Buying an '98 328i, need opinions...

[yammahamma]

I just drove a '98 328i and I really like it, but I need some opinions before I go buy it.

Here's its listing:
ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds

but for those who are too lazy to follow that link, here are the pics:













She's asking $4,987.

There are a couple scratches and rock chips that are to be expected on a 10 year old car. the interior is in good shape. The leather is old but no cracks or tears. there are some scratches on the leather.

145k miles.

The only 2 things that concern me is 1) there's a tiny spot of rust on a door. It's about 1/4 of a dime in size. and 2) the check engine light is on and they haven't gotten it checked out. They said the check engine light goes on and off.

It's dirty, but with a detail she could look a few years younger...

If I offer her $4,500 do you think that's a fair price?

Thanks!

[german-speed-demon]

i would thinki so, but tell her you want to take it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. the rust is a point of concern, mileage isn't too bad, sounds reasonable for the national average per year...other than that she looks clean and straight, interior seems well kept. $4.5k sounds reasonable.

[drz]

I'd say $4.5k is a good offer. I also suggest that you spend teh $100 or so that it will cost to get a mechanic to insect the car/read the codes. The 328i is a great car. You will enjoy it

[witeshark]

Looks like it may be a very good find!

[yammahamma]

Does anyone have a carfax account??

[denyo77]

what are you going to do with your awesome convertible?

[yammahamma]

What does this light mean?



I'm guessing its the same thing as the "check" light on an e30....the one telling you to look at your OBC. am I right? I know the car was low on washer fluid....

as far as the vert, denyo77, I might keep it...I might sell it...I might give it to my little bro...don't know yet...

[drz]

That is the traction control (ASC+T) light. Is it always on? That is not good. I think it should be off when you start the car . In any case, the green ASC+T button should toggle the light. If the indicator is on, that meas that traction control is disabled. The light will come on intermittently whenever traction control engages during driving.

[Teh Prof]

What's the transmission service history?

[johnnyBgood]

Good question Teh Prof......yammahamma find out when the trans was last serviced, they are due @ about 90 k & the traction control light will stay on when the traction control button is depressed off......just press it down once & see if it goes off....car running.....Car looks nice though....

johnny,

[yammahamma]

I drove her again today...

Needs new brakes and rotors...and the steering wheel makes a noise when turning it.

I was just imagining the ASC light...it wasn't on today. The switch toggled it on and off...phew.

And the Check Engine codes are: P1421, P1423

[witeshark]

Power steering fluid may be low.

[yammahamma]

It's the wheel itself which is making the noise...I think it just needs a little grease. You think it's the fluid tho?

So those codes could mean a new secondary air pump and valve...from bavauto that'll run about $380.

My real question is, does anyone know if this model comes with seat warmers? I thought every Bimmer did. I've forgotten to check both times i've driven it...any thoughts?

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by yammahamma

It's the wheel itself which is making the noise...I think it just needs a little grease. You think it's the fluid tho?

So those codes could mean a new secondary air pump and valve...from bavauto that'll run about $380.

My real question is, does anyone know if this model comes with seat warmers? I thought every Bimmer did. I've forgotten to check both times i've driven it...any thoughts?

I am pretty sure they were optional......

Heated Front Seats*
Heated front seats are optional in all 3 Series models except the 318ti, all 5 Series models, and the 740i/iL. In the 750iL and 8 Series, they are standard.
The 3- and 8 Series heated seats have two stages of heating and a timer. To preclude their being left on inadvertently, the timer automatically reduces heat from stage 2 to stage 1 after 4.5 minutes, and switches it off after 36 minutes.

The 5- and 7 Series heated seats have continuously variable heating, and the 750iL has heated front and rear seats as standard equipment.

*All except 318ti.

BMW World - 1997 Ergonomics, Luxury and Convenience

johnny,

[yammahamma]

dang....so here's the real question....is that a good enough reason to not buy it?