Hard time deciding

[MRsamdol]

Sifus'..I am currently in the process of buying my first ever bmw, and after looking through all the books, websites and the posts here and going to all the used car dealers and auto bavaria i am now even more confused than before..amidsts all this confusion i have narrowed down my choices. 1. Brand new E90 base modelPros: New car (warrantys', less problems) Lower interest rates Newer design (not a first love at sight type of look but it grows on you)Cons: 280k (wow! and depreciation? even more wow!) Base model not too powerful but 330k for a 325i?? way overbudget. 2. Used or recon e46 ciPros: Good loking car, sporty looks Good performance (as there is lots of choices under 200k) Not 280k!!Cons: Used car (no warranty, may have problems worned interior) Higher interest rates (One dealer keep saying will go higher, maybe he trying hard to close the sale fast maybe?)I am inclined to go for the used e46 ci's (325ci or 328ci yr. 2001-2002)My question to all knowledgable sifus and forummers is.. 1. What is the diff between this drive by wire (325ci) and the (328ci) which is not? i have gone through some websites but i can't understand the language heh..2. Things i need to look out for when looking at used units.3. Best market price for 325ci and 328ci (scared i pay more than market value)I hope to get my car sooner than later as i really have fallen for bmw's.I am also pening kepala already going to all the showrooms in kl.thank you very much to all forummers for any help or advice.Regards....

 

[supergripen]

hi bro..
1st question i gotta ask u is what is your priorities when driving? what do you want from ur car?
if u want style,comfort,prestige and sophistication then BMW is for you.
if you want power,pace and speed than you'd better steer elsewhere unless you can stretch for an M-car.i know a few guys that bought bimmers thinking they are fast cars and ending up frustrated cuz the cars are slow when compared to other current sports saloon.so identify that fact first..
e46 Ci,these are very nice tasteful cars.my advise is when you have decided on a particular model,get a bmw mechanic to do a thorough inspection on the car.it doesn't matter whether its a Jap or UK spec example..as long as the condition is good,go for it.
i myself went for a locally assembled model for that little bit of peace(of mind)from AB Approved Used Cars.
e90s are still very new hence they are painfully expensive..well,its actually the tax that made it so.unless its affordable to you,i'd steer clear for the moment.furthermore,BMW just announced that they are spending rm25mil to assemble the e90 here so expect lower ckd prices later on.

myself? my next car wont be a bimmer for the simple fact that they are slow(non-M)..unless the 335i twin turbo becomes a reality(even then,it'll be VERY expensive thanx to the national auto policy!!)..

 

[Crymson]

New 3 series comes with 3 year free maintenance ... just like Honda's 3 years free maintenance (when you buy Accord, CRV & Stream).

Thats 3 years of less headache on parts and labor

 

[DanPromote]

even if you have 3 years of maintenance, if the car breaks down often it spoils the fun of driving and owning the car. Case to note my friends co. e60 has already been to the workshop 17 times since buying it less than a year ago, and thats a new car. For someone who can afford a new e60 the issue is not money, but the time wasted on repairs and totally spoils the fun of owning a new car. The problem with cars which are too new, is that the gremlins may not have sorted out yet, so perhaps it is better to go for a proven reliable car, eventhough it may be slightly older. Or perhaps it is mainly due to your luck, if you have bad luck, shit happens eventhough new or old.

 

[MRsamdol]

Points noted,

But i have come to notice that bmw drivers enjoy and love their cars,
and as i have not ever owned a continental car thought i don't mind
the pain of problems that might come up just for the experience.

I have driven only japanese cars, though they are reliable they are
not problem free they still do breakdown. As i am still young(ish) and
still not married i feel this is my only chance to drive a bmw,
before i settle down.

Anyways how i am to join bmw club with no bmw car? heh thank you
for your advice and will be more vigilant when looking for my car.

regards
....

 

[MohdRidhwan]

e46 Ci manyak cantek oh!

 

[tank34]

Hi Samdol,

I share your sentiments. Sometimes, regardless Jap or Continental, you can be unlucky and get a "lemon". For me, have been completely happy with E46 325i. I love it. I wake up every morning just to look forward to the cruise in to work and on the weekends, it's wash and then wax (time permitting to do the wax). It's been 6 months now and I am still as passionate about the car as ever. Also, I am begining to learn alot more about cars than I ever did. Also, just to put it into context, am not particular a speed demon, for me, above average speed, power and style is all that counts.

Getting a new/used car decision best rest on yourself. I acquired a 1year+ car and was very very happy with the price and condition.

Also, if interested, a friend of mine recently came across a 330ci, 2000 productioin but registered in 2001. We took the car for a spin and also did inspection at friends garage, Obermaier sports. Car checked out good. Condition is great and mileage only at 60k+. Price approx. RM190k which sounds good. PM me if you're interested and I will set u up with seller.

 

[MONTOYA]

Yes, you will be so much poorer when you sit in a one of those thingee called BMW.

Oh, remember the interest rate has just gone up another .25 point today.

From what i gather, you are on the borderline case. i.e if you are going to buy, you might need to sacrify something else on it. Are you prepared?

The truth of ownership of a BMW is no no if you use your head.

For a new car it typically depreciates 25-35K a year. i.e when you sleep, you are losing money!!! approx. RM4.00 per hr. Typically non events maintenance is 3 figures and up. and the fears of being robbed is always bothering you. Yes, it begins to bother you if you read your newspaper. Recently one is in Taman Desa, a Merc S class.

Then again, if you use your dick. - Nice to drive, cool to look at, All chicks like to catch a ride with you. special attention at the hotel drive thru'.....wanna to drive one before you die...........just name it.

My advise, if you insist...take your sweet time....get a good one. Otherwise, stay with a jap. Free as a bird.

my 2 rupiah...

 

[supergripen]

keep us updated aight??!!

..in buying a bmw,you gotta ask yourself if u plan to keep the car long.if so then bimmers are ok.cuz if you are the type that worries constantly about losing money in your car,i'll be the first to tell you to walk away and get a Toyota(yawn)..

take a ride,test the power,feel the ride,bask in the interior..if you like it,get it.life is too short bro..don't waste it.

 

[tkew]

Put it this way bm will give the different feel when u sit in the car, that non of the jap will do. People look at you, girls, neighbour and the handling is so much different but as some guys mention power is soso depend on the model. 325 above will be good, m is excellant.
No regreat owing a bm except some pinch on my wallet.... kerata banyak makan wang ma...

 

[tank34]

))) You can so tell why so many dudes go for the Beemer.... it's the chicks lah c'mon... BMW ==> Brings More Women.

Well, when I was a young lad, I thot the Civc 2 door (bullet) would bring in the "totties"... but it never happened, did not expect it with the BMW, but it does changes people's impression, especially when you pull up at the front entrance of the Westin or marriot. Try pulling up in a jappy and they will ask you to wait on the road side or something.

Samdol, "just do it"... we don't call it the Ultimate Driving Machine for nothing, wallet aches and all....

 

[mini_jeff67]

Lots of sound and very accurate advice - bottomline is: as long as the wallet is willing, go with the heart!

 

[MRsamdol]

Thank you all for your advice and experience.. i will update on which bmw
i would buy, and hopefully catch up with forumers here in the meetups.

I have went to many car showrooms and i am leaning towards the 325ci
now comes the boring part of haggling and securing loan (with the lowest
interest rate) and getting a good price for my current car.

Hope to meet up and talk cars soon

Regards
...