RobD

You can't import an E46 M3 anymore, unless it's one of the 2006-onwards models which meet Euro 4 emissions compliance. Unless your budget stretches that far you will most likely be stuck waiting for a car already in NZ to come up for sale.

Turner Motorsport is a great place to buy. Makes local prices for genuine parts just come across as obscene and designed for people who don't know that there are other places to look. It's a given that BMW ownership is going to be a little more pricey than owning a more mainstream car, but it's usually worth it. Now that there are independent specialists out there that is a big help. My DSC pump on the 335i needs to be replaced - $2,500 just for the part from BMW, or $450+GST to have mine rebuilt by Burger's Motorworks with a recognised rebuild kit commonly used in the UK. $2K + main dealer labour costs is a big price difference

I agree. Unless there's a compelling reason to sell, I'd keep it. It's a rare car with genuine pedigree and it's something we would all love to own. Find a way to hang on to it even if it means buying a clapped out Pulsar to get you from A to B.

I think it's a case of the pool of potential buyers being tiny. Very few people are going to pay $30K for a 14 year old car, as amazing a piece of engineering it is - especially in this country where people see older European cars as unreliable moneypits. For perspective, you can buy a very highly specified 2002 E39 M5 in the UK for about 8,000 quid / $16,000, which is peanuts, but again people are having trouble selling them unless to an enthusiast. Just the way it goes unfortunately. $30K will also get you a decent brand new car these days, and as much as I love my E90 335i, at times part of me would rather own one of those worry free little numbers!!

Hi all, Due to a change in personal circumstances, I am looking to sell my car, which I only recently brought back with me from the UK. Spec is as follows: 134,000 KM - full BMW service history from the UK (serviced 5,000 km ago in London) Previously owned by BBC Top Gear creative director! Genuine M Sport car with all associated gear - body, suspension, wheels, interior etc Sapphire black with lemon Dakota leather and anthracite headlining 6-speed manual iDrive with widescreen (needs NZ DVD for navigation) Bluetooth Voice control Extended lighting package inside and out 8 airbags DSC iPod compatible Adaptive cruise control Auto xenons Auto wipers Heated semi electric seats Rear park distance control Push button start 18" type 193 alloys - unmarked Michelin Pilot Sport 2 (255/35/18 rear - 225/40/18 front) New brake rotors and pads Excellent condition inside and out - very few marks Recent WOF and registration Beautiful to drive - all you've heard about the torque of this engine is true If anyone is genuinely interested I'm more than happy to meet in Auckland or surrounds to show the car. Looking for sensible offers above $30K thanks. 0221 767 762

Hi all, Due to a change in personal circumstances, I am looking to sell my car, which I only recently brought back with me from the UK. Spec is as follows: 134,000 KM - full BMW service history from the UK (serviced 5,000 km ago in London) Previously owned by BBC Top Gear creative director! Genuine M Sport car with all associated gear - body, suspension, wheels, interior etc Sapphire black with lemon Dakota leather and anthracite headlining 6-speed manual iDrive with widescreen (needs NZ DVD for navigation) Bluetooth Voice control Extended lighting package inside and out 8 airbags DSC iPod compatible Adaptive cruise control Auto xenons Auto wipers Heated semi electric seats Rear park distance control Push button start 18" type 193 alloys - unmarked Michelin Pilot Sport 2 (255/35/18 rear - 225/40/18 front) New brake rotors and pads Excellent condition inside and out - very few marks Recent WOF and registration Beautiful to drive - all you've heard about the torque of this engine is true If anyone is genuinely interested I'm more than happy to meet in Auckland or surrounds to show the car. Looking for sensible offers above $30K thanks. 0221 767 762

Thanks guys - I really appreciate it. D Day tomorrow..

Hi guys, Thought I'd introduce myself and the new car, which (fingers crossed) will pass compliance today. It's a 2007 335i M Sport 6 speed manual. I've been living in the UK for the last 8 years, and decided to bring the ultimate memento back! Looking forward to driving it here considering the roads are a little less congested and all.... It's standard at the moment, but it has had new turbos and injectors to sort out the common bugs. Otherwise it's pretty much unmarked. I only drove it 25 miles through London from the seller's house to the shipping agent's yard, and all I can remember is an ocean of torque. Bring on the good old Kiwi road trip.... ! Cheers, Rob