Purchasing my first BMW

[TCShain]

Hello everyone!

This is my first time on the bimmer forums.
In general, I am a relative novice when it comes to cars, but I've done a fair amount of work on my old Volvos... (Brakes, Oil, Exhaust, etc)

I am going to test drive a 2006 325xi this weekend.
Are there any particular issues I should check for with this model?
Does anyone have a general checklist I should go by for purchasing any used car? (Every car I've purchased in the past has been under $2,000... I didn't put them through much scrutiny.)

Thanks in advance!

[MarcoZandrini]

There're several lists out there, especially on E46 Fanatics. Here are a few things to look for:
- completeness of maintenance records
- cooling system overhaul (critical, as these engines run at high temps and the cooling system has a lot of plastic parts)
- front lower control arms and bushings
- replacement of the crankcase ventilation system (a bad ccv causes excessive oil use)
- age of battery
- oil change intervals (don't believe 15k mile hype; most here use 7.5k mile intervals)
- condition of front axles (a definite weak point on BMW awd cars)