Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

Hi there

So heres the deal, I have about 15K, 20K MAX to buy a car.

I tought about getting an honda obviously since its supposed to be the better cars now. But then I tought hey why not buy a little more used, but nicer car !?

SO I was thinking about getting something like a 320-323i, around 2001-2003, 100Kish km...

Yay or nay? Obviously if its pretty close in value Ill go for the style baby! Just trying to make sure its not a major waste of money.

Any advices from people who know something about cars will be very appreciated!

thanks guys [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

BMW maintenance costs will be much higher, and you won't get to drive it nearly as long before trouble crops up (since it'll have a lot more miles to start).

I'm partial to the "Buy a solid car and drive it until the wheels fall off" school of thought, so I'd rather have the Honda with fewer miles.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

My Cent & a half: Buy the Honda, You know you should, BigPoppa knows you should & even your pocket book knows you should. Be the styles in a new beemer when the honda has saved you enough coin

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

BMW's aren't especially expensive to maintain but they are expensive to fix. There's a difference. If you do the BMW, get it inspected first. There's a laundry list of things that wear out or go wrong on all of them, and at least you'll know how much you need to fix by getting it inspected.

Personally, Hondas bore me to death. If you can stomach a Japanese car, I'd look at a Mazda. It doesn't get the gas mileage of a Honda, but is much more interesting.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

m3 and m6 hondas are stylish enough for young guys and they last forever.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

Be very careful with the 3-series BMW's from the years you are looking at. They have a thin subframe that is prone to fatigue cracking with a lot of mileage and will cost a few grand to have welded up and reinforced. Make sure this has been taken care of if you find one that you like. Google "e46 subframe cracks" or similar if you want more info.

Regarding maintenance, BMW parts aren't expensive it is the labor that gets you. They are very well built and easy to work on in my experience, but if you have to pay for stuff it can be expensive. I've owned two BMW's and have found them to be very reliable cars.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

searching for 5 mins, i found a 2003 bmw 325 i, manufacturer certified, 42699 miles, for 17,993.

seems pretty nice to me. i've always like bmw's. just make sure you have a bit of money to spare on the upkeep.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
Hi there

So heres the deal, I have about 15K, 20K MAX to buy a car.

I tought about getting an honda obviously since its supposed to be the better cars now. But then I tought hey why not buy a little more used, but nicer car !?

SO I was thinking about getting something like a 320-323i, around 2001-2003, 100Kish km...

Yay or nay? Obviously if its pretty close in value Ill go for the style baby! Just trying to make sure its not a major waste of money.

Any advices from people who know something about cars will be very appreciated!

thanks guys [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

i am very ahppy with my car.

in may 2006 i bought a 1998 740iL green BMW beige leather for $8400 cash with 126k miles on it.

since then i've spent about 11k on repairs, maintenance, fixing stupid sh*t that goes wrong.

i could have spent less but i always take it to the BMW dealership. they give me a loaner car and i know they do a great job.

i have 3 things that need fixing now but i'm lazy and they aren't masssively important and they next available loaner car is in like a month lol...(back left break light is out, back left turn signal is out, back left reverse light is out)

so yea, as people said, be prepared to fix, maintain the car. but i'll tell you from my personal experience, i couldn't have been happier with this car. it is an absolute dream to drive, smooth as all hell w/ tons of power also. insanely huge trunk (3 dead bodies easy [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] ) and a backseat that has almost too much legroom.

so while i may be biased, i've been through this process and still have the car. it currently has 148k miles on it. i'd expect this to last to about 250k which will be far more value to me than the $ i spent on it (it's already surpassed that benchmark though). i plan on happily driving this car into the ground for years [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

good luck,
Barron

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

I personally think the japanese luxury cars are a much better deal - infiniti, lexus, acura.

Just avoid Acura 3.2 TL's from something like 2000-2004 due to ridiculously bad transmission problems.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
I personally think the japanese luxury cars are a much better deal - infiniti, lexus, acura.

Just avoid Acura 3.2 TL's from something like 2000-2004 due to ridiculously bad transmission problems.

[/ QUOTE ]

QFT. My mom had a 3.2 CL Type S (same powertrain) and the tranny broke/was replaced 3 times in 107k miles.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

wow! am I just out of touch with reality here or 11K of repairs in 25K km is just extremely high?.

I guess Im used to my old tercel 94. Perhaps 1, 2K MAX of repairs in 3 years and 70K km, now a 200KM total. That [censored] just never breaks. But its ugly, rusted and so boring to drive.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

my first car was a used BMW 7 series...loved that thing, had it for a VERY long time. maintenance and repairs are an absolute KILLER (DcifrThs's experience is not uncommon). after having to constantly shell out $3K+ every 8 months for repairs and maintenance i gave it up and got a new one.
they are amazing cars, but be sure you can afford the upkeep if youre buying used or else theyll bankrupt you. if you cant, get a brand new honda....the new civics si's are VERY cool cars.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
wow! am I just out of touch with reality here or 11K of repairs in 25K km is just extremely high?.

I guess Im used to my old tercel 94. Perhaps 1, 2K MAX of repairs in 3 years and 70K km, now a 200KM total. That [censored] just never breaks. But its ugly, rusted and so boring to drive.

[/ QUOTE ]

well it was 5k right off the bat when i got it inspected (was PISSED off about that)

then it was 2k for 130k checkup and fixing everything in the dealership in NY

then it was another 1k here 800 there, 1.5k here etc. for tons of stuff going wrong.

but now i'm all set and happy for now (the light issues will probably be another 1k)

i don't mind though since the car is such a dream

Barron

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
i have 3 things that need fixing now but i'm lazy and they aren't masssively important and they next available loaner car is in like a month lol...(back left break light is out, back left turn signal is out, back left reverse light is out)

[/ QUOTE ]

Is it just burned out bulbs? Look in the owners manual and replace them yourself. Get the bulbs at Walmart (they have the EXACT same Sylvania, etc. bulbs) and a few minutes and you're done. Some BMW's are the world's easiest cars to replace bulbs on. Dunno about 7 series but my 3 series was easier than changing the bulb in a desk lamp.

Yes, about the inspection, get it BEFORE you buy the car. If the seller won't let you, find another car. It will be the best $150 you ever spent.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
i have 3 things that need fixing now but i'm lazy and they aren't masssively important and they next available loaner car is in like a month lol...(back left break light is out, back left turn signal is out, back left reverse light is out)

[/ QUOTE ]

Is it just burned out bulbs? Look in the owners manual and replace them yourself. Get the bulbs at Walmart (they have the EXACT same Sylvania, etc. bulbs) and a few minutes and you're done. Some BMW's are the world's easiest cars to replace bulbs on. Dunno about 7 series but my 3 series was easier than changing the bulb in a desk lamp.

Yes, about the inspection, get it BEFORE you buy the car. If the seller won't let you, find another car. It will be the best $150 you ever spent.

[/ QUOTE ]

the seller was a friend of mine and didn't know obv. it was running fine for him and i had no reason to doubt.

i did try the bulb thing already. i think it is more fuse/electrical oriented since new bulbs dont' work.

thanks,
Barron

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

Haha, I dont know if it isnt extremely common sense everywhere in the world, but theres absolutly NO WAY I buy any cars without bringing it somewhere for inspection. If the seller wont let me, Ill tell him to go [censored] himself, Ill spite in his face and buy somewhere else lol
Seriously, I really doubt any sellers wont let me do it. It looks soooo shady.

all these repairs begin to scare me tho... 1K for a few lights ? damn [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

"(the light issues will probably be another 1k)"

You realize that lights for a car cost like $20-50 (this is probably on the high side) right? And it's about 10 minutes (at most) to change it yourself right?

I've never owned a BMW but I doubt is "that" different. It sounds old enough that it would not be a whole bunch of LED lights. Look in your trunk and follow the wiring. This is like paying 1k to have someone change the light bulb in your kitchen. It's mind boggling.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

i bought a used bmw and absolutely love it. i don't know when they started doing this, but my car has 5 year or 50,000 mile warranty. Everything is paid for by BMW until you go over that plateau.

I picked up an 06 325i with 15k miles for 34k (over a year ago). Since then I haven't spent a dime maintaining it and will probably hold onto it for quite sometime. I'd definitely buy another BMW.

tc

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
i bought a used bmw and absolutely love it. i don't know when they started doing this, but my car has 5 year or 50,000 mile warranty. Everything is paid for by BMW until you go over that plateau.

I picked up an 06 325i with 15k miles for 34k (over a year ago). Since then I haven't spent a dime maintaining it and will probably hold onto it for quite sometime. I'd definitely buy another BMW.

tc

[/ QUOTE ]

yeah thats a really good deal, especially for people who dont do many road trips but fly places instead. Prob. only put on 8-9k miles a year.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

BMW has awesome customer service, but im not sure they do much for u if u get it used. The 3 series is the best basic luxury car imo, and if u can afford getting it new it might be worth it as the new model (06+) is a lot nicer. Taylor got pretty lucky getting 2006 a year ago, new model 3 series r pretty rare.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

Cant afford/dont want to pay that much. 20K is the max I want to pay for a car. I heard the x series have transmission problems, thats why I was aiming for 320-323...

Its confusing. Some people say BMW is the [censored] and never breaks, some like Dcif says they like it but it break at every corner.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
Cant afford/dont want to pay that much. 20K is the max I want to pay for a car. I heard the x series have transmission problems, thats why I was aiming for 320-323...

Its confusing. Some people say BMW is the [censored] and never breaks, some like Dcif says they like it but it break at every corner.

[/ QUOTE ]

look at the years of the cars they are talking about. Cars first 1-5 years hardly break down, 5-15 year cars break down all the time

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
"(the light issues will probably be another 1k)"

You realize that lights for a car cost like $20-50 (this is probably on the high side) right? And it's about 10 minutes (at most) to change it yourself right?

I've never owned a BMW but I doubt is "that" different. It sounds old enough that it would not be a whole bunch of LED lights. Look in your trunk and follow the wiring. This is like paying 1k to have someone change the light bulb in your kitchen. It's mind boggling.

[/ QUOTE ]

i don't think you guys are understanding the problem here.

if it was a few lights that was the problem i'd have fixed it myself.

i went to the auto store and purchased the bulbs for my make & model & year car. they (all 3 of them) were $3.50

i installed them myself and the issue was not fixed. i then talked to the guy and he said it is likely an electrical issue.

from experience, it seems that "electrical issues" take a few man hours to diagnose and fix plus a part or two. that plus $50 to "inspect" comes to like $600 or so bucks.

i may be lucky and it'd only be like $350 or $500. we'll see when i get off my lazy ass and deal with it.

Barron

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Hi there

So heres the deal, I have about 15K, 20K MAX to buy a car.

I tought about getting an honda obviously since its supposed to be the better cars now. But then I tought hey why not buy a little more used, but nicer car !?

SO I was thinking about getting something like a 320-323i, around 2001-2003, 100Kish km...

Yay or nay? Obviously if its pretty close in value Ill go for the style baby! Just trying to make sure its not a major waste of money.

Any advices from people who know something about cars will be very appreciated!

thanks guys [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

i am very ahppy with my car.

in may 2006 i bought a 1998 740iL green BMW beige leather for $8400 cash with 126k miles on it.

since then i've spent about 11k on repairs, maintenance, fixing stupid sh*t that goes wrong.

i could have spent less but i always take it to the BMW dealership. they give me a loaner car and i know they do a great job.

i have 3 things that need fixing now but i'm lazy and they aren't masssively important and they next available loaner car is in like a month lol...(back left break light is out, back left turn signal is out, back left reverse light is out)

so yea, as people said, be prepared to fix, maintain the car. but i'll tell you from my personal experience, i couldn't have been happier with this car. it is an absolute dream to drive, smooth as all hell w/ tons of power also. insanely huge trunk (3 dead bodies easy [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] ) and a backseat that has almost too much legroom.

so while i may be biased, i've been through this process and still have the car. it currently has 148k miles on it. i'd expect this to last to about 250k which will be far more value to me than the $ i spent on it (it's already surpassed that benchmark though). i plan on happily driving this car into the ground for years [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

good luck,
Barron

[/ QUOTE ]

Barron,

What are / were your projections for costs after the initial purchase? Also, at what point would it become "totaled" in terms of maintenance, and what would you estimate probabilities of that? I assume if something like the transmission fails the car is done financially, right? I guess 8k was just so far below market that its enough of a subsidy.

Sorry to semi hijack the thread, but buying 8-10 yr old cars has become an interesting new concept to me [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]

Its confusing. Some people say BMW is the [censored] and never breaks, some like Dcif says they like it but it break at every corner.

[/ QUOTE ]

There is some variability over the different models. I have 4 years on two used BMW's and haven't had a problem that required a dealership visit with either one.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Hi there

So heres the deal, I have about 15K, 20K MAX to buy a car.

I tought about getting an honda obviously since its supposed to be the better cars now. But then I tought hey why not buy a little more used, but nicer car !?

SO I was thinking about getting something like a 320-323i, around 2001-2003, 100Kish km...

Yay or nay? Obviously if its pretty close in value Ill go for the style baby! Just trying to make sure its not a major waste of money.

Any advices from people who know something about cars will be very appreciated!

thanks guys [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

i am very ahppy with my car.

in may 2006 i bought a 1998 740iL green BMW beige leather for $8400 cash with 126k miles on it.

since then i've spent about 11k on repairs, maintenance, fixing stupid sh*t that goes wrong.

i could have spent less but i always take it to the BMW dealership. they give me a loaner car and i know they do a great job.

i have 3 things that need fixing now but i'm lazy and they aren't masssively important and they next available loaner car is in like a month lol...(back left break light is out, back left turn signal is out, back left reverse light is out)

so yea, as people said, be prepared to fix, maintain the car. but i'll tell you from my personal experience, i couldn't have been happier with this car. it is an absolute dream to drive, smooth as all hell w/ tons of power also. insanely huge trunk (3 dead bodies easy [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] ) and a backseat that has almost too much legroom.

so while i may be biased, i've been through this process and still have the car. it currently has 148k miles on it. i'd expect this to last to about 250k which will be far more value to me than the $ i spent on it (it's already surpassed that benchmark though). i plan on happily driving this car into the ground for years [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

good luck,
Barron

[/ QUOTE ]

Barron,

What are / were your projections for costs after the initial purchase?

[/ QUOTE ]

pretty much none. i was naive (el d can vouch for that) and thought i was getting a great deal.

maybe 1k or something for inspection etc.

[ QUOTE ]
Also, at what point would it become "totaled" in terms of maintenance, and what would you estimate probabilities of that?

[/ QUOTE ]

the stuff i had to get done was stuff that typically goes wrong with this car (radiator, window issues(wouldn't go up/down), cruise control something or other, then it was 1.5k for the 130k mile checkup to fix everything).

the first 6mo i had it there was a constant barrage of "CHECK X" posted on the dash (the computer in the car tells me when i need to get something chekced).

since then it hasn't had one of those lights go on until the recent "CHECK BREAK LIGHT" "CHECK REAR LIGHT" saga.

i mean i will run the car into the ground such that something that would cost me another car happens to it.

i don't know how much a new transmission costs but probably that might do it. i'd say it is a 100% certainty that i'll total the car (in terms of wear and tear).

i really love it though:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...vingSTL010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...vingSTL009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...vingSTL006.jpg

[ QUOTE ]


I assume if something like the transmission fails the car is done financially, right? I guess 8k was just so far below market that its enough of a subsidy.

Sorry to semi hijack the thread, but buying 8-10 yr old cars has become an interesting new concept to me [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

i think i answered that above, lemme know if you have any other questions.

Barron

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Its confusing. Some people say BMW is the [censored] and never breaks, some like Dcif says they like it but it break at every corner.

[/ QUOTE ]

There is some variability over the different models. I have 4 years on two used BMW's and haven't had a problem that required a dealership visit with either one.

[/ QUOTE ]

some models have things that typically go wrong. it also depends on age. i don't know many cars that can be expected to last as they expect my car to last and be as beautiful and a great drive.

Barron

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

So anything worth mentionning about the kind of car Im aiming for ? 320-323i, 2001-2003, 80-120K km ?

Damn I really want one. After a sunbird 89 and a tercel 94, that would be teh nuts

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
So anything worth mentionning about the kind of car Im aiming for ? 320-323i, 2001-2003, 80-120K km ?


[/ QUOTE ]

As mentioned before, be sure and have the subframe checked.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Cant afford/dont want to pay that much. 20K is the max I want to pay for a car. I heard the x series have transmission problems, thats why I was aiming for 320-323...

Its confusing. Some people say BMW is the [censored] and never breaks, some like Dcif says they like it but it break at every corner.

[/ QUOTE ]

look at the years of the cars they are talking about. Cars first 1-5 years hardly break down, 5-15 year cars break down all the time

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. That is why I recommend people to lease BMW's and have free maintenance for the life of the lease.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

i have a 2000 BMW 323iA. and im looking to sell it. Premium edition no major repairs ever. 60k miles. hunter green. hitme up

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

DCIFR,

Is that University City/STL, MO?
Looks like apartments right around Washington University.

ps nice car

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

Dcifr,

I did not fully understand the problem (as you did not fully explain it). Did you check your fuses though? Please at least do that before you take it in.

My guess is if both lights stopped working at the same time it's the fuse and it's probably about $1 to fix. If they stopped working at different times it might be two fuses but more likely is something else.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

You can get a solid 50kmi BMW for under 15k if you have a registered dealer purchase one at a used car auction. I think they ask for 10% commish or so but its well worth the savings. May be hard to find someone that will do it for you, but def try as you could save a couple grand and find a better deal.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
Dcifr,

I did not fully understand the problem (as you did not fully explain it). Did you check your fuses though? Please at least do that before you take it in.

My guess is if both lights stopped working at the same time it's the fuse and it's probably about $1 to fix. If they stopped working at different times it might be two fuses but more likely is something else.

[/ QUOTE ]

yea they stopped working at different times, and progressively (blinker, then brake light, then rear light). i haven't checked the fuses. it is probably easy enough that i should know how to do it so can you recommend a site that could tell me how to do it?

thanks,
Barron

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
DCIFR,

Is that University City/STL, MO?
Looks like apartments right around Washington University.

ps nice car

[/ QUOTE ]

yea i got my MBA at wash u so that is right there. i now live in NY and have NY plates [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Barron

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Dcifr,

I did not fully understand the problem (as you did not fully explain it). Did you check your fuses though? Please at least do that before you take it in.

My guess is if both lights stopped working at the same time it's the fuse and it's probably about $1 to fix. If they stopped working at different times it might be two fuses but more likely is something else.

[/ QUOTE ]

yea they stopped working at different times, and progressively (blinker, then brake light, then rear light). i haven't checked the fuses. it is probably easy enough that i should know how to do it so can you recommend a site that could tell me how to do it?

thanks,
Barron

[/ QUOTE ]

I had some stuff typed up but google came up with this and it seems "ok" upon a quick glance.

http://www.ehow.com/how_112724_fix-faulty-car.html

Let me know if you have questions.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

[ QUOTE ]
wow! am I just out of touch with reality here or 11K of repairs in 25K km is just extremely high?.

I guess Im used to my old tercel 94. Perhaps 1, 2K MAX of repairs in 3 years and 70K km, now a 200KM total. That [censored] just never breaks. But its ugly, rusted and so boring to drive.

[/ QUOTE ]

For someone spending 8500 on a car, 11k on repairs should be WAY out of your league. but god bless if you have the money to spend 11k on repairs from may 2006 to now...really if anyone on earth knew youd be spending that much on repairs in a little over a year and 4 months, they may say it would be the worst used car on the market

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

ok thats reassuring lol.

I was so scared that situation was somewhat standard.

Re: Thinking about buying a used BMW
 

According to the March 2007 Consumer Reports, the five most reliable cars are all made by Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura.

If reliability is important, I'd stick with these brands.

Consumer Reports' annual new car reliability predictions