Hiya.. newbie got Big Question - 70k BMW worth buying?

[Wayne T]

Hiya there
Sorry, don't know where to post this totally stumbling question I have. Been wanting to get my 1st BM 320 and eyeing the 2nd hand market to start with.

Found a nice 320, close to 2 years but clocking at 70k mileage. Tried driving it and seems ok. Seller says no problem, cos PML got 100k or 3 yr warranty on parts. So can send car in to replace any faulty parts before the 100k expiry. Apparently the previous owner has also bought an extended warranty on the car.

Hope fello owners here can give some advice wor - is the 70k mileage a big issue? What should I look out for in terms of wear and tear and major mechanical issues? Also is it true that PML will replace any parts before the 100k expiry FOC?

Any suggestions will be welcomed to a brand new owner here..

Many thanks

Wayne

 

[VolanteDB9]

Re: Hiya.. newbie got Big Question - 70k BMW worth buying?

Are you talking about the E46 or E90? an E46 320 and E90 320 is a lot of difference leh...drools over 6 pot blah...

Do not know about the 100k/3years warranty terms with PML.

With regards to my own car and warranty with PML, I have given up on them. If I do get another BMW from PML, I will not mind voiding the warranty and go straight for servicing with the forum's popular workshops or even other workshops.

PML Alexandra has screwed up twice on my servicing with them, 1st time they screwed up my disc brakes, went to external workshop to get it fixed cos calling them back yielded a f up response. Went back to them and showed the manager Mr Brown? the parts and he acknowleged the fault and out of "good will" gave me free oil change for next servicing.

Went back for servicing, got the free oil change, also highlighted the occasional sound coming from the engine. Requested for a check, collected the car, ensured me it was ok.

Now the car has been in a 3rd party workshop for a week because of that sound, damage is estimated at 5k.

Each time I have gone back to PML for servicing, instead of getting the car back in good or at least acceptable condition, they have given me added inconvenience and costs instead.

Please check on the other threads for aftercare of your intended purchase, there are many experienced bros and a sister whom can share more than valuble experiences advice.

I do wonder if its cos I have a "cheapo" model in the eyes of PML, and so the assigned technician/mechanic is some monkey given the wrench to develop his skills...I don't mind that, but there does not seem to be a counter check at the end of it, just a rush to get the car back out.

 

[///M3]

Re: Hiya.. newbie got Big Question - 70k BMW worth buying?

welcome in!

 

[ecoquest]

Re: Hiya.. newbie got Big Question - 70k BMW worth buying?

Firstly, Welcome!

If the price is such that it's priced as a 3.5yr old, then you may consider it... cos mileage is something you can't 'roll back' legally and there are not much of true highways in Singapore to make a high mileage car worth buying unless the price reflects the high usage.

When I was scouting around for mine, I saw a really well done up E46 320. 3.5yrs old and with Remus, 18" rims, Obit, etc... but the mileage was 80k+ km. Owner didn't want to lower the price to something reasonable so I continued hunting and finally landed my current ride which only had 40k to the clock, also about 3yrs old.

Of course, other factors will have to be considered, but to me (in Singapore's context), a car with low mileage is better than one that's newer but with a high mileage. The average annual mileage for a Singapore car is 20k km.

Anyway, don't rush... take your time: the hunt is half the fun!

 

[Wayne T]

Re: Hiya.. newbie got Big Question - 70k BMW worth buying?

Hi
Thanks for the prompt response. Did my homework and reviewed lots of ads and then decided to call PML which is also selling pre-owned BM for advice. The guy who answered the phone was pretty polite and did lots of explaining about used cars. He mentioned that extended mileage does affect engine parts, and with a mileage of 70-80k, several major parts need to be checked for replacement, and if needed replacement could cost upwards of $5-6k. The PML warranty does not cover wear and tear of parts la..

Further discussion with him makes me decide to drive down to PML Dunearn to talk more and see the models there. The staff there was pretty helpful, and did lots to explain on the benefits of owning a new or 2nd hand car. To cut the long story short, we (my better half who is also the financial controller and myself) finally decided on a brand new E90 320, which nows carries an overtrade of $11k. They even give a pretty decent price for my old car. Finally the good news is that delivery is before Xmas... wow.... I am waiting anxiously for the keys...

Many thanks again for the helpful feedback guys..