2001 325i M: Advice/Opinions wanted

[Daniel 36]

Okay, so lately I've been spending a pretty decent amount of my time looking for a car on Trade me.

I haven't owned a car in approximately three years, as I sold my 96 Diamante when I went to study. I knew I didn't have the resources to upkeep my car at that point, and taking the train was a better option.

Now that I'm in a position to buy a vehicle again, I've been pretty set on buying a BMW 3 series or Mercedes C Class (don't shoot). I don't know very much about cars in general, so was hoping to get some advice from you guys... (I've already learned a fair bit from these forums).

I'm currently considering this for a purchase:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1328739915.htm

and this as a second choice:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1328243693.htm
 

The wagon is pretty much exactly what I've been looking for, minus the facts he only has service history for the last two services and it's an import. It would seem that he has replaced or repaired most of the things that would need doing, and from the way he's written the list I feel fairly good about it.

I guess I was wondering whether there was anything more that I should specifically ask? Might have to get a PPI.


Apologies for the long winded way of asking opinions and advices. I'd like to own my next car hopefully for years, so I wanna get it right. I am aware that every car will have it's issues and maintenance needs, so don't worry about me expecting to find my Perfect BM

Cheers

Edited May 20, 2017 by Dsdv

[Olaf 3317]

PPI at Page European or Auto38 advised, for Wellingon-based cars.  For Auckland-based cars you could engage Glenn at Bottany Motor Works, or BM Works, or similar.

$8k5 for a 325i Touring?  He's hopeful IMHO.  Paying Wellington tax?  Looks tidy enough, it's had a proportion of the main things done for the mileage.   It's a complete pain in the ass when people put up photos of a vehicle saying "oh it doesn't come on these wheels, it'll come on some others" - I write them off as time-wasters.  

Similarly, $6k5 for an average mileage 325i Coupe... it's hopeful, given 330's go for around the same price.  325i's are great, should be reasonably priced.  It appears to be a tidy one.

The C class is an entirely different experience, not so much chalk and cheese, but at least Currywurst to the BMW's fusion cooking.

Have you considered Kyu's 530i Motorsport in the for sale room?  It's in your price-range.

HTH

 

Edited May 21, 2017 by Olaf
added link to Kyu's 530i for sale

[Olaf 3317]

how about this - looks really sharp, and 117k kms.  http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1275254559.htm 

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1326594184.htm $5k looks like a motorsport saloon, silver, 161k kms... may be great buying at $4k5....

... all of course, on the assumption that you understand what you're getting into, what's been done, what must be done, what to expect in the next 12-18 months.

HTH

 

[Herbmiester 923]

If you buy a 325i you may regret not spending a few extra dollars and getting a 330i.

[Daniel 36]

Thanks Olaf, certainly does help.

I agree the price for both vehicles is too high; I would've tried to negotiate a fair bit.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't throw that 530i an admiring glance every so often, but I am quite set on a 3 series as the size and feel would suit me better.

I'll certainly keep those two sedans in mind, they both seem good options and reasonably priced.
I've been quite smitten with the touring version now, since taking a ride in one the other day.
Like this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1325805882.htm

Unfortunately, the vendor being who it is automatically means it's priced too high.

Appreciate the comments, helps to put it in perspective.

 

[zero 1162]

1 hour ago, Herbmiester said:

If you buy a 325i you may regret not spending a few extra dollars and getting a 330i.

^^^^this

[Olaf 3317]

330i around $6k, sir?

this looks interesting:  330i with thr Sometimes Maligned Gearbox (™ of @eliongater)... http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1325191601.htm 

and, oddly enough here's one (a 330i saloon) in tidy nick that was for sale on these parts a couple of months ago. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1326430648.htm   (you'll need to be quick though, the vendor had threatened to sell it for scrap rather than take the market price).

this one looks very sharp but is sold as-is, where-is... and no images of the front right of the car.  we can only hope it was an oversight! http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1325897698.htm

[qube 3570]

Make sure to budget around $1-2k on cooling system overhaul on 95% of the cars on the market because it probably wont have been done. Especially cars around 100-160k kms it will be due very soon. 

 

The M54b30 3L engines are definitely nicer than the older M52b25 or even the M54b25.

 

Try to find a nz new rather than imported if possible. Dont worry about kms especiallg if you dont plan to sell soon. Go for a well sorted one with service history with good factory options like suspension and your colour preference. Other little things you can always change like wheels or interior trim etc.

[E36_Turbo 84]

Have you considered an E46 330i? I'd go that route, there's also a nice Touring for sale. Won't regret it, but find a Motorsport version if possible, one that has been well cared for. Looking anywhere between $5K-9K for something good. Nothing wrong with the 325i version, but you may as well spend a little more and get more power ??. Lovely cars IMO. There's also a really nice example of a members Blacked out E39 530i Msport, with all the bells and whistles one could desire to have. Try to find one with good service history, and also do some homework on the E46 Pros / Cons. But there's already some really helpful info here for you. All the best with the search for a good BMW!

[Olaf 3317]

if you're playing at the $9k stakes table, you're into e90 330i money.  IMHO $6k is the sweet-spot for e46's, at least until the e30 crowd realise what a phenomenal bargain they are and push the prices up.

[qube 3570]

a very nice E90 323i msport 130ks just sold today for about 6k. had a couple of small body dings and worn tyres but otherwise it was a great buy. especially at that price sold in a day.

also not long ago there was a 2005 330ci E46 station wagon nz new listed for 5999 and sold pretty quick.

 

[Herbmiester 923]

15 hours ago, Olaf said:

if you're playing at the $9k stakes table, you're into e90 330i money.  IMHO $6k is the sweet-spot for e46's, at least until the e30 crowd realise what a phenomenal bargain they are and push the prices up.

So true