What can you tell me about a 2004 BMW 325i?

A930Rocket · 09:16 PM

Looking at a 2004 BMW 325i as a DD for my daughter while she's at school.

It has 95K on the clock and all records, etc.

Any pros or cons? What to look for?

It's over priced but by how much? What's reasonable?

2004 BMW 325i: EXCELLENT Condition!

Another one.
2004 BMW 325CI

Jays72T · 03-20-2014, 08:02 PM

Had an 01 330, bought it with 65,000mi and was well maintained. Already had cooling system overhauled, common, RTABS, brakes, great records, etc... At about 75,000 the voltage regulator failed, 80,000 fuel pump went bad, a few window regulators failed before 85,000, thermostat failed around 90k, there was always a power steering leak that I never fixed, just kept topping it up and a few other little issues. Now I like working on cars and all these problems were easy to fix but the voltage reg and fuel pump did leave me stranded. Just my experience, they are good cars but do preemptive maintenance for her so she doesn't get stuck.

WPOZZZ · 03-20-2014, 08:38 PM

I had an 03 325i sports package. It is a great car as it handles well, the motor has good torque and mpg is reasonable. I had mine for a couple years and then gave it to my mother.

The center console has some rubberized plastics that don't wear so good. The rubber coating peels off after a while. Window regulators will need replacing as the cable gets worn and frayed. Valve cover gaskets get hard and leak oil and are something that should be replaced every three years or so. Change the oil regularly and change the tranny fluid out every 50k.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

I have an '03 and have put @ 60K on it ( has 98K on it now) and have not had one single MX item with it.

A930Rocket · 03-20-2014, 09:27 PM

Thanks guys.

epbrown · 03-21-2014, 12:48 AM

Had a 2003 325i and miss it - perfect sedan. The water-pump and cooling system should be checked/replaced every 60k miles, but otherwise mine had no problems. There was an issue with the automatics for the E46 generation, but I think that was the earlier years; the Steptronics are good, and the Magnetti-Marelli clutchless manuals are to be avoided.

faverymi · 03-21-2014, 02:12 AM

Here in the NE the suspension is known for wearing bushings prematurely.

And I knew a few owners that had problems with the VANOS and noisy valve train.

Little higher maintenance but I liked the car.

VaSteve · 03-21-2014, 03:03 AM

At that age, replace the cooling system. Can be done for about $400. Valve cover gasket leaks on the exhaust. Easy fix. The gasket for the oil filter housing will fall. Its $5 and a relatively easy fix but makes a huge mess. Window regs make sure to ensure the vapor barrier isn't torn when doing the windows or rain WILL get in the car.

Tim Hancock · 03-21-2014, 03:21 AM

I am now daily driving my wife's old 03 330... Love the car... Very few issues so far at about 150k mileage. Has been a blast this winter with snow tires.

ckelly78z · 03-21-2014, 03:24 AM

My wife drives an 03 BMW 325 ic (convertible) and loves it, but it has been in the shop several times, twice for cooling system/WP, once for a door lock actuator, and once for a radio/nav screen short.

greglepore · 03:34 AM

What everyone else said, plus the leather is low grade and gives up above say 125k. Car is a zingy little fun to drive vehicle however that is comfortable and gets decent mileage.

Price? for the one pictured, no more than 5k.

asphaltgambler · 03-21-2014, 04:22 AM

Maintenance records, proof of prior good care. They are very good driving cars.

911dean · 911dean's Garage

Very happy owner of a 2001 wagon. 106,000 miles just did a suspension, brakes and cooling system. I absolutely love my car and will hopefully see the odometer hit 200k.

KNS · 03-21-2014, 05:30 AM

I own an '04 325i, 163,000 miles with Sport Package and it has been perfect. I've never even seen a CEL. I have preventively replaced the entire cooling system, control arm bushings wear out around 60,000 miles and I just replaced my leaky oil filter housing gasket. You should think about replacing the fuel pump around 100,000 miles - they can fail around that mileage and leave you stranded. I do all my own maintenance as they are easy to work on.

I plan on taking it well past 200,000 miles and if it keeps running as well as it has (inline six still silky smooth) I may try for 300,000 miles.

A930Rocket · 03-21-2014, 05:37 AM

Thanks again guys. Seeing that she will be out of range for me to work on the car, I want something reliable. Unless the records show cooling system repairs, suspension, etc. I'd have to get a deal on the car to make it worthwhile.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-21-2014, 06:07 AM

For your daughter? Who will probably turn up the radio when she hears a noise? Sorry, but no way I send my daughter out in the world in something as unreliable as a BMW. Look at all the issues listed so far, and multiple people who have been stranded. Contrast that with a nice reliable Japanese car that will go 300k with just regular maintenance. Old BMWs are great for enthusiasts that love to tinker, not women that just want nice transportation. Buy her a Mazda3.

911dean · 911dean's Garage

Don't believe a Japanese car won't breakdown or leave you stranded.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-21-2014, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911dean

Don't believe a Japanese car won't breakdown or leave you stranded.

Never say never. But your odds are exponentially better that it will happen when driving an old and high mileage BMW.

911dean · 911dean's Garage

Quote:

Quote de 911dean

Don't believe a Japanese car won't breakdown or leave you stranded.

Never say never. But your odds are exponentially better that it will happen when driving an old and high mileage BMW.

I think that goes for any old high mileage car. The key is to take care of them. Perfect example is my Sport Wagon. I bought it 3 years ago with 80k and have driven it pretty hard and did nothing but oil changes. After it hit a 100k I've fixed known issues or done general maintenance to increase my odds of continued reliability.

In my 30+ years of car ownership I can't recall ever being stranded, other than a pesky rod through a block.

speeder · speeder's Garage

All of the actual ownership experience related here points to a very stout car with some normal maintenance issues, like oil leaks and suspension bushings at certain mile posts. Nothing at all to indicate a finicky or unreliable vehicle.

FWIW, one of my best friends in the world has a 2001 325i sportwagon that he bought new with 240k miles on it. He is not good at taking care of his cars, not a DIYer at all and it's going strong. He's looking forward to 300k miles.

I would not buy an unmaintained or abused example but otherwise, I'd have no qualms. And they sold so many that there is no excuse for buying a bad one, there are thousands for sale. I would not buy an abused Asian car 10 years old either.

There is an argument for buying a Japanese or Korean car, (cheaper), but it's not that BMWs are weak/temperamental cars. Just the opposite is true.