E30 325i Rag-Top

From the messages on here it sounds like it was a success despite the best efforts of the weather - which is great news. Well done Fearghus on pulling it all together. Plans for next year would be awesome, although I think you will find that the availability of the track is pretty scarce in the summer months - gets a bit busy with other meetings when the sun is supposed to be out. Anythings worth a try though.

Doesn't want tyre kickers but lists on TradeMe.. How does that work?

I've got a couple in the shed, pretty sure both are for coupes and in good nick.

I thought it was a photo from a speed camera for a minute Dave, then I remembered, you don't break the law

Not that bad compared to where exactly... Antartica??

Letting people know where you are located will help.. it's not listed on your profile.

It's Ok, I won't mention it to the other committee members...

I have got a complete M20B23 head, which I believe bolts up onto a B20 block. Others might be able to confirm or deny... And I think it has bigger valves and a more aggressive cam as it's the 150bhp later version. Will be down in Palmy this week-end so could deliver if interested...

The importer of the car is also liable under the Sale of Goods Act if you look at the definitions closely. Something smells fishy with the car, at the least it's a honest mistake which should be rectified. Start kicking up as much fuss as possible and see who ducks for cover...

The uber rich collect these M3s.. Looks like a nice one, more details here... http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/e30-m3-86-92/e30-m3-sport-evolution/2999295 Not sure what the exchange rate is at the moment, but that's roughly $180k.

That's because you can spend money on a car to make it go faster and handle better, you can't spend money on a car to make it a Genuine Tech I or Tech II. Plus you can only go 100kph on NZs road's so why worry about performance?

Don't get me wrong, I really do hope this is a big success. Especially as Fearghus is putting so much of his own time and effort into it. But for the clash with the racing I would be in like Flynn.

Unfortunately there are some very loose compliance centres out there, that can be "persuaded" to let things slide.

Only if you want to pay for the car to be independently evaluated against emissions controls, not even sure there is anywhere in NZ that can do that for you?? The entry certifier can only go off the manufacturer's information for the vehicle, so if you did re-flash the ECU even though it would comply in theory they would need evidence that it now complied with the higher standard. Well, that's what they are SUPPOSED to do anyway, but from some of the vehicles that are coming in at the moment, let's just say some are a little bit "loose" in their interpretations of the requirements!

In the UK? A quick browse of Piston Heads has prices from GBP6.5k for a 2003 Manual Coupe done 69,000 miles. A couple of 'verts for less if you're that way inclined. It's a private sale so you could probably haggle them down a few hundy from there... Not sure how that compares with Japanese prices, exchange rates, etc. There is an option code number for EU4 emissions compliance, can't remember what it is off the top of my head, should show up on the build sheet.

There are some late model E46 M3s that do just about meet the required emissions regulations. If you are looking at Japanese versions it may get a bit more complicated due to their different regulations and classifications for emissions (quite a few people are getting caught out on these at the moment). I'm not sure you can get a Certificate of Compliance for a Japanese car, I think it's more an EU thing, and that is what gives all the emissions details that you need. It might pay to look closer at UK ones as these can definitely have a CoC provided. Aaaaannnnddd cue all the comments about rust...

The ultra low mileage is certainly a factor in the price, not many cars around with only that amount of distance travelled. Also the condition of the car looks to be immaculate, it's not been sat in a barn for 15+ years and needing everything replaced. And the fact it is (or is being presented as) a genuine Europameister. These "top end" collectable E30 M3s are heading into the stratosphere at the moment, and pulling up the prices of all the others with them, grr. Can't wait for the next GFC to hit...

Good choice!

I know of one Limited Edition E30 M3 in NZ, I think it is a Europameister, but it could be a Ravaglia / Cecotto edition I've never seen it in the flesh. I doubt very much they would be looking to sell any time soon, they might be looking to buy a "Spare" one though..?

A lot of the difference could come from their definition of "factory recommended parts" as, technically, the factory only refer to Genuine Parts. Whereas some might use oils that "meet BMW LL-01 standard" and " OEM Quality" filters, etc.

Wow indeed, only a Sport Evolution is more sought after than the Europameister, plus this has ridiculously low miles to go with the mint condition. And that's not the listing price Dan, that's what the bidding is actually up to at the moment! Not sure if it has his reserve, as I can't remember how that works on eBay. Ah, just read all the blurb and seen where he calculates a value for the car - will be interesting to see how close the bidding gets to that!

HP+ are a good pad, I have some more on the way from the US now, and agree with the above comments. As mentioned before, don't forget about the front/rear bias. Something as "racy" as the HP+ in the front would be a bit out of balance with OE in the rear. Wouldn't be an issue on the road for normal use, but at a track day it could get a bit interesting late on in a session once the HP+ are working well and the rears are starting to go off a bit.

Personally I would just give them a good bleed when doing the pads. Chances are the fluid level will be pretty high once you have pushed the pistons back in to make room for the new pads, so bleeding a bit out while your there is no big deal.

^^ +1 and still looking good!

I was wondering when the i8 would get snapped on the Southern Motorway doing it's "test runs". Styling looks amazing in the flesh and the performance is pretty good too, sounds incredible for a PHEV when it's given some boot. Mind you, the i3 is probably even more impressive in terms of its acceleration, although that might be because my expectations were a bit lower for a full electric car.