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Buying a Used 3-Series

758 messages,  Last post on Dec 17, 2012 at 9:34 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW M3, BMW 3 Series, Motorsports, Engine, Suspension, Car Buying, Coupe

Messages Page 27 of 76

#259 of 758 Re: Looking to purchase my first BMW [dhumpty] by cotmc

Mar 04, 2008 (4:51 pm)

Replying to: dhumpty (Mar 02, 2008 8:55 pm)
I purchased a 2005 325Ci CPO with stick shift about one year ago, and I am very pleased with this decision. I can provide a couple notes regarding your question #3:
 
- The data provided last year by Consumer Reports indicates the overall reliability of the 2005 3-series was statistically better than the 2004 models. They should be releasing the 2008 automobile issue soon, with updated information. This data, along with the longer remaining warranty, is why I would again look for an '05 rather than an '04, if I was in the market now.
 
- Based on all I've read, I am reluctant to believe BMW made the correct choice with using RFTs on their new 3-series platform. I fail to see much of any upside. However, don't take my word for it. Check out the BMW Run Flat Tires discussion topic for yourself.
 
- The new platform is very nice. I had a 2006 325i as a loaner for the weekend, and it was definitely quieter than my 2005 model. It reminded me of the previous generation 528i I owned several years ago. Maybe I'm too biased, but I thought my 2005 model was more fun to drive than the 2006 325i. But if I was a passenger -- not the driver -- I'm sure I would choose that 2006 loaner over my own car.

#260 of 758 Re: Looking to purchase my first BMW [cotmc] by roadburner

Mar 04, 2008 (6:28 pm)

Replying to: cotmc (Mar 04, 2008 4:51 pm)
It reminded me of the previous generation 528i I owned several years ago.
 
Exactly; I'm considering an M3 sedan for my family car, I consider it to be more of a hyper-fast grand tourer, much like an E28 or E34 M5. It certainly isn't an edgy corner-carving hooligan like the original(and still the best) M3.
 
Maybe I'm too biased, but I thought my 2005 model was more fun to drive than the 2006 325i.
 
My 1995 Club Sport is definitely more fun to drive than any E90/E92 I've driven- even taking into account the massive horsepower deficit. As a matter of fact, I did think long and hard about buying a 335i sedan, but I just didn't find it involving enough, as the Brits put it. I decided to buy a very hot hatch while I wait and see what other interesting cars come down the pike...

#261 of 758 Purchase of 2005 330i by ducatiguy

Mar 04, 2008 (9:33 pm)

One person's experience - I just purchased a 2005 330i automatic with premium and sport packages and xenons. Car has (had) 2250 miles as it was still with the original dealer and had not been titled, although the In Service date was 5/30/2005. Considering what I believe I gave up on my trade-in (2000 528i), I estimate my true cost was 30500. Plus, I am the beneficiary of BMW's great finance rate on 2005 CPO 3 series cars right now. While a new 328i optioned the way I want MSRPs at (just) 37,200, bottom line, I am pleased with my car and purchase.

#262 of 758 Re: Purchase of 2005 330i [ducatiguy] by dhumpty

Mar 05, 2008 (9:58 am)

Replying to: ducatiguy (Mar 04, 2008 9:33 pm)
Thanks so much cotmc, roadburner, and ducatiguy
 
(love those names!)
 
Of course, I'll have to test drive a few myself, but I really appreciate other experiences and points of view...
 
and since I know little about BMW's (and have a limited knowledge of cars in general), this info is very helpful to me.
 
 

#263 of 758 Re: Purchase of 2005 330i [dhumpty] by cotmc

Mar 05, 2008 (1:09 pm)

Replying to: dhumpty (Mar 05, 2008 9:58 am)
(love those names!)
 
That reminds me... I might want to change my name in here. It's an acronym given to me by a former co-worker: Car Of The Month Club. That was back in the mid- to late-90's when I was an engineer working telecom; when my wife and I were still DINKs. Lately, we've been holding onto our automobiles for at least 2-3 years each.
 
I'm not as much of a car enthusiast as roadburner, but even so, I am a big fan of several BMW models. The E46 platform with the Sports Suspension provides me with an ideal fun-to-drive experience, without the suspension harshness of some other sports models. Kudos as well to the spot-on steering feel as well as its relatively thrifty fuel economy. I purchased the extended maintenance plan for my '05 325Ci, and I plan to keep this car until shortly before the CPO warranty expires in April 2011.
 
My wife drives an '04 X3, which was also purchased as a CPO vehicle. We both think it is an awesome little SUV -- nearly perfect for our small family. In the past 10 years we've owned/leased other models by Lexus, Acura, Volvo, Audi, and Toyota; but we've enjoyed these BMWs the most.

#264 of 758 Re: Purchase of 2005 330i [cotmc] by pat

Mar 05, 2008 (1:21 pm)

Replying to: cotmc (Mar 05, 2008 1:09 pm)
I might want to change my name in here.
 
If you seriously want to do that, email Karen, the Forums Community Manager, and ask what you need to do - karen AT edmunds.com.
 
I'd hate to see you do that, though. You are well known as cotmc. Oh wait... is that the problem??

#265 of 758 Re: Purchase of 2005 330i [pat] by cotmc

Mar 05, 2008 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: pat (Mar 05, 2008 1:21 pm)
Thanks, Pat!
 
I honestly didn't think I was well known... at least not much, anymore.
 
I guess the hosts haven't forgotten about the infamous Town Hall Riot of '99??

#266 of 758 Re: Purchase of 2005 330i [cotmc] by pat

Mar 05, 2008 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: cotmc (Mar 05, 2008 1:38 pm)
Hah! The hosts don't forget a thing! Nuttin' at all!!!

#267 of 758 Used 2007 BMW 335i coupe - BUYBACK by randyjstark

Mar 17, 2008 (2:56 pm)

Hey everyone.
 
This is one of my first posts in the BMW forum, and am looking at getting either a used 2007 BMW 3 series 335i or a new 2008 infiniti g35x.
 
I found a used 335i with 16000 miles on it, but it appears to be a BMW buyback car. When I asked what was wrong with the car, the dealership said that the "check engine light" was coming on, and that they had no more details as to why it was bought back by BMW. Since I live in PA, the carfax would be clean-titled so it would not show up as a buy back when I go to resell the car. However, if I go to a BMW dealer, they will see that it is a "buyback"
 
In any event, the car seems almost fully loaded has some great options which are as follows:
 
Cold Weather pckg
Sport pckg
Automatic Trans
Brushed Alumninum
Ambient Light
Navigation
Satellite Radio
Premium Pckg
Comfort Access pckg
logic 7 sound
paddle shifters.
 
MSRP of the car was about $50,000 (i saw the original window sticker) and I have the dealer down to $35,000 including tax. I will most likely put ~5000 down to reduce my interest and monthly payments.
 
KBB shows this car at 16,000 miles with similar configuration to be about $43,000
 
Considering this is a buy-back should I try negotiating even lower than the price the dealer and I have thus far agreed upon? This seems like a tremendous deal to me, with the MFG warranty expiring in Oct of 2010, but I am a bit skeptical with the BMW buyback thing. What has your experience with a BMW buyback been? --Is the dealer trying to not tell me everything and if so, how do I find out what REALLY was wrong with the car?
 
Much thanks,
randy

#268 of 758 Re: Used 2007 BMW 335i coupe - BUYBACK [randyjstark] by ronaries10

Mar 27, 2008 (7:15 pm)

Replying to: randyjstark (Mar 17, 2008 2:56 pm)
Of course, the price & car are attractive. Things you want to know are:
 
1. what has the dealer/service done since they took the car back to remedy problems?
2. Is the warranty a true warranty and not the service pkg extended.
3. Will BMW see if previous owner will consent to talk or email you re car history . Or can you otherwise find/contact previous owner?
4. How much inconvenience will your personal schedule tolerate if the car turns out to have above average trouble?
5. Do you have any basis to "trust the dealer" more than any other new car dealer - IMHO you could be asking for disappointment here- they are there to sell cars, and some are more honest and knowledgeable than others.
Good Luck whichever way you go.
ronaries
2004 BMW 330ci
Orient Blue, manual.

Messages Page 27 of 76

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