Danch

I did read about that. The SMF conversion kit is indeed significantly cheaper than DMF+clutch. However, it is my DD so I'm not sure how I'll find the SMF for daily commuting. Then again, I used to drive manual japanese cars like ek9, zc31s, and 350z so maybe it not going to be too bad.. 🤔

Looks like there are 4 dealers in Auckland including EuroSurgeon and Euro Lab. I guess you can pay them to do it for you.

It's very noticeable. It feels like a normal manual gearbox now.

I ended up paying P&S Auto $380 which included brake fluid flush. Not cheap but happy to get it done while the car was in for OFHG change.

My clutch is starting to slip so I'm looking to order a kit from Spareto. The search gave me a few different part numbers: SACHS 3000 951 906 (161.62 EURO) VALEO 826738 (216.30 EURO) LUK 624 3288 00 (111.23 EURO) VALEO 828533 (254.94 EURO) I'm struggling to see why the prices are so different.. what clutch kits did you guys buy for replacement? My car has done 130k and I'm not sure whether I need to order a flywheel as well. I'll be ordering brake discs and pads as well but I see that there are 338mm discs and 330mm discs. Is 330mm the right size? Thanks in advance for any help

Have a chat with @HELLBM they do drive-in drive-out manual conversion. KiwiCarLife dude recently used them for his E46 M3 manual conversion.

That's what he said on his Instagram. He's going to put up a video about that.

So he bought it for 16k, probably spent about 6-7k for the manual conversion, and is now selling for 42k. That's good profit.

I've seen auto examples with lower kms (80,000~100,000kms) selling for 6~7k. Other forum members can correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard that manual conversion could cost around 5k if you can't do it yourself. Maybe it's worth selling yours for lower than your asking price and wait for the manual one that fits in your budget?

Heard the muffler was sold pretty quickly. Must've sounded great when it was running.

I believe all NZ new and Jap import LCIs have hydraulic steering. Rest of the world got electric steering instead.

Low kms manual 130i for sale in Queenstown. Looks like the owner is going to drive up to Auckland if they can't sell it in Qtwn! https://www.trademe.co.nz/4696546470

Have you got a link? I can't find it anywhere. Maybe because I'm in Akl..

I really don't have the tools and time to do the clutch delay valve delete on my e87 so I was wondering if I should just pay someone to do it. Not sure how much would be appropriate though. Keen to hear what you guys think!

I was in the same boat last year. I thought about buying an auto since I could buy one for 5-6k, under 100,000kms. My problem was that I like driving manual cars and I can't afford to own a separate weekend car. I test drove a couple auto 130is but for me it wasn't enough to justify ditching my GTI with dsg box. So I waited and bought a manual 130i and I'm pretty happy with it as a daily. I do miss the dsg box when I'm stuck in traffic though. I agree with Driftit that if manual box is not a must, auto is perfectly fine as a daily.

What exhaust are you guys running? I'm keen to hear more of the sound, but I don't want it to drone or be annoying to my neighbours/colleagues 🤔

Welcome to the forum! I follow a BMW expert mechanic on YouTube and also a retired racing drive/car reviewer who won a fair number of races and they both highly rate 118d as an entry level fun car that's so fun to drive around tracks. The 4 cylinder engine sitting right close to the centre of the car definitely helps to make it more fun. I come from late 1990 - early 2000 Jap cars (Ek9, NA Mx-5, CL1, WRX, 350Z etc) so buying E87 130i was a bit of leap of faith but so far I'm loving how nice it is to drive. I thought mk5 GTI is a bit of step up from Japanese cars but this is another step up from VW. I hope you enjoy your new car and let us know how it's like to drive before/after tune!

Interesting. I bought Energizer brand so I expect it to last a bit. Maybe I'll try a different battery..

The keyfob for my e87 sometimes doesn't want to lock. Unlock still works but often I have to reinsert the key to the car and take it out again to make the locking button work again. Has anyone experienced this issue? The battery has been changed 6 months ago.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/4572300993 Covid used car price inflation seems to be finally over and a lot people are trying to get rid of their sporty cars, including 130i. +30hp with stage 1 tune seems pretty cool.

Didn't realise N54 manifold is a common mod for N52.. has anyone done it?

Love your builds! Hope they sell for good $

Has this been converted from auto to manual?

Bought myself a Bburago diecast model. Couldn't find any in Msport bodykit but this looks good enough

Sachs and Bilsteins?