Looking to buy an M3/325i

[Efini_RX7]

Hey all,

I'm new to these forums and had a couple buyers questions about the M3/325i
I searched a little, but it didnt come up with anything.

I'm getting over my "import" stage (tuning some fun cars like a 01 Prelude, 95 240sx ~ S14 Silvia, and a 93 Mazda RX-7) and now I'm looking for a very nice looking car, comfortable, and maintains power.

I was just currious what some of the reliability issues with these cars are, maintenece issues/prices, etc.
(if anyone has any links or links to other posts...that'll suffice)

Thanks for your help!
take care

Mike

[Efini_RX7]

specifically looking for common probs the car has and things like that (stuff to look out for on possible cars i might buy).
e.g., like on RX-7's, the passenger handle breaks on 99% of the cars

just issues like that
thank you so much in advance

[Lex]

Do a car fax to be sure it's not been involved in a major wreck. go to www.carfax.com and pay 25 bucks to check all the cars you want to in a month, just have to have VIN. Which you can get either ask dealer or go to dealerships at night to get VIN with flashlight.

Check brakes, as sometimes you have to replace rotors with about every brake job on some cars. Obvious, Tires, as they get expensive on an M. Check for smokers car, if you don't smoke. Check oil to see if it's been changed, service records?

Mechanically, not to much goes wrong with lower miles. Personally, I've not had much go wrong myself. I've owned 86 528e, 92 325is, 97 328i convertible, 2002 330ci sports, and 2003 M3. In all that time, I've had 1 electrical malfunction, a busted radiator, tail light that collected water, and bad door panels on 92 model 325is. Bad glue from factory. I've really not had to much else go wrong other than brakes, normal wear and tear.

Check the tool kit to see if someone has robbed the tools out of it, manual in glove box.

[Efini_RX7]

so other than just usual wear-and-tear items (tires, fluids, brakes, etc)
these cars dont have too many probs?
i was looking at a 97 325i and a 98 323is
both look gorgeous and have less than 70k miles, so i shouldnt expect any problems?
both have clean carfaxes too

thanks guys

mike

[e36_m3_Turbo]

the 323 is going to lack power if you like power.

[Efini_RX7]

well...ive been used to power for a long time...but im looking for more reliability now.
how do the cars compare (other than the side-by side comparisons that autotrader gives?) i mean, in terms of power, comfort, reliability, etc?
thanks again!

Michael

[e36_m3_Turbo]

Originally posted by Efini_RX7@Jun 13 2004, 08:59 PM
well...ive been used to power for a long time...but im looking for more reliability now.
how do the cars compare (other than the side-by side comparisons that autotrader gives?) i mean, in terms of power, comfort, reliability, etc?
thanks again!

Michael

well the 323, 325, and 328 are partically the same as confront, reliabity. except the power

[Efini_RX7]

i can get the 323 w/ 65k miles, pristine inside and out (only a couple small knicks) for $12,000....should i jump on it?

[Lex]

I have not driven a 323. However, I would say it's at least as powerful as an older 325 98 to say 92 or 93 for example. I had a 92 325is, and it was a nice car in a 5 speed. I likely would not want an automatic in a 323. But a 5 speed with 60's miles will be a nice car for a pretty long time yet. You should get 150 without major issues, maybe more.

12K, probably not to bad for those miles.

Lex

[e36_m3_Turbo]

Originally posted by Efini_RX7@Jun 13 2004, 10:02 PM
i can get the 323 w/ 65k miles, pristine inside and out (only a couple small knicks) for $12,000....should i jump on it?

what year is it?

[Efini_RX7]

sounds like im goin wtih teh 325i
its a 1995 325i w/ 52k miles for 11,000

i dont trust the guy sellin the 323...so im leavin that idea
325 should get a little more power too

[Efini_RX7]

by the way...i know its not the best, but the 325i i was lookin at is an auto...
i heard there were some probs with teh auto trannys in the 92-95's....is this true?

thanks!

mike

[Silver4evr]

Check the FAQ section for some info on mechanical problems.

Probably the best place to check reliability ratings by year is Consumer Reports, either at your local library in their Annual Auto Buying Guides (free) or online at ConsumerReports.org (around $20).

[CiscoKid]

yeah... go manual defanately. They only made 325s up to 1995

[stretch415]

I am in the same situation as you and looking at getting rid of my high horse dsm for a all around performer with reliability. I am looking at the 96-99 M3 2 door manuals. Im looking for common problems that I may face since Ive had so many issues in the past I want reliability.