Looking to buy a 2006 BMW 3'er, opinions wanted

[Leland Pate]

So, I've got a line on what I think is a good deal on a 2006 BMW 325i sedan and thought I'd post the specifics here for some feedback since the BMW boards are slooow.

Like I said, it's an '06 with 18K on the odo. US Spec, sport package, winter package, auto, dark green metallic (which I really like) on tan interior (unfortunately, I think the interior is vinyl instead of leather??? From what I could find on the net, leather only comes w/ the premium package, which I think sucks!) Most people don't know the difference, and I see a lot of these cars advertised as having leather and I think that may be false.

Anyway, the seller (who is stationed here in Germany) is moving and has made reference to the fact that if the car doesn't sell within the next few weeks, he will have to sell it back to the bank? I don't know what this means, but I'm thinking it may be repo'ed or something.

So, he was asking $26,000 a few weeks ago then dropped that down to $25,000. Just this past week, he lowered it again to $23,500 as it needs new front tires.

That is just a tad more than I had wanted to spend, but you all know how it goes -you originally start off saying you're going to spend $18K max, then start looking and find a real nice car for just a couple grand more and it just keeps going from there.

I've looked at ebay, Auto Trader, KBB, NADA, and the like looking for average prices. I think this may be a good deal if the car checks out. What do you think?


Here are a few photos:

[David in VA]

Sounds like an excellent price. We've been looking for something similar for my wife and decided to buy new because prices on used hadn't dropped that much. Nice color too. Don't be put off by the leatherette. As you mentioned it's hard to tell the difference against real leather, is very easy to clean and lasts forever. Cold weather package is also nice because it gets you the fold down rear seats which in my opinion should be standard, not an option.

[Rot 911]

Damn that is a good looking car. I have actually been giving some thought to getting rid of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and buying a nice BMW.

[SLO-BOB]

I looked at getting a 2006 325i new. Nice cars. Mine would have been the 6 speed with premium, winter and sport package. They are a lttle weak in the lower rpms, but that's part of the BMW straight 6 experience. I believe the car gets around 30 mpg. A very sound choice overall.

[David]

We love our '07 328i that replaced our '99 323i. They get great mileage and drive like a dream. I hate the run flat tires with a passion. The sport package wheels are very heavy (the rear tire/wheel combo is 60 lbs!), so you can dramatically improve low speed acceleration by installing lighter wheels and go flat tires.

[rammstein]

Don't get confused trying to look for a dipstick- there isn't one.

My buddy's oil light came on, and he didnt have a clue what to do. I, being the 'car guy' obliged to help out. Opened the hood, and ended up looking like a jackass for about 20 minutes. Finally, I came into the car with my head hung low, and looked at the owner's manual to discover that there is no dipstick, just a light that comes on when you are a quart low.

Weird.

Nice car though.

[speeder]

Great-looking car! Are prices much different in Germany than the U.S.? Would you bring it back here, or sell it when you come home?

[KNS]

I've got a previous gen 325i, BMW makes very nice driving cars. The lack of a dipstick on the new cars really bugs me though. No water temp gauge either. I'd seriously consider a newer one if it were'nt for those minor details...

[David]

I was worried about the lack of dipstick, but once you're used to the using the computer to check the oil level I think you'll find it's nice not to have to find a rag to check your oil.

[MMARSH]

I have a 2006 330I with the sport and premium packages. (well the wife does) It really is a great car. My only beef is the window switch on the drivers door. It's in a bad position, you tend to lower the rear window when trying to lower the front. That price sounds great. Do you get the balance of the free maintenance as well?

[TerryBPP]

Ditto to MMARSH, I bought the wife a 06' 330I and she loves it. Plenty of power and very toss able. We bought ours new though, so you cant compare prices.

[David]

Originally Posted by MMARSH

I have a 2006 330I with the sport and premium packages. (well the wife does) It really is a great car. My only beef is the window switch on the drivers door. It's in a bad position, you tend to lower the rear window when trying to lower the front. That price sounds great. Do you get the balance of the free maintenance as well?

I do that too with the rear window. I preferred the previous center console placement.

We bought our '99 323i in '01 from an individual and we got the free maintenance for 2 years.

[Leland Pate]

Well, I may have missed out. The seller emailed me and asked if I would do better than $23,500. I guess that figure is what the local dealership quoted him to buy the car flat out. So, I guess I know where the wholesale value is!

RATS! I offered to match it, but I don't see him accepting my offer as it would be just as easy to let the dealer do it as it's more of a sure thing than some stranger three hours away.

Oh well, I'll keep my fingers crossed and see what he says.

Lee

P.S. Yes, it's a US spec car bought through the military sales program which basically means you don't pay any of the taxes, or delivery fees. I think it usually means the car costs about $3-5K less than in the states, brand new.

[pwd72s]

Hey, Lee...since you're upping the ante already, did you see what one would cost new with a military contract?

[Leland Pate]

I looked briefly at the new prices but they are still very expensive. I was originally looking for a car in the $15-18K range when I happened upon this deal. I don't know if we'll be able to make things work on this or not, but I'm getting a feeling this is a good price for the car. I'll let you all know how it turns out.

Leland

[the]

That seems like a steal of a price, why not offer him $500 more?

[Leland Pate]

It's looking good. We talked tonight and did a telephone handshake on $23,500. We'll meet on Wednesday/Thursday to swap paper for wheels.

Lee