balancerider

Z4 m40i looks better IRL than in pics, esp in silver

Not sure if you sorted this. May be worth asking whether the drawbar is included with this one - has the towbar mount and electrics? (NZ new E91 335i) https://www.sdeuropean.co.nz/dismantling-part/2006-bmw-335i-2

Nice one. Yep the spec can be lower, though there are some dealer and ex-lease cars which are fully stacked as well.

I used European Car Imports (highly recommended, will be able to get the exact spec you want) - purchased November 2017 (it's a 2016) I'd certainly be surprised if there was significant corrosion on a 2019 model but worth getting an inspection prior to purchase if you're concerned. My impression is the 'all UK imports have rust' story is about as reliable as 'all Jap imports are in bad condition with wound back odometers' - I've seen plenty of rough NZ new cars and mint imports so caveat emptor.

I've been happy with my UK imported F31 335d Xdrive - mainly brought it in as the NZ operation didn't offer anything better than a 330d tourer at the time (and they were selling for 30k more than I bought mine for). If the car is near new the odds of significant salt exposure (-> corrosion) are minimal. The warranty has improved on the NZ new ones since I bought mine which is quite a nice selling point. The service is a bit of a red herring IMO as you'll get one oil/filter change and one brake fluid change in 3 years unless you're doing mega KM, so total value $4-500. Let me know if you have other questions.

Frozen black F90 M5 with ceramic brakes - probably not the colour I'd choose but it's got presence...

worth bearing in mind that the UK Westfalia bars have a 50mm ball rather than the 1 7/8" that the BMW NZ ones have if you go that way

Talk to SD European in Hamilton - best bet is an NZ new BMW e90/91 with factory bar (think they are a westfalia model). Bar is the same for wagon and sedan.

Man I love Alpina Blue!

very few 330d's sold NZ new as sedans (pre-LCI only) so probably a pretty shallow pool to choose from. sure I have seen more 335i's than 330d's

320d is a good engine. the n20 in the 328i is fine but nothing special and the low down torque in the 320d is quite fun. only caveat to that is if you are doing a lot of short / around town trips the DPF can need replacement in the diesel.

looking much better! hard to go past a nice E39 touring.

These are often importer display or motor show early production cars. I think NZ is the only RHD market that allows them to be imported and registered which is how they end up here. Means some interesting cars end up here at times - 325d LCI F31 with a manual box but otherwise fully specced springs to mind recently. @E30 325i Rag-Top may be able to shed some more light? Usually the press cars have a different designation, S902A I think?

montreal is an exception to that I think. multiple Lambos, Alpinas, current model and classic 911s... plenty of rusty shitters too though...

This may have to be your source if you want matching leather rear seats. Think the first gen touring that was imported to Japan was the E46

Concur - interesting that UK/NZ market cars almost all have black carpet / mats regardless of upholstery colour, whereas the Jap / US market are often a festival in beige. Lots of beemers have brown interiors here in Canada too.

looking good - find some sports seats and remove the aftermarket screen?

Why only petrol?

This! otherwise hard to top a titansilber E91. Shadowline rear lights would also improve the look

M54 transplant? A manual e36 touring as a great starting point for a project

Not a BMW but a rather tasty wagon nonetheless

It’s all give and take with the specs, JDM 3 series rarely have leather interior (at least in m sport) but always big screen nav and good headlights. GB market cars always have manual seats but leather standard and alcantara an option, the alarm makes their insurance premiums cheaper so it’s standard fit. NZ new cars have almost everything - hence why they’re expensive!

yep definitely the co.nz configurator

I see the G21 has made it onto the BMW NZ configurator now - interesting that both models are diesel and xdrive (presumably that was where most of the f31 sales were as well). Electric tailgate now an extra cost option though!

I imagine those roads out the back of Whangarei are ideal for seeing what it can do!