balancerider

I had the use of a 118i (3cyl) today. Not sure how I feel about it. The tech is cool (esp HUD with speed limit info and the clever cruise control) and it drove better than the F20 118i with the same engine which felt terribly gutless. However, the ride was actually kind of crap (m-sport, not sure if adaptive susp), much worse than my F30 with adaptive susp and I hate DCT's in low speed traffic, the lurching combined with stop start does my head in. FWD not the worst thing about it but I wouldn't pay $55k for one.

Several topics on this previously. The engine was updated 2-3 times over its life. (2007-2015ish). Given how many of these engines there are out there I don’t think timing chain issues are terribly prevalent, however it’s an expensive job to replace as chain is on the back of the engine. Other issue is 25k km / 2 yr oil change interval magnifies the issues so check the service history. There’s an N47 engined E91 in my family that’s done 250k Km with no issues

@Michael. not everything that counts can be counted, not everything that can be counted counts

@aja540i keen to see the (partially finished) product! @Olaf Plug for Fabian at Coombes Johnston in Hamilton. Gets all my parts business despite not being local.

A golf yellow 2002Tii in Seatoun with plate ‘Tii’ ?

Must confess I am tempted @SmithyInWelly

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/2855922392 needs work and high km (not compared to yours @Jacko) but well in budget

@coop

Think this is @SmithyInWelly's old one? http://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/2855922392 Doesn't sound like it's had a great deal of love since it left him though. No sports seats in a 330i is a travesty, and it's a bit GFC era in its spec.

The TUV inspection is to a very high standard, any modifications must be certified and it's quite intensive...as you'd hope with no Autobahn speed limit.

Don't want to turn the thread into a political slanging match but I 100% agree that annual emissions testing / more independent entry certification / WOF testing (including suspension check / snow tires banned except in Winter in SI) would only be a good thing. odds of it happening ~0 IMO.

This doesn't fit with the kindness paradigm @Olaf

My F31 needs new wipers. Any local recommendations for good value / quality or shall I order from Schmiedmann / the UK?

wheels look great. i find the m stripes on the grille a bit JDMyo but YMMV ?‍♂️

@Kiwi_BMW it's a Jap import - km =/ engine hours!

Ancient filthy diesels are the thing that winds me up. The 90's trucks are disgusting

Well over M2 / F80 M3 money. would rather have the S55 thanks.

Orient blue is a lovely colour. This looks great!

@Driftit my story is exactly the same - even down to having my car in the workshop all morning to tell me that they didn't have the part and didn't know when it would be in.

I'll take an F3x 330d/335i for that kind of cash...

GLWS - i find this very tempting! pedant in me also likes that it's on its original plates

not sure if this engine is more or less correct than the last one. but the car it's in is in better shape

none of the LCI's have a V8 in them for <10k though agree F11 528i would be a big step up.

very nice, imo needs that Japanese front plate plinth removed though

NZ new V8? (valve stem seals may need doing?) Price looks reasonable though.Well specced - looks like probably a display car given registered Mar 2006, manufacture Aug 2004... WOF history looks very clean with only one fail in 14 years. http://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/2830748086