Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

[petrus]

Hey all,

Looking to buy a less than a year old BMW 525. There seems to be quite a few in the market.

I realise the new version will be coming out later this year.

Currently have an Mercedes to trade. It will cross 6 years in July, so can't really wait till the new 5 comes out in the second part of the year....

What would be a fair price to bargain for?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

best,
Pet.

 

[mkhheng]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hey all,

Looking to buy a less than a year old BMW 525. There seems to be quite a few in the market.

I realise the new version will be coming out later this year.

Currently have an Mercedes to trade. It will cross 6 years in July, so can't really wait till the new 5 comes out in the second part of the year....

What would be a fair price to bargain for?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

best,
Pet.

The prices for the 7 -8 month 525i are roughly in the 165 to 170K category. (PML advertised for 176K for their Aug 06 version.) A new 525 is about 193K (list) or about 185 - 187K (actual) depending on the size of loan you take. For a 15K saving in price for 7 mth old is quite OK. The 525i does not come with cruise control or comfort seats.
The LTA transfer fee is about $3K.. The final price you pay is actually relative. If you go to a dealer to get a lower price, he will ask you to take a higher loan (to earn back by interest). However the loan rate is about 3.18%. If you go to a private owner, you may get a lower asking price but you will not get a preferential loan (maybe at 3.75%). So you need to do up all the sums including the interest payable for the loan. If you don't take a loan, the dealer will sell you at the sticker price and no discount. It is not a straight forward final figure.

Funny, there are no 530 available. There is one year old M5 though going for 365K. Saw in the papers last weekend.

rgds

John

 

[petrus]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hey John.

Thanks for your education reply.

Saw the performance on the new 523i is going to be 190 Bhp. 0-100 in 8.2 vs. 7.9 of the current 525. I believe the facelifted one is lighter because the new 525 despite the same Bhp is 0 -100 in 7.1.

Still toying with which one to buy...

but your advice has certainly helped.

cheers.
petr

 

[mkhheng]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hey John.

Thanks for your education reply.

Saw the performance on the new 523i is going to be 190 Bhp. 0-100 in 8.2 vs. 7.9 of the current 525. I believe the facelifted one is lighter because the new 525 despite the same Bhp is 0 -100 in 7.1.

Still toying with which one to buy...

but your advice has certainly helped.

cheers.
petr

Hi Petrus, the new forthcoming 525i is a 3ltr engine with 218 bhp. The torque output is much better. The only thing I like about the incoming models is the new gearbox which changes 40ms faster than the current one and the better effiiciency of the engine. The facelift is a joke. Need a magnfying glass to spot the difference. Just the striped back light and a better nose job.

Also with the new incoming models PML, is not going to shower you with any promotion. You will have to pay close to list price. Need to wait for a further 6 mths before the promotions kick in.

Rgds

John

 

[TheNew7]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Unlike the E Class, the E60 looks as if it is nearly 'perfect' because the face lift mostly touches on the aesthetics side of the car. Nothing much on the handling has been touched (unlike the 7 series face lift with new rear suspensions), the interior has changed a little (following the e90), a bit on the nose.... and of course, regenarative brakes (I think this technology may give some problems).... and a little more power.... Of course you have to add the new 8 buttons... funny this, cause I thought the i-Drive system (oh, the new car doesn't have forced feedback - which I love, the 520/523 doesn't have this) is supposed to reduce button clutter, looks as if they have moved a step back.....

Anyway, as mkhheng mentioned, the new car carries a 3 litre engine (read higher road tax) and really, the changes are not vastly different....

Plus the minus of getting a 'brand new' model will carry the curse of 'never buy the first run' if anything does go wrong with the car. The best deals for the 525 is now, otherwise, best to wait at least till the end of the year to purchase the LCI 525....

Either way, let us know.... we go down and support you when you collect your car.....

 

[mkhheng]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Unlike the E Class, the E60 looks as if it is nearly 'perfect' because the face lift mostly touches on the aesthetics side of the car. Nothing much on the handling has been touched (unlike the 7 series face lift with new rear suspensions), the interior has changed a little (following the e90), a bit on the nose.... and of course, regenarative brakes (I think this technology may give some problems).... and a little more power.... Of course you have to add the new 8 buttons... funny this, cause I thought the i-Drive system (oh, the new car doesn't have forced feedback - which I love, the 520/523 doesn't have this) is supposed to reduce button clutter, looks as if they have moved a step back.....

Anyway, as mkhheng mentioned, the new car carries a 3 litre engine (read higher road tax) and really, the changes are not vastly different....

Plus the minus of getting a 'brand new' model will carry the curse of 'never buy the first run' if anything does go wrong with the car. The best deals for the 525 is now, otherwise, best to wait at least till the end of the year to purchase the LCI 525....

Either way, let us know.... we go down and support you when you collect your car.....

I read somewhere that PML is not bringing in the regenerative braking system. I like your optimism that the 5 series have a nearly perfect shape. Until now, I still cannot get over the look of the front lamps. Looks like it was designed by a committee. Too many confusing messages. I am not exactly a fan of Chris Bangle's work. You either like him or hate his design input. He does not understand German Heritage. Luckily he does not meddle with the engineering aspect of BMW. Otherwise, the marque will be in trouble. With the E90, he decided to tone down his design direction. Let an American design a german car and this is what happens.

To me a 2.5 ltr engine with sub 200bhp is just holding the engine back. Many current other car brands with 2.5 ltr engine pass the 200bhp mark. Basically BMW cut back on the rev limit to hold back the engine. What a waste of good engine. Manufacturing wise is still the same engine. Maybe a smaller percentage of their manufacturing output make the 218bhp quality grading. The rest are just left at 6250rpm rev limit and sold as the 523. The 218 bhp engine is allowed to rev to 7000rpm.

3 of the 8 buttons in i-drive are ever hardly used. 'BMW assist', 'OB data', 'help' function. Even the 'communication' function is disconnected.The current 5 series though it looks like it as 4 buttons have actually 5 with a center press for the 'settings' function. Its all the marketing ploy to make us think we are getting more. It is just clever repackaging.

BMW is at it again with the new 525 3 ltr engine and holding it back to 218 bhp. Why can't they use the previous 3ltr that produced at least 231bhp or the current 258bhp and then release the proper 272 bhp for the 530. I know they deliberately hold the power back so that they can gradually increase it when they release new 5 series variations in the future.

530 is the one to get but PML make it difficult to purchase from them with minimal discount. (272 bhp is within shooting distance of the old 286bhp M3 of the first E36 series shape.) You always know you get the best discount for the 523 as it is the volume seller.. Hope the PML brings in the new 525i with cruise control put back. Even the 325i coupe has the cruise control. Notice there are no current 6 -7 month old 530s on the second hand market. Why?

Rgds

John

 

[petrus]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hi Guys.

I am still digesting your posts.

I agree, externally i can't really spot the difference.

Which model would you go for then in your humble opinions. a year old 525i say at 168k maybe less or wait for the "facelift" 525i or even purchase the 523i. I believe the new 523 will be around 170 -175 range. I heard they are coming in potentially June. I too fear the "first batch" but was thinking are any of the components/technology completely new... or are they just using "technology" from other models. What are the new technology?

I've read the drive is suppose to be much better on the facelift... any comments?
Will keep you both posted ifi purchase and advise you if when i collect.... as i am quite keen.


best,
Petr

 

[TheNew7]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

I read somewhere that PML is not bringing in the regenerative braking system. I like your optimism that the 5 series have a nearly perfect shape. Until now, I still cannot get over the look of the front lamps. Looks like it was designed by a committee. Too many confusing messages. I am not exactly a fan of Chris Bangle's work. You either like him or hate his design input. He does not understand German Heritage. Luckily he does not meddle with the engineering aspect of BMW. Otherwise, the marque will be in trouble. With the E90, he decided to tone down his design direction. Let an American design a german car and this is what happens.

To me a 2.5 ltr engine with sub 200bhp is just holding the engine back. Many current other car brands with 2.5 ltr engine pass the 200bhp mark. Basically BMW cut back on the rev limit to hold back the engine. What a waste of good engine. Manufacturing wise is still the same engine. Maybe a smaller percentage of their manufacturing output make the 218bhp quality grading. The rest are just left at 6250rpm rev limit and sold as the 523. The 218 bhp engine is allowed to rev to 7000rpm.

3 of the 8 buttons in i-drive are ever hardly used. 'BMW assist', 'OB data', 'help' function. Even the 'communication' function is disconnected.The current 5 series though it looks like it as 4 buttons have actually 5 with a center press for the 'settings' function. Its all the marketing ploy to make us think we are getting more. It is just clever repackaging.

BMW is at it again with the new 525 3 ltr engine and holding it back to 218 bhp. Why can't they use the previous 3ltr that produced at least 231bhp or the current 258bhp and then release the proper 272 bhp for the 530. I know they deliberately hold the power back so that they can gradually increase it when they release new 5 series variations in the future.

530 is the one to get but PML make it difficult to purchase from them with minimal discount. (272 bhp is within shooting distance of the old 286bhp M3 of the first E36 series shape.) You always know you get the best discount for the 523 as it is the volume seller.. Hope the PML brings in the new 525i with cruise control put back. Even the 325i coupe has the cruise control. Notice there are no current 6 -7 month old 530s on the second hand market. Why?

Rgds

John

When I first saw the 7, and even the 5, I didn't like it.... too big, tooo bulky and really, just like two generations of S-Class (W140) ago. But funnily enough, I began to appreciate the design only after a long while... Same with the 5 series, I thought it looked like a slipper or something... IMHO, one of the most attractive things on the 5 are the headlights.

(Again, in my opinion) Good design is something you can see and appreciate for a long while... even if you look at the previous E39, it is still an elegant car with very smooth lines.... this is something that the japanese cars lack.... for example the GS300, the WOW is at the beginning when you first see the car.... but the 5 is a small wow, but a long one......

Anyway, love the shape and the ques of the design..... simply brilliant!

Hi Guys.

I am still digesting your posts.

I agree, externally i can't really spot the difference.

Which model would you go for then in your humble opinions. a year old 525i say at 168k maybe less or wait for the "facelift" 525i or even purchase the 523i. I believe the new 523 will be around 170 -175 range. I heard they are coming in potentially June. I too fear the "first batch" but was thinking are any of the components/technology completely new... or are they just using "technology" from other models. What are the new technology?

I've read the drive is suppose to be much better on the facelift... any comments?
Will keep you both posted ifi purchase and advise you if when i collect.... as i am quite keen.

best,
Petr

Things that I like in the LCI 5 are the lower grills (can be corrected with the M Kit), clear side of the front headlights and the rear LED lights.... other than that, the changes are really not the noticable...

If you really need a car and it has to be a 5, then yes, buy it now....

If you drive into Malaysia alot and assuming that you are deciding only between 523 and 525, then buy 525..... if not, 523 on Singapore roads is suffice... with the savings, you can buy us all a nice dinner :nehnehhh:

If you are looking at resale value, then wait for the LCI 5....:angry:

But if and when you do eventually get a 5 series, I'm sure some of the brothers here will show you the mod-ey.... and you will be tempted to mod the car.....

Decisions decisions decisions....

 

[mkhheng]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hi Guys.

I am still digesting your posts.

I agree, externally i can't really spot the difference.

Which model would you go for then in your humble opinions. a year old 525i say at 168k maybe less or wait for the "facelift" 525i or even purchase the 523i. I believe the new 523 will be around 170 -175 range. I heard they are coming in potentially June. I too fear the "first batch" but was thinking are any of the components/technology completely new... or are they just using "technology" from other models. What are the new technology?

I've read the drive is suppose to be much better on the facelift... any comments?
Will keep you both posted ifi purchase and advise you if when i collect.... as i am quite keen.


best,
Petr

If you are keen or serious modder, then don't buy new. Heart pain when you remove the still new parts. Also heaven forbid if you are in any accident. Your insurer will only replace your car with standard parts. The rest of the custom parts, you are on your own.

To me, the first gut reaction when you see a house or car is usually the correct one as you are not influence by other opinion. If you stare long at it and given enough time, you begin to get used to it and immune to the pain. In dark colours, the 5 series and 7 series do not look so bad as you do not see all the details. Chris Bangle once said that his designs are there to evoke or provoke emotion or strong feelings either good or bad. But at least it must evoke some strong emotion. That is why we have this healthy debate about the shape and lines of the car. Many are controversial.

The ultimate decision of which car to buy rests with you. It is your money and your emotion. You are going to live with the car day in and day out. You cannot ask others to help you choose your 'wife' for you. Also I am going to say something controversial here and may incur the wrath' of some of the forum members. Those who have several cars to play with are in a different group of people. But for the rest who own one car and change them frequently brand to brand, means the owner is not sure what he wants. Some people make a decision, choose a make and stick to it. I think we belong to the latter group. We know what we like. It is like your girlfriend or wife is beautiful but her hairstyle or dress does not quite meet your approval. What then... just wait until she changes it again in the future Chris Bangle is a controversial fashion designer for BMW. In time he will learn what diehard BMW fans appreciates.

Regards

John

 

[mkhheng]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

When I first saw the 7, and even the 5, I didn't like it.... too big, tooo bulky and really, just like two generations of S-Class (W140) ago. But funnily enough, I began to appreciate the design only after a long while... Same with the 5 series, I thought it looked like a slipper or something... IMHO, one of the most attractive things on the 5 are the headlights.

(Again, in my opinion) Good design is something you can see and appreciate for a long while... even if you look at the previous E39, it is still an elegant car with very smooth lines.... this is something that the japanese cars lack.... for example the GS300, the WOW is at the beginning when you first see the car.... but the 5 is a small wow, but a long one......


quote]

Actually when I first saw the 5 series, it was not a small 'wow'. More like Alamak!...and you pat your forehead.

Rgds

John

 

[TheNew7]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Actually when I first saw the 5 series, it was not a small 'wow'. More like Alamak!...and you pat your forehead.

Rgds

John

Hahaha...

 

[petrus]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hey Guys,

Thanks for your replies. Negotiating on the 10 month old 525 but unlikely i will get it. I think i am going to wait for the "new" 525 or 523. The performance on the 523 is about the same as the old 525... Thanks for what i've read from you... it explains a lot.

When i factor in transfer fees, resale after the new one comes out, interest rate differences etc. it makes more sense to wait. my current car is set to enter its 7th year in July. i am told the facelift new 5 will arrive in June..

If i do get the 5. i will be checking with you guys about some modding. I like cars to have a bit of guts... Not too much but just enough to get in front of those crazy taxis!

I'll keep you posted on things. I also debating on the new C class which looks pretty good too...

Anyway, appreciate the advice. I'll keep you posted.

best,
Petr

 

[mkhheng]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hey Guys,

Thanks for your replies. Negotiating on the 10 month old 525 but unlikely i will get it. I think i am going to wait for the "new" 525 or 523. The performance on the 523 is about the same as the old 525... Thanks for what i've read from you... it explains a lot.

When i factor in transfer fees, resale after the new one comes out, interest rate differences etc. it makes more sense to wait. my current car is set to enter its 7th year in July. i am told the facelift new 5 will arrive in June..

If i do get the 5. i will be checking with you guys about some modding. I like cars to have a bit of guts... Not too much but just enough to get in front of those crazy taxis!

I'll keep you posted on things. I also debating on the new C class which looks pretty good too...

Anyway, appreciate the advice. I'll keep you posted.

best,
Petr

Hi Petr,

Hope whatever decision you take will be the right one. New cars depreciate the most during the first year. One of our forum guys just bought his 1 yr M5 for 365K. Fantastic condition and only did 5000Km. A new M5 cost about 435K. Imagine a 70K depreciation for 1 year. That is close to $200 per day. A new 5 series will go down about 25K to 30K in the first year. Then it slows down. Buy new if you really treasure new. But if you are going to mod the body kit, add anti-roll bars, sway bars, lower the suspension, change exhaust, upsized the tires and brakes, what part of the new car is left? I got mine at about 7 mths old and the price is already down by about 25K off the 'actual' 525i price. The list price cost 10K more.

If you mention considering MB 'c' class or other makes in this forum, it had better be your 2nd car or else the administrator will limit your privileges in the forum (only joking). Only diehard BM people here

If you want your facelifted 523, better place your order now and look for Jasmine at PML. Our forum adminstrator buys his car through her as well plus many others guys. She is one nice lady.

Rgds

John

 

[anson7835]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hi John,

I am also considering a 10 months old 525. What would be a reasonable price?

Regards,

 

[petrus]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hi John,

I am also considering a 10 months old 525. What would be a reasonable price?

Regards,

Hey Black cat,

Is this the one Hua Yang?

If so, i think you can get it down to 169K at least that's what's i've been getting from Dealers
after some negotiation.

Average car would be 7-10 months. Black, Dark grey or the metallic bronze. etc.

Heard about a black 545iA on the market going at a pretty good price.

anyone know whose car this was or currently is? considering. Price is pretty good.

best,
petr

 

[mkhheng]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hey Black cat,

Is this the one Hua Yang?

If so, i think you can get it down to 169K at least that's what's i've been getting from Dealers
after some negotiation.

Average car would be 7-10 months. Black, Dark grey or the metallic bronze. etc.

Heard about a black 545iA on the market going at a pretty good price.

anyone know whose car this was or currently is? considering. Price is pretty good.

best,
petr

Yes, 165K - 168K would about there. However you have to consider the whole package price. The transfer fee to pay LTA is about $3099. There is also the dealer's processing/admin fee of about $500. And finally the loan amount. If you agree to take a higher loan, the dealer will lower the upfront price. If you take a lower loan, the dealer may not budge of the original price. Calculate the final interest you have to pay. A $5000 extra loan equates to about $900 extra in interest over 6 years. So please calculate all in. The dealer can recover the price discount he gives to you in so many ways. Also check for available road tax left. This can be factored in.
If the car has been advertised for several weeks and still not sold yet, you have more bargining power. Every day, the price of the car drops by about $60- $70/-.. Every month, the car price depreciates by about $1500 - $1600. So the dealer is keen to move the stock.

The worst thing that can happen is if you have to compete with another buyer. The dealer will only smile.

Have fun and good luck.

Rgds

John

 

[VolanteDB9]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hi Petr,

Hope whatever decision you take will be the right one. New cars depreciate the most during the first year. One of our forum guys just bought his 1 yr M5 for 365K. Fantastic condition and only did 5000Km. A new M5 cost about 435K. Imagine a 70K depreciation for 1 year. That is close to $200 per day. A new 5 series will go down about 25K to 30K in the first year. Then it slows down. Buy new if you really treasure new. But if you are going to mod the body kit, add anti-roll bars, sway bars, lower the suspension, change exhaust, upsized the tires and brakes, what part of the new car is left? I got mine at about 7 mths old and the price is already down by about 25K off the 'actual' 525i price. The list price cost 10K more.

If you mention considering MB 'c' class or other makes in this forum, it had better be your 2nd car or else the administrator will limit your privileges in the forum (only joking). Only diehard BM people here

If you want your facelifted 523, better place your order now and look for Jasmine at PML. Our forum adminstrator buys his car through her as well plus many others guys. She is one nice lady.

Rgds

John

... which admin are you talking about...and which many other guys...

 

[anson7835]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

I saw an advertisment from PML pre-owned car division. It was asking for $170+.

With all the "extra" cost in getting a pre-owned, would it be more cost effective to get a new one? After all, the facelift model is coming.

I am considering changing my E39 as the air-con compressor is giving me problem and at the same time, the seat motor is lopsided.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[anson7835]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

Hi, New7,

Could you enlighten me what you mean by LCI5?

Thanks,

 

[mkhheng]

Re: Advise on Buying a 7-8 month 525

I saw an advertisment from PML pre-owned car division. It was asking for $170+.

With all the "extra" cost in getting a pre-owned, would it be more cost effective to get a new one? After all, the facelift model is coming.

I am considering changing my E39 as the air-con compressor is giving me problem and at the same time, the seat motor is lopsided.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

If you really want a good bargin, wait for the facelift 5 to come out in July and then buy the pre-own model. Prices should drop further.

For $170K, for now, you can either get a 7-8mth 525 or a new 523. When the face lift comes out, the new 523 will be closer in performance to the old 525 and you still pay $170K. Just tahan another 4-5 months.

Rgds

John