Danch

Where are you ordering them from? Keen to know the list of part numbers if you don't mind sharing. I'd be looking at ordering a set at some point. How much are you paying in total?

https://www.pickapart.co.nz/webpage/WebPage.asp?Ref=10381&VehicleID=216197&SeriesID=145 Funny how you see something random like this as pick a part. It's been 4 days and a lot of body parts are gone.

And here is ChatGPT's 2c: Hey, solid write-up — I’ve been down a similar path and get exactly where you’re coming from. You’ve already nailed a lot of the pros/cons, but I’ll throw in some perspective that might help: Coming from a BRZ… You’ve been used to a car that thrives on engagement — balance, revs, cornering. The 320d, while decent, will feel more like a mature, efficient commuter with a sporty shell. It’s definitely torquier than the BRZ down low, but once the novelty of turbo diesel torque fades, it may not deliver that “special” feeling you’re after. The 330d, on the other hand… That’s a different beast. It will feel like an upgrade — not just in grunt, but also refinement, road presence, and long-haul ability. It’s seriously quick in-gear, and with that inline-6 torque curve, it transforms overtaking into a one-pedal job. Add some subtle mods and you’ve got a sleeper with real presence. Think: autobahn-grade pace in a suit. That said… You're absolutely right that tidy 330ds are hard to come by in NZ, especially in M-Sport trim. But if you can be patient and pounce when the right one pops up, it’s worth the hunt. Yes, they come with higher running costs — ZF8 box, more complex drivetrain, potentially more expensive diesel system maintenance — but many owners find the extra grin factor worth it. My two cents: If you're itching for a real upgrade and want to feel like you're driving something significantly different from the BRZ, go for the 330d. If you need something now, and the right 330d isn’t on the market, either hold out or buy a tidy 320d M-Sport and treat it as a stop-gap — just be aware it might feel like a downgrade in “driver engagement” after the BRZ. Bonus tip: Keep an eye out for Japanese imports — sometimes you’ll find nicely-specced 330ds that never hit the local listing radar. Also, don’t totally rule out a 335i/340i if you’re diesel-flexible — those can give you the power and engagement you’re after, with that sweet petrol sound. Hope that helps — and good luck with the next the chapter!

I think you are comparing very different cars (BRZ and 320/330d). I think the thrill of faster acceleration will wear off quickly and you will find them not as engaging to drive as your BRZ - especially if you're going from 6s manual to auto. On the flip side, both 3 series are excellent daily drivers. Much better place to be in when you just want to get from A to B. They are still fun to drive but just not as engaging as BRZ. I think if you buy 320d, you can absolutely tune it for more power but you'll always be wondering what if, when a 330d drive up next to you. If you are new to BMW ownership, be prepared to pay a lot more for maintenance!

"the wife said I have to sell one"

2003 BMW Z4 3.0ltr V6 for 24.5k! https://www.trademe.co.nz/5356761361

I messaged you but haven't heard back..is your inbox full?

Price lowered

Price lowered

Anyone interested in pre lci Blackline rear lights? Keen to clear my garage.

Pick up in East Auckland $150

Put this up on TM. It's free selling today

I need help with finding the right bonnet latch cable. The latch mechanism finally gave away and it looks like the wall holding the rear cable ring is broken in the junction box. I tried putting some epoxy around it but it worked once and then the epoxy broke off. I wanted to try swapping the front cable with unbroken junction box so I picked one off from 116i in Pick a Part but it's a lot shorter than what I have in my car. I looked up RealOEM and part number 51237184603 is shared across all 1 series so I'm not sure why mine is different to the one from 116i. Has anyone ordered bonnet latch cable (or Bowden cable) for 130i?

I reckon it's already pretty cheap for a manual 130i.. how much is the quote for the sump gasket?

Did anyone here drove a black 130i through Ormiston Rd and Chapel Rd junction at around 5.30pm today? Your exhaust sounded pretty cool 😎

I had the OFHG done by P&S Auto last year. I did supply the gaskets to save some money. I ordered the gaskets from Spareto. You may as well as order other stuff while you are at it. Just don't make it over 1000 NZD (incl. Shipping), otherwise you'll be pinged with duty & gst charges. I learnt it the hard way.

Just a random question, there was a silver 130i with manual box on sale in Auckland with lots of mods on sale years ago. I think the car never got sold. Is the owner here? Just curious whether you sold the car eventually.

Priced reduced to 85. Just want to clear my garage.

Maybe have a read about N54 engines?

Oil filter housing gasket job costed me about 450ish. I heard it's easy to DIY though.

Any details? Just curious 🤣

Don't you need to polish it and add some UV coating?

Hey guys, I'm keen to hear your thoughts on this. I'm starting to wonder if I should keep spending money on my 130i or sell it for something else. Seems like everything that breaks cost so much since I don't have the time & skills to do it myself. My car has done 135k and I've spent close to 5k over the last 12 months. I'm worried that this trend (spending 2-3k annually) may continue on. It could've made sense back when this car was 30-40k car but if I crash my car today, the insurance will quickly write it off and the pay out is going to be far from what I've spent. On the flip side, no other car in the similar price bracket can tick all the boxes like 130i(safety, practically, comfort, manual, fun to drive, etc). I'm sure some of you went through the same dilemma so keen to hear what you did in the end.

Congrats! Was this on TM? I don't remember seeing this one 🤔 What made you to pass on the black one?

He says he's got cheaper material for $240 if I drop in the headliner. I'll see how the materials compare and decide. I've actually had few quotes now all around 200-300ish mark for drop in service. Don't know what sort of fabric they are using though.