Was thinking of buying an old BMW

Wilko121

Hey all, i was thinking of buying a 3 series BMW in the 2.5 - 5k price range. I had a few questions if someone out there knows.

First off, most cars in this catagory have a millage of like 130k miles, am i asking for trouble buying a bmw thats 10-14 years old?

Also, if I buy from a dealer does it automatically come with a warenty or do I need to ensure that it does?

Thanks
Bernard

EKRIUQ

The prices for large cars is very reasonable at the moment but where you get the nose bleed is when you start having problems with the car and servicing for a BMW, I have a friend and anytime he gets the car serviced he hasn't got much change left out of €1,000 if new tyres and and a few parts are needed.

But 130,000 miles sounds low enough for a large car like the 3 series just make sure you get a clean one

Stevie Dakota

The short answer is if money is very tight, don't do it. You may find a good one but you are more likely to end up with one that could swallow €5K easy over a couple of years. The E46 was a lot better built than its predecessor the E36 so go for that model. 1.6 was underpowered, diesels give trouble, 6 cylinder models are thirsty. A 318i is probably the safest engine on a budget but be prepared for possible suspension work. if you do your homework you will find a good one. Avoid newly imported UK cars as rust will be an issue at that age, corroded suspension, body and brakelines mean big bills.

They are a good car, not exceptional, but a solid car with a nice drive, good luck.

bazz26

I would imagine that very few garages will give you any sort of warranty with a 10 to 15 year old car. Most will be sold as seen so make sure you bring a good mechanic with you.

To be honest I would not bother with dealers for cars like these, there maybe better value from a private seller preferably an enthusiast who has looked after the car rather than buying from someone just trying to offload a 15 year old piece of crap from his driveway.

You really should be checking out one of the BMW owners forums, there are always folks there selling. At least most of them properly look after their cars.

VolvoMan

Is there any specific type of BMW you are looking for or just a BMW?

Darragh29

Wilko121 wrote: »

Hey all, i was thinking of buying a 3 series BMW in the 2.5 - 5k price range. I had a few questions if someone out there knows.

First off, most cars in this catagory have a millage of like 130k miles, am i asking for trouble buying a bmw thats 10-14 years old?

Also, if I buy from a dealer does it automatically come with a warenty or do I need to ensure that it does?

Thanks
Bernard

If you think anyone out there is going to give you a warranty on a clapped out 15 year old BM, forget it. You would want to be able to fix this car yourself if you are buying it, otherwise you will be taking on an expensive headache.

cooperguy

My opinion is that you are asking for trouble buying any car that old. You can be lucky (and I have been) but you dont know what issues could come up when you are dealing with a car that old.

Is it just that you want a BMW and that is all that will fit in your price range? A friend of mine was like that and he is regretting it now. He has lots of issues with his.

Darragh29

cooperguy wrote: »

My opinion is that you are asking for trouble buying any car that old. You can be lucky (and I have been) but you dont know what issues could come up when you are dealing with a car that old.

Is it just that you want a BMW and that is all that will fit in your price range? A friend of mine was like that and he is regretting it now. He has lots of issues with his.

It's no problem if you can spend your saturday taking out an engine to do a clutch or changing the engine or transmission, but after 100K, you'll start to run into these problems and if you are paying retail to have them resolved, forget it!

mumblin deaf ro

We've all gone through this thing where you see a name you love popping up at cheap prices on carzone and think 'Hey, wouldn't it be great to own a BMW/Merc/Jag, etc.', but you need to resist the temptation. If you're budget is under €5K you really need to limit your exposure to risk as you probably don't have a big budget for maintaining the car. Try and buy something from a reputable dealer, preferably with low enough mileage and a recent NCT or good service history. That rules out any sexy purchases but will help keep you out of trouble. Message boards are like graveyards full of lost souls you bought cheap cars only to become haunted by problems.

Sorry to be so negative.

Darragh29

mumblin deaf ro wrote: »

Try and buy something from a reputable dealer

They don't exist. OP, go to an auction and your budget will go very far these days. Forget about BM's and such rubbish, unless you have another 5K that you can carry around in a trailer behind you every time you have a problem...

VolvoMan

I myself don't particularly desire to own a brand of car. I desire to own the car itself.

Voodoomelon

If you're willing to spend €5000 on a 14 year old car, stretching to €6000-€6500 will get you a 2000 E46 with 70k miles on the clock from the north. This would make far more sense than dropping similar money on an older, inferior car.

There's a few on Autotrader.

S.I.R

Wilko121 wrote: »

Hey all, i was thinking of buying a 3 series BMW in the 2.5 - 5k price range. I had a few questions if someone out there knows.

First off, most cars in this catagory have a millage of like 130k miles, am i asking for trouble buying a bmw thats 10-14 years old?

Also, if I buy from a dealer does it automatically come with a warenty or do I need to ensure that it does?

Thanks
Bernard

what engine and year, 3/5 door and when was its last rebuild, has it had its suspention brushings done, she it got the original bmw BBS alloys, a much sought after thing.

2.5-5k suggests a 2.5 ( 325i ) model, 2 door m3, make sure it has every peice of service history, every nct cert and such or walk away, for that money, you can't take chances... but their generally bullit proof so its not a major worry just peice of mind.

Voodoomelon wrote: »

If you're willing to spend €5000 on a 14 year old car, stretching to €6000-€6500 will get you a 2000 E46 with 70k miles on the clock from the north. This would make far more sense than dropping similar money on an older, inferior car.

There's a few on Autotrader.

the late e36 and majority of the e46 where made on cut backs... the E30 ( 86-92 ) is the wayto go


choosing other wise earns you the darwin award, Congrats.

Victor_M

S.I.R wrote: »

the late e36 and majority of the e46 where made on cut backs... the E30 ( 86-92 ) is the wayto go


choosing other wise earns you the darwin award, Congrats.

What a load of drivel! I know you are trying to help, but you are full of misinformation with a large smattering of immaturity.

kdevitt

Victor_M wrote: »

What a load of drivel! I know you are trying to help, but you are full of misinformation with a large smattering of immaturity.

Exactly - just ignore all of S.I.R's threads - the guy is clueless, almost as much as Darragh29 - actually thats a bit harsh on S.I.R.

There are thousands of people running high mileage BMW's without any issues - and BMW specialist mechanics are quite cheap too. There are heaps of crap floating around for all brands - but grab a decent car and it'll give you trouble free motoring.

Another recommendation might be to find a different forum to ask your questions on - for every person who knows what they're talking about on here, theres another 2 assholes who will pipe up and spout ****e (step forward Darragh and S.I.R!)

peasant

kdevitt wrote: »

Another recommendation might be to find a different forum to ask your questions on - for every person who knows what they're talking about on here, theres another 2 assholes who will pipe up and spout ****e (step forward Darragh and S.I.R!)

As you obviously don't like it here, take a weeks break

Darragh29

kdevitt wrote: »

Exactly - just ignore all of S.I.R's threads - the guy is clueless, almost as much as Darragh29 - actually thats a bit harsh on S.I.R.

There are thousands of people running high mileage BMW's without any issues - and BMW specialist mechanics are quite cheap too. There are heaps of crap floating around for all brands - but grab a decent car and it'll give you trouble free motoring.

Another recommendation might be to find a different forum to ask your questions on - for every person who knows what they're talking about on here, theres another 2 assholes who will pipe up and spout ****e (step forward Darragh and S.I.R!)

Of course your best advice is for the OP to pay out on a 15 year old car but not expect problems with it??? Any 15 year old car is going to be generating maintenance bills. You think because the OP wants to buy a 15 year old BMW that it won't need things like timing chains, suspension components, transmission components, replaced??? :D:D

VolvoMan

kdevitt wrote: »

Exactly - just ignore all of S.I.R's threads - the guy is clueless, almost as much as Darragh29 - actually thats a bit harsh on S.I.R.

There are thousands of people running high mileage BMW's without any issues - and BMW specialist mechanics are quite cheap too. There are heaps of crap floating around for all brands - but grab a decent car and it'll give you trouble free motoring.

Another recommendation might be to find a different forum to ask your questions on - for every person who knows what they're talking about on here, theres another 2 assholes who will pipe up and spout ****e (step forward Darragh and S.I.R!)

No need for such bitchiness, not everyone can be as well informed as you.:rolleyes:

eamon234

Darragh29 wrote: »

They don't exist. OP, go to an auction and your budget will go very far these days. Forget about BM's and such rubbish, unless you have another 5K that you can carry around in a trailer behind you every time you have a problem...

E36 parts are easy to come by and quite cheap in my experience you just need to know where to get them - I've got a 1999 316i Touring for the last 2 years 138k on the clock it came with a FSH and is running like a car with half that mileage - had some probs with the climate control cost €40 to put right through a guy I found on eBay who completely reconditioned the control unit and the alternator went which cost €100 to get reconditioned - just make sure the tyres are good they can be expensive. Otherwise I have no problems with mine - might be selling soon if you're interested OP;)

Mr.Diagnostic

peasant wrote: »

As you obviously don't like it here, take a weeks break

I don’t like it here much either, can I have a week too. Somewhere sunny would be nice

Wilko121

ok im narrowing it down.

1. 90k 2000 316 for 5,000
2. 80k 1998 316 for 4,000

I think i might go for one of these, I wont be able to bring a mechy with me as I have to travel quite a bit to get to the seller.

So on the advice front you think make sure all the papers are in order?

I dont know a great deal about cars, would an1 know the whereabouts of a handy check list or some such.

Please people be civilised

daveharnett

Wilko121 wrote: »

ok im narrowing it down.

1. 90k 2000 316 for 5,000
2. 80k 1998 316 for 4,000

I think i might go for one of these, I wont be able to bring a mechy with me as I have to travel quite a bit to get to the seller.

So on the advice front you think make sure all the papers are in order?

I dont know a great deal about cars, would an1 know the whereabouts of a handy check list or some such.

Please people be civilised

Google "car buyer checklist" to get some basic checks - this will help you eliminate any obvious lemons. But before you hand over cash, get a professional to take a look - the AA will arrange a vehicle inspection for €100-200.

I know that seems a lot based on your budget, but a proper inspection and a vehicle history check (cartell.ie) should really be a must - they can save you thousands.

S.I.R

Victor_M wrote: »

What a load of drivel! I know you are trying to help, but you are full of misinformation with a large smattering of immaturity.

oh but it was... 93 seen a plant clsoe and 100 million down the pipe...


upto 97 they where alright then they lost near 300 million... and so the see-saw balance continued... the fact that bmw is still afloat today is a sure surprise with some of the cars they have produced ( im a die-hard lover of bmw, would defend their rep to the death, but even i can say that the mid to late 90's.... not a great time for bmw )

kdevitt wrote: »

Exactly - just ignore all of S.I.R's threads - the guy is clueless, almost as much as Darragh29 - actually thats a bit harsh on S.I.R.

There are thousands of people running high mileage BMW's without any issues - and BMW specialist mechanics are quite cheap too. There are heaps of crap floating around for all brands - but grab a decent car and it'll give you trouble free motoring.

Another recommendation might be to find a different forum to ask your questions on - for every person who knows what they're talking about on here, theres another 2 assholes who will pipe up and spout ****e (step forward Darragh and S.I.R!)

its brilliant to see ignorance still runs trough the mindless noobs of today, to put it simply


100+ is nothing for bmw's the reason i know and enjoy bmw's so much is the fact that everyone i know to this day + family drives them... minus mine ofcourse as after 230k miles... rust made her a complete and utter write off... but the running gear was salvaged.


they say you need to learn from experiance, i did just that... sure sometimes i do have trouble expressing myself as i fear a 20 second explaination is more acceptable then a 20 minute one:


thats the way my mind works, dont like it... oh look... an eagle. :rolleyes:

bazz26

Wilko121 wrote: »

ok im narrowing it down.

1. 90k 2000 316 for 5,000
2. 80k 1998 316 for 4,000

I think i might go for one of these, I wont be able to bring a mechy with me as I have to travel quite a bit to get to the seller.

So on the advice front you think make sure all the papers are in order?

I dont know a great deal about cars, would an1 know the whereabouts of a handy check list or some such.

Please people be civilised

Does it have to be a 316i? The E46 316i from 1998 to 2001 had a very underpowered 1.9 litre engine. Why tax, insure and fuel a 1.9 litre car with the power of an average 1.6 litre? The 318i had the same 1.9 engine but a little more power.

Also €4k for a 11 year old 316i seems expensive imo.

zielarz

You don't even need to go to UK to get BMW for that money. The prices decreased recently. Look here for example, 318i, 00 for 3750 euro..
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318Ci-SE/200850191205477/advert
Good luck and don't listen to these anti BMW guys driving fiats and skodas.

steph1

If you want a BMW go for it. I've had four of them and not a bit of trouble bar the one that I bought from a garage. I love them.
I've had a 318i, a 328 coupe which I loved driving but it drank petrol, and two 523i's which were two of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven.

If you have time to spare just sit down at the computer and seach. There are plenty of cars out there and you will get a better deal buying privately. If you are not sure of anything mechanical bring a mechanic with you. Its a buyers market now out there. Best of luck.

Ger the man

mumblin deaf ro wrote: »

We've all gone through this thing where you see a name you love popping up at cheap prices on carzone and think 'Hey, wouldn't it be great to own a BMW/Merc/Jag, etc.', but you need to resist the temptation. If you're budget is under €5K you really need to limit your exposure to risk as you probably don't have a big budget for maintaining the car. Try and buy something from a reputable dealer, preferably with low enough mileage and a recent NCT or good service history. That rules out any sexy purchases but will help keep you out of trouble. Message boards are like graveyards full of lost souls you bought cheap cars only to become haunted by problems.

Sorry to be so negative.

I fell into this trap when I bought a 94 D E200 Merc from a 'dealer' for about 5k in '05 that had a portacabin for an office. Lots of overheating problems, appaling after sales service, never returned calls etc, ended up getting rid of it before it rotted in the driveway - now I drive a japanese car and wont buy anything else.

My husband has a 95 320, which I hate, would rather him have a newer model but he doesn't see the point grrrr, anyway, he has never had an ounce of trouble with it, nothing, nadda, not a dickie bird, maybe he was lucky but it's a great car for what it is. Still prefer my own car though!!

niceirishfella

My advice here is if you are going to go down this road, buy from a BMW enthusiast and BM owners club member.
A car that has been loved and cherished.

Andrewf20

On a 10 year old BMW (3 series), these are some of the bills you are likely to face if not taken care of already. I had these bills on my E36 323i which is now over 10 years old.

- New cat (spurious 500euro, genuine BMW cat 1000 euro)
- Trailing arm bushings - 400 euro
- Rear brake lines incl hosing - 350 euro (failed on NCT due to corrosion)
- Regular oil changes, filters, brake pads, discs, tyres etc - 600 to 1000euro / year
- New rad, coolant, hoses - 300-500 euro approx

Approx prices incl labour from an independent.

My E36 has 130k on it, but runs like a dream, however ive had to pour about 4-5k euro into it over the last 3.5 years, although its pushed fairly hard with 1 or 2 track days etc.

Wilko121

I was looking at the 316 because im limited to a 1.6L due to tax and insurance, and because I think its stylish

Bearcat

Wilko121 wrote: »

I was looking at the 316 because im limited to a 1.6L due to tax and insurance, and because I think its stylish

wilko, the 316's would pull the skin off a sausage.....avoid like the plague. Do more homework and you'll come up with a decent 1.6.

VolvoMan

Admit it. You just want it for the blue and white propeller on the bonnet, am I right? Just buy yourself a proper car and avoid all of this badge snobbery sh1te.

Edit: And by the way, the E46 316i never had a 1.6 litre engine. It had a 1.8 litre and later a 1.9.

So basically you're paying nearly 2 litre road tax for a car with 1.6 litre performance.

madaboutcars

VolvoMan wrote: »

Edit: And by the way, the E46 316i never had a 1.6 litre engine. It had a 1.8 litre and later a 1.9.

Actually it was a 1.9 first and then became a 1.8 back in 2001/2002, can't remember which year but it was one of those.

The 318i became a 2.0 whenever the 316i changed to a 1.8.

Wilko121

VolvoMan wrote: »

buy yourself a proper car and avoid all of this badge snobbery sh1te.

And what would that be? A volvo perhaps?

Andrewf20

Unless you go for an E36 316i which is a 1.6, but is painfully slow.

Id er on the side of being patient till youre ready for a 318is. 2 lads in work with 316i's regretted buying them due to their lacklustre pace.

E92

A BMW, especially a petrol one only makes sense if it has the magic number of 6 cylinders as standard.

A 4 pot petrol BMW(barring the E30 M3 of course;)), especially a 316i is a serious case of style over substance. The E36 318is is meant to be very good though if it absolutely has to be a 4 cylinder model but 6 cylinders is where it's at. The cheapest and probably the best route into 6 cylinder motoring would be the 2.0 320i.

I wouldn't waste my time trying to find a good 316i/318i - people who are into BMWs will have a 6 cylinder model or else a 318is.

If you want a good one then buy one from a BMW enthusiast - a good one will live up to the "Ultimate Driving Machine" slogan and will be very reliable too.

Don't mind the trolls in this thread, those who think BMWs are crap and go wrong don't own them; listen to those of us who do own a BMW like kdevitt or myself or others - you'd never know, there is this dangerous possibility that we might actually know what we're talking about and might be able to tell you real life experience as opposed to what your mate in the pub said:rolleyes::rolleyes:.

hallstatt

Bmw for life mate. I Have drove many many cars both here and around the world and i can tell you you cant get better than Bmw. Its just my opinion many will disagree but I also think the old 90's style are a lot more reliable than some of the newer bmw models.Try find a more more mature seller as a lot of boy racer little toerags have bought some of the beautiful bmw history over the last few years and drove them into the ground.If not bmw my close second choice would be volvo, but then again thats just my view. good luck mate

VolvoMan

madaboutcars wrote: »

Actually it was a 1.9 first and then became a 1.8 back in 2001/2002, can't remember which year but it was one of those.

The 318i became a 2.0 whenever the 316i changed to a 1.8.

I stand corrected.

Wilko121 wrote: »

And what would that be? A volvo perhaps?

No, I wouldn't even suggest a Volvo. If you're looking for low running costs do not buy a bottom of the range car from a prestige manufacturer with a weedy little engine. You should be after a car, not a badge.

hallstatt

VolvoMan wrote: »

I stand corrected.



No, I wouldn't even suggest a Volvo. If you're looking for low running costs do not buy a bottom of the range car from a prestige manufacturer with a weedy little engine. You should be after a car, not a badge.

I had a 94 volvo 940se 2 litre for years. unreal workhorse and great for juice for the size of it. this is back when men were men and cars were actually cars and built not to break. Thinking back i wish i had never sold it.dont remember it ever once acting up on me.Built with the best of stuff.

VolvoMan

hallstatt wrote: »

I had a 94 volvo 940se 2 litre for years. unreal workhorse and great for juice for the size of it. this is back when men were men and cars were actually cars and built not to break. Thinking back i wish i had never sold it.dont remember it ever once acting up on me.Built with the best of stuff.

Was it a saloon or estate? I love them myself, especially the 960 with it's smooth 3 litre straight six.......:D

hallstatt

VolvoMan wrote: »

Was it a saloon or estate? I love them myself, especially the 960 with it's smooth 3 litre straight six.......:D

It was a saloon. I still see the odd estate one here and there around the place but they just dont build them like that anymore sadly... everything in them was laid out so simple too.only downside was trying to find a parkn space for them.

Spipov

have an e36 316i. its a joy to look at and handles very well. but thats because ur not getting anywhere fast. i like it, its in very good nick, looks nice and gets me where i want, and has more power than my previous motor (almera 96 1.4 - tin can) and when i press my foot down, i feel the joy! (and i know its underpowered, but in my case it seems enough) as well as giving me just about 400 miles to the tank.


i can recommend it, but i think in the current climate you can do better. i paid over 6k for it 6 months ago (99 model - last year in the series) and im not even sure i can get 5k for it now. and its only 87k.


btw, this isnt advertising, im not selling yet! im just giving a comparision. i only wish i was buying now as id always dreamt of an e46 but went for the e36 (btw, a 00 golf was costing the same amount of money - so really, had no choice if u get what i mean).


but these are underpowered. i would heed e92's advice and do what he says, blindly. guy is good with bmw's.

VolvoMan

hallstatt wrote: »

It was a saloon. I still see the odd estate one here and there around the place but they just dont build them like that anymore sadly... everything in them was laid out so simple too.only downside was trying to find a parkn space for them.

Yeah, I'm finding most of the saloon's are dying off now. You still see a good few of the estates around with either kids hanging out of the back of them or shifting around antiques. The basic 940 was also so mechanically simple and luxurious, there used to be loads them around as taxis years ago. I always thought they had a timeless look to them as well. The saloons were my preferred bodystyle as I never liked the image of the estates.

Seth Brundle

The amount of crap in this thread.
My current 523i yesterday passed the 125k mile mark. Apart from being rear ended twice, the only painful experience from her was the cat going at about 95k miles but this can happen on any car!
I tend to do most of the simple servicing myself and to date I spent that much on it thankfully. Any bigger work I bring the car to a specialist.
Like many cars, BMWs are fairly robust if they are looked after. If they are not then don't expect them to keep going! However, they do not cost the earth to service. Petrol will be the expensive part!
Anyhow, if you are going for a 316i then I would suggest that you wait another year or two and get a decent BMW. The 316i will most likely be a poverty spec low powered car and probably difficult to sell on!

Darragh29

E92 wrote: »

A BMW, especially a petrol one only makes sense if it has the magic number of 6 cylinders as standard.

A 4 pot petrol BMW(barring the E30 M3 of course;)), especially a 316i is a serious case of style over substance. The E36 318is is meant to be very good though if it absolutely has to be a 4 cylinder model but 6 cylinders is where it's at. The cheapest and probably the best route into 6 cylinder motoring would be the 2.0 320i.

I wouldn't waste my time trying to find a good 316i/318i - people who are into BMWs will have a 6 cylinder model or else a 318is.

If you want a good one then buy one from a BMW enthusiast - a good one will live up to the "Ultimate Driving Machine" slogan and will be very reliable too.

Don't mind the trolls in this thread, those who think BMWs are crap and go wrong don't own them; listen to those of us who do own a BMW like kdevitt or myself or others - you'd never know, there is this dangerous possibility that we might actually know what we're talking about and might be able to tell you real life experience as opposed to what your mate in the pub said:rolleyes::rolleyes:.

Or you could listen to those of us who have changed many cam position sensors, hazard switch circuit resistors that are conveniently buried in under the dashboard, front wishbones/ball joints, clutches, engines, timing chains, crankshaft pulley assemblies, etc, on BMW's.

If your mate in the pub has done these tasks and can speak for the cost of them, then by all means listen to him.

Just for the record, I don't have a negative or a positive opinion on BMW cars as suggested by the poster above, actually I'm indifferent on the brand, it's just another make of car to me. My issue on this forum has always been BMW drivers, who typically demand a MDOFSH (Main Dealer Only Full Service History), before buying, only then to immediately undergo some sort of Pauline conversion and then go looking for a good indy mechanic who they can subsequently bring a Quinton Hazell bag of spurious parts into, usually because they have the money to flash on the car but not the money to service & maintain it, which I happen to think is unfair on people who make their living from servicing and maintaining cars...

I don't want to get dragged off topic but at the same time being fingered as a troll here is not something I'm going to not respond to...

Chergar

What about an e30 325sport. for the kind of money the op is talking about i think would get a good well looked after car. and what a car, one of the best looking bimmers ever made i think, with an LSD to make you think your on LSD. and enough dynamics to let you enjoy and learn to drive a little sideways... Just aslong as its not wet:D fairly reliable car in my expierence, and ye it goes like snot.

Seth Brundle

The OP is limited financially so tax & insurance on a 2.5L may be too much (http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=58404235&postcount=31)

Chergar

kbannon wrote: »

The OP is limited financially so tax & insurance on a 2.5L may be too much (http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=58404235&postcount=31)

Yes that would make my point fairly irelevant. (keeps happening:D) shame, because it would be such a nice choice. That car deserves a thread all to it's self