balancerider

They had a bunch of nice cars in Chch - 3 M340i sedans and a couple of X3 M40i’s as well as the Stingers. sadly I was consigned to a POS Vitara

@MilesP risk is that WOF will start checking/enforcing emissions - if your car isn't stock you're gonna have a big bill to get a pass. Also the performance benefits in a 320d are likely to be marginal

N47TU as seen in LCI E9x/ PFL F3x 320d is a solid engine, I would say on balance better than most of BMW's petrols for reliability. Certainly better than the 4cyl non turbos. Problems with chains could be a result of the 32k/2 yr service interval - so not an issue for the car you mention. Timing chain is on the back of the engine and I don't think it can be changed with engine in place - so suspect you'd be comfortably north of 2k for replacement. Dad's E91 320d is now at 265k km on standard service intervals. They like hot running and it sounds as though the one you're looking at may not have done much of that with consequent potential for carbon build up / EGR valve issues - PPI and interrogation of any codes likely to be worthwhile.

Bonkers - 700% appreciation in 5 years. Makes house prices look sane. Does look nice but $175k buys you something pretty special even if you're set on a BMW - E39 M5 or E30 M3 + considerable spare change

Do like where this is going. Interestingly my first E46 touring (also Jap import) had rust in exactly the same place - under the scuff plate on R rear door. Took it to a paint/panel place - they dealt with it for <$100, although that was 8-9 years ago...

Hi team - need to replace a door on GF's Corolla and there is a donor body with matching paint at Pick a Part in the Hutt. However I tried to retrieve it with hand tools and turns out that wasn't going to work. Would anyone with suitable tools (I guess an impact wrench) be able to give me a hand? - happy to pay in cash or bevvies. Cheers

Sounds like the classic UK spec @Sammo - big wheels, big engine and bugger all else... (as opposed to most of the rest of Europe where your 318i has individual paint / full leather and Adaptive LED's)

Classic E46 failure mode

Tidy Oxford green E34 525ix Touring on Glenmore St...lovely! (Plate was UN....) Also a rather extreme brake kit on this X3 30d (note the original rear caliper at bottom left)

good choice @gjm - the 3.0d is quite a bit rarer but i think worth holding out for especially as you're mainly doing long runs. Plenty of LCI E9x 320d's around at your budget but suspect the facelift 325d (has the N57 rather than the 2L diesel of the F3x) might be the sweetspot if you can find one. M57 is an old engine now. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/320d/listing/3378943297 This also might be close to budget - good k's and will ride a lot better than the E9x series, my E91 was way worse on SE suspension/17's than my F31 is on 19's

1. Should be able to do this with BimmerCode and Bluetooth OBD dongle. 2 may be a bit more challenging

Wingback sports seats for E36 M3 (I don't think the seats in the the car the OP posted are these)

Looks lovely @Cammsport - rescuing an E39 touring is doing the Lord's work...

Personally I'm a fan of sedan body style, I think black leather sports seats / Style 32's / manual box are a great combo - would rather have a fun colour like Dakar or Fiji green but the black doesn't offend me.

@Moupe knowing the speed people come round that corner more likely to end with the off side being collected by an inattentive Kia driver 😬

E30 325i with leather recaros in Newtown

I have to say i quite like this, seems like it might go the way of the E30 318is

Alberta car = certain to be rusty

HD91 is the ECE build for E34 M5, HD93 was the US car (only built ‘90-‘93 as well) https://bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=12

Heard a rumour that this has been re-shelled which might explain things - '93 M5 should have the 3.8 engine too. bimmer.work has been giving some rather odd results lately for VIN checks too.

@KwS some of them (B48/B58) have lower compression engines (option S858) but not designed for 91 Octane AFAIK. @E30 325i Rag-Top may be able to clarify

Glacier Blue E30 325i with beaucoup'Hartge kit - wheels / spoiler / dash plaque on plate E30H27, so a stroker kit as well I suppose.

1. Doubtful given the average (electric) SUV is about 2300kg! 2. Agree completely.