My wife wants a BMW 325.

[Dave Nordhoff]

My wife is dying to get a 325. ( 4 door / automatic ) We are looking at 2000 to 2005 models. Anybody have any input about these model years? Pros and cons please.
Dave

[kaisen]

e46 325s are well respected cars, very solid, fun to drive. I owned a 330CiC Convert and had lots of problems. A close friend had lots of probs with his M3 Convert too. Maybe the sedans will fair better. Look into a certified car with warranty, or at least purchasing an extended warranty. I've sworn I'll never own another BMW, but I a 325 would be the safest bet if you have to have one.

E

[Halm]

325Xi. . . Wonderful car! We ordered ours from the factory with minimal options: metalic paint, leather, sport package, and bi-xenon headlights. Not a problem at all. I would suggest the 5-speed over the auto simply because of the performance issue.

[Dave Nordhoff]

Kaisen,
Can you tell me about the problems and the years of yours and your friends? I have always been impressed with BMW's build quality and style other than that I don't know much about them.
Thank's
Dave

[kaisen]

Both of our Convertibles were 2001 models, mine was the 330 and his was the M3.

My 330:

Power windows would not 'raise' to their index position, allowing water and wind to enter the car. Failed three times.

Power top synchronization system failed, allowing the top to push up against the metal 'boot' that was supposed to open to let the top out of its folded position. Because of this problem it would also stop mid-cycle and freeze there. It had to be towed in, and the top bows bent slightly because of the 'air-brake' effect. The top never closed right after that.

Blew a rear main seal at 32K miles. Ruined clutch with oil. New clutch never felt right, had it adjusted twice.

Rear differential became noisy at 40K. Warranted entire new diff assembly

Power seat had problems

Xenon headlights had intermittent problems. Four times in shop. Never fixed completely.

My friends M3:

29 days in shop in last 12 months he owned it . Sold it on eBay last March while it was still under warranty for the next owner.

Needed all new main and rod bearings

Had regular but intermittent starting problems. Was towed in several times. New starter and alternator never fixed the problem.

Many pieces in convertible system broke or had problems.

Had same problem with indexing power windows.


All told, my 3 series experiences were much better than my 5 and 7 series ownerships. My 750 was a real nightmare, my 740 was better but still very bad.

Some of the problems I faced were related to coupes or converts.

I have heard of some catastrophic failures with 2004-2005's VANOS variable valve timing systems.

If you are comfortable with your dealership (some of them are VERY good), and have a good warranty, don't worry too much. But if living with a loaner while your car is in the shop poses a problem for you, think twice. You don't spend $40-50K on a convert to drive a 325 sedan loaner, for example.

E

[Mulhollanddose]

Originally posted by Halm
325Xi. . . Wonderful car! We ordered ours from the factory with minimal options: metalic paint, leather, sport package, and bi-xenon headlights. Not a problem at all. I would suggest the 5-speed over the auto simply because of the performance issue.

Ditto on the Xi...All wheel-drive (Tacoma female friendly) and not too far from the M3 for power.

[RANDY P]

rear subframe mounts are known to tear out. Check it closely. Also known to routinely eat window regulators (All new BMW thing) and they love lower control arm bushings. VANOS cam position sensor failures now and then as well.

Realistically, with the exception of the subframe, everything breaks in 30-50K intervals, and nothing too serious.

[Dave Nordhoff]

H'mmmmm. Her current car is a 93 Camry with 170K miles. Except for the $294 door latch I replaced this week its had zero problems. I really like the 3 series but I would be pissed if spent much time in the shop.
Dave

[HardDrive]

Originally posted by Dave Nordhoff
H'mmmmm. Her current car is a 93 Camry with 170K miles. Except for the $294 door latch I replaced this week its had zero problems. I really like the 3 series but I would be pissed if spent much time in the shop.
Dave

*AHEM*....I would like a BMW as well. Or I could get a Lexus ES330 and drive it 150k with out going broke. No, its not the same, Lexus focuses on luxury as opposed to performance. But if you plan on keeping the car for 150k.....

We have a 2004 RX330 that we love. 2 years and the only issue was a small rattle that the dealer fixed first time.

What about the IS350? 0-60 in under 6 seconds.

[SLO-BOB]

Originally posted by RANDY P
rear subframe mounts are known to tear out. ........ VANOS cam position sensor failures now and then as well.

Realistically, with the exception of the subframe, everything breaks in 30-50K intervals, and nothing too serious.

Actually the sub frame thing is practically urban legend. It has happened. However, it's really rare. It also seems to be mainly of concern to those who track their cars. The E36 has the same issue fyi. Would I do DEs in a new M3? Nope-not worth the risk. Would I feel comfortable owning one for everything but the track? Oh yeah!

On Vanos-I have a couple of friends who wrench at BMW dealerships. They love Vanos. No-not job security. They genuinely seem impressed by the system and it's reliability.

The 325s are nice cars. You should be able to pick up a 4 door auto for a song as they're very common.

[UconnTim97]

my input..it is not a 944

[stevepaa]

Look at a 2001 330i. I get to drive my daughter's while I am redoing my engine. sweet.

[KNS]

Cooling systems have been a weak point for decades (I own a 325). With the exception of only the tiniest of improvements, why doesn't - why can't - BMW produce a bulletproof cooling system?

[RANDY P]

Originally posted by Sebring77
Actually the sub frame thing is practically urban legend. It has happened. However, it's really rare. It also seems to be mainly of concern to those who track their cars. The E36 has the same issue fyi. Would I do DEs in a new M3? Nope-not worth the risk. Would I feel comfortable owning one for everything but the track? Oh yeah!

On Vanos-I have a couple of friends who wrench at BMW dealerships. They love Vanos. No-not job security. They genuinely seem impressed by the system and it's reliability.

The 325s are nice cars. You should be able to pick up a 4 door auto for a song as they're very common.

BMW Europe did a goodwill free repair for all e46's that have torn subframes (big $$$) but USA isn't doing anything.

I also forgot to mention cracked radiators.

Otherwise, fun cars to own - I owned one and presently drive an e39...

rjp

[Rot 911]

When my wife wanted a 4 door sedan I looked at a number of cars including the BMW 325. Went with the Altima 3.5 with the sport suspension.

[wludavid]

Originally posted by Kurt V
When my wife wanted a 4 door sedan I looked at a number of cars including the BMW 325. Went with the Altima 3.5 with the sport suspension.

I've heard good things about both the Altima and the Maxima.

My advice to anyone considering a BMW is to either have the disposable income to pay for a mechanic, or have the time to devote to doing a lot of the work yourself. I enjoy working on my cars ('87 325e and '97 528i), but I probably have more free time than many people on this board. The late-model 5-speed automatics are very good until they break. And they will break - so just make sure you don't own it when it does.

Like Wayne says, they're reliable but don't expect Toyota-level reliability. You're just setting yourself up for disappointment if you compare any car to a Toyota. The nice thing about Bimmers is that there is a wide enthusiast following who can help you figure out weak points and problems as they crop up.

I'd also consider a 325i Touring. The wagons look a litlte different, hold a lot of stuff and are just as rewarding to drive as the sedans.

[Peterfrans]

My first e46, a 2000 model was without problems. My current e46, a 2002 320D has been plagued with problems from the start. It spent 2 months at the dealership chasing down an engine sound. After changing balance shafts, injectors, a turbo they discovered an issue with the crankshaft. After replacing this, the funny sound was gone but they managed to screw up the clutch, so that had to be replaced also. At about 80.000 miles the turbo needed replacement. My side windows groan on uneven roads, and the dealership has been unable to solve this.

I need to select a new car soon as the lease is running out, and although I am not impressed with build quality and quality of the dealership, I still are very much in love with the ride and performance. It eats up german autobahn and still gets 24mpg @ 125 mph. Under normal use it gets 44 mpg. I will check out the e90 shorthly to see how it compares.

[SLO-BOB]

Originally posted by Peterfrans
It eats up german autobahn and still gets 24mpg @ 125 mph. Under normal use it gets 44 mpg. I will check out the e90 shorthly to see how it compares.

That's what I'm talkin' about! Sign me up for economy and performance!

No manufacturer will see a nickle from me on a new car until cars like this are available in the US.

[wludavid]

Originally posted by Sebring77
That's what I'm talkin' about! Sign me up for economy and performance!

No manufacturer will see a nickle from me on a new car until cars like this are available in the US.

Then better start writing to your local oil exec about making low-sulfur diesel available.

[SLO-BOB]

Supposedly scheduled for 2006, or so I thought.