ssbmw

Hey Adam, congrats on your purchase... Was this car one of the M6's brought in by Tony Ramlose from Japan? Diamond Schwartz?

Hey there Adam, I hope I can help. I am a fan of the M-powered shark and having owned a tidy example, know them very well. In this country, a left hand drive M6 seems to be worth what the buyer is willing to pay. A variety have arrived in NZ over the last 5-6 years, and in varying levels of condition. A few were imported a few years ago through a guy called Tony Ramlose. His were from- Japan and were ex-Germany. Some were sold for as low as $15k. Most of these seem to be used as track -weapons. One of the finest examples is the one in Christchurch - it is also from JApan and is ex Germany and is evidently number 3 out of all M6's ever manufactured, so is a 83.' This car has been marketed for over a year or so now, at what I perceive as a fair price -around the mid 20's and hasn't been sold. The NZ new examples (around 20 or so) have been as sold as low as the 18k mark but in recent years have averaged around the $25-30k mark (with a mint, NZ new 90km example going for around $40k 18 months ago). To be fair, there have been very few NZ-new examples marketed for a little while. They are rare, and rarely parted with. In terms of this example you mention, the LHD examples tend to have a larger market overseas. However, in this country, they don't seem to have the same demand as the LHD muscle cars from the States! Even Ozzies seem to pay comparatively big money for a LHD M6.

Not sure, but you could try Gerry Hodges, head of the BMW CC - he has one, and has a vast knowledge of the E24's. Regards, SS

Hey Gerry, Fair points. I think my final comment was misinterpreted. I was not actually criticising the stand - I was trying to create some competitive juices. I was not referring to the 'best stand we can present.' What I meant was - the best stand there at Ellerslie- i.e better than Porsche, Mustang etc. I think you know me well enough to realise I was not taking a pot-shot at the club. Quite the opposite. Not being critical, just voicing a few thoughts that I heard from friends. I actually like all BMW's, so quite appreciative of the cars on display- including the Z8, which agreed is a unique and special car.. Regards, SS

Hi Phil, Is this the guy, Martin who is the manager at Coombes J? There are some superb back roads around Hamilton, worthy of a good thrashing! To do it in a E30 M3 would be awesome!

Hi Milan, Thanks for that post as it has provided some clarity on what the stand was presenting. I was impressed with the stand's M3's. A very impressive selection. However, I was with a couple of friends who have each owned 10+ BMW's and they said they were under-whelmed by the lack of variety. To be fair, we were also oblivious that the stand was also celebrating the M3's quarter -century. In years gone by, there were interesting E21's, E30's, E24's, E34's E39's E38's, E31's etc that have captivated some serious amounts of people. I suppose externally, this time, the same variety wasn't there. What annoys me is that the Porsche guys dominate with their club stand. Some of the cars presented were not of the GQ (Garage Queen) variety that only come out every few months. In fact there were a few that were very affordable, and clearly had been driven regularly and extensively. I think the BMW stand has heaps of potential to kick some serious butt. Being more affordable than some of the prestige marques, there are heaps of owners out there across NZ, and many of their vehicles have been cherished, worthy of being presented. We (myself included) have got to get more passionate to display our cars, and show the BMW car club of NZ has some serious cars within its membership database, and put pressure on the likes of the Porsche Club Of NZ. We should try and have the best stand there every single year. Regards, SS

Another one I used to like was the Peugeot 405. I the late 80's and and early 90's I was kind of partial to the Mi16. Never been a huge fan of sedans apart from the M5's but this car was kind of cool. Since then 20 years have gone and in recent times I have never really seen a decent one.... As a consequence, despite the fact I once believed they were nice cars, I don't feel that anymore. Most of the ones I see these days are bangers and have affected my perception on these cars...

No, quite aware that the FTO's came out first. Just seems weird that the Maserati designers finished up with a design so similar to a run-of-the mill 90's Japanese car. My wife's was a GPX too, but my 20 year old M6 would kick its butt even if the handling of the FTO was very sharp. Talking of Maser's another enigmatic car was the Maserati Quattoporte iii. A friend of mine recently bought one. A 87 with 26,000 kms on the clock. The exterior is very 80s- a boxy sedan with style influences from cars like the 70's British Leyland or the Aston Martin Lagonda. The interior is palatial with metres of plush leather and wood everywhere. Turn the ignition on though, and it sounds like a Ferrari. Very different.

I hope the BMW stand is a good one- it would be nice one year to put pressure on the terrific turn-out the Porsche people have every year.

Oh I have another one....in the mid 90's when I lived in Oz I had a mate who proudly forked out $45K Australian for a Mitsubishi FTO. For a day or so, I thought it was cool. Admittedly, it handled pretty well, but after the second time I saw it, I felt the looks were a bit questionable - especially without a rear spoiler. After arriving back in NZ 6 years later, I saw that we were drowning with them here- and I started to despise them. Imagine my shock when I discovered that my girlfriend and- wife- to- be owned one! I was not impressed! The funniest thing is that the front of them looks like a wanna-be Maserati coupe!

As I have said on this site more than a few times, I fell in love with BMW when my best friend's dad had 4 E24's in the 80's - 2 633csi's and 2 635csi's. From that day I was hooked - having a love for the big GT's made by Bavaria's finest. However, I have briefly lusted after a few cars that i am now embarrased about. The 1992 Mazda Mx6 Saab Turbo (with Aero body-kit)- which I owned. Subaru SVX (nearly owned one) Mitsubishi GTO (loved them before the boats from Japan arrived with 100's of them). It's been interesting reading the comments on this topic. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally love the sight of the older, modern classics made by BMW. For me, looks are everything. I love the shape of the E9, E24, E31's (and of course a few more, but these are my favourites). For more than a few here, these cars probably do nothing for you. That's cool - everybody has their own loves, and that's great!

I am also a fan. Kind of like the Japanese Ferrari Daytona. I have a soft spot for these types of coupes - just love the lines. The thing is, you never know, if someone is hankering for one, and has the cash, they may bring out their cheque-books. There are so very few of them in good condition these days.

Hi there, yes you are right. I was reading the dialogue between Gerry and some guy in Switzerland on some E24 or Alpina forum awhile back. Sure enough, it was a 6 figure offer too - some thing like 50-60,000 Euros. Insane. From an aesthetic point of view, I am not a huge fan of the older style big rubber spoiler that sits on the boot. Prefer the later design.

I remember one of my M6 mates from Melbourne contact me about this car a few years ago. It was for sale in Japan for a ridiculously cheap price, and my friend deliberated as he wasn't sure whether it was genuine. Evidently one of Gerry H's associates originally organised to have this car shipped to NZ. Not sure exactly what happened next, but his associate decided to pull out of the deal, and Gerry got to buy it at a price below NZ -new M635csi levels. He has done some work on this car but the acquisiton of this vehicle was a very smart investment. In the UK, there have been a few for sale in recent years for 30k + pounds. In this condition, this car is worth some seriously big euros in continental Europe too. I too love this car. Would probably prefer one in dark blue- but gee that is ridiculous, try getting one!

Hi there, Before Xmas I mentioned that I am needing to sell my 2006, NZ new X3 3.0. It is a fabulous car. It is in like new condition. This is the advert. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-348200214.htm The price has dropped and I am negotiable. A good, grunty X5 substitute.

Hi there, I did not put this under the 'for sale' section as this is not locked in 'for sale' yet and I don't currently have photos. However, I thought I'd give you guys a heads-up. I know of a NZ new, Hell red, 540is with black leather (obviously 6-speed manual) that is going to be for sale very shortly. As you may know, 1 of around 10-15 NZ 540is's. The vehicle has a complete BMW dealership history and sits on Style 5's. It has clocked up around 220-230 kms. In Hell red, it is a striking looking car. The owner has presented a price expectation that appears compelling. I am not going to type in that price as I need to have the price confirmed and I am acting on behalf of the owner's friend who is in the car game. The owner's friend contacted me to see if I was interested, or knew people who are interested. As soon as I have confirmation of the price, and have photos, I will add in the 'For sale' section. However, in the interim, if you are interested, get in touch with me by sending a personal message or zap me a phone number and I will phone you or message you with contact details. Regards, SS

I concur - what an amazing car. Evidently a far superior ride to the superb 850csi. One of my dream cars is the 850csi (the Alpina the ultimate, but hardly realistic). I am just paranoid that something may go wrong with the AHK 4 wheel steering mechanism. Anecdotally, they cost $22k NZD to replace. Some have removed the mechanism overseas but that devalues the whole special handling capabilities of the vehicle. Then again, that is what you have to pay to keep a top-end vehicle on the road. If the SMG goes on the E60 or E63, you evidently won't get much change out of a $20k outlay either.

Appreciate the comments Mr E34. I know you know your cars! Your 540is is just as special. Kind of cool having cars that are not that common. Kind of unusual to have cars like the 540is which were not M cars to be made in such a limited run. These days, as always the M powered cars are obviously rarer than standard BMW's (even if not as rare as the old school M cars that had very short production runs) but you hardly ever have a limited edition run of special non-M cars like the 540is or the 535is.

I have just added some more photos :

Cheers mate. I have always had a thing for the big BM coupe's and being a 80's boy, was originally infatuated with the 6's. Living in Germany in the 90's and staying with people who had a E34 M4 and E30 M3, the passion for BMW's started to grow. For many, the lighter coupes like the M3's are the epitomy. I am a little different - I have always liked the big coupes that are not as quick but are rarer, and in my world, look pretty cool. Saying that, this 8 goes OK- marginally slower than a E34 540is due to the weight, but still fun.

Hi Brent, Over the years Gerry's old car and this one have been continually mixed up as they are virtually identical in appearance. His car was sold for the 1st time in 99' and as a consequence people often thought of his car as a 4.4. His car was actually a 95' build. However that car was an individual with red and black seats and red head-lining. Mine is all black inside.

Hi guys, This is my E31 840 ci sport. NZ new, registered in 98, 4.4 M62 V8. 6 Speed manual, one of three in manuals in RHD ever made with the M62 (the other two are in the UK) and the last manual built. Factory Motorsport specifications with M body-kit. 51,000 kms on the clock. There is a file that you can open below that has a photo of the interior. Compeletely original including car phone. interior5050.bmp

yes you are right, the plate is 840v8 and is a rare manual M60 4 litre. It is a very nice car and was once owned by Gerry Hodges, BMW car club boss, and until last year was owned by a neighbour. It is an individual with red /black leather and has the 850csi body-kit. Great car but and it has a colourfu ownership history.

I agree with you there- I always loved the sound of the M30 when I owned my 635csi and 535is- nice throaty sound- even if you are not really gunning it. The 635csi was the car that I loved as a kid- and the noise the M30 made was part of the magic. The 'factory sound' of the M60 and M62 is comparatively mute and is certainly not as 'raw.' Was driving the 8 yesterday and had all the windows down to soak up the sounds- but it was so quiet.... I am not changing because I want to retain originality, but my X3 3.0 probably has a cooler sounding exhaust note...

I agree with you, I owned a 535is and it was one of the best cars I have owned. It was nimble, and was relatively quick. Most importantly, they are solidly built. Mine had clocked 185,000 kms when I sold it and was rattle free, and the interior was like new. Testament to the build quality. Cool car. Very nice design too- for me the car has to look good- the E34 with kit and lowered stance with the right feet is a fantastic looking car - 22 years after launch.