gjm

Perhaps a little sensation in the headline! Scam? Maybe not... Although I'm sure that is possible, this won't be an isolated incident. As for "Dealership manager Wilson said: “I’m totally against these sorts of cars coming into the country“"... I see no issue with an older vehicle coming in to NZ provided it's history is known and recorded. The car discussed in the article wasn't necessarily used in a scam of any sort - it was just poorly and inaccurately recorded when entering the country - being listed as a 2013 model was more likely a NZTA cock-up than a nefarious attempt to pass it off as a newer model. The 2003 model is an R230 (and has twin headlights), the 2013 (model year) is a R231 and has a single headlight, carried forward from the R230 facelift in 2008. They're quite obviously different even at first glance. However, that's not knowledge a NZTA inspector is likely to have. You could have had a R230 first registered in 2013, but it would look very different to the first generation model from 2003. Unless it had been sitting somewhere, in which case it's obvious. Running a VIN check is pretty easy these days and should put a stop to anyone casually trying to make their car appear newer than it is.

Reliability? Who cares? Photo from a friend in the Phillipines...

$1200 for the plate is a rip-off. Where that leaves $795 for someone placing an order is a whole new game. The whole private plates thing in NZ is a rort. No competition, so prices are sky high.

If you can post the list, that'd be good. Is that from CJ? (I used to take our 320d to Greg Hantz for servicing when I didn't have time.) Would you consider doing some of the smaller stuff yourself? The seats, if not damaged, can be a very rewarding thing to work on. The results are immediately evident and there's the 'I did that' satisfaction from it. Paintwork and trims can be done by a decent body shop. Despite having worked in Hamilton I don't know anyone down that way, but there must be someone. I joined DD in 2013 (I think! - seems like a long time ago) and worked from Anglesea Street for just over 12 months. Great team of people - great memories.

Steve - did you used to be at DD, perhaps with Gary Ilton? I recognise your name... The E38 728i is a good car. Sadly it lives in the shadow of those E38s with V8 engines, but most of 200hp isn't to be sniffed at, and the 728i has the benefit of being (comparatively) economical. It's not a car where restoration costs will be recouped, but you have the best reason for doing it - it's a car you and your partner love. So that leaves the question of where and how to take care of things. How much could you, or would you be prepared to, do yourself?

I do prefer the earlier W124 and the later W211... (As I prefer the W126 and W220 to the W140.) From inside though, a W210 is probably a very nice car. Despite my years of Mercedes ownership, I don't think I have ever been in a W210.

The early W210s were not good. Quality control by accountant gave them a well-deserved poor reputation for quality. Any that are still around should be sorted. The engine is a gem and while it has an autobox, it is one BMW would have killed for. There is something odd about this one, though. First registered, and declared as 'NZ new' in 2013, yet delivered in March 1999. Carjam thinks it is a 2013 car. It is expensive, and without more knowledge of it's history it's tough to see the justification. I'm not a fan of the look of the interior (although it will be very comfortable and supportive), and even the pics show one of the rims to be kerbed.

I think I bought the motivation and enthusiasm kit first... I think it is a value line kit? That'd explain why I made so much progress initially and now can't find them as they'll be at the back of the garage with all subsequent (unused) purchases in front of them.

There's a dedicated Nikon sales NZ group. Not sure if that's the one you meany? The market will be small being NZ-based, which will probably translate to slower trade.

Charlie has muddied the waters a little. Crunchy is Steve. He's a very busy chap as you've found. I'd suggest it is worth the wait. Buy in haste, repent at leisure has never been so true as when looking at forced induction options.

Steve Murch at MSE may be able to help. He may raise his eyebrows at the phrase 'Stage 1' as that doesn't really say what you're after.

Received a message from the seller... No contact details, but apparently someone was keen to swap with him for another car, but the potential swapper's car had a problem so it didn't go ahead.

Working too hard. Sooo tired. Actually had a half-decent start to today and planned to get outside and do something. Motivation was there and even the spirit was willing... The flesh was so weak. When it started to rain there was a definite mixed bag of relief that I had an excuse not to go and do something, and regret for not having got out sooner and got on with it.

I've asked for a phone number. The seller has accepted my message, but hasn't responded with any contact details.

I admit it. I have 'issues'. I see something that looks well-engineered, and it makes me feel all tingly. (Just tingly... Don't get carried away!) How about the CAE shifters? Not cheap, but what do you expect? Conrad Timms - m3motorsport.co.nz - makes some fabulous parts, too: Seen anything that fits in this category? The sort of thing you perhaps don't need, can't justify, but want.

Doug de Muro has been getting a lot more controversial lately. He has written some insightful and interesting articles, often with personal research and experience (and ownership), but seems to now look to deride pretty much anything.

More news if I get any.

I can try to get a phone number if it'll help? His description of the car: "Fresh Wof, rego till next month, brand new front tyres. It has a 5L v12 engine from an E32 750i, XYZ adjustible suspension, and AC style wheels etc. Car is certified for all modifications."

I don't doubt there'll be drama involved, but it sounds like you're prepared for that. Do you have contact details for the seller?

I think it is the 4th time in 12 months that it's been up for sale. I'd assume there is something wrong but I have no idea what. From the thread: It was built by Andy (who is on here, somewhere) and Lance. Andy had it for years and says "nothing wrong with it when I owned or sold it and many many $ invested in suspension all new gaskets in engine etc. the guy I sold it to had a brain too, so not sure what happened after that, sounds like there is something wrong with it now. Remember you aren't buying the car, you are buying into V12 ownership. It's not cheap to maintain." It was then sold to Adam: "In my period of ownership any issues were addressed as they came up. Being an older vehicle things wear out and need replacing. Great car and if my other car hadn't needed extensive engine work I would've kept it." The current seller is on the Auckland North Shore - must be someone up that way who could take a look?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmwnz/permalink/1349496508453495/?sale_post_id=1349496508453495&rt=11 It's in the BMW NZ Parts/Classifieds/Discussions group.

+1

It's not quite as far-fetched as it sounds... A turbocharged E30 iX wagon could do it. Unfortunately the iX was only ever supplied with the M20B25 engine, but that could be changed in order to get the power and economy (although not at the same time, obviously). I'm so easily pleased!

A 4WD 2-door wagon with about 400hp, returning 15km+ per litre...