Q

bmw or mercedes which is more expensive

In the Malaysian market, BMW and Mercedes-Benz sit at the top of the luxury car heap, so you’re naturally looking at a higher price tag than your average mainstream brand. But when it comes to which one’s pricier? Well, that really depends on the specific model and how you spec it out. Generally speaking, Mercedes’ core models like the C-Class or E-Class might edge out the equivalent BMW 3 Series or 5 Series, especially once you start ticking boxes for premium interiors or punchier powertrains. But let’s not forget the performance stuff – both BMW’s M Division and Mercedes-AMG lineups can send prices soaring into seriously rarefied territory. A big factor here is also whether the car is locally assembled (CKD) or fully imported (CBU). For instance, a locally put-together BMW X1 might actually work out more budget-friendly than a fully imported Mercedes GLA. And it’s not just the sticker price you need to think about. Running costs play a huge role too – things like insurance, servicing, and parts. Mercedes tends to have a slight edge in maintenance cost, but don’t sleep on BMW’s turbocharged engines; they can sometimes surprise you with higher long-term maintenance bills if you’re not careful. At the end of the day, my advice? Do your homework. Compare the exact models you’re eyeing, factor in your budget, what you actually need the car for, and don’t ignore those all-important personal preferences. Oh, and keep an eye out for promotions – the Malaysian luxury car market often throws up some tasty tax breaks or financing deals that can make that dream ride a bit more attainable.
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Q
Can electric car batteries be recycled?
Electric vehicle batteries can be recycled, and Malaysia is actively promoting the development of the relevant industrial chain. Lithium-ion batteries contain high-value metals such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium. Through professional recycling, over 80% of the materials can be extracted for the production of new batteries. Currently, global recycling technologies have been commercialized, including mature processes like pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy. In terms of local policies, the *National Automotive Policy* and the *New Industrial Master Plan 2030* have listed battery recycling as a key development area. The government is collaborating with Chinese enterprises to establish a recycling network, with a plan to form a complete circular system covering battery production to end-of-life treatment by 2030. Notably, retired batteries with a remaining capacity of 70%-80% can be repurposed (second-life used) in energy storage systems, which can extend the battery life cycle and reduce energy storage costs by approximately 40%. However, supporting testing standards and safety regulations are required. The current challenge lies in the insufficient recycling rate of less than 5%, mainly due to weak consumer awareness and an imperfect collection system. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen public education and optimize the layout of recycling points.
Q
How long does it take to charge a car battery after a jump?
The charging time of a car battery after jump-starting needs to be comprehensively determined based on the charging method, battery condition and usage scenario. If charged by the engine, driving at a speed of over 2000 rpm for about 1 hour can restore the basic charge, but in case of severe power loss, it needs to last for 4-5 hours; using a portable charger for slow charging takes 12-20 hours. For example, a 12V 60Ah battery takes about 10 hours to charge with a 6A current, while the constant voltage and current limiting method takes 20 hours (14.8V with 15A current limit for 16 hours + 3A constant current for 4 hours). Although fast charging equipment can charge to 50% capacity in 30 minutes, it may damage the battery life and is only recommended for emergency use. Charging efficiency is also affected by ambient temperature, and it needs to be extended by 1-2 hours at low temperatures. It is recommended to check the battery voltage regularly. When the no-load voltage is lower than 11.5V, slow charging should be prioritized, and the voltage should stabilize at around 13.5V after full charging. For old batteries over 3 years old or vehicles that frequently drive short distances, it is recommended to idle for 20 minutes every week or use an intelligent maintenance charger to avoid capacity degradation caused by long-term power loss.
Q
How long to drive to maintain battery?
To maintain the optimal condition of a car battery, it is recommended to drive the vehicle for at least 20-30 minutes weekly, preferably at a steady highway speed. This ensures the alternator adequately charges the battery and prevents power deficiency caused by frequent short trips. For long-term parked vehicles, start the engine monthly and drive at moderate speed for over 20 minutes, or use a dedicated battery charger. During daily starts, limit each ignition attempt to 3-5 seconds; if unsuccessful, wait 15 seconds before retrying. After starting, maintain idle operation for 3-5 minutes to restore charge. In winter's low temperatures when battery activity decreases, avoid discharging beyond 25% capacity. During summer heat, shield the battery from direct sunlight and limit discharge to 50% maximum. Inspect the battery casing regularly for bulging or leaks. Clean terminals with a damp cloth biannually and apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. For batteries older than 3 years, increase inspection frequency to quarterly. If the vehicle remains unused for over a week, disconnect the negative terminal and perform monthly charging, while ensuring all electrical accessories are switched off to minimize parasitic drain. Through proper charge management, environmental control, and scheduled maintenance, battery lifespan can be effectively extended to 3-5 years.
Q
How do I know when my car battery is fully charged?
Determining whether a car battery is fully charged can be comprehensively verified through multiple methods. First, use a multimeter to measure the voltage: it indicates a full charge if the voltage reaches 12.6V to 12.8V in no-load state or stabilizes above 13V under load; if a professional battery tester is available, the voltage needs to reach above 14V. Second, observe the indicator light of the charging device: most chargers will change from red to green when fully charged, and some models will display the words "fully charged" or the ammeter pointer will drop to a stable value (about 2% of the battery capacity). For traditional lead-acid batteries, the electrolyte state can be used for auxiliary judgment: it is fully charged when uniform bubbles are generated inside or the hydrometer shows 1.28. In terms of charging time, a 60Ah battery charged with a standard 6A current takes about 5 hours, while charging with a small current needs to be extended to 10 hours, but overcharging that causes the battery to heat up or electrolyte to evaporate should be avoided. In daily maintenance, it is recommended to regularly check the cleanliness of the electrodes. If the vehicle starts smoothly and electrical equipment operates stably, it usually indicates sufficient charge. It should be noted that maintenance-free batteries rely on voltage detection, and frequent power loss or abnormal charging may indicate battery aging, in which case it is recommended to use special testing equipment for further evaluation.
Q
Do car batteries get charged while driving?
Cars can indeed charge the battery while driving, which is mainly achieved through two methods. First, when the engine is running, it drives the alternator via a belt to convert mechanical energy into alternating current, which is then converted into direct current by the rectifier to recharge the battery. The charging efficiency will significantly improve when the engine speed exceeds 1600 rpm. Second, vehicles equipped with a regenerative braking system can convert part of the kinetic energy into electrical energy for storage during deceleration. This technology is particularly useful in urban road conditions with frequent braking. The charging system has a built-in voltage regulator that intelligently controls the charging process; it will automatically stop charging when the battery voltage reaches around 14V to avoid overcharging. It should be noted that due to the low engine speed at idle, the charging efficiency is limited, so it is recommended to maintain normal driving to optimize the charging effect. The battery lifespan typically ranges from 1 to 8 years. Daily use should avoid prolonged operation of onboard electrical appliances after the engine is turned off. Regular driving can effectively maintain the battery charge. If the battery is completely depleted, a jump-start is required, and after starting, the vehicle needs to be driven continuously for at least 30 minutes to restore the basic charge level.
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