Anyone own a BMW in Thailand? How do you rate it?

[bbabythai]

Im interested to know if anyone has purchased a BM this yr or last yr. How do you rate it? Its made in Thailand. Is it still up to European standards?

 

Final question is... and it applies to any model of car. How do you know when picking up a new car on the day that your getting the most recent 2020 model. Is the seat belt lable the only place to check? I once saw a guy under the car rubbing a pencil sideways with an a4 paper. He was able to sketch an imprint of the cars rego number I assume? Does that have the manufacture date?

 

thanks

[Kwasaki]

Had a Bm as a company car in Uk but now living Thailand and retired I wouldn't waste my dosh on buying one here.

[richard_smith237]

40 minutes ago, bbabythai said:

Im interested to know if anyone has purchased a BM this yr or last yr. How do you rate it? Its made in Thailand. Is it still up to European standards?

Yes.... F10 BMW 528i and an F15 BMW X5 - Both very decent cars. Same quality as EU models. 

 

 

40 minutes ago, bbabythai said:

 

Final question is... and it applies to any model of car. How do you know when picking up a new car on the day that your getting the most recent 2020 model. Is the seat belt lable the only place to check? I once saw a guy under the car rubbing a pencil sideways with an a4 paper. He was able to sketch an imprint of the cars rego number I assume? Does that have the manufacture date?

 

thanks

You can check the chassis number. 

 

 

That said: I no longer have ‘fancy cars’, I’m kind of over that and no longer willing to pay through the nose for something which is slightly better not 3x better than an equivalent Toyota, Ford, Honda or Mazda. 

 

However, the newer Volvo’s are solid cars - the XC60 and XC90 are cracking, but again, it's difficult to justify the price. 

 

 

 

[bbabythai]

45 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

You can check the chassis number

How do I check that on a BM? Does it show 2020 if buying this yr?

[richard_smith237]

9 minutes ago, bbabythai said:

56 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

You can check the chassis number

How do I check that on a BM? Does it show 2020 if buying this yr?

 

Google is your friend !!!

 

 

 

 

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/item/8-how-to-decode-your-bmw-vehicle-identification-number-vin-and-why-it’s-so-important

[samtab]

On 9/23/2020 at 6:47 PM, richard_smith237 said:

something which is slightly better not 3x better than an equivalent Toyota, Ford, Honda or Mazda. 

 

Funny boy !

 

Jut the engine alone of any Benz or BMW is alone 10x better than any Jap trash.

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

5 minutes ago, samtab said:

Funny boy !

 

Jut the engine alone of any Benz or BMW is alone 10x better than any Jap trash.

 

Care to back that up with reliability, power, economy statistic...  

 

Anything other than an opinion from the 1970’s ?

[bodga]

On 9/23/2020 at 6:47 PM, richard_smith237 said:

However, the newer Volvo’s are solid cars - the XC60 and XC90 are cracking, but again, it's difficult to justify the price. 

 

or  buying  from  its  current  owners

[OneMoreFarang]

In principle I like BMW, I had a few of them back home.

But in Thailand it seems sometimes things are difficult. I knew a guy who was big boss of an international company. He had a 7-series stretch, money was no issue.

After a while he was so fed-up with BMW's service that he bought a Japanese car. It looks sometimes things took forever. I.e. a motorcycle crashed into a door and it took over a month to get a new door.

 

I don't know how this situation is for the BMWs which are sold in higher numbers. Maybe for them BMW has lots of spare parts in stock. Be careful with something special. 

 

[DrTuner]

I'd be more interested in the quality of service. Having had a few beemers in the past, I know they need it.

 

That's why I'm sticking with Asian wheels around here.

Edited September 30, 2020 by DrTuner

[ExpatOilWorker]

I am driving a 5-series and the only problem is durability.

I have had it for 14 years and since cars don't rust in Thailand, it is not even half way through is lifespan.

The car will probably end up outliving me. 

 

Awesome ride and handling. Maintenance have really been minimum. Only minor things along the years.

A 3 year old car sell for about 55% of the new price, making it somewhat reasonable.

 

[johng]

9 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

since cars don't rust in Thailand

They do even eventually.

 

[ExpatOilWorker]

6 minutes ago, johng said:

They do even eventually.

 

The first one is the E30 (1982-1994), so it could be 35 years old and only the hood is showing a bit of rust.

 

Do you know the brand and model of the second car?

[johng]

9 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

Do you know the brand and model of the second car?

Don't know    I thought someone id'ed it in this thread but appears not.

 

[OneMoreFarang]

1 hour ago, johng said:

They do even eventually.

 

 

That looks like the car which I bought new in 1990. ???? 

[rambling]

I have a F10 525D and like it a lot. No special issues other than normal maintenance and wear and tear. I like the comfort, handling, sportiness, etc. I don't think I can get the same driving experience from a Japanese car. I could be mistaken.

 

It does 4.8L/100km on a typical Bangkok-Korat trip (double that in the city) and I do that back and forth every weekend plus other trips (about 25 KM a year). So quite economical from a fuel consumption point of view.

 

Maintenance at the dealer is expensive, you'll need to find a reliable indy garage. There are quite a few of them.

 

 

 

 

[pedro01]

Price-wise - if you want a Marque - then BMW and Benz are cheap here because they are assembled locally - way cheaper than an imported Audi/Volvo with similar specs.

 

First BMW I had here was a 320i - gearbox went in 9 days. BMW replaced the car immediately.

2nd BMW was the replacement 320i - gearbox went in 2 months. I ended up chatting directly with  Cesar Badilla - BMW Thailand aftersales director - who agreed to give me a full refund.

3rd BMW was when I called Cesar and said "Now you've given me a refund, I'm going to give you a chance to keep me in the family. I want to know which cars have a different gearbox to the 320i and I want a big-ass discount on one".

 

Ended up with a 528i MSport F10 - at a very low price. 

 

Why do that? Because they actually seemed to care and I like good people. The dealer even said that if BMW corporate would not sort it - then they would themselves (Europa Motor Charan).

 

We had a few issues with it after that - fuel pump went twice. First time they replaced it (10 year guarantee), second time they realized it was just gunked up with Bangkok grime, cleaned it all out & recommended a different place to buy fuel. Other issues over the 6 years - auto-close on one door gave up, other stuff that put it off the road, can't remember the details but always dreaded that "drivetrain issue" warning. Oddly, we had to replace the interior driver side door handle as it somehow rotted (presumably cleaning chemicals). None of this cost us anything and they did some things free after warranty. It's always been a glorious car to drive.

 

When we needed a 2nd car (hatchback) - went to BMW and realized - they are all the bloody same inside and out. Owning a 5 and test driving a 116i for a run-around, the 116 it was just a poorer version of the 5. Interior exactly the same, just gutless. Anything below a 2 liter twin turbo on a BMW is a waste of time - might as well have a Nissan Juke. 

 

At that time, we ventured to Benz & got a GLA250 AMG (motor show discounts are great)  it was different looking and one of the few small "run-around" type cars with a 2 liter turbo engine and so pretty nippy. We could also get the bikes in the back. The next car, we went to BMW and Benz and Benz just outclassed them.

Benz are better, here is the main difference between BMW and Benz

- BMW - you get free service for ages (up to how you negotiate)

- BMW - are more flexible on price

- Benz - no free service

 

But BMW service isn't free - it's just built into the price of car. If you look at equivalent priced BMW and Benz - the Benz is the better car.  You are paying just for the car and not all that servicing.

 

So far, my GLA250AMG has had 1 issue - can't even remember what it was. Red light came on, took it in for an hour & it was done. C43 is too new to comment. I would prefer to be paying for more car than for the illusion of free servicing. BMWs are less reliable for me. Benz are doing some performance vehicles at the "43 AMG" level that aren't hit with the taxes that the "63 AMGs" get. So the C43 is a 3rd the price of a C63, yet still puts out 385 horses. Smart play by Benz that. Going to the extremes of the tax bracket.

 

Both brands come with a LOT of tech. Much of it is new. My C43 has a 3 liter, V6, Twin Turbo engine with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and a bunch of electronic gizmo's like their 4-matic which means it's rear-wheel drive till it detects slip, when it becomes 4 wheel drive. So of course - there's more stuff to go wrong. I just think that Benz do a better job of delivering all that new tech reliably. I feel that BMWs need a bit of "finishing off" in the repair shop.

And all that tech....

 

 

It's ludicrous - I can barely see any parts and the ones I can see, I have no idea what they are for... Could be a microwave oven there for all I know

 

So bear in mind - there's a lot of parts in these cars and ain't none of them cheap! 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 4, 2020 by pedro01

[pedro01]

On 9/23/2020 at 7:33 PM, bbabythai said:

How do I check that on a BM? Does it show 2020 if buying this yr?

Just ask - they will be honest about it. Price is usually different. Plus discounts if you are willing to go with last years.

[pedro01]

On 9/30/2020 at 12:53 PM, richard_smith237 said:

 

Care to back that up with reliability, power, economy statistic...  

 

Anything other than an opinion from the 1970’s ?

 

If you are currently driving a Japanese car, you are more than welcome to meet up with me - we can pick a nice quiet road.

 

I'll have a drive of yours, you have a drive of mine. 

 

Then you'll be able to get an opinion from the 20's.

 

[pedro01]

On 9/30/2020 at 1:24 PM, samtab said:

 

What else ? Someone who had German cars and now drive Jap trash cannot really know what he is talking about...

I have never and will never have a jap trash as a car. So, when do you talk about your your 300HP and turbo on you $hit mazdatrash ?

And about alpha males, ask your wife, she might like then but you are just too blind to see it ! I have done more married Thai than you might have done any woman in your whole life, so I guess that I also know what I am talking about, just like cars !

 

 

I dunno - I drive German - but I would love a Nissan Skyline - that's one helluva car. Trouble is - taxed up the wazoo to bring one over. 

 

Not all Japanese cars are worse than all BMW/Mercs.

 

Just most of them ????

[pedro01]

On 9/30/2020 at 1:36 PM, OneMoreFarang said:

In principle I like BMW, I had a few of them back home.

But in Thailand it seems sometimes things are difficult. I knew a guy who was big boss of an international company. He had a 7-series stretch, money was no issue.

After a while he was so fed-up with BMW's service that he bought a Japanese car. It looks sometimes things took forever. I.e. a motorcycle crashed into a door and it took over a month to get a new door.

 

I don't know how this situation is for the BMWs which are sold in higher numbers. Maybe for them BMW has lots of spare parts in stock. Be careful with something special. 

 

 

No - this is normal for all.

 

For some reason - they ship doors here for the factory assembly but doors for repairs come from Germany. You'd think they could just get one from the factory but nope.

[DrTuner]

3 hours ago, pedro01 said:

Because they actually seemed to care and I like good people. The dealer even said that if BMW corporate would not sort it - then they would themselves (Europa Motor Charan).

I had a very good experience dealing with BMW HQ directly when I was living in Munich. My car got stolen (M3) on a holiday trip and it was found trashed. BMW went way beyond call of duty and they returned it to me practically new, after a couple of weeks at the factory workshop. They also fought a huge battle with the insurance company, that I only saw in the papers after I got them. I also received invitations to track days, got to test drive some models before they were released for sales, etc. But you can't really expect that level of service excellence here.

[ThailandRyan]

On 9/30/2020 at 12:46 PM, samtab said:

 

Funny boy !

 

Jut the engine alone of any Benz or BMW is alone 10x better than any Jap trash.

 

 

 

 

Oh ye have little faith.  My 2010 Toyota Fortuner I sold last year had 250,000 Km on it, serviced regularly and still ran like a top.  Sold it to buy my new Cayenne, wouldn't own a Beemer if I was paid to or given it for free. 

Edited October 4, 2020 by ThailandRyan

[pedro01]

17 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

I had a very good experience dealing with BMW HQ directly when I was living in Munich. My car got stolen (M3) on a holiday trip and it was found trashed. BMW went way beyond call of duty and they returned it to me practically new, after a couple of weeks at the factory workshop. They also fought a huge battle with the insurance company, that I only saw in the papers after I got them. I also received invitations to track days, got to test drive some models before they were released for sales, etc. But you can't really expect that level of service excellence here.

That's excellent. 

I've heard mixed reviews about some dealers but Europa are amazing. And my dealings with BMW corporate here were too. 

 

I doubt you'd easily get on multiple calls with Toyota senior management as easily as BMW. 

[pedro01]

8 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Oh ye have little faith.  My 2010 Toyota Fortuner I sold last year had 250,000 Km on it, serviced regularly and still ran like a top.  Sold it to buy my new Cayenne, wouldn't own a Beemer if I was paid to or given it for free. 

So you'd turn down a free M5? 

[pedro01]

One more thing. 

 

Interest rates are almost 0% on these cars. Even if you have the cash, borrow a million over 3 years or something. 

 

I'd do this with any brand right now. If they mess you around in any way. Stop paying the finance. Always good to have leverage.... 

[ThailandRyan]

8 minutes ago, pedro01 said:

So you'd turn down a free M5? 

Of course I would.  Just not a fan of any Beemer, never liked them, Mercedes on the other hand I have had a few over the years started with an 1982 240D, then moved to a 1986 420 SEL.  All uphill after that.  Mix of Mercedes and Porsche's, before I made the ultimate mistake and bought a Jaguar, a total piece of trash.

[pedro01]

18 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Of course I would.  Just not a fan of any Beemer, never liked them, Mercedes on the other hand I have had a few over the years started with an 1982 240D, then moved to a 1986 420 SEL.  All uphill after that.  Mix of Mercedes and Porsche's, before I made the ultimate mistake and bought a Jaguar, a total piece of trash.

lolol on Jag. I do know people in the UK that rate the new ones. 

 

Cayenne is a lovely car. I always fancied the Panammera but I'm just not at the point that's in my price range. 

[ThailandRyan]

23 minutes ago, pedro01 said:

lolol on Jag. I do know people in the UK that rate the new ones. 

 

Cayenne is a lovely car. I always fancied the Panammera but I'm just not at the point that's in my price range. 

Decided to spend the money after I closed up my International Investigations Business because of Covid, and truly retired.  No need to have another vehicle here, and instead of a Big Bike I got rid of my HD and bought a Yamaha XMax-300 for running around here in Bangkok.  Still have my 2016 Mercedes E350 sport in the States, along with another Toyota the Fortuner's cousin the 2018 4Runnner TRD Pro.  One day I might get to go back to the States to visit, but if not the house and cars are in good hands.

[Susco]

1 hour ago, ThailandRyan said:

Oh ye have little faith.  My 2010 Toyota Fortuner I sold last year had 250,000 Km on it, serviced regularly and still ran like a top.  Sold it to buy my new Cayenne, wouldn't own a Beemer if I was paid to or given it for free. 

The Cayenne is such a boring car in my opinion, I'm more an Aventador man, but can't decide between the blue and red.

 

Decisions, maybe I take one of each.