Kees

I'm not sure how heavy they are - I'll weigh one whenever I take them off next. I was thinking of getting some lightweight OZ wheels, or Volk GTCs as a "daily wheel". I've never really had a car that I could get away with putting some more "JDM" style wheels on, but I think the Brabus could get away with it. The biggest pitfall with the Brabus wheels is as aptly described on the forums, they are "made of chocolate". One of mine has a bent lip in fact. Even worse is the spokes tend to crack from the dish just because inherently the design makes them very fragile (particularly on the rear wheels). So once they are fully restored I'm not sure if I'll have the balls to have them on the car 24/7, especially with these roads.... Speaking of which - I found out THIS MORNING that my Audi (yet to be written about) has a cracked wheel which is why I was losing 10psi of pressure per night. Big shout-out to Waka Kotahi! When I first got the car I thought they were way over the top - but they've really grown on me. The car is so ridiculous looking as is that some factory blingy wheels suit it imo! A minor tangent turned Waka Kotahi rant but that's my A7's wheel ^

It's been a while since I wrote a post on here - I actually have two cars to introduce, but I'll start with the Brabus.... By now a few of you may be familiar with the fact I am generally drawn towards the whacky, weird and sometimes wonderful European cars…. Or the ones no one else has the balls to buy. This has included; 3x W8 Passats, 2x 5.2L V10 Audis (S8 & S6), high ks 130i, a high ks 987 manual Boxster, and then of course my very high ks E34 540i. Anyway, back at the start of the year I was doing my generic trawling through Trademe and Turners when I came across a Smart ForFour Brabus. Smart as a brand has always intrigued me. I’ve been obsessed with the Smart Roadster since I was about 7, and want one very much. The robotised manual gearbox is just very off putting, and I think they are hard to justify with most sellers wanting 12-15K for them. My Mum’s daily run around is a Smart ForTwo, so I am familiar with the gearbox, and it is everything the reviews say and more. It’s actually not too bad once you get used to it, but to have in a dedicated roadster… no thanks, especially having had the manual 987 which genuinely is driving pleasure in its finest form for under $20K. However, I digress. I had seen the Brabus ForFour that now sits in my driveway at Turners sometime at the start of the year. A very neat car I thought - I should bid on that! I then promptly forgot about the auction, and saw it pop up on Trademe at a dealer for around $12,995. The car sat for a while (as did basically everything on the market at the start of the year), but eventually sold. It then got returned to the dealer as it had an intermittent issue. The dealer decided to $1 reserve the Brabus which is when a friend of mine sent it to me with the tag line "This screams Kees"... As I flogged my 987 and 130i off under the guise I wanted to have just two fun(ish) cars I was desperately trying to resist the urge to buy it. The listing stated it likely had some form of ECU issue where the car would sometimes run, but other times have huge power loss, misfire, or refuse to start. Smart cars are notorious for funky electrics due to their less than ideal placing of the ECU and SAM unit, particularly on the Roadster and ForTwo models, so it seemed a complex fix. However, I did come to a figure of what I would be prepared to pay for the Brabus, if I were to buy it. Because I now identify as an old, wise man who sticks to his own word, on the day of the auction I did not bid, even though the car went for less than what I would have hypothetically paid for it. I even had a mild rant to a mate of mine on how I should have pulled the trigger on it. That night I went to sleep a troubled man, and it sounds ridiculous but I had a dream about the car, and how I should have bought it. When I woke up the next day I was lying in bed pondering my decision when I got a notification on Trademe saying the car was being offered at a fixed price. Clearly the deal had fallen through. 30 seconds later my mate rings me telling me to buy it. 20 minutes of being indecisive followed, before I accepted the fixed price offer, and then went off to collect my Brabus! I pick the car up, and it makes it all of 10 minutes before it decided to be the most undriveable vehicle I have experienced so far. It would cut in and out, stall, flash random warnings for coolant temp, barely accelerate and then refused to run full stop. At this point I was questioning my decision. I decided to abandon it and pick it up later that day. I drove it from Penrose back to the North Shore, with 3 breaks where the car decided to be like a stubborn dog and not move, but eventually I made it home. I then started doing research on what the issue could be. One thing that kept coming up was ignition related issues - particularly coils. So the following day I lift the engine cover off - and sure enough one of the coils is clearly different from the rest. I take it out, run the part number, and it was completely incorrect. So a quick trip to Jap spares for a $40 ignition coil, and by a stroke of luck I now have one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. I should mention at this point, the Brabus ForFour uses the 4G15T from the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart, and the same 5 speed manual gearbox too. The only difference to the engine aside from the plethora of Brabus and Mercedes branding on the engine cover and boost pipes is the Brabus engine has no blow off valve, as from what I've read too much pressure was lost through the stock Colt Ralliart BOV setup. And of course the boost is turned up a bit to bump power from around 150hp/210nm to 177hp/238nm.... I am unsure how accurate this is - but a friend's OBD reader was indicating my Brabus was making 21psi on full boost which is a fair bit. To say the car is quick for a stock vehicle from 2006 is an understatement. It's undriveable in the rain - spins in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, sometimes 4th. It also understeers like NOTHING I have ever experienced. It's genuinely scary in the wet. An LSD would do it a great deal of good, and something I would like to get. The thing surprises a lot of cars by how quick it is - even my friend who has a tuned Peugeot 207 GTI with $15K in receipts (its meant to be 220hp), got walked in one of those convenient scenarios where we both accelerated at the same time So as a brief summary. It's got a Japanese drivetrain, that's been breathed on by the Germans, and then its put into a four door Smart car. It's of course factory lowered, has awesome deep dish staggered Brabus alloys, a panoramic roof, leather Brabus embossed seats (which are heated!), and it says SMART ARSE on the back. They also only made around 1200 total for the world! Can you see why I have fallen for this thing? It only weighs 1090kg as well so it feels nice and light footed. The best way I can describe it - is its how I imagine an AMG hatchback would be - great in a straight line, slightly above average going around corners in the dry, and absolutely undriveable in the rain! I can also understand why my one might be the only one in NZ - they are the size of a VW Polo, but were Golf GTI money in 2006! I would also love to know who had my car from new as its NZ New, so I'm guessing was some form of special order? So what now? Well after doing over 2000km in the car, I realised that it was most likely on its original cambelt.... and since its done a 183,000km, I thought it best I do not drive it until thats sorted. So its been sitting in my driveaway awaiting a bunch of parts as its going to be getting quite the birthday, and then following its birthday it is likely to have another birthday which addresses the paint fade on the bonnet, stone chips on the front lip, and curbed wheels. So with the cr out of action likely for a while, ignoring the fact I have the 540i and W8, I had to buy another car to drive in the interim.... of course! More on that another time. So as another brief summary - it’s an exclusive and interesting European car with some huge quirks, but has Japanese consistency/reliability? in the way it pulls (reminds me a lot of my mate’s old WRX). And then on top of all that, it feels like a factory modified car - that’s the best way to describe it. It creates a hybrid medium between a factory and an aftermarket feeling… if that makes any sense at all.

Another sale day on Saturday: 10AM - 4PM

There will be another garage sale tomorrow for anyone interested. 10AM - 4PM Mostly just generic cosmetic stuff left now.

I think this is a DEAL! Factory manual, 1 owner, NZ New, what’s not to like? All for 5.5K! https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-4173181255.htm

@Sammo you've been spotted on Facebook.

Ultra rare M3323i spotted this morning.

Well unfortunately my [former], and probably the world's most viral 130i is no longer.... New owner unfortunately wrote it off. He had just detailed it too, engine bay looks immaculate. If anyone wants a set of 216s, there you go.... https://www.manheim.co.nz/damaged-vehicles/000000000006666054/2008-bmw-130i-hatch?referringPage=SearchResults

Yes absolutely. But in my opinion, that market is slightly different in how it is presently compared with the Euro market. Because prices jumped up so severely and so quickly on almost every turbo manual or fast & furious featuring JDM car (Skylines, Supras, Silvias, Evos, STIs etc), that trickled down to almost anything "JDM" with people feeling "FOMO", and that if they didn't get a JDM car right now, they would miss the boat, and ALL JDM cars would be unobtainium!! Coupled with cheap money + easy finance, and the social media "hype" around almost anything JDM, dealers had the best market to buy undesirable cars in Japan, and flip them to idiots in New Zealand under the guise of it being a "JDM investment". People saw the "desirable" turbo, manual stuff like Skylines & Silvias go from sub 10K, to "$30K, $40K, $50K" cars, and then expect their slow slush box N/A Toyota Chaser to do the same. The business model was simple but effective: buy something less desriable in Japan, like a naturally aspirated Toyota Chaser, for a couple grand, , ship to NZ -> Lower it, "New Mags & Tyres" + easy finance and put it up for $19,999, and have people lining up to buy. This created almost a perfect storm, where people thought they could buy a presently overpriced JDM car in the present, and it would be worth more in 6 months time. And for lots of people, this worked. If you bought a manual Silvia at the start of 2021, you would have made money selling it at the start of 2022. However, that time has now come to a close. What I feel this means is that the JDM market currently still looks somewhat strong, with prices not really seeming to drop. But barely anything is actually selling and there is SO MUCH supply. It seems people are being hopeful trying to get out of a boring car they paid WAY too much for at the start of 2022, and are not willing to take a big loss. Just look at how many WRX STIs are for sale for example..... The Euro market by contrast I feel that sellers, like me, are more willing, and more used to losing some money on their car, and are realistically dropping their prices to actually sell their car. I also feel maybe it's because for a lot of niche Euro cars, particularly ones that avoided the "investment" hype, my 987 Boxster for example, aren't really a car you'd find in a classic "Easy Finance" car yard, and appeal to a vastly different demographic to a Toyota Aristo. As a result, I think sellers can actually afford to take a bit of a loss on their car, and that is reflected with seller's realistically pricing their cars in a market with few buyers. It is on this "allusion of investment" premise that I think cars like an E46 M3 have such a wide price range now. I think a lot of people bought them as an investment. I remember when that Laguna Seca blue NZ New manual one, sold for $51K in early 2021, which at the time seemed like a strong result. By the end of the year people were asking north of $50K & $60K for SMG cars... If you look right now, there's dealers still asking $60K for SMG cars, and a dealer also asking $60K for a LHD manual. Realistically, who would be buying these? I don't think there's buyers even at $45K, proven by the fact that there are SMG cars available for $45K!! However, as a final point, I do think lots of cars, like E46 M3s have appreciated in value. BUT, the idea that cars supposedly "doubling" or "tripling" in value in the span of 18 months was/is ridiculous imo. Essentially I think that any car that was zoned as an “investment” (GT Porsches are another example) have huge price disparities, and people trying to get out what they were told it would be worth… Anyway, that was a far bigger write-up and brain dump than I anticipated. That's just my 2 cents worth and my opinion on what's been happening and what will continue to happen.

That car seems to be a sign of the dwindling car market. Guy really wants to sell, and granted its high ks & no rod bearing history - but he started at $40K which wouldn't have been awfully unreasonable exactly 1 year ago. Now down to 28K ONO, haven't seen an E9X M3 that cheap since 2020! $25K would probably own it....! Personally I would wait, car market only seems to be getting worse and worse with interest rates on the rise, and people being cautious about spending. I think things might return to pre-covid levels. Porsche market is cooked, basically gave away my manual 987 a couple weeks ago despite all the "interest". There's 14 different GT Porsches for sale (I haven't seen that many for sale at one time ever!), 4 812 Superfasts etc, heaps of cars are getting dumped. B7 RS4 another good example, cars with ks returning to the 20K region instead of mid 30s....

Notable parts I spotted today, highly recommend going to have a look. - GENUINE E12 Zender front bumper valence - New - E12/E28 BBS Boot Lip Spoiler - Near New - (Almost) Crack free E30 dash (sold now) - E30 Fabric Sports Seats - 420G Short Shifter - E30 Metal Front Bumper (PFL I believe) - E30 Interior Consoles (Coupe & 4 Door) - E30 Front & Rear Glass (Windscreen now sold) - Lots of Style 5s - E34 Individual Full Extended Leather Interior (Now sold) - E34 Side Skirts - E34 Resistor Sword Generic Stuff: - E30, E34, E36 doors, bumpers, bootlids - E30, E34, E36 interior switch gear and climate controls - Blower Motors - Wiring Looms - M20 & M30 Parts (intake manifolds etc) - E34 exhaust systems - Assorted tools - Assorted ECUs If you are after anything specific, send me a message or give Ernst a call.

Hi everyone, Wasn't sure what forum category to put this in so I apologise if its in the wrong section. Anyway, some of you may know Ernst at Bavarian Motors on the North Shore in Auckland. He is downsizing his business so is selling off a bunch of parts he's accumulated over the last 30+ years. Majority are E30, E34 and E36 parts. I managed to take a few photos, but I am not sure the precise contents of all the parts. Best to come to the garage sale if you are looking for specific things. He's having this parts garage sale this weekend for anyone interested. Details are as follows: Saturday 20th May | 10AM - 5PM Sunday 21st May | 10AM - 5PM Address: Bavarian Motors | 6 Colway Place, Glenfield, Auckland. There might even be some free beers and coffees if you're lucky!

I used to occasionally see this one

Yeah seems way too cheap? Super low ks and its had a fair bit of work done: 2008 E81 130i -73,000kms -For sale is my 2 door 130i. Only about 5 of these in NZ currently. -WOF done last week. No advisories 6 months Rego left -Facelift version meaning leather door cards etc but still has Hydraulic steering In my ownership - Replaced both Front Sway Links Regular Oil & filter Changes 4 x new tyres (last week) (Laufenn LK03) Valve cover gasket Oil filter housing gasket Serpentine belt Rear brake pads & rotors Transmission service Air filter Headlight Polish Previous owner - Replaced Vanos solenoids Door rubber seals Steering angle sensor fixed -Has Bilstein Suspension & Eibach Sway Bars. Handles very well. -Exterior could use some love. I have recently gone over it with a clay bar and some polish. Stain from fuel under the filling point. -Interior is in very good condition. No iDrive which means an extra cup holder! -Manual seats (supposedly gives more range of adjustment) -Bluetooth Audio adapter - Windows only go up and down in increments due to Footwell module being replaced with one from a 4 door. I have the correct module to go with the car. Please feel free to ask any questions. Photos to come.

Don’t see these up for sale too often. Apparently only 5 in NZ with 2 doors?

I second this

Roadster has been on my bucket list since I was about 8 years old haha. I’ll have one, one day. One benefit of the ForFour is it’s a proper 5 speed manual, whereas every Roadster is the robotised manual. My mum has a ForTwo as a run around with the same gearbox and it’s sooo slow. With much effort a Roadster can be converted to manual though.

To be honest I think that colour is awesome. Definitely an acquired taste though.

Bingo its absolutely fabulous. It’s the most “boy racer”, non boy racer looking car ever. It can spin up in 4th gear under full boost on a wet motorway haha.

Far from an e30…. Here’s a clue…

I saw that one, does look pretty tidy and I do have the manual conversion ready for it too.... Although I'm thinking I might use it to convert a D2 Audi S8 to manual, or a C5 RS6 instead... The problem with either of these plans is I just bought another car last week, it's even more bizarre and obscure than the W8, so now I have absolutely no room for another VAG car. Forum post incoming on what I bought, its a very love ir or hate it car haha.

This NZ New E34 540i has just been put up for sale on the E34 group. 2 Owners, 103,000km since new. Owner has had it since 1997. Just look at the door handle gaskets, and valve covers. Both MINT - and are usually two things that go bad one any 540i regardless of mileage. Has clearly been in a garage its WHOLE life. Bit of a bargain at $10K IMO. One of those cars where you get worried whoever buys it isn't going to look after it properly. I would buy it but I bought something last week and have no room (forum post on that car coming soon....)

The inspiration? What awesome projects - V10 E46, and V12 E53 will be mental!

KiwiCarLife just posted his review on my Boxster. Pretty cool video - he compares it to a PDK Cayman!

Haha I've been chuffed with how well the video has done so far. KiwiCarLife's videos usually do in the 3,000-10,000 views range, and so far the W8 is north of 75,000! Glad it's been getting some appreciation for once! Even he said to me that he now has a new found appreciation for the W8. For anyone wanting to watch it: Funny you mention that, must be a little infamous that car..... (from the YouTube comment section)