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Hoping you maybe able to assist us! A friend of ours from Auckland 2 years ago initiated a Facebook group for NZ E39 M5 owners . During that time he has built a register of E39 M5's in this country. Due to some serious unbridled enthusiasm and get-go, around 35 NZ new cars have now been uncovered, with around 12-13 imports. I believe that the vast majority of cars in the country have now been discovered. However we know there has to be a few more out there! Most are currently located in Auckland, but there are few also in the Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Poverty Bay, Wellington, Christchurch etc. Are there any cars out there that you are aware of that may not be on the register? As you are probably aware , the interest in these cars has elevated in recent years - and we have some seriously passionate members of our Facebook group who adore their beasts. The founder of the group organized a successful get- together several months ago -when 20 plus E39 M5's were photographed together in Auckland. A special occasion. Please respond to this thread or drop me a PM if you have any intel on any cars that you may be aware of. It would be immensely appreciated! There is a unsubstantiated rumour that a very low k example lives in the South Island, and spends some time in the Dunedin area. Does anyone have any intel on that car? We appreciate that there will always be some who may not want to be involved in any facebook groups - but we would still love to have information on the cars out there! Anecdotally there were 250 delivered to Australasia new - nobody seems to know what the actual split was between NZ and Australia.

This is just my 2 cents worth, Shirantha is on the money. 3-4 years ago a few of the pre-facelifts with 150k plus mileage had dropped to low 20's, and anecdotally an example with some mechanical issues sold for around $15k. A few years later with the huge surge in demand and interest with this vehicle thanks to EAG in Ohio, and numerous youtubers waxing lyrical about this car, things are vastly different. $30k would be at the lower at the end of the scale, with a solid example in fine- fettle around the $40k mark. As for astounding examples with lower k's - maybe up to double that! The market has gone gone nuts in the USA- cars with sub 100 k miles skyrocketing in pricing. This week cargurus here ( a reputable car site) had a dealer selling a 104,000 mile example in carbon black for $48,500 USD! The US market seems to have been influential in elevating prices everywhere. I'd say if you have one, hold on to it!

Awesome - thanks for that - pretty sure this one is not on the register. Stu here on Bimmersport may know about it - will check. From what I know, there are 2 other black examples in CCh- with another 55,000 km example in black moving from rural Canterbury to Auckland about a year ago. Not surprising it was in black - nearly 1 in 3 sold were black (global). PS - Unusual architecture of the house too - kinda cool.

I could be wrong, but alot were debadged at the back, whilst the e34 540is often had a solitary ///m badge. Here is a fine example of the E34 535is which was debadged. This car has been discussed for many years on this forum - here's a for sale advert 11 years ago

What colour was it? Do you remember? We have a gentleman in Auckland who has been building a register - so always keen on securing any intel on elusive E39 M5's. As for your comments regarding how there they were dirt cheap a few years ago- yes there were a few sold for around $20k years ago. Anecdotally, double that value now. Same everywhere. A friend of mine here in San Francisco was sadly reminiscing recently that she sold her tidy 2001 example in Silverstone with 100,000 miles for $11,000 USD in 2015. It would be a $22-25k USD car to purchase now- minimum!

Hi Stuart, Hope no umbrage on that one - didn't mean to offend anyone - and I definitely did say arguably!

Affirmative... I have known him for 20 years....he is a good man and one of the most knowledgeable people in NZ when it comes to cars...!

Hi Matt, Looking at your avatar, I think you have already been in touch with him!!

Hi there, I have a close friend who is willing to part with his car for the right money. It is a facelift, in arguably the most desirable colour - Lemans blue, with ostrich sport leather with titanium trim. 115,000 kms. One of the last 6 or so delivered to NZ- so a 2002 car. Some tasteful modifications. It is in nothing short of immaculate condition. He maybe interested to sell- but is a reluctant sale and wants premium. Saying that, you will end up with arguably the finest example in NZ. PM if you are interested and I can send you his details.

I sold it to Graham Fleury (an ex- Oracle America's cup sailor) in 2002 because I wanted to get a M635csi. Graham owned it for around 8-10 years, it was then purchased by a guy living in Mt Eden. He sold it 5-6 years ago to a Bimmersporter who discussed it here- before flipping it. Not sure who owns it now - but I know people who know the owner. I understand it lives somewhere north of Auckland, and is spotted at Caffeine and classics regularly.

So true. They were very popular in NZ in blue. They were an extremely huge seller for BMW ( the 6 series) - even in NZ despite the $135,000 asking price. Sadly, many have been written off due to rust today - even the NZ cars. They were my favourite car in the 80's -additionally inspired by the JPS 635csi's we saw racing. When I was ready to get one - in 99/00 the best I could buy was also an example in Burgundy metallic- but mine was a ex uk Highline. Wasnt my first choice in colour but looked great with the cream leather.

Moonlighting - TV series - US spec 635csi

Andy Garcia - When a man loves a woman. BMW - E9

Ashton Kucher- BMW E28 - No strings attached.

Miami Vice movie - BMW E63 6 series - most likely 645

Glengarry Glen Ross- Alec Baldwin's 850ci

Lethal Weapon - US spec BMW E24 M6

Robert De Niro's car in 'the score' - 840ci

Spider man - 'in to the spider-verse' the animators must have a soft spot for e39 m5' s. I lost count of how many I saw in street scenes in different colours...

Alec Baldwin in ' The juror' - 850csi

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Just the type of feed back I was looking for. Yes, the vehicle had a LSD added in the last year or so. There are quite a few compelling factors based on the feed-back I am hearing. I have been given 1st option on the car - and my friend's wife would rather the car go to me rather than sell it to a car dealer. I have a few more weeks to make my mind on which way I go. Other issues rear its head, like not having enough space for my 3 cars - but I am sure I can work on a solution for that one. I'd like a E46 or E92 M3 - but as we know prices of these on a global level have lifted. Just doing some research on some cars that were sold with the same Dinan S3 spec in the States over the years, and the price presented to me is more than reasonable. I think Dinan has a very good reputation here. As mentioned in the showroom section awhile back depicting my E39 M5 Dinan S1, the DInan badge is quite revered here - in the same way that many Euro tuning brands carry some kudos in Europe. I was sceptical initially, but I love my Dinan upgrades on the M5 - not to mention the rumble of the Dinan exhaust! Appreciate the feedback - thanks!

Aaron, once again thanks for the feedback. Its great that you had a positive experience with this engine. I will be making a call over the next few weeks. The good thing is that the price I have been presented is fairly compelling too - so if I choose to, there is some fat in it if I want to flip it. Somehow though, if I do buy it, I believe I may end up keeping it....! I sense it may be addictive!

Hi Aaron, Great feedback man. I was hoping to connect with people who have owned such a car (apart from a X3 - the most modern BMW I have owned - is the E39 M5 I own now - which I know you own too). As a matter of interest - did you buy it new? If not, what mileage did it have when you bought it? My concern was the negative things I had heard about turbo failure - and wondered whether the massive increase in power with the Dinan enhancements would place extra stress on the engine. Cheers.

Hi All, I am currently domiciled in the San Francisco Bay area. A couple of years after arriving here I met a gentleman with an absolutely immaculate 2008 E92 335i coupe that he painstakingly over a few years converted into a Dinan S3 335i. Sadly, he passed away due to this horrific Covid 19 a few months ago. I have an opportunity to buy this car. 57,000 miles, (around 92,000 k's) white, 6 speed manual with SSK. Dark red leather. Immaculate condition. He has spent around $25k USD on this car to be what he wanted it to be. I have driven it - it is quick - commensurate with the 408bhp it is meant to be putting out, and and handles wonderfully. Seriously fun car to drive. This is the article about the Dinan S3 https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15130406/dinan-s3-bmw-335i-specialty-file/ Ultimately, keen to hear from people who have owned the 335i twin turbos. I know there have been some horror stories out there. Even a very close friend of mine who owns a reputable BMW workshop in Auckland has suggested I err on the side of caution. On the flipside, I have read some amazing reviews on this car -even in its standard spec. This will only be a weekend fun car. However, I can secure it at a price slightly cheaper than a standard 6 speed with similar mileage - so it is compelling from a financial perspective. Keen to hear your thoughts on such a vehicle.

I agree, more likely to be Lachs silver - which is darker. Polaris silver on the E24 was a very bright, silver (I had a M635csi in that colour). Even darker than the Lachs was Delphin grey. I have always noticed that the majority of NZ new E24's had the comfort seats- not sure why. The BMW sports seats of the time were beautiful.