[entourag3]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and am definitely new to the world of BMWs. Hopefully that all changes soon.

I'm going to check out this 2006 BMW 325i tomorrow and am really concerned whether or not it's worth it. Since it's at 88k miles, are there things I should look for in the car and whether I need to consider any upcoming maintenances? Would you happen to have any advice for someone like me in my search for a used BMW (questions to ask the owner, things to look for, etc).

The car is selling for $14,000, however, there are 88k miles on there and everything seems to be standard without any added packages. I would love your feedback.

Thanks!

[Php]

I don't recommend doing it. 88k miles is a bit too high and it will start giving you all sorts of small problems (window regulators, different sensors, seat motors to name a few I've experienced myself). Transmission could be getting old if you're looking at a AT (my old E46 had the torque convertor go bad at around 100k, and as a result needed a new tranny). The new E90 is only more complicated. Engine is bulletproof but might need some cleaning or replacement of parts, check spark plugs, different filters, and there should be some major service done. All these added up to be a couple thousand of dollars. Not really worth it in my opinion, especially considering how much the car is worth itself now.

Also for a bit more ($16k to 17k), you could get one with almost half the mileage (40k to 50k miles), and normally equipped with a premium pkg too. I don't know what your budget is, but if you can't dish out a couple thousand more I would wait a bit.

Thought about E46s? They are classic BMW in my opinion, not a bad choice for your 1st BMW.

[Sara]

I think thats great. You'll have it paid off in 2 years. I've spoken with techs at BMW as I have that same car. They said they love owning/working with the 325. They are the easiest to maintain of the bunch and never any major issues with the 325. Mine has 60k on the clock and the only thing that I had an issue with was the around the 55k mark the sunroof had an electrical issue and the rear window regulators were replaced. All under CPO.

[MrDummy]

yeah and for around $18K-$22K you can get a 2007 328i with warranty still if not OEM than CPO'd

[Chriztofor]

I would ask if you can take it to an INDY for inspection.

If you can't, I would check to see if the head bolt is broken http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=head+bolt

Valve cover was leaking

Tires are bald and if they are runflats. If no run flats, is there a spare in the truck with a portable jack and tire iron?

Engine tick

Service history

Were the brakes and rotors replaced?

If you decide to buy I would replace all fluids (Transmission, brake, power steering, coolant, oil) I would also replace the air-filter. Believe it or not you cannot assume anything was done to the car. I found out that my air filter was original.

Good luck and post an update whether you buy it or not.

[Chriztofor]

Another thought, if the spark plugs were not replaced you need to do that too. If you do not know how to DIY, I would look for a reliable INDY (Check regional section on this forum) and ask them how much it would cost for the maintenance I described above. Better know now then getting sticker shock later.

[bugsandry]

I bought my 330i at 74k miles and have performed the following :
- Spark plug change
- Air filter check
- Cabin air filter replacement
- Oil change (Mobil 1 0w40)
- Drive Belt replacement

The previous history of the car includes
- Rear brake rotors and pads replacement at 70k
- Valve cover gasket fixed at 67k (due to oil leak)
- Steering column replaced at 20k (warranty-covered due to defect)
- Front driver airbag sensor replaced (warranty-covered due to defect)

I expect the following maintenance to be done soon :
- Fluid flush (especially transmission)
- Shocks
- Front rotors and pads

Before you buy the car, make sure you know what has been done to the car before (including services). You can obtain dealer service record to check on the work performed on the car before (dealer should have it for the first 50k since they're under warranty and most likely owner would bring the car/make warranty claim during this period (unless CPO).

At the last stage, make sure the car is fully inspected by independent inspector to note which parts need to be replaced soon, etc.

Just some 2 cents from me

[HVYWGHT]

As long as you have a full service history and have a reliable independent look it over, you should be good. The automatics occassionally need the pan replaced, as it leaks and harsh shifts occur. Look for wetness under the pan in the area. Knowing when the brakes were done last and if they'll need changing soon is also key. Spark plugs will be due at 100k miles, so if you're having other stuff done to it, may as well include that too.

In general, BMWs tend to have major stuff go early on with long term items being more maintenance-wear and tear. Anything can happen at anytime, but a well cared for BMW can go an easy 200k miles. When they break, they're expensive, so make sure you have a reliable non-dealer mechanic. And a discounted OEM parts supplier.

Good luck!

[entourag3]

I really appreciate all the feedback. You guys have convinced me that it's probably going to cost me a lot more in the near future, since the car is at such a high mileage. I'm going to continue shopping around, in hopes for a better find. Thanks again!

[JayKay335i]

A) Its a stripped down car. Who wants that?
B) I suggest buying something you can afford, that is newer, and comes with a warranty, or that you can afford to fix.

[Alexander]

And for $25k you can get a new GTI!

[E90Alex]

ill sell my 325i with nav and premium for 17k

[MrDummy]

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

A) Its a stripped down car. Who wants that?
B) I suggest buying something you can afford, that is newer, and comes with a warranty, or that you can afford to fix.

^^ I dont agree with the stripped down car comment, just because an entry level 2006 bmw 325i still has more going for it than a loaded 2006 focus lets say.