530i jap spec/ uk spec

[glock_8]

Hi fellow bavarians,I have been reading this website for quite sometimes now and gained many valuable informations about e60. I am yet an owner of this bavarian beauty, but considering to own one. I am very interested on 530i model particularly the m-sport. But my budget allows for a recond unit only. Through out my search on many gray importers shops, i've notice that there are units from uk and also from japan. The japanese spec has many features and they are easily available almost at any gray importers. However, based on information from this website, the jap spec Idrive is useless here. How about the uk spec? can we use the sat nav/bluetooth/ etc here?what would be the best buy then?My budget is around 280k. I also considering the brand new 325 msport/ audi B8 2Tfsi quattro for about the same money.Appreciate some feedback from fellow owners

 

[thule]

For RM280k, you probably can only get 530 M-sport year 2005... if not mistaken, there's one or two unit in SG Motor Credit @ Damansara Kim SS20... however, the power that you get will definitely give you the thrill
Some of the factors:
1) Japanese spec BMW is considerably newer compared to UK spec... coz the mileage for Japan spec is very low even though it has been 3 years. I got my 525 M-Sport Japan spec (2005) with 11000km only :top: For UK spec... I heard that Uk ppl normally thrash their car around before selling it off... unless you are very lucky to find a UK spec where the previous owner really take care of the car... it's better to go for Japan spec
2) The advantages of getting UK spec BMW is that the iDrive can be used in Malaysia... I mean, the radio will definitely work, plus Sat Nav system...
3) For Japanese spec... the only setback is the iDrive but it's not entirely useless there's TV function but then, I wonder how many Malaysians actually use it, coz the picture is very blur and you can't watch it while driving... only when at full stop or stationary mode.
4) Most people wants Radio function but since Japanese frequency is only up to 90MHz... we can't really listen to our beloved Hitz.fm, Mix FM, My FM, 988, Fly FM, etc... all are which more than that! One point though... don't, I mean DON'T ever install radio booster as it affects ur car in long fun (from what I learn here)
5) There are 2 ways to rectify Japanese specs iDrive problem... A) to change the whole CCC + DVD navigation system... this will cost RM8-9k and there are some workshops that actually do this... B) do progman to upgrade your car's software to at least v28 in order to have the "Audio Aux", then add Interface before adding DVD player + GPS system...

As for the latest 3-Series facelift model... it will cost about RM310k which is more than what you have... but then it's new. Also consider the car space, as 5_series and 3_Series are 2 different class cars...

 

[thule]

Almost forget, we buy BMW for the driving experience... if you don't get what I mean, go test drive an Audi A4 (B8) first... then only test drive a BMW... they don't call it "Ultimate Driving Machine" for no reason :top:

 

[chookleng]

wah thule now speaking as sifu here already. few months date back u asking like newbie now different liao. now give advice here. so pro la u, haha...glock_8, listen to sifu advice will certainly wont ended u up regretful in future. hehe..thule now already master here. recently graduate as master only, bravo thule

 

[thule]

wah thule now speaking as sifu here already. few months date back u asking like newbie now different liao. now give advice here. so pro la u, haha...glock_8, listen to sifu advice will certainly wont ended u up regretful in future. hehe..thule now already master here. recently graduate as master only, bravo thule

wah lao eh... don't say like that OK?? I'm still very new.. but when you have the hands on experience in all these...you will learn a lot...
I still have a lot to learn here... such as on tyres, maintenance, etc... it's practically endless but I hope that one day, I will know a lot on this UDM :top:

 

[chookleng]

u wont thule.coz when tat day arrive, u have more $$$$$ to change bigger drive, haha. eventually u will dispose ur e60 n get other luxury car, haha

 

[glock_8]

Almost forget, we buy BMW for the driving experience... if you don't get what I mean, go test drive an Audi A4 (B8) first... then only test drive a BMW... they don't call it "Ultimate Driving Machine" for no reason :top:

Thanxs for the fast reply thule..really appreciate it,

so i can conclude the finding as
- between jap n uk spec, the probability to get good cond car is the jap spec.
- and if we get the jap spec, spare some rm10k to convert the CCC to have it fully functional.

and as for 325 msport, yeah the price is rm308k brand new, but sapura did offer me some of their pre reg for rm280k with 0 mileage and 3 yrs warranty.

as for audi B8, currently only have 1.8 liter TFsi going for rm235k (this is in 320i category). But giving out an immense amount of torque (250nm @ 1500rpm) very useful and with a simple chip can push the power to 200bhp 300nm torque. This model is front wheel drive. I have test driven the car and loved the 8 speed CVT transmission and the drive select which change the stiffness of the suspension and the throttle response at a push of a button. I can feel the oversteer being the front wheel drive, but all in all its a nice cruiser and a value for money given the idrive like monitor at the price of 320i.

the one that i consider to get is the feb 09 B8 2liter Tfsi with 4 wheel drive (quattro) churning out 210bhp and 350nm of torque. Again with simple engine remap can push the power to 260bhp and 400nm torque. Not too sure bout the ride compare to beemer but for the same price as 325 sport, it will definely give the 325 a run for it money.

as for space wise, i am turning 29 this year with a 6mths old daughter. Either 3 series or 5 series work for me...reason i choose the 5 is because its value for money (being the recond) and loved the look!!!

 

[glock_8]

one more thing, how about the bluetooth? does the jap spec model has this and will it still functional? kinda handy to have this connected to our pda/phone

 

[thule]

so i can conclude the finding as
- between jap n uk spec, the probability to get good cond car is the jap spec.
- and if we get the jap spec, spare some rm10k to convert the CCC to have it fully functional.

as for space wise, i am turning 29 this year with a 6mths old daughter. Either 3 series or 5 series work for me...reason i choose the 5 is because its value for money (being the recond) and loved the look!!!

I'm turning 30 next year and my wife will give birth next year... so 3 Series is not really that ideal given it's compact size... I find out my previous Toyota Altis's interior is bigger compared to 3 Series
5 Series will be the best for new family... :top:

 

[thule]

one more thing, how about the bluetooth? does the jap spec model has this and will it still functional? kinda handy to have this connected to our pda/phone

you can retrofit bluetooth module onto your car... go to workshop specialised in BMW or else... go to Ingress, Auto Bavaria or Sapura and ask... but I'm sure that those authorised BMW dealer will quote you high price.. about two times of what you can get outside.

There's one workshop which a lot of forumers here go to in Jalan Ipoh... it's called Obermaier and the person-in-charge is Freddy... I've googled this place up...

No 12, Jalan Suppiah Pillay,
2 3/4 Mile, Off Jalan Ipoh,
51200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 603-4042 1637
603-4043 1498
603-4043 4151

Hope this will help... you can ask about the CCC as well as bluetooth... PDC (Parking Distance Control) too that is, if you have $$$ to burn... not cheap to get all these into your car though... maybe do it one by one???

P.S: For me, I just get myself iTech bluetooth headset for RM100 and connect to my phone only nia... economical! even though having the original BMW bluetooth module is VERY COOL! lol...

 

[glock_8]

I'm turning 30 next year and my wife will give birth next year... so 3 Series is not really that ideal given it's compact size... I find out my previous Toyota Altis's interior is bigger compared to 3 Series
5 Series will be the best for new family... :top:

walauwei!! u drive the 5 series only with your wife currently? really big extra space u have there rite now!!! hahaha.

i just sold my 350z last week to get the 5 series (most probably) due to my daughter...never thought of getting the 5 when it was only me n my wife back then hahaha.

so for me, coming from a really cramp cockpit of the z to any 4 doors saloon is a big improvement already!!!

and the bluetooth thingy really cool when they put it on during the test drive...even the ring tone come out from the car's speaker once u get connected....really cool.

you are right bout getting all those gadget done in one go will give a big blow to our pocket.....i was considering asking for a discount from the car dealer when i buy it soon.

 

[alxy]

Jap spec cars are generally better spec than UK cars. Only exception is the PDC, which seems to come standard with UK cars but can be found in Jap spec cars (like mine!) if you look hard enough. Apparently UK BMWs come with a 4-5 page options list! So a lot of things are not standard. For example, even the automatic climate control air cond we take for granted (on Jap and local versions) does not come standard on UK cars, and the projector headlights too. Also check the rear aircond, Jap spec comes with 2 controls (air flow and temp) but UK normally only one (air flow only I think) and rear automatic sunblind.

Bottom line, be more careful if you choose UK as might not come with a lot of "standard" features. Though maybe newer ones (late 2005 above) might have more stuff already.

Though most important, engine is the same though

 

[glock_8]

Jap spec cars are generally better spec than UK cars. Only exception is the PDC, which seems to come standard with UK cars but can be found in Jap spec cars (like mine!) if you look hard enough. Apparently UK BMWs come with a 4-5 page options list! So a lot of things are not standard. For example, even the automatic climate control air cond we take for granted (on Jap and local versions) does not come standard on UK cars, and the projector headlights too. Also check the rear aircond, Jap spec comes with 2 controls (air flow and temp) but UK normally only one (air flow only I think) and rear automatic sunblind.

Bottom line, be more careful if you choose UK as might not come with a lot of "standard" features. Though maybe newer ones (late 2005 above) might have more stuff already.

Though most important, engine is the same though

thanx alxy....will definitely will take a look up on those optionals when im shopping for the e60.

ouh yeah...when u guys bought the car (recond owners) did u get the car sent to authorised workshop (sapura/bavaria/ingress) for inspection? if so, what are things to look at to make sure the car is in good condition? i constantly saw few units that have this steering symbol lights up at the dashboard whenever the dealer start the car...they told me that is normal and can be reset....is it true?

 

[E60MSport]

thanx alxy....will definitely will take a look up on those optionals when im shopping for the e60.

ouh yeah...when u guys bought the car (recond owners) did u get the car sent to authorised workshop (sapura/bavaria/ingress) for inspection? if so, what are things to look at to make sure the car is in good condition? i constantly saw few units that have this steering symbol lights up at the dashboard whenever the dealer start the car...they told me that is normal and can be reset....is it true?

Steering symbol? Did the i-Drive come up with some error reporting status? It won't be normal unless you have disconnected the battery, which can be resetted in a very easy method (depending on what shows on the i-Drive though). Generally to make sure that the car is in good condition, I got people to check the under carriage, bushes, engine mountings, and a few other parts of the vehicle. I do agree with alxy that each vehicle has their different equipment specified. E.g. mine's a MY04 525i Sports that came pretty much without options. The only options it had was full M Sport Package with rims and suspension. Supposedly came with wood trim but got swapped to the Aluminium Cube Trim somewhere either before or after it came into Malaysia, Xenons & TV. Basically that's it. No sunblinds and no bluetooth .

 

[Erest]

thanx alxy....will definitely will take a look up on those optionals when im shopping for the e60.

ouh yeah...when u guys bought the car (recond owners) did u get the car sent to authorised workshop (sapura/bavaria/ingress) for inspection? if so, what are things to look at to make sure the car is in good condition? i constantly saw few units that have this steering symbol lights up at the dashboard whenever the dealer start the car...they told me that is normal and can be reset....is it true?

This steering symbol light is for the steering lock control mechanism. It is programed to your memory seat. e.g. if you like the steering to be lowered, upon turning off the keys, the sterring will be adjusted to the higher position for easy access to the cockpit. if the event that the steering feels that its movement is being hindered, this symbol will light up.

I have seen this symbol few case myself when I start the engine. My leg was blocking the steering. The car refuse to start untill I turn the steering a bit.

 

[t2ribena]

thanx alxy....will definitely will take a look up on those optionals when im shopping for the e60.

ouh yeah...when u guys bought the car (recond owners) did u get the car sent to authorised workshop (sapura/bavaria/ingress) for inspection? if so, what are things to look at to make sure the car is in good condition? i constantly saw few units that have this steering symbol lights up at the dashboard whenever the dealer start the car...they told me that is normal and can be reset....is it true?

could also be the active steering angle sensor issue...it is common problem for e60...

 

[alxy]

Steering symbol should be the active steering alarm. Sometimes, when they ship the car they disconnect the battery. When you do that, you have to recalibrate the active steering. That can be done by just driving it around a bit and turning the steering left and right. Normally this shouldn't be a problem. But once it has been reset, if the alarm comes back then it's a problem.

 

[glock_8]

thanx guys for the input !!!!

 

[thule]

just make sure that there is no problem with the Active Steering, as it will cost you a bomb to replace the whole stuff...
Happy shopping ask if there's discount for year end sale or not??? lol... it's December, and if you wait patiently enough... you might be able to get cheaper bargain in January, and hopefully be able to drive the new ride before CNY... hahaha :top:

 

[OSB]

glock 8, borrow your thread aaa..

I'm also looking for 530 M'Sport edition.. after this 3 month survey & asking the diff Jap vs UK has been told by seller to me... the main is gear box, others acceptable laa. UK spec use bigger gear box (in size) than Jap & Local (Asia spec).. it's true?