BMW 525i M-sport vs. Toyota Harrier

[thule]

My name is Leo... and I am not going to write an essay in this forum so to make it short:1) I am planning to upgrade from my current car (Toyota Altis) to either BMW 525 M-Sport or Toyota Harrier2) As a matter of fact, I prefer BMW 525 M-Sport compared to Harrier but I have absolutely no idea on anything about BMW.3) The model is a recond vehicle year 2005 or 2006 (Japanese Specs)4) My company will actually purchase it for me but they are concerned on the long-term maintenance cost for the BMW. That's why they suggested Toyota Harrier, as they claimed less problematic compared to the BMW.5) Take into consideration that I am a practical person but this is my dream car for a few years now... and I will seriously consider for Harrier if the feedback from fellow Beemers are not so positive about BMW 525 M-Sport.Below are some of the myths that I have heard:1) BMW cars are programmed in such a way that after 3-5 years, some of the part light indicators will lit automatically, even though the parts are still functioning. In the end, I will have to replace the parts upon diagnostic from the service centre. 2) The main ECU for BMW is easy to malfunction and in this case, the cost to replace the ECU will easily run to more than RM50k (as it has to be imported from Germany).3) The car is easy to breakdown suddenly once in stationary status and cannot be started after that. Are the rumours or myths true?I will appreciate if there is anyone with experience in driving a BMW especially the E60 recond car can provide me with their insights and opinions. If possible, some of the cost breakdown.By the way, the new 2006 E60 comes with Magnesium engine. What is the different between both engines besides lighter weight?? Is it viable to go for the 2006 model instead of 2005?Thank you.

 

[safri]

go for the e60 but try avoid recond models if it's within your (or company) budget. i'm sure you can find a used ckd 2006 or even 2007 model.

 

[Steven7]

I think BMW 525i sport is much much better choice if compare to the Toyota Harrier, as I know Harrier fuel comsumption is very high and few of my father friend sold their Harrier away within one year they've use it, I think should be some problem on Harrier:stupid:~!!!

 

[IsaacVky]

Myths? I say all bullshit. Opinions from friends is rubbish unless you know he's really good in it. Especially uncles only know tell you Toyota good toyota resale value good wont break down very good very good.

 

[skylineteh]

Harrier is terrible in fuel consumption. Its heavy body and weak engine is not something you would like to look forward too. However Im not too sure about the 525i. If you wan incredible fuel efficiency go for a 2nd hand 530d . If you use the highways a lot, ull get 1000km or more easily with 1 full tank.

DIESEL POWER!!!

 

[affan66]

RM50K for an ECU? Wah.... can get a few halfcut engines and gearbox for that....

 

[ShiangHorng]

Definitely the 525i.

What Harrier compared to any BMW?

50k for ECU? No such thing.

 

[owen]

I've never heard anything but envy from Harrier owners when they see my E60. That should resolve any ego issues later on.

Read the manual 4-5 times over, memorise it, learn basic car maintenance and you'll be fine.

Having said that, company cars will always get thrashed. If not by you then by someone else in the company. But if they want glamour to bait in revenues then there's none other than the E60.

FYI - E60 produced from May 2005 onwards do have the Magnesium engine. Some say as early as Feb but I've yet to see one for myself. Check the VIN. Most 2006 have the new keyfob and push-start, you really should get that feature budget permitting.

 

[ess530i]

i have a friend who had the same dilemma and he ended up with the harrier but he always seem regretful whenever he rides in my e60

 

[astroboy]

I only hear of people selling Harrier for E60 and not the other way round.. its a learning process if you ask me and there nothing to shout above in the Harrier, underpower like crazy (refering to the 2.4), it drives like an SUV and looks like an SUV. Well, u can do what others do, get Harrier first, then get E60... there's no right and wrong answer. Company car is a lot better what, pre-tax dollar for your repair and maintenance.. why? want to sponsor Barisan?

Its your choice to realise dream, or to continue dreaming..

Avoid the 523i because power tak cukup (my wife complaint..)... that's all I can say.

RM50k for an ECU? My friend bought the earlier version CKD E60 523i which do not have bluetooth interface, he brought the car to an outside accessories shop to fix an after market bluetooth interface and his iDrive was fried in the process, went back to the SC warranty void and had to fork out RM30k to replace with a new iDrive. If u ask me, that's the stupidity of the owner, not the car.

If ECU can cost RM50k, good ma! That means no matter how u scrap your car in the future, its still worth more than RM50k..

 

[BeemerSTER]

thule,

you honestly don't expect anyone one of us here(in the BMW Club Malaysia), to vouch for a Toyota Harrier, right?

 

[infinityKL]

Harrier - Pure Ah Beng ride in Malaysia, You will not regret an E60 once ur on the wheels!

Not being bias, but give us one good reason for a Harrier over an E60... ZERO!!

Good Luck Bro... just make sure dont get a lemon E60 though...

 

[bmw4eva]

I'd go for the BMW if I were you. Truth be told, you can't go wrong with either cars. The BMW and Harrier are different vehicles for different purposes.The Harrier for spaciousness,slightly cheaper maintenance,and good second hand value.The BMW is for driving pleasure,premium badge,and a slight exclusivity.

I put a lot of emphasis in driving pleasure since I spend a lot of time on the road.That's why I choose the BMW.I've driven a Harrier 240G.It was oh so boring,not very good fuel consumption, and very sloppy handling(though it was quite comfortable).

My 2 sen.

 

[ICEMAN 68]

i would go for the helli's ...a 3.0 would do instead of 2.4 .. company car mahhh ...

1) less headache of topping up oil every few days .... the new dilema in the 5's
2) a good re-sale value as helli's are just into the 2nd generation instead of the 5 series
3) a helli would set you back with a much more cheaper in maintainance ...

rest ... ahhhh .... i would say it sheerly depends on LUCK if you go for a 5 !!!!!

or better still get the e46 M3 ..... slurppppp slurpppp same price but different league

 

[thule]

Wow... I didn't know that there are so many hardcore beemers around here... thank you all for the opinions. Personally, I actually prefer E60 compared to Harrier...

As a matter of fact, I am concerned of the long-term maintenance cost for the E60. I have read some of the postings here that the cost can go up to RM10k per year... engine oil & filter (10k interval), gear oil, brake pad, etc... including tyres?

My scenario is that I have to travel between KL and Pahang every weekend (as my wife's in KL while my factory is in Pahang)... so the odometer can clock 40000km easily every year. I am just afraid that the parts are easily damaged by my frequent driving... any opinions on that? Have anyone heard that the new 5-Series will roll out in early 2009? Should be launched this year end in Europe before hitting our shore next year.

 

[IsaacVky]

If you need to travel on the highway, Toyota cars is like a floating boat. While Bimmer = super glue EXTRA strong on the 4 rubber corners.

 

[meinauto]

Wow... I didn't know that there are so many hardcore beemers around here... thank you all for the opinions. Personally, I actually prefer E60 compared to Harrier...

As a matter of fact, I am concerned of the long-term maintenance cost for the E60. I have read some of the postings here that the cost can go up to RM10k per year... engine oil & filter (10k interval), gear oil, brake pad, etc... including tyres?

My scenario is that I have to travel between KL and Pahang every weekend (as my wife's in KL while my factory is in Pahang)... so the odometer can clock 40000km easily every year. I am just afraid that the parts are easily damaged by my frequent driving... any opinions on that? Have anyone heard that the new 5-Series will roll out in early 2009? Should be launched this year end in Europe before hitting our shore next year.

What is your budget? There is a 2008 525 Sport with 19" BBS LM rims, quad exhaust, M5 rear bumper, etc going for 390k. Car is literally brand new with only 10k kms. Registered in Mar 08, still under warranty and with service inclusive

 

[astroboy]

Travel highway a lot? .. then E60 525i is perfect! One burst tyre or a skid, or a doze driving the boring Harrier can send u to Holland!!! No point keeping the money in the bank or counting paper profit in the hospital.

Life is priceless compare to the maintenance of a bimmer..

 

[JJTan]

What is your budget? There is a 2008 525 Sport with 19" BBS LM rims, quad exhaust, M5 rear bumper, etc going for 390k. Car is literally brand new with only 10k kms. Registered in Mar 08, still under warranty and with service inclusive

If not mistaken, i think Ingress has got a pre-reg '08 525 sport (black/black) for around 360K. Unfortunately, it's beyond my budget.

 

[aaron77]

uhmmm i think all new 525i are CBU ?
and they have some special 1 year warranty, if the car break down or something like that, they will replace new one. not too sure.