M3AN

Tbh I think those articles are rather ambiguous. Don't they still sell Opel and Vauxhall cars in the UK? In native RHD? I can see the Holden brand disappearing but I'm not sure I'm reading between the lines that GM are abandoning RHD markets... Supercars might be a bit fooked though if they can't get in-country factory backing to introduce the Camaro.

lol - two in three days? ?? But they look nice... ?

You're more than welcome to drive mine if you're ever in my area, genuine and open-ended offer. ? I'm not sure anyone's advocating it as an "everyday engine" or a "performance BMW"... I think we're saying it's a great little car that leverages and demonstrates BMW's credibility in six-pot, rear wheel drive, reasonably small and light cars. They really are a joy to drive with the suspension sorted. Even the shitist ones I drove had great feeling engines.

And it's not about tyres, or oil, or Ron, or me! ??

Same engine as in the 130 (which is getting lots of love and a bit of hate recently), and 330 plus some US models... very good motor for cruising, check for oil leaks before you buy. Certainly a better engine that the 4 pot you linked to earlier. This thing would swallow Papakura to the airport no worries. If it's over your original budget and you're not in a rush then just be patient. ? Sorry I can't offer more insight on the model/chassis.

OMG - thread explosion! ? Glad I wasn't online. ?

I have ~2 dozen RC cars and we haven't been using "whip aerials" since the 90's... 2.4GHz SS all the way baby. Even my transmitters have no (or very small) external antennas. Must say, I'm not a fan of the long aerial on the e8x's but the sport version is a direct swap. Indeed pretty much any eBay diversity antenna will work (FM, GPS and 3/4G - I think AM is still in the frame or on the window).

Prefer the 208's myself if I were going to 18's.

Two types of stock aerials, long "fishing rod" version and stubby "sport" version (see my 130 thread)... no e8x's came with the shark fin style from the factory.

Well, the consensus opinion of owners, observers and journos alike is that they're quite underrated. Doesn't mean everyone has to like them though. ?

I tend to agree actually. My dilemma (first world problems) is that the tyres have miles left in them so no incentive to change wheels on that front. I'm not sure if I want to go to 18's simply from a cost and comfort perspective and the only other wheels I have are the 17" black BBS ones pictured above (I prefer the stock rims) and a couple of sets of 17" style 24's in various widths (not sure how they'd fit/look). I think 17's look fine on these cars tbh. I actually like the look of the stock 18" style 208's... but then I'm presented with my original dilemma ...

But this thread is about 130's... ?

Load-through is terrible on the e36... can't even get my push bike in. No problems with the 130... and no e36 sedans had folding rear seats did they?

No, I haven't but seeing your recent post in the other thread made me think I should do so. I'm about to go out and play with Carly, let's see if I can configure Torque for a timed run.

Surely you'd bet on that being a mistake. BMW NZ and their dealer network are complete rip-offs yes, but I'm sure $13k for a headliner can't be right.

I agree with Kyu, they're fine but nothing special. We've seen manuals go recently for a lot less that that... you'd save money flying out of town to get one then driving it back. I wouldn't pay more than about $12-$13k max for a stock manual minter now and I'd want to pay a lot less than $13k tbh. As for the recent noise around 130's @Herbmiester, @Palazzo - I think the recent uptick in Bimmersport owners is a significant contributor and across a number of us we have some nice examples which stimulates some discussion. I also agree with everything @Jacko says and I'll draw a parallel to the e36... This is BMW's modern e36 and once 6 cylinder e36's became available to the masses they rapidly became popular because they were the ideal execution of BMW engineering for their era... IMHO BMW have drifted a long way from that engineering essence and the 130 gives us a glimpse of the past wrapped in (semi) modern tech. I don't consider boosted cars a suitable comparison, the driving experience is entirely different. And really, if mine has anywhere near the claimed 280hp with a 3.64 diff I certainly wouldn't want any more power for a daily. And the 6 speed auto is a dream. If they came with proper suspension and an LSD out of the box (expensive I realise) then I suspect there would be even more chatter!

That's my experience, valve cover (easy), engine sump (expensive), trans sump (also expensive). The VANOS will need some attention at some stage but it's not terribly difficult/expensive from what I read. DISA valve... BMW will quote you over $2000 to replace it. ? I understand you can remove and clean it yourself.

Facebook provides a messaging platform that's misused as a discussion platform. Forums are a discussion platform. The primary indicators are separate threads and the chronological order of posts. I despise reverse chronological presentation, it panders to people with short/no attention span and you lose all context.

Don't worry too much, we're a bunch of car nerds after all. Any photos you can take and post here will help us to advise and inform you. Pics of the interior Schnitzer badges and a front wheel off pic of the suspension would be ideal.

@zero, @BatMansWilly

Ha, I suspect your "guess" is more accurate than 99% of professional "estimates" given the model in question. And it's easy for me to agree... net ~30k for a minter? Bank it.

But that's not an ideal 'I want to sell my car' attitude. The buyer has the power remember and there are lots of 130's available. You need to meet the market, it won't meet you. I hope you get 10k but I'd lead with "I'm happy to negotiate" rather than "buy a lesser model". ?

The wheels are the same as they put on the "SE" (Special Edition) in the UK, they're polarising but popular. Exhaust is proper wicked. Prices have dropped considerably in the last few months though, I hope you get what you're asking but I'd suggest you prepare yourself for some stiff negotiation. GLWS, it's a nice example.

What's BMW "brake Lube"? A fancy name for expensive copper grease? ?

I wouldn't pay less than $1000 for them.