Anyone have experience buying a used car?

[JS80]

I'm thinking of buying a 2003 BMW 330Ci, has 46k miles on it. What should I ask to see? Should I get it checked by a mechanic (duh?) ? Does anyone know if this car has any reputation or history of breaking down?

 

[bctbct]

ask to see a chevy and save two-thirds. :laugh:

 

[apex32]

carfax.

 

[ponyo]

It's a bimmer. If you don't know anything about cars or can't do the work yourself, I would stay far away.

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: Naustica
It's a bimmer. If you don't know anything about cars or can't do the work yourself, I would stay far away.

anyone else agree with this statement? i have a feeling 99% of bmw owners don't know jack about cars.

 

[apex32]

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: Naustica
It's a bimmer. If you don't know anything about cars or can't do the work yourself, I would stay far away.

anyone else agree with this statement? i have a feeling 99% of bmw owners don't know jack about cars.

Thats one hell of a generalization to make... I wouldn't say that....

Well, what hes saying is if you can't do the work yourself, or know what your doing, you better have one hell of a fat wallet. GET A WARRANTY

Nice car though...

 

[RichieZ]

this is the one in FS/FT isn't it. honestly? I'd spend like an extra 10K and get a new 328 sedan.

 

[Aimster]

I drive a used BMW ...

I say go for it. I have warranty and I highly recommend you find one with warranty or get one with an added warranty

http://www.carmax.com

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: Naustica
It's a bimmer. If you don't know anything about cars or can't do the work yourself, I would stay far away.

Be prepared to fork over for parts + maintenance. I've heard from a couple sources to budget $2 - 3K a year for maintenance and upkeep on an 8, which so far seems to be about right. Don't know about a 3 series. Also, make sure it was maintained well by the previous owners. If BMWs are neglected in the maint department, they will be a giant money pit.

My 840ci was maintained exceptionally well, however I've had to do a few things to it since I got it - mine so far has had leaking valve cover gaskets and a dying fuel pump. I ended up paying $60 for the gaskets and $320 for the fuel pump assembly - and I got a huge discount on the pump. That's parts cost only - it's a lot more for labor, obviously.

I used to do all my own work, but have no time or place to do it anymore. I was lucky enough to find an awesome independent mechanic ~1 mile from my house that has really good rates and really knows what he's doing...but I would have gotten raped if I had taken it to a stealership.

 

[Aimster]

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: Naustica
It's a bimmer. If you don't know anything about cars or can't do the work yourself, I would stay far away.

Be prepared to fork over for parts + maintenance. I've heard from a couple sources to budget $2 - 3K a year for maintenance and upkeep on an 8, which so far seems to be about right. Don't know about a 3 series. Also, make sure it was maintained well by the previous owners. If BMWs are neglected in the maint department, they will be a giant money pit.

My 840ci was maintained exceptionally well, however I've had to do a few things to it since I got it - mine so far has had leaking valve cover gaskets and a dying fuel pump. I ended up paying $60 for the gaskets and $320 for the fuel pump assembly - and I got a huge discount on the pump.

I used to do all my own work, but have no time or place to do it anymore. I was lucky enough to find an awesome independent mechanic ~1 mile from my house that has really good rates and really knows what he's doing...but I would have gotten raped if I had taken it to a stealership.

i like your bmw

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: apex32

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: Naustica
It's a bimmer. If you don't know anything about cars or can't do the work yourself, I would stay far away.

anyone else agree with this statement? i have a feeling 99% of bmw owners don't know jack about cars.

Thats one hell of a generalization to make... I wouldn't say that....

Well, what hes saying is if you can't do the work yourself, or know what your doing, you better have one hell of a fat wallet. GET A WARRANTY

Nice car though...

I only said that bc i figure 99% of BMWs are in Southern California and New York City, and those people generally don't know about cars than let's say a person from Texas.

Originally posted by: RichieZ
this is the one in FS/FT isn't it. honestly? I'd spend like an extra 10K and get a new 328 sedan.

gee, how'd you guess.

Originally posted by: Aimster
I drive a used BMW ...

I say go for it. I have warranty and I highly recommend you find one with warranty or get one with an added warranty

http://www.carmax.com

It has 7k miles and/or until June 2007 of warranty left. Is there a way to purchase an extended warranty?

Be prepared to fork over for parts + maintenance. I've heard from a couple sources to budget $2 - 3K a year for maintenance and upkeep on an 8, which so far seems to be about right. Don't know about a 3 series. Also, make sure it was maintained well by the previous owners. If BMWs are neglected in the maint department, they will be a giant money pit.

My 840ci was maintained exceptionally well, however I've had to do a few things to it since I got it - mine so far has had leaking valve cover gaskets and a dying fuel pump. I ended up paying $60 for the gaskets and $320 for the fuel pump assembly - and I got a huge discount on the pump. That's parts cost only - it's a lot more for labor, obviously.

Is reliability on a 2003 3 series really comparable to an 840ci?

 

[Aimster]

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: apex32

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: Naustica
It's a bimmer. If you don't know anything about cars or can't do the work yourself, I would stay far away.

anyone else agree with this statement? i have a feeling 99% of bmw owners don't know jack about cars.

Thats one hell of a generalization to make... I wouldn't say that....

Well, what hes saying is if you can't do the work yourself, or know what your doing, you better have one hell of a fat wallet. GET A WARRANTY

Nice car though...

I only said that bc i figure 99% of BMWs are in Southern California and New York City, and those people generally don't know about cars than let's say a person from Texas.

Originally posted by: RichieZ
this is the one in FS/FT isn't it. honestly? I'd spend like an extra 10K and get a new 328 sedan.

gee, how'd you guess.

Originally posted by: Aimster
I drive a used BMW ...

I say go for it. I have warranty and I highly recommend you find one with warranty or get one with an added warranty

http://www.carmax.com

It has 7k miles and/or until June 2007 of warranty left. Is there a way to purchase an extended warranty?

Be prepared to fork over for parts + maintenance. I've heard from a couple sources to budget $2 - 3K a year for maintenance and upkeep on an 8, which so far seems to be about right. Don't know about a 3 series. Also, make sure it was maintained well by the previous owners. If BMWs are neglected in the maint department, they will be a giant money pit.

My 840ci was maintained exceptionally well, however I've had to do a few things to it since I got it - mine so far has had leaking valve cover gaskets and a dying fuel pump. I ended up paying $60 for the gaskets and $320 for the fuel pump assembly - and I got a huge discount on the pump. That's parts cost only - it's a lot more for labor, obviously.

Is reliability on a 2003 3 series really comparable to an 840ci?

I bought a 2001 X5 with 85,000 miles on it. The car now has 95,000 miles on it.

If it has 7,000 miles on it then that will be enough for you to replace any major stuff. No bother going with another extended warranty.

Just make sure you have a few hundred bucks ready for minor repairs. The repairs will not cause your car not to function and it will take you from point A to B flawlessly.

Check the carfax. If it had a number of owners in the past 3 years then stay away. 1 owner is always the best.

When you get the car change the oil ASAP. BMW uses synthetic oil. You will have to change it yourself or get a shop to do it. Fairfax BMW quoted me $200... yes I repeat $200 for an oil change! BMW dealerships are rip-offs.

& your car is just as reliable as mine. You will have no major problems as long as the previous owner followed the maint. schedules.

They have BMW forums. They will know best. google 3-series forum.

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: JS80

Be prepared to fork over for parts + maintenance. I've heard from a couple sources to budget $2 - 3K a year for maintenance and upkeep on an 8, which so far seems to be about right. Don't know about a 3 series. Also, make sure it was maintained well by the previous owners. If BMWs are neglected in the maint department, they will be a giant money pit.

My 840ci was maintained exceptionally well, however I've had to do a few things to it since I got it - mine so far has had leaking valve cover gaskets and a dying fuel pump. I ended up paying $60 for the gaskets and $320 for the fuel pump assembly - and I got a huge discount on the pump. That's parts cost only - it's a lot more for labor, obviously.

Is reliability on a 2003 3 series really comparable to an 840ci?

I wasn't speaking necessarily on reliability. Maintenance at least would probably be comparable, depending on existing mileage, how often / far you drive per year, and how long you plan on keeping it. I don't know anything about the 3 series though, in terms of what tends to go bad and part failure rates.

My point is, parts for all BMWs are $$$$, generally harder to come across, and often only available at dealers. For example, most of the time you wouldn't be able to just pop into Autozone and get a 50 buck alternator, like you could with most Chevys.

 

[z0mb13]

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: JS80

Be prepared to fork over for parts + maintenance. I've heard from a couple sources to budget $2 - 3K a year for maintenance and upkeep on an 8, which so far seems to be about right. Don't know about a 3 series. Also, make sure it was maintained well by the previous owners. If BMWs are neglected in the maint department, they will be a giant money pit.

My 840ci was maintained exceptionally well, however I've had to do a few things to it since I got it - mine so far has had leaking valve cover gaskets and a dying fuel pump. I ended up paying $60 for the gaskets and $320 for the fuel pump assembly - and I got a huge discount on the pump. That's parts cost only - it's a lot more for labor, obviously.

Is reliability on a 2003 3 series really comparable to an 840ci?

I wasn't speaking necessarily on reliability. Maintenance at least would probably be comparable, depending on existing mileage, how often / far you drive per year, and how long you plan on keeping it. I don't know anything about the 3 series though, in terms of what tends to go bad and part failure rates.

My point is, parts for all BMWs are $$$$, generally harder to come across, and often only available at dealers. For example, most of the time you wouldn't be able to just pop into Autozone and get a 50 buck alternator, like you could with most Chevys.

If you are worried about maintenance, you can get extended warranty through a dealership. but IMO this is a ripoff. You are better off by going to a independent mechanic if there is something wrong with the car. There are a lot of German Mechanics that do a good job working on german cars (and they charge much less than stealerships). I would ask around in a BMW forum. Since you are in socal, you should have no difficulty in finding a reputable independent BMW mechanic.

oh btw the bolded statement is NOT true at all. you can buy BMW parts elsewhere (although obviously u cant just walk to a kragen to buy parts).

Also reliability on 840 is not comparable at all to the 3 series. IIRC the 840 pretty much had two inline six engines, and its much harder to maintain/fix

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: Aimster

When you get the car change the oil ASAP. BMW uses synthetic oil. You will have to change it yourself or get a shop to do it. Fairfax BMW quoted me $200... yes I repeat $200 for an oil change! BMW dealerships are rip-offs.

& your car is just as reliable as mine. You will have no major problems as long as the previous owner followed the maint. schedules.

They have BMW forums. They will know best. google 3-series forum.

Agreed on the forum comment. If you go to the Roadfly 8-series forum and search around a bit, there's one dealer in NY that offers awesome discounts on parts for 8 series owners (where I ordered my parts from). You may be able to find something similar for the 3 series.

And yes, the BMW dealers are a rip-off. I cannot stress enough - FIND A GOOD INDEPENDENT BMW MECHANIC! See if someone on a 3 series forum knows of a good one near your location. The guy I go to performed an oil change on my 8 for $60, parts and labor included. :Q 8 quarts of full synthetic oil + filter alone is probably $50 - 55 by itself!

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: z0mb13

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: JS80

Be prepared to fork over for parts + maintenance. I've heard from a couple sources to budget $2 - 3K a year for maintenance and upkeep on an 8, which so far seems to be about right. Don't know about a 3 series. Also, make sure it was maintained well by the previous owners. If BMWs are neglected in the maint department, they will be a giant money pit.

My 840ci was maintained exceptionally well, however I've had to do a few things to it since I got it - mine so far has had leaking valve cover gaskets and a dying fuel pump. I ended up paying $60 for the gaskets and $320 for the fuel pump assembly - and I got a huge discount on the pump. That's parts cost only - it's a lot more for labor, obviously.

Is reliability on a 2003 3 series really comparable to an 840ci?

I wasn't speaking necessarily on reliability. Maintenance at least would probably be comparable, depending on existing mileage, how often / far you drive per year, and how long you plan on keeping it. I don't know anything about the 3 series though, in terms of what tends to go bad and part failure rates.

My point is, parts for all BMWs are $$$$, generally harder to come across, and often only available at dealers. For example, most of the time you wouldn't be able to just pop into Autozone and get a 50 buck alternator, like you could with most Chevys.

If you are worried about maintenance, you can get extended warranty through a dealership. but IMO this is a ripoff. You are better off by going to a independent mechanic if there is something wrong with the car. There are a lot of German Mechanics that do a good job working on german cars (and they charge much less than stealerships). I would ask around in a BMW forum. Since you are in socal, you should have no difficulty in finding a reputable independent BMW mechanic.

oh btw the bolded statement is NOT true at all. you can buy BMW parts elsewhere (although obviously u cant just walk to a kragen to buy parts).

I know you can get some things elsewhere...but not everything. Which is why I said it's often the only solution. Lot harder to find good used parts, too, unless you find someone parting out a car on a forum or something. You don't see too many in junkyards.

 

[z0mb13]

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: Aimster

When you get the car change the oil ASAP. BMW uses synthetic oil. You will have to change it yourself or get a shop to do it. Fairfax BMW quoted me $200... yes I repeat $200 for an oil change! BMW dealerships are rip-offs.

& your car is just as reliable as mine. You will have no major problems as long as the previous owner followed the maint. schedules.

They have BMW forums. They will know best. google 3-series forum.

Agreed on the forum comment. If you go to the Roadfly 8-series forum and search around a bit, there's one dealer in NY that offers awesome discounts on parts for 8 series owners (where I ordered my parts from). You may be able to find something similar for the 3 series.

And yes, the BMW dealers are a rip-off. I cannot stress enough - FIND A GOOD INDEPENDENT BMW MECHANIC! See if someone on a 3 series forum knows of a good one near your location. The guy I go to performed an oil change on my 8 for $60, parts and labor included. :Q 8 quarts of full synthetic oil + filter alone is probably $50 - 55 by itself!

yes totally agreed. Dont go to a stealership unless you bought extended warranty.

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: z0mb13

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: Aimster

When you get the car change the oil ASAP. BMW uses synthetic oil. You will have to change it yourself or get a shop to do it. Fairfax BMW quoted me $200... yes I repeat $200 for an oil change! BMW dealerships are rip-offs.

& your car is just as reliable as mine. You will have no major problems as long as the previous owner followed the maint. schedules.

They have BMW forums. They will know best. google 3-series forum.

Agreed on the forum comment. If you go to the Roadfly 8-series forum and search around a bit, there's one dealer in NY that offers awesome discounts on parts for 8 series owners (where I ordered my parts from). You may be able to find something similar for the 3 series.

And yes, the BMW dealers are a rip-off. I cannot stress enough - FIND A GOOD INDEPENDENT BMW MECHANIC! See if someone on a 3 series forum knows of a good one near your location. The guy I go to performed an oil change on my 8 for $60, parts and labor included. :Q 8 quarts of full synthetic oil + filter alone is probably $50 - 55 by itself!

yes totally agreed. Dont go to a stealership unless you bought extended warranty.

so how much for an oil change on a 3 series at an independent mechanic? so don't go to jiffy lube?

 

[Aimster]

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: z0mb13

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: Aimster

When you get the car change the oil ASAP. BMW uses synthetic oil. You will have to change it yourself or get a shop to do it. Fairfax BMW quoted me $200... yes I repeat $200 for an oil change! BMW dealerships are rip-offs.

& your car is just as reliable as mine. You will have no major problems as long as the previous owner followed the maint. schedules.

They have BMW forums. They will know best. google 3-series forum.

Agreed on the forum comment. If you go to the Roadfly 8-series forum and search around a bit, there's one dealer in NY that offers awesome discounts on parts for 8 series owners (where I ordered my parts from). You may be able to find something similar for the 3 series.

And yes, the BMW dealers are a rip-off. I cannot stress enough - FIND A GOOD INDEPENDENT BMW MECHANIC! See if someone on a 3 series forum knows of a good one near your location. The guy I go to performed an oil change on my 8 for $60, parts and labor included. :Q 8 quarts of full synthetic oil + filter alone is probably $50 - 55 by itself!

yes totally agreed. Dont go to a stealership unless you bought extended warranty.

so how much for an oil change on a 3 series at an independent mechanic? so don't go to jiffy lube?

Never ever go to jiffy lube. Please no.. never!

Probably $55-70 (including filter)

BMW recommends certain oil and you need to go get a bmw oil filter. Get the oil filter at the stealership & take it into your shop.

 

[z0mb13]

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: z0mb13

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: Aimster

When you get the car change the oil ASAP. BMW uses synthetic oil. You will have to change it yourself or get a shop to do it. Fairfax BMW quoted me $200... yes I repeat $200 for an oil change! BMW dealerships are rip-offs.

& your car is just as reliable as mine. You will have no major problems as long as the previous owner followed the maint. schedules.

They have BMW forums. They will know best. google 3-series forum.

Agreed on the forum comment. If you go to the Roadfly 8-series forum and search around a bit, there's one dealer in NY that offers awesome discounts on parts for 8 series owners (where I ordered my parts from). You may be able to find something similar for the 3 series.

And yes, the BMW dealers are a rip-off. I cannot stress enough - FIND A GOOD INDEPENDENT BMW MECHANIC! See if someone on a 3 series forum knows of a good one near your location. The guy I go to performed an oil change on my 8 for $60, parts and labor included. :Q 8 quarts of full synthetic oil + filter alone is probably $50 - 55 by itself!

yes totally agreed. Dont go to a stealership unless you bought extended warranty.

so how much for an oil change on a 3 series at an independent mechanic? so don't go to jiffy lube?

for oil change only, should be less than $100 (synthetic oil). Remember BMWs has built in computers to tell you when your next one is due. Synthetic oil last longer than regular, so you dont have to get oil changes as often.

 

[z0mb13]

Originally posted by: Aimster

Originally posted by: JS80

Originally posted by: z0mb13

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: Aimster

When you get the car change the oil ASAP. BMW uses synthetic oil. You will have to change it yourself or get a shop to do it. Fairfax BMW quoted me $200... yes I repeat $200 for an oil change! BMW dealerships are rip-offs.

& your car is just as reliable as mine. You will have no major problems as long as the previous owner followed the maint. schedules.

They have BMW forums. They will know best. google 3-series forum.

Agreed on the forum comment. If you go to the Roadfly 8-series forum and search around a bit, there's one dealer in NY that offers awesome discounts on parts for 8 series owners (where I ordered my parts from). You may be able to find something similar for the 3 series.

And yes, the BMW dealers are a rip-off. I cannot stress enough - FIND A GOOD INDEPENDENT BMW MECHANIC! See if someone on a 3 series forum knows of a good one near your location. The guy I go to performed an oil change on my 8 for $60, parts and labor included. :Q 8 quarts of full synthetic oil + filter alone is probably $50 - 55 by itself!

yes totally agreed. Dont go to a stealership unless you bought extended warranty.

so how much for an oil change on a 3 series at an independent mechanic? so don't go to jiffy lube?

Never ever go to jiffy lube. Please no.. never!

Probably $55-70.

yes never go to jiffy lube for ANY car... let alone a bimmer lol

 

[LordMorpheus]

I think that the more you know about the car the better off you are buying it.

I did a lot of research on 1990-1997 Lincoln Town Cars before I went to buy my '97, so I knew what to look for (new air springs, updated intake manifold with an aluminum crossover, etc.) and found a car with recently replaced air springs and a new manifold with low miles. Great vehicle, and running strong.

 

[V00DOO]

I highly recommend you read all you can absorb about the E46 BMW from the various BMW forums. Those forums are very informative and can tell you the common problems associated with BWW E46 330. Don't bother posting and use the search buttom at first because most of your questions have been answered a thousand time. Understand what you getting yourself into. BMWs require a lot more maintenance then Toyota or Honda. They have sensors up to the arse and they'll easily throw "Check Engine Light' without hesitation. If I recall correctly the 2003 330 came with 4/50,000 warranty and free maintenance for the first 50,000 miles which means maintenance shouldn't be an issue. With that be said I would still request request a full service history about the vehicle from the dealer and make sure it didn't miss any service interval like Inspection I and oil change. Do PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) at a trusted Indy BMW shop or at the dealer and have the BMW dealer fix the problem or problems before the warraty expires. PPI should run you between $100-$200. The inline 6 engine in the 330 is very reliable and it'll keep running for a long time if you maintain it properly.
l

 

[z0mb13]

Originally posted by: V00DOO
I highly recommend you read all you can absorb about the E46 BMW from the various BMW forums. Those forums are very informative and can tell you the common problems associated with BWW E46 330. Don't bother posting and use the search buttom at first because most of your questions have been answered a thousand time. Understand what you getting yourself into. BMWs require a lot more maintenance then Toyota or Honda. They have sensors up to the arse and they'll easily throw "Check Engine Light' without hesitation. If I recall correctly the 2003 330 came with 4/50,000 warranty and free maintenance for the first 50,000 miles which means maintenance shouldn't be an issue. With that be said I would still request request a full service history about the vehicle from the dealer and make sure it didn't miss any service interval like Inspection I and oil change. Do PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) at a trusted Indy BMW shop or at the dealer and have the BMW dealer fix the problem or problems before the warraty expires. PPI should run you between $100-$200. The inline 6 engine in the 330 is very reliable and it'll keep running for a long time if you maintain it properly.
l

very good post. This is exactly like what I told the OP to do

Thanks!

 

[chuckywang]

Originally posted by: JS80
I'm thinking of buying a 2003 BMW 330Ci, has 46k miles on it. What should I ask to see? Should I get it checked by a mechanic (duh?) ? Does anyone know if this car has any reputation or history of breaking down?

1) Look at the vehicle report (Carfax or Autocheck)
2) Check out KBB to try to negotiate price or whatnot.
3) Ask questions. Why are you selling? Ever been in accidents? Any warranty left? Regularly maintained? Any service done (timing belt, new motor, transmission)? Do you have receipts for maintenance/service? Ever smoked in? Ever raced?
4) Get it inspected.


I think z0mb13 is selling that exact car.....you're in luck.