Tuesday 30 June 2009

Launch for the BMW Z4...




Sources has it that the launch date for the BMW Z4 E89 is on 26th July......I believe 2 different engine variants will be on offer, the sDrive 35i 2979cc twin turbo 306HP and the sDrive 23i 2497cc with 204HP.....Colour wise, my guess is Deep Sea Blue, Black Sapphire, Crimson Red or Havanna......

Monday 29 June 2009

5 Series Commercial.

The 5 series or E60 has been out for a good 5 years now. Already spy photos of the next generation 5 Series are coming out. The E60 has been really solid for BMW. It not only looked good when it was launched, but can still turn heads effortlessly with its sharp well proportioned looks and not to mention its trademark Double Angel Eyes. Engine ranges from the 4 cylinder 520i and 520d right though to the 5 litre V10 M5. If the next generation 5 series can better the E60......it'll be awesome.

5 Series Crash Test.

For those of you considering a 5 Series, or who already have the pleasure or owning one, you may find these videos reassuring......

Sunday 28 June 2009

Maybe Next Year......




Could this 5series GT be in the showroom sometime next year? Initially, i didn't think much of the design. Looking at it now.....it reminds me of a X6 with a 5 series front end and a lower stance. Meant to have a roomier and more 7 series"ish" styling in the cabin. Could be quite popular if the price is right.

Saturday 27 June 2009

BMW Prices in Brunei Darussalam.....

For those interested in getting a Beemer in the near future, you may want to know what stocks are available or arriving shortly and what they are priced at.

Bmw 325 cab monaco blue exterior cream beige interior showroom 125k,
Bmw 335 cab Black sapphire exterior coral red interior showroom 148k,
Bmw 520i Barbera red exterior natural brown interior showroom 82800,
Bmw 530i Monaco Blue exterior black interior showroom 138k,
Bmw X3 2.0 Diesel alpine white exterior beige interior showroom 79,888,
Bmw X3 2.0 Diesel alpine white exterior black interior showroom 79,888,
Bmw X3 2.0 Diesel Black sapphire exterior black interior with panaromic roof showroom 82,800,
Bmw X5 3.0 petrol alpine white exterior black interior showroom 142k,
Bmw X5 3.0 petrol titanium silver exterior black interior showroom 142k,
Bmw X5 3.0 petrol Monaco blue exterior black interior showroom 142k,
BMW X5 3.0 diesel Titanium silver exterior black interior showroom 142k,
BMW X5 3.0 diesel Titanium silver exterior black interior showroom 142k,
BMW X5 3.0 diesel Titanium silver exterior black interior showroom 142k,
Bmw 740Li Titanium silver exterior black interior showroom 198k,
Bmw 740Li Black sapphire exterior black interior showroom 198k,
Bmw 750Li Black sapphire exterior black interior showroom 245k

Cars arriving Brunei By 7th july ,
Bmw 520D Alpine white exterior Black interior showroom 82k to 85k subject to epu approval,
Bmw 520D Black exterior Black interior showroom 82k to 85k subject to epu approval,
Bmw 520D Black exterior Black interior showroom 82k to 85k subject to epu approval,
Bmw 523i Titanium silver exterior Black interior showroom 102 to 105k subject to epu approval,
Bmw 523i Monaco Blue exterior Black interior showroom 102 to 105k subject to epu approval,


The X3 with the panoramic roof is definitely a rare specimen.....one of two in Brunei. So if you're thinking of getting a X3, that is one worth considering esp when its in black.

The 520D will be kinda new to market even though the engine is similar to the x3's 2litre diesel.

Happy Shopping!!!

Friday 26 June 2009

The Ultimate Performer.....



Michael Jackson 1958 to 2009

Monday 22 June 2009

Better Bang for the BUCK!!!

During this economically uncertain times, almost everyone would like to see their dollar stretch further. To help the customers, BMW Brunei has recently introduced their very popular 4.75% hire purchase interest rates. So overwhelming was the demand, that it outstripped supply....for the moment anyway.

For some, the opportunity to have in their possession a Ultimate Driving Machine is made more achievable. For others, there is still that question of "am i getting the Best Bang for My Buck". I'm sure most of you have been around to check what BMW main competitors offer....

For those Current BMW owners : What would be the one option that you'll like to see offered on your current or next Ultimate Driving Machine?

For Future BMW owners : What would be the one option that you'll like to have, making the good offer even more sweeter?

Better Late Than Never....






I know i know...its not 1st of April....but i thought i would share with you some BMW humour. BMW's advertising agency has over the last few years been coming up with almost believable ads for New BMW technological advancements.....Enjoy!

Saturday 20 June 2009

Test Drive At The Sheraton...

To all the fortunate fathers celebrating Father's Day at the Sheraton Utama Hotel tomorrow afternoon, do bring along your driving shoes. As you'll be able to test not 1 but up to 5 Ultimate Driving Machines.....the BMW 320i, BMW 520i, BMW X3 2.0d, BMW X5 3.0i and the brand new 740i. See you there tomorrow....and Happy Father's Day!

Friday 19 June 2009

RUN FLATS......



This video is slightly on the morbid side but does bring to light how something we take for granted can be of a serious safety consequence.....(sorry bout the poor video quality)

Bridgestone is at the forefront of Runflat Technology........click here for their take on Run Flats

Personally, i like the peace of mind when i'm on my Run Flats. Having said that, there are sacrifices that one has to make, such as firmer rides and more costly to replace. Then there is the question of whether to repair or replace? What sort of punctures are repairable on Run Flats if at all? Anyone with any ideas?

In Brunei, most people opt not to change back to Run Flat Tires come time to replace them. Having contemplated such a scenario, one has to think about 1) safety in case the normal tires experiences rare blowouts 2) with the Run Flats originally fitted, normally no spare tire is provided 3) if that is the case, is there a temporary tire repair kit availble for minor punctures? 4) Can the driver do tyre changes if you indeed have a spare 5) Inconvenience.

1 Series Coupe

Only a pair of Yin and Yang 125i coupe and not to mention the limited Sedona Red 135i on our roads.......I'll let this video do the talking.....

My Engine of The Year 2009.

Definitely the Bi Turbo 2979cc straight SIX.......Winner in its engine capacity class. Winner of the Engine of the Year, for the past 2 years. Turbo's seems to be the way to go nowadays with more emphasis on putting out more horses for less fuel and emissions. The torques coming out from this power train is nothing less than brilliant. 400NM.....fantastic. Currently found on our Brunei roads in the form of 335i, X6 Xdrive 35i, 740i and a very limited edition 135i......but soon to be followed by the Z4 35i.

Having driven the X6 and 740i, i must say, it oozes power throughout the rev range......more refine on the 740i though. If it keeps churning out this sort of performance, Turbos on BMWs are here to stay.....

Safety in the SEVEN!!!




I wonder how much attention to safety people place on the cars that they consider? Looks nice not necessarily means safe. The occupants of this BMW model would definitely enjoy peace of mind.

Thursday 18 June 2009

BMW Z4 almost here......




Thought we should be prepared for the arrival of the Z4......personally i love the looks(apparently some designer were ladies). Just how a modern roadster should look like. Can't wait to have a go in one.....yummy!

lets talk about Xdrive baby......



Xdrive..... popularly found in BMW's X range of cars. Rarely seen in Brunei on the sedans or tourings as its a pricey option. Having driven BMWs with and without the Xdrive, it makes a massive difference in driving and handling. Dont confuse it with 4wd system commonly found in S"U"Vs. The Xdrive concentrates on improving traction and handling, not just to haul you out from a sticky situation. On the X5, it really makes it handle like roadster.....considering it is a 2 ton SAV, now thats a major feat.

The new X5 has been around for about close to 2 years now.......The slogan than was "The Boss is Back"......trust me it should say...."The BOSS Never Left!!!" Respect.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Showroom Etiquette in Brunei!!!

Just recently i went around a couple of the car showrooms in Brunei. Mainly to see what was on offer and see how sales etiquette has changed.

First and foremost it hasn't changed very much. There is still the idea of selling the price,installment and financial perks, rather than to sell the car. Hands up, if you've walked into a showroom and first words......satu bulan $### and nada deposit! For sure it has to be financially viable before one can afford a car. But does that mean a man who can only afford a Hyundai i10 should not be told about functions of ESP, DTC, iDrive, Adaptive Drive, Xdrive.....etc?

Partly i suspect its the trend customers are showing when the enter the showroom. They like the looks, can afford the price......3 months salary slip...here you go. How many of us actually drill the salesman (ahem....sales executive) about the functions, the safety aspect, the handling, factory recall and maintenance issues?

At one particular showroom, the salesperson couldn't even be bothered to tell me about the car, except for....its made in Japan and here's the catalog. Not so long ago, while i was in the showroom where they stock the popular 3 pointed stars, i literally circled a SUV 3 times without any salesperson even approaching to ask if i was interested. And btw, they were all chatting away starring at me parading away.....away out of the door eventually.

At the home of the Ultimate Driving Machine.....biased as i may be, the attitude is slightly different. The staff are genuinely friendly and approachable. Not as informative on technical issues as i may like, but better than most of the competition in Brunei. smartly dressed and always willing to offer a no obligations test drive so that you can experience for yourself The Sheer Driving Pleasure. At the end of the day, they are indeed sales executives but they genuinely take pride in being part of the process for you to Own your Ultimate Driving Machine.


BMW's R8 Killer?


Could this be BMW's first supercar? A Audi R8 challenger? One can only hope......

Another X1 Teaser.....




Up and coming X1 released by BMW on facebook.....I can't decide which looks hotter...the model with 2 kidney grills or the one with a 2 piece!!!

Tuesday 16 June 2009

The Luxurious SEVEN!





The new 7 series has been out for a couple of months now. The sophistication of the F01 seems to be the main talking point. I had the privilege of driving the 740i recently and i can honestly say....the reviews don't do it enough justice. Being a lover of the Inline Six engine....this one is nice....turbocharged and nice!!!

Before you get into one(or get chauffeured in one), you will notice its not the prettiest of BMW's....but than again none of the 7 Series has been. Not at first glance anyway. But once you get passed that executive facade, the interior is pleasantly surprising. The drivers console looks neat and sleek at the same time. A little different from what the 3, 5 ad 6 series presents. Driving position is comfortable and not awkward(good news for chauffeurs).

Once on the road, the engine simply exhilarates the sensation. Not overbearing like the V8's and V10's on smaller frame BMW's but sweet and powerful(enough). The Comfort, Normal, Sports and Sports+ modes did exactly as advertised. Body roll was minimal even in comfort mode. Handling was miles better than the previous 7 series. Noise insulation.....lets say, i could hear every click the passenger was making on the New format IDRIVE.......

Who needs a chauffeur if i had this Ultimate Driving Machine.....

Car Detailing







The car detailing business in Brunei is as healthy as ever. From the roadside makeshift (sometimes illegal) stalls to the full blown car care spas like Trillium, Meguiars, Zymol, Autoglym and the newly established I-WAX. There is no doubt, the demand is there, but what sort of expectations does one have after sending their pride and joys for a little spruce up?

I for one, expected perfection but more often than not, needed to compromise expectations with reality. I began by meticulously going through the car before collection but nowadays, "tutup satu mata" attitude kinda applies.

This lead me to attempt more DIY car detailing than i ever imagine. Not only more cost effective but good exercise too.....and some serious attention to details. From those stone chips, to the swirl marks and imperfection to the paint work.....You'll be surprised with what you'll see on your Beemer if you do it yourself.

BMW X1...coming soon?




This X1 maybe reaching our shores by the end of year. Spy shots coming through the web reveals its not far off from this concept photo. Looks like crossover between a 3 series touring and a 1 series. Suspect the xdrive 2.0d and xdrive 2.8i will brought in.

Whatever it is, expect nothing but another worthy addition to a member of the Efficient Dynamics group.

Where to begin? A first time blogger, i hope to be as informative as i am entertaining. Objective is to attract those BMW drivers in Brunei to share their experience of their rides and experience. Anywhere from walking into the showroom to a major overhaul of their trusty ride. Hopefully non-BMW lovers will one day soon share the pleasures of being in an Ultimate Driving Machine.