First BMW- looking for a 3 series

[rondocap]

I need to a first car actually - not even a first BMW! I am looking at around 10k at first. I would like a 3 series, maybe something from around 2002 or so - I think it will probably have around 75k miles most likely.

What does everyone recommend? I rather stay around 10k, as it is my first car - but I can go a little higher give or take if I will get a better performing vehicle. I want something that won't give me problems - and not look outdated.

[sbblowz]

these days you can get an e36 m3 for around 10k.

[tsweers89]

id say e36 would be your best bet(not m3) since it your first BMW. If you were to go e46 yea you could get one for that price but it will have high miles and more than likely need work

[Chinny4290]

E46 323i/325i.

Slow enough not to get you in trouble...still got pep and balance to let you have some fun...good on gas, safe, modern vehicle.

That or an M52/M54 E39.

[rondocap]

Will a 3 series with 100k miles run well? What sort of work will it need? Should it last a few years? Or should I just search for one with less miles?

[SilverBeam]

With your budget you can't be picky. You will be looking at something with around or over 100,000 miles. 2002 is cutting it close, maybe if it has no options or high miles or something, but you'll be hard pressed to find what you are looking for.

BMWs run fine after 100,000 miles. It call comes down to how they were maintained. Stuff wears out, rubber bits and pieces need to be replaced as the cars age. If the car was well taken care of then there will be less stuff for you to replace when you get it. ANd yes, the car will run fine. I was still taking my 3 series to the track with over 100,000 miles oni t. They last well over 200,000 miles, and there is no reason why any BMW can't make it past 300,000. You just have to keep them well maintained.

[abradic]

In your budget, you should be able to locate an E36 325, or possibly even a 328 that's in decent shape with decent mileage. If you go for an E36 M3, you will need more than $10,000. Sure you can buy one for that price, but you will have to put in some money. Besides, a 325 or 328 is a great car with tons of performance. Couple that with the fact that you can get one for less than $10,000 it leaves you some money if there are any issues.

[trek1500]

Nice choice for a 1st car!

[interossiter]

I'd go drive an E36 328 to see if you like those cars. I had one for 7 years and it was great. Learn about the 'sport package' option because it makes a lot of difference in the car. The SP cars have a firmer but better handling suspension - you can spot them because they have obviously fatter rear tires than the non-SP cars.

Also, these cars have VIN numbers on the hood, doors, door panels and trunk lid - this can help determine if a particular car has been severely wrecked or not.

If you do decide to buy, be patient and don't feel like you have to buy the first car you find. Driving some example cars can really help you sort out which one you'd want. Good luck!

[rondocap]

I really like the 330i - maybe a 2001 or so. I've found a few at around 13k, with 80k+ miles. Is that decent?

I really like the 17 inch multispoked wheels too - which models have this? I've seen it mostly on 330's, but I am sure others can have it as well stock right?

[tturedraider]

I really like the 330i - maybe a 2001 or so. I've found a few at around 13k, with 80k+ miles. Is that decent?

I really like the 17 inch multispoked wheels too - which models have this? I've seen it mostly on 330's, but I am sure others can have it as well stock right?

That's a reasonable price for an '01 330i with 80k miles and those miles aren't bad either. BMW's require a little more routine maintenance than most Japanese models and the maintenance can be a little more expensive. If you don't DIY you need to have a good independent mechanic who specializes in bimmers. www.bimrs.org (http://www.bimrs.org)

Good luck.

[SilverBeam]

I really like the 330i - maybe a 2001 or so. I've found a few at around 13k, with 80k+ miles. Is that decent?

I really like the 17 inch multispoked wheels too - which models have this? I've seen it mostly on 330's, but I am sure others can have it as well stock right?

That's not bad. Just go into it knowing that it will cost you money in the next 20,000 miles. A lot of maintenance is done on the car between 80-100K but once you get that out of the way your car should be solid. Any car you are considering (BMW or other) should get a pre purchase inspection. That can tell you how the parts are doing, and when they'll need to be replaced, as well as if there is anything significantly wrong with the car. If for example, the car's cooling system is on its last legs you can use that info to negotiate the price. IMO I'd rather spend a little more and get a car that was well taken care of then pay bottle barrel prices for a car that was beat up and not well maintained. The latter will cost you more in the long run.

The multi spoke wheels came on non sport 330s.

[tsweers89]

get a PPI on it before you do it. Either at a dealer of a indy shop that specializes in german car. That will tell you exactly what it needs and you can use that as a bargaining device on the price of the car

[Wiestatv]

go look on craigslist.com

[rondocap]

Thanks - that is very helpful. I definitely would like a mechanic to look at the car before.

Now, interesting you mentioned I will need to put some money for maintenance in - could you guys just give me some of the things that will need to be done, and their appromixate cost for a car of 80k miles? I know it varies - but assume that the more common things have not been done, just to be safe.

[tsweers89]

misc suspension bushings, cooling system, drive belts. flush and replace all fluids, etc. The normal stuff

[pjbm3]

My first was a 1997 M3 e36 and I love everything about this car. It now has 124,000 miles on it and I haven't had to replace anything except the normal. Paint is still great also. Actually looking to sell it and buy a newer BMW maybe a 330xi. Not looking forward to selling the M3. Good luck with your purchase.