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balancerider

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Everything posted by balancerider

  1. balancerider
    One of these in Paraparaumu 🚨
  2. balancerider
    @aja540i had what could best be described as 'not trouble free' time with that one
  3. balancerider

    435d x-Drive

    balancerider replied to Dogballs's topic in Showroom

    Luxury line + 35d xdrive is definitely a weird combo…not available in the f30/f31 in the uk. Not even mentioning the obvious no-no of a diesel convertible, so you can revel in the sound of dagdag
  4. balancerider
    Makes for cheap 2-3 year leases then BMW can sell you a new one when something goes bang
  5. balancerider
    Nah. Way more prevalent on the n47 and even then not that common. probably wouldn’t go for the recommended 30k km / 2 year oil change intervals though. This engine is in virtually every diesel x5
  6. balancerider
    I see there’s an E90 325d that will have the better N57 3L diesel and M sport kit for 7.5k @gjm…probably worth a look, possibly some slightly dodgy history with change of plate but would be buying on condition at this end of the market https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/325d/listing/4315961185?bof=wDULWD9h
  7. balancerider
    If you’re planning to drive at night then I’d take the 330d with xenons, halogens on the e46 are dreadful. 204 vs 231 bhp as well. The e46 does have sport seats though and the e9x stock seats aren’t exactly supportive.
  8. balancerider
    Same M57 engine. 6 speed zf auto in the e90 will be more economical than the 5 speed in the e46. If the e46 is a msport and the e90 isn’t that might sway it for me. E46’s may be starting to rust
  9. balancerider
    The ‘crystal knob’ may even be sitting in the drivers seat 🧐
  10. balancerider
    Spotted this today (Alpina D3 Biturbo Touring)...wonder if it ever sold (was up for $120k)
  11. balancerider
    The unworn houndstooth Recaros that are in there now should defray the ‘rose city cars’ tax somewhat? Nice but 96k buys you quite a lot of Porsche / Audi RS / Maserati…
  12. balancerider
    Completely agree @Eagle - gotta look holistically and not make generalisations. Plenty of uk imports in NZ that came here under 3 years old and are similar or better than NZ new. Some of the Japanese ones do have service history esp now that the newer BMW’s have online service records. I would still tend to be wary of Singapore cars (even though they are normally well specced) and the Aussie stat write offs are possibly ok if you are going to drive them into the ground but selling them on will be difficult / impossible.
  13. balancerider
    N52 is a good engine but b25 2.5l version may feel a bit underpowered in this application as it’s a big car without heaps of low end torque. Can end up chasing oil leaks and the electric water pump can die without warning between 100-150k km. The E350 is nice, I preferred the diesel but the petrol V6 sounds better and both engines suit the car. Driving experience not dissimilar to a 5 series, they also have rear air suspension (at least the ones I’ve driven) and drive nicely if a little uninvolving. IMO neither a 5 series or an E class is going to make a back road blaster, they’re 5 m long and 1.8 tonnes. Even my 3 series touring feels big sometimes.
  14. balancerider
    Would you consider an E-class estate @Willem? Selection is a little better than the 5er, CLS shooting brake also looks good but maybe not as practical https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mercedes-benz/e-350/listing/4317218526 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mercedes-benz/e-350/listing/4429267980 if the clean car rebate is rolled back I imagine the used importers will start to look at bigger displacement cars again in the new year (if they aren’t already)
  15. balancerider
    I would probably steer clear of 523i/528i 3L engine versions. The N53 despite being naturally aspirated is more unreliable than the turbo n55 with expensive / unreliable piezo injectors and a complicated intake manifold and NOX sensor issues. Also 3 yrs older. I would go for the 535i
  16. balancerider
    Oops didn’t spot the suspension comment. Apparently aftermarket air springs are decent and not horrendously expensive. fairly certain the f10/f11 were n55 engined from the get go
  17. balancerider
    Welcome @Hanna. It looks like it might be a Singapore import which are potentially more prone to electrical issues due to the humidity. Spec looks decent albeit a bit ‘elderly’ - Chrome line exterior with green, I quite like the tan interior though and it has comfort seats which are great. Sunroof can fail expensively though it makes the interior feel nice. May well be due a set of shocks and springs (rear air suspension) at 10 years. The N55 engine is mechanically sound if serviced and ancillaries seem more solid than the N54 that preceded it. Plenty of these engines above 250k km in Europe / US, unlikely that drivetrain will be the major issue with it.
  18. balancerider
    Or the M3/M4 CSL with their shitty red accents everywhere 🤮
  19. balancerider
    Imola red E39 M5 in Akl (plate = AWSUM5)…no pics sorry. Assume there are very few in that colour in NZ. Apparently 79 total in RHD.
  20. balancerider

    435d x-Drive

    balancerider replied to Dogballs's topic in Showroom

    Possibly biased but N57 + x-drive is the best F3x powertrain...digital cluster looks awesome.
  21. balancerider

    F11 v E61

    balancerider replied to Apex's topic in Want to buy

    Very few NZ New F11 535i's. You might have more luck with a 530d, there were a few around for low 20's earlier this year
  22. balancerider
    @HerbmiesterI think they are the replacement for the Dragon Sport (which were a bit average…)
  23. balancerider

    F11 v E61

    balancerider replied to Apex's topic in Want to buy

    The battery range on the Merc c350e is utter shite, less than 10km apparently. G series 330/530e seem decent but unless you’re doing mucho km and all short running within battery range it’s never going to pay for the higher purchase price. I think I’d rather emnjoy driving something with an I6 in it (admittedly I don’t do many k and it’s all open road so YMMV). F series 330e doesn’t come as a wagon so that option is out
  24. balancerider

    F11 v E61

    balancerider replied to Apex's topic in Want to buy

    Wouldn’t rule out a diesel as long as the car will get some decent running (and you can find a 530/535d). 580nm of torque is very nice for shifting 1800kg of wagon. Air suspension liable to need replacement at the age the f11 is now. Expensive options (adaptive suspension / lights / soft close doors) will be expensive to fix if they fail. There is a nice looking 535i LCI in Christchurch but a bit over your budget. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/535i/listing/4391340312
  25. balancerider
    @TulleAll the BMW diamond cut wheels do this. I'm going to get mine powder coated.
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