Matth5

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-901721424.htm Bet that's the one you're talking about. It's the only one on Trademe, it's been the only 330i coupe on there for a long time... That auction has been ending and coming back up constantly for months Know this because I've been watching for a while, been after an E92 for myself. BMW doesn't use the 'ci' naming since the E9x series. MSport and Coupe are both things that add to the price. This particular one is a very rare combo, haven't seen another 330i coupe in the months I've been watching, only sedans. The fact that this is MSport and manual too is impressive. Seen a few 325is though. And of course heaps of 335is. I think price is ok but a mechanical inspection would be needed to conform. Maybe not too many people brave enough to rock the the red seats/msport/manual combo and that's why it hasn't sold (I think it looks awesome).

Thanks for that, I'll tell him about them as well, just googled and found their website. Yea he was guessing with the price I think, that was before he got quotes, and he's paying for it anyway You had yours done at the dealer? Team McMillan? Would be interested to know the cost,can PM me if you don't want to say it in public.

Managed to find out a bit more myself. Firstly, the dealer has agreed to have a DCT service performed for me before purchase, he tells me it costs over $1000. New fluid and filter done by a BMW specialist (think he's sending it to Team McMillan but haven't confirmed). Found a couple of second hand DCT transmissions online, there's one on Ebay for 3.5k. So having an Autosure warranty that covers up to 5k should keep me safe enough even if I do have total failure. Still would love to hear comments from some more knowledgeable people, especially any of the mechanics around here who might have actual experience. Allycat, you're right. I've been keeping an eye on Trademe for months and DCTs aren't too common. I've scored a 2010 MSport Coupe, pending inspection and test drive though.

Considering making an offer on a 335i with DCT. It has over 100 000km. Hard to find info on servicing and the issues they have. Seen some crazy prices thrown around but only a handful of issues reported. At that mileage should I ask for the fluid to be changed? I know BMW say it's lifetime but to them lifetime probably means the warranty period. With clutch replacements and other potential issues, what are the costs like in NZ? I guess the clutches don't really wear but who knows what could go wrong.

Went by and looked at that one in person at the dealership a while ago. Sure does look good with those wheels

Well if the insurance pays out, maybe you could get something a bit different. E9x series, 335i if not an M3. Otherwise, there's a fair number of E46 M3s on Trademe, some seem to have been listed for a long time.

Don't understand why they would bother importing this to NZ...

Damn, that's a good deal

The one on the North Shore has given me ridiculous estimates on two occasions, both times I had the issue fixed for a fraction of the price elsewhere. Would not recommend. If it was a BMW I'd say any of the reputable BMW specialists like Bellars would do a fine job.

Don't think you can sell them for much more now. Some E60 M5's are in the low 30's these days. Although I find the E39s more appealing somehow...

IMO you shouldn't bother, the difference can be used to upgrade to a better car. And please don't put a fart cannon on it.

Edit: Deleted my post. Conversation's a waste of time if you weren't patient enough to look further than the first one.

If both options are E46's, yes. E46 2.5l: 141 kW ; 245 N·m E46 3l: 170 kW ; 300 N·m E90 2.5l: 160 kW; 250 N·m With the E91 you're getting a newer, more modern car. Love my E46 but in this situation I'd pick the E91. Only thing the E46 has the lead on is power. The E91 will have all the E90 improvements like better seats, handling, maybe you score some nice options like comfort access... Although I'm sure you could actually find a much better deal on an E46 330i than that one.

Heaps of E91 325i's for close to that price... http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-851053370.htm http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-822632859.htm http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-839260436.htm http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-867185912.htm

For that money, you may as well be looking at E91s...

A used E9x M3 is just about double (generally more) the price of the E46 so I think it really depends on your budget.... E9x 335i is a good middle option. I've set my sights on an E92 335i.

Well I hope she goes to a loving home. Damn fine looking car that is.

Just had a look on Ebay and I see they're about $350USD from there. So I can imagine the local price being $700 + labour ect :/ Seems electric water pumps are much more expensive than the traditional belt driven ones...

1k for a waterpump? That's insane.

I think I'd lean towards a DCT over a manual if I was in the market for that kind of car. Going for a spirited drive and smashing through gears with the paddles would be great fun. I enjoy driving manual and would choose it over the cheaper and/or older style autos that can be slow. But the modern DCTs and fast shifting autos are hard to argue against. Knowing how a manual works makes you a better driver because of the understanding it gives you, but driving a manual doesn't necessarily. Not having to shift lets you focus on other aspects. My own car is manual so when I do drive autos it does throw me off how they move forward as soon as you put them in D, especially the little ones that like to lunge forward quite fast, takes a bit of adjustment whenever you switch. When I drove some new model Holden's, I found those autos pretty decent and I'd be happy with that.

My car is 16 years oil with visible oil leakage. After an oil change, it took 8 months before the yellow oil light came on. Still not sure it even needed that top up as the oil light came on another time from going downhill but a check with the dipstick showed it was fine. So yea, that's bad.

Hmm actually looking back at the pics you're talking about one for the E36 M3? Assumed it was E46, oops.

That's a good habit to have honestly, need to scare people out of doing that.

Curious how much you paid? BMWorkshop quoted me over $200 for one... I ordered one online from FCP Euro. Was about $100 including shipping. So stupid that it's cheaper to import parts yourself. Local suppliers are only good for stuff you need urgently...

So if you drive it into the sea or a lake, you'll panic, break the tabs in your attempt to frantically open the door, and drown