BMW expert advice on buying ?

[Kim Wipe]

After 7 years of my beloved previous car, I need a change. For my pocket, and for my sanity.

Now I'm not one to fork out huge amounts at cars, but I can be very picky at what I like and don't. Cars in recent years just have no appeal to me.

However, one thing I have noted is how much BMW prices have fallen in recent years. I know they're reliable (although parts can be more expensive) but really don't know what to look at. Plus the bonus side that they seem to have handed the 'rep mobile' label to Audi's.

I'm a fan of the 330's from a few years back, but I am hoping there may be a few with knowledge on the subject, seeing how many you see around units these days. Ideally looking for something around the 5k mark. Even pointing out a few recommended models would give me the world of help!!

Cheers in advance!

 

[medic1]

Auto trader is a good place to start http://www.autotrader.co.uk and what ever you do DONT use fleabay

 

[Kim Wipe]

From previous experience? A few people have said to try it but I don't personally like the lack of security that goes with it !

 

[Fu Fu Valve]

E36 or E46

E36 or E46

For that price it'll probably be an E36 3 Series possibly an E46. Same as any car, check the service history is complete and done at the right times including coolant and brake fluid changes. They aren't any more expensive to service over time than a Mondeo/Vectra as they get serviced less so it all evens out in the end. For example my E46 had it's last major service at a main dealer + cooland and brake fluid and cost about £250. That covered it for about the next 14000 miles before it only needed an oil and filter change and a check over.
There was an issue with the bores on some BMW engines around the time you're looking at buying but any issues should have been sorted under warranty - basically the bores were made from NikaSil and didn't like the low sulfer fuel in the UK and started to pitt and break up. That problem should have showed up long ago though and been fixed.
I had my E46 for 4 1/2 years and it never missed a beat and still runs great (sold it to my sister), feels as solid as ever and still has no graons, creaks or problems.

 

[Barch]

Or buy a Honda, far better cars!

 

[medic1]

From previous experience? A few people have said to try it but I don't personally like the lack of security that goes with it !

Lack of security and that you cant drive it straight away.

If I was you I would go with a dealer as they know what they are doing and they must sell a car that hass been checked and has a hole history with it.
were as you could get a car from a private sale and it could of had a crash and not been reapared ect.

 

[Max Reheat]

We were looking at new cars earlier in the year, BMW's, Audis, Hondas and VW's to be exact. We were buying on finance and BMW were far and away the least competative option, at least £100 p/m more. Audi and Honda offered the best deals but we settled on a VW after we turned down their 1st offer and they got back to us with a better offer on a different spec car

 

[Kim Wipe]

Thanks all. Brilliant advice, just what I was after!

Does anyone have any experience on the 3 series? I think I'd rather a dealer as it would be good top get a PX on my current car. Should bring it to a nice saveable lump without finance to worry about.

 

[MontyPlumbs]

I've got an E36, great car. Probably a little old for your budget though! DT_Xtremez_14:

 

[Sospan]

Here is another site I find handy.

 

[Stevienics]

Had a 330i company car for about 3 years in Austria and absolutely loved it. I cannot think of one bad thing to say (but then I wasn't paying for fuel or servicing).

 

[Chaka]

I do 100 miles a day in my 320d.

V comfortable drive and average 58mpg over the week on Longlife servicing.

Don't forget it's rear wheel drive and is sh1te on snow and ice even in the hills of East Anglia!DT_Xtremez_30: