I'm looking at buying one wholesale for 10,800 loaded leather, sport package, 5speed, black on black, with 117,000 miles. What do you guys think? Good or bad buy? Does anyone know of some major problems with these with this many miles? Car looks stock and is clean inside and out, motor sound awsome as well. Thanks for your input. I posted this here because this is where I rome, so please don't move.

 

Go for it.

They're nice daily drivers.

 

Had it has its Service II done? Could cost you $1k (assuming everything is ok, much more otherwise).

Some BMW heads will probably jump all over me, but I would project $3k+ per year in repairs and regular maintenance for a 100k+ mile BMW.

 

whoaa...that much for bimmer maintenance? hmmm that's quite a lot...
but my dream would be 3series as a 2nd car...but not now...

 

It's at a wholesale lot they don't know its past. How can I tell otherwise if it's been done?

 

You could try calling some local BMW dealers with the VIN and ask them if they have worked on the car. It is a longshot though.

 

If they allow it, I would spend the $100-$300 and get it inspected by a BMW mechanic (not necessarily a dealer)

Search on a Bimmer board for mechanics and see if you can pay one to take to the lot, if you are not allowed to bring the car to him. For example, in NJ there is a guy who does only Miata's, Porsche's, and some VW's. I found him on the Miata.net board.

Good luck and if the car is ok, I think it is a very smart purchase, especially if it is a four door.

 

Yes it's a four door, and I think i'll just take it to a local bmw dealer to have it looked at. I hope it doesn't burn a whole in my pocket.

 

$11k buys a lot of parts for the ITR.

 

so does $5000 in parts and a $6000 mutual fund....


just what i'd do if i had a spare $11K


[Modified by Rob, 9:49 PM 7/15/2002]

 

maintenance will be more.

the car is sweet..I drove one. definately a nice ride.

try http://www.dtmpower.net

 

Ouch! I'm not looking for such high maintenance vehicle. Maybe I should pass on this one. Unless you guys think it's a really good deal.

 

Go on a board with more BMW knowledge and ask. A lot of folks here think that they are money pits, when they may or may not be. Will it be as reliable as a Honda/Acura? Probably not, but I doubt it is too far behind. I dont think you have to worry about thousands of dollars a year in most cases, like some here suggest.

Go visit these places and ask:
http://www.roadfly.com
http://www.bimmerforums.com
http://www.bmwplanet.com

 

Thanks, Anyone else with some input?

 

actually I know plenty about BMWs, as it was my first choice for a new car (instead of the ITR). The 325/328 are, well, the luxury sedans.......a 328 is not going to be anywhere near as fast, handle near as well to an ITR. Is the higher maintenance, cost for parts, etc. worth the leather and the roundel on the hood? to me, no. but to you, only you know. Keep in mind a 328 is not a lotus or a maserati, its not ridiculously un-reliable, but its not a honda either, and the little **** that goes wrong gets very very frustrating. rwd is fun, but the 328s put down what, 180whp? maybe less, and weigh over 3000lbs...

Now i am not knocking BMWs, they make great cars, but i think for a daily driver, you'd be better off with an accord or some other honda. but that's just what i'd do.

opinion expressed.

 

BMW sites not much help. Seems as though no ones on them. And I thought our search function was bad, boy was I wrong.

 

if you're looking for a low maintenance car, BMWs are not it. I had a 88 325iS and a 92 325iS before getting my ITR and one of the reasons I sold them is that I got tired of playing BMW mechanic. If you're gonna pay someone to fix them, they cost $$$$. if you're gonna work on it yourself, be prepared for time and $$$.

good board to lurk and learn is


http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e36/


good luck.

 

You really need to post at the http://www.roadfly.com site. This is is the same site where you can find the board for E36s as mentioned in the previous post. http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e36/

Yes, BMW boards REALLY suck. But, Roadfly has the most traffic.

 

if all you care about is 19" rims, 'which coilovers go lower' and 'which CF dress up part is best' go to http://www.dtmpower.net

 

lol. So true. I am a current BMW owner and former post ***** of DTMPower. I hope to sell the BMW soon and get it off of my hands. So much $ for maintinace alone. or coming soon to my driveway.

 

What year and type of BMW do you own?

 

Just picked it up! 117,000 Clean, Clean 96 black on black BMW 328i 5speed, sport package, AM/FM Stereo/CD/Tape, Heated Front Seats, Black Leather Seats, Onboard Computer, Premium Sound System, Rear Bench Seat, Sport Seats, Sport Suspension, Traction Control System. I got it well below book for $10,800 cash about $5,000 under retail. I also paid another $1000 for a four year warranty unlimited miles with $100 deductable. I'm glad I picked it up, it looks, runs, and feels great. But with any used car something needs to be done, so I'll be doing the brakes all the way around and both front wheel bearings. Now I hope to daily drive this sucker to the point were it brings my Rs year to miles down to 14-15K a year where it should be.

 

Congrats. I am glad you got the warranty (should relieve some of the concerns on reliability) and such a fantastic price. What amazes me is that even with this car as your daily driver you still expect to put 14-15K miles on the R a year!!

 

Oh my BMW is a much older one than you are looking at so many things wonlt compare. I have a 1988 5 series and while it is very nice to drive there is ALWAYS something going wrong. I just got it back from the shop today. Needed new brakes, vaccum lines, intake manifold and it still needs a new waterpump which I can't afford right now as it is a $700 replacement job. While my car is old it also only has 130k miles. It's a very fun car, don't get me wrong I love it, but only when it's not taking my money or sitting in the shop.

-Ryan

 

Congrats. They are fun cars and IMO it's a HUGE plus you got a four year warrenty. I wish I had one of those lol. Have fun. Careful though. Mods are massivly expensive.