M3AN

There's nothing wrong with the Pirellis but I don't consider them a sport tyre, my 328 could spin them up with a slippy gearbox, and they're loud. But I want something more sticky for the 130. Wheels are 7.5 and 8.5 but I'm not a particular fan of a square setup on a RWD, that's my least preferred option. I've got the M3 wheels on it at the moment which are 225/255, they're great but the steering feels vague compared to the 205's they replaced up front. I think the 215/245 combo might be the best option but that limits choice further. For the 130 I probably wouldn't let the tread pattern sway me one way the other. I can mix and match with Goodyear or Pirelli, perhaps others, but only at the top end which is too rich for my blood. Could pick up a fitted set of Toyos directionals for $1000 but I don't actually need them now, just researching.

Sub $6k: https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2642578083.htm Faulty iDrive screen but the price is crazy really.

12+ months later... Any updated thoughts, same subject? Toyo Proxes T1R directionals seem cost competitive, I've never used them, any experience? Considering what 18" tyres to eventually pop on the 130. I don't need Michelin or even Goodyear F1 quality but I want to give it something better than the Pirelli Dragon Sports I put on the 328. I'm considering either 215/40/18 + 245/35/18 or 225/40/18 + 255/35/18 or 235/40/18 square, undecided at the moment but tending towards the first option.

Beige but good options, no reserve... https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2642244016.htm

130i, I've been convinced. Just enough power to be fun, just enough utility to be practical and basic enough that it won't cost you a bomb to maintain.

Last word much Jon? ?

Yes, I think this was the very first one I looked at in Oct/Nov last year. Was boxed in, gave the guy my number and he never got back to me. I think it was $15k at the time which I wasn't going to pay anyway. There was something else about it that was wrong I think, I just can't recall what.

I picked up a wood trim set from Zebra for $10... missing one RHS door handle trim, but still, ten bucks. If I hadn't wrapped it in Alcantara I'd swap it with yours. Hadn't realised you were looking for it.

Yep, I'm on the same page with you there ^ and yes, if you've not got the backing of a dealer and aren't installing crap parts you're being squeezed. It's the "proper" indies that will suffer.

Somewhere in the NZ supply chain someone is making a killing on genuine parts, the service counter cost is criminal. I assume that the dealers take a reasonable cut of that margin, which would somewhat offset any low margin labour considerations. It's difficult to look at a BMW dealer and think "low margin" when we can compare the extortionate price of parts locally to the exact same part from the US or Europe.

Surely that's offset by the margin on genuine parts though? For the dealership network that is, not the indies.

@HalfJobHarry, your engagement and enthusiasm is welcome but I think your estimates are optimistic. You're using "best case scenario" numbers and that's not realistic for an operating business, "best case" rarely materialises. If you're doing a one-off, love it and run it thing then sure, a couple of hours might do it. But if you're visiting a pro you need to factor in space, opportunity cost, setup, consumables, labour, pack down and clean, breakage and loss, etc, etc. I do however think that NZ prices are higher than they should be on the trade/used/parts/recycled market.

SHOW US MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ????????

Interesting, there's 2 x E87's at Zebra Onahunga if you're close, might be worth the $2 entry to see if they had bottles intact? Also consider pattern parts from China, if certain components are not prone to failure then it may be worth getting new. It might be easier (and cheaper?) to start your DIY journey with photos rather than videos.

Please do... I wasn't aware it was a common problem but if it is I'm likely to be a candidate.

Shame on you! Now tell us more! ??

To be fair, if you're not picky about the brand of muffler, only the fit and sound, then I'm sure there are a couple of exhaust shops in Thames that could sort you out, it would be well less than 2 hours work. Call around, check out your options, worst case Hamilton. Just tell them you want something no louder than stock.

The point you seemed to have missed Jon is that I didn't break any rules. This is an obvious case of administrative overreach, perhaps your time would be better spent on solving that problem? Your various replies seem utterly tone-deaf (hence my facepalm emoji). You could start by undoing the damage caused when I was inappropriately banned by restoring all my threads. Then we could have a chat about respect.

Best price I've seen for a 130i so far... https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2636240744.htm Looks to be a unique spec too, BMW Individual programme perhaps?

If they had white stitching, and were a little more realistic price-wise I'd be quite interested in them, direct swap.

Slight concern on the way back from Karaka today when this came on... Which lead to... Exhaust VANOS solenoid on the way out, common problem. Cleared the code, went for a drive, code didn't come back... New ones are ~$225 each so I think I'll take them out and clean them first to see how that goes.

Yeah, that does sound as I'd expect it to, pity about the drone... can't use a different gear?

This, as long as they can access it easily from the front of your property. If they have to knock or disturb you you'll probably hate it.

Does look sharp... doing young 12's with only the trans flash, on street tyres? That's pretty sweet.

?‍♂️