3-Series (E46, E90)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1999 to Current. Models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318Ci, BMW 320i, BMW 323i, BMW 325i, BMW 330i, BMW 328 Ci, BMW 328i, BMW 325i/xi, BMW 330Ci, BMW 320d, BMW 330d, BMW 335d.
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I just came back from checking a 99 323i (auto, leather, premium package). The car is in pretty good shape. Has 52k miles and the sellers doesnt know anything about cars and goes back to dealers when the computer tells him to. The side has minor scratches etc but seems alrite. The 170 horses felt underpower but it's still a bmw. I am coming from a 92 stick accord with 140 horses and the bmw didn't feel much faster.
Anyway, I am in the market for either the new 3 series or the g35x, or get a used car for now and shop for a new car later on.
What do you guys think about the 323i? I know it's underpower, etc but overall is the early 323i's reliable? etc. The rims on the car seems exactly like the latest 325's. Is that true? I asked the seller questions but he's probably in his late 50's or 60 and really doesn't have much knowledge about his own car. He ordered a 2005 325xi and thus selling his current one.
i think that car's alright.. jus try to get a better price.. i mean the price is alright it hink? but you could probably lower it a bit or if u want more power for the 328s
Of course it's better to get the 328 but that'll cost more. This is more like an interim car for me until I decide on which new car I need. I don't want to pay too much for a used car, plus this 323i's mileage is not that high. This could well end up to be my wife's car since she needed a car. The reason I had some consideration into this car is because it still has 2 more years of warranty and the car was serviced back at the dealers so hopefully (knock on wood) most of the little things are sorted out. I am sure the 328 will feel much faster but for an interim I just wanted to own a bmw. Or if I can't decide I'll go the new car route and go for new 3 series or the 2005 g35x.
Well if you're going to pay for a 328i....which you said was more, and it is. Consider the prices in which you're going to pay between New and Used. The Used vehicle has limited warranty and mileage/problems are going to be more. If the prices are nearly similar within a couple thousand or whatever you deem close, I'd advise going the NEW route. A new car with full warrenty and new interior, and no mileage. But it all boils down to your finances and what you want out of the vehicle and what you're willing and able to pay.
If I were to advise an e46, IMO I'd get a 325Ci or a 330Ci....the Ci versions of the 3 series are sooo much better, they handle better and are all round better vehicle. Going with a 3-Series is very good considering they've been top rated in car magazines.
I hope it all works out for the best.
Oh, and the G35x....isn't a bad car either. They have lots of power but weigh more. For the comfort and luxury an Infinity wouldn't be a bad choice...it makes it even more tempting because of the all wheel drive. But a downside to the Infinities is that whenever they are in to be serviced or need parts, you're bill is going to be rediculously high. Around $500 if not more.
Something to consider. Good luck, and keep us posted!
Yes, it's obvious the 325's, 328's, 330's are the better choice and so is a new car. I am getting a new car and that's a pretty sure thing just not sure if it's soon. The new 325 xi will be out soon but that'll run prob. 35k+ for what i want and so is the 2005 g35x. I am trying to compensate and get a used car in the interim and I really kinda wanted a bmw even though 323i is more / less a no frills but still has the premium package. A more current 325 etc would run me 20k+ and it might be out of my budget for a used car.
As for underpower, that I noticed when I test drove it but the car will not be my primary car since it'll be the new bmw or the 2005 much more powerful 280/298 horses g35x (I hope, still not sure yet, that plus I don't have a garage at my area, on waiting list for it) so I am not looking for a super fast car now because regardless if it's a current 325 or 328 I still don't think it's fast even if it's manual. A 330 manual then yes.
Originally posted by mikester318@Sep 11 2004, 06:39 PM 323 Auto's seem slow in my opinion.. I've driven 323i's , exactly the same except one's auto and one's manual... the manual feels faster,
yea when i drove a 323 i felt like it was REALLY weak at least compared to the 329
but mine was auto
Yup agreed 323i is weak...i've driven g35 and the 325 and 328 even stick is weak...the 330 is better. Auto also doesn't help, but to consider "maybe" it being my 1st bimmer...it's alrite right? At least better than a 318...hehe
Anyway, either that or wait for new car or shop around for other used bimmers.
Tommorrow bringing my bro in law along for 2nd look. He knows more about cars and can check it for me. What else should i check on the car? I checked the oil today, it's so damn hard to get the dipstick out compare to my honda. I couldn't find where the auto transmission fluid dipstick is and didn't get to bounce the car and check suspension. Other than that things seem fine but didn't get a look at how much brake pads were left. My one and only car is my 92 accord and checking the engine parts are so easy because everything is exposed where the bmw's engine is all covered up.
Take car to local BMW dealer and spend some bucks on computer diagnostic! These cars can be very expensive to maintain, especially if electronic components begin failing.
Wheel bearings, drive belt and pulleys, controll arm bushings, window regulators, door noises, faulty electrical door locks, sunroof all are known to cause problems, not to mention even minor fault on instrument panel may indicate serious problems.
Extended warranty has deductibles also right? Let's say if I buy the car, will I be able to get another extended warranty after the current one expires?
I don't know much about extended warranties, just be carefull what it covers, read fine print, even better, take paperwork to BMW service manager and ask him to 'translate' it...
I am going to research this subject myself next year
Checked the car again today. The seller wasn't reluctant to negotiate. I kinda gave him a low ball price of $14,000 (maybe not even low ball) and he was kinda pissed like how much his car is worth and trade in would be $13,500 (I really doubt dealers would give him that for his trade in). Anyway, I just told him, looked that's what I am willing to buy at and give me a call if you want to sell and said bye. He said, he might go down to $15,250. I was like, yeah ok. Anyway, it's not the last bmw in the world so if he doesn't call me back, big deal.
Quick question, when lets say the seller does sell to me at 14k or whatever, I know I would pay tax on it. The seller also has to pay tax too? If he does, why is it required? since he paid already when he first bought it. Probably a dumb question to ask.
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