BMW World Singapore

"Discover the icons that have changed the automobile history. Glimpse the future with today's concept cars. Welcome the arrival of the most ground breaking technologies. Preview the latest lifestyle collection." - BMW

My trip to Singapore was made more worth it with the timing of the BMW World Singapore Expo at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The halls of the convention center was transformed into a world of BMW prestige through the years. Starting from their classics like the 8 series to this year's concept car the BMW Gina "Light Visionary". One may find himself dreaming. I did. Nevertheless, below are the machines I admired most at the show.

Outside the expo lobby you are already welcomed by several BMWs like this one. the 120i convertible is bringing summer to the streets. On day time the sun reflects across the hood's contour while at night, city lights rebound off its signature muscular profile. When the soft top is open, the focus shifts to the wide and elegant rear. When closed, the impact is compact and powerful.

Every BMW is a classic car in the making and I say classic is sexy and so is the 507! This is a beautiful car. It is well-proportioned, refined and visually harmonious. It is a shape of classic grace and timeless elegance manufactured between 1956-1959. The sassy roadster featured a V8 engine that can deliver an output power of 150hp and can reach the speed of 60mph in 10 seconds.

I'm a big fan of crossovers and SUVs! though not the head turner, the event was also the Asia premiere of the all new X3. Now this is a choice for a sharp-driving car that wears the right badge for school-run kudos. Some ability off-road should you need it that runs in excellent diesel engine. It has a 6-speed automatic, a strong 3.0 L, six-cylinder engine, and a nicer and more roomy interior than in past models. Looking at it already feels big, how much more when you hold the wheels!

Are you a free spirit? well i am, at least that's what I tell myself!lol Now open yourself to the joys of the Z4 roadster! The successor to the original Z3 is one of the more intriguing sports car available today. It features traditional characteristics such as a front-engine/rear-drive layout, a hunkered-down stance, a long hood and rearward positioning of driver and passenger. While the first Z4 featured a traditional soft top, the current Z4 model has a sleek retractable hardtop that makes this fun-loving roadster a more viable all-year car choice. The result is a grand touring coupe and roadster, and one of the most rounded sports cars money can buy.

A motorbike is not much of my choice for a daily transportation but i would say YES driving one of these on the road for try outs. The German marque well known for its automobiles actually has its roots in motorcycles. BMW's first motorcycle, the R32, debuted in 1923 and since then the company has been known for premium motorcycles that can go long distances with its recent offerings geared towards younger and faster riders.

The highlight of the show is the Gina, a fabric-skinned shape-shifting sports car concept built by the prestige BMW auto designers. The visionary model's outer skin, which is made entirely out of textile fabric that's pulled taut around a frame of metal and carbon fiber wires. The skeleton of the car is controlled by electro-hydraulic devices and can actually move and change shape beneath the fabric skin. For instance, the headlights of the concept can be exposed or hidden by the skin just like blinking eyes! and the hood opens from the center as the fabric parts to expose the engine. This futuristic design shows how BMW thinks outside of the box when it comes to the materials that make up a car and also how the car relates to the driver.

Hovering the show with my buddies Doyzkie, Reymond, and lovely couple Jill and Pio.

The WHEEL deal

On an average man’s life there are two purchases that require a great degree of level headedness, research, head scratching, sweat and all other manner of these clichéd emotions. These are buying a house, and choosing your means of transport. Yes! choosing a girlfriend didn’t make it to the top 2. What I think is that the house is the easier one, reason being that this is largely about location (easily visible) and condition (predominantly easily visible! Lelz) plus of course the price. Not so for Cars, which can have a multitude of skeletons lurking in their cupboards. Believe me Ive tried!Lels. There are two types of car shopping nonetheless. If you can afford it buy Brand New! Here you are pampered with a wide variety of models, glossy brochures, and unbelievably friendly salespeople. Plus whatever you buy you will most likely have a factory of warranties! What fun! As with the multitude of new car models on our market, the used car market is also extensive. But most of us are in a fenced budget and the option for second-hand model or used cars comes in. I have categorized four main ways to buy your steed.

First is from adverts in newspapers or specialist magazines (brand new). Second, you can go to the used car dealers which we have an array along paseo road and maguikay talamban.hahaha. Third is online which basically directs you to classy motor pools or the stalls I’ve mentioned earlier. And fourth, through auction in which the car is sold privately agreed by two parties and no tax included.

And since buying a brand new only recommends surface understanding of the specs and kin taste on what’s good looking, I am certain that discussing more on the second option is reader friendly.

When buying a used car, it is crucial to make sure that it is in sound mechanical condition. Simply saying if you don’t know much about cars, take someone who does. the following are basic tips when hovering for cars:

• Always ask for service records to ensure that the car has been maintained properly.

• Check the vehicle thoroughly for rust. The most obvious places are the door sills, window and headlamp surrounds, and under the carpet, booth inside and the boot.

• Use those keen eyes and check for signs that the car may have been in an accident. Some parts might be dented or there are odd welding seams.

• If a car has been poorly maintained, the evidence can usually be quickly spotted. Look under the bonnet and check for frayed wiring, a oily engine bay, cracked hoses, and corroded battery terminals.

• Remove the radiator cap and start the engine from cold. If bubbles surface from the water, it could indicate a defective cylinder head gasket.

• Check the windscreen for cracks and chips. U should know that a windscreen can be very expensive to replace.

• Stand behind the vehicle and ask the sales person to start the engine. Blue/grey smoke might indicate worn valve guides. If there is a lot of smoke, the engine may need an overhaul and is very costly.

• Inspect the tyres carefully. Unevenly worn tyres can indicate defective shock absorbers or suspension damage. None of which is cheap to repair.

• Lastly always test drive the vehicle with the radio switched off. Check the working of the indicators, wipers, fan, gearbox, pedals etc. Also make sure the car accelerates smoothly, and that there are no misfires.

To note, in the end the decision is always the buyers and don't let the mouth of the sales person distract you. Take time and make no haste. Not deciding on the first day doesn't make you stupid or cant afford, it means you're careful and sure. Nonetheless, bringing your own mechanic would really help us. And you should always bear in mind that fuel consumption may not be your greatest annual expense - it could be maintenance if you chose the wrong car. I hope these tips would not only help those planning to buy a new car but also to those who already has but lacks care for their babies. The above can also be used as gauges if your car is still working right.