wow! with the rate PML is doing with their customers, i don't mind looking this way too. especially the hybrid.
more gadgets for me to play too!

 

On the contrary the AA car is really good value - you are getting basically the same car with less options - not a car downgrade.

Some of the more fortunate ones have even found that their AA cars are BRAND NEW AND UNUSED for the AA show ( e.g. <30km mileage on collection ) .

the unincluded options are really not critical:
- 16" rims: opens options to aftermarket/used 17" or upgrades to 18"
- rear roller sunblind: negated by tinting and sun-protection films
- folding parking mirrors: good to have but a luxury really...
- no free servicing (overvalued by PML at $3500): but warranty still applies...
- no wood trimming - matter of preference but i think the non-wood titanium grey looks sportier

AA pricing is -523ia at 161K, with 3% interest rebate (7 year loan and above) - yet i know someone managed to knock a few K's off this, excluding the loan interest rebate.

Another perspective is that the options are really overpriced, and adds up to the final car price at ~$170K or ~US$100 for the basic entry model 5 series. Think about it, if you could knock off those standard but non drive-related options from their tarting price, it would be even more affordable.

 

i am in shengyang, visited the BMW plant. not bad.

what surprises me is the amount of "made in china" rims sold by tyre dealers over there.

ave a set of 4 166 rim 19" cost 1800rmb
ACS IV rims, about 1300rmb for 4 piece

i cannot really differentiate them at all.

i got a business associate who supply eqiupment and tools to bmw there, drove a X5 4.8L. he damaged the original 166 rim, it looked like 20" ...he paid 900rmb for apair.

amazing, he told me he has driven for more than 20K with this set of rims, still look ok.

but i know, it is made in China.

the E60 are assembled there, but the OBD software were completely different from the german made ones.

overall quality look ok, in fact some parts are finer than my ride!

oh yes, there are some nice steering wheels made there too, i recognise the m sports type... but i not sure where are they going?

 

The rims are freaking cheap, if they are original BMW but made in China, definitely they offer superb value. ACS rims at less than S$70 each, and 166 at S$90 each, they are unbelievable cheap! Any idea what is the shipping cost to Singapore? I am very keen.

 

Get an IS..looks way nicer!

 

I'm in Manchester right now. Be back on Thursday. Will get my Chinese agent to check if you're really interested

 

Ed, count me in on the interest! At these prices, I can get 4 sets and change every week

 

hey bro, don't get me wrong. dealers in china, even authorised ones, sell fakes parts.
i believe those are not originals. but i am not sure.

shipping costs is dirt cheap too.

i can check on behalf if u are interested.....bump more 19" er and change monthly. slamp some PS2 or Pzero on them. Look good ah!

i wished i had taken some pics but now i am in shanghai. i shall check it out again.

 

Guys,
Do count me in if a group buy for 19" rims are a go... At less than $100 each, great value.

 

count me in. Each type for each function, can have four pairs at home.