New E60 520i (Thai) Vs Recond E60 525i

[KL2DC]

Astrocreep: Go for the E90!!

I find the e90's styling fresh and attractive, interior space on par, sharp and nimble handling and I find the quality of the interior a touch better.

Tell me about it, I have much complaints of my RFT's. There is not much choice in tyres, the only RFT choice for my 156s are the OEM Bridgestone EL42s A/S tires. They suck! Very greasy in the wet, very unBMW like. Also, they are very heavy (weigh about 60lbs at each corner).

I've heard people benefit with better fuel economy and handling after switching out the RFTs. Remember the e90 doesn't come with jack/spare tire/tools to change tire, you have to buy those. Also, the jack points on the e90 is very particular so you need to buy a specific jack. And there is no space for the spare. Another expensive solution is the ///M mobility kit as in the M-cars...basically a pump and sealant.

 

[AstroCreep]

Well, in fact today we started to go hunting again. My missus was suggesting me to consider the C-class (W203??)... I let my wife test drove them.... I couldn't be bothered....

First, it looks feminine.
Secondly, I felt as if I'm losing my youth driving one... (sorry if there are three-pointered-star readers, no pun intended!).

Do know lar.. we'll see.. :cry:

 

[KL2DC]

Noo...don't go for the Chrysler W203, I mean the Mercedes-Benz... Don't be blinded by the 3-pointed star :lol: MB is not as it was.

The C230 was on my short list but I was turned off by quality/reliability. Something about the car, feels fragile. Also the W203 is an old design that's about to be replaced in the next 1-2 model year. That translates to depreciation hit.

Its not a bad car, they are discounting the US C230 (2.5 V6, 7sp auto) and would've come out cheaper than my e90. A dealer I was working with was asking for $31,000 OTR for one (I paid $34,000 OTR for my custom order 325i). All I can say, there is a reason they're heavily discounting these new MBs :lol:

Anytime you have questions (or pic requests) on the e90, just give me a little PM. I'll be happy to answer them for you.

 

[wirelessjunkie]

Originally posted by AstroCreep@Jul 15 2006, 11:41 PM
wirelessjunkie,

Was the 523i equipped with run-flat tyres?

I test-drove the new 3 which was equipped with run-flat tyres, and did the same Glenmarie curve. It was scary coz' the car was not sure footed, felt wobbly. I suppose to be able to run-flat, you compromise on performance.

Latest update, we canceled our booking from AB due to personal reasons - career politics, family safety, etc... E60 was deemed too flashy. With options to 'downgrade' our selection the new 3, or C-class, I'd rather save my dough and jump back to E60 when timing is right.

I feel sad....

But honestly guys, after driving, feeling, 'gaga'-ing over the E60, you will not look elsewhere!

(....maybe I'll change my 'religion' when 159 finally arrives!).

Yes, run flat tyres. I guess they suck big time. However, I would have thought that the stiffer side walls from the run flats woul dbe better for the sweepers plus make the ride more harsh but it didn't. Hmmmh

 

[KL2DC]

Originally posted by wirelessjunkie@Jul 16 2006, 07:28 PM
Yes, run flat tyres. I guess they suck big time. However, I would have thought that the stiffer side walls from the run flats woul dbe better for the sweepers plus make the ride more harsh but it didn't. Hmmmh

Sidewall stifness aside, its the unsprung weight at each corner (60-70 pounds for each wheel/tyre) that affects handling. Also the tire compounds suck.

On the E90, engineers claim that the suspension had been tuned to accomodate RFTs (read: softer to allow for higher unsprung weight). But people who have chucked the RFTs have reported more nimble handling, better ride comfort and better fuel economy. Actually, people who upsized reported that some 19" wheel/tire setup were actually lighter than factory 17" wheel/tire setup.