E90 325i Sports Edition

[wglee]

Yeah, 2 variants of the 325i would be great - the standard and the SE. Let's hope it turns out that way.

Although you seem sure I would like the SE, I have to say I've gone rather soft, and like others here, want the looks and cred of the M-Sport but also want the bum to be coddled by luxury suspension. Maybe it's coz of current lifestyle and KL potholes, y'know?

No intention to nit-pick here, but if I'm not mistaken - and guided by the BMWs marketed in the UK - "SE" models of BMWs are the fully loaded luxo models which are distinct from the separate "Sport" models... Similarly, I think the E90 320i SE for the Malaysian market is just a better equipped more luxurious 320i, and not quite a "Sport" variant.

 

[Schwepps]

Hope you're right wglee It remains to be seen what the "lowered M Sport suspension" and 18" rims feel like in the flesh. At ~300k, it's certainly luxo priced and shouldn't be positioned for hard-core racers anyway. Look forward to a test drive.

 

[KL2DC]

No intention to nit-pick here, but if I'm not mistaken - and guided by the BMWs marketed in the UK - "SE" models of BMWs are the fully loaded luxo models which are distinct from the separate "Sport" models...

LOL yes you're nitpicking

We just got lazy and refered to the Sport Edition as SE. From henceforth, we will refer to this model as the 325i Sport

 

[KL2DC]

Hope you're right wglee It remains to be seen what the "lowered M Sport suspension" and 18" rims feel like in the flesh. At ~300k, it's certainly luxo priced and shouldn't be positioned for hard-core racers anyway. Look forward to a test drive.

The Sport suspension is not too bad. You will certain vastsly improve the ride comfort of your 325i Sport by switching out to non-RFT Best of both worlds, I say....

 

[3er]

Imho the packaging for the M-sports model is right. They should call it M-sport not Sport Edition, I think this labeling is more correct. So you lose AS but you gain i-drive/navi.

I would think the AS is more useful since you use it the minute you start up the car. The i-drive/navi is only a nice-to-have and useful on that few occasions when you are stuck in traffic and want to fiddle around to alleviate your boredom. Oh well, everyone has an opinion....

 

[Schwepps]

No intention to nit-pick here, but if I'm not mistaken - and guided by the BMWs marketed in the UK - "SE" models of BMWs are the fully loaded luxo models which are distinct from the separate "Sport" models... Similarly, I think the E90 320i SE for the Malaysian market is just a better equipped more luxurious 320i, and not quite a "Sport" variant.

KL2DC is right, wglee. I just confused matters by refering to it as an SE which it is not. It's actually a "Sports" with M Sports Suspension. SE and Sports are different monikers with different meanings. My apologies!

Also agree with him that moving out of RFTs would be a good idea. Imagine lower profile RFTs on 18" rims - ouch!

AB says that the pricing is still not approved as at today. No launch and test drives until the pricing is approved.

 

[wglee]

KL2DC is right, wglee. I just confused matters by refering to it as an SE which it is not. It's actually a "Sports" with M Sports Suspension. SE and Sports are different monikers with different meanings. My apologies!

Also agree with him that moving out of RFTs would be a good idea. Imagine lower profile RFTs on 18" rims - ouch!

AB says that the pricing is still not approved as at today. No launch and test drives until the pricing is approved.

Getting rid of the RFTs poses a new problem though - unlike the E60, the E90 has no spare wheel well to put a spare wheel & tyre! Would puncture repair kits be the answer then?

 

[Schwepps]

Puncture repair kits would be the only way. What to do?

I wonder if any forumers have any experience of using them, how effective they are, and what is the after-effect on the tyre. I guess many of us tend to use expensive Michelins and Pirellis and if the sealant mucks up the tyre inside, it'll be a costly solution Anyone with experience, please share...

 

[wglee]

I notice that the previous generation Merc SLK came with a puncture repair kit. If it's good enough for Merc, I presume it should be OK?

Still, there are limits to what such as kit can do - I think it would be useless if there is a big gash on the tyre...

 

[Schwepps]

Then you make sure your AAM membership is current and tow your expensive UDM to the nearest tyre shop la...

 

[wglee]

If the AAM can find you in the event your E90 has a puncture in the boondocks!

 

[Schwepps]

Noooo wglee....for boondocks, use your 4x4 with big fat spare and highlift jack hanging off the back. Drive your E90 UDM only in civilised places mah!

 

[Juan Powerblow]

I just checked with AB again today and price is still not out. Potong stim only. I wonder if they're checking this thread to gauge market enthusiasm, this may have some bearing on price?! The 325i Sports Pack is crap! I won't pay more than RM300K for it!!! < wink! > hehehe!

 

[KL2DC]

Puncture repair kits would be the only way. What to do?

I wonder if any forumers have any experience of using them, how effective they are, and what is the after-effect on the tyre. I guess many of us tend to use expensive Michelins and Pirellis and if the sealant mucks up the tyre inside, it'll be a costly solution Anyone with experience, please share...

Non RFT will be cheaper to maintain, repair and replace imho.

The issue comes about not having a spare. The M-mobility kit and the conti comfort kit are both latex sealant/pump solutions. Its important to find a kit that uses only latex sealant. The green slime kits are messy/difficult to clean off and causes your wheel to vibrate at speed. The OEM M-mobility kit is extra nice as it has a seperate tube for sealant and air and the sealant is easily replaceable via stand alone catridges. The downside is it's not cheap!

RFTs are not a solution to all. Certain tire failure also renders the RFTs useless for e.g. when your sidewall is thrashed. Also keep in mind the limited range of the RFTs. If your tire failure occurs out in the boondocks and the nearest RFT center is beyond the range you're equally SOL. And then there's the availability issue....

If you're switching out from RFTs I recommend the M-mobility kit. If you're going out of town, I recommend throwing in a spare wheel set in the trunk in addition to the mobility kit.

As mentioned, switching out to non RFT is cheaper to maintain and improves ride comfort. In particular it dampens the initial shock/crash when hitting potholes/bumps before the dampers/springs kicks in. You'd also reduce unsprung weight. I would keep those 193Ms on though, the OEM wheels, though heavy are very robust. Also, there are far better non RFT choices out there e.g. Michelin PS2s etc etc.

 

[KL2DC]

I just checked with AB again today and price is still not out. Potong stim only. I wonder if they're checking this thread to gauge market enthusiasm, this may have some bearing on price?! The 325i Sports Pack is crap! I won't pay more than RM300K for it!!! < wink! > hehehe!

I think they'll peg it between RM310k and RM320k eventhough they should peg it at RM308,888 for auspicious reasons (with CNY around the corner) lol

 

[wglee]

If you're switching out from RFTs I recommend the M-mobility kit. If you're going out of town, I recommend throwing in a spare wheel set in the trunk in addition to the mobility kit.

That's an idea. Better still if you can find one of those space saver spares (the chop shops seem to have an abundant supply of these things). Stock wheel/tyre combos are rather bulky and eat into boot space.

 

[Schwepps]

Thanks for that thesis on tyre repair kits, USF KL2DC! Solid knowledge and advice as always.

 

[Schwepps]

I just checked with AB again today and price is still not out. Potong stim only. I wonder if they're checking this thread to gauge market enthusiasm, this may have some bearing on price?! The 325i Sports Pack is crap! I won't pay more than RM300K for it!!! < wink! > hehehe!

Actually they've submitted the pricing for govt approval and are waiting for it. But I agree with you on the RM300K limit. That's the psychological threshold. There is a certain price range attached to each type of car, and the 3 is mentally in the low to mid RM200K mark. Above RM300 and you start to think: Ayyy this is E-class territory already man!

Already my Impreza-mad kakis are saying "E90? You mad ahh? Get an Imprezza la...it will beat your E90 with only one hand on the steering wheel, and you'll have >RM100K left over to get a 2nd new car or new GF."

So I'm with you on the RM300K mark.

 

[David Yong]

Actually they've submitted the pricing for govt approval and are waiting for it. But I agree with you on the RM300K limit. That's the psychological threshold. There is a certain price range attached to each type of car, and the 3 is mentally in the low to mid RM200K mark. Above RM300 and you start to think: Ayyy this is E-class territory already man!

Already my Impreza-mad kakis are saying "E90? You mad ahh? Get an Imprezza la...it will beat your E90 with only one hand on the steering wheel, and you'll have >RM100K left over to get a 2nd new car or new GF."

So I'm with you on the RM300K mark.

Honestly, if it goes beyond 300k.... it is worth buying.

 

[David Yong]

Honestly, if it goes beyond 300k.... it is worth buying.

Opss.... missed out the word "NOT"....

Honestly, if it goes beyond 300k.... it is NOT worth buying.