330i New To Bmw's

[BeemerSlug]

I've got a new (ok, used) car itch that won't go away. I'm reeeeally leaning towards a 330i. I'm not 'The Trump' so I need to watch what I'm getting. I'm looking at a 2001 or 2002 330i (not convertible and definitely a 5spd man trans).
Questions:
Most of the mileage I'm looking at is around 40's or 50's. What starts going wrong first and what kind of prices am I looking at to get whatever goes wrong fixed?

What other little issues should I be looking at with a used BMW?

Granted, insurance rates vary from locale and driving record but what was the "insurance shock" of going from your prior vehicle to the BMW?


I have agonized over this for several months and have reviewed everything from Alphas to Xions. I was leaning towards the Boxter for awhile...the Miatas (absolutely great little cars) Audi's...you name it. I keep coming back to the Beemers.

Thanks for any help

[peterkulesza]

check ALL front end bushings, control arms etc.

check radiator (inluding pressure test) for leaks.

make absoultely sure all electrical crap (windows lights etc etc) works. with a checklist, this stuff is insane.

compression test the motor, with oil thru plug holes and without.

expect new rotors at this mileage.

[rsn48]

In my mind a car with 50,000 miles on it is just starting to warm up. You shouldn't have to worry much about a car with that mileage. If I was buying, I'd do a plug change, oil and filter change, flush the coolant, new cabin filter and as part of the deal I'd say I'd pay for the parts if the dealer will install them for free. In fact this was part of my bargaining on my last car. The dealer will probably eat the labour.

I bought a 2002 used 330xi - awesome car and you'll love the power. I hope you don't have any speeding tickets right now....lol.

[jehu3]

I bought a 2001 330i 2 years ago with ~40,000 miles on it. The 01's seem to have the same problems. I have had the following;
Sticky throtle pedal replaced
Window regulator (clunking of pass. window) replaced
Cam position sensor
hood emplem fell off
It probably needs control arm bushings but dealer says no.
I don't put alot of miles on a car so all was done under warranty.
I mostly love the car, I want another one; my feeling is its a great car while under warranty.
If buying used, try to get one with miles left on warranty, or find one that has had the "usual" 2001 problems fixed. The dealer can read history from the key.