Singapore import BMW 216d Gran Tourer

[resolve10]

My partner is about to buy a 2-series Gran Tourer as they seem good value compared to a similar age/mileage Citroen Picasso or other 7-seater.

After looking into them further, it appears a lof of UK stock is imported. In particular, we've found a batch of 216d's in Luxury trim from SIngapore in very similar specificaiton. We've viewed one such car and it was in excellent condition inside and out, drove well and was backed up by a Car Vertical report showing annual services/checks whilst the vehicle was in Singapore. Dealer reviews are positive and got a good vibe from him.

It's 10 years old (hence it has left Singapore as cars over there become expensive to tax at this age) and has done around 50,000 miles, which I'm confident is the genuine mileage having seen the interior condition. The car is a fair bit cheaper than the UK alternatives I've seen and is in a desirable colour combination, with a fresh service and MOT and 4 new tyres.

ChatGPT reckons it could have problems with rubber bushings & wiring due to the humidity of its former home climate, but my view is that risk is worth taking given I've had nothing but good experiences with BMW reliability. A French or JLR equivalent (she's also metioned a Land Rover Discovery which I've advised against) would surely be a worse bet?

We can get insurance on it and we're aware it might be trickier to sell on in future as an import. Other than the above is there any other reason to avoid?

Edited by resolve10 on Monday 24th August 16:32

[edc]

Do they use a DPF in Singapore spec cars? A lot of low speed city running.

[resolve10]

Yes I believe it has a DPF fitted. As it's done a very linear 5,000 mile average per year, indicating consistent use and no prolonged spells off the road, and we'll use it on long journeys once a week to keep it happy, I've assumed we should be OK but is that a bit naive?

[dmsims]

Watch out for clocking

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

The 225 is much nicer

[C-J]

resolve10 said:

Yes I believe it has a DPF fitted. As it's done a very linear 5,000 mile average per year, indicating consistent use and no prolonged spells off the road, and we'll use it on long journeys once a week to keep it happy, I've assumed we should be OK but is that a bit naive?

Unless it was a taxi or similar, it's probably done well to average 100 miles a week - the entire country is only around 30 miles across at its widest! And presumably never really exceed 55mph (90km/h)

[Sir Bagalot]

First thing to check is if the key can be read by a dealer. If it can't be then it has a blocker on it, walk away

[resolve10]

Good point on the size of Singapore. I suppose it could have travelled into Malaysia though. I wonder if it was an airport transfer vehicle maybe, it would make sense given the airport is on the far east of the island.

Also good point on the key, not sure how to do that prior to purchase. The dealer did mention the car was going into BMW for a recall, i waa considering calling the dealer prior to collecting (i have the vehicle VIN) but not sure how much they could tell me, especially with GDPR

[RichFN2]

Singapore is a lovely city, but one of the last places I would be buying a modern diesel car from.

It would have spent of its life driving in stop/start traffic without going on a decent drive. Whenever I have been to SE Asia all the taxis have been Japanese or Korean hybrid cars sop I cant see someone choosing a 216d for that reason.

They could have used it to drive into Malaysia if they have family over there, but by law your fuel tank must be at least 75% full or risk a 500$ fine (yes they will check)

Considering how cheap the luxury buses are to Malaysian cities I would rather use them. They also have the option of flying which is cheap and efficient.

The choice is yours, but a 216d is an odd choice for Singapore.

[resolve10]

We bought the car, and my initial thoughts are really good. I've done a Readers Cars thread !