Any BMW owners here

last SG · 2005-04-06T22:32:28+00:00

STI is also a pretty decent Jap car to drive around!

SeraphimX SG

I haven't driven one before and I heard that these cars are really expensive to service and maintain, tts what most ppl tell me anyway, but they are not bmw drivers. However Edmunds.com says it has the lowest true cost to own. Can any BMW or ex BMW drivers give me some input on this... seriously considering trading the celica in for the new e90 3series coming out..

Thanks

pqr SG

i maybe a good idea to PM a nick name called "I love BMW" regarding your questions Wink

SeraphimX SG

oook…tt aside, anyone else can add their $0.02?

rumie SG

you OWN a celica and you're trading it off?~ Shocked

celica happened to be THE car I had wanted... if only~~~

SeraphimX SG

Yah, I've grown quite attached to the celica since i've had it for about 3 years coming up, but its really really peaky to drive and very impractical(my parents always complaining wrong image etc etc Razz ), and I can barely fit a golf set into the boot, I think the e90 would be a more practical, safe and refreshing choice..

zulu4 SG

i've only ever driven BMWs since i got my license so i'm not sure how maintenance costs would compare with other cars, but i can say that in general, its about 40% cheaper to do your maintenance work with external workshops instead of sending it to PML, but that would raise warranty issues should you ever need to claim.

as for the E90, which engine are u looking at? i would suggest waiting for at least a year for them to iron out the kinks in the production line before commiting to one if you're really concerned about maintenance... u'll realise that the warranty is rather limited and the terms are stacked against you. servicing at PML isn't free btw, but if u don't service, u'll void the warranty, so... Rolling Eyes

also, PML generally prices the new models slightly higher for the first year or so and the options included are usually quite limited. things will improve after a while; even my sales rep advised against buying new models in the first year unless its the bragging rights you're after. new colour schemes will also be gradually introduced so u'll probably have more choices then.

mods for the new E90 will also take some time to appear.

not to forget: BMW isn't synonymous with fuel efficiency, even the valvetronic engines are rather thirsty.

long story short, perhaps adopting a wait-see is the best way to go. trading up from a celica, you might be in for a culture shock.... i know i would, if i had to go from a beemer to a celica....

SeraphimX SG

Zulu thanks for the help, the BMW is not going to be modded for me as I've already done that with my Celica and I think mods for German cars give less bang for buck (ie they are going to be damn expensive). I heard the notion that we shld always wait for the 1 year period before buying the car...however I really need that car this year.

Yeh, Maintainence wise, I really don't know what to do about taht....

I'm thinking of getting the 320 one, as the fuel consumption is really good 7l/100 combined cycle, and I'm not going to be racing this car. I was thinking of getting the automatic 320 executive trim in black, and beige inside.

zulu4 SG

bad news: advertised fuel consumption is hard to achieve in reality. take a look at the figures for urban driving, i know my figures are closer to that than they are to the average figures…

SeraphimX SG

not to forget: BMW isn't synonymous with fuel efficiency, even the valvetronic engines are rather thirsty.

long story short, perhaps adopting a wait-see is the best way to go. trading up from a celica, you might be in for a culture shock.... i know i would, if i had to go from a beemer to a celica....[/b]

I heard that they made the new valvetronic engines more efficient, but yeah, I can see where your coming from...

And for the culture shock...IM READY FOR IT BABY!!! Actually I've driven a few 7 series, S classes and Clks,SLks, C classes, and I really like the solid feel of the car however what will irk me is that that the indicator stalks are on the left side, that will take some getting used to...other than that...its cool yo ahahah

Edit : ah i see, can I have your figures, also, well you have to agree that if i bo pian have to get e90, 320 engine is as econimical as I'm ever gonna get out of a bimmer

zulu4 SG

from experience, i would strongly suggest you avoid first year productions… if need be, buy other marques instead.

SeraphimX SG

Other cars to consider are

C class - don't like...too showy, I think ppl will scratch it on campus
Audi - I'm not an audi boy, I've always like Bmws
Saab - ugh only dentists and doctors touch those

Haiz, but I guess your right oso lah, maybe I shld get a second hand e46 instead?

zulu4 SG

since u're looking at the E90 320, my 318 comes closest: it does 12L/100km using esso 8000, with abt 50% highway, 50% city...

that's the same 4 pot valvetronic that's going into the E90 320, so be prepared...

why not look at the E60 520? ard the same price region, with more space and a 6 cylinder 2.2L to boot. better buy than the E90 320 in my opinion, although if u want that, u have to hurry coz i think they're stopping production of the 2.2L for the 520 very soon.

SeraphimX SG

a very good piece of advice that, ill go have a look tmr.. thx, holy cow those are high figures...

TwinTurbo_Supra SG

3 series all the way! i love it's sporty design and a sort of agressive and muscular stance.

C class to classy

Audi i dun like

Saab too "ah gongish"

SeraphimX SG

wah same taste as me... Razz u driving a supra??

TwinTurbo_Supra SG

i cant even drive lah. im 15... Laughing

SeraphimX SG

Surprised cheh

zulu4 SG

oh yah, if you're worried abt your car being scratched on campus, the 520 is the way to go, coz pple will probably think it belongs to the lecturer... i kid u not... Wink

IceTea SG

I agree wif zulu4 to skip the 1st year.
Black 520i is a good choice ^^

ben1406 SG

Im neither a dentist a doctor nor am i a grand father ! Saabs make good cars ! Very Happy

How about taking a look at the Alfa 156 ? It's a pretty good car ! Driven one before !