An E46 purchase

[jazz1011]

Hi Freedom@Merdeka,

Thanks a million for your directions.

It should be easy for me to find the place as I am rather familiar with that area.

If you happen to log in, I'd just like to ask how is the service quality and charges of that said workshop? Would really appreciate your feedback.

Many thanks.

 

[Freedom@Merdeka]

Hi Freedom@Merdeka,

Thanks a million for your directions.

It should be easy for me to find the place as I am rather familiar with that area.

If you happen to log in, I'd just like to ask how is the service quality and charges of that said workshop? Would really appreciate your feedback.

Many thanks.

I don't know about the quality but I guess it is ok as many bimmers are there & I think the charges is definately cheaper than the authorised workshop by BMW. I don't know what has been done for the car, my hubby sent it after 1 month of usage. The 1st charges is RM1183 (service plus others) & the second is RM336(I think is to change the sensor). So far so good.

 

[jazz1011]

Hi Freedom@Merdeka,

Thanks for the info on the charges. Seems reasonable to me - at least.

What year was your hubby's 320i & how much did he paid for it?

Which importer did he go and purchased the car?

Would appreciate all these information as it would greatly assist me in hunting for the car.

Many thanks.

 

[Freedom@Merdeka]

Hi Freedom@Merdeka,

Thanks for the info on the charges. Seems reasonable to me - at least.

What year was your hubby's 320i & how much did he paid for it?

Which importer did he go and purchased the car?

Would appreciate all these information as it would greatly assist me in hunting for the car.

Many thanks.

My hubby got his 320i year 02 2.0 unreg fr Cheras. I've to check with him for the name of the importer. Actually my hubby didn't even test drive the car & bought it within a month of searches based on his friend recommendation & inspection I don't actually suggest u to do that. I think he bought it about or less than 130K OTR. A few basic things which I don't really excited is it's not a leather seat, no reverse sensor, radio channel is limited, not very sound proof when I sit at the back as I can hear the sound of the CD changer moving. Frankly speaking i still prefer my chevrolet optra:wink:

 

[jazz1011]

Hi,

Thanks again for your infos, Freedom. I hope you don't mind I just type Freedom instead of your full handle.

I'm glad you are helpful enough to share with me all the enquiries that I have. And thanks for helping to check the importer's name. Seems like this thread is down to me & you corresponding ... hahaha

A '02 2.0 for 130K. Seems sensible though. May I ask you sure it's a 2.0 and not a 2.2? Coz the 320i comes in these two variants.

From all the "complaints" I hear from you, I think it might be a Japan spec model right? Coz the Jap specs are known to have low specs compared to the UK specs and our local CKDs.

Hahaha...well, I definitely do understand what you meant by you still prefer your Optra. If I was not a Bimmer fan, I'd go for the Nissan Sentra as well.

 

[sangkuriang]

If u were to buy a recond, beware of the year of manufacture (YOM) declaration. So far, most importer under declare YOM especially if imported from Japan. It is normal for importer to declare YOM 2002, whereas the actual manufacturing could be 2001, 2000 or even 1999. This is usually due to the date on the certificate of registration in the country of origin.

Best to check the VIN number and input into these sites and check the summarised history.

1) http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?vin=&kind=P&series=E46&arch=0

2) http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

Chiao

 

[jazz1011]

Hey thanks for the invaluable info, Sangkuriang.

I am sure the websites you have given me will prove to be very useful when I am scouting for the car.

Indeed, I have have heard that many grey importers under declare their cars - especially the Japan specs. Kinda scary though.

Which is why I might even opt to get a local 2nd hand CKD. At least it'll put my worries to rest a little. Plus I can even choose those who comes with full service history from AutoBavaria.

Cheers!

 

[Freedom@Merdeka]

Hi,

Thanks again for your infos, Freedom. I hope you don't mind I just type Freedom instead of your full handle.


A '02 2.0 for 130K. Seems sensible though. May I ask you sure it's a 2.0 and not a 2.2? Coz the 320i comes in these two variants.

No problem calling me freedom:9: It's a 2.0 with 18" rim I will pm u on the details of the importer later once I 've get it from my hubby.

Cheers.

 

[sangkuriang]

Hey thanks for the invaluable info, Sangkuriang.

I am sure the websites you have given me will prove to be very useful when I am scouting for the car.

Indeed, I have have heard that many grey importers under declare their cars - especially the Japan specs. Kinda scary though.

Which is why I might even opt to get a local 2nd hand CKD. At least it'll put my worries to rest a little. Plus I can even choose those who comes with full service history from AutoBavaria.

Cheers!

Hey Jazz
Since you mentioned earlier that "to quote - money is not really a consideration as long as I can get the car "fixed-up"-end quote", nothing is wrong with CKD. At least u know the history of d car.

Other than a some difference in architectural layout, languages used, some assembly finish (to include local content of course), the main reason most ppl go for recond usually loan (considered new car loan, hence less interest), new registration card (u r the first owner in M'sia), new registration number (to some, that matter a lot), etc.

Test both the 4-pot and 6-pot. Most owners would recommend nothing less than 2.5l engine of course (also thru experience). But they are not d one going to drive and live with ur car, you are, so d choice is yours...

(by d way, there is no wrong decision with UDM:rock: )

 

[jazz1011]

Hi Sangkuriang,

Well, true enough, there are definitely a lot of "advantages" of getting a recond - just like you have mentioned ...(less interested from the loan, the "prestige" of being the first owner of the car plus the fact that it gets a new registration, etc.)

And I can't argue that these facts do somewhat play a role in "manipulating" one's decision to purchase a car. Basically, it has affected me too, lol. And I haven't actually discarded the option of getting a recond either - until today.

But then again - I think I'd prefer to be on the safe side and that is why there is a strong likelihood I would go get a local CKD. The full service records will enable me to sleep more soundly at night rather than experiencing sleepless nights with a car that comes with no service histories.

I'll definitely try out both the 4-pots and 6-pots. Though I am sure there will be significant differences in perfromance, but like I've mentioned, I'm one who goes all out for looks and the badge and not so much about the performance factor.

Hey - it's still a Bimmer, right.

Cheers!

 

[jazz1011]

Hi Freedom,

Glad to have you back

Thanks for assisting in helping to enquire the name of the importer from your hubby. Appreciate it a lot.

Shall be waiting for your reply via PM - but no need to rush. Take your time.

Your hubby's car must really look awesome with 18" rims!! I can actually imagine it

So what colour is the car?

May I ask - since the day he bought the car (apart from the regular service & maintenance), has the car given him any major/minor problems, so far?

Thanks & Cheers!

 

[QD250]

a UDM is still a UDM, whether CBU, CKD, Jap, S. Africa etc...

problems are just pure luck.... sometimes you get it, sometimes you don't.

cheers.

 

[jazz1011]

Yes, you are right QD250.

I can't agrue to your statement. Indeed it all boils down to luck whenever one purchases a car.

Just have to keep our fingers crossed.

Cheerio!

 

[Freedom@Merdeka]

Hi Freedom,

Your hubby's car must really look awesome with 18" rims!! I can actually imagine it The cost of the tyres is very awesome too:eek:

So what colour is the car? Dark Blue, from far look like black.

May I ask - since the day he bought the car (apart from the regular service & maintenance), has the car given him any major/minor problems, so far?No problem so far[/COLOR]
Thanks & Cheers!

Jazz, I have just PM to you the particulars of the car dealer.

Happy Raya Holidays to all the forumers.
Cheers.

 

[jazz1011]

Hi Freedom,

I have just replied to your PM.

Many thanks for the particulars. It will sure come in handy for me.

So I am sure you have drove the Bimmer before. What is your comment on it? It doesn't matter if you have any negative comments - I am open to all views and opinions.

I know you still prefer your Chevy Optra lol ... but would sure like to know what's your view on the 320i after driving it.

Cheers!

 

[Freedom@Merdeka]

If u were to buy a recond, beware of the year of manufacture (YOM) declaration. So far, most importer under declare YOM especially if imported from Japan. It is normal for importer to declare YOM 2002, whereas the actual manufacturing could be 2001, 2000 or even 1999. This is usually due to the date on the certificate of registration in the country of origin.


Chiao

Sangkuriang u r right, the 320i year 02 unreg that we just bought was manufactured in Dec 1999.

 

[acidburn]

You no need to worry on the car condition from Japan. One of the reason is they only use their car on weekend bout 30km return journey. For daily transportation they normally use either JRL Trains or subways. Most of the company subsidies their monthly ticket. This is applicable to Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Fukuoka. That was why the mileage is pretty low even the car already 5-7 years old.

 

[jazz1011]

Acidburn,

You seemed to know very well about how & when the Japs drive their cars ...lol

But then, it is something that I have heard of too, myself - except that I do not know as detailed as you - like if their company subsidies their monthly ticket & which part of Japan it is applicable. Glad you could share those infos.

Having said that, even if the mileage of the car is low for a 5 - 7 year old car, but I reckon it is still time to change the various wear & tear parts right - when we buy it?

Cheers!

 

[QD250]

wear & tear - maintenance

Acidburn,

You seemed to know very well about how & when the Japs drive their cars ...lol

But then, it is something that I have heard of too, myself - except that I do not know as detailed as you - like if their company subsidies their monthly ticket & which part of Japan it is applicable. Glad you could share those infos.

Having said that, even if the mileage of the car is low for a 5 - 7 year old car, but I reckon it is still time to change the various wear & tear parts right - when we buy it?

Cheers!

jazz,

i bought a jap recon as well. my mileage was 23k when i got it. (tampered perhaps??) it was said as 02 but when check via the net it is 01. but still happy with it thus far. if you look at my posting in the e46 maintenance thread, have spend around 4k plus to put it up to par as well as all the changes for wear and tear, to enjoy it as it is now.

cheerio.

 

[sangkuriang]

Wah QD, u posted at 3am ka? hard at work advising ppl, it seemed...
good deed shud be rewarded meh.

Well Freedom, don't worry if ur/hubby's car is actually manufactured in 1999, look at the glass windows, if the glass is BMW Sicursv code 43R-000xxx, then the glass is manufactured in 2001 hence the car is driven out in 2001. At least the life started in 2001 though manufactured earlier (applicable to Jap spec, i think).

I got this tip somewhere, i don't actually remember whether the 43R or the last 3 digits denotes the yr of installation (but strongly believe the code 43R), coz when checking the tip, mine was deemed started life in 2001, though actual manufacturing is Dec 1999. I guess the higher the number denotes later installation, right.

Anyway, older cars could be rejuvenated with good service and wear and tear parts replacement, no? So far, after 2 yrs using it the car is great after spending 'bout 4k on services, normal parts and critical sensors.

Hey Jazz, keep us posted on your hunt...