Kees

It has been a long time since I've written something thought out and (hopefully) well considered on Bimmersport. It just so happens that the opportunity cost of becoming a "mature adult" (although this is very debatable) is a lack of time and motivation for certain passion projects. Nevertheless, as a brief speed run; I got a university degree, a girlfriend, a real job, a resignation letter to quit said real job, I started a business but most importantly, bought many, many cars along the way. I liken myself to someone like Hoovie's Garage - just without the comforting cushion of a substantial YouTube ad revenue. That's to say a degenerate car enthusiast with a distinct lack of self control when it comes to buying old and obscure European cars. Anyway, the reason I am writing this is I am looking to launch another business (of which the details are under wraps for now...) and I have come to the conclusion that a very strong marketing channel will be digital media about cars - hopefully of the entertaining variety. That's to say YouTube videos and factual/opinion based articles. I hate unnecessary expenditure, so if I can do something myself, generally I give it a try. This situation is no different. Basically, I'd like to try hone in on my writing ability and hopefully use it to produce some interesting stuff for you all to read, with the hope that I can leverage this new found skill to grow an audience and promote my business. Obviously this may sound like a pipe dream, but I thought it's worth a go - and I've decided it all starts here, in this thread, on good old Bimmersport. Why Bimmersport? Well I was hoping you all can provide ideas, thoughts, critiques and hopefully you may also find it interesting too. Now comes the part where I ask if there is anything specific I can write about that may pique your interest? Literally any suggestion would be great. Of course I also have a list of things I personally want to write about, but only time will tell whether these were ramblings I should have kept to myself. If you're interested in a car I have owned let me know. I would post a full list of everything but that's too embarrassing to admit publicly. My current line-up consists of: BMW M Coupe, BMW E34 540i, Volkswagen Passat W8 6-Speed Manual, Porsche Boxster 987 Manual, Porsche Cayenne (957) 3.0 TDI, and 2x Brabus Forfours. I'm not sure when my first article will be posted but I will aim to have it done before the end of the week.

All my saved searches are configured for specific rare cars I'm looking for. For example, I have >3.5L, manual, Volkswagen which will tell me if either of the other 2 remaining manual Passat W8s get listed for sale. I suppose the key is trying to capture the key details of the car in the most generic way possible.

An anonymous post in the E34 NZ page was about this car the other day... "Hey guys just as a warning I would recommend staying far away from the diesel wagon currently for sale on TradeMe: https://www.trademe.co.nz/.../cars/bmw/listing/5313690264... I've seen the car in person. It is not like the seller is advertising at all. He is being very deceitful about large parts of the car. He touts it as tidy and straight while almost every single panel has either missing paint down to primer, or is completely the wrong colour. It seems like it was attacked with brake fluid or paint stripper. It would need a full respray at the minimum. Further he claims the interior is in great condition - this is also untrue. He tries to hide these things with the photos. No photos of the car dry, no photos of the car from the side, or the mismatched white rear bumper. No photos of the boot interior which is definitely not in great condition. I have attached some pictures that show the true state of the car. He is also being deceitful about the legality of the car. He claims the car will be sold with fresh wof upon sale, which might be true depending on when he sells it. But the listing claims the wof expires this month, which is untrue, it expired in August last year. Further in the comments he claims that he "spent money on [the car] and got it legal" - this is untrue as the car still currently does not have a warrant of fitness according to the NZTA. It should be noted too that the car is not certified for the manual conversion, which is required in this case, another thing not disclosed on the listing. The car is notorious for its idle issue that has persisted through its big list of owners of the past couple years. Another thing conveniently left off the listing. I cannot prove it has been fixed in this case, but it is likely that considering all the other big feats he mentions in the listing about the value of the car he would have mentioned this. I have attached a video of the idle issue posted by the seller only 10 days ago. I would seriously avoid the car at all costs. Do not even bother viewing the car in person, it is a waste of time and you will be disappointed. The car is simply too far gone and taking any effort to go see it will be wasted. In the comments someone jokingly asks the seller if he would take 5k. If this was you I would be afraid that the seller would take you up on this offer. The car in its current state is worth nowhere near 5k. I would say avoid going anywhere near this car for more than $1500. I was going to ask the seller why he was being deceitful about the listing. Unfortunately I have been blacklisted from posting more questions on the listing. I simply want people to be aware of the reality of the car."

I was a little jealous after seeing the sale price. Very neat car for the money, especially if you like rare/unique like I do.

Another special Kiwi E34 has gone to this guy in the states. Cool video.

That's awesome, love a flying brick! Bet you surprise a few people at the traffic lights... I imagine the interior is gorgeous. I've been meaning to write a thread on my Volvo I had last year. 2005 S60-R with the all important M66 space ball... heaps of goodies on it too. Was a rowdy beast. Can confirm Volvo seats are in a class of their own.

Small world, I know the new owner! She says it drives awesome.

My mate was reviewing an E39 M5 for his YouTube channel. Perfect opportunity to park my M Coupe next to it for a photo. Unquestionably BMW's best era...

@BreakMyWindow spotted you doing some diagnostic at Albany Pak'nSave. Those Performance brakes give it away. Very cool.

SOLD And going on another Coupe...

Looks familiar...

Finally got around to giving these a clean so they are now ready for sale. Great wheels particularly if you have a powerful car that struggles for traction as the rears are enormous! 5x120 18" BBS RC Staggered Set: Fronts: (RC303) 225/40/18 Tyres Offset: ET 38 Width: 8.5 Inches Rears: (RC301) - these are concave 285/35/18 Tyres Offset: ET 25 Width: 10 Inches Matching set of Toyo Proxes with good tread on the wheels. Also included are 10 extended wheel studs for the rear wheels. Conditions: Wheels are in fair condition. I would describe them as presentable but not mint. There is some light curbing and paint chipping on all of them. Price is $2,400 ONO. Only selling as I've put the factory "Style 40" wheels back on my M Coupe as I personally prefer the stock look.

On another note, I wonder which crack head priced the auction estimate on this...

Love this! https://auctions.webbs.co.nz/lot-details/index/catalog/804/lot/271227?url=%2Fauctions%2Fcatalog%2Fid%2F804

I think the listing just expired? Pretty sure it coincides with the last free listing day as I also listed something that closed at the same time.

Hahaha I don't disagree....

Have my E34 540i up on trademe if its of interest? Solid car with good bones. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/540i/listing/5060303903

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.