M3AN

Oh dear... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chrome-Headlights-Trim-Bezel-Cover-Surround-Rim-For-BMW-1-Series-E87-Hatchback/192957785005

I don't get carplay or Android auto but a full blown Android system (not the same as Android auto) is vastly superior to iDrive.

The chance of a proprietary BMW operating system being compromised is orders of magnitude higher than that of say, Android or Linux, because these operating systems are open source and more mature. BMW would have saved themselves a lot of pain by using something off the shelf, they could still make it look like, and do what they wanted to make it a point of difference. I suspect they didn't go down this route because of the questions I ask above, they want owners to be tethered to BMW for the life of the vehicle with no choice to go elsewhere for software updates and support. They'll have to provide support for life so expect a subscription model for out-of-warranty cars to be announced eventually. Although I'm not sure they can expect an active subscription for security or safety updates.

Would it look better or worse with an offset plate? As it sits in the middle it interrupts the design intent, looks like it shouldn't be there. But offset maybe you'd just have too much grill. Dunno.

Interesting... a few questions that mountain of text doesn't answer... How long is the vehicle (not owner) entitled to free functional updates? Free security updates? Free safety updates? And will the real-time data integrations remain active for the life of the vehicle? The thing with just about anything digital is that it ages rapidly, and requires a lifetime of updates. They've acknowledged the first point but not the second. It's not like it's a $1000 phone that you're likely to replace in 4 years.

Yep, my journey seems similar - Galant VR-4 (4G63, "Evo 0") -> Evo IV -> TME Evo (6.5) -> Estoril 3.2 M3! 💪

When I picked up my M3 nearly 20 years ago now (😮) I almost crashed it on a sodden day about 2 km's from the dealer. I'd spent the 10 years before that driving rapid Mitsubishi's with much horsepower and very, very trick 4WD's... RWD's can be fun, but you need to be prepared for the high (ish) power ones!

This is true... but I found out, after getting mine, that you can get an even small one (no side logos) if you email them after your order and ask for a plain front (small) plate... not very helpful information for either of us now! If you order a plain rear it automatically comes with a plain front but you can't couple a logo rear plate with plain front using their website. Since I have a small (logo) front on the 1'er I can get it replaced with a plain one but after forking out the good coin I don't need to spend more on plates now. Since you have a large front I think it will be prohibitively expensive to go small and plain.

It's rare that you get a start-up or driveaway warranty with used parts these days so Nick has clearly done you a solid. The margin is actually offensively large if you don't include that risk, covering that risk is expensive though. But if it can't break? I was quoted between $120 and $140 for a rear parcel shelf for an E87, now that's just taking the piss.

You weren't meant to ask! But the answer includes many blades and bags. 😉 This... like 'buy my car with a brand new boot!'. 😁

IMHO it's a good plate to own. I agree with a little bit lower, and I don't think a quality plastic plate holder would detract.

You can fit 3 dismembered adult bodies in there no problem. Ask me how I know. 😮

The M3 looks to be in good nick too, is it a '94?

lol - Kiwiplates be like 'fap fap, mo biz, mo biz'.

OMG, it even looks terrible going fast.

Is Rockauto better than FCP do you guys think?

They may be sealed down with caked coolant... once the clips are completely free try twisting the hoses off, back and forward... if that doesn't work try to pry them loose carefully all the way around the circumference with a small trim removal tool or screwdriver. You can also try levering up the lips and spraying some CRC/WD40 in there as far around as you can get and leave that for a few hours to do its work. Some muscle will probably be required but try and apply that in a twisting motion rather than and up and down or side-to-side motion.

You'll still have to wire up the horn. Even an OEM wheel without the slipring won't have a working horn.

They're a lot more fun than they look. Unless you hate how they look it would be worth taking a couple for a drive.

True I suppose, if it's on the internet it's a fact for sure. 😉

Strange options that one but being NZ new probably explains that... front+rear PDC but no iDrive or Xenons. That's not a combo I'd ever select but it would drag the sticker price down.

Hi mileage manual for $9k: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/3004303247

Yeah, it's fugly everywhere. And it wouldn't surprise me if BMW referred to it as a sedan.

I speculate that VW and Audi will make great leaps forward in market share based on BMW's most recent design direction. Bring back Bangle.

BMW almost certainly produce the ugliest cars in the modern era, regardless of how much it pains me to say that. Pandering, by their own admission, to the Chinese market has done them a great disservice.