Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

[335RS]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

Hi guys,

First and foremost, the comparison is a bit off....

1) while the price difference is about 20k +/-, the specs on the PI cars are higher. That ought to amount up to something. Whether you need those specs or not, is a different issue.

2) Insurance premium from PI is higher than if you get the same car from AD. Don't ask me why. If the premium is higher by say 300 per year, that is 3k to be added back to the discounted price.

AD has to charge a higher price, simply because they have overheads and large investment amount to take into consideration. A friend of my who owns a chain of car distributor in KL was looking as carrying Bimmers a few years ago. And In order for them to be AD, BMW requires them to have a few things:

A) Facility to be able to serive 20 cars a day
B) Showroom and workshop investment of at least USD 5 million
c) Minimal of a 70 meter frontage for the showrooom.

If i am an AD, and i plough in these monies, i need to recover it somewhere man... So i can understand why they need a bigger profit margin.

Now, as for the shitty, its more the people, and not the company. Some of us has the luck of a good one. My previous service guy is a lady by the name of Cindy. I have aboslutely no complains at all. And just to share with you, when my previous ride was turning 3 years, she automatically booked an appointment for me. Called me up and ask me to send my ride down so that they can inspect. According to her, 3 series, at 3 year mark, usually Air con coil and some parts of the radiator needs to be changed and best get it donw under warranty.

They checked the battery and swap the battery under warrantly as well...

She is gone, now i am facing trouble now... ha ha

for PML, I honestly feel the service center is not a cost center. This applies to all other ADs. If anything, they are making tonnes of profits from servicing cars. Just look at the prices they charge for stock replacement parts and the labour charges... the only good thing is they give you free car wash

 

[jamier9]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

Not really a bit off because even though the PI cars may have extra things like sunroof & paddle shift...in many cases they also lack things like comfort access, electric tailgate, bluetooth, ambient lighting..etc.

So I would rather put these differences aside and just look at the OMV and price difference to make a simpler comparison.

Hi guys,

First and foremost, the comparison is a bit off....

1) while the price difference is about 20k +/-, the specs on the PI cars are higher. That ought to amount up to something. Whether you need those specs or not, is a different issue.

2) Insurance premium from PI is higher than if you get the same car from AD. Don't ask me why. If the premium is higher by say 300 per year, that is 3k to be added back to the discounted price.

AD has to charge a higher price, simply because they have overheads and large investment amount to take into consideration. A friend of my who owns a chain of car distributor in KL was looking as carrying Bimmers a few years ago. And In order for them to be AD, BMW requires them to have a few things:

A) Facility to be able to serive 20 cars a day
B) Showroom and workshop investment of at least USD 5 million
c) Minimal of a 70 meter frontage for the showrooom.

If i am an AD, and i plough in these monies, i need to recover it somewhere man... So i can understand why they need a bigger profit margin.

Now, as for the shitty, its more the people, and not the company. Some of us has the luck of a good one. My previous service guy is a lady by the name of Cindy. I have aboslutely no complains at all. And just to share with you, when my previous ride was turning 3 years, she automatically booked an appointment for me. Called me up and ask me to send my ride down so that they can inspect. According to her, 3 series, at 3 year mark, usually Air con coil and some parts of the radiator needs to be changed and best get it donw under warranty.

They checked the battery and swap the battery under warrantly as well...

She is gone, now i am facing trouble now... ha ha

 

[henry2703]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

Hi 335RS,

you are right, the service center in any AD accounts for 50% of the bottomline annually. But my point of them having to maintain a higher margin than PI is that they have to make all these investments which PI don't have to.

Hi Jamier9,

You'll be surprise. The latest batch of 523i that i looked at from PI, has everything that you have mentioned.... so I think it cannot be discounted as these do account for quite a bit of money. In fact i think so PI are selling the 523i with a 3 litre engine too.

cheers,

 

[jamier9]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

Hi 335RS,

you are right, the service center in any AD accounts for 50% of the bottomline annually. But my point of them having to maintain a higher margin than PI is that they have to make all these investments which PI don't have to.

Hi Jamier9,

You'll be surprise. The latest batch of 523i that i looked at from PI, has everything that you have mentioned.... so I think it cannot be discounted as these do account for quite a bit of money. In fact i think so PI are selling the 523i with a 3 litre engine too.

cheers,

If the newer batch of 523i from PI have everything that PML cars have and more and if they are selling at 30k difference them it will definitely worth considering a PI car.

The 3 litre version you are referring to is the 528i, definitely a worthwhile option but road tax and insurance could be a deciding factor against it. Buyers may prefer to buy the 535i which is 3litre as well but twin turbocharged(insurance will of course be higher).

 

[wt_know]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

3 liter version provides more "room" to tune up
500cc (3L vs 2.5L) difference in roadtax is ok la
one set of coilover or bbk (front only) can covers the 10 years roadtax difference liao and you are not gonna drive the car for 10 years, are you?
vroom vroom is more critical ... hehe

 

[Jason8822]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

The 3 litre version you are referring to is the 528i, definitely a worthwhile option but road tax and insurance could be a deciding factor against it. Buyers may prefer to buy the 535i which is 3litre as well but twin turbocharged(insurance will of course be higher).

Depending on where PI took their cars from, European 523 are really 3L.
Check out the catalogue from BMW website

 

[henry2703]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

If the newer batch of 523i from PI have everything that PML cars have and more and if they are selling at 30k difference them it will definitely worth considering a PI car.

The 3 litre version you are referring to is the 528i, definitely a worthwhile option but road tax and insurance could be a deciding factor against it. Buyers may prefer to buy the 535i which is 3litre as well but twin turbocharged(insurance will of course be higher).

Nope... they are 523i. I am pretty sure of it. The road tax is probably about $600 difference each year.

Can't comment on the insurance, coz i don't have facts to support my words

but yes, if i am in the market for the new 523i, PI will definitely be one of my choice...

I just have 1 question.

If i buy a PI, and i don't want to pay the adoption fees to PML, if anything spoils in the car, how do i claim the warranty?

Can i still go to PML and have it repaired, pay cash and claim if back from the manufacturer? Coz if i can't even do that, then the international warranty isn't much of a warranty right?

What if i drive to malaysia and the car spoil, can i go to auto baravian and get it repaired? i don't suppose their system will have my car details... so to them, there is no difference right?

cheers,

 

[wt_know]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

you buy from PI, you go back to PI appointed workshop to claim warranty.
you go PML, you have to pay adoption fees because it is illegitimate child from PI

in msia, i would rather tow back to singapore (check insurance) instead of bavaria msia - things can get complicated unless it is in KL and very close and no harm to drop by to try my luck hoping it's a small issue - ie: replace parts like few hundreds dollars and drive back to spore. with the invoice/receipt, may be can claim back in spore (not sure)

 

[Jason8822]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

if want warranty then should buy from PML, isn't this the main diff between PI and AD ?

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

not trying to rub salt into your wound but despite so many posts on this forum re the AD, why didnt you buy the F10 from PI ? It is absoluely pointless paying more with the illusion that you get protection when faults appear.

Case in point. I had some issues with my flappy gears 2 days ago. send car to my usual workshop who diligently spent one day diagnosing my car and found the root cause by the next day...Something in the flappy gears was faulty causing a small short circuit in some gear management system. Immediate replaced faulty part.....car was ready and collected on day 2 >>> swee. Had I sent my car to PML, I will have to wait , and wait and I will be asked to change the entire gearbox....their favourite reply. My friend also kena same from them.

 

[davidtch]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

you buy from PI, you go back to PI appointed workshop to claim warranty.
you go PML, you have to pay adoption fees because it is illegitimate child from PI

in msia, i would rather tow back to singapore (check insurance) instead of bavaria msia - things can get complicated unless it is in KL and very close and no harm to drop by to try my luck hoping it's a small issue - ie: replace parts like few hundreds dollars and drive back to spore. with the invoice/receipt, may be can claim back in spore (not sure)

If scare breakdown, join AAS. Can tow back to Sg & repair.

 

[henry2703]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

So, what we are saying is that if i buy a PI Bimmer, and it breaks down, i cannot claim warranty from the manufacturer?

Coz from what i know, if i go to the PI appointed workshop, they actually claim insurance from whoever they buy insurance from, and not BMW...

If that is the case, can we buy a car without warranty and enjoy a discount from the price?

 

[jamier9]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

So, what we are saying is that if i buy a PI Bimmer, and it breaks down, i cannot claim warranty from the manufacturer?

Coz from what i know, if i go to the PI appointed workshop, they actually claim insurance from whoever they buy insurance from, and not BMW...

If that is the case, can we buy a car without warranty and enjoy a discount from the price?

Could be possible but need to check with the PI you are buying from.

Also I don't think the insurance from 3rd party costs alot but not sure.

PML adoption fee for PI cars is $30k.

 

[wt_know]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

BMW warranty is given to AD .. aka authorised dealer. If you PI the car, you are not authorised dealer liao because tom, dick and harry can PI car like self-import

If you pay PML adoption fee, PML as SG AD can claim warranty for your BMW based on the 2-years international warranty given by BMW.

If you are BMW AG, would you allow anyone claim warranty from you instead of your AD which you have strict rules on them and make tons of $ from them based on your terms & conditions ?

PI car is already cheaper. If all things being equal, why buy from PI ? If you are worry about warranty, go PML. If you are not worry about warranty and confident with the car that likelihood of catastrophe failure is < 1% go with PI.

I stand corrected.

So, what we are saying is that if i buy a PI Bimmer, and it breaks down, i cannot claim warranty from the manufacturer?

Coz from what i know, if i go to the PI appointed workshop, they actually claim insurance from whoever they buy insurance from, and not BMW...

If that is the case, can we buy a car without warranty and enjoy a discount from the price?

 

[jamier9]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

BMW warranty is given to AD .. aka authorised dealer. If you PI the car, you are not authorised dealer liao because tom, dick and harry can PI car like self-import

If you pay PML adoption fee, PML as SG AD can claim warranty for your BMW based on the 2-years international warranty given by BMW.

If you are BMW AG, would you allow anyone claim warranty from you instead of your AD which you have strict rules on them and make tons of $ from them based on your terms & conditions ?

PI car is already cheaper. If all things being equal, why buy from PI ? If you are worry about warranty, go PML. If you are not worry about warranty and confident with the car that likelihood of catastrophe failure is < 1% go with PI.

I stand corrected.

+1 .....my reasoning as well

 

[Jason8822]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

BMW warranty is given to AD .. aka authorised dealer. If you PI the car, you are not authorised dealer liao because tom, dick and harry can PI car like self-import

If you pay PML adoption fee, PML as SG AD can claim warranty for your BMW based on the 2-years international warranty given by BMW.

If you are BMW AG, would you allow anyone claim warranty from you instead of your AD which you have strict rules on them and make tons of $ from them based on your terms & conditions ?

PI car is already cheaper. If all things being equal, why buy from PI ? If you are worry about warranty, go PML. If you are not worry about warranty and confident with the car that likelihood of catastrophe failure is < 1% go with PI.

I stand corrected.

+1 .....my reasoning as well

+2 , this is the fact, otherwise who would pay the premium to buy from AD?
Where got such thing as want Green, want Cheap and want Big

 

[henry2703]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

Ok.. understand.

in other words, the warranty given by BMW on your car is only valid, if it is purchase from Authorized Dealers.

then the so called International Warranty is all crap, because essentially if i drive my car to Malaysia or to Thailand, and the car break down, i won't be able to claim warranty anyway.

I think the sales guy for my previous ride misrepresentated...

thanks for clearing this up!

Henry

 

[wt_know]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

Your sales guy did not misrepresent la.
PML warranty did cover SG and MY (peninsular only). You can repair your car in MY AD if you want to.​

click here to read PML warranty coverage ---> PML BMW website​

11. Geographical limits – Peninsular Malaysia. Should any warranty repairs become necessary whilst you are travelling in Peninsular Malaysia, during the first 24 months from the date of registration, the repair must be carried out by BMW Malaysia or their authorised dealers. They will automatically process the warranty claim for you.​

In the third year of the warranty, Performance Motors Ltd will accept valid claims for repairs carried out in Peninsular Malaysia providing the following conditions are adhered to:​

• The warranty holder must authorise and pay for the repairs in Peninsular Malaysia.
• Monies for valid claims will be paid in Singapore dollars at the rate of exchange at the time of failure.
• The invoice and, if possible, the replaced part(s) must be provided to Performance Motors Ltd on your return to Singapore so that a claim may be authorised.
• A receipt must be provided.
• Repairs must be carried out by BMW Malaysia’s authorised dealers​

Ok.. understand.

in other words, the warranty given by BMW on your car is only valid, if it is purchase from Authorized Dealers.

then the so called International Warranty is all crap, because essentially if i drive my car to Malaysia or to Thailand, and the car break down, i won't be able to claim warranty anyway.

I think the sales guy for my previous ride misrepresentated...

thanks for clearing this up!

Henry

 

[DriveAllDay]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

There are some misunderstanding around. You should not be looking at PML warranty terms. Instead look at the warranty terms from country you intend to buy from. If you buy through from UK, here's what UK BMW website says


http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/owner/servicing_programmes/subhome/0,,___,00.html

Warranty Outside UK
Every new vehicle supplied by a BMW (UK) Limited authorised dealer carries a worldwide warranty. For the first 24 months, should your car need to be repaired under warranty outside the UK then it must be taken to the most convenient BMW Dealer in that country and the work will be carried out under warranty, provided you can show that the vehicle is still within the 24* month warranty period. This can easily be done by producing the service booklet and showing the 'FREE PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION' box stamped by the selling dealer.


The important thing is: this applies to ORIGINAL OWNER. You just have to make sure your PI register you with BMW UK as an original owner.

PML charges you (according to forummer above, SGD30K) to put your name in the global BMW database. If your name is already on it, then they have no choice but to honour your warranty. Stuggart honoured my Boxster warranty this way.

Hope this helps.

 

[C3P0]

Re: Worth buying new F10 523 from PI?

I was in PML last week, and near the counter they have a small booklet regarding PML warranty on PI cars. For those interested you can grab a copy and take a look. The few key things I remember are:
- Have to pay an adoption fee (ok everyone knows this);
- After repairing the car, must pay PML first (can't remember if it's full amount or a certain percentage.) After PML claims back from their Ah Gong, then they will refund the owner back.
- The repair done are only guaranteed/warrantied for a certain amount of time。 2 weeks or 2 months， can’t remember。。。

hee hee， I thought I can remember more， but only remembered 3 points。。。：）