Hello! and query on PI vs PML

[EJH]

hello, i'm new to this forum and can only start a new thread here apparently. starting to explore buying a bmw 5 series and wanted to check out a few points between buying from PI vs PML and some other questions:

1) warranty - for PI, will warranty for bmw parts be honored by PML?
2) servicing - what are the good workshops outside PML that provide servicing? no problems with all the computer parts?
3) modification - will modding the car void the warranty? say even for comestic mod like changing the bodykit?
4) heard there were some good deals on 5 series in december, i went to PML in jan recently and it seems prices have actually gone up. is it possible to get those dec prices?
5) resale value - what is the typical resale premium for a car from PML vs one from a PI

thanks.

 

[Markus]

Re: Hello! and query on PI vs PML

PM me if you want a good PI recommmendation. You can save quite a bit. The better PIs use either Juz4Cars or MBM to back up the warranty and unlike PML who doesn't even offer 1 month of free service, some PIs offer up to 5 years free labour!

 

[vicki]

Re: Hello! and query on PI vs PML

In reply to your queries, to the best of my knowledge...

1) warranty - shouldn't be an issue as PML will honour the warranty subject to terms & conditions. But the priority of service & repair will be for PML cars.
2) servicing - 3-4 non-PML, good workshops recommended by the members here. Please do a search.
3) modification - Technically all mods can void the warranty. Heard a case of replacement of Run-Flat tyres with normal tyres had warranty issue with the tyre valve stem. But was settled amicably by PML.
4) prices in this weak economy...the best is to drop by the showroom (both PML & PI) and asked. But the recent price of 525 slightly increased $1-2k compared to mid-Feb. This is before any rebates, discounts, financing schemes etc. Did personal market research cos selling of my 525.
5) resale value - spoken to a couple of PI Sales Manager and they said PI cars in general $10-25k lower (for coupe, 335 etc didn't ask for 5 series). But the noted that the initial sales price is also lower, equal or more than the difference in the resale price.

In my view, niche models like coupe, cabriolets, 335, M-cars, 1-series are ok for PI route but for those mainstream models (5s, 7series) better to stick to PML.