Kees

Perfect thanks, thought there must have been a thread on it I missed.

This seems interesting, anyone know any history on it (assuming it hasn't been posted about already)? https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/530i/listing/5167423337 Not something I'd personally buy but it does seem like an interesting oddity. A UK import E39 M5 that was "N500" converted, exported to New Zealand and then mysteriously reshelled into a 530i under the pretence of being a "sleeper" so is missing all exterior M5 design elements.

HAHAHA don't tempt me.... I'm already doing a similar with Smart cars.

I remember buying mine for $3,200. LCI with style 216 wheels and in Le Mans blue. 2 keys and pretty tidy but far from perfect. Had 250,000km which I'm sure would have scared most people off. Was a great car though. I think I ended up selling for $4K and then the new owner crashed it. That was an insane amount of car for the money.

Some of you may remember a "cheap" 540iS popping up on Marketplace in circa 2021. It was this car, with awful paint fade. Listing: https://www.facebook.com/share/14bXNXGGjh/ Everyone was after this car, including me, so I know it sold for a fair bit more than the asking price. This guy bought it and had it repainted along with the wheels being refurbed. I'm not sure how much mechanical work was done. I have seen the car in person and met the owner. From memory (don't quote me on this though) he told me the paint job was to the tune of about $20K. It is a nice, professional job overall, but I noted small amounts of overspray on door handles gaskets etc, and there was some orange peel as well (which made me think it either cost less, or he got ripped off). The paint is definitely far better than the paint on the majority of NZ's E34 fleet - this is just me being extremely picky because I was told it cost so much. The car does (on the exterior at least) present very well. In terms of price, it's a nice car but its certainly a ridiculous figure. The Avus blue one had no takers at $26K, and there was a 420G manual converted auto 540i with sports seats, LSD and throwing stars on trademe for $12K with no takers. They are good cars but $45K is deep into proper M Car territory.... Could be the lighting, but orange peel next to license plate and above tail light?

Absolutely! It is on my list - V10 TDI specifically. Still have my manual W8 and love it dearly. I should do a little fleet update at some point.... things have got a little out of control if I'm honest 🤣

Will have a look this week. From some brief research I think you are correct Neil, but I will confirm this week seeing as I have a couple people potentially interested.

This is also quite amusing:

To add to it, this E39 M5 is a Singapore import.... What do we think it's realistically worth? Low 20s?

Bump... Have done a big price drop as need it gone. $8.5K ONO. More powerful, faster, lighter, more luxurious and (in my opinion) A LOT cooler than a Version R Colt.

There's a square set on Marketplace for $2,500. Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/ME1RDvaxteHe1zE2/

Hi everyone, I am looking to sell the BBS RCs on my M Coupe as I am reverting back to the stock Style 40 wheels. Does anyone have any idea what my RCs could be worth as I have no clue - I was thinking in the neighbourhood of $2k (including the Toyo Proxes that are on them)? Obviously I don't want to list them too cheap, but I don't want to get laughed at for putting them up for too much. I would describe them as fair condition - they present well but are far from perfect. I know some BBS wheels are quite desirable but not sure on these. They may be tricky to fit to other models as the rears are huge! Haven't had them off so don't know the exact specs but if I were to guess: Fronts: 18 x 8.5 - these are running 225/40/18 Rears: 18 x 11.0 - these are running 285/40/18 Comparison in width to stock style 40s:

Same. So cool! Might compromise with this... 😂 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/toys-models/die-casts/other/listing/5001136891

Not too sure as it's been months since I've used either of them as a daily driver. I would estimate probably in the range of the mid 5s to mid 6s per 100km? Looking back at some photos, according to the car, when I drove it up from Palmerston North I was getting 7.5L/100km. But bear in mind I do have a very heavy right foot. When daily driving it I would consistently get about 8.0 - 8.5L/100km and that was mostly urban.

Selling my genuine 2006 BRABUS Forfour. Yes, this car was done by the people responsible for the B63 S, 900 Rocket, and many other stupidly fast Mercedes products. Only 1284 made globally 4 in NZ (this is the only silver one) 177hp | 230nm Getrag 5 Speed Manual (not a semi auto like most Smarts) 1090kg Drivetrain is from the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version R (and tuned further of course) so is very reliable. Being so light it is very quick and it handles superbly. As some of you may know I have a black one of these. I bought it on a whim and it's ended up being one of my favourite cars I have ever driven. So naturally, about a year ago I found this one at a Turners in Palmerston North and couldn't help myself. I have spent the last year getting it back to it's former glory as best as I can and probably went a little overboard (as enthusiasts tend to do). Recent work includes: New Cambelt & Waterpump New Brake Pads & Rotors New Rocker Cover Gasket Full Set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Tyres Refurbished Exhaust Manifold Replaced Boost Solenoid New Shifter Bushing Going through the NZTA open data spread sheet, I can see a total of 4 currently registered in NZ. 3 in "Jack Black" (like my other one) and just 1 in Starlight Silver... THIS ONE. This car gets absolutely no use so would be nice to sell it on to an enthusiast who will enjoy it. Obviously, being a niche car I am not expecting a queue of people wanting to buy it, but would be nice to see it go to someone who appreciates it. Japanese reliability and European refinement in one of the rarest post 2000 hatches... what's not to like? Price: $11K ONO P.S: here is a review Kiwi Car Life did on my black one: (Note: the rattles he talks about are specific to the black car as my boot trim always falls off)

I think it's absolutely foul particularly in conjunction with the exterior colour as they clash with each other. Objectively it's awful and I think Chris Harris' name / reputation has skewed people's judgement on it. If it was someone less respected they would be getting rinsed. Maybe the colour would work if the car was grey / black just as something wild to contrast the exterior. But regardless, corduroy is a stupid material to use. I'm sure Chris Harris wouldn't have trouble selling the car if he wanted to because his name is attached to it, but good luck to whoever buys it if they want to sell it on.

Haha never knew the N55 was a "3.0L Flat 6"....

This is lovely! Pretty low mileage given its age. Excellent buy for someone.

It's been a hot minute since my last proper post here. A fair few cars have joined the fleet since then, I will write a post about them at some point as I'm sure some of you would find it interesting. But anyway, I thought I'd share how my Adidas shoe finally broke down, so I had to find a suitable replacement. Not sure how reliable it will be getting me from A to B, and the cost of maintenance will be more than the Adidas shoe, but hopefully it's worth it as it's a pretty special machine... Wasn't sure about the BBS RC wheels, admittedly they have grown on me quite a lot since getting the car. Plus it's a bonus that the rears are 285 in width - a feature that seems necessary when you've got lots of power, not much weight, and no driver assists. I have managed to find a set of factory wheels (which I am a big fan of). Will probably put them on once they are suited up with a fresh set of Pilot Sport 5s. General feedback from friends and family is that the interior is "bold". I personally love it. Nothing is more boring than a black exterior with a black interior on a car like this. It comes with an impressive history folder - every receipt, WOF, insurance document, even a note from a guy asking to buy the car in 2021. Surprising to me was the level of looks the car gets, especially from car people. I owned it a whopping 10 minutes before getting my first complement.

Curious as to what the S54 car was up for... can anyone remember?

Went to get two front tyres put on my 540i today and asked for an alignment too.... $250 to fit the tyres and do an alignment.... is it just me or is that really expensive?

I have a screenshot somewhere but I remember when this was for sale many years ago (perhaps when it was a fresh import) at Christchurch European.

Used as intended* and serviced accordingly...