TermiPeteNZ

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=1350621157 $24K 62KMs "The PPK option increases the power output to 240kw (up 15kw from standard) and torque to 450Nm (up 50Nm), available from 1,500rpm. 0-100 times are also decreased. It also adds a nice burble to the exhaust on over-run (fantastic sound when in sport or using the paddles). The upgrade includes a software reflash to reduce lag and shift times; a second radiator; new intake; uprated cooling fan; and oil cooler. This vehicle was also optioned with the uprated BMW Performance yellow brembo big-brake kit, suspension, silver decal and badging, carbon fibre spoiler and interior trim - and coolest of all, white LED lighting pack (including halos)." Did wonder if this was John @e30ftw but TradeMe member ref appears different ... Looks like an awesome vehicle - some of the pics are very nicely done too

@eliongater just came across this ... Hamster time!

It is a tidy car in a very nice colour - and those Style 81 wheels are reasonably common on E39 and are the best non- Msport or ///M on the E39 IMHO. Not sure about the timbermatic steering wheel tho - it's a bit 'jag' @allan's advice +1

That seems really mental :\ Each to their own! Here's some pics for posterity.

Well written piece and there is some merit to the vehicle and full service history - but the wheels and lowering are Seems raaaather pricey ...

Yeah - it is a rare woman that likes good stupid stuff. Life is like 'snow white meets Austin Powers'.

Damn! From a lightbulb? Sad end for a neat car. Like the contrast interior

Nice!!! 4.8is is the pick of the bunch - and I do like the body coloured trim they have Chuck a pic or two up ? Here's my beasty...

They want you to bring the vehicle in, sight the chassis # and provide your license – guessing they do ownership lookup.

It is a very nice example but they'll need to wait for just the right buyer.

Si 'manuel'!

That is a good proposition Allan - while having a messier process and needing the right connections. I really wanted to make sure that there wasn't a major price disparity between dealers and if there's flexibility about choosing where you buy. @promo do you code keys?

Sorry to hear the house plans aren't panning out. I've only had my X5 on gravel, heavily rutted turf and kerbs so can't really attest to any serious off-road capability. If you need a 'proper' 4WD then don't buy one. Merc ML, Touareg are more capable/less incapable off road. Have to laugh at the eastern European keenness for taking X5s off road: And this muppet: Just ... no.

My advice is talk to MTF Mt Victoria - they arrange finance and MBI for vehicle purchases. Very helpful and happy to deal with different scenarios.

Had 2 more prices come back - $441 and $443 so I'm paying slightly more in Welly - and standard process seems to be: ex Germany 10-14days require you to come into dealership with id must prepay for the key So you kinda have to deal with your local ....

Another thing to note is that given depreciation a well sorted, well maintained vehicle probably won't cost any more than one that isn't.

Vero/Autosure now operated by Turners. They are fantastic. Can't recommend them highly enough.

I had a look at (and updated my maintenance spreadsheet) and for me and my 2001 X5 has been a thoroughly enjoyable vehicle but in nearly a year and a half I've spent as much on maintenance as I did buying the vehicle - even with a MBI as I have had 8 claims. On top of this also dropped a bunch of $ on a cosmetic tidy up (roof rails, paint, multiple carpet cleans and stain removal, trim fixing, newer tail lights) which a much tidier example simply would not have needed. In retrospect I did not buy smart and I've paid for this - ending up catching a lot of the (overdue/expected) stuff. Lucky I'm not skint!!! repair ABS unit fix ABS pump bracket and pressure sensor (this was all due to the 'brake light trifecta') replace thermostat fix instrument cluster (dead pixels) replace radiator and hoses replace 2 x window regulators replace both rocker cover gaskets replace trans main oil seal replace both front lower brake reaction rod arms new key (they use a capacitor not batteries - and die eventually) plus regular servicing stuff including 2 large tyres! So I'm hoping that I've got it pretty well sorted. It has 222KMs on it and my 4yr MBI has another 2.5 years to run so *I must keep the vehicle* and keep enjoying it to make sense of the expenditure If I sold my X5 now then the next owner would be going 'sweet' and have a much better experience. It's always better if you can be that person - which is why typically buying a vehicle from a forum member is a good proposition as we all(?) look after our vehicles. Diesel comments aside @3pedals advice is sound and reflects how you have to think about this sort of vehicle. When I bought my X5 I thought 'man what a cheap score!!!' - and this has turned out to not be true. If you have lots of time and are mechanically minded then the maint cost could well be lower - but I have more $ than time (I think).

Nope I didn't :| $320 sounds a lot better. Winger require copy of driver's license (presumably to check vehicle ownership so you can't buy keys for other peoples' BMWs) and typically sight the vehicle/chassis number (but maybe would be OK with the chassis # being provided). I have now emailed 3 other dealers (Akld/Manawatu/Coombes) to confirm price and what they need for comparison - to see if there is a price differential between dealers. Won't help me now - but might help others!

Ordered a new remote key for the E53 X5 from Winger in Welly. $471.50 all up. Current one faded recently and stopped doing the remote thing - and my backup is a basic key. Asked about a BMW Club discount - helpful young guy said they could offer 10% off - but not on coded items, on which they make just about nothing. Worth asking I suppose.

Running a V8 and V10 on 98 in Welly I am well versed in this but only recently clicked to the 50l max ...

I'm too new to ownership to judge. 4 doors is good. There'll likely be at least a $30K difference in vehicle acquisition price which can cover a fair bit of operating cost. But an F10 wont be fully depreciated for a while yet! I'm sure you've driven an E60 but if you haven't you're welcome to have a drive in mine of course.

Saw this pop up yesterday. GLWS!

As another E60 M5 owner who hasn't driven any other M cars yet (really) I'm totally biased but in a happy place today. Tim's advice sounds good to me - and yes the E60 has craptastic fuel consumption (~20 at the mo given I haven't done a lot of distance driving in it) but it is exhilarating. F10s seems to start from about $60K ... and are no doubt a better car in a bunch of ways (fuel usage, low-down torque, more modern cabin), but the E60 is pinnacle of the 'insane sedan' concept. That white F10 for $60k looks very nice indeed. The SMG is not cool in traffic but very cool when on the open road. Did the Gentle Annie recently and it was *EPIC*. If you are looking at an E60 then get the PPI done, and seriously consider an MBI - they cost a lot more than they do for non-///M cars but reduce your risk (for a while anyway). Enjoy your car shopping - and hopefully you get to drive a few models along the way!

Hugely overpriced, crappy stickers and dirty!! :|