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Buying a Used 3-Series

455 messages,  Last post on Oct 16, 2009 at 6:36 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

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


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#286 of 455
Re: Help....what should I do? [ashleymarie] by roadburner
Sep 18, 2008 (11:16 am)
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Replying to: ashleymarie (Sep 18, 2008 10:42 am)

My only experience is with BMWs. If you are serious about the 330i you need to have it thoroughly inspected by a tech who knows BMWs. I'd set aside $75 per month for repairs and maintenance. Maintenance costs will be reasonable if you find a good dealer or independent BMW tech. Whatever you do, don't scrimp on maintenance.
#287 of 455
Re: Help....what should I do? [roadburner] by ashleymarie
Sep 18, 2008 (12:59 pm)
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Replying to: roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 11:16 am)

Thanks for replying! I can definately do the 75 a month....I just heard problems with transmissions and such especially with the high mileage....I am in love with the car...but I don't want to be screwed you know.
#288 of 455
Re: Help....what should I do? [ashleymarie] by roadburner
Sep 18, 2008 (4:19 pm)
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Replying to: ashleymarie (Sep 18, 2008 12:59 pm)

I just heard problems with transmissions and such especially with the high mileage
 
Some BMW automatic transmissions have failed at 100,000 miles, others have gone over 200,000 miles without problems. The key to a BMW's long term reliability is to keep it maintained by the book. If you buy the car, don't hesitate to ask any questions. I'll be happy to help.
#289 of 455
by ashleymarie
Sep 23, 2008 (6:18 am)
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Thanks roadburner....I decided not to buy.
#290 of 455
Did it by backy
Sep 25, 2008 (4:51 pm)
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Went for a 2000 328Ci coupe with Premium Package--leather, moonroof, xenons, etc. etc., 68k miles, grey/grey. Original MSRP $39k (window sticker was in the glove box). My price, $12,400 +T&L. Or about the same as a two-year-old base Elantra. Oh, it's a stick. One owner trade on a new Bimmer, bought and serviced where I got it. Dealer had the complete service records, including recent new brakes, tires, battery, major servicing, etc. Having some minor bodywork done to take out some scratches and dents (part of the deal), then it will be all miiiiiiiine. Except for a tiny hole on the passenger side door interior trim and a little dig on the rear bumper, it looks new (or it will after it leaves the body shop). It drives great, very smooth and rattle-free, great linear tracking and handling (of course).
 
Time for my second childhood.
#291 of 455
Re: Did it [backy] by roadburner
Sep 25, 2008 (7:48 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Sep 25, 2008 4:51 pm)

Sounds like a great car. Just stay on top of the maintenance. I'd change the oil every 7.5K and I'd also replace the transmission and diff oils if they havent been done already. Keep the coolant changed-BMW coolant only-every three years and the brake fluid(DOT 4) every two and the car should run well for a long time to come.
#292 of 455
Re: Did it [roadburner] by backy
Sep 25, 2008 (8:03 pm)
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Replying to: roadburner (Sep 25, 2008 7:48 pm)

Thanks. Those things have been done recently (oil was just changed today) and I put about 7500 miles a year on my car, so I should be good to go (knock on wood) for awhile. It will be fun driving a stick again--especially one with 193 hp. I told my son and daughter who are still at home I'd teach them how to drive it. I told them, if they can play video games, they can drive a stick. Eventually it will be my daughter's car... if she is a real good girl the next few years.
#293 of 455
325ci 2006 by nh07fan
Sep 27, 2008 (3:50 am)
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We agree to our 1st BMW-have wanted 1 for a long time. It's a 3rd car for when my wife doesn't need to drive her all-wheel drive Sienna minivan and I'm not using my Accord for work (outside sales).
 
Anyway I think we did well to find
 
a 2006 325ci Black with 10,500 miles for $23,500 CPO Only 2 options are heated seats and Steptronic Automatic
 
The search really evolved..........we had serious negotiations on a 2000 325i with 68k for $11500 and a 2005 325ci with 48k miles-$19,800 CPO with the same options as the one we bought. We worried too much about out of warranty issues (and it drove a little sluggish) with the 2000. We like the 2005 but the grey color was a little bland-we drive 2 grey colored cars now and were attracted to the low miles and extra year of original warranty and certified warranty with the 2006. This will be kept in the garage-we'll drive in winter when roads are clear and put on about 5-7k miles per year.
 
Any thoughts or advice-we take delivery on Tuesday.
#294 of 455
Re: 325ci 2006 [nh07fan] by docgary
Oct 03, 2008 (9:04 pm)
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Replying to: nh07fan (Sep 27, 2008 3:50 am)

Sounds like a great deal! What part of the country do you live?
 
Out here in the northeast (New Jersey), a 2006 325i CPO with under 20k mileage
will never sell south of 25K - trust me - i've been searching for 6 weeks!!
 
I've owned 2 BMWs -1994 325i and 1997 540i -
at 10,000 miles, the car hasnt even been broken in!!
 
I have found a 06 325i (would have preferred a 330)
27K mileage, silver with black interior (the only interior worth having IMO)
cold weather/premium package, maintenance package,
 
This car stood out from the previous six I test rode.
I'm not in need of a fast off-the-line speedster -
Been there done that - and I have a motorcycle for that rush.
This 57 yo ex porche owner is simply looking for that great handling,
fun car that only BMW has.
 
The prior six all had a degree of a "ridden out" feel -
too much dampening in suspension ,body roll, generally a tired feel.
 
This puppy woke up the second I stepped on the pedal. Very clean in and out.
Garaged, well cared for.
 
I will seal the deal this weekend -
$25,000 OTD incl tax. (no $ down 60 months, 3.9%)
 
If you get your deal and the car has no negative surprises,
You have gotten a SWEET DEAL!!
 
GOOD LUCK
DOCGARY
#295 of 455
Re: 325ci 2006 [docgary] by nh07fan
Oct 04, 2008 (12:57 pm)
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Replying to: docgary (Oct 03, 2008 9:04 pm)

Live in NH, bought in Peabody Mass. The sticker said 26900, internet price was 25,500. No surprises and we are very happy. We put 500 miles this week to go over 11k. I think the economy and a rear wheel drive car this time of year up North gave us great leverage. It's truly in better shape than my 07 accord and my wife's 08 Sienna. Love the look of the black coupe.
 
My only 3 comments not complaints are that
 
1. There is a ton of brake dust-although it just came off easily
2. Maybe I've been driving it too enthusiastically but we are getting 21 mpg according to computer
3. The speedo reads 3 mph higher than GPS.
 
Anyway we are very pleased. Good luck with your car and thanks for responding.

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