[BigMansWagon]

Hi!

This is my first post so be gentle. Just arrived from the UK and decided that HK is more fun with private transport. But I didn't expect cars to be 2 to 4 times as more expensive to their equivalents compared to the UK!!!

I'm looking for advice on finding a good deal on a 320i. People tell me most cars in HK are clocked? Any help or anyone with one they want to sell please Pm me!

Thanks!
BMW!

[kchika]

Hi, I've lived in the UK for about 6 years so I think I might be able to give you some advice.

As you probably know, there are no diesel models in HK. The entry level is the 320i but most people go for the 323i when ordering new because the 323i offers a straight six and more power for not a very significant premium (compared to 323i vs 325i). If fuel consumption is not a concern, you should look out for 323is too.

When looking for an E9x, make sure you don't go pick any Japanese examples. You can identify these straight away because they have square number plates instead of rectangular ones. These have been imported as "Imported Used" (on HK's version of UK's V5, known as the Vehicle Registration Document) from Japan, and have either been clocked, crashed, or have suffered from flooding. The ones you are are genuine BMWHK cars.

I must say though, looking for mechanically sound car in HK is more difficult than in the UK because most HK folks don't go to BMWHK for service. As such, they do not follow the strict schedule of Oil Service, Inspection I, Oil Service, Inspection II and so on. Also, when people go to independent garages, you could never tell whether genuine BMW parts have been used.

There is no way of telling whether the mileage has been clocked because MOT certificates do not record mileage.

Perhaps you can tell us what your budget is and we can help you with the search?

[francis_william]

yup, tell us the budget and we can give you a better picture.

There are some websites selling pre owned vehicles here in Hong Kong,
you may take a look as reference. www.28car.com and search the model you like.
If you understand Chinese....

There are pre-owned car dealers at Kowloon Bay, you may check them out as well.

[ny911]

Suggest you to get a 323i or 325i. The fuel consumption is more less the same or even better than 320i.

[BigMansWagon]

Thanks for the replies guys! Lots of useful info.

Searching around there seems to be a lot of imports...can they be trusted even if the garage/owners say its all clear?

Its going to be a present for my HK gf, so around the 188,888 mark. But no doubt I'll be the chauffeur. I think that's how it works around here?

Yes, 323+ looks like a better option!

Cheers,
Bmw

[alexckma]

wow that's a present for your hk gf... hope your gf is a nice one and not some local kong girl who;s just in it for the money

[Soikiu]

188,888 mark? wedding proposal? Ring in the glove compartment?

[BigMansWagon]

Yes, a present

Looking on car28 it seems that the pricing is a bit wild!

Cheers,
BMW

[clarence]

Originally Posted by kchika

When looking for an E9x, make sure you don't go pick any Japanese examples. You can identify these straight away because they have square number plates instead of rectangular ones. These have been imported as "Imported Used" (on HK's version of UK's V5, known as the Vehicle Registration Document) from Japan, and have either been clocked, crashed, or have suffered from flooding.

Not all of them are that bad. If the vendor can produce FBMWJSH, the original Jap auction house grading documents as well as the original Jap de-registration document, then u can ascertain it's true condition & mileage. They should have all those documents in their possession as those are needed for registering the car in HK.
Jap auction houses are highly regulated (probably to the highest standard in the world) & they take meticulous care in grading the cars. Each car that goes thru auction has a thorough & detailed grading report. U can see clearly whether it has suffered flooding or crash repairs on the report. Regarding clocking it's done by the local vendor after the car arrived in HK, Jap auction houses guarantee the mileage if possible.

[BigMansWagon]

BTW is iDrive useful in HK?

I'm checking out a 325i, using a torch I see a glitter of oil+sand on the bottom engine cover when looking from above inbetween the engine and radiator. Is this normal??

What other signs should I look out for?

Cheers,
BMW

[BigMansWagon]

Sorry to ask more questions, but any big differences between 320i/323i/325i?
Which is cheaper to maintain, and which has better mpg?
Also will the sports versions have between handling vs comfort?
And are the rims likely to suffer from deformation?

Cheers,
BMW

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Originally Posted by alexckma

wow that's a present for your hk gf... hope your gf is a nice one and not some local kong girl who;s just in it for the money

haha, i literally laughed out loud at this comment. legendary.

[BigMansWagon]

Originally Posted by Laguna Seca Blue

haha, i literally laughed out loud at this comment. legendary.

Are HK girls famous for this sort of thing? They come across so cute, so caring, so nice?

BMW

[ct087ct087]

Originally Posted by BigMansWagon

Sorry to ask more questions, but any big differences between 320i/323i/325i?
Which is cheaper to maintain, and which has better mpg?
Also will the sports versions have between handling vs comfort?
And are the rims likely to suffer from deformation?

Cheers,
BMW

you should be able to find the spec so i don't copy.

For most ppl buying a brand new 3 series, they consider followings

- brand new 325i was 50k-80k (HKD) more expensive than 323i but both use the same engine. 323i is just "down tuned" by BMW.
- Usually 325i has some more options in the standard package than 323i (e.g. i decided to go for 325i because at that time 323i came without i-drive, bi-xenon, front PDC, auto-flip side mirrors, etc. i-drive costed 50k additional and bi-xenon costed the other 20k on a 323i)
- 320i has a 4L engine and many 320 owner regret on their pick. 320i driver always compare their acceleration with HK taxi.....hope you understand what i mean!

Consideration for purchasing used car, ppls thinks diff.

- due to the price different for a used car is less than brand new car, ppls choose 325i over 323i if they want a faster car.
- 325i, 323i and 320i are all under 2500cc (above 1500cc) so the car license annual fee are same
- 325i is literally faster than 323i (not counting someone who mod his 323 which is now faster than a 325).
- 325i has more options which BMWHK will not "upgrade" for you (some LCI 323 has full options also but they are most likely 2011 car)
- same thought on 320i, still need to compete against the taxi..

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Originally Posted by BigMansWagon

Are HK girls famous for this sort of thing? They come across so cute, so caring, so nice?

BMW

I was more amused by the comment than anything else. There are girls like that everywhere, you'll just have to use your better judgement brotha.

[Soikiu]

Originally Posted by ct087ct087

325i is literally faster than 323i (not counting someone who mod his 323 which is now faster than a 325). ..

Hmmm... Who might that be? :roll eyes:

[ct087ct087]

Originally Posted by Soikiu

Hmmm... Who might that be? :roll eyes:

[J.]

I have a E90 320i (6AT) that I maybe considering to sell (may get a 7-seater)

PM me or contact me for more details

Jon

[BigMansWagon]

Thanks Jon! I got a 323i in the end.

Had my eyes on the a fully loaded 325i but some dude bought it hours later.

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Originally Posted by BigMansWagon

Thanks Jon! I got a 323i in the end.

Had my eyes on the a fully loaded 325i but some dude bought it hours later.

Congrats! Post pics

[BigMansWagon]

After I've given it a wash, autoglym sealant, and 100% R222 Carnauba waxing!

Would you guys recommend the STP engine cleaner being put through these cars?

[francis_william]

Congrats! PICS PICS PICS!
Don't pour any chemical to your engine other than engine oil.
you are going to fuxk it up if you do so!
Never trust those commercial on the magazine...