Living With A Bmw (Or European Car In General)

[Eurofan]

With so many ppl succumbed to the the axio / allion virus i wanted to start a topic that some of us euro car fans can actually make use of

Im a recent user of a euro car (BMW 2004 320D), and wanted to know from more experienced bmw owners, or euro cars in general for that matter on using a bmw / euro as a daily runner;

1. Is it as expensive to live with as the general perception suggests

2. Is it a nightmare selling it

3. Is it worth (subjective i knw) spending on a used euro than a frugal unreg econobox

[VVTi]

With so many ppl succumbed to the the axio / allion virus i wanted to start a topic that some of us euro car fans can actually make use of

Im a recent user of a euro car (BMW 2004 320D), and wanted to know from more experienced bmw owners, or euro cars in general for that matter on using a bmw / euro as a daily runner;

1. Is it as expensive to live with as the general perception suggests

2. Is it a nightmare selling it

3. Is it worth (subjective i knw) spending on a used euro than a frugal unreg econobox

1. Nope.

2. Nope.

3. Yes.

[Rukster]

1. No

2. No

3. Yes

[MkX]

I've seen E36 318i goes from as low as 1.25M to 2.2M range. Apart from YOM difference what are the main differences in E36 318i models interms of features, etc.

[VVTi]

Trim levels, condition, mileage run, number of owners, 4 cyl/6 cyl, Auto/Manual... so many variations.

[rangerover]

Year of Manufacture has an important role in determining price, on BMW's. Because what jap cars refers to as facelifts are called LCI (Life cycle Impulse) at BMW. And LCI arnt just cosmetic changes but are improvements mechanically as well. Hence the price difference for a same model can be quite apparent for a pre facelift and a facelift

The 2.2 mil car u saw im presuming was the 325i. Well the rarity of the car and the initially higher cost justifies a premium.

@Rukster: were u able to sell the 325i?

[rg_lv]

Thinking about getting the new VW Tiguan, It will be great if anyone can share info/experience with VW/Audi dealer (the main one)!

[rangerover]

Well as far as what i've heard, they let u bring ur own parts and get it fixed. Which is a big saving with most of these euro agents.

[MasterDon]

With so many ppl succumbed to the the axio / allion virus i wanted to start a topic that some of us euro car fans can actually make use of

Im a recent user of a euro car (BMW 2004 320D), and wanted to know from more experienced bmw owners, or euro cars in general for that matter on using a bmw / euro as a daily runner;

1. Is it as expensive to live with as the general perception suggests

2. Is it a nightmare selling it

3. Is it worth (subjective i knw) spending on a used euro than a frugal unreg econobox

1.Compared to Toyotas,Nissans and other Japs,Yes.I would not recommend getting one if one is new to cars or is expecting it to take the abuse of a Corrolla.Do the basic things right and maintain it properly on time without taking any shortcuts.Otherwise you'll end up ruining one of the precious few we have.

2.Depends on the make and model.Some are easier to get rid of than others,but there is always that little bit of risk for your investment involved than buying a mainstream Jap.

3.Definitely!

[Rukster]

Year of Manufacture has an important role in determining price, on BMW's. Because what jap cars refers to as facelifts are called LCI (Life cycle Impulse) at BMW. And LCI arnt just cosmetic changes but are improvements mechanically as well. Hence the price difference for a same model can be quite apparent for a pre facelift and a facelift

The 2.2 mil car u saw im presuming was the 325i. Well the rarity of the car and the initially higher cost justifies a premium.

@Rukster: were u able to sell the 325i?

Not yet. Still have it with me.

[MadMMX]

1. No - If you get your parts down from abroad - it actually can be on par if not cheaper Service is long - ie once a year for most

2. No - Didn't have any issues here

3. The driving pleasure alone makes up for any niggles you may have along the way. Euro's need to be looked after unlike the japs that can be thrashed around. The driving experience is totally different and the toys you have in these cars are unheard of in the jap world (A/C, PS, PM, 4+ airbags are all standard :) )

Cheers,

[madmax]

I'm on my 4th BMW! Hope that answers all 3 questions.

[heavyD]

1. No - If you get your parts down from abroad - it actually can be on par if not cheaper Service is long - ie once a year for most

2. No - Didn't have any issues here

3. The driving pleasure alone makes up for any niggles you may have along the way. Euro's need to be looked after unlike the japs that can be thrashed around. The driving experience is totally different and the toys you have in these cars are unheard of in the jap world (A/C, PS, PM, 4+ airbags are all standard :) )

Cheers,

Is that air conditioning, power shutters/power steering, power mirrors?

[VWvortex]

Is there a specialist around Colombo for maintaining a BMW other than Milroy or the agents?

[rangerover]

I'm sure in order to afford a BMW or any other prestigous brand new u need to be a high flying businessman or right up there in the corporate ladder. But most people who use european cars such in the second hand market are general middle level managers / professionals. Am i right? if thats the case it clearly depict the feasibility of using a european as as a daily runner or atleast a second car

@VWVortex - Going to so called experts popping up for these brands is the original sin of getting a raw deal of a european car ownership

[VWvortex]

@VWVortex - Going to so called experts popping up for these brands is the original sin of getting a raw deal of a european car ownership

True that's why i like to know where one can get routine work maintenance done.

[Pericles]

But most people who use european cars such in the second hand market are general middle level managers / professionals. Am i right?

Nope. Well, professionals maybe, certainly you need some kinda job even to maintain a maruti, but the people running BMWs at my office, not really management. Heck madmax was one, he was a support engineer back when he got his first.

[madmax]

Nope. Well, professionals maybe, certainly you need some kinda job even to maintain a maruti, but the people running BMWs at my office, not really management. Heck madmax was one, he was a support engineer back when he got his first.

At least I had a real job back then. Now I don't even have a job! But that doesn't stop me from owning a bimmer.

"When there's a will, there's a way"

[Bugatti]

1. Is it as expensive to live with as the general perception suggests

2. Is it a nightmare selling it

3. Is it worth (subjective i knw) spending on a used euro than a frugal unreg econobox

Mines a 1996 BMW E36, with a 2.5 straight six.

1. Yes, but that's just the fuel cost

2. Nope. Have got three offers for it during the past 2 months.

3. Definitely, Yes. I find most of the cosmetic parts cheaper than my 2001 Mazda Familia.

[nira74]

With so many ppl succumbed to the the axio / allion virus i wanted to start a topic that some of us euro car fans can actually make use of

Im a recent user of a euro car (BMW 2004 320D), and wanted to know from more experienced bmw owners, or euro cars in general for that matter on using a bmw / euro as a daily runner;

1. Is it as expensive to live with as the general perception suggests

2. Is it a nightmare selling it

3. Is it worth (subjective i knw) spending on a used euro than a frugal unreg econobox

1. No

- 2004 318i (2000cc petrol) returns 9+ km/l, better than a number of smaller engined Jap cars and way better than big ones....

- 15,000 km Service Interval and Agents Servicing Cost Comparable with most Jap brands

- plenty of sources for spares... a tad more expensive than Jap ones.

2. No

3. Definitely Yes.

- If Driving Pleasure and Safety mean anything to you.

Edited January 27, 2011 by nira74

[Bugatti]

Is there a specialist around Colombo for maintaining a BMW other than Milroy or the agents?

Answer is Yes..

What was diagnosed as a gear box replacement by the two said places, was fixed by this Other place that I found. And this new guy also fixed VVTi's E39.

[VWvortex]

Answer is Yes..

What was diagnosed as a gear box replacement by the two said places, was fixed by this Other place that I found. And this new guy also fixed VVTi's E39.

could you please pm me his contact details. reasonable rates? does he carry spares?

[rangerover]

Is this specialist an all rounder or a specialist in certain components. pls pm the details

[Bugatti]

Is this specialist an all rounder or a specialist in certain components. pls pm the details

He specializes in Mercs.. and BMW.

Have PM the details.

[tharindra]

He specializes in Mercs.. and BMW.

Have PM the details.

Bugatti could you PM the details as well please, thanks