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My buddy owns this car and it should be selling for alot more than this. It is a lovely example in a striking colour. I remember when it arrived in NZ in the early days - a successful furniture designer in Auckland owned it before my friend bought it.

When I bought my M635csi, I decided to build a register of those. It was actually not that difficult because there were only around 20 delivered new to NZ - and every car club in the country was able to reveal what cars lived in their respective communities. I ended up meeting a fellow enthusiast from Melbourne who was doing the same thing (Australia only had 2 delivered through their dealership network - but about 100 got imported from the UK). Its great to see how with every model generally the sales have increased (however it looks like the sales of the E63 exceeds the F13. Your car is beautiful Gary!

After looking at the vehicle discussed here in 2002, I ended up buying a Sth African import- a few weeks later. It was identical in spec to the NZ New 535is - had a bodykit including rear boot spoiler (which actually looks good on the E34) , had the M spec suspension, grey leather electric sports seats, auto-dipping rear view mirror, LSD, and 17" imitation throwing stars. It was in a very unusual colour- almost a plum red - but not burgundy. Amazing car. Only owned it for 6 months as I managed to secure my dream car - an E24 M6 - so it had to go!

I live in San Francisco. 😀 Probably deserve the crap - living away from NZ!

Sorry Olaf, I understand what you mean - but I still still think that statement - " you have been searching for the best E34 in NZ" possibly could be interpreted that that this car is in fact the best E34 in NZ. Either way, I didn't mean to upset anyone - I have known about this car for nigh on 20 years, and have been a huge advocate of the vehicle whenever it has appeared for sale over the last several years (and it has been discussed many times on this forum). Sorry if people took umbrage to my comment - however I will say that there are some other wonderful E34's in NZ too.

Just read the actual copy of the advert. Pretty bold statement -'best E34 in NZ.' What about the 3.8 E34 M5 in violet that sold 6-12 months ago on trademe, or the 60,000km 3.6 M5 in Sterling grey, now owned by Boris Radich, not to mention the Hell red 540is 6-speed that lives in Auckland with anecdotally only 20,000 kms on the clock (or some of the lovely examples of 540is's still lurking about)? I agree this is a very special car and is arguably the best E34 535is in NZ by virtue of its condition and provenance. I actually like the way the advert reads. However, not sure I would write 'best E34 in NZ.'

When I first saw the car it sat on 17" Schnitzer - type 1's. Looked grouse. I still remember my 535is having a fabulous sounding stereo -even if it was just a factory radio /cassette head unit. Epic sound. Much better than the M-audio in my E39 M5. M for 'meh.'

Amazing how prices have changed with all of these types of rare cars. I sold my 535is in 2003 for $10k and a friend sold his with 200,000 kms in 2005 for $3.5k - and it was tidy!

I just about bought this car in 2002 when it was being sold by an owner in Forest Hill, North Sore, Auckland. It was mint back then - about 120,000 kms. The owner wanted $17,500 - which I thought was too high at the time. Despite that, it was a mint car. Boris Radich who was a Bimmersporter here bought it off the subsequent owner, 4-5 years later. Boris is a E34 enthusiast - and he went bonkers 'bringing back' an already mint example. One of the freaky cars that has had so much love bestowed upon it from previous custodians that it's appearance and condition belies it's relatively hefty mileage.

So true, that's what they do! Lived there for 6 years- there are very few opportunities to enjoy high powered cars in Singapore (yet it has a ridiculous amount of people who own luxury cars). So they go over the border to Malaysia where they enjoy beautiful highways which lend themselves to high speeds. So lots of Singaporeans head out around midnight on the weekends to enjoy high speed driving in Malaysia (where they apparently try bribing the cops). The only other risk ? Car-jacking! Singaporeans with luxury cars get targeted!

Yes, it was a common theme to hear that the a particular 8 series during the 90's- was the MD of BMW's personal transport! In other words, due to the asking price they didn't exactly race out of the dealership! My car is a 96'build but was sold new in 98' and is a 840ci sport - despite being cheaper than the V12! Gerry Hodges had a fantastic 6 speed 840ci that was a 95' build but sold in 1999' - leading may people to believe it had the M62 -opposed to the M60 V8 that it had. I agree, shame the 850csi came later, and was poorly marketed / distributed by BMW (none came to NZ new) . Even today, many people are oblivious of how special the CSI was, and how different it was to the standard 850i. If it was launched at the outset of the release of the E31 it would have presented a totally different message to the market. Jeremy Clarkson was incredibly complimentary about the 850csi. The 8's are a very pretty car too - thie granite silber example looks superb. I'd add a CSI body kit / M mirrors to give it a little more presence though!

The E24 M6 was my first love, and I figured I would always get a E63 M6 - however after initially liking them, have gone completely cold on them. The F13 is totally different though - gorgeous from ever angle! Congratulations - and a lovely colour. Good work.

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