Hellow everyone!
(I have six questions below so please read the whole message)
My name is Richard and I live in Auckland, New Zealand. I've been visiting this site for past few months and just joined yesterday with some help from Gustav. Thank you.
I have preordered a M5 from BMW UK (Parklane Dutyfree sales dealership) about three months ago and they only roughly estimated that I would get my car sometime next year. The only thing I got from them after placing 1,000 GBP deposit was a order confirmation document with not much detail in it. I am importing it from UK rather than purchasing it locally to take advantage of about 20,000 GBP saving in price difference by purchasing it from UK.
I currently drive Lexus SC430 and Mazda RX-8 both of which I enjoy fairly well. I just feel that I am outgrowing 300HP of Lexus Sc430 and good handling of RX-8 and want something faster, stronger, better and nicer...all while maintaining 4 seat availability for my family. I think M5 suits my needs beautifully.
There are about six questions I'd like to ask you. Please share your thoughts if you have any knowledge regarding them.:hihi:
1. How do you check the order status besides asking your dealer? I noted that some members such as Vic can find out their order status in real time basis. (http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=53985) I would like to know how I can do that as well. At the momebt, I always have to email my dealer for updated status and the answer always is that he does not have more firm estimate besides some time next year.
2. How is the automatic mode in M5 when it's compared to real automatic gear shifts in other cars? Is D1 mode as smooth as real automatic gear shift? My wife doesn't know how to operate manual gear so automatic mode is very important.
3. How does key memory setting works? I heard that the car setting will change based on which key is used. When does this change occur? Is it when the driver enters the car and put the key in iginition or is it when the driver press the button on the key to unlock the door? What kind of settings are affected by key memory setting?
4. How does D5 mode compare to S1 mode? Is D5 mode good enough to replace S1 if the the driver wants sporty driving enviroment but without having to shift gear themselves?
5. I was told by BMW New Zealand that I would only get two year international warranty from NZ if I purchase my M5 from UK. Furthermore, I would not be allowed to purchase extended warranty after two years, whereas the locally purchased M5 will be allowed to purchase unlimited extended warranty for about 600.00 USD per year. Does anyone know anything about importing and exporting issue? Did anyone imported new car from oversea?
6. For 20,000 GBP extra (if I purchase M5 from New Zealand), I would get 1 extra year of warranty (2 year international warranty vs. 3 year warranty) plus 3 years of servicing and road side assistance...plus ability to purchase extended warranty after 3 years. Does anyone think it is worth it to purchase locally and pay 20,000 GBP extra for those mentioned benefit? Do those benefit really worth 20,000 GBP? What would you do?
Thanks for reading and answering my questions.
(I have six questions below so please read the whole message)
My name is Richard and I live in Auckland, New Zealand. I've been visiting this site for past few months and just joined yesterday with some help from Gustav. Thank you.
I have preordered a M5 from BMW UK (Parklane Dutyfree sales dealership) about three months ago and they only roughly estimated that I would get my car sometime next year. The only thing I got from them after placing 1,000 GBP deposit was a order confirmation document with not much detail in it. I am importing it from UK rather than purchasing it locally to take advantage of about 20,000 GBP saving in price difference by purchasing it from UK.
I currently drive Lexus SC430 and Mazda RX-8 both of which I enjoy fairly well. I just feel that I am outgrowing 300HP of Lexus Sc430 and good handling of RX-8 and want something faster, stronger, better and nicer...all while maintaining 4 seat availability for my family. I think M5 suits my needs beautifully.
There are about six questions I'd like to ask you. Please share your thoughts if you have any knowledge regarding them.:hihi:
1. How do you check the order status besides asking your dealer? I noted that some members such as Vic can find out their order status in real time basis. (http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=53985) I would like to know how I can do that as well. At the momebt, I always have to email my dealer for updated status and the answer always is that he does not have more firm estimate besides some time next year.
2. How is the automatic mode in M5 when it's compared to real automatic gear shifts in other cars? Is D1 mode as smooth as real automatic gear shift? My wife doesn't know how to operate manual gear so automatic mode is very important.
3. How does key memory setting works? I heard that the car setting will change based on which key is used. When does this change occur? Is it when the driver enters the car and put the key in iginition or is it when the driver press the button on the key to unlock the door? What kind of settings are affected by key memory setting?
4. How does D5 mode compare to S1 mode? Is D5 mode good enough to replace S1 if the the driver wants sporty driving enviroment but without having to shift gear themselves?
5. I was told by BMW New Zealand that I would only get two year international warranty from NZ if I purchase my M5 from UK. Furthermore, I would not be allowed to purchase extended warranty after two years, whereas the locally purchased M5 will be allowed to purchase unlimited extended warranty for about 600.00 USD per year. Does anyone know anything about importing and exporting issue? Did anyone imported new car from oversea?
6. For 20,000 GBP extra (if I purchase M5 from New Zealand), I would get 1 extra year of warranty (2 year international warranty vs. 3 year warranty) plus 3 years of servicing and road side assistance...plus ability to purchase extended warranty after 3 years. Does anyone think it is worth it to purchase locally and pay 20,000 GBP extra for those mentioned benefit? Do those benefit really worth 20,000 GBP? What would you do?
Thanks for reading and answering my questions.