balancerider

Was just scrolling through the Audi and BMW wagon configurations, interesting that all NZ a4’s are petrol and only the Allroad A6 has a diesel, whereas 3 out of 5 BMW wagons are diesel. Would be interesting to know what the diesel vs petrol sales breakdown was on F31 wagons? @E30 325i Rag-Top? (possibly to do with the fact that VAG are diesel cheaters?)

This says it all really...

All of the 535d tourers I've seen have big miles (200k +) which probably speaks to good longevity, seem to be a roughly even split of NZ new and UK imports - spec levels probably similar between them, they all tend to have PDC which a lot of the Jap import E61's don't if that matters to you. M57 diesel has a decent reputation - risk of clogged EGR valve and turbo issues (two turbos on the 35d) potentially the most significant. I would also second @qube's advice - F11 is a much more modern car and lovely to drive, possibly more electronics to go wrong. Straight 6 NA petrol only on 2010-11 models (I4 in the 520/528i after that), though there are a few 535i's around too. I remember seeing a 530d with 120-odd k for <20k 12 or so months back.

Any comment on the tuning @qube? I've heard mixed things about the durability of that N13 engine (actually a PSA Peugeot model) and my gut still suggests avoiding 4 cyl petrol BMW engines!

This would be excellent - the number of cars/trucks in NZ belching black smoke with even minimal throttle application is ridiculous.

Wouldn't recommend running on 91, might as well buy the corolla if you're worried about the 91-95 price differential...

paging @NZ_InFerno!

That's great thanks. Dog will be in the boot only so was thinking about something like this: https://www.hatchbag.co.uk/bmw-3-series-touring-2012-to-2019 As well as paint protective film for the rear bumper.

Wondering if anyone has experience with boot liner for BMW touring models. About to get a dog and something that can be hosed / scrubbed clean better than the carpet?

Very nice choice (I admit I might be a little biased!) - I don't understand why BMW NZ stopped bringing them in in favour of the 330d for the later generations. How do you find it on rear tires with all that torque?

How to make your M40i unique https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=2593597580

I mentioned this one in another thread. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2566301665.htm?rsqid=7883cb5d050a4ebcbf5988e46f255cb4-003 If the colour works for you and the service history checks out could be a decent option

Don’t go there. 325i or 320d

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2571601087.htm I’d buy this if it was a wagon. @E30 325i Rag-Top did BMW NZ ever sell Alpinas NZ new?

The E61 will be even harder on suspension components than the E91 - they have rear air suspension which is expensive to fix too. They're a big bus so won't feel fast even with the 3.0L petrol.

A brace of BMW tourings

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2566301665.htm may be worth looking into if you don’t mind a red wagon

@SmithyInWelly agree re: price on that red one, however at a guess a poorly maintained / non-maintained N54 is an order of magnitude more expensive to keep running than the N52 in the 325?

Spec looks good for a Jap import, xenons / pan roof / front + rear PDC (rare on jap import) / full leather interior. Ride will be terrible on 19's, my E91 on 17's had a pretty harsh ride. budget for new cooling system for the N52 probably. 9k seems on the high side.

Seems ironic that the Motorsport-fettled S63 engine in the M5 is much more reliable than the donor N63 in the x50i models, from a quick look at the specs they seem to be very similar.

@E30 325i Rag-Top i think my biases lean the same way as yours (I like E30 M3's and BMW tourers) ?

Give us a quick review when you get a chance @E30 325i Rag-Top

BMW NZ has been known to make the same mistake (3.5L 335i E90 anyone?). 'Twinpowerturbo' is fairly confusing for Joe Punter. In all seriousness, the B48 seems a pretty good combo of performance / economy / reliability

https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=2536727621 This has slightly piqued my interest (as a second round town vehicle). Decent engine, practical, well specced, good fuel economy, space for dog in boot. The obvious flaws in the driving experience don't matter so much for round town driving, would want to check out the hail damage (pre-photos if possible). Thoughts?

You won’t get close to those fuel economy figures with open road driving. The Plug in hybrids are heavily biased to short distance driving with a battery charge. You will probably get better economy in a 320i without 300kg of electric motor and battery added