Question for BMW experts...

SilverLexus

SilverLexus

Super Enthusiast
Any suggestions on what type and year of BMW to buy that will be reliable as a used car?



I'd like to have something 2000 or later and be at or below $25K?



Is this possible? Any suggestions, advice, things to be careful of?



Thanks, my wife is looking for a car. :)
 
The late model 3-series has been one of the more reliable BMWs. At or below $25k sounds doable for a 325i with fairly low mileage.
 
I've heard lots of bad things about the 318's, but other than that you should be fine with anything. If you can squeeze a 330 in your budget, I would definitely go with that one over the rest, great engine, and a lot of the nicer options will be standard.
 
i have a 2002 330CI fully loaded, new car warranty, CPO warranty and extended maintaince contract (brakes, wipers, oil changes) to 50k. Premuim package & Sport Package w 18" wheels, Beautiful car. I was looking for 29k, but would except other offers.
 
JDookie said:
I've heard lots of bad things about the 318's, but other than that you should be fine with anything. If you can squeeze a 330 in your budget, I would definitely go with that one over the rest, great engine, and a lot of the nicer options will be standard.
Click to expand...



I don't think they've made a 318 since 96 (could be wrong), i actually owned one before the 330. But definitly not in the e46 body style in the US.
 
The late model 3 would be the best choice. It should be relatively easy to find a certified preowned car within your price range. Beaware that the 2001 cars have a different steering system than the others. It was more boosted and lost some of the tight feel that the the 99-00's had. In 02 BMW went back to the other system.



If you are looking for an automatic then get the 328i or 330i. Much better with the automatic transmission. The great thing is that the 328 and 330 were significantly more expensive new but the price evens out more on the used market. 325 works fine also but the little extra hp helps with the auto. In any of the cars the BMW inline 6 for these cars has proven to be very reliable (M3 not included). Mileage on the engine is not really an issue.



However, beaware that the some of the suspension pieces wear quickly and require attention. The ball joints in particular wear out commonly at 50k miles or so. This problem usually starts to manifest itself in the form of a "jitter" or "shake" of the steering wheel at highway speeds and under heavy breaking from 50+ mph. The front A-arms will be required to be replaced because of ball joint is not serviceable. Inaddition you should replace the rear bushing of the A-arm at the same time as it is usually shot also. It is a rather easy DIY for about $475 in parts vs. $1000 at the dealer.



Another somewhat common problem to investigate is the air conditioning system. The evaporator is a common failure. Not a cheap fix at all. About $800 in parts. Ours was replaced under our CPO plan.



Fantastic cars. I really can't say enough postiive things about about the way they drive and handle. My wife loves hers.
 
You should be able to get a nice 3er for under $25K. Definitely go for the 6 cylinder - 323is, 325i or 330i. That is the engine BMW is known for. The 3.0 L is a bit more peppy than the 2.5 L.



I personally like the manual transmissions. Faster and more sporty.



Also note that there is a sport suspension option that includes a some interior upgrades with a tighter and lowered supension. On the 3er, the s added to the end of the model number, like 325is, just means the car is a coupe.



I think the e36 model is a classic, but for $25K you should be able to get the newer e46 model, which I like, too.



You might want to look for a 3 year old model coming off a lease program. Should be in your price range.
 
A 2001 or 2002 3-series 325i should be around 22-25K with reasonably low miles and very good shape. My mom's 2001 325i hasn't had a problem since its first day on the road. Very reliable car imo!
 
Have any used BMW checked out by a BMW shop. Besides what has already been mentioned the window regulators are notorious for failing. if you looking for a coupe check the door seals. The ignition coils are also a known isuue with TSB;s out that you could find on e46fanatics.com or bimmerfest.com



I have a 2003 E46. It has been the most unreliable new car I have ever owned. I still love the car though, drives like nothing else. Worst dealer service I have ever had makes me wonder if I would ever do it again though.
 
That's an issue in Atlanta for us...local dealer quality is poor- a couple have completely screwed friends of mine.



Some are arrogant too, a bit of the "are you good enough to join the club?" mentality. I'm also not sure I want to get fleeced on a new 3 series at full retail even if they have a long list of buyers.
 
At this point in its life (78k miles) our e46 328 ranks as the second most reliable car with only 2 problems (A-arms and evaporator) and according there is no warranty work done on the car prior to our ownership other than fixing a check engine light issue. The winner for most reliable car was a â€â„¢90 Acura Integraâ€Â¦185k miles and only replaced the starter at 169k (well aside from oil, spark plugs, brakes, tires and timing belt).
 
wih regard to the 318 model- they do still make it on the E46 body type, but I'm not sure if it was for the US market.



Here in the UK the 318 was a 1.9 litre SOHC16v unit until 2001 when it became the 2.0litre 4-cylinder DOHC16v "valvetronic" unit. The newer valvetronic units are excellent engines. they have no throttle bodies, instead the engine speed and fuelling is dictated by infinetly variable valve timing. I have owned both models and the later ones are amazing economical units. It could be driven in any driving style (i.e. aggressive - it was a company vehicle!!) and still return 40mpg.
 
We are turning in our leased 2002 Conv in just a few months...it's a 5 spd 325CiC. I think the car has got ~14k miles. It has been a virtually flawless automobile. IIRC, the residual on it is very lo $30's and someone is gonna get a real nice car. I'd love to see it go to a good home instead of putting it on the streets.



26dcp_0018-med.jpg
 
Tom,



I may keep in touch with you on this...$30K may be at the top end of the range. It looks terrific. Seems like buying a car from an Autopian could be smart...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top