WTB Low K's Wagon

[BigPoppa 9]

Hey folks,

Been a while since I've last owned a BMW. Looking to get another, but this time around I have a bit more family than I used to have. To that end, I'm looking for a Wagon, preferably low K's. North Island based please - can travel for collection (though I'd prefer Central/Lower North Island). 

Budget is around 8k-ish. 

There's a few listings I can see on TM (specifically https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/530i/listing/5125646029 on the original rims rather than the BBS's) - would be keen to hear input if people have any thoughts too!

Cheers!

[Olaf 3357]

e60's great though at 20 years old... they need care.  Lots of love and attention.  You've owned a BMW before, you probably know a 5er can't be treated like a Camry.  Nor for long, at least.

I too would take the msport wheels.... vendor claims well-maintained though funishes no detail of what they've done.  Perhaps it was all the previous owner.  Had they spent money on maintenance they'll be bursting to tell you about it.  So this owner has spent their money on BBS reps, budget tyres, put in a K&N, maybe done the tints - so they've spent $3,500-$4,000...  and now they're moving to "something else".  Are those dark tints legal?  Borderline?  Will they be a cop-magnet?  When did it last have an alignment?  An oil change?  Has the IBS been updated? (It's not a recall in NZ, though it will f#ck your day up if it rears it's head if your on holiday with your family on board).

 It's a sweet colour.  Though it's 2 cylinders - or a turbo - short.

Go in with your eyes open, download "so you bought an e60" and read the whole lot.

Best of luck!

[elias 281]

I’ve got a 330d e91 I’d consider selling, done 160k kms which if you know much about m57 engines is fairly low kms for one. 

[BigPoppa 9]

Whilst I may be fine with 160k, I don't think I'd get it pass the wife acceptance factor check. I'm _hoping_ to get something that's done around 100k - 120k kms or less. I know this might be a pipe dream!

I've grabbed a copy of the `so you've bought an e60.. now what?` and having a read. I gotta say, it's a bit offputting!

[Eagle 1702]

Tell your wife not to be so fixated on mileage, very bad way to buy a older premium vehicle especially a 'premium' brand. Many of these 'low k' examples are actually worse because they are largely original  20 year parts original parts or done may have done high engine hours in sitting traffic.

At your budget all that really all the matters is condition and maintenance history, if that checks out then a get pre purchase check at somewhere the know what to look for if you dont have the ability to work on your on car.    

[Vass 925]

I'd also vote against the high-mileage prejudice. My own wife can be pretty scrupulous but I recently got her an X5 with the aforementioned M57 engine. Despite the 290k km's on the clock, compared to the younger, lower mileage Subaru it's replacing the X5 is an upgrade in every conceivable way and she couldn't be happier.

Condition is everything and mileage is just a number.

[BigPoppa 9]

Thanks for the input friends. Is there an easy way for gauging condition for someone who isn't mechanically minded? Is it as simple as seeing the volume of maintenance history they have?

There's also this listing which popped up locally;

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1651673495742159

Looks like it is in relatively good condition visually, but I have no way of interpreting mechanical condition easily. 

There's also this;

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/325i/listing/5141773885

But it's Auckland based, so a little trickier for me.

Appreciate everyone's thoughts and input! (Also, Elias, if you have photos/more details of your 330d e91 I'd be happy to take a look and see what the wifey thinks too!).

Cheers!

[Vass 925]

11 minutes ago, BigPoppa said:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1651673495742159

Looks like it is in relatively good condition visually, but I have no way of interpreting mechanical condition easily. 

Stay well clear of that one, and any post-2000 BMW 4-cylinders in general. Does look nice but the engine is absolute garbage with a myriad of issues that'll become a headache in no time.

The second one looks a better option, The N52 engines are relatively reliable with a few typical BMW quirks like oil leaks and rubber hoses. Something looks off with those wheels though, they look almost comically small and pressed into the arches.

Honestly though, since you identify as not being mechanically minded, I'd think twice before getting a BMW - you'll just get taken for a ride and get charged a premium at every step just because "premium brand". They do require more stringent upkeep than the average Japanese marquee and the bills are quick to rack up if you're paying someone to do all the work.

[BigPoppa 9]

I'm probably underselling my mechanical ability - I have some, but I don't want to make out like I am an expert. I also have access to a family member who has helped with maintenance in the past. Working on my E39 wasn't too bad, for the most part.

[balancerider 798]

3 hours ago, BigPoppa said:

Thanks for the input friends. Is there an easy way for gauging condition for someone who isn't mechanically minded? Is it as simple as seeing the volume of maintenance history they have?

agree with @Vass - don’t get any 4cyl petrol except maybe the m43 (which only came in the e46 anyway I think). If you do decent trips @elias 330d would be well worth a look, even old diesels without emissions equipment don’t love lots of round town / stop start running. 

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/320d/listing/5140239493 - also worth a look but with a pretty average ad

hints for condition - do the tires match and are they name brand / runflat if appropriate? But service records with receipts are definitely your friend. And check the WOF record on carjam.

Edited January 28 by balancerider

[elias 281]

15 hours ago, balancerider said:

17 hours ago, BigPoppa said:

Thanks for the input friends. Is there an easy way for gauging condition for someone who isn't mechanically minded? Is it as simple as seeing the volume of maintenance history they have?

There's also this listing which popped up locally;

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1651673495742159

Looks like it is in relatively good condition visually, but I have no way of interpreting mechanical condition easily. 

There's also this;

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/325i/listing/5141773885

But it's Auckland based, so a little trickier for me.

Appreciate everyone's thoughts and input! (Also, Elias, if you have photos/more details of your 330d e91 I'd be happy to take a look and see what the wifey thinks too!).

Cheers!

Hi, it’s a 2006 330d, nz new, full sunroof, cruise control, parking sensors, black leather interior, electric seats. Titan Silver color. 18inch Factory alloys. M57 Engine (arguably BMWs best). Completely stock. 6speed zf auto. 
 

(touareg not included)

Edited January 28 by elias

[BigPoppa 9]

I see a lot of X1's around the 2010-2011 mark for around my budget. Are these worth looking at?

[Palazzo 485]

23 minutes ago, BigPoppa said:

I see a lot of X1's around the 2010-2011 mark for around my budget. Are these worth looking at?

Maybe if they’re diesel.

[speedyg 19]

Hi, I have a couple of BMW wagons I am getting ready to sell. Not exactly low kms, but good condition.

2007 E61 BMW 530i (LCI) motorsport wagon, 165kms

2002 E46 BMW 330i motorsport wagon, 155kms.

Tauranga based

Better photos to come

 

 

Edited January 30 by speedyg

[BigPoppa 9]

Hey - would be keen to hear more about the E61 - feel free to flick me a message with some details

[speedyg 19]

Now listed:

 https://www.facebook.com/share/15gyH4gTCL/

[elias 281]

@BigPoppa have updated my listing for the 330d with more photos now.