Parallel imported BMW 320 Coupe

[Viceroymenthol]

i agree with throttle.

 

i've sat in 320s (before newest facelift) and drove them before... personally I think they are a POS from both a driving and passenger point of view.

 

It totally CMI for a german car and for the price. It's really not-value-for-money. So if someone is not looking for value, driving characteristics or the comfort... the only reason left is the badge.

 

Evos, STI, S2K and RX8 have better driving characteristics, with the former having better driving characteristics and the latter having comparable interior. If it's comfort with a bit of sportiness that you want... the new accord is much better and you can have a 3.5L V6 for the price as well (and about 10-15K leftover depending on your options)

 

For the BMW 320

- the interior I think it's a bit too plasticky for the price you are paying

- the engine is a POS... unless it's a point a to point b car. I mean, when there's no one around and there's a piece of long straight road ahead of you - you would put your footdown and end up in disappointment.

- It drives o-k-a-y but nothing to shout about (for it's price)

 

For all it's worth, the same person could have gotten a top notch japanese saloon/coupe/convert. Of course, the decision is ultimate up to oneself. If one values the badge more than anything else then... it's still up to him/her and i'd respect that. But I wouldn't like the person to be high and haughty because they are driving a 'BMW' and thinks 320 is a God-comissioned machine.

 

I appreciate your point of view, but don't you think your criticisms could also apply to entry level Audi A4 and Mercedes C180/200? Both of which are a little more expensive than the 320i.

[Maffie]

I appreciate your point of view, but don't you think your criticisms could also apply to entry level Audi A4 and Mercedes C180/200? Both of which are a little more expensive than the 320i.

 

Mmm... yeah I'd guess. But i see many more 320s than them though. When i do spot C-classes though, C200s are rare.

[Ahbengdriver]

really? one of BMW's biggest markets, the US, has no such model as the 320i.

 

U know how cheap are cars in USA? right now, 328i is their entry models. USA is the biggest market for many car makers.

[Rm2s]

There has been a lot of advertisements in the Classified ads for this particular BMW coupe and the price is really ATTRACTIVE. Some of them are going as low as $138k with guaranteed COE.

 

Does anyone have any experience with this particular model and do you think it's a good idea to get it from PI ? I know the 320 engine isn't really that good but 138-142k for a BMW coupe is really enticing.. haha

 

I'd go with the rest, the E92 has fantastic bodyline, very beautiful overall profile and one of the best looking coupe around. To me, it is the best looking 3-series currently. I would buy the 320 coupe without questions.

 

There will always be debate against the IL4 engine, not enough power, don't sound great, ticking when idle, etc etc .. no end to it one lah. If you have unlimited budget, then go for the biggest and best equipped car money can buy, for the rest of us who works within a budget, buy the best you can afford. Most importantly, be happy.

 

Too bad I am not in the market for car now ... 320 coupe is a great choice.

[Rm2s]

U know how cheap are cars in USA? right now, 328i is their entry models. USA is the biggest market for many car makers.

 

3-series easily accounts for over half of all BMW sales, I won't be surprised that the 320 is the majority of the 3-series sales. It's a good car imo, drives well, has presence and good value for money.

 

[Throttle2]

For all it's worth, the same person could have gotten a top notch japanese saloon/coupe/convert. Of course, the decision is ultimate up to oneself. If one values the badge more than anything else then... it's still up to him/her and i'd respect that. But I wouldn't like the person to be high and haughty because they are driving a 'BMW' and thinks 320 is a God-comissioned machine.

 

 

exactly my thoughts.

 

for $140k i would rather get a second hand 325 coupe anytime or a C70 cabrio or a Saab 93 Cabrio or a CLK240 Cabrio.

 

of course ultimately as long as TS happy, can already, it's his money. just like the perm Sec who spent his money on holidays, got none of our business.

Edited January 20, 2009 by Throttle2

[Binxuan]

exactly my thoughts.

 

for $140k i would rather get a second hand 325 coupe anytime or a C70 cabrio or a Saab 93 Cabrio or a CLK240 Cabrio.

 

of course ultimately as long as TS happy, can already, it's his money. just like the perm Sec who spent his money on holidays, got none of our business.

 

actually if can spend the same $ and get a good second hand 325 coupe, my choice will definitely be this v6 baby... :)

[Throttle2]

You can if you wait just a bit longer. but it wont be a V6....

[Throttle2]

check it out here.

 

i happen to be surf sgcarmart and bump into this

 

http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.ph...492&DL=1317

[Throttle2]

check it out here.

 

i happen to be surf sgcarmart and bump into this

 

http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.ph...492&DL=1317

[Viceroymenthol]

U know how cheap are cars in USA? right now, 328i is their entry models. USA is the biggest market for many car makers.

 

Precisely. If they don't even sell the 320 in the biggest market in the world, how can the 320 be one of the bestselling cars in the world as per what the previous poster claimed? 320 is a bestseller for BMW for Singapore market. But not the world.

[Viceroymenthol]

for $140k i would rather get a second hand 325 coupe anytime or a C70 cabrio or a Saab 93 Cabrio or a CLK240 Cabrio.

 

$140k can also get second hand 325 cabrio (E93). Just wait a while more..

[Wt_know]

i wonder what is the "price" that one willing to pay for a used car.

if the difference between new and old is in the range of 5% to 8%, then might as well buy a new car, isn't it ?

 

1 year = at least 15% ?

2 years = at least 30% ?

 

what is your take ?

Edited January 21, 2009 by Wt_know

[Viceroymenthol]

i wonder what is the "price" that one willing to pay for a used car.

if the difference between new and old is in the range of 5% to 8%, then might as well buy a new car, isn't it ?

 

1 year = at least 15% ?

2 years = at least 30% ?

 

what is your take ?

 

For me, it is not the price but more like the annual depreciation. The depreciation must be at least 30% to 50% less than the comparable new car. Not sure if that is realistic though.

[donchew76]

actually if can spend the same $ and get a good second hand 325 coupe, my choice will definitely be this v6 baby... :)

 

Y not get a Mugen RR from PI? Probably less than 145k now with the latest COE crash and you are the only one registered and driven on the road...(AFAIK)...U get power and exclusivity.

 

Envy u sia...still can own a BMW coupe in such gloomy economic times........

[Viceroymenthol]

 

Y not get a Mugen RR from PI? Probably less than 145k now with the latest COE crash and you are the only one registered and driven on the road...(AFAIK)...U get power and exclusivity.

 

Envy u sia...still can own a BMW coupe in such gloomy economic times........

 

Mugen RR is a nice car, but the depreciation? Add to it intangibles such as perceived prestige, and "pussy-pulling" power, in this case a used BMW E92/93 appears to be of better value.

Edited January 21, 2009 by Viceroymenthol

[Damienic]

What a beauty..this is one of my more "attainable" dream car in some yrs down the road..do you think the advertised price is realistic btw? Can go down to 128-129K right?

[Damienic]

Generally for entry luxury make depending on which model:

 

1st yr: 23-25K

2nd yr: 12-15K

 

If two yr old, usually will start from offer price of 42-43K off the new car selling price and slowly negotiate from there..however, BMW and Mercs generally have better resale price and so the above may be deemed a tad too low by some sellers...