Newbie buying a new BMW - Advise needed

[prahbuzz]

Good day fellow members,

I am currently planning to buy a BMW in the near future, and i am interested in the F30 328i as well as the F10 520d and 520i.

I plan to use this car as a family car and for now, plan to not change my car for at least 7 years. I know that Beemers are well built vehicles and as such the reason that i would like to keep it for the long term.

In view of that, I would like to ask about the maintenance and running costs for the cars listed above. I'm aware that the first 3 years are Service+Repair inclusive. Are there any common problems associated with the cars above during the 3 years and after? What are the large repairs that any of you have had over the years of owning the cars?

I have enquired about extending the maintenance free period to 5 years of which the SA told me it would be about RM9000 extra. Would it be beneficial to extend it to 5 years?

if there any BMW owners in Kota Kinabalu, have there been any problems experienced with FM Autohaus?

Any input on which car would be best to buy would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks!!!

 

[F10 CREW]

For family, definitely get the 5 series as the 3 series is just too cramp in its interior for a comfortable ride.

 

[prahbuzz]

Yeah... Am seriously considering the 5 over the 3... But the performance numbers of the 328i are speaking to my inner child.. Hahaha

 

[F10 CREW]

Hey Prahbuzz, do you work hard? I am guessing yes if you are looking into a new Beemer. Hence, time to pamper yourself bro. Go get a 528i ! If you really want to go all out... M5..... (wiping saliva) :65:

 

[prahbuzz]

Hahaha.. yeah bro, I guess it is time to pamper myself... After all, what is life with all work and no play... Will definately consider the 528i, Thanks...

And the M5, ooohh (drool kow kow).. need to hit lottery first..

From what i seem to be observing here, the 5 series seems a better choice compared to the 3 when looking at some of the problems faced by the owners.. Do you have any opinion on this?

 

[F10 CREW]

Yes, the 5 initially had its teething problems when it just started but most of them are sorted out. I did raise a thread to find out the common problems with the 5 in this forum but only 1 person replied. Perhaps no more problems?

The 3 on the other hand still has some problems. In fact, if you go to www.carbase.com.my to read on the owners reviews, many has complained and some even recommended not to buy it.

I was actually surprised to find out one of the owners of the new 3GT has been going in and out of the service center ever since he got the car. I was just about to put a down payment on the 320d GT but decided to wait.

End of the day, the warranty given by BMW of 2 years stinks. Wish they gave a minimum of 4 years. Your $$$ your decision.

 

[pchan1]

Complains over forum need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Don't forget f10 has been around since late 2009, went thru lci. F30 is 2 years later and yet to get an lci refreshment.

Small improvement and revision would have taken place along the last 4 years on the 5, resulting in reduction of bugs and defects in later batches. I'm sure the 3 is experiencing similar improvement albeit with 2 years lag.

You can also expect the 3 being the bread and butter will carry higher degree of volume in the market hence more problems reported. Also the age group of the 3 tend to be the younger crowd, more IT savvy and likely they will be a bit more active in forums, etc in expressing problems they encountered.

I was in your shoe but end up with the 328i. The 5 is nice but I can't compromise the sweet 28i motor with the 20i motor. End of the day both can only seat 5 regardless, and coming from E90 the rear space is already an improvement.

 

[prahbuzz]

Yes, the 5 initially had its teething problems when it just started but most of them are sorted out. I did raise a thread to find out the common problems with the 5 in this forum but only 1 person replied. Perhaps no more problems?

The 3 on the other hand still has some problems. In fact, if you go to www.carbase.com.my to read on the owners reviews, many has complained and some even recommended not to buy it.

I was actually surprised to find out one of the owners of the new 3GT has been going in and out of the service center ever since he got the car. I was just about to put a down payment on the 320d GT but decided to wait.

End of the day, the warranty given by BMW of 2 years stinks. Wish they gave a minimum of 4 years. Your $$$ your decision.

Yeah, I did read through the thread that you started, I guess the F10, as you said, has had time to sort out its teething issues.
I did read that the F10 will go through another LCI at the end of this year or early next year..

I wish that BMW extends the warranty period or at the very least, allow us to purchase an extended warranty (but they don't have an extended warranty programme). Mercedes Benz on the other hand, offers 4 years from the get go. Somehow it just shows the difference in confidence that Mercedes has in the product in comparison with BMW Malaysia.

I did read on paultan.org as well that the F30 LCI is currently undergoing testing so I guess that should be one to look out for.. Hopefully they will settle the knocking sound issue.

 

[prahbuzz]

Complains over forum need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Don't forget f10 has been around since late 2009, went thru lci. F30 is 2 years later and yet to get an lci refreshment.
Small improvement and revision would have taken place along the last 4 years on the 5, resulting in reduction of bugs and defects in later batches. I'm sure the 3 is experiencing similar improvement albeit with 2 years lag.
You can also expect the 3 being the bread and butter will carry higher degree of volume in the market hence more problems reported. Also the age group of the 3 tend to be the younger crowd, more IT savvy and likely they will be a bit more active in forums, etc in expressing problems they encountered.
I was in your shoe but end up with the 328i. The 5 is nice but I can't compromise the sweet 28i motor with the 20i motor. End of the day both can only seat 5 regardless, and coming from E90 the rear space is already an improvement.

How do like your 328i so far? I do agree that the output from the 328i engine is really really awesome and tempting compared to the 520i.. Of course the 528i would be great as well, but that is a larger premium compared to the 520i

When I test drove the 3 series and the 5 series, I did realize that the 3 had significantly improved rear leg room as compared to the E90.. When I compared the F30 and F10, actually the most obvious difference I could feel was the width inside..

 

[pchan1]

Yes the 5 is huge. My comparison was between 328i and the 520i. Diesel motor wasn't in the picture. The 20i motor will be a little lacking to my personal opinion in terms of power delivery. Unless 528i then yes by all means get this one should budget permits.
Been driving for 6 months and I don't Hv any major warranty claim apart from the rusted door hinge nuts, which was replaced during my first service at 7200km 2 weeks ago.

I'd say I'm rather satisfied with my decision no doubt the 5 would add few degree of comfort to the rear passenger and perceived a class above the 3 to the masses. But hey life is short and the thrill of driving still high on my list.

Good luck with your selection mate, be it 5 or 3, you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[F10 CREW]

Hey buzz... F10 going through another LCI end this year or early next year? BMW Malaysia, if you are reading this, please do the following:

1. Warranty... 4 years... If 4 years... I walk to the showroom and buy one immediately.
2. For the 520d, bring back active integral steering.
3. A HUD unit will be good.
4. Reverse camera

Anyone care to add to the wish list? Hehehe!

 

[prahbuzz]

Yes the 5 is huge. My comparison was between 328i and the 520i. Diesel motor wasn't in the picture. The 20i motor will be a little lacking to my personal opinion in terms of power delivery. Unless 528i then yes by all means get this one should budget permits.
Been driving for 6 months and I don't Hv any major warranty claim apart from the rusted door hinge nuts, which was replaced during my first service at 7200km 2 weeks ago.
I'd say I'm rather satisfied with my decision no doubt the 5 would add few degree of comfort to the rear passenger and perceived a class above the 3 to the masses. But hey life is short and the thrill of driving still high on my list.
Good luck with your selection mate, be it 5 or 3, you can't go wrong with either one.

Thank you for your advise.. I guess it now comes down to the consideration of the space in the rear... Somehow, when it comes family, I do take a step back.. Hahaha, we'll see in the next few months..

 

[prahbuzz]

Hey buzz... F10 going through another LCI end this year or early next year? BMW Malaysia, if you are reading this, please do the following:
1. Warranty... 4 years... If 4 years... I walk to the showroom and buy one immediately.
2. For the 520d, bring back active integral steering.
3. A HUD unit will be good.
4. Reverse camera
Anyone care to add to the wish list? Hehehe!

Yes!!! I wish for all of the above!!
And for the 520d, full keyless entry..

I may have been mistaken on the LCI part, I was looking at some spy shots of the 5series, and it mentioned a redesign for 2015 and 2016.. My bad...

 

[Rory Plany]

Hi prahbuzz, buying a BMW now is more secured and it comes with BSRI( BMW Service Repair Inclusive). 3years 60,000 / 5 years 100,000 km) is that good ,and also have pre reg , demo cars sold by Sime Darby Auto Selection( formerly known as Premijm Selection)
Our experience owners of bmw has given their idea and suggestion was good.

I am Sales Advisor of SDAS (Auto bavaria KL) can drop by can discuss in more detail. No obligation.
H/P 016-3232039
email:- palanisamy.murugan@simedarby.com

cheers.......

 

[koryong]

......
Anyone care to add to the wish list? Hehehe!

Ya, and bring back the 2.5 in-line six ..

 

[F10 CREW]

in line 6 is always welcome! :rock:

 

[prahbuzz]

Hi prahbuzz, buying a BMW now is more secured and it comes with BSRI( BMW Service Repair Inclusive). 3years 60,000 / 5 years 100,000 km) is that good ,and also have pre reg , demo cars sold by Sime Darby Auto Selection( formerly known as Premijm Selection)
Our experience owners of bmw has given their idea and suggestion was good.
I am Sales Advisor of SDAS (Auto bavaria KL) can drop by can discuss in more detail. No obligation.
H/P 016-3232039
email:- palanisamy.murugan@simedarby.com
cheers.......

Appreciate your contact details.. However I am now in Kota Kinabalu, but I do thank you for the info..