full main dealer service history, last service at Auckland City BMW in November last year, $4500 and no outstanding advisories, carbon splitter, side bits, and spoiler, Pilot Sport 4 S's, roof and mirror caps are wrapped in matte black which I'm really liking at the moment. Very clean inside and out, little wear and I got under it the other day and she's perfect, including all underside trim and fixings. Very happy.

It's epic actually, better than I imagined it would be, and I snagged a good example. I considered a few options, will spin up a thread in the coming days. Yes, still have the M3 and will keep that for the time being, just need to get onto selling the 130i and will hopefully post a FS ad here before Easter is over.

Fortunately you got in before a generation of ugly with the 3 series, the F3x still looks really good today. The 2026 looks fine but it's only a slight modernisation which will mean yours will not look 'dated' for some time to come.

That's a very good looking car, welcome!

Interesting, I have a NZ new M2 Comp and I live in NZ and registered my BMW ID with that address. I could not add my VIN for a "technical reason". Contacted BMW customer service and they said it was a language mismatch between my profile and vehicle so that's also a factor to look at, here are the instructions they sent me that worked: I didn't have to wait 24h, more like 24m. This may not help at all but it does indicate that there's more to it than country of origin and the vehicle's physical location. Perhaps set everything (including a fake address and language/locale) to the country of origin and you might be able to register it and then change the language back. Seems to align with @Bimmercrew's experience. This type of DRM is BS, entitlement should follow the physical vehicle. Edit: I went through this literally last week, so it's current.

Long time no see. This car will be for sale soon, I'll list it on BS before TM, it's a fantastic platform with all the upgrades and a ripe candidate for a manual swap if you're so inclined. Why? This:

Yep, easy job to do yourself with some basic tools. It is an airbag out thing though (so you'll need to disconnect the battery and let the car 'discharge' for 20 mins before starting the job). Have a look at the "Rewire DIY" in this document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cafxqdvwEhZP-LM4R4bxbrUDhNC_nd59/view Note that it may still be incorrect, I shared the following feedback with them about the instructions: So just do what I mention for the right side paddle instead. Also, ignore the LCI/Pre-LCI commentary in the document, that's for the US domestic market only.

Sent you a cheeky offer via PM.

Seats look epic mate, where did you get them done?

Dem some trick parts, and those wheels! 😎

I'm a little concerned this is even a question. All drivers should know these two things: Your speedo is wrong Live roadside speed indicators are wrong Always have been, always will be. And yes, probably the reason cars are banking up behind you when you think you're doing the limit.

I have two of the MSX5's, one in permanent 'tender' mode on my M3 and the other used for my 130 and they're brilliant for my needs. The M3 battery seems to love it and is still in perfect condition which, considering the engine only ever gets turned over once every few months, is a win in my books. I got these combo kits when they were less than the cost of the charger alone, the eyelet attachments and rubber bumper are genuinely good additions (the battery bank not so much). I paid $139 for each of them looking back, and coincidentally one in August of 2020, and the other in August of 2021... I wonder if they'll do a similar deal in August this year? Might be worth keeping an eye out if you can wait that long.

I removed the CDV from my M3, much like every other owner has, and would never go back. A CDV means you can never be precisely sure when the clutch will fully engage which is disconcerting and ultimately more difficult to drive, especially on or near the limit. Removing it does however mean that the clutch is less forgiving but once you have the necessary muscle memory that shouldn't be an issue. Having said this, even without the CDV you still have some 'room', it's hardly a 3-puck race clutch.

Hopefully a few of our Ōtautahi members can advise. Not sure if @Aaron still has eyes on the forum? He has a fair bit of ChCh BMW experience.

Indeed 101%! Now down to 91% full. 😇

You can get a genuine BMW one for $$$ (check my 130i thread) or measure the thread and get any AliExpress/eBay one that will fit.

@sweetm3 - Mark has done this w/cert.

FWIW, and as late as this is, I'm still happy 4.5 years into my Avin USA 10.25" dashtop unit ownership. It runs Android and automatically tethers to my phone so I don't need Android Auto, I have a full Android desktop and app store. I think mine is Android 10 or 11, not sure about upgrades so in 10 years or so I might be screwed. If you go this route get as much RAM as you can.