treone

A 2011-13 or VF Holden Commodore SV6 sedan or Sportwagon would be on my list. Or SS-V Sportwagon . My picks for a 'family wagon' commuter: BMW/Euro - E60/F10 wagon, X3 or X5, Volvo XC60 or 90, Audi, Merc Jap - Mazda 6, Mitsi Outlander, Honda Accord Euro Other - Ford Territory diesel

Its been a week now and over 250 odd kms and no engine light - woo hoo! (and if I had wood trim I will be touching it all at this point hehe) But even better than that is the OBC says 6.8l/100kms - I don't think I want to re-calibrate this haha

This is on the money! I bought mine just under 2 months ago. It's an 01 jap import and had 198400kms when purchased. It is now at 199700. Admittedly it has spent more time than I would like back at the dealer to get sorted. Got it back last Friday, have used it as a daily to work (@50km return) and has been good so far. Issue was an engine light - dealer has replaced 02 sensor, a catalytic converter twice as first one was faulty and spark plugs. Reason I bought one - after selling my E60 M5 I was looking at an interim wagon until I get into a position to purchase an E39 M5 and 8 series. As I do regular trips to the BoP, which is usually done in my HSV Avalanche wagon (which is awesome for this purpose BTW), I thought an X5 would be great to have as an alternative. My mind was made up after having a drive of @TermiPeteNZ X5. Shortly after one came up at a local dealership for a really good price - I got it and a 3year MBI for under $10 - it was a no brainer. Looking at keeping mine for at least a couple of years and it will be used as an everyday hack and long run hauler so I'm not going to get too precious about it Fully expect that some maintenance will be required as these are now getting up to 17+ years old now. I'm budgeting for replacing gaskets, hoses, suspension and little niggly things to be done in the short while. I like - the high riding driving position, comfortable seating for 5 adequate luggage space (not has good as the Avalanche but that thing has a HUGE boot) , it has enough up and go when required, great euro build quality. I've found it not too bad economy wise as it seems to be averaging 13.5l at the moment (which is way better than the 17-20l for the HSV). My advice - if you find one that ticks most of your boxes, is in your budget (incl MBI), and that you're expecting to spend extra on maintenance items in the first year get a PPI and then go for it! Oh and purchase from a dealer if at all possible for a bit of extra consumer protection. Every time I drive it I ask myself why didn't I buy one earlier .

Got it back yesterday. New plugs and replacement cat fitted (well that's what I was told). Hopefully I get more than a couple of days before another engine light reappearance lol

For the 8ers out there, this is a must watch... hope you enjoy In celebration of the impending launch of the new '8'

Thanks Brent. Agree that this will be the way to go to actually get it fully sorted. I will let the dealer attempt to fix it for now. From there I will take it to a specialist for a proper diagnosis and sorting. That's when the fun will really begin .

Me too! They have been great so far and have meet all costs to fix. I really can't fault them, but I do suspect that they are doing the cheapest fixes possible (and that their patience may be running out) . Replacement cat should arrive tomorrow and then fitted. I'm expecting to pick it up on Wednesday and hopefully get at least three days of no lights .

Cheers Statek I know exactly what you're saying as I've been there done that before lol. It seems that they are choosing to go through the list - sensors, cats, plugs. Coils and MAFs will be next on their list...

Lemons are not my favourite . I have a suspicion that it is a mixture of both I have seen the mechanic hook up their (Snap On?) diagnostic reader so I'm sure they are seeing the codes. Trouble shooting and then remedying them seem to be their issue. Which is why I think they have reverted to go through the obvious and then cross it off lol. So quick update: It went back to them on Thursday. They said they will change the plugs this time and it should be ready by that afternoon. Take your time I say. Well - they contact me on Friday afternoon and inform me the catalytic converter that they replaced was faulty. They are now waiting on a replacement. I said keep it as long as you need to get it sorted properly. So we will see how they go. To be fair they have been great to deal with and are doing their best to get it sorted and provide a loan car each time. Although it is frustrating having to go back to them every week so far, It is not as frustrating as having a Swift or 1.5 Impreza to run around in. I'm finding that they are not that comfy to drive Porirua-Wellington daily nor are they that fuel efficient! Shoot me if I ever say I'm going to buy one of these haha

Thanks Pete. Well seems I spoke too soon. On the way to work this morning and the engine light decides to make another (re)appearance lol. Oh well 'round and round the merry-go-round' we go...

Quick update. Got it back yesterday after the dealer had it for the week. Was told that they replaced the catalytic converter(s?) this time. They said the engine light disappeared straight away after install. They reckon it is a process of elimination and if it comes back (lets hope it doesn't) then cause maybe plugs. Well we will see haha. So they have done 02 Sensors and Cats - I'm saying plural but I'm not that confident Next step is to change the oil, coolant and belts maybe, just so I know they have been done (and I have them handy so why not use them right). I also suspect possible oil leaks so will have that looked at and go from there. Happy happy joy joy...

This would be good fun

Whatever series it turns out to be, I just hope it isn't a Aston, Jag, Maserati lookalike or clone. However, that profile is telling me something different...

That's so cool! My 840ci was Cosmos Black, a 1996MY and was one of the early 4.4/Tiptronic cars. I found this to be an awesome combination. It was also privately imported from the UK in the early 2000's. I had driven a couple of early model 850i's and found them to be an adequate package, but man the 840ci could get up and boogie and did what is was designed for - a GT cruiser! I recently got to have a drive of it a month or so ago - the current owner has installed an aftermarket exhaust (sounded good) - and it reminded me of what an 8 is all about and what an idiot I was to let it go! I'm curious for your qualified opinion - how did the 840ci and 850ci compare?

It gets even better - sounded like a pretty special E24. And a yellow 8 - niiiiice! Dakar yellow I suspect? My M3 was an E36 dakar yellow Saloon so yes I'm a fan of the colour haha! Not really keen on mercs but SEC's are pretty cool and I wouldn't say no to one! I wish my brothers had better taste in cars - I don't fancy swapping any of my fleet with a Toyota or Ford lol

I too have to say I like this one and I actually like this colour - it has grown on me! I suspect that the colour and being LHD is the reason it has not moved. Either that or there is something majorly wrong with it. You are a legend for having owned a M635CSI and an 840ci - wow!

Its the same reason I no longer own my M5, M3, X3, 535i, 525i, Senator and Adventra - Life happens and you move on But who's to say that I won't own my 8 series (or any of the above) again in the future... cos life happens back to the OP - with its cosmetic faults, this is a nice example IMO

Each to their own I suppose. I, however, preferred owning one Exactly

BMW guys answer number 247 - cos. Just cos

Drive a sorted one. Then you will know. Own one. then you will really know.

I only dream of getting 10.7/100kms

Being this well spec'd pretty much makes it more desirable than an Msport in my view. Its a sleeper

So do I haha. I'm pretty sure that it is an EML issue (02 sensors or cats). It actually drives fine so I'm not overly bothered just as long as the dealer gets it sorted. Thanks for the advice and if it this is a recurring issue then I will take it to a Euro specialist and get it sorted properly. X5's are awesome! And I'm sure my one will be awesome-r when its sorted

It went back to the dealer last week. They had it for 3 and a bit days. Got it back on Monday with everything sorted. They said they replaced an 02 sensor (not sure if it was one or all 4. My guess is none :-)) and brake pads for the 'check brake linings' check message. Well two days and 120kms later engine light and check brake linings make a reappearance lol Already contacted dealer and hope to be taking it back tomorrow - but we will see. When I first took it to their mechanic he initially said catalytic converters - which is not covered under MBI. Dealer has been good so far so hopefully they will have it sorted. I'll then do an oil and coolant change, and find out what else mechanically may need fixing... then put a plan in place to utilise the MBI! I must say after a month and 600kms it is pretty awesome and enjoy it. has me thinking why I didn't get one earlier! But its no M5 that's for sure haha. Barry - unfortunate situation your son-in law is in - hope it all works out!

Looking forward to seeing this up close. Congrats! My preference would be throwing stars but hey - its yours and do what suits you