Gee, sounds like a very useful option in very hot and humid country like mine, Singapore. Here, we have the sun almost 365 days a year! Ventilated seats will be a welcome change - and it is not available here or did I missed out on this one?

 

Olivin, I just wanted to pop in here (instead of in that monster Singapore thread) and tell you how much I loved my visit to Singapore some years ago.

You live in a truly wonderful place and I hope to return there someday!

 

Thanks Rudy. I am very proud and glad that you have enjoyed your stay in Singapore. Maybe we could meet up the next time you plan to come.

Yes, Singapore is a nice place to be in. Or rather, the tourists were always told that this is a FINE city, where one gets fined for even chewing gums!

One other thing that will amaze you is the cost of owning a car in Singapore. For the benefit of other forum pals, let me start with the first pre-requisite of owning a ride - A Certificate of Entitlement (COE) - sort of a license to allow one to own a car for 10 years at a bidded price! Usually sets one back by US$18,000 (what I paid for my E60 now) currently and go as high as US$35,000 (I paid for this on my previous E39 eight yrs ago) or more. Then, that a fat registration tax of 110% (used to be 150%) and other duties. To sum it all, I paid above US$140,000 for my E60-530i.

Exhorbitant? Out of reach? NO NO NO. Singapore is filled with cars and the govt has to implement restrictions and toll on certain roads and the city. Well guys, we own some of most expensive cars in the world!

 

hi olivin, i enjoy singapore (shopping/food/people etc) and visit annually as a rendezvous point to travels in other parts of asia.
i understand the extreme price people in singapore and hong kong pays for their automobiles, but does not deter them from buying them in high volumes, expecially in hong kong. it is difficult for north americans to envision this, because driving is a necessity of life whereas in asia a luxury. on average any car costs three times or higher on the road.
i am lucky that i no longer live in asia as it will be difficult to drive a bmw there. i love my e60 and i am sure you do too. rollee

 

Thanks Rollee. Your compliment on my country and your understanding that its a luxury to own a good car here makes me even more appreciative to be owning an E60.

One consolation, aside from the price of having a car in Singapore is that we have excellent roads/infra-structure and connectivity. This makes driving a luxury sedan even more comfortable.

Maybe the next time you plan to come, we could meet up for a chat?

Cheers Rollee.

 

i've driven in singapore and the roads look brand new, i am amazed by all the traffic ligths are actually LEDs! your e60 must glide through those like butter.
BTW how many women check you out when you roll down the street in that?
i have some cool friends in singapore, we can definitely meet up next time i'm around.
did you see the pics of my car, had it for 5 days now. rollee

 

I say we have a little E60 owner's meet at the Raffles cigar bar!

If we get enough cars, maybe we can bump all the Rolls Royces out of there!

 

I visit Singapore every year and I agree, the roads are just perfect. Well tarmac'ed and wide. I've actually seen workman resuface roads in the middle of the night. Now that is what I call good planning and efficient. Less disruption on the roads during the day. With all those toll charges and CoEs its expected to have smooth nice roads in Singapore.

 

Looks like BMW should organise some activity in Singapore! Our excellent roads will definitely wow drivers who appreciate good tarmacs and the sun.