asianhommy 2 Report post Posted September 2, 2015 (edited) Hi guys, I've spent the last 4 months scouring NZ and Japan listings for a manual 135i (n54) with a reasonable amount of mods and low mileage. I missed out on two cars I found in Japan after 3 months of looking because I was still in the middle of selling my FBO 350z. That was a month ago, since then I've been stuck with my daily driver (civic) and it's driving me insane . Anyways rant over. I found a very nice one in the UK but my importer showed me a cost breakdown totaling more than $70,000 landed for a 2008 1 series o.O Link is below, really just looking for opinions on what price range I should be looking at if I'm after similar examples as those below. Ideally I don't want to spend more than $35k. http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/1-series/bmw-135i-m-sport-400-bhp/4588675 Cheers, Ken Edited September 2, 2015 by asianhommy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rubix 434 Report post Posted September 2, 2015 (edited) Well for a start that one is in UK pounds..at least 50k so you're already looking a bit out of your price range without even factoring import costs..I'd say your best option is going to be to continue to wait for one to pop up in NZ, or looking for an e92 335i. Also this one was listed on monday. Manual, 61000km and 30k. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-942205248.htm Edited September 2, 2015 by Rubix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asianhommy 2 Report post Posted September 2, 2015 I saw the one on trademe, while the price is reasonable it's just way too stock for me. From what I can see it might have an after market axle back and that's kinda it... Would easily need at least an additional $10-15k in parts and labour. Also tried searching for 335i but not a single 6 speed manual to be found even in Japan. I guess I should already know by now that I'm way too picky for my own good, my 350z took me more than a year to find hahaha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matth5 471 Report post Posted September 2, 2015 I saw the one on trademe, while the price is reasonable it's just way too stock for me. From what I can see it might have an after market axle back and that's kinda it... Would easily need at least an additional $10-15k in parts and labour. Also tried searching for 335i but not a single 6 speed manual to be found even in Japan. I guess I should already know by now that I'm way too picky for my own good, my 350z took me more than a year to find hahaha Cost of importing aftermarket stuff probably keeps a lot of people in NZ from doing upgrades. And for a laugh try asking the local dealers for a quote on some BMW performance addons. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jake1829 119 Report post Posted September 2, 2015 . Would easily need at least an additional $10-15k in parts and labour. To get it to FBO status? , probably a lot less then 10K now (even with crappy exchange rate) Quite a few vendors are doing combo deals - eg http://www.topgearsolutions.com/cobb-power-package-4.html - (not full fbo status - missing exhaust and intake etc) But that 135i has alot of good mods, just not sure about the pricing And for a laugh try asking the local dealers for a quote on some BMW performance addons. haha - so true - i nearly cried out laughing when JC came back for the BMW performance exhaust system - 4K+ NZ (online in the US for 1K US) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asianhommy 2 Report post Posted September 2, 2015 To get it to FBO status? , probably a lot less then 10K now (even with crappy exchange rate) Quite a few vendors are doing combo deals - eg http://www.topgearsolutions.com/cobb-power-package-4.html - (not full fbo status - missing exhaust and intake etc) Yes, ideally looking to go FBO but the problem is shipping and customs, they effectively make the parts cost double. That's why I'm looking for one that's at least half way done so i only have to spend 5k or so. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowflake 39 Report post Posted September 3, 2015 I am nowhere near FBO but have installed JB4 tune + Dual intakes + chargepipe with BOV + OCC and was very cheap considering the impact they had. Around US$1400 landed in NZ 2-3 months ago. Bought it from Mike at modbargains (website at http://www.x-ph.com) who gave a great deal and excellent service/packaging. He also marked on the box that they were consumables with $100 value so avoided GST which was a nice surprise so obviously deals internationally a lot. I also imported some wheels + tires from the US earlier in the year which I would advise before starting any power mods - I wouldn't like to think how the run-flats would cope after a tune considering they were already pretty sketchy at stock Otherwise my 135i is a Jap import only came in last year - I took it to BM Workshop in Botony for piece of mind and had plugs, filters, fluids replaced - plus a walnut blast and it goes great! No issues since installing the tune or parts 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asianhommy 2 Report post Posted September 3, 2015 I am nowhere near FBO but have installed JB4 tune + Dual intakes + chargepipe with BOV + OCC and was very cheap considering the impact they had. Around US$1400 landed in NZ 2-3 months ago. Bought it from Mike at modbargains (website at http://www.x-ph.com) who gave a great deal and excellent service/packaging. He also marked on the box that they were consumables with $100 value so avoided GST which was a nice surprise so obviously deals internationally a lot. I also imported some wheels + tires from the US earlier in the year which I would advise before starting any power mods - I wouldn't like to think how the run-flats would cope after a tune considering they were already pretty sketchy at stock Otherwise my 135i is a Jap import only came in last year - I took it to BM Workshop in Botony for piece of mind and had plugs, filters, fluids replaced - plus a walnut blast and it goes great! No issues since installing the tune or parts Thanks for that, was trying to decide who had the cheapest price including shipping and customs. Too bad exhaust pipes and FMIC are too big and heavy, pretty sure those won't be able to avoid customs. Looked at Matt Schnell downpipes, MadDad midpipes and axle back, total was ~US$1,600 which I'm fine with. Added shipping.... US$1000 -.- I'll continue searching for another 2 months or so then I'll have to settle for my second choice which is an Evo X :/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jake1829 119 Report post Posted September 3, 2015 Thanks for that, was trying to decide who had the cheapest price including shipping and customs. Too bad exhaust pipes and FMIC are too big and heavy, pretty sure those won't be able to avoid customs. Looked at Matt Schnell downpipes, MadDad midpipes and axle back, total was ~US$1,600 which I'm fine with. Added shipping.... US$1000 -.- I'll continue searching for another 2 months or so then I'll have to settle for my second choice which is an Evo X :/ Funny story...my Active Autowerke order which included the FMIC sailed through customs without getting hit lol I found it's quite hit and miss attracting duty - also don't get it shipped to the workshop directly - I got a few packages in the end that was being marked commercial instead of personal which was painful getting cleared up in the end With my large items - eg wheels, exhausts etc I used kiwishipping.co.nz - most vendors have cheap rates to ship within the USA , gets delivered to the mainfreight depot in California - then sea shipped to Auckland I heard prices have gone up , but for example - when i shipped my 2x CF sideskirts and 4x apex wheels - shipping was $160 NZ only downfall instead of airfreight is waiting 3 weeks for the items to arrive... 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowflake 39 Report post Posted September 3, 2015 I used kiwishipping as well for my wheels and tires - combined weight of around 90kgs - total cost of around $200NZ for freight but took 5weeks Used Mike to airfreight courier all engine components is a single box for US$150 so around the same price but it arrived in 4 days! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MD13 459 Report post Posted September 3, 2015 Which importer are you looking at for the car? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asianhommy 2 Report post Posted September 3, 2015 Good to know that there's a much cheaper alternative regarding shipping. Currently working with Ash @ CarWebs, importing direct isn't actually cheaper compared to buying in NZ if anything it's more expensive prob because of the exchange rate. But Ash has been very accomodating, he's the only one who is willing to source cars that aren't from auction houses. Also looking at the black 135 listed at Gulliver but def not paying 43k for an '09 lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asianhommy 2 Report post Posted September 3, 2015 Interesting development... sent an inquiry to Gulliver regarding why their price is so high, was thinking maybe it has quality aftermarket parts I didn't pick up on in the pics. Turns out it only has the BMW performance exhaust and the rest is stock bar a couple cosmetic mods. Told the sales rep flatly that there's no way I'm paying $15k more compared to others with similar mileage in NZ. His reason was that they do their own inspection before it leaves Japan and then AA does another check when it arrives in NZ. I was thinking to myself 'and you think that justifies the additional $15k???' Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_ethrty-Andy_ 2122 Report post Posted September 4, 2015 What the hell is FBO Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jake1829 119 Report post Posted September 4, 2015 What the hell is FBO Full bolt on Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asianhommy 2 Report post Posted September 13, 2015 (edited) Hey guys, looking for some advice as I'm really on the fence at the moment. I saw an 09 135i with 35,000kms two months ago at the Japanese auctions which sold for $31k. It needed a replacement DSC/ABS pump which may cost $4k in parts and labour to replace (correct me if I'm wrong), so total is $35.5k landed. I found the exact same car all fixed up and being sold by a Japanese dealer for $40.5K, plus transport and registration it should be almost $41k landed (this is his last price, have tried negotiating like my life depended on it >.>). Extra parts: - BMW Performance exhaust - BMW Performance suspension (shocks, springs and sway bars) - BMW Performance black kidney grills - BMW Performance short shifter - BMW Performance alcantara shifter and boot - BMW Performance alcantara handbrake - 19" Leon Hardiritt wheels (looks ugly imo but still better than the stock 261 rims - will prob have to change these for 18" so I can fit 235/40 (F) and 265/35 (R )) - Herman front lip Long story short, the price seems to be up there for a 1 series because I have seen similar mileage 335I selling for $37-38k here in NZ. I also won't be able to go FBO for at least a year because my budget when I started looking was $32k, went up to $35k and then to $37K *sigh*. So just need some opinions on whether or not I would be getting ripped off if I buy this car. Can't shake the feeling that the dealer is raping me with his price. More info on the car here: http://www.ap-now.co.jp/first_website/ap-now/cat2/post_80.html Edited September 13, 2015 by asianhommy 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowflake 39 Report post Posted September 17, 2015 $41K is too much in my opinion. $35K would have been about right. Not a wise idea to stretch your budget too far, especially as when it lands you will probably want to clean intakes, plugs, fluids etc which is another $1K then start modding! It does look like a very clean example and the low kms and extra parts help justify a higher price, but not that high. I would be surprised if it sold so wait a few weeks then go back to the dealer. I know when buying a car it's always easy to get emotionally attached, especially when you find 'the one', however patience is key! Took me 6mths to find my example which I got for $25K (2008, manual, 62kms) at the start of the year Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asianhommy 2 Report post Posted September 18, 2015 Yea I thought so as well so I decided to abandon my search for a 135i and go for my second choice. Found a manual NZ new Evo X with only 34kms on it for a good price, probably wasn't going to last long so I bit the bullet and made a deposit. Will be flying down to Wellington next week (for an hour hahaha) to check it out and probably buy it. Had a pre purchase done and the inspector was impressed with the condition. The only way I would be able to import a good value 135i was if the exchange rate gets better and that could take another 6 months or a year, maybe even longer and I simply refuse to be stuck with a sh*t box for that long. Anyways just wanted to say a big thank you for all the helpful peeps here. Even though I won't be part of the bimmer community we might meet at car events or on the streets Don't forget to say hi, I'll be the short asian guy boosting in an evo (yes I realise there's probably a million people fitting that description lol). Cheers 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rubix 434 Report post Posted September 18, 2015 Although you aren't buying a BMW, EVO X's are amazing cars. My favorite evo shape and with all the nice modern comforts, not a bad choice at all. Pics please when you've picked it up Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
