BMW 3 Series

[gentle_lover]

What are the differences on 323ci, 325ci, 328ci, and 330ci?
I have never owned BMW before in my life. I'm thinking about switching from Japanese to German car. How reliable is BMW? I'm thinking about getting a pre-owned one between year 2000-2004. What should I expect before buying 5-9 years older BMW?

Thanks

 

[Brotherman]

You've made an excellent decision.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzsTQWcSiJc&feature=related

The difference is the size of the engine. eg. 325 means 2.5 litre engine, and so on. xi is allwheel drive, while i is just rear-wheel drive.

 

[Back Burner]

Take on for a test drive, and get her on the highway, you'll see what I mean.

Good luck.

Bad advice. If you test drive one, you'll want to buy it on the spot. It happen to me.

 

[gentle_lover]

thanks for the advice guys. I see 2 ads on trader. For the same year and model BMW Mississauga has it on sale for $12,900 with 130K on it and Prestige motor has it on sale for $12,900 with 90K on it.

Is it better to go for BMW dealership or vice versa?

How about general maintenance? Do you have to take it to BMW dealership only? How do you compare the general maintenance cost to Acura's cost?

I'm thinking on trading in my 03 3.2TLS Aspec in.

 

[raydeon]

What are the differences on 323ci, 325ci, 328ci, and 330ci?
I have never owned BMW before in my life. I'm thinking about switching from Japanese to German car. How reliable is BMW? I'm thinking about getting a pre-owned one between year 2000-2004. What should I expect before buying 5-9 years older BMW?

Thanks

Be prepared for a high maintenance cost.

 

[Nickelodeon]

There's a guy who owns an independent BMW repair shop called Autotrend....www.autotrend.net. He seems reputable.

When my 6 year BMW was coming off CPO warranty, I asked him about maintenance costs, and he said between $1K-$2K per year.

When I suggested that this was expensive, he said: You want to drive a BMW right? So I bought a new used CPO.

All this to say that BMW's are not Honda's.

 

[train]

Not to hijack this thread...but

What do you guys consider is the "safest" (for wife, kids) $35,000 - $50,000 car or small suv out there?

Thanks

Size matters

 

[Wizard Merlin]

Not to hijack this thread...but

What do you guys consider is the "safest" (for wife, kids) $35,000 - $50,000 car or small suv out there?

Thanks

Volvo XC90, only draw back it guzzles gas for a mid size SUV.

You can get a used 2006 for $30-35k.

I've heard Bimmers have tons of electronics issues. Otherwise solid cars.

 

[DshRipRock]

I wouldn't touch a used BMW. BMW seems to think 25,000 km between oil changes is fine and if you lease they will not do it earlier. I have never seen synthetic Oil that lasts 25,000 km.

So if your used vehicle is a off lease the motor has been abused simply due to the frequency of oil changes. When things go wrong on a BMW it usually gets expensive.

On the up side BMW 's can be fun to drive if it has the right options. The Steptronic is fun and the cars a solidly built.

 

[Mao Tse Tongue]

I wouldn't touch a used BMW. BMW seems to think 25,000 km between oil changes is fine and if you lease they will not do it earlier. I have never seen synthetic Oil that lasts 25,000 km.

So if your used vehicle is a off lease the motor has been abused simply due to the frequency of oil changes. When things go wrong on a BMW it usually gets expensive.

On the up side BMW 's can be fun to drive if it has the right options. The Steptronic is fun and the cars a solidly built.

That's total nonsense. This issue has been discussed to death on BMW boards and there is no complaint about synthetic oil changes being too long. It's a matter of personal preference, but the time frames are entirely sound.

It is true they are expensive to maintain. But it's entirely worth it as the drive is incredible. I've had a Cayenne, an AMG, an Audi and I still find BMW's handling to be the best. But you fucking sneeze on the car and BMW will start you out at $500 on repairs.

 

[DshRipRock]

That's total nonsense. This issue has been discussed to death on BMW boards and there is no complaint about synthetic oil changes being too long. It's a matter of personal preference, but the time frames are entirely sound.

I am getting my information from a mechanic who regularly opens up the engines. I understand there is a disagreement about how long synthtics last. Just trying to give the OP another point of view.

I personally would only buy a new BMW then get rid of it after the warranty is up. Having done that a couple of times I have always had a positive experience with a BMW.