e34 540i NZ new

[Yuen 16]

Adam, it's interesting to see a Holden owner's views! They seem to be pretty good value for money if you're looking for power. The Monaro is pretty good looking too. Never driven one though I've sat in the older ones.

I just saw the silver E39 M5 as well. Nice late model unit. They don't come up very often... I really wonder how many were sold new in NZ.

[arros 0]

Hmmm... so much info here my head is spinning. Nice write up thanks. Intersting re Holdens I did not know that some much goes wrong with them when thay get a few Ks on the clock. I LOVe the build quality on a beamer.

I am being educated- of course it's called a clubby. Your current clubby look crash hot. I kind of thought as much regarding having to pay considerably more for a low K one. I would be going for a higher K one because of the lower price. Sounds like I should be very carful or stay away, keep saving and get a low K one as you mentioned.

Same re the M5. An e39 M5 would be my choice over all else. I don't really like the newer shapee in general (especially the 5 series e60). Time soon to trade in the clubby on an M5 perhaps? With 325 Kw the Holden would rival, nay dare I say it:beat an M5 around the track surely.

The Holden is a lot cheaper to get significant power gains compared to BMW. I guess there is a lot more automotive specialist engine parts as well as mechanical shops offering affordable upgrades. Googling performance mod on an e39- it looks comparitively expensive compared to Holden- there's alot less off the shelf stuff on offer in NZ

Yeah the guy with the green (I think it was) e34 on 20's has the wrong rims- they are too modern and don't look right where as the one you've got match the era of the car well- think you've done well there.

So Holden= low Ks = spend more vs beamer= low K good, higer ks no a problem for mid $$$= seems like I might stay in the fold. Cheers for the info mate.

the clubby pics- damn that's a nice looking car.

Braeden- what's the BMW limo? link doesn't work for me

Yes there are a few 540's on TM- seems to be an injection of recent imports around 1998-2001. Prices dropping all the time. Still need my car sold so I can do something. Bloody petrol prices...but I'm looking at going e34 4.0 540----> e39 4.4 540 ... can only get worst on the wallet! but fun though

[Braeden320 0]

Sorry, Here it is - Big Cars!!!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C.../p-39570122.htm

Edited June 15, 2008 by braeden.

[Cale 36]

Sorry, Here it is - Big Cars!!!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C.../p-39570122.htm

Seems like bit of a waste of space to me, unless you were a freakish 8ft tall- even then you'd hit your head on the roof before you kicked the front seats. But I know thats not the point.

Cheap though, and the kids would have room to put their sandpit in the back.

[Yuen 16]

Sorry, Here it is - Big Cars!!!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/C.../p-39570122.htm

Cheap pimping to be had there IMO... it's pretty cool, imagine if you had a garage full of bimmers, one of these would be a nice addition!

[540i TOURING 0]

Arros its not so much the engines in the Commodores its just the small little things that keep braking or failing that piss you off because the car is always in the shop! The way I look at it is a BMW thats been maintained properly with 140km is equivalent to a Commodore with 40km!

However the first of the new Chev 5.7's some were very unreliable, you either got a good one or not in VT Series 2 and VX as these engines had problems with bad rattling on start up plus oil feed problems and blowing to pieces, holden replaced or rebuilt a lot of engines in 1999-2001. My mates one had oil light come on at 3500km , bye bye engine.

The guys at Paul Manuell racing work on these all the time and told me if you're going to get a Commodore then get a VY as these were the best/most reliable as all the problems had been ironed out, touch wood mine has been awesome with only clutch and brakes been replaced so far (puke track days will do this to any car ) and thats with the mods and revving to the limiter lap after lap! VZ started to get trial a few of the new VE parts like fly by wire throttle etc and I don't think they have the same throttle feel as my VY. And yes with the Extractors, Exhaust, Air Intake and Tune they are hard to beat for power and economy. Looking on Trade Me there are a few VY's SS's for sale with low km the price like other v8s has really dropped with petrol and with that trade me rating system for fuel economy. However with the standard suspension the ride quality is sh..t and brakes are gone with two laps of Puke. I reckon you need to allow another 11 grand to get one up to par.

Wheels & Tyres $3000

Suspension $2000

Airbox $950

Tune $1500

Brakes $2000

Exhaust $1500

The new VE I don't really like, my neighbour has a new GTS and I don't know I think its a bit like the E60 vrs E39, M5 I'm sure the new models drive better and go harder but they seem to have lost their hard edge??? Also the new VE interiors are sh...t, very plasticy inside even the GTS interior and is already showing signs of wear on the seat bolsters and he only has 5000km on the clock. Also once again a 2006-2007 VE is first of the new model and have had recalls for this and that so once again expect them to be in and out of the shop, I can't be assed with that!

Unfortunately though if you want power for money then the new HSV's coming out next month with the corvette 6.2 litre engine are going to be it. Apparently the factory 317 KW standard is so de-tuned its not funny, the Aussie tuner guys have just done an exhaust and dyno tune and got 291 rear wheel kw (approx 400kw) ! Paul Manuell expects at least another 20kw with one of our over the radiator airbox's.! Now thats some good power for an everyday driver!

I would still have a E39 M5 though...