Help! Facelift E90 325i or Audi B8

[glock_8]

ok..my story kinda of jumble up between what is real and what is on the paper...

i test drove the audi b8 1.8 TFSI with the power u mentioned....and read the spec of B8 2.0TFSI which already in the market (europe) but will be on our shore this coming february with the spec of 210hp 350nm @1500 rpm.

when i test drove the 1.8 version, i checked the rpm reading when im cruising at 120km/h and its around 2k rpm, even 530i e60 gets some 2100 rpm when crusing at that speed. reason why i checked is, previously i drove a rx8 (50/50 weight, true ground up sport car with 9K rpm) and l like the way it cruise where as my friend drive a sti version 8 altho have plenty of power n torque, but the ratio is just not right for long distance cruising...(6k rpm gets you 200km/h sure does make u deaf)

im done with all these handling shit (had a rx8 n a 350z previously) reason the same as my first post..not likely you going to drift with it....too expansive to trash atleast for me....

now back to tune ability, 2 of my close friend drive golf gti (basically i sit on his car everyday for lunch)(2.0TFsi 200hp/280nm torque) they've remap their car and dynoed it, both get respectively 240+- at engine with 1 hour spend at the workshop and rm3400 less. that is stage 1 mod.

having said all the above, the 2.0TFSi B8 which will be available by feb, is the newer engine than the gti/b7.
and the only true rival to 325i since it is about the same price rm260k for 2.0tfsi or 290k for the quattro.

and about the cvt ..yeah..im not sure if the 2 liter version with 350nm of torque will get that or they change it to dsg....we have to wait.

 

[E46Fanatic]

Yes I would agree. If the new A4 comes with the new 2.0 TFSI and DSG, it'll be the one to get .

 

[danc]

Call me old school (or old fart) but nothing beats a 6 or 8 cylinder engine for refinement and ease while cruising on highways etc. 4 pots turbos have all the power but never the refinement.

 

[Spaceman]

yeah, but i still love the BMW badge more..

 

[E46Fanatic]

Based on a bit of digging up, the A4 saloon 2.0 TFSI doesn't come with a DSG gearbox option but instead a CVT box option. Audi calls their

- 7 spd DSG a S tronic transmission
- 8 spd CVT a multitronic transmission
- 6 spd auto a tiptronic transmission

Their CVT is based on a link plate chain mechanism. Based on specs, torque limit is ~350nm. Means mods to the new 2.0 TFSI will be limited to the weak link of the tranny. Still 350nm torque is impressive by itself. Based on my drive with the DSG on the GTi vs. the CVT in the 1.8T, the DSG felt a lot more responsive and bitey compared to the CVT.

 

[RIKI]

Now.. now.. now !
I am celebrating the delivery my new baby 323i Bluewater and we are talking about an Audi?

These photos below were taken with my Handphone. Maybe later I'll upload nicer photos.
I particularly love the 17 wheels and the "5 Series look" wider backsidede and new grill design and lines on the hoods.

http://www.photosyourway.com/Public_Photo.aspx?Uid=705&Ctgry=Public&Chklst=Y

 

[Schwepps]

Now.. now.. now !
I am celebrating the delivery my new baby 323i Bluewater and we are talking about an Audi?

Audi's ok, but it's not going to convince us diehard Bimmerans, right?

Your ride looks sumptious RIKI! It looks good and drives even gooder. I'm sure you're going to enjoy every bit of it, especially when you hear the 6-pot shrieking on the open road. :top:

 

[MSport]

Now.. now.. now !
I am celebrating the delivery my new baby 323i Bluewater and we are talking about an Audi?

These photos below were taken with my Handphone. Maybe later I'll upload nicer photos.
I particularly love the 17 wheels and the "5 Series look" wider backsidede and new grill design and lines on the hoods.

http://www.photosyourway.com/Public_Photo.aspx?Uid=705&Ctgry=Public&Chklst=Y

Nice ride!! :top:

 

[E46Fanatic]

Now.. now.. now !
I am celebrating the delivery my new baby 323i Bluewater and we are talking about an Audi?

These photos below were taken with my Handphone. Maybe later I'll upload nicer photos.
I particularly love the 17 wheels and the "5 Series look" wider backsidede and new grill design and lines on the hoods.

http://www.photosyourway.com/Public_Photo.aspx?Uid=705&Ctgry=Public&Chklst=Y

Looks fantastic. Love the new color choice and how it reflects light on the angled panels. Its also a little chameleon like, similar to arctic under different lighting, but Bluewater has more reflective properties ala Sparkling graphite..

So can you confirm if the 323i comes with comfort access option?

 

[glock_8]

sorry if my questions is slightly off topic...i've post quite similar question at e60 forum...since this thread is kinda share the same topic i'd like to ask fellow bavarians opinions

i am looking for a saloon car after selling off my rx8 recently due to additional member of family (my baby girl)

the choice is quite tough since i have so used to a high powered engine (the rx-8 n 350z)...coming from a jap car and planning to venture into contis, i know i will be looking to something like 335i/545i region if i wish to "upgrade" in term of power....however these two bavarians is out of my reach. So i reckon, i shall "upgrade" in term of car brand instead.

now my budget is around 260k-310k ish...

the options that i have
- 530i m sport recond
-325i m sport brand new
-audi a4 2.0 tfsi brand new

since i changed car so often (once a year based on the prev record) i know the audi is a definite no no altho the spec is tempting.

now i am left with either recond 530i m sport or the brand new 325sport.

i am planning to use this car as a daily drive, i love the 530i msport due to its size and power, but i am not sure how reliable it is being a recond?

i just visited the bavaria showroom to have a look at the 325sport, and realised that the idrive doesn;t equipped with tv or dvd ....i was wondering if we can modified or add the tv n dvd function on the unit?

for the brand new car, i can have a worry free maintenance since it is 2 yrs free. but the no tv n dvd function realy bother me and in term of resale...buying a brand new...the depriciation is higher than the recond one. in other word after 2 yrs if i plan to sell the car, the recond 530i m sport will drop lesser than the brand new 325i.

which one would you choose? appreciate your comments....thanx

 

[Schwepps]

- Good decision on Audi, resale value is a big problem here
- Don't expect a Conti to be like a Jap, they're different species
- New is better, Contis can be problematic big time so the BSRI is valuable
- Don't understand the TV/DVD bit, you wanna watch TV or drive a BMW? Leave the bling DVDs to MPV drivers la.

With a new baby, you're at the right time to change from the boy-racer image. Happy choosing bro!

 

[glock_8]

- Good decision on Audi, resale value is a big problem here
- Don't expect a Conti to be like a Jap, they're different species
- New is better, Contis can be problematic big time so the BSRI is valuable
- Don't understand the TV/DVD bit, you wanna watch TV or drive a BMW? Leave the bling DVDs to MPV drivers la.

With a new baby, you're at the right time to change from the boy-racer image. Happy choosing bro!

point no2 didn;t quite get it ?
yeah...main concern for the recond is the gearbox or the active steering
tv/dvd is essential especially when i have to wait in the car ...and since i am planning to keep the car for around 3 yrs, the dvd will be a good tool to keep my daughter still on her car seat (if i can get the dvd on idrive n additional screen behind the headrest)

additional question, does the 325msport equipped with active suspension like the one fitted on 5series msport?

 

[Schwepps]

What I'm trying to say in point 2, is if you look for Jap features in a Conti, you won't find them.
If you hit a problem in a Conti, it can be a big problem and very costly to fix. Since the recond is an E60, also consider that the E90 is at mid-life and the E60 is at end of life - the 5-series new model will be out next year.
TV on the i-Drive is an option in Europe, but to retrofit it here is not worthwhile. Getting an aftermarket DVD for the headrest is your choice, but frankly I wouldn't put one in a BMW
The 325i Sports doesn't have active suspension.

 

[RIKI]

Looks fantastic. Love the new color choice and how it reflects light on the angled panels. Its also a little chameleon like, similar to arctic under different lighting, but Bluewater has more reflective properties ala Sparkling graphite..

So can you confirm if the 323i comes with comfort access option?

if you mean unlocking the door by just sliding your hand inside the door handler or locking it by putting your finger on the top of the handle bar, yes it comes with that function.
As well not needing the key to be inserted. to start the car

:top:

 

[RIKI]

Calling all sifus.
A few silly questions from a E90 newbie.

How do take care of my new E90 . I mean washing, polishing etc.
Do you usually wash your self, sent to autospa, how often etc.
what type of car shampoo and products should I get or should I send to the shop
Any suggestions appreciated .

Uncle Schwepps, E46fanatic, anyone
The "Car Care and Detailing" group is just to technical for me

 

[E46Fanatic]

If you are used to washing and detailing your car then its gonna be fun as part of your ownership of the E90. Also the level of maintainence should match your lifestyle. I used to devote more time with this hobby but find it increasingly impossible to do with the hectic work and family life these days. So my routine is a compromise to match the time I have.

A few principles:
1) Wash your car often with a good shampoo (I highly recommend BMW Car Shampoo). At least twice a week or more if the daily conditions are bad (i.e. daily open air car parks etc).
2) Clay your car using Meguiars quik clay at least once in 3 months + waxing using Nxt Tech Wax 2.0
3) Optional Ultimate Quik detailer once a week.
4) For a new car, and paint, avoid cutting the clearcoat like what most outside shops will do (3 step). Once clear coat is cut, it never grows back and prolonged routine destroys the paint. Clay the car instead to lift bonded contaminants.

If you have more time and committed at keeping fit , use a gentler car shampoo (e.g. Meguiars soft wash gel) but wax more often - e.g. once a week. This used to be my routine till time did not permit.

Keep a bottle of MG Quik Detailer in the trunk and when the birds leave their droppings on your shiny paint surface (they have a tendency to crap on shiny surfaces), remove it asap with it no matter where you are.

If you wanna outsource it, send it to somewhere reputable, like Autodetailer for the detailing program. However, the MOST important step in my opinion is washing your car frequently with a good shampoo.

 

[Schwepps]

The alternative to being hardworking like E46F is my routine: tell my driver to wash my car every 2 mornings and wheels every morning. I have very clean wheels

 

[RIKI]

If you are used to washing and detailing your car then its gonna be fun as part of your ownership of the E90. Also the level of maintainence should match your lifestyle. I used to devote more time with this hobby but find it increasingly impossible to do with the hectic work and family life these days. So my routine is a compromise to match the time I have.

A few principles:
1) Wash your car often with a good shampoo (I highly recommend BMW Car Shampoo). At least twice a week or more if the daily conditions are bad (i.e. daily open air car parks etc).
2) Clay your car using Meguiars quik clay at least once in 3 months + waxing using Nxt Tech Wax 2.0
3) Optional Ultimate Quik detailer once a week.
4) For a new car, and paint, avoid cutting the clearcoat like what most outside shops will do (3 step). Once clear coat is cut, it never grows back and prolonged routine destroys the paint. Clay the car instead to lift bonded contaminants.

If you have more time and committed at keeping fit , use a gentler car shampoo (e.g. Meguiars soft wash gel) but wax more often - e.g. once a week. This used to be my routine till time did not permit.

Keep a bottle of MG Quik Detailer in the trunk and when the birds leave their droppings on your shiny paint surface (they have a tendency to crap on shiny surfaces), remove it asap with it no matter where you are.

If you wanna outsource it, send it to somewhere reputable, like Autodetailer for the detailing program. However, the MOST important step in my opinion is washing your car frequently with a good shampoo.

Thanks,

I'll go get some Meguiars products and BMW shamppo.
What's the difference bewteen polishing and waxing, and where can I get the Meguiars quik clay, Nxt Tech Wax 2.0

Is there any Autodetailer in Kajang /Bangi area?

 

[E46Fanatic]

The alternative to being hardworking like E46F is my routine: tell my driver to wash my car every 2 mornings and wheels every morning. I have very clean wheels

Think of it as a good workout ala Karate Kid wax on wax off . Seriously tho, you should send your driver to a detailing clinic. Seen how some drivers wash cars and its pretty scary, and after a while you may see swirl marks on the paint from bad techniques. I.e. type of cloth, shampoo, technique is important. Also wash wheels last and use different cloth/sponges for wheels and car. You wont want to drag brake dust particles all over your paint work . Also never wash under direct sunlight, always in the shade when panel surface is cool (i.e. mornings).

 

[E46Fanatic]

Thanks,

I'll go get some Meguiars products and BMW shamppo.
What's the difference bewteen polishing and waxing, and where can I get the Meguiars quik clay, Nxt Tech Wax 2.0

Is there any Autodetailer in Kajang /Bangi area?

Can try to get Meguiars stuff from ACE Hardware or Parkson (collect BonusLink points while u are at it). Or alternatively straight from Meguairs detailing centers.