Where would you go next...

JoeA3 · 27-05-2021 01:01PM

carsfan2 wrote: »

BMW have removed Harman kardon sound from the tech packs in the configurators. Apparently hit by the chip shortages they are reserving what they have for the m models.
I see on U.K. forums people are cancelling due to this and other spec changes. Standard speakers system in Bmw generally is poor.

yep, it seems the chip shortages is affecting them all, across the board, as I mentioned on the GTI thread

carsfan2 · 27-05-2021 07:09PM

JoeA3 wrote: »

yep, it seems the chip shortages is affecting them all, across the board, as I mentioned on the GTI thread

Yeah. I saw that your golf order is going to take a while Joe.
Have you driven your pals m135i yet?

JoeA3 · 27-05-2021 08:08PM

carsfan2 wrote: »

Yeah. I saw that your golf order is going to take a while Joe.
Have you driven your pals m135i yet?

No, not yet! On the to-do....

I'm not too disappointed nor indeed suprised that the Golf is gonna take a while. It was never going to be here before September anyway and when it gets much later than that you're wondering if you should hold out till Jan. If I had it today it would be getting very little use (WFH).

carsfan2 · 28-05-2021 08:34AM

JoeA3 wrote: »

No, not yet! On the to-do....

I'm not too disappointed nor indeed suprised that the Golf is gonna take a while. It was never going to be here before September anyway and when it gets much later than that you're wondering if you should hold out till Jan. If I had it today it would be getting very little use (WFH).

At that rate it might be a 2022 car.
How does your pal rate the m135i?

JoeA3 · 28-05-2021 10:19AM

carsfan2 wrote: »

At that rate it might be a 2022 car.
How does your pal rate the m135i?

Raves about it. Really seems to love it.

Leonard Hofstadter · 28-05-2021 03:39PM

Wailin wrote: »

Mental money for a 520d. Can you imagine the depreciation on that after 2 yrs...

Insane really, you could have a 530d or a 545e with their six cylinder engines and much more power, yet still have room for a few extras.

Casati · 28-05-2021 04:22PM

Leonard Hofstadter wrote: »

Insane really, you could have a 530d or a 545e with their six cylinder engines and much more power, yet still have room for a few extras.

For the crack I just spec'd one up adding all the big packages and the individual paint and leather - €105k. For a 520d!!

homik · 28-05-2021 09:53PM

I have been following this thread for a long while, and as there are plenty of bmw owners here, I thought I might ask.

I am on a lookout for Z4 (E85) roadster, 6 cylinder manual.

There was a cracking one up on Donedeal yesterday, 3.0 manual. I have never seen a 3.0 in manual for sale before. Probably only a handful in the country.

The first guy that viewed it, put a deposit. I was to be the 2nd person to see it.....now kicking myself :mad: Should have gone with cash first thing in the morning.

As soon as the next good one comes up (if at all), I will be ready to pounce!

Is there anything to look out for? Any common issues?

Thanks

carsfan2 · 29-05-2021 08:48AM

homik wrote: »

I have been following this thread for a long while, and as there are plenty of bmw owners here, I thought I might ask.

I am on a lookout for Z4 (E85) roadster, 6 cylinder manual.

There was a cracking one up on Donedeal yesterday, 3.0 manual. I have never seen a 3.0 in manual for sale before. Probably only a handful in the country.

The first guy that viewed it, put a deposit. I was to be the 2nd person to see it.....now kicking myself :mad: Should have gone with cash first thing in the morning.

As soon as the next good one comes up (if at all), I will be ready to pounce!

Is there anything to look out for? Any common issues?

Thanks

I’d hazard a guess that a 3.0 Z4 is like hens teeth here. The 2.0 seems way more common and there’s very few of them around.
I don’t know much about them beyond the fact the ride is supposedly very stiff. You’d be better seeking out specialist BMW forums for the nitty gritty.
I guess that like many desirable cars now used prices are very firm if not going up.
What age and price was the done deal one you were after?

digiman · 29-05-2021 10:57AM

Found out that Harmon Kardon won’t be on my X5 order, not sure wether to go ahead with it now or not. Kind of feels wrong to spec up something exactly as you want it and then accept that is missing something after waiting months on it. The standard speakers by all accounts online are pretty poor.

Have being toying with the idea of a 2018 M5 instead. Any thoughts on wether one should go for a Competition Spec or the standard one. As it would be a daily driver, and a lot of drives would be commute to work, I’ve heard the comfort of the Competition is quite harsh.

In a year or two would the non comp be less desirable when I move it on?

Ryano87 · 29-05-2021 11:19AM

homik wrote: »

I have been following this thread for a long while, and as there are plenty of bmw owners here, I thought I might ask.

I am on a lookout for Z4 (E85) roadster, 6 cylinder manual.

There was a cracking one up on Donedeal yesterday, 3.0 manual. I have never seen a 3.0 in manual for sale before. Probably only a handful in the country.

The first guy that viewed it, put a deposit. I was to be the 2nd person to see it.....now kicking myself :mad: Should have gone with cash first thing in the morning.

As soon as the next good one comes up (if at all), I will be ready to pounce!

Is there anything to look out for? Any common issues?

Thanks

Hi there, I owned a 2007 z4 2.5si (215bhp) m sport. Car was a peach in every way.

I bought it for 11k, spent another grand on it getting the style 108 BBS rims fully refurbed. Sold it after 12 months for €4,500. (November 17 when 1,000 tax hammered car values and it needed an abs pump).

The things to watch out for are ABS/DSC pump (common in BMWs that vintage). Roof operation is also important to check.. should open / close quickly
With no hesitation. All 6 cylinder BMWs I've owned burn a bit of oil so you need to keep an eye on levels.

Ride was very harsh but didn't bother me
Was a dream to drive. Always kicking myself I sold it but I moved from town where I could cycle to work to Wicklow so needed a sensible car (mx5 ND!)

I would go for a post facelift 2.5/3.0L

Stay away from the 4 cylinder and the 2.2 6 cylinder isn't bad per se... But I'd much prefer 2.5. try get an si model if possible (2007 onwards - very rare)

Theboinkmaster · 29-05-2021 11:26AM

digiman wrote: »

Found out that Harmon Kardon won’t be on my X5 order, not sure wether to go ahead with it now or not. Kind of feels wrong to spec up something exactly as you want it and then accept that is missing something after waiting months on it. The standard speakers by all accounts online are pretty poor.

Have being toying with the idea of a 2018 M5 instead. Any thoughts on wether one should go for a Competition Spec or the standard one. As it would be a daily driver, and a lot of drives would be commute to work, I’ve heard the comfort of the Competition is quite harsh.

In a year or two would the non comp be less desirable when I move it on?

If that was me I’d 100% cancel the order - there’s no way I’d buy an x5 without it, the standard sound system is utter ****e.

Ryano87 · 29-05-2021 11:31AM

Had lovely m-sport unmarked black leather heated seats and aluminium dash too.

Theboinkmaster · 29-05-2021 11:36AM

digiman wrote: »

Found out that Harmon Kardon won’t be on my X5 order, not sure wether to go ahead with it now or not. Kind of feels wrong to spec up something exactly as you want it and then accept that is missing something after waiting months on it. The standard speakers by all accounts online are pretty poor.

Have being toying with the idea of a 2018 M5 instead. Any thoughts on wether one should go for a Competition Spec or the standard one. As it would be a daily driver, and a lot of drives would be commute to work, I’ve heard the comfort of the Competition is quite harsh.

In a year or two would the non comp be less desirable when I move it on?

You could actually ask bmw to upgrade it to the B&W sound system for free to keep your order or threaten to cancel it

carsfan2 · 29-05-2021 11:42AM

digiman wrote: »

Found out that Harmon Kardon won’t be on my X5 order, not sure wether to go ahead with it now or not. Kind of feels wrong to spec up something exactly as you want it and then accept that is missing something after waiting months on it. The standard speakers by all accounts online are pretty poor.

Have being toying with the idea of a 2018 M5 instead. Any thoughts on wether one should go for a Competition Spec or the standard one. As it would be a daily driver, and a lot of drives would be commute to work, I’ve heard the comfort of the Competition is quite harsh.

In a year or two would the non comp be less desirable when I move it on?

We have the standard speakers in wife’s x5. I think they are better than base ones in other countries. We get mid level “professional” spec I think it’s called. It’s fine but not brilliant. My wife doesn’t cars so wasn’t bothered to upgrade.
Can dealer not find a car in the system with spec that you want that is already built and get it?
I would prefer the better sound system over other bits like merino leather or red brake callipers to be honest. There’s bound to be a car somewhere surely?

As regards m5, that’s a different beast and I would say running costs aside from depreciation are very high but would be lovely to own.
A non competition model in Ireland would still be a great car.
I see Morrissons sold the x3M very quickly so demand must be high enough for m cars

homik · 29-05-2021 11:42AM

carsfan2 wrote: »

I’d hazard a guess that a 3.0 Z4 is like hens teeth here. The 2.0 seems way more common and there’s very few of them around.
I don’t know much about them beyond the fact the ride is supposedly very stiff. You’d be better seeking out specialist BMW forums for the nitty gritty.
I guess that like many desirable cars now used prices are very firm if not going up.
What age and price was the done deal one you were after?

It was 2004, asking price €7,850, which was probably fair, considering low mileage, and great condition.

homik · 29-05-2021 11:52AM

Ryano87 wrote: »

Hi there, I owned a 2007 z4 2.5si (215bhp) m sport. Car was a peach in every way.

I bought it for 11k, spent another grand on it getting the style 108 BBS rims fully refurbed. Sold it after 12 months for €4,500. (November 17 when 1,000 tax hammered car values and it needed an abs pump).

The things to watch out for are ABS/DSC pump (common in BMWs that vintage). Roof operation is also important to check.. should open / close quickly
With no hesitation. All 6 cylinder BMWs I've owned burn a bit of oil so you need to keep an eye on levels.

Ride was very harsh but didn't bother me
Was a dream to drive. Always kicking myself I sold it but I moved from town where I could cycle to work to Wicklow so needed a sensible car (mx5 ND!)

I would go for a post facelift 2.5/3.0L

Stay away from the 4 cylinder and the 2.2 6 cylinder isn't bad per se... But I'd much prefer 2.5. try get an si model if possible (2007 onwards - very rare)

Cheers, that looks the business. You took some hammering on the price :eek:

I currently have e46 2.2 auto, I love these engines, but you do miss the manual, and the larger of the three 6 pots that vere available I could find, the better.

Casati · 29-05-2021 01:25PM

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

If that was me I’d 100% cancel the order - there’s no way I’d buy an x5 without it, the standard sound system is utter ****e.

I’d continue with the order but obviously look got a discount and then use that money to get a proper after market speaker upgrade. I’d heard many experts say that these factory upgrade speakers and still not as good as you can fit aftermarket

digiman · 29-05-2021 01:29PM

I can cancel, no issue there. They don’t seem to bothered either if I do or not. They will give a few quid back on it alright if I take it as is

JoeA3 · 29-05-2021 02:13PM

Can’t speak for all BMW’s but the couple of cars I have tried, including a new model 5 series, the standard audio is really poor. Very bad. Akin to listening to your phone speaker.

carsfan2 · 29-05-2021 03:17PM

digiman wrote: »

I can cancel, no issue there. They don’t seem to bothered either if I do or not. They will give a few quid back on it alright if I take it as is

Would you look at 545e x drive?
There’s a few for sale and you’d get a decent discount. As a daily it’s probably just as quick as M5 and way cheaper to run.
Wouldn’t have the wow factor of the M5 but I think as a daily may be superior.

digiman · 29-05-2021 07:03PM

All the 545e that I’ve seen advertised are very basic spec, incredible they are all cheaper than the 520d that was linked here recently for 90k plus.

I’d defo go for one, really open to lots of stuff really.

Drove the etron for the first time today, it was a 50 model and was very impressed. They had a navara blue etron s there with black pack and it was sensational looking. €130k though

It’s got me thinking anyway, I’d also still love a high spec 540i or an M340i. So frustrating what’s happened with importing UK cars though, I’d be in prime position to buy one as I’ve no trade in to worry about. Very little going in NI at the moment either.

30-05-2021 01:18AM

JoeA3 wrote: »

Can’t speak for all BMW’s but the couple of cars I have tried, including a new model 5 series, the standard audio is really poor. Very bad. Akin to listening to your phone speaker.

I was very interested in a white M4 that was in Hughes Motors. I had planned on going to view it but when I found out it didn't have the HK system I lost interest.

They then said that they had a black one with the HK system which I bought.

They have another white one in stock which also doesn't have HK.

Cyrus · 30-05-2021 06:28AM

Given than my 7 and 3 year old tend to dictate what's on in the car 95 percent of the time I can't say a decent sound system would make any difference to me

carsfan2 · 30-05-2021 11:24AM

A 2018 BMW M5 is about 100k from what I can see Digiman. If I was in the fortunate position to spend that I think maybe a Porsche Taycan would be a nice daily drive unless you’re wedded to the idea of combustion engine.
Residual will be way stronger and daily running costs too.

digiman · 30-05-2021 07:54PM

carsfan2 wrote: »

A 2018 BMW M5 is about 100k from what I can see Digiman. If I was in the fortunate position to spend that I think maybe a Porsche Taycan would be a nice daily drive unless you’re wedded to the idea of combustion engine.
Residual will be way stronger and daily running costs too.

Yeah, they are really nice. But you get a very basic car for 100k. Also don’t just see myself in a Porsche, it’s a bit too classy for me!

I don’t mind spending a good bit on a car initially if I think it won’t drop like a stone. Which is kinda why I went for the X5 45e, I think it will hold its value better than others.

Was looking up some 2nd hand Golf Rs and GTIs earlier as well, kinda thinking now I’d really like to see what the new BMW i4 will look like in MSport guise and what it will cost. I’m not in any major rush as I’ll be WFH to almost the end of the year I’d say.

carsfan2 · 30-05-2021 08:12PM

I went to a Tesla test drive event at Birdhill supercharger station today and drove the model 3 performance.
I was blown away by the acceleration and the sporty feel of the car. Fit and finish of the cars was better than I expected. Very comfortable seats and brilliant sound system. You get used to the central screen very quickly.
A lot to like I have to say.

digiman · 30-05-2021 08:27PM

carsfan2 wrote: »

I went to a Tesla test drive event at Birdhill supercharger station today and drove the model 3 performance.
I was blown away by the acceleration and the sporty feel of the car. Fit and finish of the cars was better than I expected. Very comfortable seats and brilliant sound system. You get used to the central screen very quickly.
A lot to like I have to say.

Was chatting to someone about it yesterday and kinda realised that the Model 3 Performance kinda ticks as many boxes for me as any car really!!

I think what I missed in it was the luxury of a 5 series. Which is why I’m kinda thinking about the BMW i4 at the minute, and maybe buy something to tie me over to then that will be easy to trade in or sell privately.

Would you consider buying one? I’m surprised that’s the first time you have drove one!

carsfan2 · 31-05-2021 10:06AM

I probably would consider one but I think the whole car market is going to continue to change rapidly and I’m happy with my recent purchase.
It did feel very slow though and a little old fashioned after the model 3!

Leonard Hofstadter · 01-06-2021 09:23AM

carsfan2 wrote: »

I went to a Tesla test drive event at Birdhill supercharger station today and drove the model 3 performance.
I was blown away by the acceleration and the sporty feel of the car. Fit and finish of the cars was better than I expected. Very comfortable seats and brilliant sound system. You get used to the central screen very quickly.
A lot to like I have to say.

Sounds very interesting, how does one get to go to these? I had a look on their website and it looks like there's nothing planned any time soon, although the one in Birdhill wasn't advertised either.

I'd like to take one for a drive some time, I drove a Model S before and thought it was terrible, yeah it accelerates very quickly but it's quite boring without the noise and theatrics of a combustion engine and the build quality was terrible, but I'm curious to see what a Model 3 is like since I have heard it's much better to drive than the S and better built. There must be a reason why they get so many good reviews (though the Model S also got good reviews despite the shocking build quality, no way would any other manufacturer get away with it).

Where would you go next...

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