Think of buying bmw 3 series 2.0 05

evosteo

just looking for some feedback folks

iv a budget of around 5 -6k

i`v been trying to decided between a mazda rx-8, bmw 3 series and hyundai i30

i came across this today and it looks like a v good deal vs what iv been seeing

http://www.cobymotors.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=1430573&r=

does anybody have an feedback about the dealership and about the car itself.

thanks in advance

steve

Idbatterim

they are some fairly different cars. What is max engine size you want? do you want saloon etc?

wandererz

I don't have any feedback on the dealership. Based on the other cars on offer, they seem to specialise in low mileage, low owner cars.
However, based on buying BMW's before i would suggest the following:

1) Get the VIN/Chassis number of the vehicle (using the last 7 digits you can use one of several online BMW VIn Decoders, such as http://www.bmwvin.com/ , to verify the spec and the engine type)

2) Get the engine type (MXX or NXX etc) and do a search for problems with those engines. It may be the N46 engine which was on the E46 318i, which was one of my previous cars. It was rock solid except for one sensor that went.

3) Check NCT certificates - hopefully there are a few of them in the glove box - to track mileage.

4) Check the Radio/CD Player while the car and cabin are warm - These BMW ones have a problem with the displays flaking out - but only when warmed up. So make sure to take it for a long drive and turn up the heating. If you notice any lines on the radio/cd display then it has a problem and can be an expensive fix. At the very least it is extremely annoying.

5) Check that the alloys are not cracked. Best way is to remove the alloys and check from the back and the front. If this is not possible then have them raise up the car. YOU get underneath and inspect the wheels from the inside with a torch.

6) You cannot buy a BMW without getting any error codes read (otherwise known as diagnostics). So get a BMW code reader and have the codes read - after driving the vehicle for some miles - that way you are reasonably certain that there are no error codes.

7) Failing that, or better still, get someone like Valdas at Motor Confidence in Parkwest to check out the car - he is a BMW specialist and many BMW owners swear by him. He is only about 10mins away and you cannot beat getting someone with experience with these vehicles.

8) Make a List. Include all these items and also others you may come across in your research and include them on your list. Take your list with you. Check each item off or make a note of whats wrong.

9) Note that things like ABS Reluctor rings, ABS Sensors, Drive-shafts and even ABS modules may need to be replaced over time. The latter can be quite costly. Any receipts to show some of this work having being done is one less worry for you.

Other than that, it looks like a low mileage (for the year) 3 owner car.

If you can budget for having it independently checked out before purchase (by a BMW specialist) and are prepared to service it for peace of mind immediately after purchase (Spark Plugs, Oil, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, Air Filter etc) then go for it. These cars are easy enough to service by yourself so no need for any major experience.

I have a 2006 320D E90 which i purchased with 25K miles and now has under 39K miles. It still drives like new.
If your selection above is a minter then happy days and happy driving.

P.S. Much/some of the above applies to any other vehicle as well, outside of BMW's

MetzgerMeister

Excellent post wandererz!

OP I've owned an RX8 and I can tell you this much - unless you want to actively keep an eye on oil levels along with topping up every so often and have to worry about the engine flooding stay away. It is an absolutely superb car and I loved mine but owning it turned me even more into a petrolhead/OCD sufferer as it needs attention. If you're looking for something to drive and not worry about, look elsewhere.

wandererz

Also check when the timing belt is due for change.
Even if there's a few more miles left until then, it may have to be changed after 10 years anyway as rubber degrades with time.

So factor in having to get that done at some point.

bazz26

The 3 Series engines have timing chains but they are known to stretch.