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Thread: Should I buy a 2004 325i?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
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    Should I buy a 2004 325i?

    I have never been in this forum before. I'm hoping I can get some advice.

    I have an opportunity to buy a BMW (never owned one before) 2004 325i. Should I do it? Here are the details:

    • VIN # WBAET374xxxxxxxxx (if this helps)
    • 132,400 miles
    • Reported to run great.
    • Tires in good shape.
    • Has broken drivers side power window
    • Rack and Pinion is leaking heavily
    • The interior has some wear primarily on the front drivers side
    • Paint (silver) is in decent shape but not perfect
    • I could probably get it for $1750.


    I am very mechanical and have lots of tools. I am used to driving older cars as that is my general philosophy regarding transportation (take care of it and drive it for a decade+).

    Is there something that I need to know about this model or engine that should make me walk away? What's your opinion of 135K miles on this car? Is it common for the rack and pinion to go out? Is this car expensive to maintain?

    Any help you could give me in the next 3 days would be greatly appreciated.



  2. #2
    Join Date
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    2001 525it
    Given the obvious repairers needed the price is still to much

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by jclausen View Post
    Given the obvious repairers needed the price is still to much
    Thank you for the straight forward answer. I came here for this.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    2003 328i
    I would disagree. Price couldn't be much lower for a good running car. I would go for it. The rack is easy, so is the regulator.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Lawrence Kansas
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    2004 325XI/2008 GL320
    I agree. $1750 is too much given its condition. From experience, to bring an obviously neglected 325 back up to good, mechanically reliable condition will be around $2.5-3k if you do the labor yourself. This includes control arms, fcabs, struts, rotors, pads, csb, flex disk, pullys, belts, cooling system, rack, VCG, rear bushings, alignment, and all new fluids/filters.

    BUT! You dont have to spend that much. It all depends on what level of disrepair you're willing to live with. Those projects can be done in stages too.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
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    Silver Spring, MD
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    03M3 17M540 18A5SB
    Quick answer is no. Find another car. Subscribe to Roundel (join the BMW CCA).

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