balancerider

a rather menacing looking F80 M3 - had aftermarket yellow Brembo brakes.

Are you wanting runflats? If so - the Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 3's are probably best. If not Michelin PS4S

The stop-start won’t run if the engine is cold or there is high electrical drain (aircon on etc), but often suggests a battery on the way out (or disabled by previous owner) if it never works. CTek chargers have a good reputation

mdecoder is usually spot on, some of the pre-production cars (which are generally only sold in NZ) have extra or odd options not specified

Heading in the right direction - next step, take off the Jap plate supports!

Personally I'd rather have the E39 as well. (or maybe an E34 touring)

These aren't near the bottom of their depreciation curve yet. E39's definitely on the way back up, bork potential from the V8 probably less as well. I wonder if the fact there seem to be very few Japanese imported E39 M5's (as compared to the majority of E60's being from Japan) is a contributor.

phew - NZ new 525ix, can't be many of those left! good colour too.

is that a problem? much better selection of diesel wagons there than NZ new, BMW NZ I believe only sold the 530d wagon until 2013 anyway

That’s a well priced F11, especially with N57 and m sport. Good colour combo too

Fuel consumption will be a dream in that compared to your other two Pete! Lovely colour for an E46

I'm moving overseas for 12 months and have arranged the car to be stored inside with smart battery tender. Will pump tires up (to ~50psi). Thought I might leave some desiccant sachets inside the car to try to minimise condensation. Planning for oil change immediately before I leave. Car is going to be started / run intermittently while I'm away. Any other tips? Also - seems to be conflicting advice as to whether the car should be stored with full or empty tank of diesel? (condensation in tank vs fuel going 'off' / algal contamination)

Oh well, at least if BMW NZ stop offering them our lax import rules will allow me to import something from the UK.

I think we can assume that one of these sources is wrong. I can actually imagine per capita better sales of wagons here c.f. Australia (which is basically like a mini US) i.e. SUV's everywhere.

I do get the impression that VAG have gone diesel on the Audi S4/5/6 to use up their stock of 3.0 V6 diesel engines after the knee-jerk decision by Porsche not to make diesel engined cars any more.

Would say the 330i is a nice choice, NZ new ones of that era frequently had (dreadful) halogen headlights as standard so something to watch out for. Lowest km option in a car of that age potentially not the best choice either, I'd prefer one with average miles and a lower price especially if suspension / cooling system parts have been replaced. There is a nice NZ new 330i touring available which may be in budget? https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2181980558.htm?rsqid=b40340443c3a45859e2227dc526009fc-002

About time! This looks good, slightly unsure about the rear side window look but otherwise nice. i see the 330i/d and 340i come with optional LSD. The non slip rubber in the boot floor is a good idea too. Wonder if a 340d will appear or whether diesel is too far gone for that

still >$30k cheaper than an E30 M3 FWIW

As a follow up to this - managed to obtain a towbar and electronics module off an NZ new F30 being wrecked (thanks SD European) - fits perfectly, has the chain mounting and is essentially invisible with the swan neck removed. Approx cost $1400 including installation but I believe a better solution than the non detachable non OEM versions being sold locally

Are you sure that's not an E23 touring?

More like 'What did Jon at Auto38 do to your BMW today?' (great service and communication btw) -> new (to me) OEM towbar installed!

that's 'unique'. what on earth is going on with the infotainment / gearlever though?

that's very nice! not sure about the M3 badging personally but otherwise I like it a lot.

air suspension on this is just horrible. not enough of these around to wreck one like this. also - so much attention to detail in other parts and then you look at the number plate mounting...

Welcome - and add some pics of your car when you get a chance. This issue has been heavily discussed previously I believe you'll need to get the car coded - Eurosurgeon are said to be good if you are in Auckland.