E90 - to wait or not to wait
- Thread starter maarof
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I think BMW/AB is waiting for the National Auto Policy and new tax structures to be announced before any decision is made whether to CKD the E90.
BTW BMW recently released the E90 318i and 323i, which are detuned versions of the 320i and 325i. If they do decide to bring these cars to M'sia, it may be cheaper than the 320i and 325i
BTW BMW recently released the E90 318i and 323i, which are detuned versions of the 320i and 325i. If they do decide to bring these cars to M'sia, it may be cheaper than the 320i and 325i
Maarof, we're pretty much in the same boat. If you've made up your mind on the e90, you might as well go for the 325i. My advise is for you to wait few more months, the CKD version may be rolled out latest by early next year. Bsed on the e60 experience, the CKD 325i should be in the range of RM300K plus minus. Also, PM announced yesterday that the NAP's announcmenet is around the corner, so wait la if you can.
e90 323i....hmmm, not a bad option, wonder whether it's fitted with e46 325i 192 hp engine??. If it does hit Malaysia, reckon the CBU price will be around RM295-300K which will also be a good buy!!
e90 323i....hmmm, not a bad option, wonder whether it's fitted with e46 325i 192 hp engine??. If it does hit Malaysia, reckon the CBU price will be around RM295-300K which will also be a good buy!!
supergripen
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the e60 523i is equipted with a detuned 2.5 which makes around 177bhp..i guess the 323i will have the same power la...
AlexC
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IMHO I wouldn't spend RM300k for a car that's assembled locally. Sure, BMW AG has stringent guidelines relating to quality in the assembly process. But what about the actual components used?
CKD models have locally-sourced parts in them. It's also obvious that BMW Malaysia's strategy (which surely is working) to dominate the Malaysian market is driven by volume. So margins are low. Meaning they have to squeeze their suppliers and such...
CKD models have locally-sourced parts in them. It's also obvious that BMW Malaysia's strategy (which surely is working) to dominate the Malaysian market is driven by volume. So margins are low. Meaning they have to squeeze their suppliers and such...
Bruce_Z
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Hi Maarof,
I feel your pain man.. Im also thinking the same thing. Im trying very hard to wait as well...early next year, January I heard AB talking. With CKD models, you probably have a chance at going for the 325i...hopefully its going to be around 295K. Me..Ill think Ill wait, who knows the NAP might bring some surprises. Also, the specs for the local cars may be better...hmm...my new year wishes.
The cool thing about the E90 is that its pretty exclusive...not many on the road yet (with the current prices off course). Unlike the E46, which is so commonplace nowadays...esp with the flooding of the Jap recon cars. So o me, its worth the wait and save some $$$.
Maarof/Bruce, if you guys have made up your mind in getting the 325i e90, just wait for couple of months. AB is trying hard to roll the first CKD batch by year end but don't buy yet (for obvious reasons) + better to get your UDMs registered in 2006 for resale value purposes.
RM295K is probably the right price, depending of course on the NAP and extra stuff to be fitted on the CKD models.
RM295K is probably the right price, depending of course on the NAP and extra stuff to be fitted on the CKD models.
Thanks guys for all the comments. The 325 at 303 K and the 523 at 348 K. Thats just making my life difficult. Is it worth it to pay 45K more for I-drive and also the SPECTACULAR looks of the 5 series? Sigh.....
Another question. I was told the 523 has only 177 horses but the 525 a lot more, even though both are 2.5 engines. Any ideas why and also any thoughts on that?
Another question. I was told the 523 has only 177 horses but the 525 a lot more, even though both are 2.5 engines. Any ideas why and also any thoughts on that?
Bruce_Z
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Maarof,
Just a thought on the i-drive on the 5 series. Perhaps you should try it - from what I know its quite a hassle to use it to operate the Radio functions - like changing the radio preset stations....you dont have the preset buttons..you have to toggle thru the i-drive menu and look at the screen to change your preset!! Quite a distraction if you are driving fast. Very big dissapointment for me. Ask the AB salespeople to demo it first and try it out on the road....
Else, yes the E60 is stunning to look at! Even better than the conservative E90 I would say...
The 523 has a detuned 2.5 engine (basically same as the 525i). Its still magnesium tech-lighter, uses less fuel, and has great torque spread from 3000-5K plus RPM.
Ill wait for Q1 2006 for the 325i E90.
Sapura??..hmmmmm, would rather stick with either AB or Cartrade. i myself did face problems initially when i sent my car for servicing at AB but i notice the service has improved. If buy a new UDM, you won't have problems for the first 3 years or so, it's after that you need to be concerned about; post-warranty (>2 years), you can pick and choose your workshops, and there are plenty of good ones to choose from, just ask all the sifus...
