I am thinking of buying a BMW series 3 1.6i on j reg and it has done 140,000 m, what sort of mileage is good 4

Answer 1

If the car has been regularly driven (ie not stored for long periods) and has been serviced properly it should be good for another 100,000 miles.

You will need to make sure that it has a full service history and hasnt been abused. Ideally go for one which has had very few owners.

Ideally you should see the bills for the last few years to see what work has been done to make sure it hasnt all been saved up for you! Get a warranty for the car if you can

Answer 2

A California car shouldn't have much trouble with rust, if any. The E36s don't tend to rust anyway. Get a car with the lowest mileage you can but the servicing record is more important. The timing chain is an issue with this engine but not if it's attended to a the correct interval. Check the front control arm rubbers and the rear suspension mounting rubbers, but all that should show up in a routine safety check. The manual gearboxes are Getrag and are brilliant, the autos are ZF and are very good too. BMWs do suffer a bit from lack of low end power but it's only an issue with the autos.

Answer 3

You don't want one that old mate, there are alot of Bmw's that are better than that. I gave up with my 316i saloon, cos people thought it was a m3 evo, it was black and not badged, it had 17" rondells, leather seats, dvd and alpine fascia...(you just get jealous van drivers trying to out run you). I got pushed off the road by a van, got rolled with my Mrs in the car. I got out and beat the driver out, but honestly, got for a 325. I wouldn't want the responsibility. people think that BMW drivers are are very competitive. It's a car, which is reliable and great to drive and you not much goes wrong with them. If you cant afford the insurance on one that quick, the go for a 318i(not I.S.) and go for the one thats not 24v, as they have alot of common faults. a 318, will be powerful and economic. Also, I had a 323 m-tech, pulled everything out and fitted a e39 m5 engine and left all those hating w@nker$ who fart around on the road(I wanna get home at 1930 on a friday night).
You can find a M reg car, with around 120000miles on the clock and pay around 1300quid for it. just look around for 2months, make sure the clutch ain't too stiff(as it will need replacing). Also, shock absorbers and knackered out suspension. hope this helps.

Answer 4

I had a 323i with that milage and simllar age. Car was only just run in. Never used oil or water, very reliable and too fast. I would go for a bigger engine one. The 1.6 is a bit weedy. There are some 1.8s that are sporty, reasonable insurance but with a lot more poke.Not too bad on the juice either. 323i, although fun, drink more than Oliver Reed in a free bar!.

Answer 5

It depends on how much you are intending to pay for it ? How long is the MOT ? Is the bodywork OK? A 1600 at 140k, BMW or not, is getting towards the end of its life. I'd consider what you expect to get from the car, e.g. if it lasts me a year I'll be happy? If you are looking for anything more than this then I'd reconsider...

Answer 6

Can only agree with what Santa Sid has said. If the car has been maintained/serviced by a BMW dealer then even better! That would show that the car has well looked after by its current owner.

Answer 7

BMW run on for ever as long as they are serviced but i think you will probably find the 316 is under powered

Answer 8

OMG, like a BMW? thats just like sooooooo awesome, you will like own a BMW? too cool and awesome! You are just going to be like sooo footballers wives! awesome!

shame its a 15 year old knacker really.

Answer 9

Check that it has a full service history and the cam belts have been changed,if this is the case then probably good for 200k

Answer 10

Too many miles already....engine or differential will probably go bad and maintenance on foriegn cars is just outragous. Buy something else.