ssbmw

We have some pretty nice BMW's in NZ - both ///M's and non ///M's. This one is a great example of a special non- ///M. Stunning on your screen and just as compelling in the flesh. Good luck with the sale Boris!

Hi Sheldon, The L6's were not really available in NZ. The L6 was a vehicle designated for the USA as an alternative to their 'M6.' The L6's in reality were in fact the US version of what the UK got as a 635csi "Highline"- using the M30 3.5 engine. The Highlines were the last of the 635's - released from late 87-Mar 89 and ultimately were the same car but had revised bumpers with less chrome and something like 27 square metres of leather including the top of dash-boards/doors, and head-lining. Ultimately, designed to 'modernise' the model before they were deleted. In NZ and Australia, the last of them were called 'Halflines' and that they did not share the leather dash-board tops as they were shown to deteriorate in countries with harsh sun-light. As for maintenance, most independent specialists are adept at working on them. My 635csi highline was looked after by BM workshop exclusively -who looked after the generic issues such as servicing, maintenance on parts such as suspension, etc. The engines are relatively hardy, but the gear-boxes (most of the 635csi's were automatic) are prone to cause a few issues with age, and of course these things have the propensity to rust. All parts are generally available. If you need any further help, I know of people who own these cars and can help you. There are approximately 5 ex UK Highlines in NZ and about the same number which are NZ new Half-lines. Regards.

A very good price - especially considering the relatively low-mileage. Didn't it reach around $11.5k last time (on auction)?

I agree with you, but the sad point is that there are alot of people who would love to buy an M5 but are paranoid of the costs associated with running a high mileage E34 M5. If you look at the market of the last few years there are alot of high k M5's which are selling for around the same price as a 540is.. My friend who recently sold his E34 M5 (which was a daily driver) was spending $5k / year to keep it on the road - a M60 powered E34 probably wouldn't cost that much. Some people just wouldn't touch an older, high-mileage M power car, despite their perceived collectability. Additionally, those in the know realise the 540is doesn't give too much in terms of out-right performance. So as the cars get older, I think they sort of end up roughly in the same price-bracket....

Hi there, that car sounds nice. To be honest, not sure that it would have appreciated, probably more likely to hold it's value. Sort of niche car, alot of people don't know about them, so sometimes a punter flicks it off for peanuts, thinking it's an old car with a manual gear-box (sort of what happened here in Dunedin when the owner of this car acquired it).. However, for those who are cognizant of it's niche status, would possibly pay between $8-$16k depending on age and mileage (based on sales over the last 2 years or so). I think they have depreciated out and provided they are loved and maintained, they will always be worth around this money - kind of line with it's M-powered sibling, the E34 M5 (unless it is a super-rare 3.8). Just my thoughts...

Mmmm.... I know what you mean.....however I still think that is a fair price though yeah? Moderate k's, good provenance, relatively rare, etc. A similar 230km car example sold in January for sub $10k and I thought that was a burglary. This seems pretty fair (in my opinion). Most of these E34's (M5's ,540is's, 535is's) have clocked inter-planetary mileages these days. I think what he wants is very justifiable (just presenting my opinion).

Yeah, there was a guy called Stephan from Sweden who contacted this site a couple of years ago and he is a e34 540i 6-speed oracle and he came up with 4 NZ new Hell red 540i Sport 6 speeds.. There is one in Hawkes bay that is part of a collection which has 230 kms on the clock, this one in Dunedin, another one that was for sale at Global Prestige a few years ago (and it was definitely not either of the above). Last but not least, Stephan stated that there was a 1996 red 540is that in 2009 had 17,000 kms on the clock! Either way, this is a fun car. From my perspective, those arches have to be filled up with some bigger rubber- it would look spectacular with some 17" style 5's or M-Parallel 18" wheels. 535is's and 540is's are both very cool cars. However, the 540is is more competitive with a E34 M5!

That's right there were 343 3.8 M5's made for the right hand drive market. 204 were with 5 speed gear-boxes 139 were made with 6 speed.

Good luck with the sale mate. I have two friends who have these cars and they are superb vehicles. I have a question- do you know what wheels you car came with? Nearly all of them came with Style 5 wheels - i.e like the wheels in the photo above with my 8 and friend's 540is...

Hi Sam, where are these cars? What are they like? Interesting stuff....wonder if any out of the two are the 6-speeds?

Yes that was a 92' in Avus blue and had cloth interior. Was in Wanganui until 18 months to 2 years ago and has now moved to Auckland- owned by a fellow Bimmersporter who is a BM enthusiast.

Believe me, tracking would be the last thing Adas would do to his cars! Then again, I don't think I'm too fond of doing it too! Unless I had a car designated for the track, and I don't.

Looks like it has been sold....!

Yep, that's the car- one of three in NZ in white (that we know of ).

BTW - Has there been a get-together like this before in NZ (where you have a E34 M5, E39 M5, and a E60 M5) all in one place??

Hi guys, This is my buddy's car and as you can see it is a splendid example of a very special M5 - the E34. I hope this car goes to a good home as it has been the owner's pride and enjoy over the last five years. Despite being a daily driver, it has been maintained impeccably- a testament to the owner's fanaticism. Bob Harper, BMW Car (UK) magazine's editor has recently acquired his second E34 M5. Even though he has driven the best by BMW M over the years, he states that the E34 M5 is one of the best. For those of you who have always aspired to own of these cars, here is your opportunity to buy one of the best in NZ and striking in white.

Ah yes, do you mean the Royal blue M6 with Style-5 wheels? I know that car very well - it has the rare m-technic body-kit... If it is the same car it was owned by Gerry Hodges BMW CC chairman in the 90's.... Lovely car.....

Hi there. I was in a demo 1m 2 weeks ago here in Singapore. Very impressed with the performance (was in the passenger seat though). Typical M power car with lots of power and handling superb. I have to say found the suspension a tad 'hard' as well. Superb sound-track. I have driven a buddy's E92 M3 and I would say the performance is pretty similar. All in all a pretty cool car. A bit too small for me though. I think I prefer the dimensions of the M3.

Hi there, I could easily be biased here, as the owner of these cars is a close friend. However, being objective, I have never met a guy who is meticulous like he is when it comes to cars. I have not seen the CSL yet but I know his E39 M5 well- it is simply in like-new condition. I have seen cars that major dealers like TMBMW and JC have had on their yards that look sensational. They don't even come close to this vehicle. The owner is a bit of a freak- I doubt there are any people in this country who keep cars in the condition. The underside of this E39 M5 is spot-less. If you are keen on getting a E39 M5 in like-new condition, this has to be inspected.

Hi all, Been meaning to write about this for the last 10 days or so. I am currently domiciled in Singapore where they have the only designated BMW M power dealership in the world. I had heard that the centre was in operation 6 months or so and was running a promotional party that day to market their service centre. Little did I know that there were some other special surprises in order! When I turned up to have a 'scope' I was shocked -they had the recently unveiled F10 M5 demo on display! It had just arrived from Shanghai and was on display in Singapore for 4 days. It was stunning! Very nice in silver. One of the M power staff turned the engine on a few times - wow it sounded gruff and very aggressive. A lot louder than the E60 M5's V10. Commercially available late in the year, I wonder whether the cars off the production line will share the same exhaust note. What also amazed me though was the bright orange E92 M3 GTS on display. Apparently one of 20 in the world in RHD and Singapore snapped up 5 - at a price of $650k Sing Dollars (the taxes on cars here are exorbitant). This vehicle was kindly presented on display by its owner. Having befriended the Marketing boss of M for Singapore, he kindly let myself and my brother-in-law take the 1m out for a spin! What a car! Kind of 'butch' looking and with the performance to match. My brother-in-law at the helm, he was encouraged to 'go faster' by the M marketing guy (who was trying very hard for a sale) so he promptly did- hitting 215 km/hr on a 100 km /hr stretch of motorway. Since it was only one of 2 examples in the country, I thought it was a tad crazy as the traffic here is insane.....however...it was alot of fun -even in the passenger seat! Initially I thought what is the point of having a 1M- thinking this was just another way of BMW M to make money by filling a gap in their range. However, this car is fantastic- nicely balanced and very quick. If you are ever passing through Singapore, and have some spare time you may want to check out the BMW M centre. It is not very large, but they have some great cars, and there are ample M-power accessories for sale. They also had examples of X5m's and X6m's everywhere. They are located right next to Lamborghini Singapore. So I was in motoring nirvana for the day! Sorry no photos - I need to upload from my phone and haven't done it yet.

Hi MAtt, Did this ever sit on a m6? I seem to recall this plate on a E24 M6 many years ago...am I right or am I way off tangent? REgards, SS

Wow very interesting didn't know about this car. The M-cloth sounds very interesting. It is very hard to get you know (the cloth). A good friend has been valiantly trying to secure some for when his cloth falls apart on his 90' e34 M5. To no avail. It will be interesting to get the low-down on this car as I am curious to know whether the M-cloth was an option or done after-market.

Here is a photo of the Hawkes Bay 540is with my 8.

Hi Peter, just my opinion, but I think you should keep this car as it is. In NZ and Australia they have a cult-following due to the rarity. NZ did not get the 6-speed 3.8 M5's so this car was a near-enough alternative. There are always people looking for one of these. I have the break-down of all the 540is's in NZ somewhere. When I find it I will add it to this thread. Apart from your car and the red one currently in the Hawkes Bay area, I know of another red with black example that was sale at Global Prestige in Auckland 5-6 years ago. It had done approximately 130 kms and it had style 5 wheels and was in stunning condition. Not sure where that car ended up... There is also according to Stephan (the Swedish expert on the 540 6 speeds) a ultra -low k 540is somewhere in NZ. As of 18 months ago this car had only done 17,000 kms. In a collection somewhere?

Simon is right, a guy called Alex from Hawkes Bay bought a similar car in February. His car was a very straight example with complete dealership history and was a 94' with 230 kms on the engine. Completely original with Style 5's and body-kit, had the M-badge on the back (as delivered) but at some point one of the previous owners got over -enthusiastic and smacked M-badges on both sills and engine cover! I was shocked when I heard what he paid as he revealed it was a sub 10k deal!