New To Bmw World And Need Advice

[Happy26]

Hello guys,

I've seen some BMW's for sale on this site, actually i don't know a shit abt cars (lol), but im certainly interested in BMW's and Merce

So i have several questions and doubts in my mind relating to BMW's in SL and the ones that are available in this site.

So my questions are

1. WOtz the difference between E36-318i and E36-320i ....?

2. Which is the best..?

3. How much does a E36 cost with leather seats ..?

3. One of my friend told me that it'll cost u a fortune to maintain a BMW and for itz spare parts, since one of the late ministers BMW cost over Rs600,000 to change the entire Shock absorber system, but i saw in one of the posts madmax has replied to that it will cost a fortune if go to the agents, so whose the BMW Guru in SL who i can count on and get my BMW maintained for reasonable prices

5. How much will it cost to change the color of a BMW..?

6. How much will it cost to have a new tires and break systems..?

7. And How much will it cost for Wheel alignment on a BMW car

8. How much a BMW fuel filter will cost

9. And is it a bright idea to Insure a BMW with F.o.r.m.u.l.a + at SL I.n.s.u.r.a.n.ce., since they have this ultra modern repair factory equipped with all the branded spare parts and fully trained professionals (oh well i dunno but that's wot the TV commercial says) So if some Damage happens to my BMW i can get it fixed by Formula world using my insurance, Wot are your ideas abt this

10. And the final Question that comes to my head is that How many "Km" a BMW E36 -318i and 320i would go using a 1Lt of petrol..?

Thanks and i would really appreciate if anyone can answer my Questions and doubts relating to BMW

Jaya wewa To all

Edited February 11, 2007 by Happy26

[GTAm]

Hello guys,

I've seen some BMW's for sale on this site, actually i don't know a shit abt cars (lol), but im certainly interested in BMW's and Merce

So i have several questions and doubts in my mind relating to BMW's in SL and the ones that are available in this site.

So my questions are

1. WOtz the difference between E36-318i and E36-320i ....?

2. Which is the best..?

3. How much does a E36 cost with leather seats ..?

3. One of my friend told me that it'll cost u a fortune to maintain a BMW and for itz spare parts, since one of the late ministers BMW cost over Rs600,000 to change the entire Shock absorber system, but i saw in one of the posts madmax has replied to that it will cost a fortune if go to the agents, so whose the BMW Guru in SL who i can count on and get my BMW maintained for reasonable prices

5. How much will it cost to change the color of a BMW..?

6. How much will it cost to have a new tires and break systems..?

7. And How much will it cost for Wheel alignment on a BMW car

8. How much a BMW fuel filter will cost

9. And is it a bright idea to Insure a BMW with F.o.r.m.u.l.a + at SL I.n.s.u.r.a.n.ce., since they have this ultra modern repair factory equipped with all the branded spare parts and fully trained professionals (oh well i dunno but that's wot the TV commercial says) So if some Damage happens to my BMW i can get it fixed by Formula world using my insurance, Wot are your ideas abt this

10. And the final Question that comes to my head is that How many "Km" a BMW E36 -318i and 320i would go using a 1Lt of petrol..?

Thanks and i would really appreciate if anyone can answer my Questions and doubts relating to BMW

Jaya wewa To all

Hi Happy,

I owned an E30 316i and two E36s (316i and a 318i) at different periods in the past. So I think I can answer at least some of your questions.

1. 318i is a 4 cylinder 1.8 litre. And the 320i is a 2.0 straight six.

2. As you might guess the straight six is a cracking engine, but the 318i is quite good too. The 4 pot is more economical. But the six has a lot more torque and sounds great when revved.

3. Leather was/is and option on any car. E36 prices will range from about 1.3m to 2m plus depending on condition and registration and mood of the seller.

4. It will cost a fortune or more if you go to the agents. Avoid at all costs. There's a specialist called Molroy in Kelaniya who is an expert but he tends to not encourage the older cars there. Nadeera's garage is ok for an E36 and mine were maintained at both places. Parts are not that expensive. Shocks on an E36 will cost about 10k-12k each front and less than 5k each rear. E30 parts are very cheap.

5. The same cost as changing the colour of any other car that size.

6. Dude tyre are tyres there are no BMW tyres. Brakes - Discs can be a bit pricey but you change them very seldom. Pads prices vary according to brand. 320i has discs all round. But some 318i has four discs as well. I can't remember the exact prices but you can check with Milroy or Euro Motors in Panchikawatte or Euro Parts in Cotta road. The latter has some used parts as well though I would not recomend using used parts on any vehicle.

7. Again alignment is alinment. This is not a space craft we are talking about

8. Very cheap probably cheaper than a jap filter. "Mann" brand is available.

9. This I don't know mate.

10. The 318i Gave me 8-9 km/l in Colombo (and I almost never hang around). The 316i (E36) gave a crazy 11 km/l. They're very good on long distance but you'll being pushing them a lot as they're great to drive. A 320i should do about 7km/l I guess.

My advice to you - Get whichever car checked out before you buy. There are lots of bad cars out there. If you get caught to one it will be a nightmare believe me and you'll get fed up. Go for car with service history. A brand new import is preferable. And the later cars came with the newer engine found in the E46 with is chain driven as opposed to the older belt driven ones. Brand new cars are from Germany while early UK imports were from South Africa and not that well built.

Cam belts need changing every 30,000 Miles or 45,000km. If you don't it could be very costly. Some 318i s came with 16v engines. They have a lot more power. 140bhp vs 118 if I remember right.

Clutch kits are about Rs. 15k for the 4 cylinder cars and about 20k for the sixes. The fuel pump can pack up because of the muck in our petrol. You can replace with an external Bosche pump or a Jap pump.

A/C should be freezing cold or you could be in for a costly repair. So check this. Also look for oil leaks from the rack. Rare but a costly.

Mercs are more reliable and even cheaper to maintain but crap to drive.

If there was no Alfa Romeo in this world....BMW would be my favourite brand But also check out a 406. Good drive and better ride. And you'll get a newer car for that price.

[Happy26]

If there was no Alfa Romeo in this world....BMW would be my favourite brand But also check out a 406. Good drive and better ride. And you'll get a newer car for that price.

406 means Peugeot 406 ...? and is it better than a BMW E36 - 318i specially in-terms of maintenance and cost effective wise, tell me lil bit more abt Peugeot 406, but i think BMW is more Majestic looking than the Peugeot, When u drive a BMW or a MErce people respect u or at least for the car (sounds dumb eh) hmmmmmm

Even the guy who recently got shot in Borella gota nice BMW, but hec he sells "Thanakola" ( oh well that's wot the news reports said that hez a Big Thanakola business man, hmmmmmm not bad after all)

[GTAm]

406 means Peugeot 406 ...? and is it better than a BMW E36 - 318i specially in-terms of maintenance and cost effective wise, tell me lil bit more abt Peugeot 406, but i think BMW is more Majestic looking than the Peugeot, When u drive a BMW or a MErce people respect u or at least for the car (sounds dumb eh) hmmmmmm

Even the guy who recently got shot in Borella gota nice BMW, but hec he sells "Thanakola" ( oh well that's wot the news reports said that hez a Big Thanakola business man, hmmmmmm not bad after all)

The Peugoet 406 is the better car overall IMO. It rides better and handling and grip is great. Sure it does not have the Rwd balance of the BM but its the newer car. And you're more likely to find a one owner low mileage 406 than a BM.

As for prestige and Thanakola mudalalis etc, I don't really make that a priority when choosing a car. After all over here ppl think that a Montero and Prado is prestigeous. When they really belongs on a farm or estate.

[ashan]

Hi,

Any particular reason why the main choice is a BMW, no doubt its a super fine brand...but why dont you consider even a better brand? ... AUDI for example. Audi is miles ahead of BMW in terms of technology and finish....so since the thread did imply that you seek advice, you dont have to purchase....but consider it as a choice and see what audi has to offer.

Cheers,

-A

[GTAm]

Hi,

Any particular reason why the main choice is a BMW, no doubt its a super fine brand...but why dont you consider even a better brand? ... AUDI for example. Audi is miles ahead of BMW in terms of technology and finish....so since the thread did imply that you seek advice, you dont have to purchase....but consider it as a choice and see what audi has to offer.

Cheers,

-A

Audis simply are highly over-rated IMHO. They have a cool image but there's no finesse in their engineering. Zero feel and the ride is like your on steel wheels. I'll take a BM or Pug anytime. Audi used to be my favourite brand in the 80s with the Quattro. This was untile I drove a A6 TDI in 2000. Yes its solidly built and interiors are the best. But there simply ain't no soul.

[ashan]

Audis simply are highly over-rated IMHO. They have a cool image but there's no finesse in their engineering. Zero feel and the ride is like your on steel wheels. I'll take a BM or Pug anytime. Audi used to be my favourite brand in the 80s with the Quattro. This was untile I drove a A6 TDI in 2000. Yes its solidly built and interiors are the best. But there simply ain't no soul.

Interesting...here's what we'll do, why dont you drop in by the Audi showroom somewhere in mid-March...I'll organise a test drive for you in the new Audi A6 (assuming you havent driven the 2006/07 A6...) ...and then you can come to a decision abt Audi not having any 'soul'...fair enough?

[GTAm]

Interesting...here's what we'll do, why dont you drop in by the Audi showroom somewhere in mid-March...I'll organise a test drive for you in the new Audi A6 (assuming you havent driven the 2006/07 A6...) ...and then you can come to a decision abt Audi not having any 'soul'...fair enough?

Already done that dude. A6 and A4.

[Devinda_Z]

Interesting...here's what we'll do, why dont you drop in by the Audi showroom somewhere in mid-March...I'll organise a test drive for you in the new Audi A6 (assuming you havent driven the 2006/07 A6...) ...and then you can come to a decision abt Audi not having any 'soul'...fair enough?

adé Ashan....hardly suprising abt é audi plug - but i'm with u on the Audi's -

....now how abt offering lil olé moi a test drive since GT passed up his ....or do i need to bash Audi a little so that u can let me have a taste of audi so i can endorse it

...will do which ever u want - jus so as long as i get that tesst drive

GTAm ur right in saying its got no soul - its é equalent of any ole euro mid mkt car

BUT they're quite well engineered i'm told n apart from é odd flaw

@Happy26 - if ur not a major "piston head" (yet) - your not gonna notice é difference in the FR & FF set up of é BM's Vs. Pug's so dont worry

if ur ready to gamble bit , go get a 406 - good looking thing that car , decent creature comforts n ride BUT be weary of quality isues n relaibality

(...why does this seem repetitve this constant Pug pro con listing.... :S.... )

[Supra_Natural]

if ur ready to gamble bit , go get a 406 - good looking thing that car , decent creature comforts n ride BUT be weary of quality isues n relaibality

(...why does this seem repetitve this constant Pug pro con listing.... :S.... )

As the (Self Proclaimed) 406 Expert (or should that be Victim?? ) on A/L.... all this pro pug talk has me with a big, cheshire cat grin on my face.....

@ happy26, D_Z and GTAm have given you most of the run down on the car itself, if you have any other questions do ask..... FYI, a good one will cost 1.8-2.2 million, Get yourself a 2.0 liter engine (AVOID the 1.8, trust me) Executive or GTX Spec (all the toys including leather on the Executive), and NEVER go to the Agents.....

oh and inspect the car for build quality issues...... refer to the "Peugeot 406" thread in "others" for more info or drop me a mail on [email protected].....

Cheers

Edited February 13, 2007 by Supra_Natural

[Happy26]

Ok so abt 406, i saw there are several 406 cars available on this site, and i wonder why they have large gaps between the prices, there's a one for 1.3 mil and the same model is there again for 2 mil hmmmmmmmm but 2 mil 406 looks stunning

[Supra_Natural]

Ok so abt 406, i saw there are several 406 cars available on this site, and i wonder why they have large gaps between the prices, there's a one for 1.3 mil and the same model is there again for 2 mil hmmmmmmmm but 2 mil 406 looks stunning

Well happy it's like this........ there are two versions of the 406: the D8 ( 1996-99), and the D9 (1999-2003), the differences lie in the gearshift, clutch linkage, and some tweaks to the suspension. Visually, the D9 has Crytal lights and a different grille as well as tail lights.....

A D8 will go for around 1.3-1.5mill depending on model, and most D9's will be in the 1.9-2.2mill bracket........ IMO you should go for the D9....... also keep in mind that some D9's may come in at a lower price due to spec differences, owner needs etc....

[MSP0RT5]

Well happy it's like this........ there are two versions of the 406: the D8 ( 1996-99), and the D9 (1999-2003), the differences lie in the gearshift, clutch linkage, and some tweaks to the suspension. Visually, the D9 has Crytal lights and a different grille as well as tail lights.....

A D8 will go for around 1.3-1.5mill depending on model, and most D9's will be in the 1.9-2.2mill bracket........ IMO you should go for the D9....... also keep in mind that some D9's may come in at a lower price due to spec differences, owner needs etc....

Guys, im new here, so hi.. I've got an E39 525i (2003), manual with the sport pack. Just wanted to add a few comments. I'm based in Melbourne, have a C Kompressor there, and a Volvo XC70 2.5T. The E39 is the "drivers" car out of the lot. My previous rides were a MY99 WRX, and S15 Silvia, both worked from the time I bought them!

The 406 has to be the bargain euro in SL. I looked at one too, and they are a nice car, and for the price you're really getting a good deal. Of course, just don't go to the agents for anything.. stressing what someone else already said!

I'm planning to take my car to Milroy too, after a brief visit to the agents.. luckily I know a fair bit about cars and have done a lot of work myself on my past cars. The agents are a R1P!

Sorry might be hijacking the post, but what oil does everyone recommend for the 525? Or should I just go with what Milroy is going to put?

[Devinda_Z]

Mobil 1 Full Synthetic is generally good on most motors - just chec é viscosity recommened in ur manual & select from é Mobil1 range cu there a 3 varients to choose form...

Mobil1 is a bit expensive but é change interval is fairly high n performance is very good so would recommend...

[sharkster]

GTAm were all BMW 3-series variants RWD? the 316i too?

[MSP0RT5]

Thanks Devinda, I was thinking Mob1 too. What are the better places in Colombo to get accessories and car care bits? I've been to the AutoGlym place @ hyde park. Any others?

Mobil 1 Full Synthetic is generally good on most motors - just chec é viscosity recommened in ur manual & select from é Mobil1 range cu there a 3 varients to choose form...

Mobil1 is a bit expensive but é change interval is fairly high n performance is very good so would recommend...

[Devinda_Z]

Sharks can i take é liberty of answering n saying Yes - all Bimmers r RWD...same goes for Merc's

(pardon me for being over zealous n replying posts not addressed to moi )

[sharkster]

not a problem at all Devinda... thanks for that...

[Devinda_Z]

Thanks Devinda, I was thinking Mob1 too. What are the better places in Colombo to get accessories and car care bits? I've been to the AutoGlym place @ hyde park. Any others?

i'm not permitted to say cuz it amounts to advertising on é forum

mail me pls

[Devinda_Z]

Thanks Devinda, I was thinking Mob1 too. What are the better places in Colombo to get accessories and car care bits? I've been to the AutoGlym place @ hyde park. Any others?

thats a nice spec sheet - add a 'Dinan' Supercharger n imagine how é good times would spool!!!!

[GTAm]

Sharks can i take é liberty of answering n saying Yes - all Bimmers r RWD...same goes for Merc's

(pardon me for being over zealous n replying posts not addressed to moi )

Er.....isn't the A-class FWD?

Thanks Devinda, I was thinking Mob1 too. What are the better places in Colombo to get accessories and car care bits? I've been to the AutoGlym place @ hyde park. Any others?

My favourite is Castrol RS - Racing Synthetic. Not sure if its still available.

[MSP0RT5]

thats a nice spec sheet - add a 'Dinan' Supercharger n imagine how é good times would spool!!!!

Oh yes.. the temptation is there.. but a wife n three kids now, the car mods are no longer top of the list

Other problem is that I'm scared of things going bang here. But I'll have a chat to Milroy and see. The Dinan kit is bolt on right? How's the fuel quality here? Obviously 95.. but does that vary in quality too?

I've been using mainly Redline or Motul in the cars in aussie.. but haven't been able find either in SL!

I put the redline gearbox oil in my WRX and S15 and it made a huge difference to teh shift! Trying to find some here, but might need to get it down from Singa I think.

Er.....isn't the A-class FWD?

My favourite is Castrol RS - Racing Synthetic. Not sure if its still available.

[Supra_Natural]

Er.....isn't the A-class FWD?

My favourite is Castrol RS - Racing Synthetic. Not sure if its still available.

As is the B class.......

[GTAm]

GTAm were all BMW 3-series variants RWD? the 316i too?

Sharks I just remembered from the E30 onwards there were always 4wd versions for example the 325iX. However these were never offered in RHD.

I believe they did away with those variants after the X5 and X3 arrived.

[sharkster]

Sharks I just remembered from the E30 onwards there were always 4wd versions for example the 325iX. However these were never offered in RHD.

I believe they did away with those variants after the X5 and X3 arrived.

thanks GTAm... i've seen a 330xi variant but never knew its significance...