owning a bmw?

[hanschen]

hi all bimmer lovers,i am totally new to bmw but i really love the looks and the quality of these rides. now, i have a dilemma whether to get a bmw or not. there are lots of comments and talks that bmw are for high income earners only coz the cost of maintenance and repairing are very high not to mention the cost of petrol driving them around town. i am just starting my career in sales with not much of a basic salary, that also requires me to travel from klang to pj/kl every other day.now i've set my eyes on these e34 520i or 525 i see in the classifieds section that are selling between 19k-25k. anyone please comment on:1. maintenance (how frequent)2. repairing3. parts availability4. durability of parts5. average cost per month6. etc.base on the above explanation, can anyone give me advise to whether get a bmw or buy those japanese or lousy m'sian cars? any comments/advise is much appreciated.thankshanson

 

[B33mEr]

hmmm ... well as a general rule when buying a 2nd hand car is to do a one time (big) investment of replacing and repairing old and broken parts then allocate around 5%-10% a month of your salary for maintenance up-keep and for rainy days (e.g. gearbox kaput and so on) ... BMW's is very manja hence maintenance is king on d bright side d car will manja u back
i'm sure other e34 gurus will chime in cos me more of an e46 guy hehe

 

[astroboy]

I don't know how new/fresh u r in the motoring industry, its good to use JDM for couple of years and then switch to UDM, you will appreciate a lot more.. JDM is a lot more economical to run/own.

Owning a UDM is u need to have few thousand in your pocket to spare anytime for things like gearbox, alternator, starter, radiator, thermostat, expansion tank or ECUs. But once spent, u can forget about it for a long time, peace of mind!

For JDM, few hundred Ringgit kao tim for most repairs but JDM parts does not last as long as UDM. So for UDM u spend more upfront compare to the other.

When I first started work, my salary only RM1.3k and my bank a/c seldom see above RM500 in balance, So I can't afford a UDM then..

 

[megatniza]

Owning a UDM is u need to have few thousand in your pocket to spare anytime for things like gearbox, alternator, starter, radiator, thermostat, expansion tank or ECUs. But once spent, u can forget about it for a long time, peace of mind!

well said , AB . i am that stage now where i kinda miss the workshop ( touchwood...), & sometimes fantasizes what
else should i change ..
but my 1st year was really "BMW" as in Banyak Masuk Worshop ,
Banyak Makan Wang & Bagi Mekanik Wang ....LOL .

 

[thule]

agree with what they said here in this thread :top:
I drove a Toyota Altis for 5-6 years before finally switching to BMW...
Since you are driving from Klang to PJ/KL... I suggest that you start driving either Proton or Toyota of even Honda cars at the beginning... as the petrol will definitely cost almost 10-20% depending on traffic... I was a salesman before...
tear and wear for spare parts are norm when you travel so much... not to mention outstation lagi

 

[hanschen]

yeah, i guess i have to scrap the plan to get a bmw for now. now cars around 20-25k you need to pay cash coz loan is not available or anything above it to 50k not many choices as the age of the cars are nearing the 10 years mark making it difficult to sell off after few years. this whole malaysia car industry is just really sad with little choice of cars and they are expensive.

thanks for all the advice from you guys, one of these days i'll get my bmw.

 

[thule]

No problem :top glad to help

 

[Jerman]

yeah, i guess i have to scrap the plan to get a bmw for now. now cars around 20-25k you need to pay cash coz loan is not available or anything above it to 50k not many choices as the age of the cars are nearing the 10 years mark making it difficult to sell off after few years. this whole malaysia car industry is just really sad with little choice of cars and they are expensive.

thanks for all the advice from you guys, one of these days i'll get my bmw.

bro,
That's a very wise decision! :top: Stay away from used continentals. Petrol consumption is OK but the service & maintenance will cost a fair bit. Malaysian cars are not that bad! Depending on your budget & preference, you have wide choices for RM 50k.

 

[pion]

well said , AB . i am that stage now where i kinda miss the workshop ( touchwood...), & sometimes fantasizes what
else should i change ..
but my 1st year was really "BMW" as in Banyak Masuk Worshop ,
Banyak Makan Wang & Bagi Mekanik Wang ....LOL .

Many many years ago when i had my e36, i visit mechanic Ng almost every month. .. mostly to change wear & tear parts. Don't u feel a sense of "satisfaction" after u change a worn part? ... (minus the pain in the wallet)

 

[wan520i]

Many many years ago when i had my e36, i visit mechanic Ng almost every month. .. mostly to change wear & tear parts. Don't u feel a sense of "satisfaction" after u change a worn part? ... (minus the pain in the wallet)

Yup agree...., full satisfaction.., eventhough full pain in the wallet....hehe..

 

[megatniza]

Many many years ago when i had my e36, i visit mechanic Ng almost every month. .. mostly to change wear & tear parts. Don't u feel a sense of "satisfaction" after u change a worn part? ... (minus the pain in the wallet)

bro pion ,
yeah ...been there , done it , he he he . every month , ng & his boyz
will welcome me with a big smile .
...practically changed all the hoses , bushes & all items that ends with
"or" ...alternator , radiator , compressor ..LOL
i am "relatively" a happy camper now .

 

[vobs]

Hi sifu....I also need some clarification cos im kanfused

from what ive read, it seems that bmw is not a reliable car, correct me if im wrong....if its sucking up ur money due to reliability issues, why are there people still owning one or lepak in this forum to find out bout bmw?

Am very confused! Please enlighten me cos whenever one buys a bmw, sure got 90% commented, u sure ar? u can or not? etc BUT yet people kept on buying and owning one

issit because

1) brand image? - to sacrifice money over brand, isnt that stupid?
2) Design is too nice to resist?
3) it drives so nice that people wont mind paying more?

So what issit, anyone? thanks so much in advance

 

[megatniza]

bro ,
do go tru the thread carefully & you should be able to summarize that
a pre owned UDM will set you back a few thousands RM in the initial stage .
but once all the wear & tear parts had been replaced , you'll start to appeciate
& understand why it's called the UDM .

 

[V-Man]

Hi sifu....I also need some clarification cos im kanfused

from what ive read, it seems that bmw is not a reliable car, correct me if im wrong....if its sucking up ur money due to reliability issues, why are there people still owning one or lepak in this forum to find out bout bmw?

Am very confused! Please enlighten me cos whenever one buys a bmw, sure got 90% commented, u sure ar? u can or not? etc BUT yet people kept on buying and owning one

issit because

1) brand image? - to sacrifice money over brand, isnt that stupid?
2) Design is too nice to resist?
3) it drives so nice that people wont mind paying more?

So what issit, anyone? thanks so much in advance

Answer the following qustions and ask yourself...Cheers !:top:>>


Let's face it, most BMW owners can be a bit fanatical at some time (or permanently). The important question is how big a BMW nerd are you? Take the following test to find out........

1. [SIZE=+1]BMW History [/SIZE]
   • Do you know the difference between a 503 and 507?
     • If someone asked you would they regret it five boring minutes later?
   • If a friend mentions they have a 328 do you wonder whether they're taking about the '37 or '97 model?
     • If so, can you identify all the pictures without reading the captions?
   • You know all the E & M numbers, the years they were made, and their common problems?
   • You know how to pronounce "Hartge" and "Schnitzer" despite having never worked for either?
   
   [SIZE=+1]BMW Mechanics [/SIZE]
   • Have you ever read a service manual for a procedure you know you'll never carry out.
     • More than twice in the same week?
   • Do friends ask your advice on mechanical problems?
   • Do they ask you to then fix the problem for them later?
   • Do you often have to lend tools to friends?
   • Do you have manuals for BMWs which you don't own?
   • Can you name the function of more than three fuses in your fuse box without using a manual?
   • Have you ever removed a part from your engine just to clean it?
     • And then had trouble putting it back?
   • Have you ever removed part of your dashboard?
     • And then removed it again to stop that new creaking sound?
   • Do you get nervous when other people have to work on your car?
     • Do you check their work later just to be sure?
     • Have you caught someone out this way?
   • When you take part of your car to bits do you call friends over to look at the interesting stuff inside?
   • Have you ever removed a spark plug to "read" the state of the engine?
   • Have you ever given a "tech tip" to a mechanic at your local dealer?
   • Do you know the first name of the local dealer's mechanic who always works on your car?
   • Your tools are now worth more than the first car you bought?
   
   [SIZE=+1]BMW Driving [/SIZE]
   • Have you attended a race track driving school or autocross?
     • Have you left the stick-on numbers on your car for more than a week after the event?
   • Have you modified your car for the track with undesirable consequences for normal driving?
     • Deliberately?
   • Do you own more than one driving techniques book?
   • Do you always heel and toe gearchange, even in town?
   • You've never understood what possessed BMW engineers to make cars with automatic gearboxes?
   • Do you drive with the stereo off in order to listen to the engine?
   • Do you own more than one set of tyres for any of your BMWs (snow or track use)?
   
   [SIZE=+1]BMW Care [/SIZE]
   • Is your car cleaner than your house?
   • Have you ever tried to hide the true cost of a cleaning product from your wife/husband/parents?
   • Have you tried more than four brands of wheel cleaner in one year?
   • Have you ever used a toothbrush to clean any part of your car?
     • Even a part of the engine?
   • Do most of your neighbours believe you have some mental problem / too much spare time?
   • Do most make disgusted comments about other peoples dirty BMWs?
   • Have you polished your valve cover(s)?
   • Have you ever washed your BMW more than once a week?
   • Do you wax it just about every time you wash it?
   • Have you ever known that it was going to get dark outside, but decided to wash it anyway?
   
   [SIZE=+1]BMW Evangelism [/SIZE]
   • Do you feel sorry for non-BMW owners?
   • Have you talked friends into the joys of BMW ownership?
   • Do people try to avoid talking about cars in your prescence?
   • Do you have a BMW model / poster / screensaver at work?
   • When you give friends detailed BMW advice over the phone do your workmates shake their heads in silent disbelief?
   
   [SIZE=+1]BMW Worries [/SIZE]
   • If you read about a BMW problem do you ever convince yourself your car has it?
   • Are you nervous about leaving your car parked out of your sight?
   • Do you keep hearing almost inaudible yet worrying rattles and creaks?
   • Do you replace wearable parts long before they are really needed?
   • Have you ever told a fellow owner about a design fault in their car?
     • And then told them how to cure it?
   
   [SIZE=+1]BMW Buying [/SIZE]
   • Does your local salesman try to hide whenever he sees you coming?
   • Have you ever had to convince a salesman the part you want does exist?
   • Have you ever caught a salesman telling lies about a car's specifications?
   • Have you ever purchased an exhaust or tyres to replace one which wasn't worn out yet?
   • Have ever tried to order a part only to have the guy in the parts dept. say "it doesn't exist"?
     • Then gotten the part number from the 'net and found the dealer has three in stock? (NB: this one's FUN, try it)
   • Do you spend ages agonising over which parts or accessories to buy?
     • Despite the fact you can't possibly afford them?
   
   [SIZE=+1]BMW Lifestyles [/SIZE]
   • Does you web browser have more BMW related bookmarks than any other kind?
   • Do you subscribe to any BMW magazines (only counts if you keep the back issues)?
   • Do you own more than three books about BMWs?
   • When your monthly BMW magazine arrives you read the parts for sale adverts first?
   • Can you tell which exact model of BMW you're looking at if it's been debadged?
     • Even the model year?
   • Have you ever made a BMW joke that nobody else understood?
   • Do you spot BMWs in TV programs and get told to shut up by friends?
   • Do you have to make an effort to not talk about BMWs with other people?
   • Can you recite your dealer's phone number from memory?
   • When you go to your local dealer does everyone know your name?
     • And your wife/girlfriend?
   • Do friends approach you in amazed tones and say "I mentioned your name at the dealer, they knew you straight away"?
   • Have you ever stood looking at your car for more than five minutes?
   • Have you ever sat in your car to admire the interior and soak up the atmosphere for over fifteen minutes?
   • Have you ever wanted to leave a social function early in order to tinker with your BMW?
     • And actually left?
     • And your friends completely understood your dilema?
   • Do most of your neighbours / workmates think you're clinically insane?
   
   [SIZE=+1]BMW Ownership [/SIZE]
   • Have you kept your current BMW longer than you thought you would because you can't decide on it's replacement?
   • Do you regret selling any of the previous BMWs you've owned?
   • Your mother prefers the suspension on your last BMW as it was "less harsh"?
   • Do you own more than one BMW, just to own more than one BMW?
   • Have you decoded the VIN on your car?
     • Extra credit if you told more than two people the date and place of manufacture.
   • Have you ever thought about doing any of the following?
     • Adding a garage to your house with a hydraulic lift, extra sets of wheels, and enough tools to make your dealer's mechanic jealous.
     • Putting a roll bar in your street car.
     • Buying am old E30 to turn into a track car.
     • Doing a head job to increase performance on a perfectly good engine.
     • Fitting a four point harness to the driver's seat.
     • Fitting a valium/sedative dispenser in front of the passenger seat!

http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/bmwpurity.html

 

[morpheus5039]

the cons of owning a bimmer:

After doing all maintainence related work, u need to break a big hole of wallet for car modification cause' "racun":listen: by forummer here :laugh::laugh::laugh:

 

[vobs]

hmmm, ok i read it and answered it, does that mean most owners dont care how unreliable the car is cos theyre all fanatics? so in the end, correct me if im wrong, ure saying BMW is unreliable?

Anyone else with answers thanks in advance

 

[morpheus5039]

hmmm, ok i read it and answered it, does that mean most owners dont care how unreliable the car is cos theyre all fanatics? so in the end, correct me if im wrong, ure saying BMW is unreliable?

Anyone else with answers thanks in advance

I think wat they mean is most expensive maintainence is 1 time only and can easily last u for about 10 years or more, part is more reliable so cost more!

Example: i never see bmw power window motor kong frequently, not like local brand car.
They always go to workshop cause wanna keep their car in tiptop condition ma(Like i always drive my old volkswagen to workshop nearly every week whenever i back hometown, bcos i like it and i dun wan any tiny issue happen in the car), if drive a used local brand car, who will bother to keep it prestine condition???

Juz my personal opinion:wink:

 

[Hellraiser]

vobs, why are you so focused on the negative. if someone wants to jump down a building, will you also follow just because he is your friend?

the BMW is a very reliable car in terms of performance, safety and quality. like all things, if you take care of the car, the car will take care of you. as time passes, maintenance will increase if it is an old car unless you tell me proton is cheaper than i dunno what to say lah. you'll be lucky if proton can last you 5 years on the road and i am speaking from experience.

some say high maintenance cos either slaughter by unscrupolous mechanics out to make a fast buck. two, you will pay slighly higher for maintenence. you mean to tell me, you want to drive nice luxurious car but only want to pay kancil maintenance price...how cannnnnnnn?

i don't think you have taken a BMW for test drive. take my advise...test drive first, then tok. no point you read threads or post cos you only want to read the negative part...

let the car speak for itself...

 

[V-Man]

hmmm, ok i read it and answered it, does that mean most owners dont care how unreliable the car is cos theyre all fanatics? so in the end, correct me if im wrong, ure saying BMW is unreliable?

Anyone else with answers thanks in advance

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15973&page=8

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23526

 

[Hellraiser]

vobs, just checked your posting. you just bought an e46 3251. congrats on your new car

question : with all your complaints and insecurities, why buy the car? if you are not sure about a certain girls reputation, why marry her? and even after knowing her 'reputation' based on your own finding...you still marry her after that !

now i am kanfused.....