Advice me on buying a 3 series.

[Astronyu]

Hi, I would like to ask for some advice from all of you who had experience in owning a BMW.I'm planning to purchase a 3 series (320i or 325i (second hand)) may it be from Recon company (I saw one in Juru Auto City; Rahman Brothers, Japan spec) and also got one from BMW Premium Selection.As this would be my first time buying a BMW, I would be appreciate if someone can advice me on the procedure or what usually you guys do prior to buying. I'm more interested to know about the estimated maintenance cost or any issues with this series or recommendation on the model and where is the good place to get this model.I saw on the BMW website, they seems to offer good bargain on their used car than the recon importers. With recon importers, they offer 1 month of warranty while BMW offer 12 months which for me is great peace of mind. Like I said, this would be my first time replacing car and buying a BMW so any help is appreciated. Help like the NCB that I can transferred, the loan etc that related to me successfully own a BMW. If you have an article that can explained this better or coincidentally you are in the same area which I am right now, we could have TT together and I can learn more from you. Thank you all.

 

[Schwepps]

The best advice I can give you buddy, is to buy new or premium selection if you can. Don't go the recond way unless you know what you're doing.

 

[adzri]

just go with the pre reg car if your pocket allows it.

my 2 cents

 

[mesa-BokEh]

pre-reg bro... 3 thn warranty / 60Km...

 

[Astronyu]

by pre-reg you mean those selling in BMW itself?
Sorry, new to BMW world.

 

[stanleycck]

Hi, I would like to ask for some advice from all of you who had experience in owning a BMW.
I'm planning to purchase a 3 series (320i or 325i (second hand)) may it be from Recon company (I saw one in Juru Auto City; Rahman Brothers, Japan spec) and also got one from BMW Premium Selection.

As this would be my first time buying a BMW, I would be appreciate if someone can advice me on the procedure or what usually you guys do prior to buying. I'm more interested to know about the estimated maintenance cost or any issues with this series or recommendation on the model and where is the good place to get this model.

I saw on the BMW website, they seems to offer good bargain on their used car than the recon importers. With recon importers, they offer 1 month of warranty while BMW offer 12 months which for me is great peace of mind.

Like I said, this would be my first time replacing car and buying a BMW so any help is appreciated. Help like the NCB that I can transferred, the loan etc that related to me successfully own a BMW. If you have an article that can explained this better or coincidentally you are in the same area which I am right now, we could have TT together and I can learn more from you.

Thank you all.

AB has some pre-reg units going for good prices......check them out.......just got this info last week from my SA......

 

[Vroom325]

pre registered or premium selection only for me.
You may pay like 10k extra from outside, but I can tell you, it worth every penny.
I bought my e46 325 from AB with one year warranty, and I am glad I did that.
It end up save me a lot of money.

Any used car you take over, it will take you about 6-12mths for all problems to surface up or you to tackle them, especially this is your first beemer.

Unless you are very familiar with beemer or else I personally won't recommend you to buy from outside.

 

[Fadhlan]

Only go for recond if you know the car well and willing to take a risk. Most people take the risk because a) prices are better b) features are exotic. If not, take pre-reg or even premium selection - fully backed by BMW dealer. Any problems you will have, the dealer will solve it for you (hopefully!)

 

[zeedo]

And make sure it's 6 pot...hehehe, recon or pre reg

 

[mikeyC]

I always go for authorized dealer if buying premium brand, save the trouble on warranty...just my 2 cents...

 

[eesixtee]

Bro Astronyu,
Could not help to notice that u r looking for a 3 series and it just so happens tt my family is letting go our E90 325i for an upgrading reason.. It is a AB 2009 M-Sports model and it is still under BMW warranty and BSRI if that concern u most..
Let me know if u r interested.. Thanx

 

[Astronyu]

Since there are a lot of experienced owners here and from the looks of it everyone here are friendly and helpful, so I wonder if someone can help me with something.

Is there any place that I can get 325 sports for the lowest price? I live in Sungai Petani and for now my plan is to visit glenmarie showroom around this weekend to take a look on AB used car and also have one appointment with forumer here to see his uncle car.

The thing is, I have no experience in buying BMW thus why I need advice like what else do I need to know/do to get a bargain price, discount? how to get that? freebies? what usually I can get? What else I need to know? Would be great if there is someone who can be my acquaintance and advice me in buying my dream car, maybe you know a good/great sales advisor that you can introduce me with?

So, anyone here in Sungai Petani care for TT?


@eesixtee, thanks for the pm, your ride must be gorgeous. I'll drop by to visit you as well once I'm in KL later this week and we can talk more about it.

 

[Vroom325]

Bro, you can drop by AB Penang, and get the sales to show you their inventory.
They all carry a list of used car and prices.

Get them to show you, find the one you want and suits your budget, then only come down to take a look.

Getting a good condition is probably your biggest freebies...
Warranty is important. make sure you get a least a year.(depending how new the car is. If it's half a year old then you can get at least 2yrs of BRSI and warranty)

 

[Astronyu]

Thanks Vroom325, nicely said.
In fact, I'm planning to go to Penang AB tomorrow and see if they got the car (maybe 325 sports or 520d).
I believe I can test drive any model if I would right? Any special procedure to test drive a bimmer or is it the same with other car makes?

 

[Vroom325]

If the car is there, you can test drive. Most of the time, the car will be in KL. When you have purchased, they will delivered to Penang AB.(not driving, don't worry)

Er... as for test drive procedures, you will need a get yourself a helmet, glove, racing suit & shoe. Also better train your neck muscle before that so that your muscle won't cramp of the Gs.

HaHa, just kidding, as usual lah, bro. Go find out the difference why are we so hooked up with BMW... That's only the first impression, you can only find out more after owing one.

 

[M3ac]

Ya do participate in the BMW Innovation Days......they had a few last year with various dealers, and during some of the sessions, you not only get to test drive different models (eg. the 3Litre twinpoer turbo 6 potter Z4 35is M Sport),but also do a "mini" BMW driver training lesson/stunts....one example, accelerate the car froms standstill, avoid the cones and the slam on the brakes. Then you will know the acceleration of the 320d and the awesomeness of the braking power, handling and DSC comes in harmoniously. Plus, if you are lucky, the instructors may just show you the 180degrees reverse technique.....so the entire experince with BMW cars will just throw you off your feet. You have total confidence in pushing a BMW to its limits and yet knowing fully that the car will not let you down, infact it will handle better than what you'd expect. Simply put it....it is very very hard to crash a BMW, the only way is user error....that is how capable and when a BMW is pushed to the limits (in accordance to our standard), we ain't seen nothing yet....the car can handle more "abuse" and yet still feel so much composure and confidence. Now this is JOY and this JOY can only be found in a BMW.

 

[mohdharun]

Bro,
I am proud new owner of a 320i myself, almost 2 weeks old.
I spent many weeks visiting all the BMW showrooms ie AB, Ingress and finally settled for an outstation dealer that was offering RM5K lower than the rest!! All KL/Sgor showrooms cudnt match this offer!
Having planned my purchase very well i.e negotiated for the best year-end deals, in which SA's were willing to lower the price to close their year-end sales quota!

Now, I am a happy new owner with 3 years FREE maintenance and 2 years warranty with unlimited mileage!

I dont see any recond dealers coming even close to match this! Although their recond cars may be cheaper but you will incur a high maintenance cost in the long run. With a new machine, your TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) will be much-much lower.

Just my calculated opinions..

 

[M3ac]

Congratulations mohdharun, welcome to the UDM ownership experience. Have you introduced yourself at the newbie section yet?

 

[mohdharun]

Congratulations mohdharun, welcome to the UDM ownership experience. Have you introduced yourself at the newbie section yet?

Hi M3ac,
Yup, I have introduced myself at the newbie section and also signed up as an Official Member..

 

[M3ac]

Wah very cekap indeed.... Congratulations again mate. Enjoy your UDM