Ask the Car People.SM


BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

30250 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 11:51 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 2927 of 3026

#29255 of 30250 I'm looking into buying a 1996 328i w/ 145000 miles need advise by joan0424

Mar 31, 2006 (7:59 pm)

I've always wanted a bmw because it's reliable even after hundreds of miles... I'm interested in getting a 1996 328i w/ 145000 miles on it. One owner and he has all of the service documentations... car fax came out good... the owner said he just changed the battery, tires, and fixed the power windows. He did mentioned that when he start the car in the morning it will not start right away until he pumps the gas a little... but after that he can start and go with no issue. Is it the fuel pump? Is that expensive to get fix? Also, he said that when he first starts it the airbag lights turns on but will turn off shortly after you start driving... should I worry about that? Other than the two issue mentioned the car seems to be good... the price he is asking is $5500... please advise.
 
Thanks!
 
Joan

#29256 of 30250 Re: I'm looking into buying a 1996 328i w/ 145000 miles need advise [joan0424] by div2

Mar 31, 2006 (9:49 pm)

Replying to: joan0424 (Mar 31, 2006 7:59 pm)
Joan, you really need to have an experienced BMW tech inspect the car before you purchase. A properly maintained 328i would be a great deal for $5500; a neglected car will be a money pit.
Several things could cause the cold idle problem-most are easy and inexpensive to fix, but you won't know until a good Bimmer tech checks it over.
If the airbag light stays on for 2 minutes after starting the car the problem is most always either a bad seat belt latch or a defective sensor pad in the seat cushion.

#29257 of 30250 BMW- 325i question by pjp9999

Mar 31, 2006 (10:10 pm)

I am tossing around the idea of buying a certified pre-owned 2004 or 2005 BMW 325i with around 10-20k miles. I've only owned Japanese cars in the past and I don't want a moneypit of a car. Not sure if a BMW is the car for me because engine may be too sophisticated? Would appreciate any feedback re: dependability, service, CPO vs. leasing new, etc.
 
thanks.

#29258 of 30250 Re: BMW- 325i question [pjp9999] by armand

Apr 01, 2006 (5:19 am)

Replying to: pjp9999 (Mar 31, 2006 10:10 pm)
As the owner of a '05 325XiT and an '04 Acura TL I can tell you nothing is as reliable as a good Japanese car or as much fun to drive as a BMW. I like both my car for different reasons. By the way the TL is fun to drive but not as much as the BMW and the reliability of the BMW is OK but not like the Acura.

#29259 of 30250 Re: 325 or 330 [nyccarguy] by maulana

Apr 01, 2006 (1:04 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Mar 29, 2006 9:03 pm)
NO problem at all. I know email sometimes does come across weird.
 
I have noticed about a 4k difference in 325 and 330's that are being returned from leases, so I think I might go for a 325.
 
thank you everyone.

#29260 of 30250 And I also goofed by nyccarguy

Apr 01, 2006 (2:57 pm)

by giving my analysis of an E90 325i vs E90 330i, not the E46 modle you're looking at.
 
Brave1heart has a 325i (modified) that he autocrosses and r5an car & driver's 1 lap of America with. I don't think he longs for the extra power of the 330i at all.
 
Blueguydotcom has a ZHP 330i that he loves driving. He's said many times he knows someone with a 325i and he doesn't like driving it.
 
EDIT: div2 has an E36 318ti that he could probably run rings around most of us if we had an M3.
 
It is all personal preference.

#29261 of 30250 325 by brave1heart

Apr 01, 2006 (4:42 pm)

An E46 325i manual has plenty of zip for street driving. If you go with an auto tranny, I think the 330i engine would be better suited for it. Drive both before you decide.

#29262 of 30250 Re: And I also goofed [nyccarguy] by div2

Apr 01, 2006 (5:07 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Apr 01, 2006 2:57 pm)
div2 has an E36 318ti that he could probably run rings around most of us if we had an M3.
 
Well, I might be a decent driver, but I don't think I'm THAT good...

#29263 of 30250 Re: And I also goofed [div2] by sky11

Apr 01, 2006 (8:04 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Apr 01, 2006 5:07 pm)
got an e36 with 183,000 and it runs beautifully. no major work (rings,pistons etc) still get 29 mpg city/highway mix 65mph and still drive it every day. purchased it new in oct of 91 had to repaint and will drive it hopefully for another five years. wanted to put 250,000 on it but just might come up a little shy

#29264 of 30250 03 325i dependability issues? by blacki

Apr 02, 2006 (2:08 am)

Thinking of trading in 318i for 03 325i. Absolutely must have dependable car for daily commute. Live too far from dealer to be taking to shop for other than routine scheduled maintenance. Is the tiptronic tranny dependable in the long run (well over 100,000 miles)? Are Xenons budget busters when they go bad? I really like the BMW driving experience, better than anything else I have ever owned, but dependality is prabably the most important issue in the long run, me being an ordinary American of somewhat limited financial means. Appreciate any input from those who have some experience with the newer model in question. Thanks. Blacki.

Messages Page 2927 of 3026

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement