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Buying a Used 3-Series

460 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 9:52 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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#312 of 460
Re: 06 330xi [spygame] by roadburner
Dec 18, 2008 (10:04 am)
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Replying to: spygame (Dec 18, 2008 12:14 am)

It sounds like a good price. As for the inspection, you need to find a good BMW dealer or independent tech. Start your search for independent BMW techs here. The cost should be less than $200. If the dealer won't let you take the car to a BMW dealer or tech then simply move on.
#316 of 460
Im lookin for a car to buy. by cardude_2009
Jan 10, 2009 (5:01 pm)
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I have found a 1985-1987 BMW E30 325e and was wondering if you guys had an opinion on the car. It is 1000 dollars and has 195k miles. It is a 5 speed manual and has brand new tires. The condition is pretty good (the paint is worn along with the interior, but its not too bad). The car has been taken care of (routine oil changes and such). I do most all my repairs myself but I have noticed that prices of BMW parts can be a little more expensive (correct me if I'm wrong). I do want to keep costs down including repairs. If you could help me with a decision that would be great.
#317 of 460
Re: Im lookin for a car to buy. [cardude_2009] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Jan 10, 2009 (5:07 pm)
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Replying to: cardude_2009 (Jan 10, 2009 5:01 pm)

Good model, price is right, but you should have it checked out by a BMW shop regardless to make sure there's nothing expensive in your future.
 
Here's your list of potential problem with this early 3 series:
 
Checklist for 3 Series
#318 of 460
Re: Im lookin for a car to buy. [Mr_Shiftright] by cardude_2009
Jan 10, 2009 (8:36 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 10, 2009 5:07 pm)

How long do you think this car can last?
Obviously you can't know how this individual car will last but do you have a rough estimate on a well maintained E30 325e?
#319 of 460
Re: Im lookin for a car to buy. [cardude_2009] by roadburner
Jan 10, 2009 (9:25 pm)
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Replying to: cardude_2009 (Jan 10, 2009 8:36 pm)

Lots of E30s make it to 250000-300000 miles with little drama. If you do buy the car, join the BMW Car club. You'll get access to great technical support and many dealers and independent shops offer significant discounts to members. I think you will be surprised at reasonable cost of most all E30 parts. If you do plan to work on the car yourself you should pick up the Bentley E30 repair manual.
#321 of 460
Re: Im lookin for a car to buy. [cardude_2009] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Jan 11, 2009 (8:58 am)
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Replying to: cardude_2009 (Jan 10, 2009 8:36 pm)

There's no way to know and no way to guarantee even 100 more miles on a car of this age and mileage.
 
Roadburner's advice is, however, a GREAT way to improve your odds.
 
So a lot depends entirely on how well it was cared for in the first place (not in your control) AND how well YOU care for it in the future (totally in your control).
  
Let's be real here---a car with this mileage is like a man who is 75 years old. Could live to a hundred, could drop on the tennis court tomorrow.
  
Statistically, (and statistics are often misleading) the average car in America lasts 10-11 years. If we assume 15,000 miles a year, then there you go.
 
But that includes mishaps like accidents, theft, etc.---also not in your control half the time.
 
(I read somewhere that even if our bodies could be made disease-free and we couldn't die, that within 200 or 300 years we'd get blown up or something anyway).
  
Speaking only with anecdotal evidence, which proves nothing, in my appraisal work I rarely see an older car of any type at 300K, but I do see them at 225K or so fairly frequently. And the rare ones at 300K have certainly had an investment of maintenance and/or repair.
 
So it may turn out that your budget will determine the car's ultimate longevity. BMWs are tough cars but they don't like neglect. This isn't a '65 Chevy.
  
 
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