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02-19-2006, 08:33 PM
| #1 (permalink) |
| Keep the Rubber Side Down  Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Poestenkill, NY- just East of No-where
Posts: 1,161
  | Any BMW experience? My fiance and I just test drove a 2001 BMW 330i, with the "M", or sport package.. well here, look for yourselves... http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dd...er_id=53997771 Anyone have any good or bad/horror stories about owning Bavarian's finest? The car drove AWESOME by the way. Sweet handling, and even sweeter linear acceleration. That thing pulls from 2000 to ~6800 rpm like a mofo... Trying to see if we can "afford" the car, but input would be nice... The dealer warranty would be over $2500.oo, any thoughts on that, as well?
__________________ 87 Solid Roof GN · Rare misspelled “Litre” on dash · Map Light Delete · Working Power Antenna · Hooker 2.5” w/ Aero Chambers · Hotwired 340 · Koni’s · Suspension Techniques Springs · GTA’s w/ BFG KDW’s |
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02-19-2006, 09:38 PM
| #2 (permalink) |
| Registered User  Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: New Jersey
Posts: 501
|  Nice looking car...Sport package really makes it stand out!...The 5-Speed Manual is also not often found. As with buying any pre-owned car, you can get a car you just change the oil in and run forever...or get a car that you are constantly throwing money at. No real Horror stories, but I would urge you to take the car to a private mechanic before your purchase to have it inspected. This will uncover any unknown issues such as leaks on the underside of the car. As far as interior and exterior the headlights sometimes tend to get a little 'sand blasted' from miles, Driver side seat bolster tend to wear a bit from the person getting in and out, and Dash LCD (shows the temp control and radio stations) tend to loose some pigments. Go for an extended warranty, the car might seem perfect now but at a later date a repair might cost more than what the warranty cost you! I have seen some sensors cost big money. BMW engineering is among the best..but keep in mind that it has 63,000 miles on it, and things break. With BMW's....Parts are costly...all in all they have a great product and with good routine service they can last. With price...if you need any help please feel free to drop me a PM...
__________________ Herb Fishman TurboRegal84@Hotmail.com 1987 Buick GN X - One of the Fortunate 547 1987 Buick Grand National 840 Miles - SOLD 2003 Ford SVT Lightning #4261-SOLD 1999 Ford SVT Lightning #2212-SOLD 1984 Grand National TOTALLED By a Church Van |
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02-19-2006, 10:07 PM
| #3 (permalink) |
| I thought I was out...  Join Date: May 2005 Location: East Brunswick NJ
Posts: 1,242
| The only thing I've needed to replace on those recently have been cam sensors, and the occasional coil packs. They are more expensive to maintain than own, if they'll include all scheduled maintenance with the car you'll be better off.
__________________ Artie 86 GN Stock Motor 3690lb race weight through the mufflers 11.22@117.9 (with all the applicable safety equipment for ET and speeds attained, including 6pt bar and harnesses)Sold LC2 Powered Skylark in progress |
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02-19-2006, 10:18 PM
| #4 (permalink) |
| I'm the Best!  Join Date: May 2001 Location: farmingville ny
Posts: 12,557
| i used to work at a dealership.. when it seems too good to be true with a used car.. 90% of the time it is! we've had cars come in with the doors practicly falling off and with in 2 days they looked as good as new. the weirdest cars come in that are actualy gems..
__________________ Rob 87 GN fully loaded.. learning to walk again  03 vw GTI- wicked tuning turbo back, forged 007 diverter.. revo stage 2 coming soon 04 SC/MCSS 14.89 gone  "But the day may come when you've got something to lose, and just when you think you're done paying dues And you say to yourself, dear God what Have I done? And hope its not too late 'cause tomorrow may never come."  |
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02-19-2006, 10:27 PM
| #5 (permalink) |
| Keep the Rubber Side Down Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Poestenkill, NY- just East of No-where
Posts: 1,161
| Good info... Even though I'm an OK "shadetree mechanic", I know working on most items on this car would be out of my league, so the extended service plan warranty is pretty much a must... (Although upping the buy in price considerably..) And about the 5 speed, that is one major reason this particular car is so desirable to us. It's the big motor, perfect color combo (we like black cars, right?), a stick, and yeah, the "sport package" is an absolute must. This car made the other 330's and 328's at the dealers' look possatively dorky by comparison. As far as being "to good to be true", it's not like their giving it away, price wise - we are so interested because it's a perfect combination of options/color etc....
__________________ 87 Solid Roof GN · Rare misspelled “Litre” on dash · Map Light Delete · Working Power Antenna · Hooker 2.5” w/ Aero Chambers · Hotwired 340 · Koni’s · Suspension Techniques Springs · GTA’s w/ BFG KDW’s Last edited by larobj63 : 02-19-2006 at 10:29 PM. |
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02-19-2006, 11:00 PM
| #6 (permalink) |
| Transplant  Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: in my dreams, WA
Posts: 430
| Reviews sound good (but, what auto mag doesn't like/love BMW?) Advice- SLEEP ON IT- for a day or 2. BMWs can be uber-expensive, but yous pays yer dough, and you takes yer chances... Negotiate the warranty into the deal- there's a ton of profit in service plans, usually on the order of 100%. The service contract should add between $20-30 monthly to the contract (depending on term). Check the fine print of the warranty for the following: Exclusions/exceptions reimbursables- do you pay up front & get reimbursed, or just pay deductible? Parts vs labor coverage service area (do you have to go to the selling dealer, or any service facility you choose?) deductibles definitions of 'wear and tear' And, don't forget CarFax/Experian AutoCheck. If credit is not an issue, then hardball the deal, and grind the dealer down- put yourself in control of the deal, and let him know that you CHOOSE to buy the car- he NEEDS to sell the car. BIG difference. Averge book on the car is about $13-14k; make your play off that number. Great looking ride, BTW! Ex-finance manager signing off......
__________________ yeah, ya just got waxed by Grandpa's Buick......... 87 GN- work in progress...AND COMPLETED!!!!  95 Impala SS- SOLD! 2001 Excursion Limited diesel 2005 Suzuki C-50 Boulevard Cruiser- Sold 2001 Saturn LW300 wagon More toys on the horizon 1997 540i....turbo setup is in the works! Last edited by socalgn : 02-19-2006 at 11:07 PM. |
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02-19-2006, 11:47 PM
| #7 (permalink) |
| Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 251
| Big money to fix and maintain, but still great cars. Parts most prone to failure, cam sensors, coils (not as common if it has the superceded part numbers, which have been required to all be replaced as per a service measure), window regulators, door seals, sunroof drives, sometimes the crappy plastic thermostats can fail and throw codes. With 60k+ be sure that all suspension is checked out especially hub bearings, strut and shock mounts, and front bushings. If brakes have less than ~3 MM left demand new brakes (they are pricey, and they replace rotors and sensors with pads. They are too close to spec new, pads bed properly on new rotors, and BMW customers bitch about brake noise all the time if you can duplicate it or not). Salesmen will usually eat stuff like bearings, bushing and brakes to make a sale. Be sure they don't gouge you elsewhere for it. Make sure it is a car that has been up on all service inspections, and service measures or recalls. Ask to see the service history on the car. Shortblock has a great history, and architecturally has not changed much throughout all it's inceptions. Just progressed through small updates to stay up to date throughout the years. Also, Certified Pre Owneds have a good warranty. But be sure they clearly define what is covered and what is not. You would be suprised what they consider "wear items" because they have a high index of replacement.
__________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/halogrinder Girdled 109, T70Q, TA heads, 224/224, Cotton's FMIC, FAST, other stuff. Last edited by disco stu : 02-19-2006 at 11:51 PM. |
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02-20-2006, 06:48 AM
| #8 (permalink) |
| I'm the Best! Join Date: May 2001 Location: farmingville ny
Posts: 12,557
| if your looking for a nice car, look for a audi A4. they also come in 5 or 6 speeds alot of them are babyed. also they have quattro. prolly cheeper too
__________________ Rob 87 GN fully loaded.. learning to walk again 03 vw GTI- wicked tuning turbo back, forged 007 diverter.. revo stage 2 coming soon 04 SC/MCSS 14.89 gone "But the day may come when you've got something to lose, and just when you think you're done paying dues And you say to yourself, dear God what Have I done? And hope its not too late 'cause tomorrow may never come." |
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02-20-2006, 10:05 AM
| #9 (permalink) |
| Lurker Extrodinair! (SP?)  Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 336
| A friend of mine buys nothing but older used BMW's. He had an 1983' 6 or 7 series that lasted him forever - then he bought an 1993 325i with 90,000 miles on it for $7,000 about 2 years ago. After that he picked up a 1995 m3 with 87,000 for $9,000. All his cars have been excellent for him, he gave the 325i to his brother and is now playing around with the m3. At that high milage they still drove excellent. But as somebody said with used cars - you can either buy something that will not break and will run good, or you can buy a money pit. Its hard to tell what you will get.
__________________ 89 Regal GS, no turbo, just an almost broke love affair. |
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02-20-2006, 10:06 AM
| #10 (permalink) | |
| Keep the Rubber Side Down Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Poestenkill, NY- just East of No-where
Posts: 1,161
| Quote:
This is not to say we like the Beemer soley because of it's "looks" or because it is a "Beemer" and we like it's status - it's also about how these things drive - it's truley a hot rod with a utilitarian purpose - move smiling people, fastly. 
__________________ 87 Solid Roof GN · Rare misspelled “Litre” on dash · Map Light Delete · Working Power Antenna · Hooker 2.5” w/ Aero Chambers · Hotwired 340 · Koni’s · Suspension Techniques Springs · GTA’s w/ BFG KDW’s | |
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02-20-2006, 10:13 AM
| #11 (permalink) | |
| Keep the Rubber Side Down Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Poestenkill, NY- just East of No-where
Posts: 1,161
| Quote:
__________________ 87 Solid Roof GN · Rare misspelled “Litre” on dash · Map Light Delete · Working Power Antenna · Hooker 2.5” w/ Aero Chambers · Hotwired 340 · Koni’s · Suspension Techniques Springs · GTA’s w/ BFG KDW’s | |
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02-20-2006, 10:18 AM
| #12 (permalink) |
| Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale
Posts: 960
| I don't think it gets any more bland than BMW. They are like camry's down here, every poser has one. A really close friend of mine bought a 330i brand new. Within 3 years it was in the shop 26 times. Both front windows fell out of the tracks. It left her stranded at least 5 times, and this was a brand new car. Before the warrenty ran out, she traded it in. All the body cladding started coming off. Fuel pumps died. Be ready to pay double what any american car costs to fix if not 3-4 times more. I just don't get everybody buying Mercs and BMWs. European manufacturers are rated below all the japanese and american cars, yet people still buy them for status symbols. It shows you're neighbors that you're not afraid to pay $600 for a fuel pump repair. As you may have noticed, I'm not too fond of european cars. |
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02-20-2006, 10:41 AM
| #13 (permalink) | |
| Transplant Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: in my dreams, WA
Posts: 430
| Quote:
No dealer will pay high wholesale for a unit- it usually closer to low or average wholesale. Ever trade in a car? If you check KBB, you want to get high trade value, right? The dealer will offer you low book, or even below low book- never high. Don't worry about the 'retail' figures- theyre pretty much irrelevent. Almost all lender base their loans off wholesale figures.
__________________ yeah, ya just got waxed by Grandpa's Buick......... 87 GN- work in progress...AND COMPLETED!!!! 95 Impala SS- SOLD! 2001 Excursion Limited diesel 2005 Suzuki C-50 Boulevard Cruiser- Sold 2001 Saturn LW300 wagon More toys on the horizon 1997 540i....turbo setup is in the works! | |
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02-21-2006, 05:33 PM
| #14 (permalink) |
| Shaker X  Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Ely, Nevada
Posts: 1,627
|  I have had my 2002 325i for about two years now and it's been a pretty decent car. I have had two windows fall off the tracks, but that's about it. It starts every day and gets me where I need to go and while not an M3 it is pretty fun to drive. M3s and M5s are really fun to drive and I may get one of those next.
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02-21-2006, 05:45 PM
| #15 (permalink) | |
| I'm the Best! Join Date: May 2001 Location: farmingville ny
Posts: 12,557
| Quote:
 when i was looking for a daily i considered a 330I. i'm really glad i didnt go with it. dont get me wrong they're real nice cars but i mean i think that a 330i has hard leather and just a car really nothing special. i've drivin many bmw's... actualy... everyone made. i do love the 5's though. again in my opinion the audi A4 is a more bang for your buck car. again a opinion. btw, i do think they look really nice!
__________________ Rob 87 GN fully loaded.. learning to walk again 03 vw GTI- wicked tuning turbo back, forged 007 diverter.. revo stage 2 coming soon 04 SC/MCSS 14.89 gone "But the day may come when you've got something to lose, and just when you think you're done paying dues And you say to yourself, dear God what Have I done? And hope its not too late 'cause tomorrow may never come." | |
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