[Ravi_chd]

Thanks for your reply mate. But do you think it'll be worth getting the car services from outside in the long run ?
I mean I know it'll be a lot cheaper, but I would find it really hard to trust someone outside of BMW. Have you had one of your premium cars services outside ? If yes, could you share the experience ?

[E90-E250]

Originally Posted by Ravi_chd

Thanks for your reply mate. But do you think it'll be worth getting the car services from outside in the long run ?
I mean I know it'll be a lot cheaper, but I would find it really hard to trust someone outside of BMW. Have you had one of your premium cars services outside ? If yes, could you share the experience ?

As mentioned in the post earlier, if its not concerning electronics you can definetly go ahead with an outside European specialist.
I always had all my services done at BMW Kun Exclusive. Honestly you are at peace when done from BMW though I had my brake pads replaced by myself at a local workshop, since I needed the help of jacks and tools.

[Ravi_chd]

I now have another option to choose from. This one has done 60,000 KMS and is 2008 December.

Has been serviced at Krishna Automobiles (BMW Dealership in Chandigarh). Asking price is 12.5 and have a feeling that he'll sell for about 11Lakh which might be a pretty good buy.

I thinking about buying this one and then using the extra money for a new set of alloy wheels, tyres and a service.

Confused as hell.

[Foxbat]

Didn't find a relevant thread so posting it here, mods please move to a relevant thread if needed :

I was considering buying a used 35-40k run 2010-11 BMW 320d CE.
. Since it's more than 5 years old it wouldn't be under the BSI.

Would this be a wise choice? I can afford to spend 50-70k a year maintaining it(not that I want to )

My running is not more than 6k a year, would it be better to look for a 320i?

Also what's a good price for one? I see huge variations in asking prices.

[avira_tk]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Didn't find a relevant thread so posting it here, mods please move to a relevant thread if needed :

I was considering buying a used 35-40k run 2010-11 BMW 320d CE.
. Since it's more than 5 years old it wouldn't be under the BSI.

Would this be a wise choice? I can afford to spend 50-70k a year maintaining it(not that I want to )

My running is not more than 6k a year, would it be better to look for a 320i?

Also what's a good price for one? I see huge variations in asking prices.

There's an ownership thread about a used BMW X1 by member v&v, he should be able to answer your question about the maintenance costs. Honestly, I don't think you'll find a 5 year old diesel with only 40k, sounds suspicious because not running the car also has its pitfalls.

It's a 25 lakh car and the bills will always reflect that. Regular maintenance isn't the only thing you have to consider, at 5 years there'll be some parts that need to be replaced, parts and labour will be expensive in the official channel. It's worthwhile as long as you can keep it running, but have a budget for some big ticket expenses 6k is low annual running but get a diesel, more choices and significantly lower running costs.

Gto has a service pack, so the costs will be less even though it's a bigger, newer car with a bigger engine.

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by avira_tk

Honestly, I don't think you'll find a 5 year old diesel with only 40k, sounds suspicious because not running the car also has its pitfalls.

but get a diesel, more choices and significantly lower running costs.

I actually see quiet a few 320d 's advertised with 35-45k mileage, I hope their odometers haven't been tampered with.

I know diesel would give better mileage but since my running is low it wouldn't really make a difference.

What about service costs of a 320d Vs 320i?

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by jacobvarughese

Whilst selling my used BMW 320 (Corporate Edition) last year, the BMW used car division in Kochi (Platino Classic) told me about a 520d 2011 model in Trivandrum for 30 lakhs which has clocked only circa 25,000 kms- however, one BMW acquaintance close to me said that the service costs run north of INR 50,000 always and is quite expensive to maintain as opposed to the 3-series. BSI ofcourse on the vehicle had run out and the owner was trying to sell it back to the BMW as part of their buy-back program.

Hey Jacob, since you seem have first hand knowledge can you answer my questions about the 320d CE above?

For some reason I can't send you a private message.

[jacobvarughese]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

I actually see quiet a few 320d 's advertised with 35-45k mileage, I hope their odometers haven't been tampered with.

I know diesel would give better mileage but since my running is low it wouldn't really make a difference.

What about service costs of a 320d Vs 320i?

320d service costs run in the range of 20-25k INR. Please bear in mind that you've to check/do the following, if possible:

1. Check if it's the original battery- the 'white color' one. If so, you may have to set aside atleast 40k to replace it as the shelf-life of this battery is no longer than 3 years.
2. Check the life of the front and rear brakepads- it should run for atleast the next 30,000kms- anything lesser means you need to shell your moolah to change these. The BMW bloke I knew closely told me that the 320d CE has a history of bad plastics- like the side coffee cups damaged , ac vents which can get off, and plastic on door handles wearing off.
3. The tires on this vehicle: make sure you get it checked by any workshop mechanic(atleast 2 independent, if possible) and ask them on how long do you anticipate driving. Under no means, go for their RFT tires as their life is a mere 25-30k. Don't fall for BMW's shenanigans that it can run for the next 200 kms so that you could replace. Tubeless Michelins or any other pre-eminent tire manufacturer is better.
4. Your apprehension on the odometer reading is valid- check out their service history, pay someone to do and get it for you. Spend time to carefully review, evaluate, and make a decision. The service history is where the owner can't play around- it gives you insights to know whether they have got it serviced elsewhere(other than the authorised BMW dealers).
5. Make sure you have insurance- and when I speak about insurance, I am alluding to the engine cover insurance as this car is prone to hydrostatic locks. Not all insurers provide this, and some would be reluctant to provide for a car over 5 years.
6. Should you wish to go for a loan, please bear in mind that hypothecated cars can only be done for upto 7 years from it's manufacturing date.
7. Last but certainly not the least, please try to check the VIN number of the vehicle with the BMW worldwide VIN Check.

Some people tend to say that if you tend to see a dot on the odometer, it's a clear sign that it has been tampered with- unsure how far is this true.
I got acquainted myself with the vehicle that I learnt how to reset all the service indicators, brakepad service levels etc

Good luck hunting for your Bimmer and let's make that an informed choice leveraging Team-BHP's wide expertise and threads- it's out there !

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by jacobvarughese

320d service costs run in the range of 20-25k INR.

Thanks Jacob for the detailed answer.

Any inputs about price?

Also since my running is just 6k per year would a 320i make sense instead of the diesel?

[jacobvarughese]

Originally Posted by jacobvarughese

320d service costs run in the range of 20-25k INR. /QUOTE]

Thanks Jacob for the detailed answer.

Any inputs about price?

Also since my running is just 6k per year would a 320i make sense instead of the diesel?

Nothing more than 15-16 lakhs INR for a 320d Corporate Edition in immaculate condition with proper service history (with a clocked mileage in the region of 60k)- this vehicle doesn't even come with a reverse camera, let alone the iDrive and navigation systems ! One cannot also retrofit it too unfortunately.

I don't know much about the 320i and cannot comment further.

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by jacobvarughese

Nothing more than 15-16 lakhs INR for a 320d Corporate Edition in immaculate condition with proper service history- this vehicle doesn't even come with a reverse camera, let alone the iDrive and navigation systems ! One cannot also retrofit it too unfortunately.

I don't know much about the 320i and cannot comment further.

That's pretty high! I was considering a 2010-11 Models.

Online the lowest advertised price is 10L and max 13-14L in Delhi. In Mumbai it's slightly more.

[jacobvarughese]

Apologies- I should've said I quoted rates applicable in Trivandrum where BMW cars are not as plentiful as Delhi or other Tier- 1 cities. Kochi tends to be slightly cheaper as there are more cars 'floating' around to be picked up, so to speak

Those rates you suggested are stupendous, and exercise due diligence prior to making that final deal. Have you seen any of these cars and driven them?

Good luck !

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by jacobvarughese

Those rates you suggested are stupendous, and exercise due diligence prior to making that final deal. Have you seen any of these cars and driven them?

Good luck !

Yes prices in Delhi are much lower, Gurgaon or Noida registered cars are even cheaper. Haven't seen any yet, doing my research first

[v&v]

Foxbat. These high end machine are very expensive to maintain at A.S.S and I would not advise you to pick 5yr plus car unless you get a clear history on maintenance or wait till u find a clean car with BSI. Trust me it's worth it. I have uploaded bills on my ownership thread which can give u a fair idea of cost.

Alternatively find out a FNG which can maintain the car outside A.S.S. Still it's expensive affair.

[jacobvarughese]

I concur wholeheartedly with v&v- have attached the service history of the BMW I sold last. Please take note it was serviced at the Platino Classic in Kochi and gives a wealth of information on the parts that were replaced by the previous owner(s) and all problems the vehicle had.