Anything I should know about 2002 325ci 2.5L automatic coupe?

[hiromizu]

like common issues etc. Might be getting one next weekend for around 12k

 

[dirtboy]

When they break, they will break your bank.

 

[SSSnail]

Well, make sure you have everything inspected by a trusted mechanic if buying from a private seller. If buying from dealer then make sure it comes with some sort of warranties.

That year/model BMW is particularly problematic with its transmission, the no reverse issue (if automatic); depends on mileage, there could be other issues with its cooling system, VANOS, bushings, interior trims, etc...

If you can get a VIN number, go to realoem.com and find out exactly what that car has, when it was built. Carfax is something you should invest in as well regardless of where you're purchasing this from. If you have any particular questions, just PM me as I know a bit about these cars mechanically.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: dirtboy
When they break, they will break your bank.

And they will break often.


An European car out of warranty is going to be a money pit for most.


My SiLs Audi is in my backyard waiting for ANOTHER part, Coil. Last month was fuel pump. Month before that was electrical problem, bulb issue. and on and on.... Oh its a 2004 with less then 40k on it.

 

[Arkaign]

$12k, I'd stay away. '02 E46 325 should be a lot cheaper, like $10k or less. There isn't a lot of power (vs. weight) in that setup either. I had one as a short-term lease for a company car, I liked it, but it was pretty sluggish. $12k would be better spent on a moderately low miles G35 Sedan, which can most definitely be found around the $12k mark. Cheaper maintenance, and about ~100 more HP, even if almost all the cheaper ones are the 260hp autos, usually 2003.

 

[hiromizu]

Hmm...making me want to think twice about this as I'm not crazy about spending time dealing with problems. I like the G35 but they are kind of bland looking. I'm getting an unlimited Carfax account this week without a doubt. Is that realoem.com site better than Carfax? I don't really care about horsepower but more interested in styling, comfort, safety and decent mileage. The 2.5L 325Ci should do about 29mpg on the highway. I'm buying the car outright without any financing since I want to keep the recurring costs (maintenance, gas, insurance etc.) low.

 

[hiromizu]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: dirtboy
When they break, they will break your bank.

And they will break often.


An European car out of warranty is going to be a money pit for most.


My SiLs Audi is in my backyard waiting for ANOTHER part, Coil. Last month was fuel pump. Month before that was electrical problem, bulb issue. and on and on.... Oh its a 2004 with less then 40k on it.

This is very helpful. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Arkaign]

I wouldn't advise jumping into a 325 (thank god it's not a 525, even worse) for $12k, unless it's a super-low-miles car. It's just a lot of money for that year and setup. The 3-series platform does much better with the 3L motor, it doesn't have to work so hard to push the somewhat heavy platform around.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...st=1150&standard=false

E46 330Ci should get 25 / 17mpg according to fueleconomy.gov
E46 325Ci should get 24 / 17mpg according to fueleconomy.gov (yes, it's actually worse, look it up!)

^^ Those are the revised fuel economy numbers (the old ones were found to be unrealistic), and I can attest to this being true, having had a 325i previously. The 2.5L motor has to work pretty hard to move the thing around, whereas the 3.0L is more than up to the task.

 

[Doggiedog]

I had an older 325i (E36 '95) and the last 5 years of ownership I must have put in $10K fixing things. I traded it in '05 with about 112K miles for $2.5K. At that time the heater was broken and the clutch was going. My 3 YO G35 (05) had a few issues too like the clutch getting stuck and not popping up. I also had to replace the CD changer. Besides those things, it was my favorite car.

My 3 month old 335i is now in the shop getting a new stereo (CD player didn't work from day one) and getting new fuel injectors. Yay!

 

[Arkaign]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...ist=464&standard=false

G35 Coupe would be a better fit, IMHO.

 

[hiromizu]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...ist=464&standard=false

G35 Coupe would be a better fit, IMHO.

Have to wonder why that one is so cheap. Usually they're at least 16k-20k used.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: hiromizu

Originally posted by: Arkaign
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...ist=464&standard=false

G35 Coupe would be a better fit, IMHO.

Have to wonder why that one is so cheap. Usually they're at least 16k-20k used.

Milage is above average so maybe that.

 

[hiromizu]

carfax looks good on that g35 hmm..