Kees

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)

Very nice! They are rapidly becoming very rare with only a few nutters like us wanting to save them! It's a shame you aren't in Auckland, basically all the body parts will be off to scrap so would be more than happy to give you whatever bits you want - Euro front & rare bumpers for example - I'm guessing your one has the Japanese spec small plate holders & cut-out? Wow! Wouldn't be many with that mileage left now, would love to see some pics if you've got any? Ugh the famous cam variators - unfortunately I won't be much help at this stage. I have read recently that wiring to coils can be a semi-common issue, and potential source of a miss beyond the basic coils and plugs, but then again, misfire could be caused by so many things. When I briefly owned an auto one I do remember the torque converter to not be the smoothest thing under the sun too - apparently Tiptronic mode really hurts their longevity. W8 group on Facebook is a good place for advice from some proper experts - someone on there is even swapping a W8 engine into a Lotus! Haha the story of my life! Next on my list is a Smart Roadster... just to put into perspective how weird I am with my automotive choices.

Ok I have an update for everyone: It's been a busy few days but the car has largely been stripped. It was given an exhuast-less send-off, sounded pretty awesome! I'll put a video on YouTube for you all to have a look at sometime later today. Interior came out first, then followed by engine and gearbox, then driveshaft & diff, and now its just the odds and ends! Fun fact and for future reference: definitely don't just worry about the axles "later" if they're being stubborn to remove. It is in fact very challenging to get the engine out if they're still there - but you live and you learn I suppose. Had to cut the downpipes off and also have to disconnect thrust arms and upper control arms on each side to give just that bit more room. Would like to give a special mention to VW for using M12 Spline bits to hold the fly wheel on - the first 7 came off with much persuasion from the breaker bar. But it would have been nice to give more than 5mm of spline bit set into the bolt, because the last 3 all stripped, YAY! Had to get my mate to weld some hex nuts onto the stripped bolts and then big impact gun did the rest. W8 engine down to the block does look rather neat! Here are some pictures: Interior Stripped: Some rare bits.... Front End Off: Late Night Wrestle With Axles Concludes: VW Passat W8 Superlegeera: Draining Fluids: Basic algebra tells me this is a Bugatti; W8 + W8 = W16 Engine Separated Former M12 Spline Bolt: The block!

Most definitely, can't complain about the price! By the time I had the car shipped it owes me $1.6K, but even then I'm still very happy. Have seen that the W8 specific Remus mufflers alone retail for $700usd... each! Let alone the 6 Speed gearbox which is worth a few $$$, along with the Cats, Recaro seats, Tuned ECU, and BBS Madras + many, many other random bits. Just a bit of a bummer from an automotive moralistic point of view that such a rare car will be parted - but oh well, its life. HAHAHA, if I had a personal accountant (i.e a girlfriend) they would definitely request I block you, but luckily I don't so please keep suggesting terribly awesome cars for me to buy! I did see this one, would be a great recipient of the euro bumper & bootlid, however I've decided that a suitable shell swap candidate must be: 1) Silver 2) Wagon Only because my sedan needs a matching partner... Have seen a few silver sedans around, will potentially pick one up in the next few months I suspect - rationally justified as a "PRACTICAL" addition to the fleet I aim to start parting out the black car this weekend, anyone want a souvenir? 🤣

Alright, I have a bit of an unfortunate update.... So with the initial focus being on the front-end of the car (i.e the engine), it was only on Sunday that I actually had a proper inspection of it. I wanted to go through everything methodically, to get an understanding of how easy it would be to get the car through compliance. Everything was looking alright, couple perishing bushings but nothing to severe.... until I got to the boot.... My friend had remarked on the day the car arrived, while I was washing it, that the rear bumper had clearly been resprayed due to its higher level of metallic fleck in the paint that it appeared to have. I agreed with him, but didn't think much of it - its a 21 year old car at the end of the day.... However, I decided it would be a good idea to pull the boot's rubber seal off to look for any signs of corrosion (as compliance would do too). I then noticed that the passenger side corner of the boot has clearly been repaired, and then it hit me - the bumper was not even close to being flush with the lip of the boot. Comparing it to my silver car is startling - this car has clearly had a decent shunt up the back at some point in its life. The bumper doesn't even clip in, as the clipping points have been pushed back, and you can quite clearly see the structure of the car is pushed in/dented. Compliance definitely won't like that! So it seems I'll be using it for parts. Bit of a bummer but its done 266,000km, clearly had a decent life, and will probably help keep 5+ W8s on the road globally with its bits (have had heaps of interest in parts from America & Canada). Here are some photos of the damage: My silver W8 for reference: The black car: Pretty obvious bend.... Welded repair in left corner & you can also see where the two metal plates overlap it's been pushed out about 5mm, compared with the other side.

Not too sure, I'll have to do some research on it. Being an early 2000s VAG product I wouldn't be surprised if the engine has to come out. 🤣 That said, the engine will be pulled out anyway - whether its being repaired, replaced or the car parted. I am quite keen on a W8 coffee table so I'll strip the engine down anyway so at a minimum I'll investigate what's happening, will be interesting to see which headgasket failed (assuming it is headgasket, still need to properly test to formally diagnose).

Good point, oil is still clean and golden so the engine could be alright. Coolant isn't oily either. Apart from the misfire (which is not too bad to be fair), everything sounds and works as it should. Hmmm maybe I should replace both gaskets and go from there.

Honestly I can't fault this logic.... you're dead right haha