318Touring

Didn't know about them until just now. Thanks, will look into this.

Nice, thanks for the confirmation - I'll give it a try. Do you use the BlackBox Sistemi software by any chance?

As you know the Fxx Series cars have their service history stored in iDrive and sync'ed to BMW, which can only be done by authorised BMW dealers. However, if DIY or using independent garage you can still add an entry to iDrive but not sync'ed to BMW, and the records will be wiped out if the car is ever sync'ed to BMW. I still would like to add the work I've done myself or by a non-BMW garage in iDrive for completeness and piece of mind of future buyer of my car. Now to add a service entry you will need the software and the OBD2 cable. I've watched this video below, where he's provided a link to download the software and where to buy the cable. Unfortunately it is no longer available from the Amazon shop. I'd like to hear from others here who've had done this of where they did get the cable from. Cables in Aliexpress are being promoted for their abilities to change settings and not adding service history, which is want I need.

Not sure yet as I don't actually need much after checking with the dealership. I thought I'll need spark plugs, air filter etc. but they said I just need an oil change (I don't think my 2013, 47k car has ever had a spark plug change). I'm wondering how they can tell without a service book and iDrive is useless. Anyway I might do an oil change this year and a big service next year with pads change thrown in for good measures.

I contacted them and while their system can't deduct VAT, they said they will 'manually' refund the VAT component (21%) once you've ordered and paid.

Nice, now you have $20k for yet another toy!! Bringing it up to standard can be chalked up to 'maintenance' based on man-math.

Try this, not very accurate but might be good enough (NZ only) https://www.carjam.co.nz/nz-fleet/?order_by=count_desc&year=&make=BMW&model=m6

Thanks everyone, must be this one https://hansensauto.co.nz/

If I was going to get a MINI through a proper PPI (not AA inspection), anyone knows of a garage that knows their BMW/MINI cars inside out?

A thorough test drive will need to be part of the buying process - unfortunately this won't be a simple exercise of PPI, deposit, fly-in, pay the remainder and drive home ..... Lots of tall club members (PCNZ) own Boxsters or Caymans. Or talk to Reuben from Powerhaus Thorndon, he's rather tall, he's quite friendly and can give provide real-life experience.

Have you considered a Boxster? It is not a hair-dresser car. Mid-engined (better than 911 for handling), flat-6, proper Porsche set up - and if you can get manual the better but 'beggars can't be choosers' eh. People that have bought Boxsters are really happy with their purchasing decision. I 'might' also be looking for a Boxster (you can't have too many Porsches), some pointers: - bigger chance of bore-scoring on S cars (bigger engine capacity) - there is still the IMS question (2002-2004 has the weakest IMS bearing, apparently) - 986 and 987.1 only - 'til 2008/2009, Tip box is a Merc gearbox, bullet-proof and easy to repair if something goes wrong

A bit OT as this is not a BMW, still a German marque, going strong. Original owner too: one careful owner, well-looked after and driven, sun and snow, 647,000 miles

He hasn't shown the full life cycle on each car (buy -fix - sell), like Wheeler Dealer. But he is still quite new to this - and editing videos is very time consuming and would feel like another day job.

Anyone following this guy? https://www.youtube.com/c/M539Restorations Lots of respect to him as this is not his day job but he takes exceptional care when working and putting things together. He's also not trying to be deliberately silly or stupid like other Youtubers chasing the million subscriber mark. I quite enjoy watching his videos even though I don't own an E46, E31 or E38, watching him take these apart and putting them together again is very therapeutic.

Welcome to the P-car world!

BMW goodness starting at 26:11, but what the heck, watch the whole video for car goodness in general

Happy wife, happy life ....

And what a collection!!

Read the owner's manual here, search for Petrol Grade, p236

We have had ours coming up to 4 years now. It's been a good car, it has enough power to do a South Island tour comfortably, economical (takes 95 though), no issue whatsoever, material is and does feel superior to a Corolla or Mazda. I was looking to get another one for my son but bought a 2015 Mazda2 at the end because I couldn't find an F20 that was reasonably priced (i.e. not from a dealer). While the Mazda is better equipped, being a Limited, the build quality is in line with where it is positioned in the market which is lower than BMW. The 1 series drives better too, still has that BMW feeling of a perfect balance between sportiness and control. Sure it takes about 9-10 seconds to go from 0 to 100 but who cares, I always manage to pass everyone going up the Rimutakas. Fun comes from being able to chuck it into a corner and knowing that you won't end up in the bushes. Cons: stupid BMW 24 months servicing schedule, run flat tyres, expensive servicing at BMW dealer.

I've got one

I'll be doing the same later on this year, and been keeping an eye on this thread. One area that I put as priorities will be on safety and convenience more than 'fun' because as a daily-driver, I can't remember the last time I could have fun in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Things like: more than 4 airbags, EBD (ABS is a given), lane-assist, crash avoidance, pre-tensioner seat-belt, active cruise, traction control, auto wiper, auto headlights, Xenon lights (I even heard that some Leafs have LED!). Obviously the budget is higher than $10k but definitely not $20k for a car that will be left out in the elements most of its life. Some of the modern Korean/Japanese runabouts have some or most of the above features. 1 series has most of the above features though, and anything else older is out.

If you live in London and have too many cars, you'd want to call this crowd. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X-FwJO1xZM Ok, so 50 psi, racing fuel, put a drop of engine oil down each spark plug hole and rock the car...

More pics please!!

Others indicated they have motorcycle helmets, but according to the internet (I know!), motorcycle helmets are designed to withstand different events to car e.g. tarmac is different to rollcage etc.