KiwiTT

Still at the dealers workshop ... probably not until mid-week next week do I get to pick it up.

What is the best fuel injector cleaner to use that Glenn has recommended I do for the first 3-4 petrol fills (with Mobil 98).

I have always run my car on 98 and will do the same with my BMW 330i when/if I get it.

The Mobil 98 is directly imported from Singapore by ship, I am led to believe and the BP 98 I think is a octane 'boosted' 95.  I use the Mobil on the corner of Dominion Rd and Mt Albert Rd in Auckland.

As for economy, I got an extra 80km with 98 instead of using 95.  The car was designed to run on 100 octane available in Japan.

Dealer has agreed to do all the repairs and also have Glenn give it another once over.

Took the 330i to Glenn's place for PPI - a great guy btw.

Looks like it has suffered some minor damage paint work.  So cosmetically there is a issues with that, but could be considered wear and tear.  More importantly there are some others issues that need addressing before I go ahead.

- An extra key - only one

- belt tensioner

- transmission leak and service

- coolant needs replacing

- RH number plate light broken

- CD changer tray missing.

- battery is original

Dealer is going to see if he can approval for these things to be repaired.

I also mentioned I would like to take it back to Glenn to see that they have carried out these repairs well.

It is a 10 year old car so some wear and tear is expected.  But the other things that need repairing are considered existing issues that need repairing before Autosure will cover it.

I think I might leave it off too! ... Thinking about it more ... keep it as original as possible ... more of an elegant gentleman's executive car.

Nnnnniiiiiiicccccccceeeeeee!!!!!!!!

I wanted to get a coupe and that is the one I'd get too, but as I occasionally carry oldies and littlies I needed a 4 door, so am getting a 330i instead.

I am thinking of getting an 'M' badge if/when I get the 330i M-Sport, to put near the 330i badge.

I was thinking of making it M330i , but now it is more correct to call it a 330iM, as it is not really a 'M" division car.

I have asked the dealer to look into this.

I was a repeat customer.

Done the deal on the BMW 330i pending a satisfactory mechanical check by Botany Motor Worx - NZ iDrive upgrade and 4 year warranty and trade of my old VR4. Should have it by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest.

Going to take this car for a test drive today

http://www.buyrightcars.co.nz/used-cars-for-sale/2006-bmw-330i-motorsport-35650

I am looking at getting a 4 year warranty.  The 330i does seems to have a better engine soundtrack too!

After Monday's test drive, I am now more inclined to get the 330i or even the 335i. 

Thanks for your feedback on the iDrive.  Good news.

Yeah, I know he is good.  Hence why I emailed him.

I am not shy about servicing but more shy of expensive repairs

"Very Busy" - Is that good news or bad news for prospective BMW owners.

1) You are very good at what you do?

or

2) BMWs break down a lot and need lots  servicing?

I am about to spend upwards of $20-$30k so I just want to be sure.

Took the 323i for a good test drive - Panmure - Mission Bay - Parnell - Greenlane - Royal Oak - Hillsborough - Blockhouse Bay (Parents Place - they said nice car) - New Windsor - Onehunga - Mt Wellington - Panmure. A good mix of city and motorway driving. Wow - you could really feel the quality and solid feel of a BMW 3 series. However, analysis on the actual VIN no. showed that despite being registered in 2008 it was actually a 2007 manufacture and therefore had the lower spec 2.5 L motor. So I will pass on this car. But nevertheless, I think I will concentrate my evaluation on 3 series options over the next few of weeks and probably have a nice BMW before Xmas.

Nice wagon, but just not sure if a wagon does it for me.  I prefer sedans, more 'executive' looking.

I am considering joining the BMW camp.  My days of having a really fast car are now behind so I am looking at the quality competent car and as I have always wanted a BMW as many of you probably did also.

I have been looking at this car

http://www.buyrightcars.co.nz/used-cars-for-sale/2008-bmw-323i-motorsport-34759

[/img]

I am attracted to it because it does not have the 'iDrive' and it seems a good looking car.  I suspect it may have the M-sport suspension upgrades as well.  While 325i, 330i and 335i might have more power they all do seem to have iDrive.  I am keen to avoid iDrive to minimise long-term (10+ years) issues.

My next car does not need to have a lot of power that the other 3 series cars have.  This model 2008+ seems to have around 149kW - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E90)#Petrol

This is about 3/4 of what I have in my 1996 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 Type S (which I will miss greatly), but it has done well over 200,000km and is feeling its age despite lost of tender loving care and expenses ($10,000+).  I partly choose it because it looked a bit like a BMW in the rear quarter.

I am looking to spend $15-20k on my next car and am thinking a BMW is now the way to go.