5 series purchase

[nsunder]

I plan to purchase a 525i and hve been getting various feedback from many and I'm really confuse about it. I hv visited various location and viewed many 525i mostly Japan specs. Mostly are unreg yr 2000 model. Some friends are discouraging me in buying japan specs bimmers, while some say its ok... btw I mostly use my cars not more than 2 years and usually change them. So please advise in the pro's and con's on imported models vs local as this will be my first BMW . So far the price range for 525i yr 2000 japan specs are fr 160k - 175k

 

[dvng]

Originally posted by nsunder@Mar 19 2006, 01:25 PM
I plan to purchase a 525i and hve been getting various feedback from many and I'm really confuse about it. I hv visited various location and viewed many 525i mostly Japan specs. Mostly are unreg yr 2000 model. Some friends are discouraging me in buying japan specs bimmers, while some say its ok... btw I mostly use my cars not more than 2 years and usually change them. So please advise in the pro's and con's on imported models vs local as this will be my first BMW . So far the price range for 525i yr 2000 japan specs are fr 160k - 175k

gettin a bmw for the first time, requires a lot of serious thought..you mention you only keep a car for only two years..strangely drivin a BMW is quite addictive as it was created strictly for driving pleasure..i doubt you keep it for less than that..i would suggest you browse through the 5 series thread to get a feel of what is expected ahead..mind you maintaining a 5 series is not the same as a 3 series bcos replacement parts are quite expensive..therefore gettin a used BMW without much infomation on its service history is not advisable..i would suggest you lookout for the CKD model betwen 2001 to 2003 as these would have service history from AB..if you are really dead serious..i would suggest you lookout for the limited edition 2003 530i from AB with the M-sport package..

 

[dvng]

Originally posted by dvng+Mar 19 2006, 06:20 PM-->QUOTE (dvng @ Mar 19 2006, 06:20 PM)

 

[BMW_VCEC]

Hi all brothers,

Still remember me?

It been awhile since my lst pot.

Finally, I got a very nice used Bimmer. Year 2000 end, 523I, silver color, milagge is about 60K Km. This car is use by a lady for shopping purpose only. So, it is very low milage. The car has the full srvice record and everythings look new. I offered RM 135K to close the deal. Now is waiting for the car to be delivered.

 

[nsunder]

Thanks dvng for the advise. Its really helpful. I'm now on the look out for CKD models with service records. I trully understand the maintainence costs involved in the 5 series and willing to go for it after several test drives of the 525i. I was even using my friends 525i for a week. Fell in love with the UDM. Shall also chk with AB on their used cars. Any idea what would a 2003 530i cost me?

 

[leakwoon]

good luck bro!

 

[nsunder]

All sifuus'''

I came accross a E39 525i yr 2000 double Vanos Japan specs yesterday with excellent interior and exterior. Also had a test drive and engine it feels like a new car. New Lights front and back. Unregistered...fully imported will all AP's and other docs. I was also given a copy to check it out with any authority I want. Can anyone out there help in checking the condition of the car. What else should I look for. One thing odd is the milage seems too good to be true...clocking around 18k+ but the interior and exterior rhymes with it. It looks almost new inside. Even the anti -rust marks in the engine is faintly still there. This dealer has 3 units and this unit stand out by itself...

Should I consider it looking at the overview condition. Is there ways to chk if the milage has been tampered with?

Its going for RM155k.

 

[dvng]

Originally posted by nsunder@Mar 21 2006, 12:46 AM
Thanks dvng for the advise. Its really helpful. I'm now on the look out for CKD models with service records. I trully understand the maintainence costs involved in the 5 series and willing to go for it after several test drives of the 525i. I was even using my friends 525i for a week. Fell in love with the UDM. Shall also chk with AB on their used cars. Any idea what would a 2003 530i cost me?

a 530i shld retails abt Rm200k..if you can find one..heard that only abt 100 was produced or less..and people are keepin it...damn rare..

 

[Marco]

i am not very sure u can get 525i for year 2000. u have to double check the vin number to confirm...n make sure u it is a 525i not a 523i....525i is using m54 engine n it is 192bhp n 523i is using m52 engine n it is 170bhp...if u dunno how to check the vin no u can pm me i will help u to check.

 

[c-square]

from what i gathered, year 2000 was the cross-over year where 523 was replaced with 525. Also was informed that MOST japan bimmers are actually 523 but rebadged to 525. Gotta be careful. Like Marco said, since you have the documents, it would be wise to check the VIN to make sure.

 

[nsunder]

While looking thru cars today, I came accross a CKD model.. E39 528i yr 2000 with service records with AB segambut br..... Execellent condition..Milage amazingly only 34k+ lady owner. New front n Rear lights. Black. Hv also chked the vin and it matches the description... Advise pls.. and thanks guys for all the above inputs.....

 

[dvng]

Originally posted by nsunder@Mar 22 2006, 01:41 PM
While looking thru cars today, I came accross a CKD model.. E39 528i yr 2000 with service records with AB segambut br..... Execellent condition..Milage amazingly only 34k+ lady owner. New front n Rear lights. Black. Hv also chked the vin and it matches the description... Advise pls.. and thanks guys for all the above inputs.....

i think this model uses the m52b28tu engine..

 

[nsunder]

Originally posted by dvng+Mar 22 2006, 06:27 PM-->QUOTE (dvng @ Mar 22 2006, 06:27 PM)

 

[jchan]

I would go for the 525i instead of the 528i because:

1. lower road tax
2. Newer engine M54 - apparently it is a more efficient engine compared to the 528i in terms of petrol consumption from some independent report I read over the Net
3. Same hp (but 528i has higher torque)
3. Possible higher resale value (but truly depend on the condition). A point that you have to really consider since you only intend to own the car for 2 years

 

[nsunder]

Thanks jchan, I'm just in the midst of finalizing the 528i. I hv looked around many places but the interior and exterior of this blanck 528i is the best so far I hv seen. The milage on the car which is 34k+ and has full service records. Well M not too much worried bout the road tax thou, but I hv a feeling I will use this car for more than 2 years. On the engine, yes its older than the 525i but I will have to depend on the extra torque I get from the 528i. I'm Just negotiating the price now. Once the price is confirm it will be subject to examination by AB, puspakom and whatever necessary stuff I need to do. Hope to be a bimmer owner soon, shall post photo once purchase is confirm.....Thanks once again for the feedbacks......

 

[dvng]

Originally posted by nsunder@Mar 24 2006, 07:33 PM
Thanks jchan, I'm just in the midst of finalizing the 528i. I hv looked around many places but the interior and exterior of this blanck 528i is the best so far I hv seen. The milage on the car which is 34k+ and has full service records. Well M not too much worried bout the road tax thou, but I hv a feeling I will use this car for more than 2 years. On the engine, yes its older than the 525i but I will have to depend on the extra torque I get from the 528i. I'm Just negotiating the price now. Once the price is confirm it will be subject to examination by AB, puspakom and whatever necessary stuff I need to do. Hope to be a bimmer owner soon, shall post photo once purchase is confirm.....Thanks once again for the feedbacks......

wise choice..the m52b28tu will give a smile on your face with the extra torque..a pat on the car for a good dRive everydaY...no regrets..

 

[nsunder]

Originally posted by dvng+Mar 24 2006, 10:57 PM-->QUOTE (dvng @ Mar 24 2006, 10:57 PM)

 

[nsunder]

:yahoo: Finally finalise my purchase of my first UDM, the 528i.... ( Attached Pic) Can't wait to pick it up soon.... Thanks to all the sifuu's for all the advice and guide given.....

 

[tyke]

Originally posted by BMW_VCEC@Mar 20 2006, 08:31 AM
Hi all brothers,

Still remember me?

It been awhile since my lst pot.

Finally, I got a very nice used Bimmer. Year 2000 end, 523I, silver color, milagge is about 60K Km. This car is use by a lady for shopping purpose only. So, it is very low milage. The car has the full srvice record and everythings look new. I offered RM 135K to close the deal. Now is waiting for the car to be delivered.

well welcome back to the club and congrats to u dude.... k:
now u can join us for regular tt sessions....

rgds,
-brad-

 

[tyke]

nsunder....congrats on ur new aquirement of ur e39 528i....

do join us for tt now tht ur a UDM'er :yes!:

rgds,
-brad-