SmithyInWelly

$5k - possibly a bit less for a Bsporter! Runs well, everything works - including an aftermarket bluetooth head unit (original nav/audio/comp unit comes with). Body is pretty straight tho front windscreen rubber is perished (tho no leaks) and the front spoiler is cracked on each side under the fog lights (which work). I bought the car around 6 mths ago from a fellow Bimmersporter here in Wellington as I needed an auto commuter following surgery. It's now done around 148km and hasn't missed a beat in the time I"ve owned it. It's ex Japan so is pretty well optioned, vin is: GX91315 so check it out. No rush to sell but keen to get something a bit more fun to drive now I've recovered and can probably change gears again. If I've still got it in July will give it a service, get a new warrant and chuck another years rego on there - which of course will be reflected in the price, and chuck it on Tard Me. In the meantime, someone on here can get a relative bargain, just as I did. It's not perfect but looks good and goes well. No service history but clean engine bay and cooling system looks to have been refurb'd by a radiator place in Chch; and Greg gave it an oil/filter service just before I got it. Cheers Smithy

Wow, love the 530i... my cars less elderly, less travelled, more powerful, NZ new, completely roofed - twin... haha! And welcome

Yeah Olaf, it's a fail all around sadly - as it could be a good buy (and at good $$$$). I really should do the training guide for TM sales which I've pondered doing before (and yes, I'm actually an L&D guy lol). Oh well... next...

Yeah, sport is definitely better though not sure I'll be able to be too picky... just have to wait for the right car... knowing me I'll end up getting something completely different.

Assuming condition is acceptable and comparable, I'd buy the newest car possible. Unless the km differential is substantial (which your aren't), the newer car should represent better value and better return come on-sell time. Though as noted - there is no right answer. Go with what feels the best option to you - and enjoy!

Agreed - on both counts.

I've decided to keep an eye out for one of these to replace my 525i (which whilst doing the job has gotten a little boring), of course it's in Auckland but I'll be keeping an eye on it for sure; NZ new, seemingly good service history though seriously lacking some photos - especially of the panel damage which I can't even make out. Bit of a bugger it's an auction (and I'm impatient lol). http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1055299577

Considering finding a new home for my 525 which has done sterling (if brief) service whilst I needed an auto following surgery - it's time for a little more fun/power... no rush though, the longer I wait the healthier my budget will be lol

Hmmmm... I may soon need to follow suit - but it's just soooooooo painful lol

Well done - that's a great effort! Sold via here or Tard Me?

This is where I'm at, considering whether to pump a few $$$$ into the 525 to make it better (cosmetic and audio mainly), or just cut my losses shift it as is and look at something with more power. There are a lot of 530 M's around - is there that much of a difference power wise?... probably better to wait a few mths and grow the budget.

Jeez, used prices are all over the place - as usual... may be better to wait a couple of months and up the budget a little which should get me into an E60 323/325. I guess it's a matter of waiting for the right car/condition/price.

Great stuff Greg - an M3 is well down the list for me but yeah, 330 ms could be a good step forward Have driven a couple of M5's over the years... you lucky bugger - enjoy!

Haha - cheers Greg, did you get your 8?... and yeah - definitely M rather than not, just need a number with a three or four instead of a two lol

Thanks guys - yeah, 330 is on the radar for sure... saw a couple on TM here in Wellyfornia when I was in the market last year and they're still listed (?). Good to hear they're a little lighter in the handling dept - which stands to reason of course!

Hi all A few mths ago (Nov) I got an ex Jap 525i M-Sport off another member here and it's a great car and piss easy to live with... though it's started to get a little boring (lack of power and/or chuckability) given it's mainly used as commuter and rarely gets set free in it's natural environment (state highways) so am thinking of a minor upgrade in the coming months before the car rebels. Budget won't be large (weddings and houses aren't cheap), likely to be $6-9k give or take - depending what I get for the 525. Main requirements are reliability (as much as can be expected for an oldish euro), and something that's a bit more "fun" to drive. Auto or man, doesn't matter much - though auto is handy for the SH2 commute. Size doesn't matter either (lol) as it's just myself and the finance minister most of the time... would prefer sport over luxury spec but getting a good car is more important. Current thinking is a 328 e46 M-sport but a 325ti is intriguing, though rare... anyway, any good advice? Recommendations Pitfalls? Thanks in advance Cory

A wee update: I spoke to Lance - it's not really his thing, he's focused on audio quality improvements rather than relatively basic stuff like this which I can understand. Have left it for a while as getting hitched in a few weeks, but will head into Streetsoundz at some stage and see what they reckon. It's kind of an odd one as I don't want to spend too much $$$$$ as the value of the car isn't huge and I'm unlikely to keep it for more than another few months when I'll likely upgrade. In saying that, who knows where things will be in a couple of months

Very nice... wish I was in the market - would be an awesome we toy (and it even knows my commute lol).

Welcome Jimmy... and well done - and I thought my e39 was a good deal!

Cheers Andy - will give him a go. Abtec did the install for the head unit and it was quite hard work to be honest, would be keen to give someone else a shout (the did an average job on a Magna of mine a few years back too... so that's two strikes lol).

Cheers Barry, were they the ones that used to be next to the Basin?

Hi I've an ex Jap e39 (a daily driver, not a weekend wanderer) and have had a new headunit installed, which is fine... though terribly gutless so keen to explore upgrade options (amp etc) though nothing over the top. Can anyone recommend any good installers in Wellington/Hutt? Happy to pay fair rates but don't want a half arsed job. In addition, radio reception is poor - it gets horrible distortion/interference at times (it did with factory system also), is this a common issue with e39's? Suggestions appreciated. Cheers Smithy

G'day and welcome!

Ignore me - I've realised this is the same as what I've just had taken out... need to get an updated unit if I want everything working - or throw a grand+ at a Dynavin which makes no sense for my car.

Excuse my noob q... but I'm assuming this won't help my Jappa with Mk2 unit? I've swapped out for an aftermarket head unit too but would happily revert to original if it worked in NZ (and was easy/cheap - and if not perhaps I'll sell my existing unit too lol).