Newbie Questions

[bimmer950]

Hi,

This is my first message on the BMW-Forum. I am planning to buy my first BMW and I need to some information from the experienced owners.

1. Does it make sense to buy a used 2000-2001 325i/330i? What are the things to watch out for? What should be the acceptable mileage?

2. What is the approx. maintenance and insurance cost to own one. I heard that it requires a fat wallet to even maintain a new BMW!?!?

3. What is the most preferred/appealing color in this forum? I currently own a black 2001 Jetta V6 and it is a pain to keep it clean!

Appreciate your responses.

[MattH6935]

I am 21 and own a 99 323i, I am still under my parents policy and paying 1900 a year for full coverage insurance....It seems the preferred color around here is black...I personally like black and silver...any car will cost alot of money if you dont take care of it right...Just keep up with oil and transmission and you should be good to go....But remember ANY car can have problems!

[GreenDragon]

Some of the answers depend on your age - insurance is rated by age group. Are you self covered, or under someone elses? Expect to pay 1000$ on up per year.

Maintenenace can vary depending where you go. It'll cost the most from the dealership. Try to haggle free maintenance from them.

Color - pick YOUR preference, as you will be the one driving it.

[gwilson001]

Insurance is priced on age of driver, where you live, and distance travelled to work. If your driving record is good that helps a lot. Age is a big one, if you are under 30 -35 in CA then you going to pay a price for your youth.
Maintenance is not expensive but ignore the 10K ofr 15K oil change interval and change at 5000 - 7000. Oil, even synthetic gets contaminated - oil filter technology has only improved marginally in the last 20 years.

Hope this helps

[mankiks323i]

unfortanatly when you are a male driver and young you will pay high premiums I have on upscale cars expect high insurance rates. BMW engineers have spent a lot of time and experience with cars that have different maintenance intervals.. Bottom line is Follow the owners manual for maintenence intervals in any car that you own. if they say change oil every XX amount of miles do it I have 60k and change my oil once a year and my engine does NOT burn or leak any oil. And yes if you do take it at the dealership the will rape u of your hard earned money.