Differences Between 325i CKD, Life Style & SMG

[Gopi]

Dear Cifus,Can anyone xplain the differences between a CKD, Life Style & SMG model (325i) from spec, selling price and maintenance point of view. Which wud be the best model to own for an average income guy

 

[B33mEr]

CKD = Complete Knock Down :- Car parts imported from BMW manufacturing plant and delivered to M'sia to be re-assembled into a complete car in an assembly plant, CBU = Completely Built Up :- Complete cars that are imported into Malaysia.

Life Style models are more luxurious while SMG cars are more sporty. SMG cars are not for everyone it comes equipped with SMG gearbox which is jerky and requires some learning on how to shift the gears smoothly ... Only enthusiastic drivers need to apply plus requires more maintenance but fun factor outweighs the cons. Lifestyle models comes equipped with an auto gearbox which is smooth and seamless.

Define average income? Anyhow if you're not the fast driving type and prefers comfort over sporty then the lifestyle is the one you should go for. Having said that do test drive both cars :top:

 

[Gopi]

Thanks bro..Y isit SMG cost more maintenance compare too life style. Another Q; is this bmw 325i is a reliable car. I suppose it shall not give much repair trouble it is being engineered by German Technology. How do we compare beemer with Japanese car. Im a new bie, plz bare with my queries..heeee

 

[B33mEr]

Thanks bro..Y isit SMG cost more maintenance compare too life style. Another Q; is this bmw 325i is a reliable car. I suppose it shall not give much repair trouble it is being engineered by German Technology. How do we compare beemer with Japanese car. Im a new bie, plz bare with my queries..heeee

You can refer to the thread created for SMG transmission :- http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?39561-SMG-Share-thread

325i sport a M54 engine (B22, B25 and B30) which is a solid engine and can last hundred's of thousand km without doing an overhaul if oil change is done on a regular basis. Compare to japanese then BMW is more expensive in terms of parts and requires more TLC, it is after all Ultimate Driving Machine. You can refer to the maintenance thread to gauge the cost of maintenance parts and services.

Do take your time and make sure you have done all your research before jumping in into BMW cars. Can be pleasure and pain all the time at the same time lol

 

[clavenk]

Read more about smg before you really wanna go for it. Maintenance is really not cheap!!! one of it that frequent fail is the actuator pump, and cost you 4k to replace and that only part, haven't calculate labor + oil + other stuff.