[Themomomonsterr]

Originally Posted by Utopian

I think you can also evaluate joining your friend in making ownership of this beauties easier for others. Enjoy your new Korean beauty to the fullest.

PS: There is also a very strong penchant for white across all your purchases. Any specific reason for that?

First of all, thank you.

Needless to say, I've thought about collaborating with my friend and making his business bigger, the only caveat being sustained availability of skilled labour. I am a Doctor, rarely get time for myself, today is one of those rare days, where I've made over 5 posts on teambhp. My friend, the Engineer has trained at least 8 guys over the past 6 years, they usually come, learn the work, go back to their hometowns and start their own smalltime mechanic shops. So, he is often seen almost literally picking up, servicing and dropping off the cars by himself, with at most 4 guys under his employ. This, and my lack of beyond a certain threshold, to find other people I could easily trust were partially the reasons for prolonged downtime on my 530d. I will be happy to forward people to him, should his services be required by them. But a fair warning - can't expect punctuality.

P.S. well noted! I love white cars! It's my go to colour, followed by Silver, Grey and Black. My father and my wife prefer Red though. Speaking of Koreans, we now have three in the family! Loving them all...

[sushanthys]

That was without doubt, one of the best posts I have read on Team BHP. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I am not a fan of naming cars. But Blaziken is such a cool name. Hedwig, of course.
It is nice to know that you managed to create time during your busy residency and travel extensively in South India. Especially while doing MS in General Surgery, which can be quite hectic. Downtime is something which we need in life, especially as you get busier with your practice. Never forget to take regular vacations.
Maybe, try the electric route for your next car. All that power & torque and 1/50th of the maintenance you had to do so far.
Is the central government hospital JIPMER by any chance?

[Themomomonsterr]

Originally Posted by sushanthys

That was without doubt, one of the best posts I have read on Team BHP.
I am not a fan of naming cars. But Blaziken is such a cool name. Hedwig, of course.
Maybe, try the electric route for your next car.
Is the central government hospital JIPMER by any chance?

Thank you sir! This is some next level validation. I see you're a fellow potterhead . What with the Atlas White paintjob, and the sharp bird like features at the front, and the role the car was supposed to fill in my life, Hedwig was a no brainer.

Electric/Hybrid is definitely the plan, but not if I can afford a B58. Only time will tell. I love electric cars. But for me, understanding and working the internal combustion engine is a very integral part of driving a car. I certainly considered EVs before buying Hedwig. Will talk about it on next my ownership thread. Please do support me.

No, I had nothing to do with JIPMER. That would be my brainy sister. Maybe I'll hit you up on private message with details once I am no longer a newbie here.

[DAYDREAMER]

Excellent post. Many things are resonating with me. Every time I bought a car I had to fight the urge to go for the Germans. I have a five car garage and now it's time to change one by one. My mind and heart are already planning for a fight. Planning to make a post here but short of time and I am not good with words

[swiftLife]

Originally Posted by GTO

But takes a lot of effort & money to keep in top shape (average of 2 lakhs per year).

Originally Posted by SR5471

It is his daily drive and according to him a minimum of 3L is being spent on maintenance only.

These are very hefty amounts (IMO)!

GTO, you always have said that the your BMW has been very reliable and has been giving you a fuss free ownership. So I always thought that the maintenance costs would only be slightly more than the non luxury cars. But 2L is a lot. Can you please elaborate more on this. How much is spent on scheduled jobs and how much on ad-hoc jobs.

[SR5471]

My friend's 525d is maintained by BMW itself. The car is maintained as per schedule. The parts are expensive even if changed periodically. This is the realistic maintenance cost to keep a 13 year old BMW in excellent condition. Those cars are not built for our roads or climate conditions. Everything deteriorate faster in our hot,humid and variable climate.

Second hand DL registered 2014 520d costs around 13L in Kerala with NOC. It costs around 4.5L to re register. Then the nightmare of maintenence begins. Many are tempted by these powerful luxury cars. But in reality,those who are capable of buying it new are the ones who can maintain the cars in excellent conditions.

[vmanu]

Wow, that’s a touching experience—I truly felt the essence of your passion. I’m sure you’re not too far from another great motoring adventure. I liked how you summed it up so simply with ‘persistence and perseverance’—valuable lessons from your journey. Best wishes, Doc!

[Themomomonsterr]

Originally Posted by DAYDREAMER

Planning to make a post here but short of time and I am not good with words

Thank you! Will be more than glad to add colour to your writeup. Please don't hesitate!

Originally Posted by vmanu

I liked how you summed it up so simply with ‘persistence and perseverance’—valuable lessons from your journey. Best wishes, Doc!

Thank you sir! I am happy I could amuse so many people.

[adityaNview]

Beautiful write up!! More so because I believe that every automobile enthusiast, at-least once, must have shared the itch to own a BMW and that too a 530d because of the engine gearbox combination. I myself have been on the look out for the same.
This post has helped me by making me aware of the intricate details while committing to a German beauty. As GTO said “There is no cheap German luxury car”.

[AMG Power]

Originally Posted by Themomomonsterr

I am extremely happy with my Hyundai i20 N-Line MT …Despite having to fill in the shoes of a legendary car, this tiny guy has come dangerously close.

Something that I have stated on several occasions on the forum - under indian conditions a GT 1.6 TDI, Ford Ecosport, Creta N Line or as you point out, an i20 N Line is all the car you need. Anything more and the driving pleasure quotient actually decreases.

Over the last two weeks, have been using a M340i LCI 2 and a S5 and I cant help thinking about the irrelevance of these cars the more I drive them. There has been substantial improvement in the comfort levels of the LCI 2 with the new adaptive suspension and the S5 is classy and understated inside and out.

In real world driving conditions however, one could use max 50-60% of their performance and that’s if one is skilled with these machines and on familiar roads.

Originally Posted by Themomomonsterr

or a Porsche 911 is the ultimate dream for now

The 911’s aren’t any different either unless you intend to track it. It’s extremely uncomfortable on most regular roads, and the handling with bumps and dips can be a bit of a hit or miss.

India has still a long way to go to get to truly enjoy these cars.

[Vipinprasad]

A very nice read through your travails of car ownership. The journey has been encapsulated well ! Keep writing.

I am surprised with the problems that the BMW 5 series threw up. I have a 525D (2012 make) and have found it be reliable if the preventive maintenance has been taken up. And I have driven them through all sorts of roads too.. The only grouse I have is the melting of plastic parts, especially the door grabs! And now the hood is drooping. That's said, it's a hoot to drive and has been the best car in my garage till date!

[Brutl]

What a beautiful write-up. Also the pictures are droolworthy. The refletion picture confused me for a while until I realised its upside down

Had to stop half way yesterday when i realised ot was 1:30 in the night. But it was the first thing i caught up back again. Such allure..

Have definitely convinced me on the n-line route for my first purchase. Hope it happens soon.

Happy driving and wishing you many more miles

[Themomomonsterr]

Originally Posted by adityaNview

Beautiful write up!! More so because I believe that every automobile enthusiast, at-least once, must have shared the itch to own a BMW.

And rightly so! One of the best engine and gearbox combinations in the market! It's pure magic. But we have to be ready to face the consequences of owning an elephant in the house.

Originally Posted by AMG Power

or as you point out, an i20 N Line is all the car you need. Anything more and the driving pleasure quotient actually decreases.

Over the last two weeks, have been using a M340i LCI 2 and a S5 and I cant help thinking about the irrelevance of these cars the more I drive them.

The 911’s aren’t any different either unless you intend to track it. It’s extremely uncomfortable on most regular roads, and the handling with bumps and dips can be a bit of a hit or miss.

Agreed. Even if the itch for a BMW has to be scratched, we definitely don't need anything more than a 20d/20i, in any case - BMW seems to be thinking, 18d is enough for us.

From where I stand, I am very apprehensive of owning anything with an adaptive suspension. With more expensive components and never improving roads, it sounds to me like a thirst trap.

Yes, sir! I hope I am fortunate enough to be able to track a 911 in the future.

Originally Posted by Vipinprasad

I am surprised with the problems that the BMW 5 series threw up. I have a 525D (2012 make) and have found it be reliable if the preventive maintenance has been taken up.

Hey! I found the pre-LCI to be more reliable too! Even GTO's 530d is a pre-LCI. Maybe BMW went ahead with some cost cutting decisions along with the life cycle impulse.

Originally Posted by Brutl

What a beautiful write-up. Also the pictures are droolworthy. The refletion picture confused me for a while until I realised its upside down

Have definitely convinced me on the n-line route for my first purchase. Hope it happens soon.

Hahaha! Thanks!

You won't regret the N-Line! The Rally DNA of the 'N' seems to have crept through in whatever little amounts. It's a total hoot to drive in the hills! All the best!