BMW 5 Series

September 20th, 2007, in Business & Economy, by Patung

The BMW Series 5 launches in Jakarta.

PT BMW Indonesia has just launched the BMW 5 Series sedan in Jakarta. The cars are entirely imported, or completely built up (CBU), in the jargon, but BMW Indonesia boss Joerg Kelling says that by February 2008 the 5 Series cars will be assembled in Indonesia, or completely knock-down (CKD), or even ready to assemble (RTA), no doubt as an attempt to avoid some of the taxes and import duties levied on such cars.

BMW 5 Series.

Helena Abidin, the Corporate Communication head of PT BMW Indonesia, says no-one has ordered any of the cars yet, and she can’t say how many are available, but they cost 748 million rupiah for the 523i and 948 million for the 530i.

Cashed-up BMW fans have more to cheer about this month, with the Series 3 Convertible going on sale shortly. [1]

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Tags: Cars

13 Comments on “BMW 5 Series”

Andrew Says:
September 20th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Ouch, that’s like US$100k for a 530i. The government, not BMW, rips you off.
Peter Says:
September 21st, 2007 at 8:59 am
Anyone who would stroll around in a luxury BMW in a country like Indonesia is probably a jackass.

So maybe they deserve to be ripped off.
Sputjam Says:
September 21st, 2007 at 12:42 pm
This beemer comes with run flat tyres. It cost a bomb to replace. buying this car for personal use is idiocy due to hefty taxes. but as company cars, they may use the depreciation to reduce profits in their corporation and may be worthwhile purchase. And for the bosses of these companies, after writing off the value of the cars, it can be sold to the company’s owner for RP1/- with no income tax liability.
Dimp Says:
September 24th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Nice car, nowhere near the technology of an S-class Mercedes though.
Ihaknt Says:
September 24th, 2007 at 9:37 am
I agree with Peter what’s the point having that car in Jkt? The traffic is so bad you cant use the engine to do what it’s meant to do. It’s only for status, sad reality.
Dimp Says:
September 24th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Hi ihaknt,

Unfortunately status is number 1 priority for some Indonesians.
Parvita Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
The 5 series are better than the 3 series when it comes to the 2006 product. Compared to the 2003 and 2004, the 3 series is already adequate, but the 3 series for the 2006 feels cramped.

Better to buy a German car than Japanese car. It just feels different, even though if it is a Camry. Especially when driving to Bandung through Cipularang early in the mornings, what a beauty, what a feeling.

I’m all for German car, they are sturdy, and the technology is great. I drive a BMW. I like it. I deserve it. I pay tax for it. I work my ass off for it. It’s expensive but I’m worth it. It’s called: enjoying life while you can. It’s a pitty, probably most of you guys are on Kijang, or Honda Jazz or City…don’t get me wrong, Kijang is a good car. Jazz is cute, too, for those who are pretty tight with their dineros.

Really can’t wait to see the convertible!
Andrew Says:
September 27th, 2007 at 12:44 am
The 5 series are better than the 3 series when it comes to the 2006 product. Compared to the 2003 and 2004, the 3 series is already adequate, but the 3 series for the 2006 feels cramped.

While it won’t compete with the 5-series in terms of space, I do think it fares much better compared to the previous version of 3-series. The feeling of roominess is a subjective matter, but what’s not subjective is its performance.

Better to buy a German car than Japanese car. It just feels different, even though if it is a Camry. Especially when driving to Bandung through Cipularang early in the mornings, what a beauty, what a feeling.

You bet it does, but the problem here is that you are comparing a Toyota with a BMW. Toyota is far behind when it comes to driving excitement, even compared to rival Japanese brands like Honda, Mazda or Nissan. About the only Toyota that’s fun to drive is (or was) the discontinued Supra Turbo.

Compare the Camry against the Accord or Mazda6 — a driving enthusiast would pick the latter 2 in a blink of an eye. Compare a Corolla against a Civic or Mazda3, and well, let me just say there’s simply no comparison.

I drive a 335i, but I must admit I also enjoy my wife’s 3.5liter Odyssey, it’s pretty exciting to drive (for a minivan)!
tomaculum Says:
September 27th, 2007 at 11:26 am
I myself favor the Jaguar XKR (Cabriolet) for about 1300 000 000,00 Rps. Yet I feel mightier then others sitting in it, and feel that my d..ck is much more bigger.
Dimp Says:
September 27th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
People say that cars are just extensions of their penises, this is the reason that I walk ;).
Andrew Says:
September 28th, 2007 at 7:08 am
In that case, some guys have “penis envy” some have “penis-extension envy”.
bulent korcan Says:
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:47 pm
you may consider the check list below
Checklist
Clutch: if you’re considering a manual model, look out for clutch wear. Juddering when pulling away is a tell-tale sign. Knock Â£400 off the price for a new clutch.

Engines: overheating, even for only short periods, can seriously damage
a 5-Series powerplant. Always check coolant levels, and look for oil deposits in the tank.

Dashboard: make sure the digital displays are visible and that all warning lights come on and then go off on start-up. Ill-fitting trim could also signal previous difficulties.

Gearbox: a leak in the oil cooler under the radiator can damage the gearbox. So with the engine off and cold, feel under the radiator for traces of oil. A repair will cost Â£300.
Flocki Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
It’s really interesting to read through all your posts. Another great example on how perception and lacking information is spread.

Quote: Anyone who would stroll around in a luxury BMW in a country like Indonesia is probably a jackass.

So maybe they deserve to be ripped off.

This is just the standard remark that you hear in every bar from those who base their knowledge on…basically nothing.

It’s not appropriate to compare prices as the actual cost including depreciation should be of interest. And as a matter of fact most luxury cars in Indonesia have a lower depreciation then other brands.

On top of that most dealers offer finance programmes to make the cars more affordable and guarantee a trade-in price after a couple of years upfront.

Sure the total cost is higher, but 5 star dining is as well more expensive than a burger at McD.

Quote: This beemer comes with run flat tyres. It cost a bomb to replace.

Yes it does come with RF and yes the replacement is more expensive. All I can say is that ‘you can put a price on a life’ and it is proven (not only by BMW) that the risk of serious injuries after an accident caused by a blown tyre is dramatically decreased as the car can still be manouvered.
Look at the road conditions in Indonesia.

Quote: It’s only for status, sad reality.

Leaving safety aspects and quality completely out you are right. What about watches, clothes, gadgets …
Would we all want to drive in the same car or dress the same. Surely NO.
Plus, the purchase of every (luxury0 car allocates income and creates jobs. Statistically 30% of all businesses worldwide are somehow related to the car industry.
Thanks God we have luxury articles and people that buy them. Distribution of wealth would be a different topic.

Quote: Nice car, nowhere near the technology of an S-class Mercedes though.

What a statement !!! Who on this planet compares a 5 to an S-Class? If you want to compare at all it must be the 7 and the question might be allowed what makes the S superiour. In this segment there are no bad cars.
Different concepts of the manufacturers are resulting in different products.
Feel free to educate me about details regarding s class advantages.

Quote: I myself favor the Jaguar XKR (Cabriolet) for about 1300 000 000,00 Rps. Yet I feel mightier then others sitting in it, and feel that my d..ck is much more bigger.

Happy to hear that. Hope it still feels bigger when it comes to service as the workshops of Jaguar are really rare pieces compared to MB and BMW.

Quote: Clutch: if you’re considering a manual model, look out for clutch wear. Juddering when pulling away is a tell-tale sign. Knock Â£400 off the price for a new clutch.

Why don’t you buy the used car from an authorized dealer in the first place? The car will have warranty and you can be sure that nothing is manipulated.

Since a couple of years neither BMW nor MB offer manual gearboxes except a customer explicitely orders one, because the traffic in Jakarta simply does not make sense for a manual.

Quote: Dashboard: make sure the digital displays are visible and that all warning lights come on and then go off on start-up. Ill-fitting trim could also signal previous difficulties.

All luxury cars available have a so called ‘Hot climate version’ in Indonesia that takes the local climate and the impact of high temeratures into account.
Plus, does this only apply to Beemers? Interesting

Quote: Gearbox: a leak in the oil cooler under the radiator can damage the gearbox. So with the engine off and cold, feel under the radiator for traces of oil. A repair will cost Â£300.

These cars come with a 5 years service inclusive package that guarantees your freedom of mind.
And again, does this only apply to Beemers?

Don’t get me wrong, I am neither pro BMW nor against other brands. Everybody has the right to give his own opinion. It is just sad when the opinion is based on wrong information.

For the local economy I hope that the infrstructure improves and that a lot of cars (whatever brand) are being sold, as the pollution of a relatively new car is much lower then what comes out of all these motorcycles. Not to talk about safety.