Need recommendation for new 3 series

[cnlew]

Hello All,

I am interested in getting a new ride.

I would prefer a 3 series as my wife prefer a smaller car as she will be using it most of the time when I am away.

We are not the aggressive type driver, so the 320i engine is fine for us, but....
as I found out, the 320i is like a bare bone version with so limited tech kits,....and tech kits is what we value most.

So, in order to get the full idrive with navigation, and the bigger LCD....I am considering the 328i now....but
Still, the 328i lacks a lot of the good stuff, like keyless entry, reserve camera, HUD...etc.( some actually is basic for even Japanese brand these days.)

What is the choices I have?
I would be happy with the 320i engine if I can get all the kits I want....plus the 18" alloy and the luxury trim.
Will BMW be able to add on the features I want as according to my preference? ( I MEAN IF I INSIST)
( while keeping the size to a 3 series, and I am not considering the version on steroid such as 335i or the M3, )

My summary: I want good looks with lots of tech kits, not so much on raw engine horse power to race around.
My question: What should I book? What is my best option?

Thanks guys for any advise.

 

[dynamite]

If you want something fully loaded with all the goodies, usually best to buy the models close to End of Life.
Perhaps the A4 or C-Class (W204)?

Just a thought la.

 

[sh_Callum]

As I understand fm AB, no mod is allow. Any mod will void the warranty. Wait until you finish your BSRI period then upgrade by yourself. Same goes to Merz C Class too. I am fully understand your disappointment, such an expensive car doesn't even comes with the basics such as GPS, Reverse camera and HUD. To be honest, these gadgets are so bloody cheap now.

I have a very shameful experience before driving with my 320i. Supposed to meet up with a friend but lost the way, my friend asked me "Use your car GPS lah" ! So, how to tell him that this expensive car has no GPS ? Even a Perodua Viva oso going to install GPS nowadays.

 

[cnlew]

Thanks guys for the input.

Audi is not my cup of tea while the only Merc we have consider is the CLA until we found out that the CLA-200 waiting time is 8 months now.

Looks like the best choice I have may be to wait for the 3 series LCI to reached our shores sometime next year.

Cheers guys

 

[CthoniC]

I don't think the LCI will bring about new techs into 20i cars. Only new engine variants and slight exterior changes.

It's bmw style to always offer bare minimum on the base model so that's it's cheaper compared to other German marques. And then options will be ala carte. Though in bmw malaysia case, is fixed a few options as standard on the middle to top variants without letting u ala carte yourself. In overseas market, u can get the new idrive system, comfort access n HUD in 20i car so long u pay for these options.

I'm was in a similar situation as u while shopping for my new ride. I didn't mind lower power but a new model yet using yesteryear techs are a big turnoff. Ended up getting the 428i instead of 420i.

 

[seancorr]

Bro even ala carte has limited options....the F30 line up does not even have the option to install a reverse camera! As for the navigation, the maps are kinda crap and according to the dealer, its due to some red tape with some company here.....so you're better off with a Garmin unit or your phone.

But here's hoping the LCI will bring about at least lah...comfort access and reverse camera. Our F30 already losing out on the adaptive xenons which the W204 and B8 have for many years and lets not mention about adaptive dampers or HUD even as a COST option

 

[cnlew]

I can understand that BMW Malaysia wants to keep the 320i to the bare essentials only to encourage buyer to go for the higher end model.

My question is, if I am getting the 328i, can I opt for the reverse camera and other goodies, mind you I will pay for it.

To me 328i although being the higher value model, still lacks a lot of basic kits, with no options to add on and warranty to prevent you from adding on elsewhere....this is like having yourself between 2 hard rocks.

 

[CthoniC]

I think f30 can install after market reverse camera, but only on new idrive systems. So meaning 28i n above. For me personally I'm not going to pay to get HUD lol. Biggest turnoff is no comfort access and active cruise control.

 

[CthoniC]

Bro cnlew. No u can't pay to get the options. I also asked the same qn to my SA, even I'm willing to pay for extra options, bmw malaysia don't do ala carte.

So u only have 20i, 28i sports, 28i m - sports and 35i to choose from. Excluding M cars

 

[cnlew]

Thank Cthonic,

What a turn-off isn't it?
Active cruise is something I am so looking forward to as well....
Almost make me to go for the 528i, almost....until my wife told me "if you buy that you drive sendiri-lah", haha, end of story.

 

[CthoniC]

End of the day your money your say. I still end up choosing bmw becos of the driveabilty and it's surprisingly comfortable for a car that not only looks fast but can also go fast.
Apple to apple comparison, when the new c class comes out. I'm pretty sure it's gonna cost more than the beemer. Not going to say abt Audi as it's very overpriced imho and has very little presence in Malaysia. Perhaps when principal Audi takes over then only can hope for the better.

 

[pchan1]

Bmw's marketing at least in msia will never fully load the 3, since e46, e90 and I'm pretty sure on current f30 platform. You may get some if not all, based on historical roadmap what you wished for, may only materialized towards the end of life cycle which means prob 18-12 months before the next generation platform is anticipated for global launch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[prahbuzz]

I can understand that BMW Malaysia wants to keep the 320i to the bare essentials only to encourage buyer to go for the higher end model.

My question is, if I am getting the 328i, can I opt for the reverse camera and other goodies, mind you I will pay for it.

To me 328i although being the higher value model, still lacks a lot of basic kits, with no options to add on and warranty to prevent you from adding on elsewhere....this is like having yourself between 2 hard rocks.

Heya cnlew, I totally understand your predicament..

Even on the 328i, you can't upgrade to have a reverse camera even if you wish to pay for it.. The 5 series however, allows to have the reverse camera installed at a premium of just above $4000.. That was what the SA told me when I was enquiring about the cars.

But I think there are aftermarket alternatives.. But not sure what that would do to your warranty though..

 

[kuntakinte]

Get the 28i engine, bro. You will appreciate the brutal power delivery and sound of 245 horses on full gallop during your occasional spirited weekend drives. Do give the 328i GT a look too.

Over the weekend, I was at the AB 25th anniversary promo with a couple of friends. They saw the GT for the first time and was completely smittened by the unique looks and vast space. One of them who was considering the 520d decided to rethink that decision. He preferred the rather exclusive numbers of the GT at compared to the too common 5er nowadays. Getting his home minister opinion before deciding.

They currently have an offer of at least 5k off the new 328i GT CKD version. Still negotiable. The CBU is offered at a 25k discount from its original list price of 350k

I was also this close to taking the 328i GT until I read of the new Merc C Klasse launching next month. Plonked down a 3k deposit for the C250 AMG. Since it's fully refundable, I may just switch camps back to the GT if the C250 doesn't meet my expectations

 

[ongss]

As I understand fm AB, no mod is allow. Any mod will void the warranty. Wait until you finish your BSRI period then upgrade by yourself. Same goes to Merz C Class too. I am fully understand your disappointment, such an expensive car doesn't even comes with the basics such as GPS, Reverse camera and HUD. To be honest, these gadgets are so bloody cheap now.

I have a very shameful experience before driving with my 320i. Supposed to meet up with a friend but lost the way, my friend asked me "Use your car GPS lah" ! So, how to tell him that this expensive car has no GPS ? Even a Perodua Viva oso going to install GPS nowadays.

My F30 328 year 2012 came with Navigation. But, that year itself, the map was obsolete. For 2 years, I never use the navigation in my car. I used Waze.

 

[cnlew]

I was also this close to taking the 328i GT until I read of the new Merc C Klasse launching next month. Plonked down a 3k deposit for the C250 AMG. Since it's fully refundable, I may just switch camps back to the GT if the C250 doesn't meet my expectations

Definitely will give the new Merc C a look look before making decision.

 

[cnlew]

My F30 328 year 2012 came with Navigation. But, that year itself, the map was obsolete. For 2 years, I never use the navigation in my car. I used Waze.

Any cost to update the maps?

 

[sh_Callum]

My brother in-law owned a 520i, he told me that it costs at least RM2K+ just to update the GPS map. I believe this could be the same price range for all other models.

 

[velarous]

Just got my 328i Msport.

Had a similar problem.

With a budget of 250k plus there wasn't that many options TBH, i decided not to get the A4 and current C-class since it's end of life. I also don't really fancy the new C class, the tail lights on it don't agree with me.

Was initially going for the 320 but couldn't live with the small screen and a lesser idrive.

Only to find that in actual use, the navigation offered is quite bad. I can't search for certain streets in KL and singapore, it took me the long way to damansara perdana via MRR2 even though i was already in Mt Kiara (i am not familiar with the area) The only Kit that really annoys me is the lack of keyless entry to the car. What's the point of having a push-start when i still need to unlock my car physically. Rather then just have it in my pocket the whole time. (first world issues, i know!) Oh and not being able to opt for the HK audio system.

Not too fussed about the reverse cam and HUD unit, had a reverse cam in my previous car and TBH, i rarely used it. While the HUD would be cool but I can live with the fact that no one else really offers it here in msia (besides that peugeot)

However I think, in the CBU units, there was this 428i GCoupe in the showroom where it had Keyless entry and HK audio. Maybe you could consider that if it's in the budget. Unfortunately I couldn't.

According to my salesman there's some good offers going around Auto Bavaria because of some merdeka promo.

 

[dynamite]

Just got my 328i Msport.

Had a similar problem.

With a budget of 250k plus there wasn't that many options TBH, i decided not to get the A4 and current C-class since it's end of life. I also don't really fancy the new C class, the tail lights on it don't agree with me.

Was initially going for the 320 but couldn't live with the small screen and a lesser idrive.

Only to find that in actual use, the navigation offered is quite bad. I can't search for certain streets in KL and singapore, it took me the long way to damansara perdana via MRR2 even though i was already in Mt Kiara (i am not familiar with the area) The only Kit that really annoys me is the lack of keyless entry to the car. What's the point of having a push-start when i still need to unlock my car physically. Rather then just have it in my pocket the whole time. (first world issues, i know!) Oh and not being able to opt for the HK audio system.

Not too fussed about the reverse cam and HUD unit, had a reverse cam in my previous car and TBH, i rarely used it. While the HUD would be cool but I can live with the fact that no one else really offers it here in msia (besides that peugeot)

However I think, in the CBU units, there was this 428i GCoupe in the showroom where it had Keyless entry and HK audio. Maybe you could consider that if it's in the budget. Unfortunately I couldn't.

According to my salesman there's some good offers going around Auto Bavaria because of some merdeka promo.

Damn right