augustwest Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 BMtroublesyou. Buy Japanese Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villagefarang Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 We have both and I much prefer driving the BMW but there are times when we need the bigger vehicle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isan Farang Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 No parking assist. It has cruise control but I never use it. I am still undecided as to how I feel about the stop and go function. There are times when I prefer to turn it off but other times when I let it do its thing. Another thing I am still getting used to is the turn signal, high beam flasher and wipers being on opposite sides from the Fortuner. I sometimes hit the wrong lever when switching back and forth. What I like most is the comfort and handling. It doesn't hurt that the 320d gets almost twice the mileage of the Fortuner when in the EcoPro driving mode. Sport mode is more fun in the mountains of course. My upgrades were more cosmetic and it looks more like an M model. I live in the North East and have a 3 series 320d and also a Pajero Sport. Due to the crap roads here my PS is more comfortable to drive than the BMW, when using RF tires with a 35 & 40 profile you rattle in your seat. Even the black top with the rough chip finish the noise is very detectable. So for Issan if you need a daily driver the SUV wins hands down. I assume at your location whare you rip through the mountain roads in sport mode, you must have a very good surface with no pot holes present ?. If you start hitting holes with these alloys on the BMW it can be an expensive lesson. The OEM M Sport rims on my car are around 40.000 Baht a shot if purchased in Thailand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isan Farang Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 No parking assist. It has cruise control but I never use it. I am still undecided as to how I feel about the stop and go function. There are times when I prefer to turn it off but other times when I let it do its thing. Another thing I am still getting used to is the turn signal, high beam flasher and wipers being on opposite sides from the Fortuner. I sometimes hit the wrong lever when switching back and forth. What I like most is the comfort and handling. It doesn't hurt that the 320d gets almost twice the mileage of the Fortuner when in the EcoPro driving mode. Sport mode is more fun in the mountains of course. My upgrades were more cosmetic and it looks more like an M model. I live in the North East and have a 3 series 320d and also a Pajero Sport. Due to the crap roads here my PS is more comfortable to drive than the BMW, when using RF tires with a 35 & 40 profile you rattle in your seat. Even the black top with the rough chip finish the noise is very detectable. So for Issan if you need a daily driver the SUV wins hands down. I assume at your location whare you rip through the mountain roads in sport mode, you must have a very good surface with no pot holes present ?. If you start hitting holes with these alloys on the BMW it can be an expensive lesson. The OEM M Sport rims on my car are around 40.000 Baht a shot if purchased in Thailand. When the on board computer informs you that the tire air pressure is low, this can be one of the reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villagefarang Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 I am sorry to hear you have had problems but so far I am very pleased with my Pirelli run-flat tires and those M Sport rims are quite attractive. Maybe it is the way I drive but it feels very smooth to me. Clearly we all need to be mindful of road conditions and drive accordingly. I tend to avoid hitting holes regardless of what I am driving. I have three main routes to town, all of which are around 60 km and a joy to drive, even if there are areas where one must be careful, for various reasons. I even like the 240 km drive through the mountains to Chiang Mai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isan Farang Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 (edited) I am sorry to hear you have had problems but so far I am very pleased with my Pirelli run-flat tires and those M Sport rims are quite attractive. Maybe it is the way I drive but it feels very smooth to me. Clearly we all need to be mindful of road conditions and drive accordingly. I tend to avoid hitting holes regardless of what I am driving. I have three main routes to town, all of which are around 60 km and a joy to drive, even if there are areas where one must be careful, for various reasons. I even like the 240 km drive through the mountains to Chiang Mai. Just for the record the rim in the previous attachment is not from my car, it was only used as an example to show what can happen to these alloys. This is my very first vehicle with RF tires and due to the tires only having covered 26k km I am reluctant to junk them. When it comes nearer the time to change I will be fitting Michelin Pilot Sport. It’s good to wash these rims on a regular basis as if the brake dust is left they get discolored and pitted very fast Edited November 22, 2014 by Isan Farang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostinisaan Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 I was made in the same country, where both brands come from, which means quality. But I'd always prefer a Benz to a BMW...... I could never afford to buy one in Thailand, but i had quite a few Benz in Germany. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villagefarang Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 Nice looking car and fun to drive but one must always be aware of the drawbacks as well, before purchasing. With a quick look on Google one can find plenty of supporters and detractors of any product. Just do your research, test-drive and choose wisely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isan Farang Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 Nice looking car and fun to drive but one must always be aware of the drawbacks as well, before purchasing. With a quick look on Google one can find plenty of supporters and detractors of any product. Just do your research, test-drive and choose wisely. The E90 I have had 1 previous owner. I never thought I would find one in this condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villagefarang Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 I am the shy type with a red interior and a slightly different dashboard and display. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace of Pop Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 I had Company Benzes for 5/6 Years, no different to the Wifes Accord,except the stupid price. Wanted Cheaper B.M. but got told No. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villagefarang Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 The salesgirl at BMW kept us up-to-date on LINE after we placed an order. She even sent us photos when they were unloading the car as it arrived. She was very courteous and helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExpatJ Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 The salesgirl at BMW kept us up-to-date on LINE after we placed an order. She even sent us photos when they were unloading the car as it arrived. She was very courteous and helpful. ImageUploadedByThaivisa Connect Thailand1416657570.022585.jpg Was she based in bangkok? The sales girl at bmw I currently have is like the scarlet pimpernel - very elusive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villagefarang Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 The salesgirl at BMW kept us up-to-date on LINE after we placed an order. She even sent us photos when they were unloading the car as it arrived. She was very courteous and helpful. ImageUploadedByThaivisa Connect Thailand1416657570.022585.jpg Was she based in bangkok? The sales girl at bmw I currently have is like the scarlet pimpernel - very elusive. No, she was located in Chiang Mai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isan Farang Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 The salesgirl at BMW kept us up-to-date on LINE after we placed an order. She even sent us photos when they were unloading the car as it arrived. She was very courteous and helpful. ImageUploadedByThaivisa Connect Thailand1416657570.022585.jpg Was she based in bangkok? The sales girl at bmw I currently have is like the scarlet pimpernel - very elusive. When its close to the time to part with the big bucks they call you 4 times a day. After they get the coin in their account things can change. I got my car from Millennium, when i went to the show room it was difficult to keep focused on the car due to the young hand picked stunners wandering around. They knew jack shit about BMW cars but man they looked good. Just because you purchase a BMW means nothing, the service you can receive is all pot luck. When i sent a mail asking about the English version of the owners manual i waited 5 days for a reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExpatJ Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 I do like visiting the show room and chatting with the show room girls (but my wife and kids cramp my style somewhat 55) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nazree360 Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 Sorry if im off topic but i really need to know if theres any good merc benz specialist workshops in pattaya .....im a malaysian, i own a w211 Brabus spec which i drove from malaysia to pattaya and im really new in this forum and would appreciate some feedback.....TQ THAIVISA :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dominique355 Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 It looks like most guys here bought their Benz and BM from an authorized dealer. Well, that is certainly OK if they can furnish the model you like. But for me, they just seem to never have the kind of Benz (I don't have any BMW) I like, which is why now for the third time I bought an Benz from a grey importer. The first was a CLS 350 CDI because officially only CLS 250 CDI are imported and these little 4 cylinder engines don't give me the feeling of luxury such a car otherwise has. I found a car from a grey importer near CDC. Stunning form too, still today after 3 years. Car was trouble-free except for a few minor fender benders. Mercedes-Benz Suan Luang on SriNakarin road did a fairly good job although not as perfect as I was used to from back home in Europe. I just sold the car now after 3 years. The second was an C63 Coupe AMG. I had contacted Mercedes-Benz Thailand first if they could import the model for me, or any AMG model. Not even an answer. So when I found it at F1 Auto, I bought it. That's now a year ago and nothing but smiles on my face. No problems whatsoever. And now the CLS has just been replaced by an S 300 Hybrid. I know, I know, again this ridiculous 4 cylinder 2 liter diesel, with an electric engine though, but still no where near the kind of power such a car needs. It has been a bit tuned, both optically and mechanically and bears the Carlsson badge. Hence a grey importer, again. The car broke down on the way to be delivered to me and had to be towed back to the dealer. Total electronic melt down. They worked 3 days and nights and then brought the car again, still not 100%. The dashboard needs to be replaced and of course no parts available. Oh, the dealer is BRG. Maybe I should have looked for the new S 500. I just saw a grey importer advertising it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMHO Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 It looks like most guys here bought their Benz and BM from an authorized dealer. Well, that is certainly OK if they can furnish the model you like. But for me, they just seem to never have the kind of Benz (I don't have any BMW) I like, which is why now for the third time I bought an Benz from a grey importer. The first was a CLS 350 CDI because officially only CLS 250 CDI are imported and these little 4 cylinder engines don't give me the feeling of luxury such a car otherwise has. I found a car from a grey importer near CDC. Stunning form too, still today after 3 years. Car was trouble-free except for a few minor fender benders. Mercedes-Benz Suan Luang on SriNakarin road did a fairly good job although not as perfect as I was used to from back home in Europe. I just sold the car now after 3 years. The second was an C63 Coupe AMG. I had contacted Mercedes-Benz Thailand first if they could import the model for me, or any AMG model. Not even an answer. So when I found it at F1 Auto, I bought it. That's now a year ago and nothing but smiles on my face. No problems whatsoever. And now the CLS has just been replaced by an S 300 Hybrid. I know, I know, again this ridiculous 4 cylinder 2 liter diesel, with an electric engine though, but still no where near the kind of power such a car needs. It has been a bit tuned, both optically and mechanically and bears the Carlsson badge. Hence a grey importer, again. The car broke down on the way to be delivered to me and had to be towed back to the dealer. Total electronic melt down. They worked 3 days and nights and then brought the car again, still not 100%. The dashboard needs to be replaced and of course no parts available. Oh, the dealer is BRG. Maybe I should have looked for the new S 500. I just saw a grey importer advertising it. Why did you buy the S300 gray? That one is officially imported - 6M for the Exclusive, 6.8M for the AMG premium. Just to jump the queue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dominique355 Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 It looks like most guys here bought their Benz and BM from an authorized dealer. Well, that is certainly OK if they can furnish the model you like. But for me, they just seem to never have the kind of Benz (I don't have any BMW) I like, which is why now for the third time I bought an Benz from a grey importer. The first was a CLS 350 CDI because officially only CLS 250 CDI are imported and these little 4 cylinder engines don't give me the feeling of luxury such a car otherwise has. I found a car from a grey importer near CDC. Stunning form too, still today after 3 years. Car was trouble-free except for a few minor fender benders. Mercedes-Benz Suan Luang on SriNakarin road did a fairly good job although not as perfect as I was used to from back home in Europe. I just sold the car now after 3 years. The second was an C63 Coupe AMG. I had contacted Mercedes-Benz Thailand first if they could import the model for me, or any AMG model. Not even an answer. So when I found it at F1 Auto, I bought it. That's now a year ago and nothing but smiles on my face. No problems whatsoever. And now the CLS has just been replaced by an S 300 Hybrid. I know, I know, again this ridiculous 4 cylinder 2 liter diesel, with an electric engine though, but still no where near the kind of power such a car needs. It has been a bit tuned, both optically and mechanically and bears the Carlsson badge. Hence a grey importer, again. The car broke down on the way to be delivered to me and had to be towed back to the dealer. Total electronic melt down. They worked 3 days and nights and then brought the car again, still not 100%. The dashboard needs to be replaced and of course no parts available. Oh, the dealer is BRG. Maybe I should have looked for the new S 500. I just saw a grey importer advertising it. Why did you buy the S300 gray? That one is officially imported - 6M for the Exclusive, 6.8M for the AMG premium. Just to jump the queue? The official dealer has only 3 color for the S 300: white with brown leather (which I find horrible), grey with black leather and black with black leather. That's all. I asked for a different color or color combination, but all I got was "Mai mee". Cannot order cannot have. Reminds me of the GDR Trabant. The Carlsson model I have is in black metallic with a higher quality leather interior (brown with visible stitches) and some optical trimming like 20 " alloy wheels. Moreover the engine has been slightly tuned to 245 HP. Still not much, but better. And the price was not much more than the official imported version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nazree360 Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Need help any good benz service workshops in pattaya? Would appreciate the info tq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mortenaa Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 The official dealer has only 3 color for the S 300: white with brown leather (which I find horrible), grey with black leather and black with black leather. That's all. I asked for a different color or color combination, but all I got was "Mai mee". Cannot order cannot have. Reminds me of the GDR Trabant. The Carlsson model I have is in black metallic with a higher quality leather interior (brown with visible stitches) and some optical trimming like 20 " alloy wheels. Moreover the engine has been slightly tuned to 245 HP. Still not much, but better. And the price was not much more than the official imported version. I found the leather in the locally produced BMW's to be of lesser quality than the imported ones. I'm not sure its true, but it looks that way in the new 3's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isan Farang Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 The official dealer has only 3 color for the S 300: white with brown leather (which I find horrible), grey with black leather and black with black leather. That's all. I asked for a different color or color combination, but all I got was "Mai mee". Cannot order cannot have. Reminds me of the GDR Trabant. The Carlsson model I have is in black metallic with a higher quality leather interior (brown with visible stitches) and some optical trimming like 20 " alloy wheels. Moreover the engine has been slightly tuned to 245 HP. Still not much, but better. And the price was not much more than the official imported version. I found the leather in the locally produced BMW's to be of lesser quality than the imported ones. I'm not sure its true, but it looks that way in the new 3's. Mine is 4 years old and still looks like new. I prefer the rough grain finish compared to the soft Napa style as there is less marks to view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExpatJ Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I just paid extra to have Nevada leather instead of the non- leather material for mine. I also invested in a seat memory function that remembers seat, mirrors, steering column, backrest settings and can be changed with the press of a button- so one setting for my driver and one for me (i drive at the weekends /trips out of town) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isan Farang Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I just paid extra to have Nevada leather instead of the non- leather material for mine. I also invested in a seat memory function that remembers seat, mirrors, steering column, backrest settings and can be changed with the press of a button- so one setting for my driver and one for me (i drive at the weekends /trips out of town) My vehicle has Dakota leather as standard, is that Nevada leather you mention an option ?. I assume that Nevada package is soft same as the Napa leather I also have that memory function, I assumed that was a standard feature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExpatJ Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I just paid extra to have Nevada leather instead of the non- leather material for mine. I also invested in a seat memory function that remembers seat, mirrors, steering column, backrest settings and can be changed with the press of a button- so one setting for my driver and one for me (i drive at the weekends /trips out of town) My vehicle has Dakota leather as standard, is that Nevada leather you mention an option ?. I assume that Nevada package is soft same as the Napa leather I also have that memory function, I assumed that was a standard feature. The Nevada leather was the only leather option. I'm getting the car built from scratch in california and shipping it. Do you use the stop start function to save fuel or do you disable it. I heard it's quite distracting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mortenaa Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 The Nevada leather was the only leather option. I'm getting the car built from scratch in california and shipping it. Do you use the stop start function to save fuel or do you disable it. I heard it's quite distracting? I use the start and stop on longer trips, but in heavy traffic it's annoying. I'm looking forward to a real plug-in hybrid car. I had a test drive of the Active Hybrid 3, and the transition from electric drive to the combustion engine is silky smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_smith237 Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I just paid extra to have Nevada leather instead of the non- leather material for mine. I also invested in a seat memory function that remembers seat, mirrors, steering column, backrest settings and can be changed with the press of a button- so one setting for my driver and one for me (i drive at the weekends /trips out of town) My vehicle has Dakota leather as standard, is that Nevada leather you mention an option ?. I assume that Nevada package is soft same as the Napa leather I also have that memory function, I assumed that was a standard feature. The Nevada leather was the only leather option. I'm getting the car built from scratch in california and shipping it. Do you use the stop start function to save fuel or do you disable it. I heard it's quite distracting? F15 BMW X5.... The stop-start function is a real pain in the backside... There is a way to code BMWs to remove this a and change other electronic features... Skill a day warranty issues may crop up though.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExpatJ Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I just paid extra to have Nevada leather instead of the non- leather material for mine. I also invested in a seat memory function that remembers seat, mirrors, steering column, backrest settings and can be changed with the press of a button- so one setting for my driver and one for me (i drive at the weekends /trips out of town) My vehicle has Dakota leather as standard, is that Nevada leather you mention an option ?. I assume that Nevada package is soft same as the Napa leather I also have that memory function, I assumed that was a standard feature. The Nevada leather was the only leather option. I'm getting the car built from scratch in california and shipping it. Do you use the stop start function to save fuel or do you disable it. I heard it's quite distracting? F15 BMW X5.... The stop-start function is a real pain in the backside...There is a way to code BMWs to remove this a and change other electronic features... Skill a day warranty issues may crop up though.... I thought it was easy to switch it on/off?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isan Farang Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I just paid extra to have Nevada leather instead of the non- leather material for mine. I also invested in a seat memory function that remembers seat, mirrors, steering column, backrest settings and can be changed with the press of a button- so one setting for my driver and one for me (i drive at the weekends /trips out of town) My vehicle has Dakota leather as standard, is that Nevada leather you mention an option ?. I assume that Nevada package is soft same as the Napa leather I also have that memory function, I assumed that was a standard feature. The Nevada leather was the only leather option. I'm getting the car built from scratch in california and shipping it. Do you use the stop start function to save fuel or do you disable it. I heard it's quite distracting? My car was assembled in Thailand, so hard to compare with the USA package My car is not fitted with the stop start function, if it was It would never be used The cars that do have this fitted in Thailand have a switch to let you select on/off My engine is diesel so not interested in trying to save some fuel as the tank lasts for ages Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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