Why E90 325i?

[fan_cheong]

Thinking of getting a new ride. Recently tested; (No intention of offending any of the member's or owner's of the cars as per below. All apologies.)GOLF GTI MK6+ A very fun car. + Very powerful car and handles well.- A bit overpriced considering that VW was never a premium brand in Germany.- Have a boy racer look, doesn't have a business look. - Constantly rushing to go.BMW 325 M-Sports+ When I entered the car, I felt safe. Cocoon inside.+ Good steering feedback.+ Comfortable seats.+ Handles very well. (my 1st go at RWD)+ I-Drive should be good but never bothered to play with it. Concentrating on the driving.+ Smooth acceleration.+ Comes with service package and attractive repayment.+ Pre-reg 4% discount.+ Very nice engine note. Finally knew how a straight six sound.- Boring dashboard.- RFTNever really got to try the power, heavy traffic. (Tested the car in AB Sg. Besi).A4 Quattro+ Very nice interior.+ Seats are comfortable.+ Powerful. Handles well. (my 1st go at AWD)+ Very high tech.+ Has got the 3 driving modes. Very useful and composed driving.- Approx. 5 months delivery, according to the sales. Doubtful.- Too much electronic.- No service package and no discount (despite the EURO)Read reviews that the 325 M-Sport, is very jumpy/hard because of the M-suspension. Owners of the 325 care to comment?Any reliability issues?Another matter is that, is the 323 a better buy than the 325? Will be testing the 325 next week again and will test the 323 also.Would love to know from those who have never driven/own a BMW before, why you bought the BMW E90 especially the 325?Thanks for the input.fan_cheong.

 

[thule]

It's not jumpy with the M-suspension.. it's only a bit stiff and lowered a bit compared to the normal suspension. It doesn't help when it comes with RFT change to a normal tyre and you will feel the difference :top: I did the same to my E60 M-Sport with RFT last time!
Golf is in the different class and shouldn't be compared to the 3-Series, A4 or even C-Class... for the A4, you've got to love its look bro! Simply love the DRL which is soooooo visible even from far! It's a pity that BMW's angel eyes are not as bright.. sigh! You don't have to wait that long to get the Audi A4 if you are well connected, that is you know the right person... you can get it in 1-2 months time.
Your call

 

[MSport]

fan_cheong, do intro yourself first laaa.....

You seemed inclined towards the 325 Sports, judging from the pointers you've listed. Suggest you do a test drive at AB Glenmarie. If the sales guy is nice, ask him to let you test drive to subang airport and back.

My thoughts:

6 potter + good ride = 325 Sports
6 potter + comfy ride = 323

 

[soorian]

A4 Quattro Bro..Quattro no better handling than this...

 

[fan_cheong]

Thanks for your input, thule.
Noted on the GOLF. Just to voice my opinion on the car.
Indeed the DRL on the A4 is damn sexy. Also the front car could see the A4 approaching them fast from the back.
Interesting point on the A4 delivery. You got connection? Do PM me.

Stiff suspension is for sure due to the M-Sport. Is it very harsh for daily driving? Unlike A4, you can chose different modes.
Sat on my friend's E46 325 M-Sport, it was quite bouncy on the front. Especially on the highway.
I do drive on the highways quite often. Weekends, possibly do drive my kids around.

--MSport--
Gosh, where are my manners. Sorry I did not intro because I don't own an UDM yet.
I am 35 and my current ride is very far from an UDM. I have a 7 people carrier.
The MPV is good for weekends with the family but whenever I go out for meetings/appointments alone, the MPV feels very hollow and empty. Anyway, I need a car to travel outstation occasionally to meet customers. Had driven many Japanese cars before, would like to go for conti-cars this time.

Yes, indeed I am leaning towards BMW because of the availability of cars, service centers, financing package and the service package. Well, I don't have deep pockets, so deciding on a premium must also go by the head and not just the heart.

I have been told by the sales that the 325 service interval is 15000km but many owners go in between on the service interval. True? Audi's service interval is 20000km. A bit too long, I think.

So overall, any reliability issues or problems which I should be aware of on the 325?

 

[fan_cheong]

Thanks for your thoughts bro. Appreciate it.

According to the sales, the interest rate for EON bank is 3.0 till 3.1%.
Maximum loan is 90% for 9years.

9years?? Cost of owning the car is very high...

A4 Quattro Bro..Quattro no better handling than this...

 

[E46Fanatic]

Go for the A4 2.0 TQ. Its the quickest, most advanced car in your list.

 

[mizhan]

BMW 325i anytime over the rest. Why? The Golf and A4 are not BMWs.

 

[astroboy]

I won't buy an Accord just because it has more gadgets, lower interest rate, higher hp, more service center, longer loan term or even higher trade in price for my old car. I'll take a Toyota anytime due to its torque, fuel economy, simplicity and reliability, unless the extra gadget in the car is a coffee maker!

If u use the above to make decision, then u are no other than those who treat car as a transportation from point A to point B.

Its not easy to love a BMW, due to its lack of gadgets and reliability issue, but once u felt for it, you won't mind the missing gadgets and will get a spare car to standby for a BMW break down, rather than getting rid of the BMW.

We are all passionate folks here. We don't drive from point A to point B. We drive from Point A to point C then to point B, and yet refuse to get out of the car.

My E90 is staining my porch with oil leak despite 2.5 year old, 39k km old and more than 3 times open engine, still when bringing the car out, there's still grin on my face. My 320i no iDrive, simple dashboard, don't even have reading lights at the rear seat. By the way, the simple dashboard is designed with a purpose, to help driver to focus on the road, less distraction but bored your passenger to death, which is not my problem..

You hold the answer to your questions. Many would say the way I make decision is :stupid: but hey! my money my choice. I didn't even test drive the E90 320i before I sign on the dotted line. When u love something, u have to accept whatever that comes in the package, sadly reliability issue is part of it.

If I buy an A4 or VW now, I know I will regret.. dunno about u.

 

[E46Fanatic]

Local SKD LCI E90 325i comes with an outdated sludge prone valvetronic N52 engine and a cost cutting GM auto gearbox which BMW themselves claims fall short of their quality standards. Its still a good car, but given the options and choices, I think the A4 2.0 TQ is the clear winner. Unfortunately also the most pricey.

 

[zhul]

The M-Sport suspension is firm, not hard and definitely not harsh in my opinion. I also feel M-Sport with RFT is more comfortable than the Accord or the CRV.

If you travel long distance and don't mind diesel sound, you can even consider the 320d :wink:

 

[astroboy]

The magnesium N52 is not sludge prone, but engine oil thirsty.. yet, the 523 F10 is using the same, whether u like it or not.

Sludge is due to their extended oil change recommendation ma. Change oil every 10k km should solve the problem.

.. and BMW parts are more expensive than Merc by comparison of a few parts like absorber and stuff, despite same OEM brand.

I'm still keeping my BMW.. and hope wife don't discover the oil stain on my porch.. Maybe I should re-renovate my house and put a drain cover there..

 

[E46Fanatic]

The magnesium N52 is not sludge prone, but engine oil thirsty.. yet, the 523 F10 is using the same, whether u like it or not.

Sludge is due to their extended oil change recommendation ma. Change oil every 10k km should solve the problem.

All the valvetronic BMW engines are sludge prone. Many N52 engine swaps have been made at your local BMW dealers on 3's, 5's and X series cars. We should be getting the N53 3 ltr DI unit like other developed markets for our F10 523i. Unfortunately, its still the N52 for our market. Maybe BMW sees that our market consumers are not savvy enough to tell the difference and buy BMWs just for the badge?

 

[thule]

A4??? Hahaha... got! But I need to check with him first... takut kena cucuk for introducing him without permission but to be frank, it's A4 Quattro full specs as opposed to the one offered by Euromobil. Cost slightly more than RM300k if not mistaken.

In terms of space, A4 is the most generous of the lot I reckon. BMW is the most cramp but I don't see any owner's complaining coz what they are looking for is the DRIVING EXPERIENCE! I have driven the A4 before but it lack the oompphhh I'm looking for. Yes the DRL is to drool for.. but I'll stick to the engine note sound from the 6-potter :top: angel eyes for the LCI model is visible during the day too!

I've said this once and I have to repeat again... M-Sport suspension + RFTs = bumpy ride!!! M-Sport suspension + non-RFTs = JOY FYI, I live in Pahang and go to KL on weekends all the time. for that, I have to go through one of the most bumpy stretch in Raub-Bentong route.

Since you have MPV, the E90 should be perfect for your working or occasionally weekend purpose. Even if you bring your family out, I'm sure it's only within KL or Selangor area only right? On highway (outstation)... you have nothing to worry of. And since you have made yourself very clear that you are following your head and not your heart on the service issue, you better go for BMW since there are a lot of specialists around as opposed to the IA, AB, Quill whatever car it is (not limited to BMW or Audi)... my advise is don't wait until 15000 or even 20000km till your next service. Many threads in this forum have clearly stated that the service should be done at 10000km interval. Look around the forum and you might just find gruesome pictures of the engines of BMW that need to be overhauled due to the sludge inside

So make up your mind - Four Ring or BMW is JOY??? in this case, it's all about HEART and not HEAD :top:

 

[soorian]

BMW 325i anytime over the rest. Why? The Golf and A4 are not BMWs.

Bro...Dont be so brand loyal la..see with open heart..

 

[mizhan]

Bro...Dont be so brand loyal la..see with open heart..

my heart is devoted entirely to BMW.. :love:

 

[astroboy]

If budget permits, I wouldn't settle on anything less than a pair of kidney grille, Hoffmeister curve on c-pillar, short overhang, stretch bonnet and twin round lights.. and it need not be a BMW..

 

[B33mEr]

All the valvetronic BMW engines are sludge prone. Many N52 engine swaps have been made at your local BMW dealers on 3's, 5's and X series cars. We should be getting the N53 3 ltr DI unit like other developed markets for our F10 523i. Unfortunately, its still the N52 for our market. Maybe BMW sees that our market consumers are not savvy enough to tell the difference and buy BMWs just for the badge?

High sulphur content in our petrol bro ... that's why we're not getting the N53 DI

 

[fan_cheong]

BMW 325i anytime over the rest. Why? The Golf and A4 are not BMWs.

Very brand loyal.

I won't buy an Accord just because it has more gadgets, lower interest rate, higher hp, more service center, longer loan term or even higher trade in price for my old car. I'll take a Toyota anytime due to its torque, fuel economy, simplicity and reliability, unless the extra gadget in the car is a coffee maker!

If u use the above to make decision, then u are no other than those who treat car as a transportation from point A to point B.

Its not easy to love a BMW, due to its lack of gadgets and reliability issue, but once u felt for it, you won't mind the missing gadgets and will get a spare car to standby for a BMW break down, rather than getting rid of the BMW.

We are all passionate folks here. We don't drive from point A to point B. We drive from Point A to point C then to point B, and yet refuse to get out of the car.

My E90 is staining my porch with oil leak despite 2.5 year old, 39k km old and more than 3 times open engine, still when bringing the car out, there's still grin on my face. My 320i no iDrive, simple dashboard, don't even have reading lights at the rear seat. By the way, the simple dashboard is designed with a purpose, to help driver to focus on the road, less distraction but bored your passenger to death, which is not my problem..

You hold the answer to your questions. Many would say the way I make decision is :stupid: but hey! my money my choice. I didn't even test drive the E90 320i before I sign on the dotted line. When u love something, u have to accept whatever that comes in the package, sadly reliability issue is part of it.

If I buy an A4 or VW now, I know I will regret.. dunno about u.

I somewhat agree with you. I believe to get from A to B, any car can do it, but the experience getting from A to B is entirely different matter.
Thanks astroboy for your invaluable opinion. You offer a very positive perspective.

Local SKD LCI E90 325i comes with an outdated sludge prone valvetronic N52 engine and a cost cutting GM auto gearbox which BMW themselves claims fall short of their quality standards. Its still a good car, but given the options and choices, I think the A4 2.0 TQ is the clear winner. Unfortunately also the most pricey.

Indeed it is the most expensive. What I am worried is BMW really stands for banyak masuk workshop?

The M-Sport suspension is firm, not hard and definitely not harsh in my opinion. I also feel M-Sport with RFT is more comfortable than the Accord or the CRV.

If you travel long distance and don't mind diesel sound, you can even consider the 320d :wink:

I was initially attracted to the 320d but I am very suspicious about our diesel quality. Once our diesel complies to EURO4 then I will get a diesel car. According to one of the lorry salesperson I met recently, he told me that the lorries engine is still EURO1 because of the diesel quality has not actually improved.

A4??? Hahaha... got! But I need to check with him first... takut kena cucuk for introducing him without permission but to be frank, it's A4 Quattro full specs as opposed to the one offered by Euromobil. Cost slightly more than RM300k if not mistaken.

In terms of space, A4 is the most generous of the lot I reckon. BMW is the most cramp but I don't see any owner's complaining coz what they are looking for is the DRIVING EXPERIENCE! I have driven the A4 before but it lack the oompphhh I'm looking for. Yes the DRL is to drool for.. but I'll stick to the engine note sound from the 6-potter :top: angel eyes for the LCI model is visible during the day too!

I've said this once and I have to repeat again... M-Sport suspension + RFTs = bumpy ride!!! M-Sport suspension + non-RFTs = JOY FYI, I live in Pahang and go to KL on weekends all the time. for that, I have to go through one of the most bumpy stretch in Raub-Bentong route.

Since you have MPV, the E90 should be perfect for your working or occasionally weekend purpose. Even if you bring your family out, I'm sure it's only within KL or Selangor area only right? On highway (outstation)... you have nothing to worry of. And since you have made yourself very clear that you are following your head and not your heart on the service issue, you better go for BMW since there are a lot of specialists around as opposed to the IA, AB, Quill whatever car it is (not limited to BMW or Audi)... my advise is don't wait until 15000 or even 20000km till your next service. Many threads in this forum have clearly stated that the service should be done at 10000km interval. Look around the forum and you might just find gruesome pictures of the engines of BMW that need to be overhauled due to the sludge inside

So make up your mind - Four Ring or BMW is JOY??? in this case, it's all about HEART and not HEAD :top:

Thanks for your valuable input. Without a doubt a A4 is a good car but unfortunately the cost of ownership is very high. Not really worth it. Secondly it is being handled by DRB. Buying a car is one thing and buying it from whom is another matter. The sales guy that sat with me during the test was not very knowledgeable about the car as though he lack of product training. I was taken aback by his attitude. He was not rude but maybe the company did not conduct proper training.

 

[thule]

eh... but I thought that the Audi experience should be memorable??? Perhaps the guy was new! can't blame him for lack of proper knowledge.