Serious consideration: E60/E90?

[funfer_fahrer]

In conjunction with Chinese New Year, Auto Bavaria is offering 1.88% interest rate PLUS 4% discount for the new E90 facelift (2008 model) and 1.38% discount for the 5 series and other models. T N C applies.

 

[Rayman]

320i lci sport is around rm245k brand new with no idrive
323i lci standard without sport package rm270k with i drive and comfort access (trust me u'll love this feature)
325i lci sport rm310k with idrive, comfort access

all the above come with 3 years maintenance free and 2 years warranty and have all the accessories such as sat nav/ radio/ blue tooth/ pdc/ and latest software functional.

you can check out ingress or bavaria if i am not mistaken they are having a discounted 523i at rm315k if you really into e60.

for the same money get the brand new one from authorised bmw dealers..not only it has warranty...you'll also get the exclusivity like the 5 star 3S centre, aftersale services etc as compare to buying from gray imports...

for 245K, you will get brand new A4 1.8T B8 sport with 3 years warranty..........

 

[ALBundy]

Why don't you consider the new Audi A4. It's the "in thing" now. E90 and E60 are out. They started to show its age. Only a minor facelift. Let's be honest here people. You'll get totally new car with totally new tecnology with the A4. It is voted as the winner for Australia's Best Car (Best Prestige Car Category) "...the new Audi A4 is the best Audi has ever made. So good is the all-new version that it's also won the prestige title". "......This latest A4 is the eighth iteration of Audi's mid-size passenger car and it's the best yet by far. It's an all-new design inside and out, which has given Audi boffins the right platform to make key mechanical design changes to improve the driving dynamics. The improvements have paid off, with large gains in A4's handling score compared with last year's model, and across the board improvements in the rest of the On-The-Road scores for ride, performance, braking, and smoothness and quietness".

Hi bro,

One thing you are right tho, is how much better the new A4 compares to its predecessor.

No doubt the E90/E60 has been around for for more than 3 years, in terms of technology and looks I do not think they are inferior to the Audi in any terms. Active Steering was first launched in the E66, when was that again...2002, 2003? Similarly, BMW came out with the angel eyes, and subsequent the "eagle eyes" in the E60...again now you see it in the A4. As they say, Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery.

Let me digress it a little further.

If one studies the new A4 carefully, the proportions are pretty similar to the E90 (trying to replicate the E90 la! ). The front axle has been moved further forward, engine slightly backwards in order to achieve the 50:50 weight distribution (still trying!!) and the front overhang is reduced as well. All these features are available in a BMW since the E30 days la. That being said, the A4 is still a Front Wheel Drive car, and once pushed it will still understeers. I have seen a highly souped up Golf GTi understeers badly despite with the suspension upgrades on a spirited drive to Kuala Klawang.

As many of you would know, when the drive train interferes with the steering, the car will suffer traction pwobems in the wet and hence in audi's more powerful cars, it is only available in Quattro spec. That being said, while the Quattro was great when I was just a little kid, the current X drive with Dynamic Performance Control is just many levels above what Audi can offer.

The other thing that still doesn't cut it for me is their 4 pot engine (Merc's 4 pot as well), which is not as refined as the N42 and N52.

The only so call technology to note is the optional Bang & Olufsen speaker system. That being said, the BMW Logic 7 Hifi, sounds much better to my ears :top:

And let's not get into the I-Drive, Audi's MMI is not even intuitive enough and the driver needs to look at it in order to operate the MMI.

By the way, I have to confess I am biased!! It is a BMW club forum afterall hehehe.

Cheers!:love:

 

[glock_8]

a month or so ago, i asked the same question - bmw or audi

i'm glad that i chose the e90 325sport over the a4..even it cost me 70k more!! hehehe

 

[Schwepps]

Agree 100% with you Al, especially on the FWD and 4-pot limitations. Would also add poor resale value as a -ve. And IMO, it doesn't look as snazzy as the E90 or C-class avantgarde anyway.

Fiancee wants to get her a BMW as a gift, more power to him lo!

 

[astroboy]

Aiyaa... if everybody buy BMW, then Audi distributor can close shop le! I find it nice to spot an occasional A4 B8 on the road... less boring mah!

A4 is a more refine car in terms of fittings and door seals and if that's what you are looking for, its still a valid reason to invest in an A4 over E90.

The one feature I admire most in Audi is the Quattro box.. PERIOD! other than that, its just another FWD car. I think an RX8 or even an Miata handles better than a FWD A4 B8..

 

[Ashlynn]

Jap cars are really low mileage because they mostly use their cars during weekends and very short distance drive. Their white collars do not drive to office because most of them live hundreds of km away from work, so they had to take hours of bullet trains for office commuting.

UK imports are mostly higher specs but high mileage cars and exposed to winter salt spray, rusty chassis is unavoidable.

All those of us who purchased a brand new 320i from a local dealers had options for a recond 525i but had settled for the less powerful lower financing interest 4-cylinder 320i for warranty purposes and to avoid all the above risk and potential hassle... sigh*

.. and Ashlynn, the entry level 320i has a missing feature that upsets my missy, which we thought all BMW has... that's the vanity light under the visor.. now she can't check her make up at night.. darn..!

Oh so true... The car dealer took me to see some 525 UK spec. He blah blah blah the car very good and less hassle that Jap spec. Then, i opened the hood to check the engine and saw some parts painted which I suspected was rust. He said it's normal. Unfortunately, I don't think it's wise to buy a highly priced rusted car lol.

Seems that the 323 is the best option isn't it? Got i-drive.... and I went to Ingress to test drive and found out they had a really exotic new leather.

 

[Ashlynn]

Ashlynn,

I would agree 100% with astroboy. Both E90 and E60 will give you headaches. I mean, lots of it. Since your fiancee is going to finance the car, let me ask you whether is he willing to do the maintenance as well? You will be getting less attention because this kind of BMW requires more attention. Can you live with that?

I think maintenance is part of owning a car; so getting a new one is definitely more worth it as got warranty and service.. Anyways, I heard of this guy who bought a brand new E60 but the car stopped suddenly and took more than a week to repair and no replacement car... Sigh... so scared I'll end up unlucky

 

[Ashlynn]

Hi Ashlynn,

Welcome to BMW Club Malaysia and hope you'd have a pleasant stay here.

I echo similar sentiments voiced out by Astroboy.

You might want to explore the facelifted 323 LCi which offers a balance of power, looks and the new 3 series will not be out the next couple of years since the LCi was only launched last month.

If someone is going to spend more than 2++k on a car, I would get one from the local dealers as it's hassle free when it comes to maintenance and repairs with warranty to boot. And now you can even sign up for BSRI (Basic Service Repair Inclusive) which will take care of the basic maintenance issues like oil change, brake pads and etc, which is perfect for a working lady like you.

Have fun hunting!

Cheers

Thanks Mr President for the warm welcome You have a good suggestion to get the 323 LCi as I went to test drive it during lunch... Still, why the E60 feels much more comfy to drive?

I'm still at odds with the steering of the 3 series. Feels like I have to makan more to reverse the car

 

[Ashlynn]

In conjunction with Chinese New Year, Auto Bavaria is offering 1.88% interest rate PLUS 4% discount for the new E90 facelift (2008 model) and 1.38% discount for the 5 series and other models. T N C applies.

Hi Hi...just wanna clarify.. The sa girl at Ingress told me if I buy 2 cars (E60 & E90), then only can get 4% on the 3rd car... Then, she told my fiancee to buy 3 and register it under his company. Kinda silly isn't it ask me to buy 2 cars just to get the 4% on one car.

 

[thule]

Get 325 M-Sport... you'll get most of the M-Sport accessories such as semi-bucket seats, 18" original M-Sport rims, bodykits, titanium trims... not forget to mention very powerful Engine at 218hp...
All cost about RM310k... :top:

 

[Ashlynn]

Agree 100% with you Al, especially on the FWD and 4-pot limitations. Would also add poor resale value as a -ve. And IMO, it doesn't look as snazzy as the E90 or C-class avantgarde anyway.

Fiancee wants to get her a BMW as a gift, more power to him lo!

OOhhh..the C Class avantgarde is mama mia!!! Can you tell me compared to the 325 Lci which is better? I really like the white C Class...

 

[Ashlynn]

2011 BMW 5 Series Prototype Caught Testing in Europe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZaXRN2PcE

Sumptious! I love the 3, but if the new 5 is going to look like this, I may start thinking about it...

BTW, launch has been pushed back to late 2010 - probably global economy reasons.

You know what? I saw the new 7 series at Ingress at their test cars basement. The sa say not supposed to be open to the public yet but too bad she brought us in jalan jalan. Anyway, the 7 series front 2 nose/grills looks very big and the prototype 5 series one also looks like that. When i stood in front of the 7 series, the nose/grills look so huge i thought it looked like a monster ready to blow fumes out.

 

[desmond1001]

In conjunction with Chinese New Year, Auto Bavaria is offering 1.88% interest rate PLUS 4% discount for the new E90 facelift (2008 model) and 1.38% discount for the 5 series and other models. T N C applies.

oh ....i think there's a promotion 1.38% for brand new cars which covers most mofdels across the range in dec.so tis is a new promotion?

 

[funfer_fahrer]

oh ....i think there's a promotion 1.38% for brand new cars which covers most mofdels across the range in dec.so tis is a new promotion?

Yep, the one I mentioned was the latest promotion from Auto Bavaria. With this kind of offer, the second hand and recond car dealers will have a difficult time. Give AB a call.

 

[desmond1001]

Hi Hi...just wanna clarify.. The sa girl at Ingress told me if I buy 2 cars (E60 & E90), then only can get 4% on the 3rd car... Then, she told my fiancee to buy 3 and register it under his company. Kinda silly isn't it ask me to buy 2 cars just to get the 4% on one car.

haha.... is ur fiancee is running a high profile mega company who has plans to purchase cars for senior staff or directors?i think what she was trying to say is if ur finacee is planning to buy few bmw on company purchase,u can enjoy 4% discount on the 3rd car.ia fren of mine was given similar offer by ab some months back.giving some discount for ur 3rd car is quite normal.dealers r trying to beef up sales thru such initiative.economy is slowing down so i suppose sales volume is affected too.giving discount plus low interest rate for a freshly launched i.e 1 mth ago e90 lci more or less sums up the market sentiments.when i visited ab showrm during their e90 lic launch in nov,tat sa claimed there won't b any discount for lci model due to its freshness & limited stocks.these days we just have to make our own judgement.

 

[funfer_fahrer]

Hi Hi...just wanna clarify.. The sa girl at Ingress told me if I buy 2 cars (E60 & E90), then only can get 4% on the 3rd car... Then, she told my fiancee to buy 3 and register it under his company. Kinda silly isn't it ask me to buy 2 cars just to get the 4% on one car.

The offer I mentioned was from Auto Bavaria. I think that's the best offer in town so far.

 

[desmond1001]

Yep, the one I mentioned was the latest promotion from Auto Bavaria. With this kind of offer, the second hand and recond car dealers will have a difficult time. Give AB a call.

i m waiting for stock clearance of 730 e66 since new 7 series is launching soon.fellow forummers was advicing me earlier to hold on for a while.when i browse thru start classified & motor trader,dun find recon cars tat cheap as afr as e60 & 90 is concerned.buyers may pay a bit less for recon but the warranty & servicing package represents significant value.now bmw has set up used car section,for sure used car dealer will have a hard time

 

[Schwepps]

OOhhh..the C Class avantgarde is mama mia!!! Can you tell me compared to the 325 Lci which is better? I really like the white C Class...

For us diehards, there's really no substitute for the driving feel of a BMW, especially a 3 :top: But if other considerations are more important to you, you should test all 4 equivalent cars - the BMW, Merc C, Audi A4 and Lexus IS250 - and see which one appeals to you most from all angles. If you try the C, you'll find the look and feel to be very luxurious and classy. The avantgarde cuts a snazzy figure in all colours, and is even cheaper than the BM.

I think the new 5 and 7 are going to look better and better than previous models. BMW keeps setting the trend in looks and others keep following. I wonder what the E90 replacement will look like in 3-4 years time! :love:

 

[Ashlynn]

oh ....i think there's a promotion 1.38% for brand new cars which covers most mofdels across the range in dec.so tis is a new promotion?

Does the promos in Ingress, Sapura & AB differ or the same? So far I only checked Ingress..