Gentlemen, Ive just posted my intro in the newbies section and need your expert advise. Im planning to get a BMW as my next ride, without having to stretch my budget too far, so im looking at either a 2005 E90, 320i (recond) or a 2005 E46 325i Sport which i saw in the papers recently, going for about 170k. The former is retailing at about 185k. I believe. Ive noticed that the recond Japan spec E90 320i M-sport seems attractive and has better specs and appearance than the local one, though slightly higher priced. However, as for the power and sheer enjoyment of driving the car, I believe the E46 325i will be a better choice. However, its a slightly older car with higher maintenance cost maybe. Hope you can share your experience/ advise on the following:1. Is it safe to get a recond BMW? Many in Motor Trader, and some are attractively priced with better specs than the local version. 2. Which would be a better package? a 2005 E90, 320i (recond) or a 2005 E46 325i Sport. Which one of these would you guys with years of owning a BMW go for? Both are nice rides. One is newer with less power, the other is older but has more ponies for a more performance oriented drive.Hope you can share your advice and knowledge. Thanks.
E46 325i or E90 320i
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astroboy
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Recond cars are a little worrying..
1. Mileage low because Japanese seldom drives.. I checked with some Japanese and they confirm it, but I remain skeptical la.
2. There are problematic AP around which u won't know until the Kastam come tarik your car or u can't transfer it out when its time to dispose.
3. Condition very good because re-conditioned ma..
but price also more lor 10-20k more compare to CKD used car of the same year. Which I doubt u would recover when u sell next time.
4. Tropical Climate Friendly issue? remain a myth to me..
5. Recond car gets new car interest and new plate. Those are the candy lor but the dealer charge u highly on registration.. as high as RM1.5k compare to my pre-reg AB car for RM350 only nia..
Of course, they are good experience around too.. just a risk that I don't feel like taking..
1. Mileage low because Japanese seldom drives.. I checked with some Japanese and they confirm it, but I remain skeptical la.
2. There are problematic AP around which u won't know until the Kastam come tarik your car or u can't transfer it out when its time to dispose.
3. Condition very good because re-conditioned ma..
but price also more lor 10-20k more compare to CKD used car of the same year. Which I doubt u would recover when u sell next time.4. Tropical Climate Friendly issue? remain a myth to me..
5. Recond car gets new car interest and new plate. Those are the candy lor but the dealer charge u highly on registration.. as high as RM1.5k compare to my pre-reg AB car for RM350 only nia..
Of course, they are good experience around too.. just a risk that I don't feel like taking..
anaksarawak
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I will also vote for the E90 320 anytime.. Newer engine and better resell value in 3 years down the road.
E90 will be more economical too
E90 will be more economical too
David Yong
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It depend on what you want. If you want power, then an E46 325i is right for you. But if you want latest model with better resell value in the future, then an E90 320i is better.
For me, I will choose an E90 over an E46..... simply because E46 is out-dated. Strongly suggest that you test drive both units and you will find the differences between an E46 and E90. I would say an E90 is much better in terms of handling, comfort, etc.
For me, I will choose an E90 over an E46..... simply because E46 is out-dated. Strongly suggest that you test drive both units and you will find the differences between an E46 and E90. I would say an E90 is much better in terms of handling, comfort, etc.
astroboy
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E46 325i ada 6-speed, ka? E90 320i ada, so FC very good! :top: FC same as 116i MANUAL!!
E46 dashboard nicer but E90 dashboard looks like E60.. I say its cool! reserve to use the "nice" word
Same as body shape too. Ask u 1 question, E60 shape nice or not? Yes? then E90 resembles that, unless u feel E39 shape nicer, then E46 resembles that..
No right or wrong answer.. strictly personal opinion. 325i maintenance also higher than 320i, some even say E46 maintenance higher than E90 (not sure)..
E46 dashboard nicer but E90 dashboard looks like E60.. I say its cool! reserve to use the "nice" word
Same as body shape too. Ask u 1 question, E60 shape nice or not? Yes? then E90 resembles that, unless u feel E39 shape nicer, then E46 resembles that..
No right or wrong answer.. strictly personal opinion. 325i maintenance also higher than 320i, some even say E46 maintenance higher than E90 (not sure)..
clint
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i was there once, and decided on the E46. no regrets. especially when i pull away strongly from a E90 320i at traffic lights
The RM170k E46 you saw is feature packed and its by Naza. You get TV, Sat-Nav, 18" wheels, bucket electric seats, sun roof, auto lights, auto wiper, zenon lights, etc...
The RM170k E46 you saw is feature packed and its by Naza. You get TV, Sat-Nav, 18" wheels, bucket electric seats, sun roof, auto lights, auto wiper, zenon lights, etc...
anaksarawak
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This just come to my mind... with RM170K .......You may get a nice E46 328CI with you can mod it for widebody, and M3 Lots of power there to play around with.
Also you may have DVD, SatNav(GPS), elec seats, sunroof, Bi-Xenon, Brembo Brake, 15" Disc rotor, and etcs..
Also you may have DVD, SatNav(GPS), elec seats, sunroof, Bi-Xenon, Brembo Brake, 15" Disc rotor, and etcs..
E46Fanatic
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I dont think there are 2005 E46's around. Maybe 2005 registered, but not manufactured tho.
Its a tough call. Depends what you are after at the end. The 4 pot will never be as satisfying as the smoothness and creamyness of the 6 pot even M54. But the E90 has a much better chassis and is noticable larger than the E46 inside. Long term, the E90 will last a lot longer, unless u get itchy and switch to a 6 pot E90 a few months down the line hehe.
Its a tough call. Depends what you are after at the end. The 4 pot will never be as satisfying as the smoothness and creamyness of the 6 pot even M54. But the E90 has a much better chassis and is noticable larger than the E46 inside. Long term, the E90 will last a lot longer, unless u get itchy and switch to a 6 pot E90 a few months down the line hehe.
Great guys...thanks a lot for your input.
astroboy, yes, youre right. End of the day, I guess the E90 is a newer model. One factor I have to consider is also space since I was earlier planning on getting an Accord (to make the missus and 2 small kids happy).
I test drove the E90 320i at AB, Glenmarie and must say that the balance and handling is miles apart if compared to my last 04 Accord, even though I thought the acceleration was probably a tad slower. Taking corners was a breeze...with minimal body roll....and a very willing engine that takes you all the way to the red zone. Sadly while putting the car in its paces, a systems fault started to display on the instrument panel..darn I thought....I broke something???....luckyly the sales guy told me the test car which i drove was given to him to use as his company car, and it had a problem with the DSP, and he looked pretty embarrased and apologised profusely. Phew... However, I was wondering...how can a car (test car was just 8 months old) have problems such as this. Maybe it has been thrashed hard by potential customers..like me or by the sales guy. Anyhow..it was a great ride.
I guess I have to try out the E46 325 as well...just to get a feel of it. Clint....I know the feeling as you say. Geoffrey/Clint, the 2005 E46 I saw is still advertised in newspaper. The owner said it was the last batch of E46 with full M sport package, rain sensor, bi-xenons, and the works with a reworked interior, i.e. full power seats / power thigh support??
Now..ive got to check out the E46. however, I think as what E46Fanatic says...space will be an issue..i.e. rear space.
BTW, I also called up this grey importer from Hulu Klang. Said they've got 6 units of E90s (2005 make). 320i & 325i. According to him its Japan spec and comes with DVD/Sat Nav, Xenon, etc. Havent seen the car yet, but sounds attractive. Can get new car int rate. Prices start from about 200k with such features. In Motortrader I saw a 2005 (local spec) 320i going for 185k and a 2007 320i SE going for 200k.
About these grey importers....just that im a bit worried. There are some buyers with bad experiences, there are some who are thoroughly happy as well. Warranty issues, etc..may be a problem, but need to sort out before deciding on the car. Now...i've got more to think about.
.......
astroboy, yes, youre right. End of the day, I guess the E90 is a newer model. One factor I have to consider is also space since I was earlier planning on getting an Accord (to make the missus and 2 small kids happy).
I test drove the E90 320i at AB, Glenmarie and must say that the balance and handling is miles apart if compared to my last 04 Accord, even though I thought the acceleration was probably a tad slower. Taking corners was a breeze...with minimal body roll....and a very willing engine that takes you all the way to the red zone. Sadly while putting the car in its paces, a systems fault started to display on the instrument panel..darn I thought....I broke something???....luckyly the sales guy told me the test car which i drove was given to him to use as his company car, and it had a problem with the DSP, and he looked pretty embarrased and apologised profusely. Phew... However, I was wondering...how can a car (test car was just 8 months old) have problems such as this. Maybe it has been thrashed hard by potential customers..like me or by the sales guy. Anyhow..it was a great ride.
I guess I have to try out the E46 325 as well...just to get a feel of it. Clint....I know the feeling as you say. Geoffrey/Clint, the 2005 E46 I saw is still advertised in newspaper. The owner said it was the last batch of E46 with full M sport package, rain sensor, bi-xenons, and the works with a reworked interior, i.e. full power seats / power thigh support??
Now..ive got to check out the E46. however, I think as what E46Fanatic says...space will be an issue..i.e. rear space.
BTW, I also called up this grey importer from Hulu Klang. Said they've got 6 units of E90s (2005 make). 320i & 325i. According to him its Japan spec and comes with DVD/Sat Nav, Xenon, etc. Havent seen the car yet, but sounds attractive. Can get new car int rate. Prices start from about 200k with such features. In Motortrader I saw a 2005 (local spec) 320i going for 185k and a 2007 320i SE going for 200k.
About these grey importers....just that im a bit worried. There are some buyers with bad experiences, there are some who are thoroughly happy as well. Warranty issues, etc..may be a problem, but need to sort out before deciding on the car. Now...i've got more to think about.
.......
