Would you buy a 2000 BMW 323cic w/ 58k miles?

Question

I saw this 2000 BMW 323cic with (amazingly) only 58K miles in it. Interior is perfect condition, has harman/kardon sound and the asking price is $16K. Does this seem reasonable?
Do any of you know if this is a good car or if you would buy it and why? I test drove it and the handling was alot better than some other similar older bimmers that I test drove with 80-100k miles in them. thanks much!

Answer 1

This car has way below average mileage. But...

Almost all 99-00 E46 323i and 323ci cars have defects in their automatic transmission when they hit around 100,000 miles.

If you decide to buy this car, do a transmission fluid change IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT DELAY! You don't want to be stuck with a $6,000 repair bill in another 30,000 miles.

Here's the report:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/bmw_trans.html

Here's how to change out the fluid:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/bmw_trans.html

Scroll up to page 4 to read the whole article on maintenance.

Other than this major issue, you should be fine. Make sure to go through the maintenance table on page 7 of the article to see if the previous owner missed some items; because if he missed some, you will be the person paying for those maintenance.

Also, once you buy this car, there's a neat trick for you to reset the service indicator without the need for a special tool or going to the dealer.

(Save this PDF to your computer)
http://www.bavauto.com/newsletter/2007_n207_newsletter_specials.pdf#page=3

Other things to watch for:
Control arms will need to be changed out around 100k miles. This is due to worn ball joints which cannot be changed out separately.
http://www.bavauto.com/newsletter/2006_n406_newsletter.pdf#page=6

Thermostat will also probably need to be changed out at around 100k.

You should also change out the waterpump whenever convenient. One with metal impeller is available at www.bavauto.com. The OEM plastic impeller is prone to failure.

Answer 2

First of all BMW's are great cars all around. The 3-Series is one of the best models out there. The question here is whether or not this is a good price. First off the mileage is great. 79,000 is the average or expected mileage of this car. After researching this car $16,000 is a great price for this car. The Kelley Blue Book is showing $18,000. Assuming the excellant condition option which from what you say is true.

The 323ci is a great car as I said before, I can promise you that you will be very pleased with it. I myself have spent a lot of time around the various 3-series models from all different years (89-06). These cars are reliable, fun to drive, sporty, and somewhat luxurious at the same time. The gas mileage is great too. 19/28. All in all a great car and in your case a great price.

http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/PricingReport.aspx?ManufacturerId=5&YearId=2000&VehicleClass=UsedCar&VehicleId=Ny8xNC8yMDA3fDU0MDk%3d&SelectionHistory=5409%7c3774%7c64804%7c0%7c0%7c206923%7ctrue%7c206937%7ctrue%7c206929%7ctrue%7c206976%7ctrue%7c206967%7ctrue%7c207000%7ctrue%7c206929%7ctrue%7c206937%7ctrue%7c206963%7ctrue%7c206967%7ctrue%7c206963%7cfalse%7c206976%7ctrue%7c207000%7ctrue&PriceType=Retail&Mileage=58000&ModelId=12&Condition=Excellent

Answer 3

yeah I love BMWs they are very reliable,