Is this a good deal?

[KenshinX]

I saw this BMW 325i with leather seats automatic 132,704 miles thinking about scooping her up for a mere $1200 does this sound right any BMW specialist on this site help me out here thanks.

http://autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/detail/index.html?cid=automobiles-228268174&dst=16.47&rsr=Yj0mbWFrZT1CTVcmbW9kZWw9JmNsX3k9JmNoX3k9JmNsX3ByaWNlPTEmY2hfcHJpY2U9MjAwMCZjbF9taT0mY2hfbWk9JmNrPSZndXI9NTAmY3N6PTIzNDYyJnZ0eXBlPWF1dG9zJm1rPUJNVyZtbz0-

[Arne]

The 325e (2.7 eta mill) is a torquey, low revving motor. Condition is everything, if in solid shape it can be a very reliable machine. Those little M20 small block sixes will run almost forever given decent maintenance. Although I must admit to having no experience as to the reliability of the automatic - I haven't had an automatic in any car for over 30 years. But my daily drivers for the past 10 years have been 3 series - an '81 323i first, and now a '96 328i for the past 5 years. Great driving cars.

But a warning: if the seller can not prove to your satisfaction (with receipts) that the timing belt has been changed recently, plan to do it post-haste. Because if it breaks, it'll bend all the valves.

[KenshinX]

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[hls30.com]

Nice looking car, but my experience with 100k plus 3 series is be pepaired to be 50 and 100 dollared to death(vs nickled and dimed with a Z!) All the little stuf with a Bimmer is considerably more expensive...

Will

[Arne]

Nice looking car, but my experience with 100k plus 3 series is be pepaired to be 50 and 100 dollared to death(vs nickled and dimed with a Z!) All the little stuf with a Bimmer is considerably more expensive...

Will

Sorry, Will. My experiences have been otherwise.

My old 323i (graymarket euro model) had 225,000 km on it when I bought it. I drove it for 5 years, sold it with 330,000 km. Still ran perfectly, didn't burn a drop of oil, almost nothing broke, and the repairs and maintenance cost was far less than most other cars. I have found most BMW car parts to be fairly affordable, just don't buy them at the dealer. The guy I sold it to is still driving it now, five years later. Still hasn't had any expensive problems.

My brother has an '87 325is - same story, except he has owned it for over 12 years now. And my current 328i has been much the same. Parts are reasonable - I overhauled the cooling system on it. I bought a new OEM radiator, water pump, thermostat, aluminum t-stat housing, both serpentine belts and both hoses for a sum total of $250 + shipping. Try doing that for your Z.

Sorry to be long winded here. But people see 'BMW' and see visions of dollar signs, both for the purchase of the car and later for maintenance and repair. Yes, they are expensive if you buy them new, but I won't do that. I bought my 328i as a six year old used car with 35,000 miles, and paid less than what a new Civic would cost. Just have to be smart about it.

[Sailor Bob]

I'ld buy it in a minute!!

[e_racer1999]

looks very nice.....

my '84 325e (5speed) had some problems, but that was due to poor maintenance (and 250K+ mi!)

nice cars overall, but if i could do it again, i'd wait it out and get me a 325i

[hls30.com]

Sorry, Will. My experiences have been otherwise.

...

.

Arne,

I'm glad your experiences were good, I spent 1/3 of the purchase price on assorted non driveline repairs and parts in the first nine months of ownership of an absolutely beautiful, extreemly well maintained 140K 3 series then I after talking to the parts manager at the local BMW dealership off the clock, followed his advice, and sold the car that weekend. I sold it for what I had in it, and the buyer came back to me three times to ask me to take care of repairs over the next month-each time I pointed to the "AS IS in the ad and the fact that he had a mechanic check it over. That experience ended my BMW courtship.

Will

[BD240Z]

I've also had several BMW E30's including an 86 325E and have had good luck. Working on them is fairly typical with the exception of the sub-frame mounts in the rear. They take special tools and some patience.

If you buy this car, don't get your parts from the Dealer and you'll save alot of money. There are a number of suppliers (Bavarian Autosport being the largest), that sell many OE parts at discount prices. Get the Bentley manual also, they're excellent for these cars.

Good luck with your decision!

Bruce

[Zak's Z]

I just bought and sold a 2000 BMW Z3. Try the bimmer forums (bimmerforums.com) (bimmerfest.com). I'm sure you'll find out about all the typical problems and be able to get help with specifics from the guys there.

Although....some people here can probably be more helpful.

Please tell us you're not going to give up the Z after you get the Bimmer!

[KenshinX]

Of course not I'm still looking for a daily driver tho... I need one before school start or else Imma have to sell the Z because I won't have a job. I only have $1500 to spend I know its like having no money, but I need something.. I've found 3 choices so far a 1993 mitsubishi diamante $1300, a 1995 Mazda Millenia fully loaded but it has very high miles 192k for $1100 looks very nice though. and a 93 Nissan altima $1400 134k miles very good condition. Does anyone know of any good daily drivers in my area around $1500 or less I'm not looking for bells and wistles and I'd prefer to steer from honda civics.