Which beemer would you buy if you had an AP?

[mystvearn]

Can someone explain to me the incompatibility diesel fuel in Malaysia and bmw cars? I've heard about this quite a lot but what actually happens? Which model is affected? What about older models, are they affected as well?I'm thinking of buying and bringing one used beemer from UK and want to know which models to avoid. I am thinking of either E39 or E46, if budget permits a used E90. I am not keen of the E60 looks though. I will be working in Kota Bharu so car selection is limited.Other cars which I had thought off include:RX-8: Too expansive to maintain this car. KB has an authorized mazda dealer which sells RX-8, not sure they can service this car though. Toyota Celica 7th Gen: Suprisingly compatible with current toyota sedan parts-well aside from the bodywork obviously. Cheap to service. Living at the east coast will be problematic if weird problems arises. Merc C class (W204): The one with the logo on the grille. Even used too expansive for my budget. So just a dream then. I am not really interested in mercs in general even though this is probably the most easiest car to maintain anywhere in Malaysia. Golf GTi MK6: Dream car, but CBU in Malaysia is cheaper with the current spec list than UK. Also cannot afford this car. So far I have not got expert advice on the Merc. I've asked the current owners in Malaysia of the other cars mentioned and they gave me their thoughts and all is left is beemer users.So, I might as well ask all the sifu's here which one would you buy if you had the money. If you suggest the similar beemer models I mentioned above, could you state which specific model, engine and transmission (I assume its auto) is the most reliable and easy to find parts and if fuel incompatibility will be an issue?Budget £3k to 5k max (excluding insurance) as I need to factor this into the amount as well. Just to put into context, insurance is around £800 so not really cheap even though car is resonable price

 

[rpmnut]

Definitely an E39, considering your budget. A late-model 525/530 auto would be a brilliant pick.
If you can, hunt down one of the end-of-the-line Champagne or Aegean limited edition models. Those were packed to the roof with optional equipment.
I'd stay clear of any diesel models coming from UK/EU though - their engines will choke on our high-sulphur diesel here in Malaysia.

Good luck on your hunt!

 

[lozo]

E39 530i Msport manual

 

[mizhan]

E39 540i MSport manual, or E92 335i stickshift.

 

[erica34]

Definitely an E39, considering your budget. A late-model 525/530 auto would be a brilliant pick. If you can, hunt down one of the end-of-the-line Champagne or Aegean limited edition models. Those were packed to the roof with optional equipment.
I'd stay clear of any diesel models coming from UK/EU though - their engines will choke on our high-sulphur diesel here in Malaysia.

+1. Definitely get the nicest e39 you can find on your budget.

 

[ICEMAN 68]

e36 or e30 ///M

 

[mizhan]

E9 Alpina for me if it's a classic AP.

 

[johnj]

i'll goo for the 34 M5..hahaha..or like bhai..the 30 M3evo!

 

[johnj]

I get so "aroused" seeing the prices in total BMW or BMW car Mag's!!

 

[B33mEr]

If according to your budget E36 M3, E46 330i or E39 530i M-Sport Manual tho exceed your budget

 

[haywire]

Can someone explain to me the incompatibility diesel fuel in Malaysia and bmw cars? I've heard about this quite a lot but what actually happens? Which model is affected? What about older models, are they affected as well?

I'm thinking of buying and bringing one used beemer from UK and want to know which models to avoid. I am thinking of either E39 or E46, if budget permits a used E90. I am not keen of the E60 looks though. I will be working in Kota Bharu so car selection is limited.

Other cars which I had thought off include:

RX-8: Too expansive to maintain this car. KB has an authorized mazda dealer which sells RX-8, not sure they can service this car though.

Toyota Celica 7th Gen: Suprisingly compatible with current toyota sedan parts-well aside from the bodywork obviously. Cheap to service. Living at the east coast will be problematic if weird problems arises.

Merc C class (W204): The one with the logo on the grille. Even used too expansive for my budget. So just a dream then. I am not really interested in mercs in general even though this is probably the most easiest car to maintain anywhere in Malaysia.

Golf GTi MK6: Dream car, but CBU in Malaysia is cheaper with the current spec list than UK. Also cannot afford this car.

So far I have not got expert advice on the Merc. I've asked the current owners in Malaysia of the other cars mentioned and they gave me their thoughts and all is left is beemer users.

So, I might as well ask all the sifu's here which one would you buy if you had the money. If you suggest the similar beemer models I mentioned above, could you state which specific model, engine and transmission (I assume its auto) is the most reliable and easy to find parts and if fuel incompatibility will be an issue?

Budget £3k to 5k max (excluding insurance) as I need to factor this into the amount as well. Just to put into context, insurance is around £800 so not really cheap even though car is resonable price

I believe I was on your exact situation about a year ago (except that I didnt consider anything else without a BMW emblem on it). Read my thread, I have documented everything there, from buying the car, shipping it out, AP and also customs tax. I believe it would help you.

I bought a E39 530i M sport Individual Aegean Edition for GBP5300 in February this year:

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?33080-BMW-E39-530i-M-Sport-Individual-Aegean-Blue-Edition-2003

Import tax was RM41,770 for your consideration.

 

[haywire]

Just to add I'm on the same track as you as well on the looks of E39 versus E60.

Now I'm keeping my car until I can afford to get an 530i M-Sport F10, however long that will take hehe.

 

[mystvearn]

I believe I was on your exact situation about a year ago (except that I didnt consider anything else without a BMW emblem on it). Read my thread, I have documented everything there, from buying the car, shipping it out, AP and also customs tax. I believe it would help you.

I bought a E39 530i M sport Individual Aegean Edition for GBP5300 in February this year:

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?33080-BMW-E39-530i-M-Sport-Individual-Aegean-Blue-Edition-2003

Import tax was RM41,770 for your consideration.

Definitely an E39, considering your budget. A late-model 525/530 auto would be a brilliant pick.
If you can, hunt down one of the end-of-the-line Champagne or Aegean limited edition models. Those were packed to the roof with optional equipment.
I'd stay clear of any diesel models coming from UK/EU though - their engines will choke on our high-sulphur diesel here in Malaysia.

Good luck on your hunt!

Thanks all for the recommndations. What is this champange and Aegean edition and what are the differences? They both look similar dark blue colour to me.

I am not in a car market until June 2011 earliest or March 2012. Hopefully prices will come down by then. I just decided to do a lot of research from now on. I am trying to avoid owning a car during winter where I'm not using the car. Scraping ice, shoveling snow and car being stuck for days without movement is not my cup of tea. From autotrader uk website, I found 3 530i Aegen about £6-7k. There is one just under £5k. The champange version more expansive starting nearer to 7k and that is 530d. Is there a specific search tearm to use aside from the "champange" and "aegean"? Very very limted numbers. Maybe "blue edition"? Just using "edition" I found a champange II edition just under £5k.

Economic situation is quite bad here in UK. £ devalue-people are dumping their huge cars in the market. A 5 year old used bigger engine D segment executive car, is cheaper than the B or C segment of the same age. VW Phaeton now is less than £10k. Hopefully this will be in my advantage.

 

[Eggie86]

Bro are you based in the UK?

If you would like a write up or review on the e39, BMWCAR magazine is one of the best out there.

Oct 2010 issue had a buying guide for the E39 540i.

& if not mistaken, the March 2010 issue was mainly dedicated to the 5 series, old and new.

There's a great write up of the Champagne & Aegean editions of the E39. Very informative.

Hope these help bro.

 

[haywire]

Bro are you based in the UK?

If you would like a write up or review on the e39, BMWCAR magazine is one of the best out there.

Oct 2010 issue had a buying guide for the E39 540i.

& if not mistaken, the March 2010 issue was mainly dedicated to the 5 series, old and new.

There's a great write up of the Champagne & Aegean editions of the E39. Very informative.

Hope these help bro.

Woah I never knew there was an issue about the special edition E39s. Which edition was that? March 2010? Can you scan the bit where they review the Champagne and Aegean editions and email it to me? PDF preferably. john_ate@yahoo.com

Or you're coming to tonights TT? Bring it with you!

Thanks!

 

[Eggie86]

Woah I never knew there was an issue about the special edition E39s. Which edition was that? March 2010? Can you scan the bit where they review the Champagne and Aegean editions and email it to me? PDF preferably. john_ate@yahoo.com

Or you're coming to tonights TT? Bring it with you!

Thanks!

Alamak, Haywire bro, tonight not able to make it for TT. Maybe I can pass a copy or scan it to you soon. Haha. Scared fall foul of copyright rules [if any are enforced here] if I were to upload them here.

PS: Yup, the March 2010 issue. Been buying the back issues of BMWCar every single month for the past couple of years.

 

[mystvearn]

Alamak, Haywire bro, tonight not able to make it for TT. Maybe I can pass a copy or scan it to you soon. Haha. Scared fall foul of copyright rules [if any are enforced here] if I were to upload them here.

PS: Yup, the March 2010 issue. Been buying the back issues of BMWCar every single month for the past couple of years.

Please2, if afraid can give undertable. hehehe. I cannot find that issue you mentioned online. The oct 2010 issue is different compared to that one you showed.

 

[haywire]

Please2, if afraid can give undertable. hehehe. I cannot find that issue you mentioned online. The oct 2010 issue is different compared to that one you showed.

aiyo he already said its march 2010 issue. you can buy backcopy online in the uk.

bro eggie where do you buy backcopy bmwcar in malaysia? i wanna buy that march 2010 for my collection

 

[mystvearn]

aiyo he already said its march 2010 issue. you can buy backcopy online in the uk.

bro eggie where do you buy backcopy bmwcar in malaysia? i wanna buy that march 2010 for my collection

Opps, missed that. Backcopy only 5 issues back. I'll keep searching some more

I found this, may be of use to others:

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=24786

I spent about an hour reading your thread haywire..Really DIY person. I am a hands on person as well, but I don't think my future job allows me to be that extensive as you. Also, I am not sure I have all the tools for the DIY. Purist to the end

After googling around, I've seen the 530i M sport on autotrader uk. I cannot tell the difference between Aegean and this, well aside from it being a limited edition for one thing. Rims looks the same. In fact, some come with xenon lights, sat navs, Park distance assist as well. May be worthwhile buying a 530i M sport with extras, and just repainting it blue to adjust it to aegean

If I got the car, the first thing I would do is try to retrofit a USB/AUX radio of some sort. If BMW got accessoris for that, is fine with me if not some 3rd party manufacturer. I spend most of my time hearing my music collection rather than radio. Also, having the ability to change CD's in the car is quite useful. Can remove the unit at the back.

Second thing is change to the better steering wheel like yours...assuming if can still find any.

Not sure what to do with that LCD area. Make a place my nuvi 1310 or do like yours. I already have a gps unit, in fact, now with android 2.2 have two units.

Haywire, since you know a lot, what to get over here which is rare or hard to find in Malaysia? I'll be searching a car southwest london and not up in Dundee. There is a lot of rust because of salt, also its too cold and I've just heard someone forgot to put anti freeze in his Celica's radiator, now car all frozen up.. at -20C

 

[haywire]

Opps, missed that. Backcopy only 5 issues back. I'll keep searching some more

I found this, may be of use to others:

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=24786

I spent about an hour reading your thread haywire..Really DIY person. I am a hands on person as well, but I don't think my future job allows me to be that extensive as you. Also, I am not sure I have all the tools for the DIY. Purist to the end

After googling around, I've seen the 530i M sport on autotrader uk. I cannot tell the difference between Aegean and this, well aside from it being a limited edition for one thing. Rims looks the same. In fact, some come with xenon lights, sat navs, Park distance assist as well. May be worthwhile buying a 530i M sport with extras, and just repainting it blue to adjust it to aegean

If I got the car, the first thing I would do is try to retrofit a USB/AUX radio of some sort. If BMW got accessoris for that, is fine with me if not some 3rd party manufacturer. I spend most of my time hearing my music collection rather than radio. Also, having the ability to change CD's in the car is quite useful. Can remove the unit at the back.

Second thing is change to the better steering wheel like yours...assuming if can still find any.

Not sure what to do with that LCD area. Make a place my nuvi 1310 or do like yours. I already have a gps unit, in fact, now with android 2.2 have two units.

Haywire, since you know a lot, what to get over here which is rare or hard to find in Malaysia? I'll be searching a car southwest london and not up in Dundee. There is a lot of rust because of salt, also its too cold and I've just heard someone forgot to put anti freeze in his Celica's radiator, now car all frozen up.. at -20C

For starters, the specs on my car (standard spec on Aegean Edition)

1) Aegean Blue paint (BMW Individual colour)
2) Ivory white softer leather interior (normal is either black or grey)
3) Black wood interior trim
4) Bluetooth telephone
5) Sat Nav
6) TV Tuner
7) Sports seats (manual not electric)
8) 18' M-parallel staggered
9) CD changer
10) Front and back parking sensor
11) Auto folding side mirrors
12) Xenon lights
13) 16:9 screen


plus others


I think the main difference is the exterior and interior colour, plus the wood trims which is special to the Aegean Edition. Toy included is a bit more than other 530i, although some other stuff has been omitted to balance the price when new (e.g the electric seats and electric steering adjustment). And on the registration document will say '530i Sport Aegean Edit A' :rock:

I was choosing between the Champagne and Aegean when I was looking for mine. Went for the Aegean in the end, back then the Champagne worths a lot more and out of my budget.

If you got the money of course you can find the steering brand new. Used ones do come up from time to time but they are arounf £300 upwards normally. I bought new one for about £620 including the slip ring and SMG kit.

When you look in the Autotrader dont just look in one or two places, just search for it nationally and go where there's a good one around. I was in Bristol and seriously I wouldnt mind getting one from Edinburgh if thats where its calling me. Luckily I didnt need to go that far when I got mine.

Those are my opinions only, in the end its your decision what you would want to buy. Some people are content with 525i's, but 530is are the same money over there and offers more toys. Consumption is roughly the same, only difference is the roadtax in Malaysia which is RM880 for the 525i versus RM2077 for the 530i.