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This is one of my first posts in the BMW forum, and am looking at getting either a used 2007 BMW 3 series 335i or a new 2008 infiniti g35x.
I found a used 335i with 16000 miles on it, but it appears to be a BMW buyback car. When I asked what was wrong with the car, the dealership said that the "check engine light" was coming on, and that they had no more details as to why it was bought back by BMW. Since I live in PA, the carfax would be clean-titled so it would not show up as a buy back when I go to resell the car. However, if I go to a BMW dealer, they will see that it is a "buyback"
In any event, the car seems almost fully loaded has some great options which are as follows:
Cold Weather pckg
Sport pckg
Automatic Trans
Brushed Alumninum
Ambient Light
Navigation
Satellite Radio
Premium Pckg
Comfort Access pckg
logic 7 sound
paddle shifters.
MSRP of the car was about $50,000 (i saw the original window sticker) and I have the dealer down to $35,000 including tax. I will most likely put ~5000 down to reduce my interest and monthly payments.
KBB shows this car at 16,000 miles with similar configuration to be about $43,000
Considering this is a buy-back should I try negotiating even lower than the price the dealer and I have thus far agreed upon? This seems like a tremendous deal to me, with the MFG warranty expiring in Oct of 2010, but I am a bit skeptical with the BMW buyback thing. What has your experience with a BMW buyback been? --Is the dealer trying to not tell me everything and if so, how do I find out what REALLY was wrong with the car?
Much thanks,
randy
1. what has the dealer/service done since they took the car back to remedy problems?
2. Is the warranty a true warranty and not the service pkg extended.
3. Will BMW see if previous owner will consent to talk or email you re car history . Or can you otherwise find/contact previous owner?
4. How much inconvenience will your personal schedule tolerate if the car turns out to have above average trouble?
5. Do you have any basis to "trust the dealer" more than any other new car dealer - IMHO you could be asking for disappointment here- they are there to sell cars, and some are more honest and knowledgeable than others.
Good Luck whichever way you go.
ronaries
2004 BMW 330ci
Orient Blue, manual.
I've also been looking at the Infiniti G35 which I can get new for about invoice by the VPP. I really like the Audi A3 V-6, but I don't want to pay almost $40K new and used are hard to come by. The 325xi is roomier than the A3 and gets better mileage than the G35. I do want to make sure I am getting a good deal, though. Any suggestions for negotiating?
That's an interesting question... I'm guessing there is some sort of payment limit on the financing... but, I don't know..
2 free payments on a 12-month loan...
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Or... what about a 2003 325i with 73k for under $14k?? I've always wanted a 3-Series, so I started thinking about this after I looked online at what's available around town. I've heard that maintenance costs on a Bimmer will be very high. This one might be in great shape (haven't seen it yet, it's at my local BMW dealer) but it's at least 5 years old with 73k miles on it. FE won't be great, but given how little I drive that won't be a killer. And it does have all the safety features I want. And it's a 3-Series. I know my daughter won't mind getting it in a few years... if I give it up. And I'm not sure I'd want to put a car like that in the hands of a 17-year-old--safety features or not.
So what do you think... is this a really stupid idea? Should I go with the new low-end car with a long warranty, and likely low maintenance costs, or a "mature" 3-Series?
Certainly it's a better idea than buying a used Jetta IMO. Jetta reliability ratings are not good.
Have you considered an Acura TL in the same price range?
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It was a really nice car.. still is.. Our friends love it!
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On an E46 some services are determined by time, some by mileage, and some by the on-board Service Interval(SI) system(which calculates service based on driving conditions).
The time based services are: Brake Fluid(every 2 years) and Coolant(every 3 years)
The mileage based services are: Spark Plugs, ATF, and Oxygen Sensors(every 100K miles for all three).
The SI system has 3 levels of service: Oil Service, Inspection I, and Inspection II. An Oil Service is called for at 15K intervals(or every year, whichever comes first). It is just an oil change.
The Inspection I rolls up at 30K; it is an oil change, a cabin air filter change, and a comprehensive inspection of the car.
Inspection II occurs around 60K and is essentially an Inspection I + an engine air filter change.
If you are planning on flipping the car in a couple of years I'd just follow the BMW schedule. However if you're going to hang on to it for a while I'd advise changing the transmission fluid(slushbox OR manual) every 60K at least. Ditto for the final drive oil. If you take your 3er to the track I'd reduce those mileage intervals by 50%. I change the engine oil on mt 3er at 7.5K intervals due to the fact that it sees the track every so often and my wife's X3 chews up its oil in less than 9K miles(based on used oil analysis). Some people go 15K without any problem but I'm not one of them.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I am currently looking to buy a used car....I have found 2 cars that I love...a 02 audi a4 and a 01 BMW 330i. Both have alomst 100,000 miles on them....should I buy and what should I ask the dealer? Thanks!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Some BMW automatic transmissions have failed at 100,000 miles, others have gone over 200,000 miles without problems. The key to a BMW's long term reliability is to keep it maintained by the book. If you buy the car, don't hesitate to ask any questions. I'll be happy to help.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Time for my second childhood. :shades:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Anyway I think we did well to find
a 2006 325ci Black with 10,500 miles for $23,500 CPO Only 2 options are heated seats and Steptronic Automatic
The search really evolved..........we had serious negotiations on a 2000 325i with 68k for $11500 and a 2005 325ci with 48k miles-$19,800 CPO with the same options as the one we bought. We worried too much about out of warranty issues (and it drove a little sluggish) with the 2000. We like the 2005 but the grey color was a little bland-we drive 2 grey colored cars now and were attracted to the low miles and extra year of original warranty and certified warranty with the 2006. This will be kept in the garage-we'll drive in winter when roads are clear and put on about 5-7k miles per year.
Any thoughts or advice-we take delivery on Tuesday.
Out here in the northeast (New Jersey), a 2006 325i CPO with under 20k mileage
will never sell south of 25K - trust me - i've been searching for 6 weeks!!
I've owned 2 BMWs -1994 325i and 1997 540i -
at 10,000 miles, the car hasnt even been broken in!!
I have found a 06 325i (would have preferred a 330)
27K mileage, silver with black interior (the only interior worth having IMO)
cold weather/premium package, maintenance package,
This car stood out from the previous six I test rode.
I'm not in need of a fast off-the-line speedster -
Been there done that - and I have a motorcycle for that rush.
This 57 yo ex porche owner is simply looking for that great handling,
fun car that only BMW has.
The prior six all had a degree of a "ridden out" feel -
too much dampening in suspension ,body roll, generally a tired feel.
This puppy woke up the second I stepped on the pedal. Very clean in and out.
Garaged, well cared for.
I will seal the deal this weekend -
$25,000 OTD incl tax. (no $ down 60 months, 3.9%)
If you get your deal and the car has no negative surprises,
You have gotten a SWEET DEAL!!
GOOD LUCK
DOCGARY
My only 3 comments not complaints are that
1. There is a ton of brake dust-although it just came off easily
2. Maybe I've been driving it too enthusiastically but we are getting 21 mpg according to computer
3. The speedo reads 3 mph higher than GPS.
Anyway we are very pleased. Good luck with your car and thanks for responding.
1) Keep after the brake dust, if you don't it will become almost permanently adhered to your wheels. If you have no intention of tracking your car you might want to consider low dust pads. I've used PBR/Axxis pads on my BMWs and have had exceptional results (i.e. braking power similar to the OEM pads and virtually no dust).
2) The beauty of your car is that if you keep your foot out of it, you can actually get over 30 mpg on the highway and more like 25 around town.
3) All BMWs (and virtually all German cars) will read a couple three MPHs high at 70 MPH. I read a good explanation a couple of years ago on why that is (something to do with laws regarding speedometer error), however, I don't remember the details. That said, I suspect that you'll find that your odometer is pretty much "dead-on-balls-accurate".
Enjoy your new ride.
Best regards,
Shipo
I'm surprised the following product is not known by all...
There is an aluminum plate set that simply fits inside each wheel.
Its sold in pairs or in 4's. There are a number of vents in the plates
allowing for air to pass in a specific direction preventing the brake dust
to settle on the outside of the wheels! The vents prevent any excess heat
from occuring since you are blocking alot of the brakes ventilation.
I've used this product on ALL of my cars including BMWs, MBs and Porsche.
Honestly, the wheels maintain their bright look and virtually no build up
of dust - all i do is wipe them off maybe once every 2-3 weeks!
And thats only because im a bit obsessive.
Between weekly washes, you dont even need wiping the wheels.
The only caveat to this is if use older carbon pads - they will get dirty.
Also, its wise to take them off if at the track.(increses temp)
The product sells in all mail order car supplies...
I'll check my mags and re-post with the name...
PS - the product is priced around $50 - 75 for a set of 4.
docgary
Well worth it!
Best regards,
Shipo
But it's better to have clean wheels than effective brakes, right?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Best Regards,
Shipo
About $5000 is all I'd pay- tops.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
not one proved to be a problem re; warped or hot spotted rotors.
That's not to say it couldnt or wouldnt happen -
it just never happened to me in 5-6 cars over the last 10-12 years.
Now, I NEVER have taken my cars to the track nor drive them in an
exceedlingly aggressive way;.(unless the're true race cars -ie my 98 carrera..)
The few times i've had brake service on them there was no issue of rotor defect - only the pads to be replaced.
I believe the dust shields could .indeed, cause problems
if hard braking (racing/motocross) were common.
Or, in VERY hot environments...
But in New Jersey driving moderate conditions - ill take my chances.
Docgary
BTW, some of those upgrades don't necessarily decrease the value of the car - but they don't increase the value either. The Dinan parts and suspension are likely OK, but all the cosmetic do-dads will scare away a BMW enthusiast because the quality is questionable and it brings images of an immature owner with a high likelihood that the car has been abused and not properly maintained.
My thoughts exactly. I'd bet the farm that the owner is a typical "bling it and brag" poseur.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
i found an '03 325xi with 73K miles for a reduced price of $13K. Carfax reports a lease and then 1 personal owner. this would be my first bmw, assuming it checks out would it be a good deal or something to stay away from due to the mileage?
thanks, jbd
First off, if you haven't purchased the car yet, I would strongly advise you to have it inspected by a qualified BMW tech. Not much goes wrong on the newer 3 Series, but you still want to buy a good one. The mileage wouldn't worry me one bit- assuming that the car has been maintained by the book. In my experience, the common problems for 3 Series cars of that vintage are not that numerous. The water pump and radiator can be expected to need replacement at 60K-100K intervals. The power window regulators can be failure prone, but replacement is fairly simple- a DIY if you have a few tools. Otherwise, the E46(1999-2005) 3 Series cars have proven to be very durable. So much for the internet myth of unreliable BMWs. I have a 1995 318ti with over 112,000 miles on it and the only electrical items I've replaced are a couple of tail light bulbs and a brake light switch.
In most cases, the best way to keep maintenance costs reasonable is to find a GOOD dealer independent BMW tech; you will likely save 25%-50% on service. I also advise joining the BMW Car Club of America, since many independents and dealers offer 10%-20% discounts on parts and/or labor. All modern BMWs use a Service Interval Indicator to inform the driver when routine maintenance is required. On a 2003 325xi an oil change will be called for at 15,000 mile intervals. A minor service(Inspection I) will come up at 30,000 miles and a major (Inspection II) service at 60,000 miles. I perform an "extra" oil change at 7,500 miles in my driveway. An oil change using synthetic oil will cost $60-$100, an Inspection I $150-$250, and an Inspection II $350-$550. Coolant should be changed every three years-using BMW Coolant ONLY, while the DOT4 brake fluid gets flushed every two years. I assume the car has an automatic? If so, in the newer cars I change the so-called "Lifetime" ATF fluid, transfer case oil, and final drive oil every 50,000 miles. Note that my mileage and cost numbers are approximate. For example, if you change the oil yourself using a BMW filter and Mobil 1 0W-40 or BMW 5W-30 synthetic the cost will be @$50. On the other hand, my local BMW dealer charges very reasonable rates for some of the services that I don't have the time and/or desire to perform. My dealer only charged me $208 to change the ATF transfer case oil on my wife's X3, and they changed the coolant and the brake fluid on my 1995 3 Series for just $143.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
details- 46 k miles on it, carfax report is clean with one owner and personal use.
asking price is around $24k, it has premuim, nav, cold weather package, logic7, everything i would want in my BMW and in the color i want...
First off, i need to get the car inspected, how would i go about doing that?. The car is at a non-BMW dealership, so how would i go about getting someone to check it out? how much would it cost me to get it inspected?
Also should i be worried about the miles on it, a little under 3 years on the vehicle, with 46k miles, also factory warranty expires in 4k miles and is this a fair price for the car. The question about extended maintenance and warranty packages? how much? are they worth it? I know this question has been asked millions of times here, and i've gone through most of the threads, but just can't come to a decision about them.
Thanks in advance.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Here's your list of potential problem with this early 3 series:
Checklist for 3 Series
Obviously you can't know how this individual car will last but do you have a rough estimate on a well maintained E30 325e?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive