BMW 325i...good car?

[Nathans_Dad]

Hey, I have an opportunity to get into a 2006 325ci convertible with 18,000 miles for just under $25k. I've always wanted a 3 series BMW, just wondering if anyone out there had any opinions on them. Thanks.

[cantdrv55]

I don't know if you are asking about that particular year and model specifically or 3 series BMWs in general but I owned a 1996 328ic. I miss that car. Great AC and heat, good stock stereo and was pretty tight around the bend though nowhere near as grippy as the Carrera that replaced it. I bought it for $17.5k and sold it a year and 4000 miles later for $16k. I think it held it's value quite well. No maintenance was done on the car during my ownership and had zero issues. I basically drove it for the cost of insurance and gas in the year I owned it. My wife misses the car too so she wants to keep her Carrera and sell my SC for a newish M3 convertible. Love the M3 but not as much as the SC.

[cantdrv55]

Gone but not forgotten.

[gprsh924]

For similar money, you could get an 04ish M3 convertible with similar miles.

[Rot 911]

The 325 is a great driver's car. Find out what packages it comes with. BMW doesn't have options, they have packages, such as Sport, Cold Weather, Premium. Manual or auto transmission?

They are very solid cars, but do require more maintenance then your standard Toyota or Honda. Window regulators were made by evil elves and go out with some regularity, but are cheap to buy and easy to DIY.

Cooling system and suspension were designed to last 60K miles and then need to be replaced. Again fairly easy to DIY, but plan on around $2K total.

BMW says oil changes are every 15K miles and transmission and differential fluids are "lifetime." They did this so they could offer a 50K "free" servicing on their cars. Change the oil every 7500 miles, tranny and differential fluids every 30K miles and you will be good to go.

There is a huge support system in place for the 325 including three separate forums and dozens of aftermarket companies to buy parts from. The only thing you will find different on the boards from here is the amazing number of high school kids whose parents bought them a BMW and they crowd up the boards with questions about which "angel eyes" or wheels they should get for their cars.

[rammstein]

Originally Posted by Kurt V

The only thing you will find different on the boards from here is the amazing number of high school kids whose parents bought them a BMW and they crowd up the boards with questions about which "angel eyes" or wheels they should get for their cars.

This is true. I have an E30 which has whole boards just for it, and also because of the swap I need to peruse the later stuff as well. There is a LOT of clutter concerning tinting headlights, how low you can drop the suspension, etc.

BUT- I've posted questions a few times and I did get good answers from some members. I think over time I'll know who the smart guys are.

[KNS]

I own an '04 325i, +1 to everything Kurt said, they are great cars. 2006 and later changed a bit, they did away with the engine oil dipsticks ( I'll never buy a newer one), no water temp gauge and run-flat tires.

[Tim Hancock]

I have no experience with the newer 3 series, but I just surpassed 300,000 miles on my older E36 325i daily driver and my wife has not had any problems thus far with her '03 E46 330i at around 80k mileage. Both however are manual transmissions.

[Seahawk]

I had an '06 325i coupe. I put a lot of trouble free miles on it. The gas mileage is incredibly good for the performance.

[JeremyD]

We had an 05 for 9 months, 50,000 miles. Window regulators went out, intermittently the doors would fail to lock or unlock, AC was up and down. After awhile my wife hated the car (especially when she took her friends to lunch and they doors would not unlock) It was a great driving car - it had the bigger wheels and sport seats.

We sold it - she has a Toyota Highlander she likes. I wouldn't buy another one.

[Nathans_Dad]

Pulled the trigger today.

Bought a Certified Preowned BMW 325i sedan. 22,500 miles, Sport and Premium Packages, automatic with grey leather interior, Titanium Silver exterior. 17 inch rims and low profile run-flat tires. Total price $24,500. They were asking $26,500 originally, their "internet price" was $25,500 and the salesman said he had "no room" at that price. Apparently he had $1,000 of room because when I told him he could either take the $24500 or give me my keys back he took the deal.

I think I got a reasonable deal on a solid car. The Certified Preowned program extends the warranty to 6 years/100k miles from the original date of purchase so I will have the car under warranty for another 2 1/2 years or so.

Anyhow, I'm happy. The car is at the dealership getting all the touches done and such. Probably be ready for me to pick up next week.

Sweet!!

[VINMAN]

Had a '95 318i I thought it was a piece of shyte. Build quality was garbage, interior trim always falling off. went through window regulators like crazy.

Very dissapointed in it.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

Had a '95 318i I thought it was a piece of shyte. Build quality was garbage, interior trim always falling off. went through window regulators like crazy.

Very dissapointed in it.

That is odd as my 300K+ mileage '92 E36 interior has held up beautifully and I have yet to have to replace any power window parts.

My '03 330i interior will likely not fair as well, as BMW started coating the plastic parts with some sort of rubbery feeling outer layer.

[Rot 911]

Nice car Nathan! That warranty will be nice, but don't forget what I said about fluid changes if you plan on keep that car more than 100K miles!

[JeremyD]

I wouldn't buy another one without the extended warranty. Sounds like you did well. It's alot of car. Very solid - great driving dynamics