Newbie looking for some advice...

[Brad737]

Hello all,

I've never owned a BMW before, but my everyday car is starting to show its age, so I've been doing some shopping. I'm primarily interested in the 325 or 330, and I definitely need a sedan. (We have a 2 year-old, so a car seat is a must.) I've contemplated a 5-Series, but I think I prefer the looks of the 3-Series. It also seems like a 3 will be a bit more sporty.

Another consideration is that I live in Cincinnati, where we get some snow in the winters. Also, my wife will drive our daughter in the car a day or so every week, so I'm thinking it may be a good idea to go with AWD, simply because she's not the greatest driver, and I think AWD will help in rain or snow. Lastly, since my wife will be driving the car, I'm going to have to get an automatic transmission. I tried to teach her how to drive a stick in a Porsche Turbo I used to own. But let's just say that didn't go well.

I'd appreciate some input as far as reliability of BMWs in general, as well as the reliability of the xi versus RWD. Are there any recurring problems with the later 3-Series cars? I think I'm going to concentrate on 2005 to 2007 models, so I don't take a huge depreciation hit.

Can you folks share some insight?

Thanks,
Brad

[witeshark]

For a start, I have read that the E46 all wheel drive models can have issues.

[Brad737]

Thanks for the info, Shark. Are you aware of any problems with the 325i or 328i?
Thanks,
Brad

[german-speed-demon]

Are you solidly locked into a 3 Series? Or may i suggest a 5 Series? Perhaps a 535i?

[Brad737]

I'd be interested in a 5-Series for sure. The big items for me are:

1. Sedan
2. Automatic
3. Well-maintained/ No damage/ Clean reports
4. Preferably a 2005-2007
5. Preferably no more than 25,000 or 30,000 miles.
6. I'm leaning towards Mystic Blue or Black, but those aren't mandatory.

Thanks,
Brad

[witeshark]

Originally Posted by Brad737

Thanks for the info, Shark. Are you aware of any problems with the 325i or 328i?
Thanks,
Brad

There's a bit of chatter that generally, the cooling systems need replacement at about 50,000 miles (they say 60,000, so I say 50).

[Brad737]

Ahhhh, that's good to know.
Thanks,
Brad

[german-speed-demon]

Here's a nice 550i for ya in Hamburg, NY...
BMW : 5-Series:eBay Motors (item 250431762754 end time Jun-01-09 15:39:25 PDT)

[Brad737]

Quick update:

Thanks for the advice, gents. I just picked up my first BMW. It's a 2007 335i with Steptronic transmission. It's in excellent condition, just under 23,000 miles, Premium/ Cold Weather packages, iDrive and Navigation. I'm looking forward to putting a LOT of miles on this beauty. :-)

Thanks,
Brad

[witeshark]

That is a sweetie!

[monte325i]

beautiful looking!