Advice to get a 2009 323i

[seanchen78]

hi sean,

have u tried the latest PASSAT CC? if not go n try it, u will be surprised by it's power, specification n comfort. i was amazed as compared to the previous model. 0-100km/h only 7.8sec ,powered by a 2litre turbo engine (cheaper roadtax.....hahaha)

Dear Andrew,

Not yet since i only interest to AUDI and BMW.

BMW is my dream car. One of my friend introduced AUDI A4 to me and i found the car is not bad too.

The SA from Melaka will meet me this Sat. Hope that he will bring a good new to me.:wink:

 

[seanchen78]

I was on the same dilemma before(imagine for 3 years)...tried the Merc C, booked the new A4 (luckily got my deposit back) and also the super hatch Golf Gti...but i have ended up with 325sports....My first test drive was only after i decided to put my booking..

Dont wanna go for others then regret later whenever i bump with a BMW...but then all the other marques has their own character..i guess me and many here shares the same character

I suppose to wait till CNY 2010 too but cant wait that long since i feel every new day is a blessing for me...

Dear VKS,

I was told by the A4 SA that the waiting period is 4 months plus. That's long period of time.

Well, i did plan to get 1 before CNY. :top:Yes, yes, the first impression of 325Sport is so good and feel lost when i back to my dad's 2.4V Camry. I can't tell what missing during the ride. Maybe it is the difference between JP and Conti cars. Now, i am still looking for the same feeling.

 

[astroboy]

.. hehe and for those who don't know, E90 320d is turbocharged too! 177hp with 350Nm torque, plus one tank of fuel can cover over 1,000 km.. I would grab it if this model was available then.. light weight engine compare to a 6-potter, low rpm operation cycle making the engine many times more durable then its petrol cousins.

Remember, there's no replacement for displacement. The 1.8 forced induction will run out of steam above 180kph.. my E90 320i can keep pushing all the way up the 210kph! Don't believe me? Ask my 10 year old son, who witness the test..

Oh! Passat CC, the Merc CLS replica.. a friend came to me and told me how good the Passat CC is and everything BMW has, they have and more like the Sport mode suspension stiffening switch, plus they have "self healing" tyres.. first time I hear the term, surprised too and did some research on it, yes, its true.. "self healing" :listen:

 

[Schwepps]

Well the world is going diesel, turbo, hybrid and whatever else coming along. UN Meteorology has just reported that CO2 levels are still rising. So it's no longer politically correct to say you're driving an ultimate driving machine. Enjoy the E90 while you can guys. :wink:

Passat CC, C250, Quattro TSI, all good cars no doubt. But IMO none have the attitude and chutzpah, but with just the right touch of class and breeding, of an E90. :top:

 

[seanchen78]

Well, i think it is not fair to compare current bmw model with new model from other manufacturer. As i was been told that current bmw model had been in the market for >5 years. I am looking forward the new generation of 3 series. I believe it will be more advance.

 

[racheltoh]

what is ur purpose of getting the car? to race? power? safety? security or looks? all new cars manufacture at a later time will surely improve..its Kaizen. If u buy yr 320 in 2012...the 320 in 2018 is even better... so how?

U know..initially i wanted to buy a 320. But ended up 325 based on 2 words "Trust" and "Good Car". and that's it. I bought the car without test driving too ok... n hv no regrets.. yeah..sometimes very itchy want to change / mod but i m contented liao...

 

[seanchen78]

Dear rachel,
ha. you misunderstand my words. New generation of 3 series will equip with more advance tech. Hence, comparing with other brand by that time seem meaningless.

Anyhow, you have point out the reason most of us choose BMW.

Just phoned 2 AB in KL and they don't have any 323i now. Need to wait till Feb 2010. Hm...timing isn't right....

 

[Schwepps]

Seanchen, just grab the first one you see which is in the right colour and for which the financials are okay for you. If you turn away to look for a slightly lower price or lower interest rate, someone else will plonk down the deposit, and you'll have to wait for the next production batch. And if you're going to keep the car for a few years, don't bother about things like 2009 model vs 2010 model either. The car is for driving and enjoying, and these things don't matter.

I paid full price for the last SG 325i Sports in the country last year because it would have been an 8 month wait for the next unit. No regrets whatsoever, as that 8 months was priceless. :wink:

 

[racheltoh]

sean: u tried Ingress Auto yet or Quill?

 

[rastamarley]

for a 3 series e90 , 2.3 cc is powerfull enough and its worth buying ,
the only problem on the car is engine oil and transmission oil
replace engine oil every 10,000km and transmission oil every 60,000km\

this will tc of ur engine and transmission

 

[VKS]

for a 3 series e90 , 2.3 cc is powerfull enough and its worth buying ,
the only problem on the car is engine oil and transmission oil
replace engine oil every 10,000km and transmission oil every 60,000km\

this will tc of ur engine and transmission

Bro these are the engines ever come out from an E90...theres no 2.3cc so get the fact right before you post..

Engine(s) 1.6L I4; 2.0L I4; 2.5L I6; 3.0L I6; 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6; 4.0L V8; 2.0L Diesel I4; 3.0L Diesel I6; 3.0L Twin-Turbo Diesel I6

:top:

 

[seanchen78]

sean: u tried Ingress Auto yet or Quill?

Dear Rachel,

No. Aren't they belong to the same group?

 

[seanchen78]

for a 3 series e90 , 2.3 cc is powerfull enough and its worth buying ,
the only problem on the car is engine oil and transmission oil
replace engine oil every 10,000km and transmission oil every 60,000km\

this will tc of ur engine and transmission

Dear rastamarley,

Ha..that's not a big problem to me as long as it take care the car engine and transmission. Thanks for your remind.:top:

 

[seanchen78]

Seanchen, just grab the first one you see which is in the right colour and for which the financials are okay for you. If you turn away to look for a slightly lower price or lower interest rate, someone else will plonk down the deposit, and you'll have to wait for the next production batch. And if you're going to keep the car for a few years, don't bother about things like 2009 model vs 2010 model either. The car is for driving and enjoying, and these things don't matter.

I paid full price for the last SG 325i Sports in the country last year because it would have been an 8 month wait for the next unit. No regrets whatsoever, as that 8 months was priceless. :wink:

Dear Schwepps,

Your words enlighten me.--> "don't bother about things like 2009 model vs 2010 model either. The car is for driving and enjoying, and these things don't matter."

To be honest, 325 really amazed me but it is over my financial ability. Therefore, 323i is the closest option that i can find. Last night, I saw a new 323i parking in front of a restaurant at my town. So beautiful. Don't know who the owner is?

Guys. Thanks for your support. i am very appreciate. We shall meet 1 day and by that moment, with my dream car just beside us. :wink:

 

[racheltoh]

Dear Sean, nowadays most of my friends here go to Ingress Auto because of their competitiveness and also high customer service. Quill is new *i think, i may be wrong* as I saw it near Jaya 33 yesterday when I meet up with 3 skillful n knowledgeable BMW mechanics..ahahahahhaha. There is also Sapura Auto..I'm sure you are aware right.

If you want, you can call Ingress Auto and ask for Norman or Damien Cheh (both siblings). Tel: 03-7721 2288

 

[jazzler]

Here's my real experience when I bought my 323i recently:

A month ago I called up Tian Siang, Ipoh whether there are any available units of 323i with my choice of colour currently. They said not in their place BUT checking with their computer, one such unit is indeed available in BMW Malaysia. It is the only one left. Instructed them to book it 1st thing in the morning the following day (My call to them was like at 5.30 or 6 pm).

However, the next day Tian Siang reverted with bad news for me : the Alor Setar dealer have managed to procured the particular unit that I wanted so no more stock. Pressed further, I am told that if I remain adamant in my choice of colour it means I have to wait until January 2010. I told them so be it and I will wait.

1 hour later...

Tian Siang SA called me and tell me 323i unit available in the assembly plant with my choice of colour. I just need to wait for about 3 weeks. When I was inquired whether I want it, I placed the deposit. Took possession of the car last Sunday.

The car that I got was a pre-reg 0 mileage 323i at the price tag of 250k. If you really want the car Sean, perhaps you might want to try my method.

 

[Schwepps]

Sean, you're so enthusiastic, let me try to help summore. Jazzler's experience is relevant. Firstly, AB, Ingress, Sapura and Quill are 4 of several dealers of BMW Malaysia, all separate entities. Buy a BMW from any dealer, and ALL dealers in any city will honour the BSRI and warranty because the costs are recharged to BMWM.

The assembly plant makes cars in batches. Today, E90s in 1 colour, tomorrow E90s in another colour, etc. Then they make other BMW models, then even other marques. So the E90 in the colour you want is not being made all the time. When stock is low, competing SAs from competing dealers will book cars 'for their client' even if they don't have a client in hand, and you'll find that you can't get hold of one anywhere. But a few weeks ago, stock levels were high, so there were many units to choose from, with good discounts and interest rates. That was the best time to plonk for one! Now, stock may be low again, so the answers are: "sorry you'll have to wait until Jan/Feb".

Given the above info, my advice is: Scour all the dealers for the model and colour you want. If you find one, negotiate hard, but book it quickly. My final 2 cents: get the 325! You'll regret it slightly if that's the one you really want, but didn't get

 

[VKS]

My final 2 cents: get the 325! You'll regret it slightly if that's the one you really want, but didn't get

:top::top::top:

 

[seanchen78]

Here's my real experience when I bought my 323i recently:

A month ago I called up Tian Siang, Ipoh whether there are any available units of 323i with my choice of colour currently. They said not in their place BUT checking with their computer, one such unit is indeed available in BMW Malaysia. It is the only one left. Instructed them to book it 1st thing in the morning the following day (My call to them was like at 5.30 or 6 pm).

However, the next day Tian Siang reverted with bad news for me : the Alor Setar dealer have managed to procured the particular unit that I wanted so no more stock. Pressed further, I am told that if I remain adamant in my choice of colour it means I have to wait until January 2010. I told them so be it and I will wait.

1 hour later...

Tian Siang SA called me and tell me 323i unit available in the assembly plant with my choice of colour. I just need to wait for about 3 weeks. When I was inquired whether I want it, I placed the deposit. Took possession of the car last Sunday.

The car that I got was a pre-reg 0 mileage 323i at the price tag of 250k. If you really want the car Sean, perhaps you might want to try my method.

Dear jazzler,

I got reply from 1 AB KL telling me that he may have 1 pre-reg 323i since his client is having loan problem. The price is 259K. Blue color.

Beside, another SA replies too, whom our bro benjovi introduced. He have 1 323i pre-reg left with color is sapphire / beige.

I will call these SA for further details. Thanks guys.

 

[seanchen78]

Sean, you're so enthusiastic, let me try to help summore. Jazzler's experience is relevant. Firstly, AB, Ingress, Sapura and Quill are 4 of several dealers of BMW Malaysia, all separate entities. Buy a BMW from any dealer, and ALL dealers in any city will honour the BSRI and warranty because the costs are recharged to BMWM.

The assembly plant makes cars in batches. Today, E90s in 1 colour, tomorrow E90s in another colour, etc. Then they make other BMW models, then even other marques. So the E90 in the colour you want is not being made all the time. When stock is low, competing SAs from competing dealers will book cars 'for their client' even if they don't have a client in hand, and you'll find that you can't get hold of one anywhere. But a few weeks ago, stock levels were high, so there were many units to choose from, with good discounts and interest rates. That was the best time to plonk for one! Now, stock may be low again, so the answers are: "sorry you'll have to wait until Jan/Feb".

Given the above info, my advice is: Scour all the dealers for the model and colour you want. If you find one, negotiate hard, but book it quickly. My final 2 cents: get the 325! You'll regret it slightly if that's the one you really want, but didn't get

Dear Schwepps,

Ha...i am come to the right place. :rock:

I will meet the SA from Melaka and from last conversation, he only have pre reg 325. And he will try his best to give me better deal. To me, as long as i am affordable, i will get it.

Both 323i and 325 is beautiful. Some of our forumer adviced me that 325 is not suit for town use since it is too sporty. Ha..323i is more suitable. Schwepps, i am not sure the place you live.But my place is a small town.