Buying a 325 series HELP!!!!

[snsgraphics]

I am in the market for a 325. I have read several reviews, MOST sound good, but thought I would ask the pro's. I have never owned a BMW, always american cars, so... What should I do? I have been looking at the 94-99 models, with a 5 speed, but have heard that servicing is VERY expensive. I have alway done my own oil changes and so forth. Is there any "unusual" things that I would have to account for? what is the cost of a 3000 mile ol change? are there different services that are needed? Also, is a 130,000 miles considered "a lot of miles" for this model? These forums saved me numerous times with my Jeep and F-150, so I hope it works here... Thanks in advance. Steve

[snsgraphics]

I am going Friday to look at a 1993 325i and a 1999 325i both have about 150,000... Is that bad mileage for these model? What should I look for? interior and exterior are PERFECT... 93 is 3900.00 99 is 7900.00 Like I said above, I am not familiar with servicing these cars, any help would be great... Thanks.

[witeshark]

The E36 earlier cars had some water pump issues, but that may well be cared for after 150,000 miles. Can you see good service records?

[snsgraphics]

Originally Posted by witeshark

The E36 earlier cars had some water pump issues, but that may well be cared for after 150,000 miles. Can you see good service records?

Not sure about the service records yet... is there a way i can tell by looking at it? Also, is a 150,000 miles a lot for this car? By what I have seen on the net, it does not seem like it. Thanks

[bimmerpat90]

150,000 is nothing a guy who used to work with my mom still has his 325 and it had over 400,000 miles on it last time i talked to him so your good on that part just do the routine stuff and it will be fine.

[sasbell]

you'll love the e36. I have a 1994 325i convertable with 52k miles. Mother in law purchased it new and I purchased from her about a year ago. Fantastic car. I recently had about $4000 worth of work completed...all fluids changed included differential and transmission, hoses and belts changed, plus Dinan transmission and engine chip installed. Plus a new speaker system from BSW - Bavarian Soundwerks. Oh also upgraded to 17" Beyern wheels with sport tires (have about 2k miles on them). Over $7k in recent updates/improvements. The car is in incredible shape as it was a third car for my mom in law and now is a fourth car for me. (I also own a 530i and 540i m sport). I am considering selling it.

[avamaemusic]

HEY I LOVE MY 325I BUT AM SELLING IT. I HAVE A SECOND CAR AND REALLY DONT NEED 2 CARS.............HOW MUCH DRIVING CAN A GIRL DO? I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR, I HAVE HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS ITS IN GREAT CONDITION. BLACK LEATHER INTERIOR, CLEAN AND ON 49500 MILES FOR AN O4 IS GREAT. NO ACCIDENTS JUST FRONT GRILL COSMETIC DAMAGAE FROM PARKING GARAGE. BUT ANYWAY IF YOURE INTERESTED I POSTED SOME PICS. HOPE YOU LIKE HER

[94BMW325i]

is the 99 a 323, or a 328?

[avamaemusic]

my car