gofaster

This looks quite nice if you are looking for a 2006 330i sedan NZ new - even has factory retractable tow bar! https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/267130782021122/?ref=product_details&referral_code=marketplace_top_picks&referral_story_type=top_picks

FCP Euro are now quoting stock again, pricing US$ and shipping (to ChCh) as below

Well I just asked the question, so will see what gives....

Nice. Reminds me of my last N52. No mention of any maintenance (gaskets etc) something I would note if it were my advert.

No, I bought mine from FCP Euro who used Fedex at the time (12 months ago) Turners just popped up with stock when I did an internet search yesterday.

here is a Turner motorsport quote for you just as a heads up on cost (US$) as far as I can tell FCP Euro has them "on back order"

What are the advantages between that dealer one at $15k, and the private one below at $9.5k other than brakes and display, I imagine the private is also negotiable. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/130i/listing/3404885074?bof=TOTdSPG4

Hi - here are some useful links and reviews I found when researching an R53 Cooper S (bought a 130i instead) Seems the best model years were build date July 2004 onwards, when the gearbox was improved along with other mods noted in these articles. You can ID the model change by their later headlight configuration and the rear lower central white reversing light was replaced by a red reflector lens. I still lust after one of these little go karts https://www.lohen.co.uk/blog/gen-1-engine-faults.html https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a30177/mini-cooper-s-buyers-guide/ http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/ Youtube links which includes the one noted in post above: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23ModMINI Good luck John

While on my journey discovering and fixing all the oil leaks in my car, I have discovered a crushed power steer pipe, which is likely the cause of the droplets forming on the lowest point of the pipe - pics below. The car was an Auto 130i with a manual N54 transplant, not sure if the rack is from either as when I google the rack number it returns a 3 series E90 match and the manufactured date is certainly newer than the car. Any one got suggestions on how to repair and with who (I'm in ChCh) Cheers, John

I am a little biased as have only owned 130i manuals, one standard and one HellBM N54 re-power. The standard car was an awesome package for the money and autos are even cheaper if that is your thing.

Thanks Dave, here I was importing the blue stuff when Supercheap have the G48 just up the road (Penrite green 5L premix for $44)

Thanks updated post, too much of a rush to engage brain and typing fingers I have not gone near the sump gasket (yet), where is the sensor located, is there an image available somewhere? Tks, John

Who can tell me what drives the Oil temp gauge in the 130i cluster(I have an N54 transplant if that makes a difference) Was working fine prior to doing some gasket maintenance (and new water pump and thermostat) which involved removing and reconnecting a lot of plugs. Cheers, John

You should also call Basil at Autopassion, who has done 3 of my cars including the N54. Top bloke, knows his stuff. See link below for your car and expected power gains. https://chiptuning.co.nz/cars-bmw Contact details on their website.

$22k was my planned starting price for a TM auction if I decide to move my N54 powered 130i on after completing the maintenance (specs in Chris's google docs file). Fully certified too.

On another note, referring to new pic below if you can see the front cover, there are 2 plugs going to connectors one above the other. There is a plug that feeds from around the oil filter housing and one that comes from the drivers side. I have connected the drivers side to the upper connector - do i have them the right way around?

Thanks but my orphan plug does not have the length to travel that far. Unless it is of course surplus, as the donor shell was originally an auto prior to transplant.

Plumbing some wiring up after some gasket maintenance. Not sure where this little sucker goes, it is part of the wiring that goes to the large plug into the fans Car is N54 powered manual 130i Thanks in advance.

I did a quote for you using FCP who I have used several times - as below Water Pump, Thermostat, bolt kits for both and shipping to ChCh address. Price is $US

Thanks Matthew, will go check them out. I get my fire extinguisher mounts from these guys, be interested to know how Spec performance compare https://kap.industries/product/bmw-g80-g82-m3-m4-fire-extinguisher-bracket/

Hi - I am a fan of getting colder air to my intake, so am looking for a clever bugger in ChCh who can fabricate an airbox similar to picture attached (however I still retain the top mount I/C). If they are keen there are some related jobs I need done and can leave the car with them if necessary. (relocate battery, connect all piping up including removing shitty external BOV, fit Blitz Dual Solenoid boost controller etc). Doesn't have to be done soon, could be a Xmas job if you are looking for something to do. Cheers, John

I ran the M3 mounts on my previous 130i and took them out after a few days as did not like the small increase in NVH. I fitted them supposedly at correct torque. Sitting in a box in case I change my mind on current car.

I would not make up my mind until having driven them both and thought about my needs. I favour the Golf, only because I owned a Mk7 GTi from new for 35k, most of which it had a stage 1 tune (which transformed power delivery mid-range and above). Personally, I'm not sold on the 128ti looks. Happy shopping.

I use this site for reference on tyres and rim sizes https://www.tyres-pneus-online.co.uk/tyre-equivalence-advice.html I personally run RE003's as well = on staggered rims with a little more power than a standard 130i Held up well on their first track day 😁

As per pic, cant figure out how to remove these clips hiding the fuel rail bolts. Already broke one trying to prise it off. Anyone familiar with these, appreciate advice as my gasket replacement work is held up until I can get the little suckers off. Cheers, John