95 BMW 325i 4dr

[steves]

So here the deal, Im new to the bimmer world. There is a 95 325i four door with 230k miles on it. It's automatic and drives perfectly, two sets of wheel, one are after market wheels with good tread and the other set are the stock ones with brand new tires on them. Has disc breaks all the way around and comes with a new tirerod and ball joints. Is it worth $2200??? Also if I buy what should I get done asap to ensure the car keeps running just as good as it did off the showroom floor?

[shadowpuck]

depends upon previous service history - does it come with any paperwork? what did the previous owner do maintenance wise?

value always comes down to what someone will pay, plus condition of the vehicle. with most cars, that comes down to how well did the previous owners maintain it.

i'd always rather have a higher mileage, better maintained vehicle than a lower mileage maintenance/repair nightmare....

having said that, 230k is nothing to sneeze at; that's some miles. i'd want to know how often the cooling system (radiator/water pump/etc.) has been serviced/replaced. has the car ever overheated? the early to mid nineties 3 series was famous for the plastic waterpump overheat failure. how often have the fluids (brake/transmission/etc.) been flushed/replaced? Those are often overlooked by many owners - particularly transmission since BMW has gone back and forth on that being a 'lifetime' fill item.

with that kind of mileage, i'd want to know what kind of condition the suspension is in - you mention a new tierod and ball joint. personally, i'd want to know why, at least, the ball joint wasn't replaced as a pair.... that's just my personal bias...

i'd recommend a good PPI (pre-purchase inspection) by a trusted, knowledgeable shop/mechanic - check with your local BMW club chapter for recommendations.

what are your plans for this car? if you are looking for something as a project and you are willing to put money in it, then some of these concerns might not be as important....

[jimmythepie]

Originally Posted by steves

So here the deal, Im new to the bimmer world. There is a 95 325i four door with 230k miles on it. It's automatic and drives perfectly, two sets of wheel, one are after market wheels with good tread and the other set are the stock ones with brand new tires on them. Has disc breaks all the way around and comes with a new tirerod and ball joints. Is it worth $2200??? Also if I buy what should I get done asap to ensure the car keeps running just as good as it did off the showroom floor?

Holy shit thats some mileage, owned by an astronout i presume!
Keep us informed of any problems, like to know if you buy it, balls of steel may be required.
all the best with it.