Do I buy an import? DoI have a choice?

[johnm51 0]

I am looking hopefully in the next 6 months at buying my first BM. An E46 325 or 330 2001/02/03. Do I buy an import? Cheers John

[hotwire 352]

Hi John,

You will have a choice - mainly ex Japan or NZ new. A few ex Sing cars.

You will probably get conflicting views on here as to import or NZ new.

From my experience - no problem with ex Jap - if they come with a known documented history.

You will often find the Jap cars higher specced - nav (needs to be converted) ,TV, heated seats. Post 09/01 build cars have worldwide radio tuners in them so can be programmed for here. Can suffer from pixel failure in the dash - this can be repaired. This problem not excluded from NZ cars either.

Conversely, NZ cars tend to a lower spec with bells/whistles.

I have seen some horror stories with ex Sing Benz's but not so much with BMW

Either way - you should have the car properly evaluated by a suitably qualified BMW technician

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2957]

Nothing wrong with imported cars in general, a few horror stories from back in time but I think most of the dodgy practices have been stamped out now. Whatever car you buy make sure to get it checked out, best off by a BMW specialist, rather than the AA. Provided it checks out Ok then there is nothing wrong with the import.

Sellers do try to get a premium for NZ new cars, which may be worth it if you are after service history, etc. You would certainly have more options and a bigger range of choices if you go for imports, especially with the kind of cars you are interested in, I would't imagine there would be too many of those NZ new coming up for sale.

[johnm51 0]

Nothing wrong with imported cars in general, a few horror stories from back in time but I think most of the dodgy practices have been stamped out now. Whatever car you buy make sure to get it checked out, best off by a BMW specialist, rather than the AA. Provided it checks out Ok then there is nothing wrong with the import.

Sellers do try to get a premium for NZ new cars, which may be worth it if you are after service history, etc. You would certainly have more options and a bigger range of choices if you go for imports, especially with the kind of cars you are interested in, I would't imagine there would be too many of those NZ new coming up for sale.

Thanks for the for info.

I have noticed NZ new seem to have leather and a multi-function wheel but Japan don't

[johnm51 0]

Hi John,

You will have a choice - mainly ex Japan or NZ new. A few ex Sing cars.

You will probably get conflicting views on here as to import or NZ new.

From my experience - no problem with ex Jap - if they come with a known documented history.

You will often find the Jap cars higher specced - nav (needs to be converted) ,TV, heated seats. Post 09/01 build cars have worldwide radio tuners in them so can be programmed for here. Can suffer from pixel failure in the dash - this can be repaired. This problem not excluded from NZ cars either.

Conversely, NZ cars tend to a lower spec with bells/whistles.

I have seen some horror stories with ex Sing Benz's but not so much with BMW

Either way - you should have the car properly evaluated by a suitably qualified BMW technician

Thanks

I have noticed NZ new seem to have leather and a multi-function wheel as do the Sing. cars but Japan don't?

[Apex 693]

You do have a choice. One is expensive and one is cheap, the cheaper option is going to have implications, the only people who will tell you otherwise will drive Japanese imports themselves.

Unfortunately, if you want a car with a nice specification and proof of previous service and care you will have to buy NZ new, they will both depreciate at the same rate and when it comes to resale you will get the difference back again.

[deeveus 81]

Yep, I rekon there will be some conflicting opinions regarding this but here's mine anyway.

I prefer NZ New mainly because of the documented ownership, service history and stronger resale value at the tail end of the ownership. With my current vehicle I also believe they're more sort after being NZ New perhaps hence a better resale value. Yes you get more buttons than normal on Jap imports but I prefer to have less as it's less to go wrong. In saying that my X5 has enough toys to satisfy an IT technician.

I guess when it comes to some cars though it wouldn't worry me. Anything post 10k worth I would go NZ New, for everything under this I guess it wouldn't worry me too much. I guess it really comes down to a personal preference. I had a 2001 BMW X5 import about two years ago and whilst it was a bloody nice unit, our local BMW dealer wouldn't trade it because it was an import & whilst that might be just them, I guess it re-iterates the fact that NZ New is perhaps easier to move in the 50k + price bracket anyway.

Edited July 6, 2010 by Clinton

[jjs 64]

A NZ new car will usually be 10-20% more expensive than a jappa, but well worth it. I've owned both and would always go NZ new, even if I needed to pay extra. Driving a low spec import feels just like owning a fake watch (especially if its a 520i or 728i!!!)

[hotwire 352]

Thanks

I have noticed NZ new seem to have leather and a multi-function wheel as do the Sing. cars but Japan don't?

Jap cars still do come with leather, maybe not as many. They certainly do offer multi funtion wheel too - can't say I have noticed numbers specifically with E46 but certainly have seen Jap ones with it.

I am on the fence with import/NZ new.

Yes, I have a Jap E39, I bought in myself with a documented (& genuine) 24k, service history matching, got all manuals, all four keys & a car without a single stone chip. A high specced car too.

I have no problem with a Jap car as long as I can be happy with it's history.

Being in the trade, have seen some horrors over the years with ex Jap cars & plenty of people been burnt with dishonest & Tokyo traffic, non serviced cars.

Yes, there may "generally" be more transparency with NZ cars but equally there are plenty of kiwis who don't look after/service their car properly either.

Bottom line - a car with specs to suit (Jap BMW's are generally higher specced - never seen a NZ E46 with TV/Nav or from memory - heated seats) BUT also as above - regardless of origin, have it checked by a BMW specialist.

With BMW - The origin normally reflects the buy & sell price - a Jap car cheaper than NZ version to buy initially & possibly/probably conceeding on sale price at other end.

With a good one though - you can end up with more bang for buck.

[johnm51 0]

You do have a choice. One is expensive and one is cheap, the cheaper option is going to have implications, the only people who will tell you otherwise will drive Japanese imports themselves.

Unfortunately, if you want a car with a nice specification and proof of previous service and care you will have to buy NZ new, they will both depreciate at the same rate and when it comes to resale you will get the difference back again.

At the moment on Tme there is an E46 330 NZ new 117,000 k. Is this better than A Jappa with papers and 69,000k? Both same year

[johnm51 0]

Yep, I rekon there will be some conflicting opinions regarding this but here's mine anyway.

I prefer NZ New mainly because of the documented ownership, service history and stronger resale value at the tail end of the ownership. With my current vehicle I also believe they're more sort after being NZ New perhaps hence a better resale value. Yes you get more buttons than normal on Jap imports but I prefer to have less as it's less to go wrong. In saying that my X5 has enough toys to satisfy an IT technician.

I guess when it comes to some cars though it wouldn't worry me. Anything post 10k worth I would go NZ New, for everything under this I guess it wouldn't worry me too much. I guess it really comes down to a personal preference. I had a 2001 BMW X5 import about two years ago and whilst it was a bloody nice unit, our local BMW dealer wouldn't trade it because it was an import & whilst that might be just them, I guess it re-iterates the fact that NZ New is perhaps easier to move in the 50k + price bracket anyway.

I would prefer NZ new but from what I can see I would have to pay 4/5k more for a car with twice the ks

[johnm51 0]

Jap cars still do come with leather, maybe not as many. They certainly do offer multi funtion wheel too - can't say I have noticed numbers specifically with E46 but certainly have seen Jap ones with it.

I am on the fence with import/NZ new.

Yes, I have a Jap E39, I bought in myself with a documented (& genuine) 24k, service history matching, got all manuals, all four keys & a car without a single stone chip. A high specced car too.

I have no problem with a Jap car as long as I can be happy with it's history.

Being in the trade, have seen some horrors over the years with ex Jap cars & plenty of people been burnt with dishonest & Tokyo traffic, non serviced cars.

Yes, there may "generally" be more transparency with NZ cars but equally there are plenty of kiwis who don't look after/service their car properly either.

Bottom line - a car with specs to suit (Jap BMW's are generally higher specced - never seen a NZ E46 with TV/Nav or from memory - heated seats) BUT also as above - regardless of origin, have it checked by a BMW specialist.

With BMW - The origin normally reflects the buy & sell price - a Jap car cheaper than NZ version to buy initially & possibly/probably conceeding on sale price at other end.

With a good one though - you can end up with more bang for buck.

Thanks Grant, I have been looking for a few months now (online)and the only 3 series E46 with multi-function I have seen are Singapore cars. Yes I have seen some with leather but as you say not often. Cheers

[JaseNZ 53]

I think at the end of the day if you are happy with the buy be it nz or jappa then go for it. I made sure i confirmed the service history with mine (an import), it had full service history (i contacted the service agent it was done with).

Came with all the keys and books, pretty high spec'ed the only thing it did not tick on my box of things i wanted with mfl wheel but Gavin at euro Italian has hooked me up with the retrofit kit for it at a more than great price and its a easy install.

To be on the safe side though i took mine for a pre purchase inspection at Gray's bmw here and it came out with flying colors so i am more than happy to drive around in my jappa

[Apex 693]

You have six months. Wait and something will pop up that is within your budget at a bargain price with a nice spec.

I would be happy to buy a NZ new car with higher kilometres knowing the car has been cherished and had accumulated kilometres on NZ roads, Jap cars should have a timer like a digger and they should be quoted in hours.

The Kiwi car won’t have a screen with a crap TV and ten year old outdated Japanese Sat Nav that doesn’t work in NZ, it will have the same crap sound system. Be prepared for that big loss.

Personally I would buy a NZ new 6-Speed 06 Honda Accord Euro L-Sport, it’s a better car.

[JaseNZ 53]

Here is a good nz new smg 330ci , Maybe over your price range but very well spec'ed and a good service history.

>>Trade me link click here<<

[deeveus 81]

I would be happy to buy a NZ new car with higher kilometres knowing the car has been cherished and had accumulated kilometres on NZ roads, Jap cars should have a timer like a digger and they should be quoted in hours.

Word...

I actually couldn't have put that better myself to be honest, maybe that's what my last post was trying to say. They should have an hour meter for sure.

[johnm51 0]

You have six months. Wait and something will pop up that is within your budget at a bargain price with a nice spec.

I would be happy to buy a NZ new car with higher kilometres knowing the car has been cherished and had accumulated kilometres on NZ roads, Jap cars should have a timer like a digger and they should be quoted in hours.

The Kiwi car won’t have a screen with a crap TV and ten year old outdated Japanese Sat Nav that doesn’t work in NZ, it will have the same crap sound system. Be prepared for that big loss.

Personally I would buy a NZ new 6-Speed 06 Honda Accord Euro L-Sport, it’s a better car.

Funny you should say that I have had 4 Honda Accords and before I got interested in bemmers I was looking at late model Euro's

[johnm51 0]

I think at the end of the day if you are happy with the buy be it nz or jappa then go for it. I made sure i confirmed the service history with mine (an import), it had full service history (i contacted the service agent it was done with).

Came with all the keys and books, pretty high spec'ed the only thing it did not tick on my box of things i wanted with mfl wheel but Gavin at euro Italian has hooked me up with the retrofit kit for it at a more than great price and its a easy install.

To be on the safe side though i took mine for a pre purchase inspection at Gray's bmw here and it came out with flying colors so i am more than happy to drive around in my jappa

Thanks Jason, Yes I would only buy one with a service history and keys as I know a remote key can cost $500.00

[johnm51 0]

Here is a good nz new smg 330ci , Maybe over your price range but very well spec'ed and a good service history.

>>Trade me link click here<<

Yes I have seen that car I could buy it but it's a bit more than I want (allowed) to spend. What do you think of this on Tme

Edited July 9, 2010 by johnm51

[qube 3570]

^ its a late reply, but that car seems weird to me,

its a late model 330 but with a e36 steering wheel and the lower class leather seats.

i didnt look @ it properly but just dont seem right.

[JaseNZ 53]

Sorry did not see your reply, I would have to agree, I don't like the look of that one, Very under spec'ed by the looks of it for the money they are asking.

I would just bide your time until something you feel just fits. Believe me it will be worth the wait.

[Apex 693]

That’s what the Non M Sport JAP spec cars are like. Love that wheel, its the same as on a 96 E39 but with no controls.

If I had 6 months and cash I would be looking at EBAY-UK as you could pick up a fully loaded 330d or 330i in your choice of manual of auto for that money. Just a thought.

[Apex 693]

Don’t overlook a well maintained 328i either, my old lady has one and it’s a fantastic car, has never missed a beat and is a beautiful drive.

[JaseNZ 53]

Don’t overlook a well maintained 328i either, my old lady has one and it’s a fantastic car, has never missed a beat and is a beautiful drive.

Weren't the e46's of these prone to the dreaded read sub frame failure.

[Apex 693]

Im no expert so I dont know. We have a NZ new 99 CI and they haven’t failed after ten years, nothing has, its a nice car for its age.