MrDevine

Hey David – well done! Nigel is a good guy out at Showcars eh? Sorry I'm not sure about the head unit, I was contemplating putting in a Dinavin unit which is made for that space and has all the latest tech (or restoring it to factory). PM If you want to know anything else.

Hey Team – I traded the 540i for an R129 500SL. I think Showcars would have let it go circa $7500 – I was happy to drive in and drive out not having to deal with trademe. Was a little surprised how quickly it sold however a great whip and well maintained of course. Ace, Mr D

@EUROLESS Yes agree – will admit I'd not seen a runout 2003 for sale on TM when I brought it so paid a premium ($11k). Might run a $1 auction and see how it lands if the E55 purchase comes through.

Hi Team – although I've enjoyed owning my 3rd 540i – I'm bored two years in and looking for something different to drive. Have my eye on a W210 E55 at the moment. It's been awesome on long runs from Auckland to my place in the Hokianga and I'd like something similar (E55 fits the bill) Any thoughts on valuation for a 2003 540i with 132k on the clock? Is stock apart from BBS wheels and aftermarket stereo. I have maintained it at The Toy Shop with annual services. Recent work includes 2 x coils, cam covers and alternator. Michelin Pilot Sports all around installed last year. Condition wise I'd say 8/10. I know the market pay what it will pay, I note that a 2002 540i that looked rough with 200 plus kms sold for $5250 recently. My thoughts on this example: $9000 Any thoughts or interest welcomed. Ace, Mr D.

Hi Charlie – is this plate still for sale? Ace, C

These are stupidly good cars for the money. I paid $12k for a low mileage 2003 MSport. Certainly well above a good deal but I'm really happy with it. Awesome for long drives and deep into losing your license country. M5 would be better but I don't want to change gears in Auckland. That interior is challenging.

Been wrangled by the Tradin'Post! http://www.tradinpost.co.nz/stock-details.aspx?id=2858173 How much did the seller want on TM? MrD

Hot. https://trademe.co.nz/1183490280

Trivia - if you use the inflation calculator on the reserve bank site - in 2016 dollars that vert would have set you back $184k. You can buy an M3 today for $169k...

Stumbled on the trademe listing from Shore Prestige, previous owner traded up to an M6. Was on trademe a few days, haven't seen many 2003 Msports for sale, and after a manual 996 this is awesome, who needs a manual these days :-)

Will the board monitor work OK in my E39 2003 540i? Could be keen on the CD stacker too.

Hey Brent can you please me with a price?

Yep - warranty can cover that, I've read tensioner to be replaced 150kms? No rattles picked up at bellars at PPI, dealer replaced cam and timing cover gaskets on purchase...

Chez - these wheels need to be refinished, maybe paint the centres bronze and polish the lips?

So previous owner has added an aftermarket alpine unit - keen to restore to OEM. Anyone have a factory radio/multi and cd (can be a stacker). Don't mind tape unit either. Mr D

Chez replies - think I've found a sweet spot setting, I don't think a lumbar retrofit would be the answer. The hack works good - but I'll keep an eye out for sports contours :-)

Take the badges, ridiculous antenna on the boot and you've got a pretty ballsy SEC there. Those cars are classics now, price won't go down.

So, I've only had the 540i for a few days, and have noticed that BMW didn't get the design right on the lumbar 'support' in their sports seats. When test driving the car I thought hmm that feels a little uncomfortable, however surely there is a lumbar adjustment? Whilst fiddling around the the 12 way electric sports seat after delivery, I eventually discover there is no lumbar adjustment. This was a problem as the seat was super uncomfortable and pinching my lower back. Anyway after searching the net I found this DIY hack which retracts the lumbar spring to the seat by cable ties, conveniently there are 3 x holes a 4mm cable tie can be threaded through. HACK 1. Remove 2 x Torx bolts at bottom of the hard seat back (you'll need a T30) 2. Seat back will slide down 3. Thread cable ties through holes (see image) 4. Slide seat back up into position (on the 2003 there are 3 x clips which have their own guide) 5. Insert Torx bolts and you're done. ++ MUCH more comfortable, now I just hope those seams aren't a problem. Kinda stupid to have stitching running down the middle of the lower back portion of the seat. Hopefully useful for someone. Ace, Mr D

Chez, paid a premium for it at $12,500, but not many 2003's I've seen with full m-tech options and 110kms. Those BBS deep dish...

New Whip, tricky to find run out E39 540i. Sold out of the 996 and I get a quad bike for the lifestyle block.

Hey Michael, well done on the quick sale, what did you get for it? Ace, Mr D.

It's back… http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1107092701.htm What are they worth now? $15k? I think old mate paid about $3k off someone in Dunedin who didn't know what it was. Mr D.

Anyone had a look at this? https://trademe.co.nz/891128423 Mr D

Super keen to check this ride. I've been looking at all sorts of vehicles lately from 996 Turbos to R129 SL500's but maybe I just need another E34. This could be 540i #3. If its still for sale, can you call or text please. Clem 0275 599 592 Mr D.

Does no one like Technoviolet? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/cars/bmw/auction-827408989.htm