i'm considering buy one.
2006-12-27 03:24:18 · 10 answers · asked by vee1909 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ BMW
This is the first year of the E46 chassis. The 323i has a 6-cylinder 2.5 liter engine and is nothing like a 3-cylinder 318ti. With variable valve timing (Double VANOS, in BMW speak) it feels like it has much more power than it does, especially at the low-end, and gets fantastic gas mileage (33mpg highway is possible). The car is generally well resolved. But, you need to make sure you quickly do the right things for the car to keep it running the next 100k miles, if you don't know the previous owner's history.
Preferably before you get it, take it to an indepenent mechanic, if you can, to have things checked over. Simple things like brake rotor thickness, pad thickness, tread depth, and more complex things like rear subframe mounts, cooling system & radiator/thermostat housing specifically. Have them read out any stored codes (the OBD-II systems and SRS systems have memory for faults, if there are any).
Re: Accidents, all of the body panels (hood, trunk, doors, quarter panels) should have the VIN on them. If they show DOT-R, they've been replaced. On the other hand, the car is relatively newer, so even if repairs did take place, they were likely covered through insurance and done professionally. CARFAX it, for piece of mind.
I'm sure the car was not raced. But, using it in a high-performance driving event, a properly maintaned car does not do anything more than accelerate the wear on wear parts. Like tires, brakes, and maybe slightly the suspension. If the car was maintained well, this is just not a factor.
When you get the car, I would highly recommend changing the oil anyway, and flush the brakes, coolant, differential, and transmission oil. Replace the fuel filter & cabin filters.
If you can stomach it (about 4 hrs labor) replace the front control arm bushings with aftermarket, possibly urethane, units. They are terrible and will affect the cars handling after as few as 40k miles.
All of this would cost WAY less than buying a CPO BMW from the dealership, and will expose any and all problems you'd have down the road. You'll love the car for the next 100k miles.
Also, be sure to join your local BMW CCA chapter. They are a great resource for technical information and for hook-ups to local shops that will do fantastic work on your car for reduced prices.
2006-12-29 01:33:22 · answer #1 · answered by Jon Hahn - Toronto 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should check the service history of the BMW ...When these cars are maintained they can prove to be very dependable and at 60 k(which is low miles for a 8 yr old car) many of the minor problems should have already been addressed...One weak point is the electric motors for the power windows...Most BMW owners do take pride in their cars and do the maintenance as it is prescribed by the manufacturer
2006-12-27 03:34:02 · answer #2 · answered by Gary E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BMWs were engineered with preventive reliability, that is, if you follow the maintenance schedule and take good care of the car in terms of abuse, it will have good longevity.
Japanese cars were engineered with eventual reliablity, meaning something will eventually crap out in the car even if you don't follow the maintenance routine (which is not as crucial as the maintenance on a BMW).
My suggestion?
Don't get a BMW unless you are certain the previous owner(s) didn't abuse the car and followed the maintenance schedule religiously. Or buy a new one.
2006-12-27 06:17:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds great, but i'm paranoid. Whats seems too good to be true, often is. Thats less than 10,000 miles per year for the life of the car. Check it out well. Look for previous accidents, find out about the original owners, find out if you can was the car ever used for any kind of racing, check engine, and all the other hot-spots. Be careful with this one, you could get burnt. Good luck.
2006-12-27 18:34:36 · answer #4 · answered by luxthor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had mega bad experiences with BMWs (6) in terms with their reliability, new and secondhand. I absolutely refuse to ever buy a BMW again, due to the lack of reliability.
Its your gamble.
2006-12-27 22:06:43 · answer #5 · answered by lew_lewisje 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and it should be real good deal on this one,,its old enough that the owners should have all the bugs worked out of it,,so with the low mileage on it,,id say it should be really reliable ,that's a good find too,one that old with that few of miles on it,, i never get that lucky and find them with less than a 100 k on them,,id say that one would make you a real good dependable car,,all you,ll have to do is keep it maintained good ,and it should last a good long time,,and they are a safe car to ride in,i seen the test results on this one from an accident,,they hold up well,,good luck with it,i hope you get it,,happy new years.
2006-12-27 03:46:46 · answer #6 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely excellent. Just follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines and you'll have many trouble-free miles ahead.
2006-12-27 03:26:53 · answer #7 · answered by Dorothy and Toto 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not woth it. this is bmw's lowest class vehicle. the only thig lower then this is a 318ti. as for that year 1999it is the lowest one made
2006-12-27 08:52:21 · answer #8 · answered by mjw0189 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy it from a dealer that way you get the 6 year warranty... you also get roadside assistance plus you will have a quality ride...
2006-12-27 12:08:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard they are great, but look out for maintenance costs. Yikes!
2006-12-27 03:31:28 · answer #10 · answered by golden rider 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋