BMW 3 Series ~€3k

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 12:16am #1

Always wanted a 3 series and there are a few issues cropping up with my current car so might look to pick one up.

Money tied up so only looking to spend about 3k max, drive about 150-200km a week max. Anything I need to watch out for or any particular model I should look for?

Thanks in advance!

Idbatterim · 22-01-2019 3:36pm

you looking at the 1.6 or 2L or 2L plus? if you are going for larger than 2L, Id go for the 5 series instead...

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-e60-523i-m-sport-2006-petrol/20828248

drunkmonkey · 22-01-2019 3:43pm

Have you kids, if not https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-320d-m-sport-convertible-low-mileage/20382484
Economical and looks well regardless of age.

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 3:44pm

Would like to keep the tax down so 2L max I'd say

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 3:45pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Have you kids, if not https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-320d-m-sport-convertible-low-mileage/20382484
Economical and looks well regardless of age.

I do so need a 4 door. Have been looking at the coupe in general and would love one but it'll be a few years

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 4:00pm

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-320i-se-model-m-sport-alloy-wheel/20408366?campaign=6

Something like this?

drunkmonkey · 22-01-2019 4:01pm

I'd go msport but look at a few until you find a well looked after one..
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-318i-m-sport/20552886

22-01-2019 4:44pm

This one from up North.

Jan 2004 BMW 3 Series I SE with Full Service History

About €2,000 with another €600 VRT according to revenue.

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 4:57pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

This one from up North.

Jan 2004 BMW 3 Series I SE with Full Service History

About €2,000 with another €600 VRT according to revenue.

Any reason to pick that one over newer models for similar prices with no VRT hassle?

22-01-2019 5:09pm

Less mileage, mainly. It is half of the one you posted, for example. Also a higher spec with the SE edition, I think, though maybe not on the MSport?

That was just a cursory google, I'm sure you could find better one if you had the willpower.

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 5:11pm

Thanks. I don't know the difference between the models so thought there was something there.

drunkmonkey · 22-01-2019 5:27pm

SE can be poverty spec but it can also be loaded with extras. Same goes for the msport, people sacrafice comfort and extras for a body kit.
In your price range it's hardly worth going north...find a nice specced south Dublin one that's had an easy life.
Low milage is great but if nothings been repaired somebody is going to have to carry the bag at some stage, I'd be looking for an enthusasts car with a bucket of receipts. BMW's like to be driven.

bazz26 · 22-01-2019 5:42pm

Those BMW petrol engines from late 2007 onwards can give an awful amount of problems. Injectors, coil packs and even the timing chain can give trouble. I'm a big BMW fan but if I'm on a limited budget and want something that ain't going to be break my heart and frustrate my wallet then I'd look at something else.

Alternatives:
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-s80-2008-2-0-l-4dr-nct-01-2020-amp-tax-06-19/20823537

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/saab-9-3-2008/20295113

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 5:48pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Those BMW petrol engines from late 2007 onwards can give an awful amount of problems. Injectors, coil packs and even the timing chain can give trouble. I'm a big BMW fan but if I'm on a limited budget and want something that ain't going to be break my heart and frustrate my wallet then I'd look at something else.

Alternatives:
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-s80-2008-2-0-l-4dr-nct-01-2020-amp-tax-06-19/20823537

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/saab-9-3-2008/20295113

Kinda set on the 3 series but I have been keeping an eye for other bits and pieces. Volvo S60/80 are certainly appealing. Already driving a 9-3, and absolutely love it, but might opt for something different. One thing I love about the 9-3 is all the extras and they go for buttons compared to other cars with the same spec

drunkmonkey · 22-01-2019 5:54pm

The sabb is a bucket of **** excuse my French don't touch one.

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 6:03pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

The sabb is a bucket of **** excuse my French don't touch one.

Just that one or them all?

bazz26 · 22-01-2019 6:10pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

The sabb is a bucket of **** excuse my French don't touch one.

They are no worse than a petrol 3 Series of similar vintage.

drunkmonkey · 22-01-2019 6:28pm

There a bucket, brother in law bought one with 12mts warranty from a very reputable garage, he was sick or being picked up on the motorway and I was sick of picking him up.
A diesel 3 series it is then...he may scratch that itch..

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 6:30pm

Isn't a diesel a bad idea considering the milage I'm doing?

I had been searching for 2008+ and there were a few but dropping to 2007 and there are loads to pick from, is there anything I specifically need to check, that's known for going wrong? Or just have it checked over like normal? I'll definitely look for one with plenty of service/part receipts

drunkmonkey · 22-01-2019 6:30pm

Yea get a GTI

selectamatic · 22-01-2019 6:46pm

KERSPLAT! wrote: »

Isn't a diesel a bad idea considering the milage I'm doing?

Not really if you buy an older model with no dpf or overly sensitive egr valve. An e46 320cd in a tidy condition yet cheap would be my reccomendation.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-320cd/20655699

Something like this maybe. Although the current owner only has it since November.

Edit: missed the needing a 4 door bit. If so a clean saloon would be a good bet although I'd really reccomend an m sport if going for a saloon.

Idbatterim · 22-01-2019 6:55pm

youre looking at an E90 saloon basically. the more reliable engine but higher tax. Any reason youre looking at the bm? Audi a4 or 6 might be better option...

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 7:12pm

Idbatterim wrote: »

youre looking at an E90 saloon basically. the more reliable engine but higher tax. Any reason youre looking at the bm? Audi a4 or 6 might be better option...

Will have a look for E90, thanks. I just like the look of them. Had also looked at the a6, not a huge fan of the a4

SEPT 23 1989 · 22-01-2019 7:19pm

Join the AA when you buy one because you will need them

I believe they only allow three tows in a year that won't be enough

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 7:50pm

SEPT 23 1989 wrote: »

Join the AA when you buy one because you will need them

I believe they only allow three tows in a year that won't be enough

So would the consensus be to avoid?

Are they that bad even when looked after?

drunkmonkey · 22-01-2019 8:02pm

What you after, a respectable looking family car or a bit of a hoot, wasn't messing when I said a golf GTi, you'd get a nice spec Mk5 in your budget.

https://youtu.be/ALKp9JbmSBc

KERSPLAT! · 22-01-2019 8:20pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

What you after, a respectable looking family car or a bit of a hoot, wasn't messing when I said a golf GTi, you'd get a nice spec Mk5 in your budget.

https://youtu.be/ALKp9JbmSBc

Something comfortable to drive, decent space for a car seat, decent looking, not crazy high on costs petrol/tax. 3/5 series, S60/80, A6 are some I've looked at and I'd have no issue with any of them, I just liked the look of the 3 series in particular

drunkmonkey · 22-01-2019 8:24pm

Some of the Volvo's have inbuilt booster seats which is handy, how many kids have you the back of a 3 series is very tight for adults.

listermint · 22-01-2019 8:27pm

KERSPLAT! wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-320i-se-model-m-sport-alloy-wheel/20408366?campaign=6

Something like this?

Very boring car tbh. If you want a BMW. Get a BMW

Don't buy just for the badge. That 523 was a lovely example.

listermint · 22-01-2019 8:31pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Those BMW petrol engines from late 2007 onwards can give an awful amount of problems. Injectors, coil packs and even the timing chain can give trouble. I'm a big BMW fan but if I'm on a limited budget and want something that ain't going to be break my heart and frustrate my wallet then I'd look at something else.

Alternatives:
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-s80-2008-2-0-l-4dr-nct-01-2020-amp-tax-06-19/20823537

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/saab-9-3-2008/20295113

Not alot wrong with the 6 pot 2.3 engine. Solid unit with middling tax and a lovely 6 pot goodness

Idbatterim · 22-01-2019 8:36pm

unfortunately non of the petrol 2L bm engines were great, the 08+ ones were just even more problematic...

The below is quite good. The only thing is, I dont know who the audi's sit reliability wise. I

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a6-se-cream-leather-2007/19122556

BMW 3 Series ~€3k

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