zara

Welcome, what Nissan did you have? I've had a couple of Nissan's and I certainly wouldn't say they're not "real cars". Just generally a different crowd, different tastes.

Update! On TM now http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings....?member=2287008

Bit of a left field answer here, but are you considering anything non-BMW? Economy + reliability seems to be easier found in other marques. IMO BMW hasn't really made a good hatch until the M135i. I find the 1 series' ride to be too harsh for daily in Auckland traffic without any perks to offset it (such as superb handling or power). What's your budget?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/...n-563924900.htm Could be a good buy for someone that's willing to spend a bit of time, it's at least $15k cheaper than other 645ci's.

Update, everything is now on TM Please check my listings: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings....?member=2287008 Hey guys, cleaning some stuff out, got these for sale. 2 x 10' Fusion subs + Fusion amp BS price: $250 12' Pioneer sub + Soundstream amp BS price: $180 and 2x Infinity Reference 6x9 BS price: $80 Cheers Jonathan

Thanks for pointing that out! I noticed it a few days ago. ...and I ended up with a 540i! Will have a thread tomorrow when Glenn can get a look at the drama causing radiator.

What's interesting to note is that Toyota is fully capable of making a full on sports car and super car. The Lexus LFA which only a few have driven is said to be one of the purest motoring experiences available. The 86, though not a full on sports car (Mr Spoon said so), it's quite refreshing in the new car department. The old Supras, MR2s and Celica's were all very capable cars in their own right, particularly the Supra. I would say, IMO, Toyota knows more than BMW about how to build a sports car. At least it seems so from the past 2 decades. HOWEVER! Toyota has no clue how to build a luxury sports saloon/coupe. It can be argued that nobody knows how to grasp the winning formula of the 3 series. In a very recent interview, the new head engineering responsible for the IS series of Lexus said specifically that it's his goal to make the IS overtake the 3 series as the benchmark for performance compact sedans. Now...what would the collaboration between BMW and Toyota mean for the Lexus IS? I wonder....

Hybrid: Yup all the cars I'm looking at are 98 onwards, will be using VIN to check. Any tell-tale signs of facelift? As far as I can tell, the lights in pre-98 are different (orange indicators) Apex: I'm not expecting any BMWs in my price range to handle anywhere close to the Type R, which I'm ok with. Looking for more of a compromise. Allan: Yup I've seen those but not really considering the 328's as I think the 40hp will make quite a difference? Besides not motorsport The Diesel Guy: Not really wanting a vert as it can seem a bit more a hair-dressers car. Only convertible I would own atm is an MX-5, which is oddly more of a hair-dresser's car but imo drives fantastically and has more character. Elmarco: Is yours a motorsport? I'm really fussy about it for the suspension and bodykit (less of an issue) MattA: A 540i manual would be very nice, but you just simply can't find them. That and I'm not really into spending money modifying cars at this stage so it'll be close to OEM. I did see Brent's E34 and I'm a bit tempted, but it's a tad old (although the E34 is actually my favourite body style 5er) I guess I'll find some time to test drive more examples, then head down to hamilton to try the manual one. So.....anybody know a good inspection place in Hamilton?

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll add a few more pieces of info: >I will almost always drive the car alone or with my gf, so the 2 extra doors and huge interior space isn't a necessity, though it would be nice on long trips with friends. >She has a Honda fit, which we will probably drive on short/around town trips. If I got a 540i it would be reserved for longer trips or when I have to drive myself (we don't live together) >I could very well be moving into the city centre in April, hence most of my commuting would be done without a car. At the moment I bus into the city anyway. The car would be an evening car, a weekend car and a long distance car. It might be used on a day-to-day basis but I won't be driving it much. >Right now I have 2 cars, a Honda Accord for daily duties and a track-prepped Integra Type R. I've sold the ITR and selling the Accord in April to downsize to 1 car. I've always had a 2nd weekend car (quite fast ones too) so I'm hesitant in getting anything less powerful (I mean power to weight actually) than a 330ci. >Whatever car I own, I'll be selling at the end of the year as I'll most likely leave the country. >I won't spend all my $ on purchasing the car, esp not an European. And as for my dilemma, I have actually sat down and discussed with myself both cars for a week now, including test driving 1 of each example (no time this week). I love the power and luxury of the 540i but the nimble and most likely cheaper maintenance of the 330ci. Ideally, I want both, no element right now is "worth" less in my mind, maybe apart from luxury which I can deal with having a bit less of. (sorry not too sure how to multi-quote on this forum yet) Allanw: Thanks for your insight, it's interesting to see how 530i's are costing as much if not more than 540i's, even if both are motorsport packages. I would be considering doing manual swaps if I was a few years younger, but I've gotten over the stage of modifying cars now and really can't be bothered much. I don't mind the auto but manual is definitely preferred. Christian: It is me mate! Switching back into the dark side now I've sold my ITR. I don't expect anything in the BMW range that's in my price bracket to be as fast or handle anywhere near my ITR (no offence guys). What I'm after here is a bit of a compromise, a car that can triple duty as daily, gran tourer and spirited driving. Allan: Thanks mate, I've done exactly that over the last week actually. I'm sure I want the motorsport package for the seats, steering wheel and suspension. I'm also sure I want a sunroof unless the deal is too good to ignore, and that the E46 must be a 330ci. Other than that I haven't gotten anywhere hybrid: When did the TU motors get phased into production? I drove a 2000 540i and 03 330ci back to back, although they're about as fast up to 100kph ish, the 540i felt much better due to the mountain of torque. I didn't go any faster than the legal limit but no doubt the 540i would take it from there. Once again sorry for long replies, I really do just want some opinions as I've got a lot on my own already. The 540i is attracting me a bit more atm purely due to my torque-withdrawal after owning a couple of Hondas (had 2 twin turbo Zs before that), though funny enough the 330ci is most likely more "practical" for me. Also, anyone know where I can trust to do pre-purchase inspections in Hamilton and ChCh? The manual 330ci is still my top pick

Hey all, been around here before but looking at getting back into a BMW. Currently I have around $13k to play with after selling my Type R, looking for a car that's good at being a daily, awesome on the open road and not bad through the twisties. Which brings me to a dilemma I'm sure some have faced before, between a 330ci or 540i. Both M-sport. A few examples I'm considering are: 330ci: This is my top pick for being manual http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=538831774 Then it's between the following 2, one has sunroof, the other has a colour I like more. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/...n-534666339.htm http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=554906949 I'm also considering this one, however it lacks a sunroof and is a tad rough around the edges, though it drives fine (has an aftermarket exhaust of some kind which I don't like) and I think the price reflects it http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=556297571 As for the 540i, here are my considerations. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=522330510 This one may be out of my price range http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/...n-553024519.htm Why is this so cheap? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/...n-545532813.htm And K's a bit high? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=554594454 So here a few of my questions, >Who can I trust to do an independent inspection of the Hamilton and ChCh cars? All Auckland ones I'll be test driving and bringing to Glenn at Botany Motor Worx. >What should I particularly pay attention for when test driving E46s and E39s? I know from research the cooling systems are a bit weak on both? >Anything I should know on the particular cars I've filtered out? >Your thoughts/opinions/experience with 330ci and 540i's, particularly maintenance and fuel costs. I've test driven both back to back, my impression is the E46 is much better around corners and better on fuel, whilst the E39 is more powerful and more luxurious. However I couldn't take them for long drives so I can't judge yet. >Anything else I should know? I've actually done quite a bit of reading on both cars already but still can't make up my mind. Obviously I'll be test driving them all but I would like to know as much about them on NZ roads as possible. Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.

Thanks guys. No other car apart from daily. Could be going overseas, and family got hit hard by recession, hence selling. Would be very sad to see it go, had many things planned for her. I know, I know, the mufflers. The previous owner put them on, I do like how it sounds, not how it looks. Stock resonator, and mufflers will be included so it can easily be reverted to stock. Radar detector has always worked. Not included in sale, but can be easily negotiated.

Probably a futile attempt, but my 850's for sale. Genuine reason for sale, not related to previous "incident" Genuine inquiries only please, no immature replies thanks. TM link: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C...n-323454502.htm Can shave some $$ off asking price if someone's got cash.

Yeah except the V35 skylines and the old R3x skylines are two completely different cars sharing a same name. 1300 really was trying very very hard, but 1100 is quite realistic without having to try much. I was very much amazed myself when 200km into the drive, the on board computer said I still had 950km of juice! However when it comes to pure around town driving it drops to anywhere between 400~480km a tank, which works out to be 5.7km/L to 6Km/L, a very believable figure for a 3L. Engine efficiency and drag probably has a lot to do with this. The Skyline's Cd is only 0.26, same as the Prius. It's not a light car either, so I'm guessing if it was powered by a 2L I4 it'll probably get worse fuel economy. What's surprising is the 350GT Sedan gets very much the same mileage as the 3L, despite being a lot quicker and more powerful, thanks to the 8 speed CVT I guess. I have no problem with people being surprised about the fuel economy figures, it's how people jump straight to conclusions and start speculating that gets me. I mean why would I want to lie about the fuel economy of a car I sold half a year ago to a group of people I have never met before? And what's so entertaining about trying to put a fellow BMW owner down....for doing nothing provocative, nor anything wrong in general anyway?

Why is that unbelievable? Have you ever owned one? Full tank is roughly 70L, it will easily go 1100km with pure motorway driving, that's 15.7 KM/L or 6.4 ish/100. To and from Wellington was done with hyper-miling techniques such as taping up the bonnet gaps (not grill), using low rolling resistance tyres and staying behind large trucks as much as possible. I was also travelling at 75~80kph the whole time, as that's when the car was most "effecient" so to speak. Auckland to Wellington is 650km roughly, to and from is 1300. Not that much of a distance. If you're gonna crack a 200kph joke, make it funny. At least try?

25L/100Km WAY too easily around town 12L/100Km conservative driving pure motorway 14L/100Km normal motorway driving 35L/100Km Gunning it around town setting off alarms M70 850i As far as I know, those figures are actually normal My old 2001 Skyline 300GT (V6 262hp RWD) gets around 1100Km from 70L on open roads with many passes and several spirited stints. With very conservative driving, I've gotten the car from Auckland to Wellington AND back with 1 very full tank.

Oh I've been stupid. Somehow I remember it being the V8 one. Oh well, there's a short write-up if someone wants to know the difference between the two engines in this car....

Because the 850 is a lot more expensive to own, and doesn't really "justify" it in term of performance. The V12 is silk smooth yes, but unless you're being extremely picky and do nothing but sit in your car and listen for vibrations all day, you wouldn't know the difference between the V8 and V12 (in terms of smoothness). M60 parts are much easier to find than M70, a lot cheaper, and more people know how to work on them than the M70. Only justification for having an M70 over the M60 realistically is the idea of "if you're going to own the most prestigious car made by a prestigious brand, BMW, then you might as well own the top of the model". And with that being said, not many have a CSi. Pics don't tell ANYTHING about the car. I would rather have that V8 one with a dent in it than the V12 if it's been looked after properly (which as stated above hasn't). NEVER get a 8 series that hasn't been looked after, unless you're ready to spend at least half of what you bought it for immediately. They are a nightmare when acting up, but gorgeous when it's running right Lastly, mileage really isn't an issue for these engines, especially the V12. It's bulletproof. The electronics not so much, but the engine itself is very very well made.

Real helpful reply guys, thanks a lot. The Ebay bushings don't seem to last long, but I'll investigate into it. Looks like a good alternative. Cheers everyone. I'll also explore the M5 route

My thoughts exactly. Except the E31 guys aren't really....quick in replies so to speak so I'm still waiting, and I certainly can't afford to get some M5 parts and experiment around. Thanks for the advice everyone. @Glenn, Yeah, being able to afford a 20yr old supercar certainly doesn't mean being able to afford the upkeep. Speaking of which, I need to visit you one day with other E31 related issues (heard great things about you). Are you familiar with the M70 or the E31 chassis? I'm kinda new to BMW's, in fact, this is my first European car....great way to get way beyond your head right?

My front lower control arms, in BMW language "left+right aluminium wishbone" part number 31121138477 and 31121138478 (different sides) are completely stuffed. The only replacement method would be to buy the whole arm as you can't press the bushings into them. So I rang BMW, and they come to...$670 EACH! And that's at trade price too, retail and you're looking close to $800 (I get it at trade). So the question is, are there any places I could possibly find aftermarket replacements? Other E31 owners from bimmersport.com have told me M5 (I'm guessing E34) ones fit too, so anywhere for aftermarket M5 parts? Car is 1990 BMW 850i, plate FAW176, will provide VIN if needed.

Hope you wrote a note for the parked car with the E34's plate and your contact details as witness.

Theres a Chinese shop in Newmarket that does WOF for $25 last time I went with my 300ZX. They barely check anything, not even the rear lights. I'm not promoting sub-par WOF places, just sometimes you really need one. I would suggest though, for your safety (I do WOF's at the workshop I work at) and to prevent the possibility of expensive bills in the future (i.e from oil leak otherwise unknown to you but spotted during WOF) go to a shop that's strict but reasonable. For example (shameless advertising, will edit if against the rules) the workshop I work at, which is Tiverton Automotive near Blockhouse Bay. I've seen so many horrible jobs at VTNZ it's ridiculous. At our place we take the car for a quick drive around the block, put it on a hoist, and actually check for tie rods, oil leaks, exhaust leaks, etc etc. The boss isn't a going to tell you something's broken when it's not to rip you off though. (Did you know Pit Stop I think, trains their mechanic to spot or make up $60 worth of repairs on WOF for some cars?) We charge $40 and it actually takes us 30~40min for a WOF unlike many other 5min jobs I've seen done before.

Sorry haven't got photos yet, have been reluctant to take her out because it's a troublesome process (to get up to temp with almost no power. Shut the car off, wait for 10 mins, restart car which has full power now, blow all the smoke out at somewhere undisturbing) The previous owner has had the trouble diagnosed just before the change of hands of the car and has promised to pay for all repairs at Burger Motor Works. The car will be worked on Tuesday, so updates then.

Yea I'm getting that sorted out on Tuesday. I see you have a yellow one. I have been offered a very seductive price to paint mine yellow, contemplating. So far I have gathered me, you and SSBMW have e31's on this forum.

EML warning light stays on, so I'm guessing it's that? Throttle body apparently. Hi, Charlie. Want to give some input?