318Touring

+1 with the 545. Better and more agile car, you'd get the same amount of toys, and you could possibly get HUD in the 545 (or did it come with the 550?). I was once in the same position, 735 or 530. I bought the 530 and never once disappointed with my decision. Depreciation wise, I think E60 has better (lower) depreciation rate than E65.

RS4 looks and sounds awesome. But, at that mileage you'd need to do the cambelt (unless the V8 doesn't have one?), plus brakes (possibly - ceramic?). I know it costs an eye watering amount for ceramic brakes for Porsches, which I'm thankful that mine isn't equipped with one.

I hear ya re prices etc. Pricing for the same tyres between the local shop and UK shop, $1400 (fitted) and $750 (not fitted but delivered to my front door). Johno, can you PM me? I'd like to look at several options. Perfect replacement would be Conti Sport Contact 225/40/ZR18 N2 but would it work with other, cheaper brands? Rears are 285/30/18, Conti Sport Contact N2.

bumped

Hey thank for that Tom. The price difference is amazing, although you're quite right TR is not the cheapest. I'll have to do some research and emailing around to compare prices. Also might be cheaper using kiwi shipping (as above). Two tyres will be US$75 + local US shipping. You make a good point about age. How important is age actually? The owner's handbook mentions that tyres above 6 yo should be relaced. However, does age really affect performance and safety? I don't track the Porker so I shouldn't be worried about peformance at 100mph. And no, I don't speed (up to 100mph) on public road.

I'm putting the data into my spreadsheet to see what will be cheaper if I have to pay duty and GST, individual imports or two tyres at the same time. Since Customs don't collect GST if the total the take is less than $50(?). Only 6 quid difference in shipping cost. Have you looked at this crowd, Kiwi Shipping? They are in California. The quote I get is $75us up to 15cbft then $5 thereafter, to Wellington. I haven't worked out how big / much 15cbft is. Might work out cheaper if I get parts for my Porker at the same time.

I think tyres attract 5% duty. Did you get charged this tax? From a UK Porsche shop, the cost of these tyres are around 40% cheaper including all of the shipping, tax and GST costs.

How are you shipping them to NZ, I thought TR doesn't post overseas? I saw Pirelli PZero for $300 here (buytyresonline.co.nz) and US$200 at TR, although I'm not sure whether the NZ's ones are PZero Rosso.

Has anyone done this, any pitfalls, did you save money by importing them yourself? I'd be interested to hear stories, advice etc. A set from the UK or US although not really sure its cost effectiveness.

Have you got a good set of two 225/40/18 tyres? Seems you have lots lying around from the picture above :-)

Since the E60 is long gone, I don't need these parts anymore. They are genuine BMW parts, and at less than half of what your BMW dealer is charging you're saving $$$. Usual place

If anyone has used ones with good tread left on them, and no repair or uneven wear.

$85 a year through Fintel.

I just want to see some German (car) p0rn. I'm always keen to see pictures of BMWs and Porsches.

Ha ha

Midas, I supply the oil. Usually waiting for specials at the Warehouse. Just kidding! Jeff Gray for the previously owned 5. DIY for the Compact, I have ramps, jack-stands etc. Easy to do. Oil would be whatever been approved for use in BMWs, and in stock at the local Repco store. Fully synthetic. Armstrong Prestige or more likely Powerhaus for the Porker. Oil supplied, 5W50 Mobil 1.

Take a picture with the finest from Munich and Stuttgart side-by-side.

What about photos of the porker?

Cambelt? Coming up at 100,000kms. I had an A3 as a loaner for a week. Personally if I had to pay, I'll buy a 3 series Compact over an A3.

There were never enough Porsches :-)

bumped ....

Good luck, will be interesting to hear what you think of it. I almost bought one before getting the P car. Quite surprising the cheapest one is $65k, the dealer must be on P.

Won it as part of a competition? Happens all the time.

Have you spoken with the sales person you bought the vehicle from? Express your disappointment on this overall nonsense you get from the service department?

So they have to replace the alternator, and get the car on the road, right? Tell them that you don't care what they need to do to fullfil their obligations, as long as the car is back on the road. And fixed. Properly.